bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting the surface waviness of sheet moulding compound parts by simulating process-induced thermal stresses
Authors: Michaeli Walter , Kremer Christoph 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
This paper describes an opportunity to compute the surface waviness of compression moulded sheet moulding compound (SMC) parts by simulating residual stresses. First, different types of surface defects occurring on SMC parts are discussed. A method for calculating the surface waviness of the compression moulded part is presented, which combines the simulation of the production process and the structural computation. Modelling of the curing reaction and the development of mechanical properties are discussed and implemented. The potential of the computation method is shown for an automotive fender made of SMC. The results state that the curing reaction of SMC can be well described using the approach of Ng and Manas-Zloczower. The position of the measured waviness on the examined fender is in good agreement with the calculated stress distribution.
Family-centered Program Deters Substance Use, Conduct Problems, and Depressive Symptoms in Black Adolescents
Authors: Brody Gene H. , Chen Yi-fu , Kogan Steven M. , Yu Tianyi , Molgaard Virginia K. , DiClemente Ralph J. , Wingood Gina M. 
Published: December 2011

Objectives:
The present research addressed the following important question in pediatric medicine: Can participation in a new family-centered preventive intervention, the Strong African American Families–Teen (SAAF–T) program, deter conduct problems, substance use, substance use problems, and depressive symptoms among rural black adolescents across 22 months?

Methods:
Data were collected from 502 black families in rural Georgia, assigned randomly to SAAF–T or an attention control condition. The prevention condition consisted of 5 consecutive meetings at community facilities with separate, concurrent sessions for caregivers and adolescents followed by a caregiver-adolescent session in which families practiced skills they learned in the separate sessions. Adolescents self-reported conduct problem behaviors, substance use, substance use problems, and depressive symptoms at ages 16 years (pretest) and 17 years 10 months (long-term assessment).

Results:
Adolescents who participated in SAAF–T evinced lower increases in conduct problem behavior, substance use, substance use problems, and depressive symptom frequencies than did adolescents in the attention control condition across the 22 months between pretest and long-term assessment.

Conclusions:
This is the first study to demonstrate efficacy in a prevention program designed to deter conduct problems, substance use, substance use problems, and depressive symptoms among rural black adolescents. Because SAAF–T is a manualized, structured program, it can be easily disseminated to public health agencies, schools, churches, boys’ and girls’ clubs, and other community organizations.
Identifying Quality Improvement Opportunities in a Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program
Authors: Deem Kenneth C. , Diaz-Ordaz Ernesto A. , Shiner Brian 
Published: December 2011

Background And Objectives:Hospital-based universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) programs are encouraged to maintain quality assurance protocols, but many hospitals lack the time and resources to initiate this process. We studied a practical approach to measuring baseline quality indicators and identifying improvement opportunities in UNHS programs.Methods:We determined screening processes and quality indicators for UNHS programs at 4 hospitals through site visits and a 2-year retrospective review of nursery and audiology records. Nurses, audiologists, and otolaryngologists met for feedback of hospital-specific quality indicators. The sessions identified improvement opportunities and proposed system changes for immediate implementation.Results:Hospitals screened 21 957 newborns for hearing loss. Screening rates were &gt;99% at all hospitals. Rates of referral and diagnostic testing varied significantly between hospitals. Low referral rates prompted 2 hospitals to adjust screening processes to reduce potential false-negative screening results. Two other hospitals addressed poor diagnostic follow-up by changing the referral process to include additional family contact information. Hospitals also increased referrals to Early Intervention Child Find services on the basis of our finding that these referrals increased the likelihood of diagnostic follow-up fourfold. We could not fully assess indicators of hearing aid eligibility and enrollment in early intervention services due to insufficient documentation.Conclusions:Review of nursery and audiology records successfully established most quality indicators for the UNHS programs we studied. Feedback of quality indicators identified multiple improvement opportunities and facilitated endorsement of immediate system changes. This study demonstrates a practical and data-driven approach to quality improvement that can be used by any UNHS program.
Studies on phytoremediation in a chromium contaminated area in Hungary
Authors: Lakatos Gy. , Csatári I. , Igaz T. , Gyulai I. , Mészáros I. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
This paper presents the results of the floristical examinations performed in the units of a former secondary sedimentation pond system in Hungary. The outcome of analyses on the chromium content of the plants is discussed. Beside the chemical analyses, observations on the plants, the characterization of the ecological state of plant stands adapted to heavy metal load. Results of the elemental analysis for heavy metals revealed that none of the plants constituting the natural vegetation can be treated as hyperaccumulator plant. A green cover and the detoxification process of Cr(VI) by plants is suggested to be more important than the present extensive phytoextraction procedure. It can be stated that due to the disturbance our investigated area has diverse vegetation, in addition these plants can tolerate a high concentration of heavy metals, and they are able to take up them.
Quality of Life in the Nursing Homes in Jordan: Perspectives of Residents
Authors: Khader Fakhri 
Published: December 2011

This study was planned and conducted to assess the quality of life (QOL) as perceived by 140 selected elderly people living in 3 public nursing homes in Amman, Jordan. Factors that may influence quality of life among the residents were analyzed, and the relationship between quality of life and certain demographics in the nursing homes was determined. The data were collected through administration of a questionnaire during face-to-face interviews in the residents’ settings. Consent from each resident was sought and obtained. The findings indicated that the quality of life is determined by age, gender, marital status, level of education, and length of stay in the nursing home. Also, by the quality of the four domains: physical, psychological, social relationships, and environment.
Waterborne polyurethanes: influence of chain extender in ftir spectra profiles
Authors: Delpech Marcia , Miranda Gisele 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Non-polluting systems based on waterborne polyurethanes (wPU) and poly(urethane-urea)s (wPUU) were synthesized employing poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA) and 4,4′-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (HMDI) as monomers. In the formulations, the length and the proportion of the soft segments were varied. Three types of chain extenders were employed: ethylene glycol (EG), producing urethane linkages; and ethylenediamine (EDA) and hydrazine (HYD), forming urea linkages. Cast films obtained from wPU and wPUU, monomers and prepolymers were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). The profile of carbonyl absorption bands obtained for the films showed some remarkable differences depending on the formulation. The bands were split into two parts, which were directly related to the tendency of hydrogen bond formation. The length of soft segment, the amount of rigid portions and the presence of urea linkages showed a marked influence in both intensity and frequency absorption of the bands.
Non linear inversion of gravity gradients and the GGI gradiometer
Authors: Talwani Manik 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAll gradiometers currently operating for exploration in the field are based on Lockheed Martin’s GGI gradiometer. The working of this gradiometer is described and a method for robust non linear inversion of gravity gradients is presented. The inversion method involves obtaining the gradient response of a trial body consisting of vertical rectangular prisms. The inversion adjusts the depth to the tops or bases of the prisms. In the trial model all the prisms are not required to have the same area of cross section or the same density (which can also be allowed to vary with depth). The depth to the tops and bottoms of each prism can also be different. This response is compared with the observed values of gradient and through an iterative procedure, the difference is minimized in a least square sense to arrive at a best fitting model by varying the position of the tops or bottoms of the prisms. Each gradient can be individually inverted or one or more gradients can be jointly inverted. The method is extended to invert gravity values individually or jointly with gradient values. The use of Differential Curvature, a quantity which is directly obtained by current gradiometers in use and which is an invariant under a rotation in the horizontal plane, is emphasized. Synthetic examples as well as a field example of inversion are given.
Diagnostic value of VIA comparing with conventional pap smear in the detection of colposcopic biopsy proved CIN
Authors: Hegde D , Shetty H , Shetty PK , Rai S , Manjeera L , Vyas N , Hegde A , Mallya H , Rajesh A 
Published: December 2011

Introduction: Cervical cancer, the leading malignancy among Indian women is preventable and curable if detected at an early stage using proper screening tools. We conducted a study to assess the role of visual inspection with acetic acid as an alternative to pap smear and in screening program for cervical cancer in low resource settings. Methods: Two hundred and twenty five women in reproductive age group attending the Gynecology department at K.S Hegde Charitable Hospital were enrolled in the study. A Papanicolaou smear and visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid was done. All women then underwent colposcopy using the videocolposcope. All patients who tested positive on screening then underwent colposcopy guided biopsy. Pap smear of low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) and above was taken as abnormal. The statistical test used was chi square test and results were computed using SPSS version 12.0. Results: Out of 225 patients, VIA was positive in 27(12%) patients and pap smear was abnormal in 26(11.7%). There were 15 LSIL, 6 high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and 5 were squamous cell carcinoma. On biopsy, there were 15 mild dysplasia, 2 moderate dysplasia, 4 severe dysplasia and 3 squamous cancers. Pap smear had a sensitivity of 83%, specificity of 98%, positive predictive value of 80 % and negative predictive value of 97.9%. VIA had a sensitivity of 70.8%, specificity of 95%, and positive predictive value of 62.9 % and negative predictive value of 96.5%. Conclusion : Since diagnostic values of VIA is comparable to pap smear, and it performs well in detecting high grade lesion we conclude that VIA can be used as a screening modality for cervical cancer in low resource settings. Keywords: visual inspection with acetic acid; pap smear- colposcopy; cervical cancer; low resource settings DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i3.5579 HR 2011; 9(3): 134-139
Effectiveness of pencil push up therapy in patients with convergence insufficiency: a pilot study
Authors: Sapkota K , Sah DK , Bhattarai S , Sharma AK , Shrestha JK , Shah DN 
Published: December 2011

Background: Convergence insufficiency (CI) is a common ocular morbidity encountered in clinical optometry practice. It decreases the efficacy for near work. Pencil push up therapy (PPT) is frequently used for the treatment of CI. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of pencil push up exercise in convergence insufficiency patients. Methods: A hospital based interventional longitudinal prospective study was designed. All patients attending BP Koirala Lions Centre of Ophthalmic Studies (BPKLCOS), Nepal from March 1st 2008 to February 28, 2009 with symptomatic convergence insufficiency were included in this study. Near point of convergence (NPC), prism fusion vergence (PFV) and symptom score were measured with RAF ruler, prism bar and symptom questionnaire respectively before and after PPT. Results: Out of 84 patients included in the study, only 23 completed follow up check up. Among them 73% were female and 23% were male. The mean age of patients was 19.93±6.0 years and 73% of the total were students. The improvement in NPC was statistically significant after PPT (p =0.008). The average NPC at first visit was 18.58±7.46 cm while at follow up visit, it was 11±4.6 cm. The PFV and average symptom score were also improved significantly. Conclusion: PPT is beneficial for CI patients. It improves the NPC, PFV and reduces the symptom of the patients. However, the compliance of Nepalese CI patients with PPT is poor. Keywords: NPC; PFV; convergence insufficiency; pencil push up therapy. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i3.5583 HR 2011; 9(3): 157-161
Success of three quarter crown in posterior teeth
Authors: Suwal P , Sultana A 
Published: December 2011

Introduction: This study was designed to observe the success of three quarter crown over conventional full veneer crown in the posterior teeth (premolars and molars) where there has been considerable destruction of tooth structure but with the buccal surface remaining intact. Method: A total number of 30 patients were studied. Among which 15 patients were treated with three quarter crown and rest of the 15 patients were treated with conventional full veneer crown. The specific parameters of the study were the preservation of natural tooth tissue, prevalence of secondary caries, conservation of periodontal health, esthetic, comfort and oral hygiene maintenance. After 6 Month of follow up period patient were recalled to evaluate the above mentioned parameters. Results: Among all the observations this study revealed the similar result in both group of patients. Periodontal disease and maintenance of oral hygiene was significantly associated in patient with three quarter crown, slight alteration of oral hygiene in the patient treated with full veneer crown was present. Conservation of the natural tooth structure especially buccal wall with negligible alteration in patient’s aesthetics (20%) as well as functional activities (20%) was significant for those patients with three quarter crown. Conclusion: Overall findings established that three quarter crown is equally effective for the restoration of the tooth and can be used as an alternative to conventional full veneer crown in the posterior teeth where there has been considerable destruction of tooth structure but with the buccal surface remaining intact. Keywords: Three quarter crown; conventional full veneer crown; secondary caries; periodontal disease; oral hygiene; esthetic DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i3.5586 HR 2011; 9(3): 173-178
Instilling the core concept of inter professional education
Authors: Bhattacharya S , Bhattacharya SK , Gautam AP 
Published: December 2011

The Inter Professional Education (IPE) is an innovative teaching learning intervention in Health Professions’ Education during which members of more than one health profession learn interactively together to improve collaborative practice and/health of the patients. Thus this approach provides positive outcomes for students enhancing their awareness towards other professional groups, improving knowledge and understanding of how to work in an inter professional team and strengthening their communication and collaboration skills. Within the hierarchical nature of many clinical settings, the aims of IPE courses intersect with socialization of health professional (HP) students into roles of responsibility and authority. The IPE in HP courses emphasizes the practice of frequent high quality communication, strong relationships and partnerships among health care providers to maximize the quality of care thus improving the efficiency of care thereby improving clinical outcomes. Health Professional Schools are this motivated to opt for inter professional education to improve the learning of the students, health care delivery and patient outcomes. Keywords: Inter professional relations; patient centered care; education DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i3.5591 HR 2011; 9(3): 201-206
Production of Ethanol Using Yeast Isolates on Water Hyacinth and <i>Azolla</i>
Authors: Hossain Riajul , Chowdhury Miraj Kobad , Yeasmin Sabina , Hoq M Mozammel 
Published: December 2011

Fossil fuel depletion and limitations turn scientists to develop alternative fuels as well as biofuels. Cheap cellulosic biomass could be used as raw materials for production of ethanol. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and Azolla (Azolla pinnata) are the two biomass resources considered in this study. The purpose of this study was to produce ethanol using water hyacinth and Azolla as substrates used to produce ethanol by using two yeasts presumptively identified as Sachharomyces cerevisiae (Sc-SR4, Sc-MR8) and Kluyveromyces marxianus (Km-SR3). For saccharification, water hyacinth and Azolla were pretreated with different concentrations (0.25 to 1.0%) of sulphuric acid. D-glucose and reducing sugar yield was found higher for Azolla (40% of dry weight) than water hyacinth (25.2% of dry weight). The ethanol yield was higher with water hyacinth, (0.32g/g ethanol), than that of Azolla, (0.20g/g ethanol). Acid and heat treatment both affected saccharification. The water hyacinth hydrolysate fermentation resulted in 1.9% (v/v) ethanol by the isolate Sc-SR4 and 1.4% (v/v) ethanol by the Sc-MR8 and thus the Sc-SR4 proved to be more efficient than Sc-MR8. Similarly, fermentation of Azolla hydrolysate gave 1.01% (v/ v) ethanol by Sc-SR4 and 0.45% (v/v) by the Sc-MR8 isolate. Key words: Biofuel; Ethanol; Yeast; Cellulosic Substrates DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v27i2.9173 BJM 2010; 27(2): 56-60
Continuous Interferon-α2B Infusion in Combination with Ribavirin for Chronic Hepatitis C in Treatment-Experienced Patients
Authors: Roomer Robert , Bergmann Jilling F , Boonstra Andre , Hansen Bettina E , Haagmans Bart L , Gijsel Sonja Kwadijk-de , van Vuuren Anneke J , de Knegt Robert J , Janssen Harry LA 
Published: December 2011

Background Sustained virological response (SVR) rates in previous non-responders to pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)-α and ribavirin for chronic HCV remain low (∼10%). We hypothesize that continuous subcutaneous delivery of fully potent interferon (IFN)-α2b via an external pump will lead to stable blood concentrations and thereby prevent subtherapeutic trough levels associated with viral breakthrough. The aims of the study were to assess safety, tolerability and virological response in patients who were previous PEG-IFN-α/ribavirin non-responders. Methods We randomized 30 HCV genotype 1 ( n=24) and genotype 4 ( n=6) patients to receive 6, 9 or 12 million units (MU) IFN-α2b daily by continuous subcutaneous administration using an insulin pump (MiniMed® 508; Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) in combination with ribavirin (1,000–1,600 mg) for 48 weeks. Results The magnitude of viral decline in the 12 MU group after 4 weeks of treatment was 2.67 log HCV RNA compared with 1.21 and 1.27 log HCV RNA in the 9 and 6 MU groups, respectively ( P=0.001). In the intention-to-treat analysis, the SVR rate was 20% (6/30). The perprotocol SVR rate was 25% (6/24), of which four out of six patients in the high-dose arm achieved SVR. Adverse events appeared dose-dependent, were mostly mild-to-moderate and were typical of IFN therapy. Five patients developed irritation and/or abscesses at the injection site. Six serious adverse events were reported in five patients. Conclusions Continuous delivery of IFN-α2b can induce a strong dose-dependent viral suppression. This could be an effective approach in conjunction with, or as lead-in therapy prior to, treatment with a direct antiviral agent.
IL-10 Limits Parasite Burden and Protects against Fatal Myocarditis in a Mouse Model of Trypanosoma cruzi Infection
Authors: Roffê Ester , Rothfuchs Antonio Gigliotti , Santiago Helton C. , Marino Ana Paula M. P. , Ribeiro-Gomes Flavia L. , Eckhaus Michael , Antonelli Lis R. V. , Murphy Philip M. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Chagas’ disease is a zoonosis prevalent in Latin America that is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. The immunopathogenesis of cardiomyopathy, the main clinical problem in Chagas’ disease, has been extensively studied but is still poorly understood. In this study, we systematically compared clinical, microbiologic, pathologic, immunologic, and molecular parameters in two mouse models with opposite susceptibility to acute myocarditis caused by the myotropic Colombiana strain of T. cruzi: C3H/HeSnJ (100% mortality, uncontrolled parasitism) and C57BL/6J (&lt;10% mortality, controlled parasitism). T. cruzi induced differential polarization of immunoregulatory cytokine mRNA expression in the hearts of C57BL/6J versus C3H/HeSnJ mice; however, most differences were small. The difference in IL-10 expression was exceptional (C57BL/6J 8.7-fold greater than C3H/HeSnJ). Consistent with this, hearts from infected C57BL/6J mice, but not C3H/HeSnJ mice, had a high frequency of total IL-10–producing CD8+ T cells and both CD4+ and CD8+ subsets of IFN-γ+IL-10+ double-producing T cells. Furthermore, T. cruzi infection of IL-10−/− C57BL/6J mice phenocopied fatal infection in wild-type C3H/HeSnJ mice with complete loss of parasite control. Adoptive transfer experiments indicated that T cells were a source of protective IL-10. Thus, in this system, IL-10 production by T cells promotes T. cruzi control and protection from fatal acute myocarditis.
Mannose-Binding Lectin-Associated Serine Protease-1 Is a Significant Contributor to Coagulation in a Murine Model of Occlusive Thrombosis
Authors: La Bonte Laura R. , Pavlov Vasile I. , Tan Ying S. , Takahashi Kazue , Takahashi Minoru , Banda Nirmal K. , Zou Chenhui , Fujita Teizo , Stahl Gregory L. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Bleeding disorders and thrombotic complications constitute a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Although it is known that the complement and coagulation systems interact, no studies have investigated the specific role or mechanisms of lectin-mediated coagulation in vivo. FeCl3 treatment resulted in intra-arterial occlusive thrombogenesis within 10 min in wild-type (WT) and C2/factor B-null mice. In contrast, mannose-binding lectin (MBL)-null and MBL-associated serine protease (MASP)-1/-3 knockout (KO) mice had significantly decreased FeCl3-induced thrombogenesis. Reconstitution with recombinant human (rh) MBL restored FeCl3-induced thrombogenesis in MBL-null mice to levels comparable to WT mice, suggesting a significant role of the MBL/MASP complex for in vivo coagulation. Additionally, whole blood aggregation demonstrated increased MBL/MASP complex-dependent platelet aggregation. In vitro, MBL/MASP complexes were captured on mannan-coated plates, and cleavage of a chromogenic thrombin substrate (S2238) was measured. We observed no significant differences in S2238 cleavage between WT, C2/factor B-null, MBL-A−/−, or MBL-C−/− sera; however, MBL-null or MASP-1/-3 KO mouse sera demonstrated significantly decreased S2238 cleavage. rhMBL alone failed to cleave S2238, but cleavage was restored when rMASP-1 was added to either MASP-1/-3 KO sera or rhMBL. Taken together, these findings indicate that MBL/MASP complexes, and specifically MASP-1, play a key role in thrombus formation in vitro and in vivo.