bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of urodynamic studies in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with spina bifida
Authors: Alatas I , Demirci H , Canaz Huseyin , Akdemir O , Baydin S , Ozel K
Published: April 2015

Aim: Spina bifida (SB) is a congenital deformity that is frequently seen in infancy. Surgical treatment and clinical follow-up of patients with the diagnosis of SB are important to provide education to the patients and their relatives, to increase patient survival, to ensure that they have a more comfortable life. Neuro-urological problems are highly important for the patients in terms of both social and medical. Materials and Methods: The medical records of patients who underwent surgery for SB and tethered cord syndrome at our clinic in the past year were retrospectively evaluated. The results of urodynamic studies of the patients were evaluated. The results of patients who underwent control urodynamic studies during the follow-up period were compared with the previous results, and their clinical courses were determined. Results: The most frequent urodynamic changes in patients were hyperactive detrusor activity and detrusor sphincter dyssynergy preoperatively. Conclusion: A significant improvement was observed when the results of postoperative urodynamic studies were evaluated in patients who underwent surgery for tethered cord.
Histopathological study of the outer membrane of the dura mater in chronic sub dural hematoma: Its clinical and radiological correlation
Authors: Bokka Sriharsha , Trivedi Adarsh
Published: April 2015

Background: A chronic subdural hematoma is an old clot of blood on the surface of the brain between dura and arachnoid membranes.These liquefied clots most often occur in patients aged 60 and older with brain atrophy. When the brain shrinks inside the skull over time, minor head trauma can cause tearing of blood vessels over the brain surface, resulting in a slow accumulation of blood over several days to weeks. Aim of the Study: To evaluate the role of membrane in hematoma evaluation and to correlate its histopathology with clinic-radiological aspects of the condition and overall prognosis of patients. Material and Methods: The study incorporated all cases of chronic SDH admitted to the Neurosurgery department of JLN Hospital and Research Centre, Bhilai, between November 2011 and November 2013. All such cases were analyzed clinically, radiologically like site, size, thickness in computed tomography, the attenuation value, midline shift and histopathological features were recorded. Criteria for Inclusion: All cases of chronic subdural haematoma irrespective of age and sex were incorporated into the study. Criteria for Exclusion: All cases of acute subdural haematoma and cases of chronic sub dural hematoma which were managed conservatively irrespective of age and sex were excluded from the study In our series of cases, the most common histopathological type of membrane was the inflammatory membrane (Type II) seen in 42.30% of cases followed by hemorrhagic inflammatory membrane (Type III) seen in 34.62% of cases while scar inflammatory type of membrane (Type IV) was seen in 23.08% of cases. No case with noninflammatory type (Type I) was encountered.
Intraparenchymal anaplastic meningioma in a child: A rare entity
Authors: Nayil Khursheed , Makhdoomi Rumana , Malik Rayees , Ramzan Altaf
Published: April 2015

Brain tumors are not rare in children. The common brain tumors in children are medulloblastomas and craniopharyngiomas. Intraparenchymal meningiomas are very rare. We report a case of intraparenchymal meningioma in a child who was operated with a preoperative impression of a primitive neuroectodermal tumor.
Cystic pilomyxoid astrocytoma on suprasellar region in 7-year-old girl: Treatment and strategy
Authors: Tjahjadi Mardjono , Arifin M , Sobana Mirna , Avianti Astri , Caropeboka M , Eka Priandana , Agustina Hasrayati
Published: April 2015

Pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) is a recently described entity with similar features to pilocytic astrocytoma but with a rare occurrence. As a new diagnosis, no treatment guideline of PMA has been established; but generally, as for any low-grade gliomas, radical resection is performed if the location is favorable. In this report, we wished to share our experience treating the PMA. The authors presented a case of a 7-year-old girl with bitemporal hemianopia. From the history, the patient had a 4-month history of headache, following with nausea and projectile vomiting 1 week before hospital admission. Past history of seizure, weakness of left extremities, and decreased consciousness were reported. Computed tomography (CT) scanning showed acute obstructive hydrocephalus and an isohypodense mass at suprasellar region with the cystic component. We performed ventriculo-peritoneal-shunt to reduce the acute hydrocephalus, followed by craniotomy tumor removal 2 weeks later. The patient underwent radiotherapy and medical rehabilitation. Diagnosis of PMA was made on the basis of pathologic anatomy result, which showed a myxoid background with pseudorosette. Postoperative CT showed a residual tumor at right parasellar area without hydrocephalus. After the surgery, the treatment was followed with radiotherapy for 20 times within 2 months. Postradiation CT performed 1-year later showed a significant reduction of the tumor mass. There were no new postoperative deficits. The patient had improvement of the visual field and motor strength. The authors reported a case of a 7-year-old girl with PMA. Surgical resection combined with radiotherapy was performed to control the growth of PMA. More observation and further studies are required to refine the treatment methods.
Non-commutative resolutions and Grothendieck groups
Authors: Dao Hailong , Iyama Osamu , Takahashi Ryo , Vial Charles
Published: April 2015

Let

R

be a noetherian normal domain. We investigate when

R

admits a faithful module whose endomorphism ring has finite global dimension. This can be viewed as a noncommutative desingularization of Spec(

R

). We show that the existence of such modules forces stringent conditions on the Grothendieck group of finitely generated modules over

R

. In some cases those conditions are enough to imply that Spec(

R

) has only rational singularities.
Measured quantum groupoids associated to proper dynamical quantum groups
Authors: Timmermann Thomas
Published: April 2015

Dynamical quantum groups were introduced by Etingof and Varchenko in connection with the dynamical quantum Yang–Baxter equation, and measured quantum groupoids were introduced by Enock, Lesieur and Vallin in their study of inclusions of type II

_1

factors. In this article, we associate to suitable dynamical quantum groups, which are purely algebraic objects, Hopf

C*

-bimodules and measured quantum groupoids on the level of von Neumann algebras. Assuming invariant integrals on the dynamical quantum group, we first construct a fundamental unitary which yields Hopf bimodules on the level of

C*

-algebras and von Neumann algebras. Next, we assume properness of the dynamical quantum group and lift the integrals to the operator algebras. In a subsequent article, this construction shall be applied to the dynamical SU

_q

(2) studied by Koelink and Rosengren.
Presheaves of symmetric tensor categories and nets of $C^*$-algebras
Authors: Vasselli Ezio
Published: April 2015

Motivated by algebraic quantum field theory, we study presheaves of symmetric tensor categories defined over the base of a space, intended as a spacetime. Any section of a presheaf (that is, any “superselection sector”, in the applications that we have in mind) defines a holonomy representation whose triviality is measured by Cheeger–Chern–Simons characteristic classes, and a non-abelian unitary cocycle defining a Lie group gerbe. We show that, given an embedding in a presheaf of full subcategories of the one of Hilbert spaces, the section category of a presheaf is a Tannaka-type dual of a locally constant group bundle (the “gauge group”), which may not exist and in general is not unique. This leads to the notion of gerbe of

C*

-algebras, defined on the given base.
Grothendieck–Teichmüller group and Poisson cohomologies
Authors: Alm Johan , Merkulov Sergei A.
Published: April 2015

We study actions of the Grothendieck–Teichmüller group GRT on Poisson cohomologies of Poisson manifolds, and prove some “go” and “no-go” theorems associated with these actions.
»ČISTO VSEENO JE, ALI JE PLESALEC NA VOZIČKU ALI NE, SAJ USTVARJAM UMETNOST«. Intervju z učiteljem inkluzivne plesne skupine o učenju plesa na invalidskem vozičku
Authors: Požek Monika
Published: April 2015

Douglas Scott je plesalec, koreograf, pedagog in umetniški vodja, ki že več kot 25 let živi in dela v Atlanti v Georgii. Dolga leta je plesal s plesno skupino Ruth Mitchell ter hkrati delal kot plesni pedagog in koreograf. Leta 1991 je ustanovil inkluzivno plesno skupino, ki se danes imenuje Full Radius Dance in je ena redkih profesionalnih plesnih skupin te vrste v ZDA. Z inkluzivnim plesom, ki se takrat še ni imenoval tako, se je srečal leta 1990, ko je bil kot plesni učitelj povabljen na plesne delavnice za marginalne skupine (zaporniki, osebe z invalidnostjo, socialno izključeni ...). Takrat ni bilo mentorjev ali plesnih učiteljev, ki bi mu lahko svetovali o delu s plesalci na invalidskih vozičkih ali s posebnimi potrebami, in se je tako učil hkrati, ko je delal z njimi. Ustvaril je številne avtorske projekte in postavil na oder celovečerne plesne programe s svojo skupino. Prepoznaven je po odlični tehniki in inovativnem slogu. Douglas Scott je prejemnik številnih ameriških nagrad, zadnja je iz leta 2014, Governor‘s Award for Arts & Humanities v državi Georgia.
»ZAVEDAM SE, DA SO STVARI, KI JIH LAHKO NAREDIM ZADNJIČ« Od režiserke do plesalke
Authors: Požek Monika
Published: April 2015

Lindy Dannelly je mama, igralka in plesalka iz Atlante. Doštudirala je režijo ter se kot igralka ves čas izpopolnjevala v plesu in petju, kar je pomembno za poklic na odrskih deskah. Bila je ustanoviteljica in vodja gledališča Koalty Presentations v Atlanti ter tudi ena izmed direktorjev Atlanta Classical Theatra. Nastopala in režirala je več kot 20 let, potem pa je ugotovila, da je vedno bolj utrujena in da ne zmore vsega fizičnega napora. Bolezen sklepov jo je sprva primorala uporabljati bergle, a te so jo še bolj utrudile. Pustila je delo v gledališču in odprla čistilni servis, da bi preživela. Nazadnje je začela uporabljati invalidski voziček. Zaprla je čistilni servis in se vrnila na oder, tokrat s plesom.
Ostrouch-Kamińska Joanna in Vieira, Cristina C. (ur.): PRIVATE WORLD(S) Rotterdam, Sense, 2015
Authors: Ličen Nives
Published: April 2015

Zbornik razprav o analizi učenja v vsakdanjem življenju (informal learning) skozi prizmo koncepta družbenega spola je izšel v zbirki Research on the education and learning of adults v sodelovanju med ESREA in založbo Sense. Prinaša spoznanja raziskav 22 avtorjev in avtoric iz osmih držav (Portugalska, Francija, Nemčija, Srbija, Poljska, Bolgarija, Irska, Avstralija).
Univerza v primežu neoliberalne politike
Authors: Kump Sonja
Published: April 2015

Univerza v primežu neoliberalne politike
Osnutek novega Zakona o visokem šolstvu in logika kapitalizma - Financiranje zasebnega na račun javnega šolstva
Authors: Burcar Lilijana
Published: April 2015

Prispevek analizira enega glavnih elementov prestrukturiranja, ki ga v visoko šolstvo vnaša predlagani osnutek novega ZViS. Nanaša se na statusno izenačevanje zasebnih fakultet z javnimi, da bi se tako dokončno legitimiralo njihovo javnoproračunsko financiranje, s tem pa prečrpavanje že tako okleščenih sredstev od javnih k zasebnim šolskim zavodom.
ZViS in nadaljnji elementi utrjevanja logike kapitala - Odcepljena podjetja in vseživljenjsko učenje
Authors: Burcar Lilijana
Published: April 2015

V prispevku analiziramo uvajanje odcepljenih podjetij in vseživljenjskega učenja na univerze, kar predpisuje novi osnutek ZViS, in pokažemo, da gre za dva povezana podsistema. Njun skupni imenovalec je legalizacija komercialnih in eksploatacijskih odnosov na ravni univerze v prid zasebnemu kapitalu, posledica česar je vpeljevanje/poglabljanje razredne segregacije.
Raziskovanje lastne prakse kot dejavnik profesionalnega razvoja babic in medicinskih sester
Authors: Jug Došler Anita , Skubic Metka , Petročnik Petra
Published: April 2015

Prispevek predstavlja zna.ilnosti in uporabnost akcijskega raziskovanja lastne prakse kot dejavnika profesionalnega razvoja babic in medicinskih sester. Raziskava temelji na empiri.nem anketnem raziskovalnem pristopu in kvantitativni metodologiji. Podatki so obdelani na ravni deskriptivne statistike, pri .emer je pri ugotavljanju statisti.no zna.ilnih razlik uporabljen preizkus Ô2. Rezultati so pokazali, da ve. kot polovica anketiranih nima izku.enj z raziskovanjem lastne delovne prakse in da jih pri raziskovanju najbolj ovira dejavnik pomanjkanja usposabljanj za razli.ne vrste raziskovanj, v katerih bi re.evali probleme iz lastne delovne prakse. Rezultati, .e posebej pri babicah, so pokazali na pomembnost intenzivnej.ega sodelovanja z delodajalci v izobra.evalnem procesu, pridobivanja izku.enj v delovnem okolju in njihovega vklju.evanja v raziskovalno dejavnost .e med .tudijem. Spoznanja na.e raziskave so prispevala k ve.jemu zavedanju o pomembnosti akcijskega raziskovanja in raziskovalne dejavnosti nasploh v izobra.evalnem procesu in programih, ki izobra.ujejo za poklice v zdravstvu.
Izzivi usposabljanja za delo s posebnimi ciljnimi skupinami na področju kulture - Projekt AKTIV
Authors: Sudec Katja
Published: April 2015

Prispevek na podlagi študije primera projekta AKTIV obravnava inovativno izobraževanje na področju kulture. Primer vključuje strategijo akcijskega raziskovanja in podpira procesno-razvojno postavljanje ciljev, kar pomeni, da se osredotoča na potrebe udeležencev in izhaja iz dejanskega stanja v družbi. Procesno-razvojno uresničevanje ciljev zahteva raziskovalni pristop in nenehno temeljno spraševanje o vsebinah, ki spodbujajo kritično razmišljanje. V članku opisujemo predavanja in delavnice v okviru projekta ter program simpozija AKTIV. Predstavljamo tudi ciljno skupino in jo primerjamo s populacijo udeležencev. V sklepnem delu so opredeljeni razlogi za uspešno izvedbo projekta ter vpliv na vključene. Interdisciplinarno delo podpira medskupinski dialog, ki ga opažamo kot pozitiven rezultat.
Comparative Effects of Photodynamic Therapy mediated by Curcumin on Standard and Clinical Isolate of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Paschoal Marco Aurelio , Tonon Caroline C , Correia Marilia , Spolidório Denise MP , Bagnato Vanderlei S , Giusti Juçaíra SM , Santos-Pinto Lourdes
Published: April 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was investigate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using curcumin (C) as a photosensitizing agent irradiated with an LED (L) in the blue wavelength as a light source on a standard and clinical isolate of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in a planktonic suspension model.

Materials and methods

Suspensions of both strains were divided into 4 groups as follows: absence of C and L (control group: C–L–), with C and without L (C group: C+L–), absence of C with L (L group: C–L+) and presence of C and L (PDT group: C+L+). Three different concentrations of curcumin (0.75 mg/ml, 1.5 mg/ml and 3 mg/ml) and three light fluences of studied light source (24, 48 and 72 J cm–2) were tested. Aliquots of each studied group was plated in BHI agar and submitted to colony forming units counting (CFU/ml) and the data transformed into logarithmical scale.

Results

A high photoinactivation rate of more than 70% was verified to standard S. mutans strain submitted to PDT whereas the clinical isolate showed a lower sensitivity to all the associations of curcumin and LED. A slight bacterial reduction was verified to C+L– and C–L+, demonstrating no toxic effects to the isolated application of light and photosensitizer to both S. mutans strains tested.

Conclusion

Photodynamic therapy using a combination of curcumin and blue LED presented a substantial antimicrobial effect on S. mutans standard strain in a planktonic suspension model with a less pronounced effect on its clinical isolate counterparts due to resistance to this alternative approach.

Clinical significance

Alternative antimicrobial approaches, as photodynamic therapy, should be encouraged due to optimal results against cariogenic bacteria aiming to prevent or treat dental caries.

How to cite this article

Tonon CC, Paschoal MA, Correia M, Spolidório DMP, Bagnato VS, Giusti JSM, Santos-Pinto L. Comparative Effects of Photodynamic Therapy mediated by Curcumin on Standard and Clinical Isolate of Streptococcus mutans. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(1):1-6.
Influence of pH Change and Water Storage on the Sealing Ability of Two Resin-based Root-filling Materials
Authors: de Fátima Carvalho Souza Soraia , de Souza Douglas Nesadal , de Fátima Vasconcelos Pereira Adriana , Barroso Lúcia Pereira , Bombana Antonio Carlos
Published: April 2015

Aim

To evaluate the influence of pH change and water storage up to 90 days on the sealing ability of two resin-based rootfilling materials.

Materials and methods

Forty-four human mandibular single-rooted teeth were instrumented and filled with gutta-percha/ AH Plus or Resilon/Epiphany SE (n = 20 per group). Two teeth each were used as positive and negative controls. Specimens were set for 7 days under 100% humidity at 37Â°C. They were allocated into two subgroups (n = 10) according to whether they were tested immediately or stored for up to 90 days in water before testing. Sealing ability was evaluated by passive dye penetration. Absorbance at 630 nm (in μg/ml) was measured by spectrophotometry. The pH values were obtained in triplicate. Data were submitted to ANOVA by post-hoc Tukey's test (α = 0.05).

Results

Specimens filled with Resilon/Epiphany SE exhibited more leakage than specimens filled with gutta-percha/AH Plus at the immediate time point (p < 0.001). No differences were detected between the groups after storage, or between the materials with pH changes after 30, 60 and 90 days (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Gutta-percha/AH Plus provided superior sealing at the immediate time point. Water storage and pH changes did not influence the sealing ability of tested materials.

Clinical significance

These results suggest that Resilon/ Epiphany SE sealer offered no apparent advantage over the more conventional gutta-percha/AH Plus sealer technique in terms of sealing ability.

How to cite this article

de Fátima Carvalho Souza S, de Souza DN, de Fátima Vasconcelos Pereira A, Barroso LP, Bombana AC. Influence of pH Change and Water Storage on the Sealing Ability of Two Resin-based Root-filling Materials. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(1):36-41.
Evaluating the Cariogenic Potential of Flavored Milk: An Experimental Study using Rat Model
Authors: Al-Jobair Asma , Khounganian Rita
Published: April 2015

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and to compare the cariogenic potential of different commonly consumed flavored milk on caries development in rat's molar teeth.

Materials and methods

Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats infected with an active growing culture of Streptococcus mutans were offered chocolate flavored milk, strawberry flavored milk, banana flavored milk, plain milk, sweetened plain milk with 5% sucrose, and 10% sucrose ad libitum.

Results

Rats consuming flavored milk developed significantly lower sulcal and smooth surface caries scores than rats consuming 10% sucrose. However, rats consuming plain milk developed significantly lower sulcal and smooth surface caries scores than animals consuming flavored or sweetened plain milk except for chocolate flavored milk.

Conclusion

It was concluded that flavored milk containing 5% sucrose showed a moderate cariogenic potential.

Clinical significance

Although the overall results suggest that the cariogenic potential of flavored milk is moderate and despite their nutritional value, occasional consumption of flavored milk as a beverage might be accepted with caution. Parents, dental practitioners and other healthcare professionals should be aware of the cariogenicity of flavored milk. They should keenly encourage the use of plain milk and discourage the use of any cariogenic drink which has a deleterious effect on teeth.

How to cite this article

Al-Jobair A, Khounganian R. Evaluating the Cariogenic Potential of Flavored Milk: An Experimental Study using Rat Model. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(1):42-47.
Hardness and Surface Roughness of Enamel and Base Layers of Resin Denture Teeth after Long-term repeated Chemical Disinfection
Authors: Neppelenbroek Karin Hermana , Kurokawa Luciana Ayumi , Procópio Andréa Lemos Falcão , Pegoraro Thiago Amadei , Hotta Juliana , Lima Jozely Francisca Mello , Urban Vanessa Migliorini
Published: April 2015

Aim

To evaluate the effect of successive cycles of disinfection in different denture cleansers on the surface roughness and the Vickers hardness of two layers of acrylic resin (base-BL and enamel-EL) of two commercial cross-linked artificial teeth.

Materials and methods

The occlusal surfaces of 60 acrylic resin denture posterior teeth (Trilux-TLX and SR Orthosit PE-SRO) embedded in autopolymerizing acrylic resin were ground flat with 1200-grit silicon carbide paper. Specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C and then submitted to the microhardness (VHN) and roughness (ìm) tests. Specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 90 days and submitted to 720 disinfection cycles in sodium hypochlorite at 0.5%, 30% vinegar solution or distilled water (control). Afterward, microhardness and roughness tests were again performed. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05).

Results

Hypochlorite immersion decreased the hardness of BL and EL of SRO teeth, with an average reduction of 10.11% (p < 0.008). TLX teeth demonstrated a hardness reduction of 28.96% of both layers for all solutions including water (p < 0.0000). The roughness of both teeth was not affected by denture cleansers (p > 0.37).

Conclusion

Hypochlorite promoted deleterious effects on the hardness of both layers of the artificial teeth tested. Immersion in vinegar and water also resulted in reduction of hardness of TLX teeth.

Clinical significance

The surface hardness of the different layers of cross-linked artificial teeth can be altered by daily disinfection in denture cleansers commonly indicated for removable dentures.

How to cite this article

Neppelenbroek KH, Kurokawa LA, Procópio ALF, Pegoraro TA, Hotta J, Lima JFM, Urban VM. Hardness and Surface Roughness of Enamel and Base Layers of Resin Denture Teeth after Long-term repeated Chemical Disinfection. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(1):54-60.
A Tomographic Study of the Mandibular Condyle Position in Partially Edentulous Population
Authors: Ammanna Susan , Rodrigues Anisha , Shetty N Sridhar , Shetty Karunakar
Published: April 2015

Background and objectives

The influence of the loss of teeth on the condylar position and on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction syndrome remains a controversial issue. This study analyses the condylar position by means of a tomogram in partially dentate subjects which serves as a guide to predict which of the partially dentate statuses is prone to develop TMJ dysfunction syndrome in personnel without symptoms of the same.

Methodology

Eighty personnel were enrolled in this study consisting of Kennedy's class I, II, III, IV and control to analyze the condylar position by means of a tomogram. In all the five groups TMJ sectional tomogram programmed in a panoramic radiographic machine (PLANMECA PM 2002 CC PROLINE) was taken with the subjects at maximal intercuspal position and rest position. Tomograms were evaluated using linear measurements of the anterior and posterior intra-articular joint spaces on the basis of drawings and tracings.

Results

The results of the study revealed a predominance of reduced posterior condylar space in Kennedy's class I and II. A disparity was seen between the maximum intercuspal position and rest position, where the posterior joint space was reduced in the rest position.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, it has been revealed that in Kennedy's classes I and II, for partially dentate personnel, a posterior displacement of the condyles was seen. This predisposition would suggest towards the necessity of restoring the missing dentition in order to maintain the harmony of the stomatognathic system.

How to cite this article

Ammanna S, Rodrigues A, Shetty NS, Shetty K, Augustine D, Patil S. A Tomographic Study of the Mandibular Condyle Position in Partially Edentulous Population. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(1):68-73.
Dual-Task Performance Involving Hand Dexterity and Cognitive Tasks and Daily Functioning in People With Schizophrenia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lin Keh-chung , Wu Yi-fang , Chen I-chen , Tsai Pei-luen , Wu Ching-yi , Chen Chia-ling
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE. This study investigated separate and concurrent performance on cognitive and hand dexterity tasks and the relationship to daily functioning in 16 people with schizophrenia and 16 healthy control participants.

METHOD. Participants performed the Purdue Pegboard Test and the Serial Seven Subtraction Test under single- and dual-task conditions and completed two daily functioning evaluations.

RESULTS. The hand dexterity of all participants declined in the dual-task condition, but the discrepancy between single-task and dual-task hand dexterity was greater in the schizophrenia group than in the control group (p < .03, d > .70, for all). The extent of discrepancy in hand dexterity was negatively correlated with daily functioning in the schizophrenia group (rs = −.3 to −.5, ps = .04–.26).

CONCLUSION. Ability to perform dual tasks may be an indicator of daily functioning in people with schizophrenia. Use of dual-task training may be considered as a therapeutic activity with these clients.
Feasibility of a Sensory-Adapted Dental Environment for Children With Autism
Authors: Cermak Sharon A. , Stein Duker Leah I. , Williams Marian E. , Lane Christianne Joy , Dawson Michael E. , Borreson Ann E. , Polido José C.
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE. To provide an example of an occupational therapy feasibility study and evaluate the implementation of a randomized controlled pilot and feasibility trial examining the impact of a sensory-adapted dental environment (SADE) to enhance oral care for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

METHOD. Twenty-two children with ASD and 22 typically developing children, ages 6–12 yr, attended a dental clinic in an urban hospital. Participants completed two dental cleanings, 3–4 mo apart, one in a regular environment and one in a SADE. Feasibility outcome measures were recruitment, retention, accrual, dropout, and protocol adherence. Intervention outcome measures were physiological stress, behavioral distress, pain, and cost.

RESULTS. We successfully recruited and retained participants. Parents expressed satisfaction with research study participation. Dentists stated that the intervention could be incorporated in normal practice. Intervention outcome measures favored the SADE condition.

CONCLUSION. Preliminary positive benefit of SADE in children with ASD warrants moving forward with a large-scale clinical trial.
Behavioral Intention to Use a Virtual Instrumental Activities of Daily Living System Among People With Stroke
Authors: Ellington Allison , Adams Richard , White Marga , Diamond Paul
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the behavioral intention to use (BIU) regarding a virtual system for practicing instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) among people with stroke.

METHOD. Fourteen people who had sustained a stroke used a virtual world–based system over four sessions to participate in virtual occupations of preparing meals and putting away groceries. To investigate intention to use the technology, participants responded to a questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model and were interviewed about the experience.

RESULTS. Analysis of questionnaire responses revealed favorable attitudes toward the technology and statistically significant correlations between these attitudes and positive BIU. Analysis of qualitative data revealed four themes to support system use: Use of the affected arm increased, the virtual practice was enjoyable, the technology was user-friendly, and the system reflected real-life activities.

CONCLUSION. This study shows that participants reported a positive BIU for the virtual system for practicing IADLs.
Client and Therapist Perspectives on the Influence of Low Vision and Chronic Conditions on Performance and Occupational Therapy Intervention
Authors: Barstow Beth A. , Warren Mary , Thaker Swetal , Hallman Allison , Batts Penelope
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE. We explored how vision loss and comorbid chronic conditions influence occupational therapy intervention by gathering perspectives from occupational therapists treating clients with low vision and from older adults with low vision.

METHOD. We surveyed 59 occupational therapists on the frequency of comorbidities in their clients and their influence on low vision intervention. Eight older adults with low vision participated in in-depth interviews and observations on the influence of low vision and comorbidities on their occupational performance. Conclusions reflect data analysis from both methods.

RESULTS. The occupational therapists modified low vision interventions to address the added effect of each comorbidity. Modifications included more treatment sessions, home visits, referrals to other professions, and provision of strategies to address comorbidities. The older adults viewed vision loss as a stronger influence than comorbidities on independence in daily occupations.

CONCLUSION. Both vision loss and comorbidities influence occupational performance, supporting the need for interventions to address both conditions.
Parents’ Understanding of Play for Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Graham Naomi E. , Truman Juliette , Holgate Heather
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE. To present the findings of an exploratory study regarding the experience of play as an everyday occupation for children with severe cerebral palsy from their parents’ perspective.

METHOD. We took a qualitative methodology and interpretive descriptive approach. After ethical approval, 7 participants were recruited and completed an interview and contextual information sheet.

RESULTS. The interview data led to the exploration of four themes: typical play, burden of play, expanding the concept of play, and therapy and play. These components were interlinked and contributed to parents’ understanding of play.

CONCLUSION. Occupational therapy practitioners can aim to further understand the importance of affirming typical play, recognizing the burden of play, explaining expanded play, and explaining the importance of play for play’s sake.
Fear of Falling in People With Chronic Stroke
Authors: Schmid Arlene A. , Arnold Sarah E. , Jones Valerie A. , Jane Ritter M. , Sapp Stephanie A. , Van Puymbroeck Marieke
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE. We assessed the prevalence of fear of falling (FoF) in a sample of people with chronic stroke and compared multiple variables (balance, anxiety, depression, activity and participation, and stroke severity) in people with and without FoF.

METHOD. This study was a secondary analysis of data collected from a cross-sectional study of mobility after stroke in 77 participants with chronic stroke (>6 mo poststroke).

RESULTS. Of the 77 participants, 51 (66%) reported experiencing FoF. People with FoF had significantly decreased balance (p < .001) and activity and participation (p = .006) and significantly increased anxiety (p = .007). People with FoF also had significantly worse stroke severity (p = .001).

CONCLUSION. FoF is a prevalent concern in the chronic stroke population. The presence of FoF was associated with a variety of negative consequences. Occupational therapy practitioners should address FoF to help clients manage FoF and possibly improve recovery.
Comparisons of polar processing diagnostics from 34 years of the ERA-Interim and MERRA reanalyses
Authors: Lawrence Z. D. , Manney G. L. , Minschwaner K. , Santee M. L. , Lambert A.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. We present a comprehensive comparison of polar processing diagnostics derived from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Modern Era Retrospective-analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Interim Reanalysis (ERA-Interim). We use diagnostics that focus on meteorological conditions related to stratospheric chemical ozone loss based on temperatures, polar vortex dynamics, and air parcel trajectories to evaluate the effects these reanalyses might have on polar processing studies. Our results show that the agreement between MERRA and ERA-Interim changes significantly over the 34 years from 1979 to 2013 in both hemispheres and in many cases improves. By comparing our diagnostics during five time periods when an increasing number of higher-quality observations were brought into these reanalyses, we show how changes in the data assimilation systems (DAS) of MERRA and ERA-Interim affected their meteorological data. Many of our stratospheric temperature diagnostics show a convergence toward significantly better agreement, in both hemispheres, after 2001 when Aqua and GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) radiances were introduced into the DAS. Other diagnostics, such as the winter mean volume of air with temperatures below polar stratospheric cloud formation thresholds (VPSC) and some diagnostics of polar vortex size and strength, do not show improved agreement between the two reanalyses in recent years when data inputs into the DAS were more comprehensive. The polar processing diagnostics calculated from MERRA and ERA-Interim agree much better than those calculated from earlier reanalysis data sets. We still, however, see fairly large differences in many of the diagnostics in years prior to 2002, raising the possibility that the choice of one reanalysis over another could significantly influence the results of polar processing studies. After 2002, we see overall good agreement among the diagnostics, which demonstrates that the ERA-Interim and MERRA reanalyses are equally appropriate choices for polar processing studies of recent Arctic and Antarctic winters.
Distribution of PAHs and the PAH-degrading bacteria in the deep-sea sediments of the high-latitude Arctic Ocean
Authors: Dong C. , Bai X. , Sheng H. , Jiao L. , Zhou H. , Shao Z.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common organic pollutants that can be transferred long distances and tend to accumulate in marine sediments. However, less is known regarding the distribution of PAHs and their natural bioattenuation in the open sea, especially the Arctic Ocean. In this report, sediment samples were collected at four sites from the Chukchi Plateau to the Makarov Basin in the summer of 2010. PAH compositions and total concentrations were examined with GC-MS. The concentrations of 16 EPA-priority PAHs varied from 2.0 to 41.6 ng g−1 dry weight and decreased with sediment depth and movement from the southern to the northern sites. Among the targeted PAHs, phenanthrene was relatively abundant in all sediments. The 16S rRNA gene of the total environmental DNA was analyzed with Illumina high-throughput sequencing (IHTS) to determine the diversity of bacteria involved in PAH degradation in situ. The potential degraders including Cycloclasticus, Pseudomonas, Halomonas, Pseudoalteromonas, Marinomonas, Bacillus, Dietzia, Colwellia, Acinetobacter, Alcanivorax, Salinisphaera and Shewanella, with Dietzia as the most abundant, occurred in all sediment samples. Meanwhile, enrichment with PAHs was initiated onboard and transferred to the laboratory for further enrichment and to obtain the degrading consortia. Most of the abovementioned bacteria in addition to Hahella, Oleispira, Oceanobacter and Hyphomonas occurred alternately as predominant members in the enrichment cultures from different sediments based on IHTS and PCR-DGGE analysis. To reconfirm their role in PAH degradation, 40 different bacteria were isolated and characterized, among which Cycloclasticus Pseudomonas showed the best degradation capability under low temperatures. Taken together, PAHs and PAH-degrading bacteria were widespread in the deep-sea sediments of the Arctic Ocean. We propose that bacteria of Cycloclasticus, Pseudomonas, Pseudoalteromonas, Halomonas, Marinomonas and Dietzia may play the most important role in PAH mineralization in situ.
Seasonal variation in vegetation water content estimated from proximal sensing and MODIS time series in a Mediterranean Fluxnet site
Authors: Mendiguren G. , Martín M. P. , Nieto H. , Pacheco-Labrador J. , Jurdao S.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. This study evaluates three different metrics of vegetation water content estimated from proximal sensing and MODIS satellite imagery: Fuel Moisture Content (FMC), Equivalent Water Thickness (EWT) and Canopy Water Content (CWC). Dry matter (Dm) and Leaf area Index (LAI) were also analyzed in order to connect FMC with EWT and EWT with CWC, respectively. This research took place in a Fluxnet site located in Mediterranean wooded grassland (dehesa) ecosystem in Las Majadas del Tietar (Spain). Results indicated that FMC and EWT showed lower spatial variation than CWC. The spatial variation within the MODIS pixel was not as critical as its temporal trend, so to capture better the variability, fewer plots should be sampled but more times. Due to the high seasonal Dm variability, a constant annual value would not work to predict EWT from FMC. Relative root mean square error (RRMSE) evaluated the performance of nine spectral indices to compute each variable. VARI provided the worst results in all cases. For proximal sensing, GEMI worked best for both FMC (RRMSE = 34.5%) and EWT (RRMSE = 27.43%) while NDII and GVMI performed best for CWC (RRMSE =30.27% and 31.58% respectively). For MODIS data, results were a bit better with EVI as the best predictor for FMC (RRMSE = 33.81%) and CWC (RRMSE = 27.56%) and GEMI for EWT (RRMSE = 24.6%). To explain these differences, proximal sensing measures only grasslands at nadir view angle, but MODIS includes also trees, their shades, and other artifacts at up to 20° view angle. CWC was better predicted than the other two water content variables, probably because CWC depends on LAI, which is highly correlated to the spectral indices. Finally, these empirical methods outperformed FMC and CWC products based on radiative transfer model inversion.
Representation of vegetation effects on the snow-covered albedo in the Noah land surface model with multiple physics options
Authors: Park S. , Park S. K.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Snow albedo plays a critical role in calculating the energy budget, but parameterization of the snow surface albedo is still under great uncertainty. It varies with snow grain size, snow cover thickness, snow age, forest shading factor and other variables. Snow albedo of forest is typically lower than that of short vegetation; thus snow albedo is dependent on the spatial distributions of characteristic land cover and on the canopy density and structure. In the Noah land surface model with multiple physics options (Noah-MP), almost all vegetation types in East Asia during winter have the minimum values of leaf area index (LAI) and stem area index (SAI), which are too low and do not consider the vegetation types. Because LAI and SAI are represented in terms of photosynthetic activeness, the vegetation effect rarely exerts on the surface albedo in winter in East Asia with only these parameters. Thus, we investigated the vegetation effects on the snow-covered albedo from observations and evaluated the model improvement by considering such effect. We found that calculation of albedo without proper reflection of the vegetation effect is mainly responsible for the large positive bias in winter. Therefore, we developed new parameters, called leaf index (LI) and stem index (SI), which properly manage the effect of vegetation structure on the winter albedo. As a result, the Noah-MP's performance in albedo has been significantly improved – RMSE is reduced by approximately 73%.
Is it possible to detect in situ the sulfur loading of a fixed bed catalysts with a sensor?
Authors: Fremerey P. , Jess A. , Moos R.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. This study reports on a sensor concept to measure in situ sulfur poisoning (sulfidation) of refinery catalysts, in this case, of commercial silica pellets loaded with highly dispersed nickel. Catalyst pellets were poisoned in diluted H2S between 100 and 400 °C and the sulfidation of the catalyst was observed. During this process, nickel sulfides are formed on the catalyst according to X-ray diffraction spectra and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy data. The sulfidation kinetics was quantitatively described by a shrinking core model. Representative catalyst pellets were electrically contacted, and their impedance was recorded in situ during sulfidation. At the beginning, the particles are highly insulating and behave capacitively. Their conductivity increases by decades during sulfidation. At high temperatures, an almost constant slope in the double-logarithmic representation vs. time can be found. At low temperatures, the conductivity remains constantly low for a long time but changes then rapidly by decades, which is also indicated by the phase that drops from capacitive to ohmic behavior. Since nickel sulfides exhibit a lower conductivity than nickel, the conductivity increase by decades during sulfidation can only be explained by electrically conducting percolation paths that form during sulfidation. They originate from the increased volume of sulfides compared to the pure nickel metal.
Evaluating management-induced soil salinization in golf courses in semi-arid landscapes
Authors: Young J. , Udeigwe T. K. , Weindorf D. C. , Kandakji T. , Gautam P. , Mahmoud M. A.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Site-specific information on land management practices are often desired to make better assessments of their environmental impacts. A study was conducted in Lubbock, Texas, in the Southern High Plains of the United States, an area characterized by semi-arid climatic conditions, to (1) examine the potential management-induced alterations in soil salinity indicators in golf course facilities and (2) develop predictive relationships for a more rapid soil salinity examination within these urban landscape soils using findings from a portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) spectrometer. Soil samples were collected from managed (well irrigated) and non-managed (non-irrigated) areas of seven golf course facilities at 0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm depths and analyzed for a suite of chemical properties. Among the extractable cations, sodium (Na) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the managed zones of all the golf facilities. Soil electrical conductivity (EC), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), parameters often used in characterizing soil salinity and sodicity, were for the most part significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the managed areas. Water quality reports collected over a 22-year period (1991–2013, all years not available) indicated a gradual increase in pH, EC, SAR, total alkalinity, and extractable ions, thus supporting the former findings. Findings from the PXRF suggested possible differences in chemical species and sources that contribute to salinity between the managed and non-managed zones. PXRF-quantified Cl and S, and to a lesser extent Ca, individually and collectively explained 23–85% of the variability associated with soil salinity at these facilities.
Evaluation of Instrumentation Systems in Reducing E. Faecalis from Root Canals: TF Adaptive and ProTaper Next Versus Single File Systems
Authors: Karataş Ertuğrul , Gültekin Esra , Arslan Hakan , Kιrιcι Damla Özsu , Alsancak Meltem , Topçu Meltem Çolak
Published: April 2015

Purpose

To compare the effect of the TF Adaptive, ProTaper Next, OneShape, WaveOne, Reciproc, (SAF) on the reduction of E. faecalis in experimentally infected root canals.

Materials and Methods

70 human mandibular incisor teeth with straight roots and single root canals were selected for this experiment and the root canals of the selected teeth were infected with E. faecalis. After contamination, all the root canals were randomly divided into 7 groups: control, ProTaper Next, TF Adaptive, SAF, WaveOne, Reciproc, and OneShape. After the irrigation procedures, samples were taken from root canals with paper points and incubated in blood agar plates. The colonies grown on the blood agar were counted and interpreted as colony forming units per milliliter.

Results

Analysis of results showed that all instrumentation systems were more effective in reducing the number of bacteria than the control ( P<.001). The ProTaper Next, TF Adaptive, WaveOne, Reciproc, and OneShape systems were significantly more effective than the SAF system in reducing E. faecalis within the root canals ( P<.001).

Conclusions

All instrumentation systems used in this study provided a significant reduction in bacterial populations.
Automatic Locomotion Generation for a UBot Modular Robot – Towards Both High-Speed and Multiple Patterns
Authors: Zhao Jie , Wang Xiaolu , Jin Hongzhe , Bie Dongyang , Zhu Yanhe
Published: April 2015

Modular self-reconfigurable robots (SRRs) have redundant degrees of freedom and various configurations. There are two hard problems imposed by SRR features: locomotion planning and the discovery of multiple locomotion patterns. Most of the current research focuses on solving the first problem, using evolutionary algorithms based on the philosophy of searching-for-the-best. The main problem is that the search can fall into a local optimum in the case of a complex non-linear problem. Another drawback is that the searched result lacks diversity in the behaviour space, which is inappropriate in addressing the problem of discovering multiple locomotion patterns. In this paper, we present a new strategy that evolves an SRR's controller by searching for behavioural diversity. Instead of converging on a single optimal solution, this strategy discovers a vast variety of different ways to realize robot locomotion. Optimal motion is sparse in the behaviour space, and this method can find it as a by-product through a diversity-keeping mechanism. A revised particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, driven by behaviour sparseness, is implemented to evolve locomotion for a variety of configurations whose efficiency and flexibility is validated. The results show that this method can not only obtain an optimized robot controller, but also find various locomotion patterns.
Fault Self-Diagnosis for Modular Robotic Systems Using M-Lattice Modules
Authors: Guan Enguang , Fei Jian , Pan Gen , Fu Zhuang , Yan Weixin , Zhao Yanzheng
Published: April 2015

In the domain of modular robotic systems, self-configuration, self-diagnosis and self-repair are known to be highly challenging tasks. This paper presents a novel fault self-diagnosis strategy which consists of two parts: fault detection and fault message transmission. In fault detection, a bionic synchronization ‘healthy heartbeat’ method is used to guarantee the high efficiency of the exogenous detection strategy. For fault message transmission, the Dijkstra method is modified to be capable of guiding the passage of fault messages along the optimal path. In a modular robotic system, fault message transmission depends mainly on local communications between adjacent modules, so there is no need for global broadcast information. Computational simulations of one system form, M-Lattice, have demonstrated the practical effectiveness of the proposed strategy. The strategy should be applicable in modular robotic systems in general.