bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Adjuvants for Targeting Pesticide Delivery
Authors: Penner Donald
Published: September 2009

Water repellent adjuvants increase the surface tension in contrast to surfactants that decrease surface tension of spray solutions. Increasing the surface tension spray droplets could potentially bounce through the plant foliage and canopy to target sites below. In this study organosilicone water repellents were applied with the herbicide, flumioxazin, and the insecticides, permethrin and carbaryl in greenhouse trials. Foliar retention was determined with the addition of Chicago sky blue dye which could be measured spectrophotometrically. Only the inclusion of DC1-6184 consistently reduced foliar retention of the various spray solutions on the spectrum of test plants.
Case History of the Use of Electronic Survey Techniques to Assess Planar Distortions in Building Facades
Authors: Coll Kevin S. , VanOcker David A.
Published: September 2009

The occurrence of distortions within facade elements in the form of leaning, bowed and vertically displaced wall construction is common in older structures. Quite often these conditions are identified by building owners and serve as the primary focus of investigations to assess their significance. Quantifying the severity and extent of these displacements is integral to these evaluations. Various surveying methods are available to assist the investigator in determining planar distortions, ranging from simple plumb bob and level surveys to digital electronic surveying techniques. This paper focuses on the use of electronic surveying techniques as a diagnostic tool in assessing planar distortions and displacement in three dimensions on building facades. A case study is presented as a typical application where planar displacements within a building facade needed to be assessed. To provide context for selection, use, and interpretation of various survey techniques, a project is reviewed in detail from initial identification of displacements, review/selection of an appropriate survey technique, manipulation, and interpretation of survey data, assessing the significance of the data relative to the case study building, and review of repair program parameters.
A Form to Follow Function: Recladding A Regional Healthcare Facility
Authors: Forner Tammy D.
Published: September 2009

This case study presents the recladding program undertaken by Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, VA, and examines the deliberative process that resulted in retrofit of an existing 40+ year old aluminum/glass/metal panel curtain wall system without removal of the existing system or opening large areas of the façade to exterior weather. Steps within the process included: (1) establishing a design approach and air/water control theory; (2) verifying structural capacity of the existing façade anchorage and vertical structural members; (3) identifying and specifying products that met the design and performance requirements; (4) evaluating an innovative option for improved thermal performance; (5) testing the air/water barrier to verify performance; and (6) careful monitoring of work progress and installation quality. All of this was done with very close coordination with hospital management and staff to minimize service disruptions and occupant discomfort for this sensitive client population. The final result includes increased energy efficiency and acoustical performance of the façade system—while presenting a progressive new image to the public.
Repair of an Earthquake Damaged Building Façade in Coordination with FEMA: A Case Study Including Stabilization, Evaluation, Historically Sensitive Restoration, and Hazard Mitigation
Authors: Hendryx C. , Vlotho S.
Published: September 2009

The Nisqually Earthquake struck Washington State in February 2001, damaging the facade of the historic Bush Hotel, located in Seattle's International District. During the seismic event, sections of exterior cement plaster parge cladding and clay block infill fell from the structure onto the sidewalk below. This paper outlines the failures of the 1920s era concrete frame and hollow-core clay block infill exterior wall assembly, the multi-faceted approach designed to implement a historically sensitive repair in coordination with FEMA regulations, and addresses mitigation of potential future hazards. Prompt evaluation of the life safety threat was conducted, and sprayed-in-place polyurethane foam was used as a unique method to stabilize and temporarily weatherize portions of exterior walls. Various techniques were used to evaluate exterior walls and quantify the extent of damage including hammer sounding, invasive testing, mapping, and CAD-assisted measurements in a rigorous process to meet FEMA funding requirements. Damage to the exterior walls included delaminated and cracked stucco cladding, crushed hollow-core clay block infill panels, and cracked and spalled concrete. A multitude of factors were addressed in the Construction Documents including: restoring exterior walls to pre-earthquake conditions; maintaining the historical fabric of the building's appearance; coordination with FEMA and historic review agencies; repair to hollow-core clay block without in-kind material readily available; restoration of an exterior mural; performing work in a busy downtown setting with the building fully occupied; and addressing removal of lead-containing coatings. Importantly, a plan for mitigation of potential hazards was designed and implemented utilizing anchors to secure clay block infill panels to the structure, in order for wall sections to better resist possible future earthquakes. Methodology and examples for the synthesis of well-coordinated Contract Documents for such a complicated project are addressed. Evaluation of successes and challenges in coordination with FEMA, design, and repair methods are also provided.
Evaluation of Debonding of Lamina from Foam and Repairs to Exterior Insulation and Finish System Façade
Authors: McGowan Linda , Riley Scott , Connolly Jim , Shalkowski William
Published: September 2009

A large building in Denver, Colorado was constructed in 1999 with exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) cladding. About a year after completion, the lamina started to debond from the foam on the darker-colored EIFS panels. Tests were conducted to determine the cause of the delamination. The influence of solar radiation was studied. Although elevated temperatures were measured in these areas, they were not above the “melting point” of the foam insulation. During the investigation it was discovered that the pattern of the fiberglass mesh appeared to be “embossed” in the foam surface. Microscopic examination confirmed that the surface of the foam had been locally dissolved in the pattern of the mesh. Chemical analysis and exposure tests performed on the fiberglass mesh used in the lamina revealed that plasticizers migrating from the mesh would attack the interface surface of the foam insulation at elevated temperatures that are below the typical melting point of the foam. The elevated surface temperatures of the darker-colored panels appeared to accelerate the effect of the plasticizers. The scope of repairs at the darker-colored EIFS included removal of the original lamina, preparation of the foam, and installation of new lamina. The mesh used in the new lamina was analyzed to ensure that it did not contain plasticizers capable of dissolving the foam. The lighter-colored EIFS had not exhibited widespread delamination of the lamina. However, the risk of migration of the plasticizers and the potential for future delamination still existed. Mechanical-fastening was used to secure the original lamina to the framing, then a new lamina was applied over the original lamina. This repair concept was dependent on proper bond between the new and original laminas. The bond was tested using techniques similar to those used for measuring adhesion for both new synthetic and cementitious base coat materials.
Retrofitting Barrier Exterior Insulation and Finish System: Methodology and Performance Assessment
Authors: Olson Eric K. , Taylor Judson A.
Published: September 2009

Barrier-EIFS (exterior insulation and finish system) refers to EIFS with no internal drainage plane or through-wall flashings to collect and drain water that bypasses the EIFS's surface barrier. EIFS's surface barrier consists of a thin lamina and exposed joint sealants at transitions to elements such as windows, projecting decks, and intersecting parapets to prevent water infiltration through the surface barrier. Breaches in the surface barrier, however, can cause water leakage into the wall and building interior. In some cases reasonable reduction of leakage and preservation of the exterior walls may be accomplished by reducing barrier-EIFS's over-reliance on sealants, and by introducing watertight through-wall flashings at leakage-prone transitions and penetrations. The authors refer to this approach—providing flashings and localized drainage immediately around transitions and penetrations of wall elements while maintaining or improving the existing barrier-EIFS system away from such details—as “hybrid repairs.” A case study of repairs on an existing high-rise barrier-EIFS-clad building shows the in-service performance of the hybrid repair methodology. The subject building had experienced water leakage at intersections of the EIFS and other building envelope elements, including windows, doors, balcony deck-to-wall transitions, and intersecting parapets. Repairs to correct water leakage focused on creating reliable concealed flashings at these details, along with more common barrier-enhancement repairs over the original EIFS, which was generally left in place. To help evaluate the hybrid repairs' effectiveness, the authors surveyed typical exterior repairs in place for 2-1/2 to 5-1/2 years and interior finishes in the areas of the repairs. The Authors interviewed residents in some units that had experienced chronic water intrusion prior to the repairs; residents commented that they have seen no water intrusion since the repairs. The survey and interviews with residents revealed no evidence or reports of reoccurring water intrusion, supporting the general effectiveness of the hybrid repairs on the subject building.
Challenges in Measuring a New Construct: Perception of Voluntariness for Research and Treatment Decision Making
Authors: Miller Victoria A. , Reynolds William W. , Ittenbach Richard F. , Luce Mary Frances , Beauchamp Tom L. , Nelson Robert M.
Published: September 2009

Reliable and valid measures of relevant constructs are critical in the developing field of the empirical study of research ethics. The early phases of scale development for such constructs can be complex. We describe the methodological challenges of construct definition and operationalization and how we addressed them in our study to develop a measure of perception of voluntariness. We also briefly present our conceptual approach to the construct of voluntariness, which we defined as the perception of control over decision making. Our multifaceted approach to scale development ensured that we would develop a construct definition of sufficient breadth and depth, that our new measure of voluntariness would be applicable across disciplines, and that there was a clear link between our construct definition and items. The strategies discussed here can be adapted by other researchers who are considering a scale development study related to the empirical study of ethics.
Privacy and Confidentiality Resources
Authors: Zayatz Laura
Published: September 2009

Several organizations in the United States have a major interest in creating, testing, and using methods of data presentation that respect privacy and assure confidentiality. The following are among those that do so, and provide up-to-date information on these topics for the benefit of others who conduct human research: (1) The Committee on Privacy and Confidentiality of the American Statistical Association; (2) an interagency committee of the federal government, the Federal Committee on Statistical Methodology, and its subcommittees, the Confidentiality and Data Access Committee and the Committee on Privacy; (3) the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (University of Michigan), whose core mission is to archive important social science data, provide open and equitable access to data, and promote the effective use of data; and (4) Carnegie Mellon University's Department of Statistics, which has created an open-access online journal, the Journal on Privacy and Confidentiality. These resources are described, and URLs are provided to give readers web access to these resources.
The Control of Foreigners as Researchers in Thailand
Authors: Ditton Mary J. , Lehane Leigh
Published: September 2009

An important aspect of ethical conduct of field research is for the researcher to have an appropriate relationship with the legitimate gatekeepers of the field site. This paper describes our experiences of obtaining approval from regulatory authorities in Thailand for field research on Burmese migrants, and discusses the nature and rationale of such government control in Asia and Western countries. It is intended to guide future humanitarian researchers who are planning to study oppressed groups at politically sensitive research sites where regulatory authorities monitor both research sites and research performance. Thailand, like several other Southeast Asian countries, operates a permit system for foreign researchers. This permit system is designed to promote research activities in Thailand so that the results can be used to further the country's development, and to enhance the cooperation and collaboration between Thai and foreign researchers providing opportunities for the exchange of knowledge, technical expertise, and experience. This control of foreign researchers is not prohibitive; foreign humanitarian researchers can organize research and advance the welfare of targeted oppressed populations in cooperation with government agencies.
Ethical and Effective Ethnographic Research Methods: A Case Study with Afghan Refugees in California
Authors: Smith Valerie J.
Published: September 2009

Scholarly studies of refugees and other vulnerable populations carry special ethical concerns. In this invited case study of Afghan refugees in Fremont, California, I provide illustrations and recommendations of ethical research methods with refugees. I also compare and contrast some ethical issues in the U.S. with issues in Thailand. The qualitative, ethnographic methods I report here demonstrate how to conduct culturally sensitive investigations by ethically approaching gatekeepers and other community members to preserve autonomy, ensure confidentiality, build trust, and improve the accuracy of interpretations and results. Six groups at risk for being marginalized in multiple ways within refugee populations are described. Ten best practices are recommended for ethically acquiring an in-depth understanding of the refugees, their community, and appropriate research methods.
Prospective Biorepository Participants' Perspectives on Access to Research Results
Authors: Beskow Laura M. , Smolek Sondra J.
Published: September 2009

Disclosure of individual research results to research participants has been the subject of professional guidelines as well as scholarly commentary, yet controversy remains. To gather data on participant perspectives, we interviewed 40 individuals from the Durham, North Carolina area about a biorepository consent form and conducted an in-depth analysis of responses to a series of questions concerning access to research results. Cross-cutting themes emerged about (1) the nature of research; (2) the nature of research results; (3) expectations concerning access to research results; and (4) practical issues in providing access to research results. Our findings highlight the importance for sound policy development of soliciting stakeholder input, and exploring the complexities behind their evaluations.
Deaths in the Fire at the Branch Davidians' Mount Carmel: Who Bears Responsibility?
Authors: Wessinger Catherine
Published: September 2009

Kenneth G. C. Newport's book, The Branch Davidians of Waco (2006) has placed responsibility for the 19 April 1993 fire at Mount Carmel Center, outside Waco, Texas, primarily on the Branch Davidians, arguing that they were motivated to die as a result of their apocalyptic theology of martyrdom. Newport writes that after the siege was initiated by the 28 February assault by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the Branch Davidians' deaths in a fire were inevitable. On the other hand, listening to conversations recorded by surveillance devices in conjunction with selected negotiation audiotapes, the author found evidence that indicates Federal Bureau of Investigation agents had ample information that the Branch Davidians expected to die in a fire if the community was assaulted a second time. This raises questions about the intentions of FBI agents in proceeding with the 19 April tank and CS gas assault, especially since a recent breakthrough in negotiations likely would have resulted in the Branch Davidians exiting the residence. The author concludes that circumstantial evidence indicates that decision-making FBI agents knowingly applied extreme pressure to the Branch Davidians to prompt them to act on their theology of martyrdom, as part of a larger project of destroying evidence of illegal actions committed by federal agents.
A Promiscuous Prion: Efficient Induction of [URE3] Prion Formation by Heterologous Prion Domains
Authors: Ross Carley D , McCarty Blake R , Hamilton Michael , Ben-Hur Asa , Ross Eric D
Published: September 2009

The [URE3] and [PSI+] prions are the infections amyloid forms of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteins Ure2p and Sup35p, respectively. Randomizing the order of the amino acids in the Ure2 and Sup35 prion domains while retaining amino acid composition does not block prion formation, indicating that amino acid composition, not primary sequence, is the predominant feature driving [URE3] and [PSI+] formation. Here we show that Ure2p promiscuously interacts with various compositionally similar proteins to influence [URE3] levels. Overexpression of scrambled Ure2p prion domains efficiently increases de novo formation of wild-type [URE3] in vivo. In vitro, amyloid aggregates of the scrambled prion domains efficiently seed wild-type Ure2p amyloid formation, suggesting that the wild-type and scrambled prion domains can directly interact to seed prion formation. To test whether interactions between Ure2p and naturally occurring yeast proteins could similarly affect [URE3] formation, we identified yeast proteins with domains that are compositionally similar to the Ure2p prion domain. Remarkably, all but one of these domains were also able to efficiently increase [URE3] formation. These results suggest that a wide variety of proteins could potentially affect [URE3] formation.
A Scoring System for Early Prognostic Assessment After Neonatal Seizures
Authors: Pisani Francesco , Sisti Lisa , Seri Stefano
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to devise a scoring system that could aid in predicting neurologic outcome at the onset of neonatal seizures.

METHODS: A total of 106 newborns who had neonatal seizures and were consecutively admitted to the NICU of the University of Parma from January 1999 through December 2004 were prospectively followed-up, and neurologic outcome was assessed at 24 months’ postconceptional age. We conducted a retrospective analysis on this cohort to identify variables that were significantly related to adverse outcome and to develop a scoring system that could provide early prognostic indications.

RESULTS: A total of 70 (66%) of 106 infants had an adverse neurologic outcome. Six variables were identified as the most important independent risk factors for adverse outcome and were used to construct a scoring system: birth weight, Apgar score at 1 minute, neurologic examination at seizure onset, cerebral ultrasound, efficacy of anticonvulsant therapy, and presence of neonatal status epilepticus. Each variable was scored from 0 to 3 to represent the range from “normal” to “severely abnormal.” A total composite score was computed by addition of the raw scores of the 6 variables. This score ranged from 0 to 12. A cutoff score of ≥4 provided the greatest sensitivity and specificity.

CONCLUSIONS: This scoring system may offer an easy, rapid, and reliable prognostic indicator of neurologic outcome after the onset of neonatal seizures. A final assessment of the validity of this score in routine clinical practice will require independent validation in other centers.
Closing the Quality Gap: Promoting Evidence-Based Breastfeeding Care in the Hospital
Authors: Bartick Melissa , Stuebe Alison , Shealy Katherine R. , Walker Marsha , Grummer-Strawn Laurence M.
Published: September 2009

Evidence shows that hospital-based practices affect breastfeeding duration and exclusivity throughout the first year of life. However, a 2007 CDC survey of US maternity facilities documented poor adherence with evidence-based practice. Of a possible score of 100 points, the average hospital scored only 63 with great regional disparities. Inappropriate provision and promotion of infant formula were common, despite evidence that such practices reduce breastfeeding success. Twenty-four percent of facilities reported regularly giving non–breast milk supplements to more than half of all healthy, full-term infants. Metrics available for measuring quality of breastfeeding care, range from comprehensive Baby-Friendly Hospital Certification to compliance with individual steps such as the rate of in-hospital exclusive breastfeeding. Other approaches to improving quality of breastfeeding care include (1) education of hospital decision-makers (eg, through publications, seminars, professional organization statements, benchmark reports to hospitals, and national grassroots campaigns), (2) recognition of excellence, such as through Baby-Friendly hospital designation, (3) oversight by accrediting organizations such as the Joint Commission or state hospital authorities, (4) public reporting of indicators of the quality of breastfeeding care, (5) pay-for-performance incentives, in which Medicaid or other third-party payers provide additional financial compensation to individual hospitals that meet certain quality standards, and (6) regional collaboratives, in which staff from different hospitals work together to learn from each other and meet quality improvement goals at their home institutions. Such efforts, as well as strong central leadership, could affect both initiation and duration of breastfeeding, with substantial, lasting benefits for maternal and child health.
Mapping malaria risk using environmental and anthropic variables
Authors: Rincón-Romero Mauricio Edilberto , Londoño Julián Esteban
Published: September 2009

Despite much research in the identification of areas with malaria, it is urgent to further investigate mapping techniques to achieve better approaches in strategies to prevent, mitigate, and eradicate the mosquito and the illness eventually. By using spatial distributed modeling techniques with Geographical Information Systems (GIS), the study proposes methodology to map malaria risk zoning for the municipality of Buenaventura in Colombia. The model proposed by Craig et al.¹ using climatic information was adapted to the conditions of the study area regarding scale and spatial resolution. Geomorphologic and anthropic variables were added to improve spatial allocation of areas with higher risk of contracting the illness, refining zoning. Then, they were contrasted with the locations reported by health entities², taking into account spatial distribution. The comparison of results shows a decrease in the area obtained initially using the Craig et al. model¹ (1999), from 5,422.4 km² (89.1% of the municipality's territory) to 624.3km² (approximately 10% of the municipality's area), yielding a total reduction of 78.8% when environmental and anthropic variables were included in the model. Data show that of the 9,863 cases reported during 2001 to 2005 for 20 selected towns as basis for the amount of surveyed malaria cases², 1,132 were located in the very high-risk areas, 7,662 were in the areas of moderate risk, and 1,066 cases in low-risk areas, showing that 89% of the cases reported fell into the areas with higher risk for malaria.
Perfil metabólico e antropométrico dos Suyá: Parque Indígena do Xingu, Brasil Central
Authors: Salvo Vera Lúcia Morais Antonio de , Rodrigues Douglas , Baruzzi Roberto G. , Pagliaro Heloísa , Gimeno Suely Godoy Agostinho
Published: September 2009

OBJETIVO: Descrever o perfil metabólico e antropométrico de índios Suyá que vivem no Parque Indígena do Xingu (Mato Grosso). MÉTODO: Neste estudo transversal foram avaliados 86 índios Suyá com idade de > 20 anos, de ambos os sexos. Durante o exame físico foram obtidos os valores de pressão arterial, peso, altura, perímetros corporais e dobras cutâneas. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para dosagem de lipoproteínas, glicemia e ácido úrico. Na análise dos dados foram utilizados os testes estatísticos qui-quadrado (para proporções) ou t de Student (para valores médios) nas comparações das distribuições das variáveis relativas ao estado nutricional e perfil metabólico, segundo sexo e faixa etária dos sujeitos. RESULTADOS: As mulheres, quando comparadas aos homens, apresentaram valores médios estatisticamente menores das variáveis antropométricas (peso, índice de massa corporal, perímetro de cintura, do braço e dobras cutâneas), de pressão arterial, triglicérides, VLDL e ácido úrico. Foram encontrados, entre os Suyá, 46,5%, com excesso de peso, 12,8% com obesidade generalizada, 38,4% com obesidade central, 26,7%, apresentaram alterações pressóricas, 4% glicemia de jejum alterada, 63,9% dislipidemia e 21,9% síndrome metabólica. CONCLUSÃO: Foram observadas alterações metabólicas e antropométricas entre os índios Suyá. Intervenções educativas devem ser implementadas para resgatar hábitos e estilo de vida tradicionais a fim de conter o avanço deste quadro.
Compreensão das prescrições pediátricas de antimicrobianos em Unidades de Saúde em um município do sul do Brasil
Authors: Menezes Ana Paula Simões , Domingues Marlos Rodrigues , Baisch Ana Luiza M.
Published: September 2009

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a compreensão da prescrição de antimicrobianos por acompanhantes de crianças após consulta pediátrica, descrevendo seu perfil de prescrição em Unidades de Saúde, em um município do sul do Brasil. Trata-se de um delineamento transversal, no qual a população-alvo foram acompanhantes das crianças que tiveram prescrição de antimicrobianos (n = 209) entre maio e julho de 2007. Foi gerado um escore de compreensão (4-12 pontos) embasado em afirmativas corretas, incorretas ou ignoradas, relativas às informações da prescrição. A compreensão foi considerada adequada quando o valor do escore foi menor do que 6,5 pontos. Verificou-se que a escolaridade (p = 0,05), renda (p = 0,03), cor da pele (p = 0,007) do acompanhante e o tempo de consulta (p = 0,05) estiveram diretamente associados com a melhor compreensão da prescrição. A compreensão adequada representou 58,9% das prescrições. Os antimicrobianos mais prescritos foram a amoxicilina e a associação de sulfametoxazol/trimetoprima. Os resultados do estudo apontam a necessidade da padronização da informação escrita por prescritores e implantação de medidas educativas aos acompanhantes das crianças, tais como o fornecimento de orientações verbais e escritas quanto ao correto uso dos antimicrobianos. Assim, assegura-se uma melhor compreensão da prescrição, o que favorece o sucesso do tratamento, evitando também o fenômeno de resistência microbiana.
Influência de variáveis socioeconômicas, clínicas e demográfica na experiência de cárie dentária em pré-escolares de Piracicaba, SP
Authors: Cortellazzi Karine Laura , Tagliaferro Elaine Pereira da Silva , Assaf Andrea Videira , Tafner Ana Paula Martins de Freitas , Ambrosano Glaucia Maria Bovi , Bittar Telmo Oliveira , Meneghim Marcelo de Castro , Pereira Antonio Carlos
Published: September 2009

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência de variáveis socioeconômicas, clínicas e demográfica na experiência de cárie em pré-escolares de 5 anos de idade da cidade de Piracicaba. METODOLOGIA: A amostra consistiu de 728 crianças matriculadas em 22 pré-escolas públicas (n = 428) e 18 pré-escolas privadas (n = 300). A cárie dentária foi avaliada pelos índices ceo-d e ceo-s e pela detecção de lesão inicial (LI). Outras variáveis clínicas como gengivite, apinhamento, espaçamento, fluorose e respiração bucal também foram coletadas. As variáveis socioeconômicas (renda familiar mensal, número de residentes na mesma casa, escolaridade do pai e da mãe, habitação e posse de automóvel) foram obtidas por meio de um questionário semi-estruturado enviado aos pais. RESULTADOS: As médias (desvio-padrão) do ceo-d e ceo-s foram de 1,30 (2,47) e 3,08 (7,55), respectivamente, sendo que 62,2% da amostra estava livre de cárie. As médias (desvio-padrão) do ceo-d+LI e ceo-s+LI foram 1,72 (3,36) e 3,45 (7,94), respectivamente e 59,7% estavam livres de cáries. Por meio da análise de regressão logística múltipla, as crianças com fluorose (Odds Ratio-OR=0,40) ou de famílias com renda superior a 4 salários mínimos (OR = 0,49) apresentaram menor probabilidade de ter experiência de cárie. Aquelas com gengivite (OR = 1,87) tiveram maior chance de ter a doença. Para o critério de diagnóstico de cárie com a inclusão de LI, as crianças com fluorose (OR = 0,39) ou de famílias com renda superior a 4 salários mínimos (OR = 0,52) tiveram menor chance de ter cárie. Aquelas com gengivite (OR=1,80), apinhamento (OR = 2,63 e OR = 1,01) ou respiração bucal (OR = 1,37) apresentaram maior probabilidade de ter a doença. CONCLUSÃO: Os pré-escolares que apresentaram gengivite, apinhamento, respiração bucal ou renda familiar mensal inferior a 4 salários mínimos tiveram maior probabilidade de ter experiência de cárie. Assim, o planejamento de ações de prevenção e intervenção direcionadas a este público seria essencial para o controle da doença.
Modeling Tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) Habitat and Climate Change Effects in the Northwestern United States
Authors: Kerns Becky K. , Naylor Bridgett J. , Buonopane Michelle , Parks Catherine G. , Rogers Brendan
Published: September 2009

Tamarisk species are shrubs or small trees considered by some to be among the most aggressively invasive and potentially detrimental exotic plants in the United States. Although extensively studied in the southern and interior west, northwestern (Oregon, Washington, and Idaho) distribution and habitat information for tamarisk is either limited or lacking. We obtained distribution data for the northwest, developed a habitat suitability map, and projected changes in habitat due to climate change in a smaller case study area using downscaled climate data. Results show extensive populations of tamarisk east of the Cascade Mountains. Despite the perceived novelty of tamarisk in the region, naturalized populations were present by the 1920s. Major population centers are limited to the warmest and driest environments in the central Snake River Plain, Columbia Plateau, and Northern Basin and Range. Habitat suitability model results indicate that 21% of the region supports suitable tamarisk habitat. Less than 1% of these areas are occupied by tamarisk; the remainder is highly vulnerable to invasion. Although considerable uncertainty exists regarding future climate change, we project a 2- to 10-fold increase in highly suitable tamarisk habitat by the end of the century. Our habitat suitability maps can be used in “what if” exercises as part of planning, detection, restoration, management, and eradication purposes.
Forest Roads Facilitate the Spread of Invasive Plants
Authors: Mortensen David A. , Rauschert Emily S. J. , Nord Andrea N. , Jones Brian P.
Published: September 2009

The distribution and abundance of invasive species can be strongly influenced by habitat suitability and by corridors that facilitate dispersal. We synthesize results from a large-scale invasive plant survey with a patch-scale expansion experiment. The large-scale survey involved transects up to 250 m away from of all roads in a 32,000 ha forest. The patch experiment involved initiating invasions in different habitat types (roadside, wetland, disturbed, and intact forests), and then fitting statistical models to patch spread rates. The large-scale survey highlighted the importance of roads in predicting the presence of invasive plants, also revealing that one invasive plant,Microstegium vimineum, has spread rapidly since its purported introduction in 1994. The patch-scale experiments focused onMicrostegiumand demonstrated that spread rates are higher in roadsides than in forested and wetland patches, even in the absence of major disturbances. These results highlight the importance of landscape features when designing prevention and management practices aimed at limiting invasive plant abundance and spread.
Seeding Cool-Season Grasses to Suppress Broom Snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae), Downy Brome (Bromus tectorum), and Weedy Forbs
Authors: Thacker Eric , Ralphs Michael H. , Monaco Thomas A.
Published: September 2009

Broom snakeweed (snakeweed) is an aggressive native range-weed found throughout arid and semiarid areas of the western United States, that increases following disturbances such as overgrazing, drought, or wildfire. Ecologically based strategies that include controlling snakeweed and reestablishing desirable herbaceous species are needed to restore productivity and diversity to invaded areas. The objective of this study was to compare the ability of selected introduced and native grass species and prostrate kochia (kochia) to prevent reinvasion of snakeweed, downy brome, and annual forbs following control. This field study was replicated at two sites (Howell and Nephi, Utah) within the sagebrush-steppe biome. Snakeweed and downy brome were controlled by picloram (0.25 kg/ha [0.22 lb/ac]) and glyphosate (1.5 kg/ha [1.3 lb/ac]). The seeding treatments were comprised of three introduced grasses and a mix of these species, three native grasses and a mix of these species, and kochia. The treatments were seeded into 3 by 15-m (10 by 50 ft) plots in October 2003. Frequency and biomass of seeded species, snakeweed, downy brome, other grasses, and annual forbs were measured in 2004, 2005, and 2008. Seeded species were evaluated for success of establishment and persistence, and their ability to restrict reinvasion of snakeweed, downy brome, and annual forbs. Crested wheatgrass and big squirreltail had the best initial establishment at both locations (> 75%). In contrast, kochia and Russian wildrye did not establish well at either site, and western wheatgrass did not establish well at Nephi. Snakeweed reestablishment was restricted in all treatments except the kochia treatments, in which kochia did not establish well. Frequency of downy brome increased at both sites, and annual forb frequency increased at Nephi to near 100%, but the better established grasses suppressed biomass production of these weedy species. Crested wheatgrass established best, had the greatest production, and provided greatest suppression of downy brome and annual weeds.
Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) Removal Method Affects Native Establishment
Authors: Barto E. Kathryn , Cipollini Don
Published: September 2009

We used a growth chamber experiment with first-year garlic mustard plants to explore the effects of three garlic mustard removal techniques (treatment with glyphosate, pulling out the entire plant, and clipping the shoot) on growth of the native herb pale jewelweed and its associated mycorrhizal fungi. We also explored the effects of activated carbon and mycorrhizal inocula amendments. We monitored plant height, intra- and extraradical mycorrhizal structures, root growth, and the fractal dimension of the root system. Removing as much garlic mustard root tissue as possible by hand pulling plants led to larger jewelweed plants than other removal methods. Activated carbon and mycorrhizal inocula did not improve plant growth.
Interval Based MINLP Superstructure Synthesis of Multi-Period Mass Exchanger Networks
Authors: Isafiade Adeniyi J , Fraser Duncan M
Published: September 2009

A new method for the synthesis of mass exchanger networks for multi-period operations is presented in this paper. The new technique which is called multi-period interval based MINLP superstructure (MIBMS) for mass exchange network synthesis (MENS) is adapted from the interval based MINLP superstructure for MENs presented by Isafiade and Fraser (2008). Process parameters such as supply and target compositions and flowrates of streams can vary over a specified range due to environmental or economic reasons. In this paper, the IBMS model for MENS is modified to handle variations in the aforementioned set of parameters by including the index p' in the IBMS model and using the maximum area approach in the objective function as presented by Verheyen and Zhang (2006) for multi-period heat exchanger networks synthesis (HENS). The index p' represents each period of operation which in this paper can be unequal. The maximum area approach ensures that each mass exchanger connecting the same pair of streams in more than one period is able to transfer mass in such streams for all the periods. It should be known that this technique applies to multi-period problems where the process parameters for each period of operation as well as the duration are specified. The method does not handle scenarios where the process parameters are uncertain. The new technique is applied to three examples.
Influences on Politicians' Decision Making for Early Childhood Education and Care Policy: What Do We Know? What Don't We Know?
Authors: Bown Kathryn , Sumsion Jennifer , Press Frances
Published: September 2009

Politicians play a key role in determining policy content and outcomes for early childhood education and care (ECEC). As a result, the quality of formal ECEC provisions for children rests considerably on the policy decisions of politicians. Despite direct and indirect effects of politicians' policy decisions for the ECEC field, few studies explore influences on politicians' policy decisions, and fewer still pertain to ECEC. In light of the significant gap in the research investigating how and why politicians make the decisions that they do, the authors present a case for a research agenda to investigate politicians' policy decision-making processes in ECEC. A review of the literature pertaining to influences on political decision making reveals some possible influences on politicians' decision making generally, but not for ECEC policy specifically. Using the policy sphere of ECEC to illustrate the complexities of social policy development and implementation in a democratic political system, the authors put forward a conceptualisation of policy that generates a wide range of questions to inform the development of a research agenda. They conclude with a discussion of the possible implications that a research agenda investigating politicians' policy decisions in ECEC might have for the early childhood field.
Complicating What it Means to ‘Struggle’: One Young Child's Experience with a Mandated Literacy Initiative
Authors: Spencer Tamara Glupczynski
Published: September 2009

In this article, the author explores the implementation of the K-3 Reading First initiative and its recommendation for scientifically based reading curricula. During a time of high-stakes testing and accountability, this policy has emphasized a skills-based approach to reading and placed importance on scripted teaching models. Using data from a qualitative study in a public school in New York City, the author draws on the experiences of one young child to see how the standardization of early literacy curriculum shaped his school-based literacy practices.
The Link between Investment in Early Childhood Preshools and High School Graduation Rates for African American Males in the United States of America
Authors: McCarthy Patricia Bowens , Morote Elsa-Sofia
Published: September 2009

This article reports the investigation of the extent to which US preschool federal funding (Head Start) and the preschool enrollment of African American males (aged three to five) affected the high school graduation rates of this population (aged 14 to 19). The authors found that a link exists between preschool enrollment and the high school graduation rate of this population. They also found a link between Head Start funding and the high school graduation rate for this group.
Confronting the Contradictions: A Case Study of Early Childhood Teacher Development in Neoliberal Times
Authors: Brown Christopher P.
Published: September 2009

As neoliberal polices that emphasize governing the modern state through market-based principles expand across the globe, they are altering the training of early childhood teacher candidates. This creates a range of challenges for those teacher educators who are critical of this reform process. This article presents an instrumental case study that examined the impact of neoliberal education reforms on the development of a sample of early education teacher candidates. Analyzing this case of teacher development offers teacher educators the opportunity to consider the practical and critical steps they might take to better prepare their candidates for these reforms. Doing so will help teacher candidates develop early learning experiences for their children that teach them to become engaged democratic citizens rather than compliant consumers within the neoliberal state.
Hepatic Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors Are Not Critically Involved in Maintaining Glucose Homeostasis in Mice
Authors: Li Jian H. , Gautam Dinesh , Han Sung-Jun , Guettier Jean-Marc , Cui Yinghong , Lu Huiyan , Deng Chuxia , O'Hare James , Jou William , Gavrilova Oksana , Buettner Christoph , Wess Jürgen
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE

An increase in the rate of hepatic glucose production is the major determinant of fasting hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes. A better understanding of the signaling pathways and molecules that regulate hepatic glucose metabolism is therefore of great clinical importance. Recent studies suggest that an increase in vagal outflow to the liver leads to decreased hepatic glucose production and reduced blood glucose levels. Since acetylcholine (ACh) is the major neurotransmitter of the vagus nerve and exerts its parasympathetic actions via activation of muscarinic ACh receptors (mAChRs), we examined the potential metabolic relevance of hepatocyte mAChRs.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We initially demonstrated that the M3 mAChR is the only mAChR subtype expressed by mouse liver/hepatocytes. To assess the physiological role of this receptor subtype in regulating hepatic glucose fluxes and glucose homeostasis in vivo, we used gene targeting and transgenic techniques to generate mutant mice lacking or overexpressing M3 receptors in hepatocytes only.

RESULTS

Strikingly, detailed in vivo phenotyping studies failed to reveal any significant metabolic differences between the M3 receptor mutant mice and their control littermates, independent of whether the mice were fed regular or a high-fat diet. Moreover, the expression levels of genes for various key transcription factors, signaling molecules, and enzymes regulating hepatic glucose fluxes were not significantly altered in the M3 receptor mutant mice.

CONCLUSIONS

This rather surprising finding suggests that the pronounced metabolic effects mediated by activation of hepatic vagal nerves are mediated by noncholinergic signaling pathways.
From Genetic Risk Awareness to Overt Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Goldstein Eszter , Hermann Robert , Renfors Timo J. , Näntö-Salonen Kirsti M. , Korhonen Tapio , Kärkkäinen Maarit , Veijola Riitta K. , Knip Mikael , Simell Tuula T. , Simell Olli G.
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the psychological burden of parents facing increasing risk of type 1 diabetes in their children.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In the population-based Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention (DIPP) Study, newborn infants with HLA-DQB1–conferred diabetes risk were enrolled in sequential analyses of diabetes-associated autoantibodies. Those persistently positive for at least two autoantibodies were recruited to a randomized double-blinded intervention trial. The experience of stress in parents of 664 children was measured using Parenting Stress Index self-report inventory.

RESULTS

While diagnosis of diabetes increased parental stress, the appearance of autoantibodies or participation in the intervention trial did not. Mothers had higher stress levels than fathers. Single parenthood and chronically ill family members increased parental stress.

CONCLUSIONS

Parental stress was not increased by notification of autoantibody positivity or by participation in an intervention trial. Other demanding family conditions contributed to the experience of stress.
Genetic Polymorphisms in Genes Encoding Antioxidant Enzymes Are Associated With Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Hovnik Tinka , Dolžan Vita , Bratina Nataša Uršič , Podkrajšek Katarina Trebušak , Battelino Tadej
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of microangiopathic complications in type 1 diabetes. We investigated polymorphic markers in genes encoding enzymes regulating production of reactive oxygen species in association with diabetic retinopathy or diabetic nephropathy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 124 patients with type 1 diabetes were investigated in this case-control study. All subjects were matched for sex, age, and duration of diabetes. Genotyping was conducted using real-time PCR for p.Val16Ala polymorphism in the MnSOD gene and c.C−262T in the promoter region of the CAT gene. Multiplex PCR method was used for determination of GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphic deletions. Fluorescence-labeled PCR amplicons and fragment analysis was used for assessing the number of pentanucleotide (CCTTT)n repeats in inducible nitric oxide synthase.

RESULTS

A positive association of MnSOD genotype Val/Val (odds ratio [OR] 2.49, 95% CI 1.00–6.16, P = 0.045) and GSTM1–1 genotype (2.63, 1.07–6.47, P = 0.031) with diabetic retinopathy but not with diabetic nephropathy was demonstrated. Additionally, the combination of the two genotypes conveyed an even higher risk (4.24, 1.37–13.40, P = 0.009). No other investigated genetic polymorphisms were associated with either diabetic retinopathy or diabetic nephropathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Selected polymorphisms in genes encoding MnSOD and GSTM1 could be added to a panel of genetic markers for identification of individuals with type 1 diabetes at an increased risk for developing diabetic retinopathy.