bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of demarcated hypomineralisation defects in second primary molars in Iraqi children
Authors: GHANIM AGHAREED , MANTON DAVID , MARIÑO RODRIGO , MORGAN MICHAEL , BAILEY DENISE 
Published: January 2012

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2013; 23: 48–55
Background.  Demarcated hypomineralization lesions are not uncommon in second primary molars. Data on the prevalence of hypomineralized second primary molars (HSPM) are scarce.Aim.  To investigate the prevalence of HSPM, assess the relationship between HSPM and first permanent molars previously diagnosed with demarcated lesions and to determine the severity of HSPM in relation to dental caries severity.Design.  A cluster sample of 809, 7‐ to 9‐year‐old children was examined. The scoring criteria proposed by the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry for hypomineralization in permanent dentition were adapted to score HSPMs. The International Caries Detection and Assessment System was used to assess caries status in the second primary molar of the children diagnosed with demarcated defects. The examination was carried out in schools by a calibrated dentist.Results.  Of the children examined, 53 (6.6%) had hypomineralization defects in at least one second primary molar. Combinations of affected first permanent and second primary molars were reported in 21 (39.6%) of cases. Severe carious lesions were found mostly in teeth with enamel breakdown.Conclusions.  The prevalence of HSPM was 6.6%. Over one‐third of affected second primary molars were associated with demarcated lesions in the first permanent molars. The chance of severe caries increased with the increase in the demarcated lesion severity.
Promoting continuity of care for people with long‐term neurological conditions: the role of the neurology nurse specialist
Authors: Aspinal Fiona , Gridley Kate , Bernard Sylvia , Parker Gillian 
Published: January 2012

Aspinal F., Gridley K., Bernard S. & Parker G. (2012) Promoting continuity of care for people with long‐term neurological conditions: the role of the neurology nurse specialist. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(10), 2309–2319.AbstractAims.  To identify service models that provided care co‐ordination for people with long‐term neurological conditions in the UK.Background.  The successful management of long‐term neurological conditions needs sophisticated management across several health, social care and other service boundaries, as well as involvement of people with long‐term neurological conditions and their support network. Yet, fragmentation of, and limited access to, support has been evident for over 20 years.Design.  This study employed a mixed‐method approach, including a systematic review, qualitative case studies and a quantitative national survey. This paper reports findings from the qualitative case study element of the research.Methods.  In‐depth (qualitative) case studies were conducted in six neurology ‘service systems’ in the UK representing geographic and demographic diversity. The research took place between November 2007–May 2008. The concept of ‘continuity of care’ was used as a framework for our case studies. Qualitative methods, including telephone and face‐to‐face interviews, were used to explore people’s experience of continuity of care. Data were managed and analyzed using the Framework technique.Findings.  Neurology nurse specialists were able to contribute to all elements of continuity of care for people with long‐term neurological conditions.Conclusion.  Their specialist knowledge about the condition and local services, flexibility, co‐ordinating role, and their holistic and collaborative approach to practice, are key factors in nurse specialists promoting continuity of care. Nurse specialists exist in many different clinical areas and in many countries. Findings about the importance of their role in promoting continuity of care have important implications for UK and international policy and practice.
Solid‐state vs water‐perfused catheters to measure colonic high‐amplitude propagating contractions
Authors: Liem O. , Burgers R. E. , Connor F. L. , Benninga M. A. , Reddy S. N. , Mousa H. M. , Di Lorenzo C. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground  Solid‐state (SS) manometry catheters with portable data loggers offer many potential advantages over traditional water‐perfused (WP) systems, such as prolonged recordings in a more physiologic ambulatory setting and the lack of risk for water overload. The use of SS catheters has not been evaluated in comparison with perfused catheters in children. This study aims to compare data provided by SS and WP catheters in children undergoing colonic manometry studies.Methods  A SS catheter and a WP catheter were taped together such that their corresponding sensors were at the same location. Simultaneous recordings were obtained using the SS and WP catheters (both 8 channels, 10 cm apart) in 15 children with severe defecation disorders referred for colonic manometry. Signals were recorded for a minimum of 1 h during fasting, 1 h after ingestion of a meal, and 1 h after the administration of bisacodyl. Solid‐state signals from the data logger were analyzed against the perfused signals. All high‐amplitude propagated contractions (HAPCs), the most recognizable and interpreted colonic motor event, were evaluated for spatial and temporal features including their durations, amplitudes, and propagation velocities.Key Results  A total of 107 HAPCs were detected with SS and 91 with WP catheters. All WP‐HAPC were also observed with SS. Linear regression analysis showed that SS catheters tended to give higher readings in the presence of amplitudes <102 mmHg and lower reading with amplitudes >102 mmHg. An opposite trend was found for the duration of contractions. No significant difference was found for HAPC velocity.Conclusions & Inferences  SS catheters are more sensitive in recording HAPCs in children with defecation disorders compared with the more traditional WP assembly. There is a difference in measurements of amplitude between the two systems. Solid‐state catheters offer potential advantages over WP catheters in children, being portable, safer to use, and may provide data over a more prolonged period.
Predictors of acid suppression success in patients with chronic laryngitis
Authors: Wang A. J. , Liang M. J. , Jiang A. Y. , Lin J. K. , Xiao Y. L. , Peng S. , Chen J. , Wen W. P. , Chen M. H. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground  Up to 50% of the patients suspected of reflux laryngitis syndrome failed to respond to acid suppression therapy. However, predictors of acid suppression success have not been determined.Methods  Consecutive patients with chronic laryngitis were enrolled prospectively. All the patients underwent laryngoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy and 24‐h multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH (MII‐pH) monitoring before receiving rabeprazole 10 mg b.i.d. for 3 months. Patient was considered as a responder to acid suppression if the chief laryngeal complaint score during the last week since last interview had decreased by at least 50% after the start of therapy compared with baseline. Cox regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of acid suppression success.Key Results  Of 92 patients (age 42.4 ± 14.3 years, 50 women), 42 (45.7%) responded to acid suppression after 3 months. Gastroesophageal reflux disease was defined in 22 patients, of whom 19 patients had pathological distal esophageal acid exposure and 5 were defined as erosive esophagitis. The time to response showed a significant hazard ratio for patients with increased distal esophageal acid exposure time (β: 0.93; HR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.24–5.24; P = 0.011) and increased laryngopharyngeal bolus exposure time (BET; β: 0.96; HR: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.36–5.00; P = 0.004). The latter had the best Youden Index (0.34) and accuracy (68.5%).Conclusions & Inferences  The success of acid suppression on chronic laryngitis could be predicted using reflux parameters detected by MII‐pH, among which increased laryngopharyngeal BET is the best.
Applicability and intercalibration of macrophyte quality indices to characterise the ecological status of Mediterranean transitional waters: the case of the Venice lagoon
Authors: Curiel Daniele , Falace Annalisa , Bandelj Vinko , Rismondo Andrea 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn the framework of the WFD 2000/60/EC intercalibration process the updated versions of the EEI and R‐MaQI, proposed by Italy and Greece for the transitional waters, have been applied to the macrophytes of the Venice lagoon to test their comparability and relationships with the pressure gradients. Submerged macrophytes were collected during spring 2007 at 60 sites spread within the lagoon. At each site, five random samples were collected and the total coverage of benthic macrophytes in the field was estimated based on a number of tests of the bottom. To assess seagrass epiphytes, five shoots were collected for each replicate. Physico‐chemical data were collected in the water column at 14 sites selected to reflect the main hydro‐geomorphological and trophic gradients of the lagoon. The analyses performed indicated that the two metrics appeared to be weakly intercalibrated and only the 30% of the sampling sites displayed the same quality class. The main differences fell into the Moderate and Low classes and the two indices provided discordant results in the intermediate and confined areas of the lagoon. In contrast, the two indices showed good affinity in the marine areas of inlets, which are characterised by seagrass meadows and late‐successional macroalgae. Similar results were evidenced also in a redundancy analysis by the different relationships between quality classes and the physico‐chemical gradients. The main reason for this seems to be the heterogeneity of species–environment relationships inside the groups of species on which the indices are based. Critical aspects of methodological differences and applicability of the macrophyte indices proposed by Italy and Greece for the transitional waters of the Mediterranean eco‐region are discussed.
After 80 years absence, Wuthathi people plan for the return and management of ancestral homelands on Cape York Peninsula
Authors: Wallis Ray , Wallis Arnold , Picone Andrew 
Published: January 2012

SummaryThe Wuthathi people from the Shelburne Bay area on the north‐east coast of Cape York Peninsula have been displaced from their ancestral homelands since the late 1930s. Despite not having a permanent presence, Wuthathi have continued to access their ancestral country and connection remains unbroken. Through both Native Title and the Queensland Government’s land tenure reform process, much of the Wuthathi homelands will be returned as either Aboriginal freehold land or as Aboriginal‐owned national park. Wuthathi have Native Title over their sea estate that includes the exclusive use of a number of islands. The completion of Native Title and tenure reform will allow Indigenous management to return to the landscape from which it has been absent for nearly 100 years. In preparation for their return to country, the Wuthathi developed an integrated culture and conservation programme over 8 years ago that addressed cultural and natural conservation imperatives. Wuthathi are now moving into the implementation phase where Native Title has been determined. This study presents outcomes of a workshop, held in October 2010, that identified a range of barriers preventing sound ecological and cultural land management. For example, while funding for multiple land and sea cultural and natural resource management projects is secured, operational funding, management infrastructure and resources are lacking. With Wuthathi people dispersed across many hundreds of kilometres and no permanent infrastructure on country, planning and executing current management projects are severely limited.
Simple approach to improving vancomycin dosing in intensive care: a standardised loading dose results in earlier therapeutic levels
Authors: Truong J. , Levkovich B. J. , Padiglione A. A. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground:  Patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) often have sub‐therapeutic vancomycin levels in the initial stages of therapy. Loading doses have been demonstrated to overcome this problem.Aim:  The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a standardised loading dose and increased clinician awareness of under‐dosing on the achievement of early therapeutic vancomycin trough concentrations in the ICU.Methods:  A pre‐ and post‐intervention observational study was conducted in the ICU following the introduction of a 2‐g vancomycin loading dose and demonstration of local under‐dosing. All initial vancomycin trough levels were examined, except those from neurosurgical patients. Primary outcome measures were the proportion of patients achieving therapeutic vancomycin levels and mean trough concentrations. A year after introduction, a review was conducted to further assess the impact and sustainability of the intervention.Results:  There were 31 courses of vancomycin in the pre‐intervention period (no loading doses given) and 21 courses in the post‐intervention period, of which 11 had a loading dose. In the pre‐intervention group, 13% of courses achieved therapeutic concentrations. This increased to 33% in the post‐intervention group (P= 0.08). A statistically significant increase in mean trough concentration, from 9.8 ± 6.6 mg/L to 14.9 ± 6.3 mg/L (P= 0.01), between the pre‐ and post‐intervention groups was observed. During the follow‐up period, results were similar to the post‐intervention audit.Conclusion:  A standardised loading dose is a simple and sustainable intervention that may improve early achievement of therapeutic vancomycin levels in critically ill patients. The clinical significance of this requires further study.
Application of the small punch test to determine the fracture toughness of metallic materials
Authors: CÁRDENAS E. , BELZUNCE F. J. , RODRÍGUEZ C. , PEÑUELAS I. , BETEGÓN C. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTA new methodology to determine the elasto‐plastic fracture toughness, JIc, by means of notched small punch tests (SPT) samples is reported. Standard SPT samples were used after being longitudinally notched machined from the centre of one side of the sample to the centre of the opposite side, producing a notch depth‐to‐thickness ratio a/t= 0.4.The onset of crack initiation was experimentally determined directly from the experimental load‐displacement plot of the test and also with the aid of scanning electron microscope observations performed on different samples, with tests being interrupted at different percentages of the maximum registered load. The test was also modelled using finite element analysis and the J‐integral was evaluated as a contour integral in ABAQUS. The obtained results were compared with the critical J values of the steel determined using standard tests (J–R curves) and the differences found were duly justified.
A Finite Fracture Mechanics approach to the asymptotic behaviour of U‐notched structures
Authors: CARPINTERI A. , CORNETTI P. , SAPORA A. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTA Finite Fracture Mechanics (FFM) criterion is formalized to predict the critical failure loads of brittle U‐notched specimens, subjected to mode I loading. The criterion, recently applied to V‐notched structures, requires the contemporaneous fulfilment of stress requirements and energy conditions for fracture to propagate: the stress field ahead of the notch tip and the stress intensity factor related to a crack stemming from the root are involved. Both the apparent fracture toughness and the critical crack advancement result to be structural parameters. For sufficiently slender notches, the root radius becomes the only relevant geometric dimension. The consistency of the approach is proved by the comparison with experimental data available in the Literature.
Rectangular Tensile Sheet with Double Edge Notch Cracks
Authors: YAN X. , LIU B. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper deals with the rectangular tensile sheet with symmetric double edge notch cracks. Such a crack problem is called an edge notch crack problem for short. By using a hybrid displacement discontinuity method (a boundary element method), two edge notch models are analyzed in detail. By changing the geometrical forms and parameters of the edge notch, and by comparing the stress intensity factors (SIFs) of the edge notch crack problem with those of the double edge cracked plate tension specimen (DECT), which is a model frequently used in fracture mechanics, the effect of the geometrical forms and parameters of the edge notch on the SIFs of the DECT specimen, is revealed. Some geometric characterestic parameters are introduced here, which are used to formulate the notch length and the branch crack length, which are to be determined in mechanical machining of the DECT specimen So we can say that the geometric characterestic parameters and the formulae used to determine the notch length and the branch crack length presented in this paper perhaps have some guidance role for mechanical machining of the DECT specimen.
Transferability of specimen J–R curve to straight pipe with circumferential surface flaw
Authors: SAHU M. K. , CHATTOPADHYAY J. , DUTTA B. K. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTSpecimen J–R curve is extensively used for structural integrity of large components. It is well known that J–R curve heavily depends on constraint level ahead of crack tip in remaining ligament. In earlier work, it was demonstrated that J–R curve from Three Point Bending (TPB) specimen is transferable to straight pipe with circumferential through wall crack. In this paper, the transferability of J–R curve is investigated from TPB specimen to pipe with circumferential surface crack. A 16 in. diameter pipe with circumferential surface crack and TPB specimen machined from same piping material (SA333Gr6 Steel) are tested. Consequently, 3D finite element analysis (FEA) has been performed on surface cracked pipe and TPB specimen. Crack‐initiation load is also predicted for surface cracked pipe by FEA and compared with experimental result. J–R curve is calculated for the pipe using experimental data, that is, load, load line displacement and crack growth. J–R curve of pipe is compared with TPB specimen and it is found that the pipe is predicting much higher J–R curve than TPB. This difference of J–R curve is investigated by evaluating stress triaxiality in remaining ligament for both cases. Stress triaxiality is quantified using triaxiality factor (h) ahead of crack tip for pipe and TPB specimen. It is found that the TPB specimen has considerably higher constraint level than pipe with surface crack, which is well supported by trend of J–R curves for specimen and pipe. A study has also been carried out to investigate the effect of internal pressure on the stress triaxiality. It is found that there is negligible difference in stress triaxiality because of internal pressure. The stress triaxiality is re‐established as a qualitative parameter to assess the transferability of J–R curve from specimen to component.
Stress singularities of contact problems with a frictional interface in anisotropic bimaterials
Authors: CHEN HUA‐PENG , GUO Z. , ZHOU X. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper develops an effective approach to analyse the asymptotic displacement and stress fields near the singular points in laminated anisotropic composite joints with a fictional contact along the interface. The Ting's theory, extended from the Stroh's formulation for anisotropic elasticity problems, is employed to represent the asymptotic fields near the singular points of the contact problems. The characteristic equations of the contact problems are constructed from the boundary conditions, where the continuity conditions at the frictional interface governed by the Coulomb's law of friction are considered. The order of stress singularities and the asymptotic fields near the singular points are determined by solving the developed non‐linear coupled characteristic equations for the general contact problems of friction in anisotropic bimaterials from an iterative procedure. Only real values of root representing the order of stress singularities are found for the general frictional contact problems. In the special case when the frictional contact exists in two half plane composite laminates, stress singularities may appear if the material constants satisfy certain requirements. Explicit solutions for the root of the characteristic equations and the asymptotic fields for the special case can be directly obtained without requiring the iterative procedure. The theoretical and numerical results show that both the friction coefficient within the slip interface and the wedge angle of anisotropic materials have significant effects on the stress singularities for the frictional contact problems. Further investigations are undertaken for several special cases, including studies for isotropic materials that are confirmed by existing theoretical results and experimental data available.
Interactive effects of body‐size structure and adaptive foraging on food‐web stability
Authors: Heckmann Lotta , Drossel Barbara , Brose Ulrich , Guill Christian 
Published: January 2012

Ecology Letters (2012)AbstractBody‐size structure of food webs and adaptive foraging of consumers are two of the dominant concepts of our understanding how natural ecosystems maintain their stability and diversity. The interplay of these two processes, however, is a critically important yet unresolved issue. To fill this gap in our knowledge of ecosystem stability, we investigate dynamic random and niche model food webs to evaluate the proportion of persistent species. We show that stronger body‐size structures and faster adaptation stabilise these food webs. Body‐size structures yield stabilising configurations of interaction strength distributions across food webs, and adaptive foraging emphasises links to resources closer to the base. Moreover, both mechanisms combined have a cumulative effect. Most importantly, unstructured random webs evolve via adaptive foraging into stable size‐structured food webs. This offers a mechanistic explanation of how size structure adaptively emerges in complex food webs, thus building a novel bridge between these two important stabilising mechanisms.
Tax Morale and Tax Compliance from the Firm's Perspective
Authors: Alm James , McClellan Chandler 
Published: January 2012

SummaryMuch recent research has investigated whether values, social norms, and attitudes differ across countries and whether these differences have measurable effects on economic behavior. One area in which such studies are particularly relevant is tax compliance, and a factor that has been suggested as a factor in compliance behavior is “tax morale”, or the intrinsic motivation to pay taxes. However, all of this work on tax morale has focused on individuals, not on firms. In this paper, we use information from the Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey and also from the World Enterprise Survey for a wide range of countries over several years of data to examine a firm's tax morale and the subsequent impact on firm tax compliance. We use these data first to examine a firm's perception of taxes as an obstacle to doing business. Importantly, once we control for the various factors that affect this perception, what is left is a measure that we believe is a measure of the firm's tax morale, as a driver of the firm's view of the appropriateness of cheating on taxes. With this measure of tax morale, we are then able to examine in a second stage estimation how our estimated firm tax morale affects the compliance decisions of the firm. Ultimately, our results allow us to identify factors that allow the government to improve its efforts to increase firm tax compliance.