bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coefficient of friction in mixed film lubrication: Gears versus twin-discs
Authors: Castro J , Seabra J 
Published: May 2007

This work compares the friction between two contacting discs with the friction between gear teeth, using a mixed film lubrication model developed for the evaluation of contact pressure and shear stress fields [5]. Such model is used to analyse twin-disc contacts with smooth surfaces and gear teeth contacts with rough surfaces, both lubricated with an additive-free ISO VG 150 mineral oil. Experimental lubricant traction curves [4], measured in a twin-disc machine under full film elastohydrodynamic (EHD) lubrication (Λ > 2), were used to evaluate the lubricant rheological parameters, taking into account the surface roughness of the contacting discs. Experimental power loss measurements, made during gear efficiency tests performed in a Forschungsstelle für Zahnräder und Getriebebau (FZG) test rig [4], were used to evaluate the average friction coefficient between gear teeth along the meshing line, considering the surface roughness of the tooth flanks. The experimental friction coefficients between gear teeth were compared with predictions obtained using three different approaches: (a) values directly extrapolated from the experimental lubricant traction curves, (b) values calculated using a full film EHD lubrication model, considering surface roughness, and (c) values from a mixed film lubrication model. These analysis were performed at three different scales, from the roughness peaks (inside contact) to the entire gear meshing line, passing through the contact dimension. The results obtained show that the mixed film lubrication model is able to evaluate accurately the friction between gear teeth in power transmission equipment whatever the lubrication regime, boundary, mixed or full film.
Working memory as a predictor of written arithmetical skills in children: The importance of central executive functions
Authors: Andersson Ulf. 
Published: May 2007

Background. The study was conducted in an attempt to further our understanding of how working memory contributes to written arithmetical skills in children.Aim. The aim was to pinpoint the contribution of different central executive functions and to examine the contribution of the two subcomponents of children's written arithmetical skills.Sample and method. A total of 141 third‐ and fourth‐graders were administered arithmetical tasks and measures of working memory, fluid IQ and reading. Regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between working memory and written arithmetical skills.Results. Three central executive measures (counting span, trail making and verbal fluency) and one phonological loop measure (Digit Span) were significant and predictors of arithmetical performance when the influence of reading, age and IQ was controlled for in the analysis.Conclusions. The present findings demonstrate that working memory, in general, and the central executive, in particular, contribute to children's arithmetical skills. It was hypothesized that monitoring and coordinating multiple processes, and accessing arithmetical knowledge from long‐term memory, are important central executive functions during arithmetical performance. The contribution of the phonological loop and the central executive (concurrent processing and storage of numerical information) indicates that children aged 9–10 years primarily utilize verbal coding strategies during written arithmetical performance.
Micromechanical modeling of solid-type and plate-type deformation patterns within softwood materials. A review and an improved approach
Authors: Hofstetter Karin , Hellmich Christian , Eberhardsteiner Josef 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Wood exhibits a highly diverse microstructure. It appears as a solid-type composite material at a length scale of some micrometers, while it resembles an assembly of plate-like elements arranged in a honeycomb fashion at the length scale of some hundreds of micrometers. These structural features result in different load-carrying mechanisms at different observation scales and under different loading conditions. In this paper, we elucidate the main load-carrying mechanisms by means of a micromechanical model for softwood materials. Representing remarkable progress with respect to earlier models reported in the literature, this model is valid across various species. The model is based on tissue-independent stiffness properties of cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose, and water obtained from direct testing and lattice-dynamics analyses. Sample-specific characteristics are considered in terms of porosity and the contents of cellulose, lignin, hemicelluloses and water, which are obtained from mass density measurements, environmental scanning micrographs, analytical chemistry, and NMR spectroscopy. The model comprises three homogenization steps, two based on continuum micromechanics and one on the unit cell method. The latter represents plate-like bending and shear of the cell walls due to transverse shear loading and axial straining in the tangential stem direction. Accurate representation of these deformation modes results in accurate (orthotropic) stiffness estimates across a variety of softwood species. These stiffness predictions deviate, on average, by less than 10% from corresponding experimental results obtained from ultrasonic or quasi-static testing. Thus, the proposed model can reliably predict microscopic and macroscopic mechanical properties from internal structure and composition, and is therefore expected to significantly support wood production technology (such as drying techniques) and mechanical analyses of timber structures.
Field assessment of wood stake decomposition in forest soil
Authors: Wang Xiping , Page-Dumroese Deborah , Jurgensen Martin F. , Ross Robert J. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
A pulse-echo acoustic method was investigated for evaluating wood stake decomposition in the field. A total of 58 wood stakes (29 loblolly pine, Pinus taeda, and 29 aspen, Populus tremuloides) that were vertically installed (full length) in forest soils were non-destructively tested by means of a laboratory-type acoustic measurement system. The same acoustic measurements were also conducted on the wood stakes after they were removed from the soil. Compression (parallel to grain) tests were then performed on the stakes in the laboratory to obtain residual elastic and strength properties. The results indicate that the pulse-echo acoustic method is a good approach to characterize wood stakes that are fully inserted into mineral soils. Statistical analysis showed good relationships between acoustic parameters (number of pulse echoes and in-ground acoustic velocity) and percentage weight loss, modulus of elasticity in compression, and residual compressive strength. The pulse-echo acoustic method could be used as a monitoring tool to assess progressive levels of wood stake decomposition in forest soil.
Perinatal Circulating Visfatin Levels in Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Authors: Malamitsi-Puchner Ariadne , Briana Despina D. , Boutsikou Maria , Kouskouni Evangelia , Hassiakos Demetrios , Gourgiotis Demetrios 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to investigate possible alterations in circulating levels of the adipocytokine visfatin in intrauterine growth-restricted and normal pregnancies, given that these groups differ considerably in fetal nutrition, body fat mass, and metabolic/endocrine mechanisms.
METHODS. Serum visfatin levels were prospectively measured by enzyme immunoassay in 40 mothers and their 40 singleton term fetuses and neonates on postnatal days 1 and 4. Twenty neonates had intrauterine growth restriction (birth weight ≤3rd customized centile, adjusted for parameters that influence growth potential), and 20 were appropriate for gestational age.
RESULTS. Circulating maternal visfatin levels were significantly elevated in pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction compared with control pregnancies with appropriate-for-gestational-age infants and negatively correlated with customized centiles in the group with intrauterine growth restriction. Postnatal day-1 and -4 visfatin levels were significantly higher in neonates with intrauterine growth restriction compared with neonates who were appropriate for gestational age. Postnatal-day-1 prefeeding insulin levels were significantly lower in neonates with intrauterine growth restriction.
CONCLUSIONS. Pathologic conditions in pregnancy that lead to intrauterine growth restriction could be responsible for elevated maternal visfatin levels. Higher visfatin levels in neonates with intrauterine growth restriction may serve as an early marker with prognostic value for later development of insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, whereas lower insulin levels may indicate reduced β-cell mass and/or impaired β-cell function.
Osteochondral fragments involving the dorsomedial aspect of the proximal interphalangeal joint in young horses: 6 cases (1997–2006)
Authors: Fjordbakk Cathrine T. , Strand Eric , Milde Anne K. , Ihler Carl F. , Rorvik A. Magnus 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Objective—To determine clinical and diagnostic imaging findings in young horses with osteochondral fragments involving the dorsomedial aspect of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint.
Design—Retrospective case series.
Animals—6 horses.
Procedures—Medical records were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone conversations with owners or trainers or by examining race records.
Results—Horses were between 1 and 4 years old. Three had bilateral osteochondral fragments in the forelimbs (n = 2 horses) or hind limbs (1). Radiographically, all but 1 fragment seemed to originate from the dorsomedial aspect of the distal end of the first phalanx. Fragment size ranged from 6 × 9mm to 11 × 21 mm. Three horses had lameness referable to the region of the affected joint; the other 3 horses did not have clinical signs referable to affected PIP joints. Two horses were euthanized shortly after diagnosis at the owners' request because of concerns that the horses would be unsuited for their intended athletic use. Two of the 3 horses in which fragments were incidental findings were able to race successfully, although 1 received intra-articular corticosteroid treatments; the third was retired because of unrelated orthopedic problems.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that osteochondral fragments involving the dorsomedial aspect of the PIP joint may be an incidental finding in young horses. Given the absence of clinical signs in 5 of 9 affected joints and the fact that 3 of 6 horses were affected bilaterally, a developmental origin of the fragments was suspected.
Prevalence of Mycoplasma bovis in backgrounding and stocker cattle operations
Authors: Wiggins Monique C. , Woolums Amelia R. , Sanchez Susan , Hurley David J. , Cole Dana J. , Ensley Douglas T. , Pence Mel E. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Objective—To characterize the prevalence of Mycoplasma bovis infection in backgrounding and stocker cattle operations and compare bacteriologic culture with PCR assay for detection of M bovis.
Design—Prospective descriptive study.
Animals—432 calves, 3 to 9 months old, from 9 operations.
Procedures—2 nasal swab specimens were collected from each calf. Swab specimens were evaluated via bacteriologic culture and PCR assay for organisms of the class Mollicutes and M bovis. Culture results were considered negative if no growth occurred within 21 days. Positive results were indicated by characteristic colony formation with PCR assay confirmation. Deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted from 1 swab specimen for direct PCR assay for Mollicutes and M bovis.
Results—Of 432 calves, 374 (87%) had positive results for Mollicutes via PCR assay and 63 (15%) via culture. Seven (2%) calves had positive results for M bovis via PCR assay and 10 (2%) via culture. Prevalence of Mollicutes at the farm level ranged from 54% to 100% via PCR assay and from 0% to 59% via culture. Prevalence of M bovis at the farm level ranged from 0% to 4% via PCR assay and from 0% to 6% via culture. Calves that shed M bovis were significantly more likely to have a fever than were calves that did not shed M bovis.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—M bovis was detected at a low level in recently purchased backgrounded and stocker calves in Georgia. Although slightly more infected calves were detected via culture and PCR assay together, PCR assay appeared to accurately identify M bovis at the farm level.
Cultural Relevance of a Fruit and Vegetable Food Frequency Questionnaire
Authors: Paisley Judy , Greenberg Marlene , Haines Jess 
Published: May 2007

Purpose: Canada’s multicultural population poses challenges for culturally competent nutrition research and practice. In this qualitative study, the cultural relevance of a widely used semiquantitative fruit and vegetable food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was examined among convenience samples of adults from Toronto’s Cantonese-, Mandarin-, Portuguese-, and Vietnamesespeaking communities. Methods: Eighty-nine participants were recruited through community-based organizations, programs, and advertisements to participate in semi-structured interviews moderated in their native language. Data from the interviews were translated into English and transcribed for analysis using the constant comparative approach. Results: Four main themes emerged from the analysis: the cultural relevance of the foods listed on the FFQ, words with multiple meanings, the need for culturally appropriate portionsize prompts, and the telephone survey as a Western concept. Conclusions: This research highlights the importance of investing resources to develop culturally relevant dietary assessment tools that ensure dietary assessment accuracy and, more important, reduce ethnocentric biases in food and nutrition research and practice. The transferability of findings must be established through further research.
Estimation of Human Resource Needs And Cost of Adding Registered Dietitians To Primary Care Networks
Authors: Witt Julia , Brauer Paula , Dietrich Linda , Davidson Bridget ,   Steering Committee
Published: May 2007

Purpose: Information on human resources and costs is needed to plan for the addition of registered dietitian (RD) services to new models of primary health care (PHC). Estimates were developed, based on an analysis of an enhanced RD model of counselling and health promotion services in three Ontario Family Health Networks (FHNs). Methods: Both direct and indirect costs were averaged over the three FHNs. Costs and RD activities were tracked throughout 2005. The FHN staff completed two questionnaires addressing communication, case management, and satisfaction with RD services. Results: Actual and reported case management indicated that an estimated 1.3% to 2.4% of the 60,000 enrolled patients may require individual nutrition counselling in a year. If one full-time equivalent (FTE) RD can manage 380 new referrals, then one FTE RD is needed per 15,800 to 29,000 patients. The estimated direct costs of adding one FTE RD (including expenses and fixed costs) is $78,169 to $80,169, when the RD is an independent contractor. Conclusions: Additional studies are needed to develop better estimates of human resource needs and costs of interdisciplinary nutrition services in all PHC settings. These estimates should be based on population characteristics and direct and indirect costs for all models of nutrition services in PHC settings.
Diet Quality of Atlantic Families Headed by Single Mothers
Authors: Glanville N. Theresa , Mcintyre Lynn 
Published: May 2007

Purpose: As part of a larger study on food insecurity and dietary adequacy of low-income lone mothers and their children in Atlantic Canada, we examined diet quality among household members. Methods: Network sampling for ‘difficult to sample’ populations was used to identify mothers living below the poverty line and alone with at least two children under age 14. Trained dietitians administered 24-hour dietary recalls weekly for one month to mothers on the dietary intake of themselves and their children. We calculated Healthy Eating Index category scores for eligible mothers (129) and children (303) using Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating and the Nutrition Recommendations for Canadians. Results: Diet quality of low-income lone mothers was poor (35.5%) or in need of improvement (64.5%), with no mother having a good diet. The diet quality of children varied by age, with 22.7% of children aged one to three having a good diet or needing improvement (74.6%), 2.1% of children aged four to eight and no child aged nine to 14 having a good diet, while the diets of about 85% of older children in both age categories needed improvement. Conclusions: Younger children seem to be protected from poor quality diets in households with limited resources to acquire food.
Solution-Focused CounsellingIn Canadian Outpatient Dietetic Practice
Authors: Wunch Daphna , Vandenbussche Katherine 
Published: May 2007

Purpose: The use of solution-focused counselling (SFC) in dietetics was examined to determine the demand for an SFC teaching tool for registered dietitians.Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted within the Dietitians of Canada cardiology, eating disorders, and consulting networks, with dietitians who practised in an outpatient setting. Dietitians were surveyed on the seven core components of SFC.Results: Responses (n=58) were received from dietitians practising in seven provinces, who tended to be younger (mean age=44) and who had practised for a mean of 15 years. The entire sample reported use of at least four of the seven core components of SFC. All respondents were interested in receiving a counselling teaching tool for dietitians.Conclusions: All respondents were using components of SFC in their outpatient practices. The efficaciousness of SFC in dietetic practice has yet to be determined.
Preschoolers’ Dietary Behaviours:Parents’ Perspectives
Authors: Tucker Patricia , Irwin Jennifer D. , He Meizi , Bouck L. Michelle Sangster , Pollett Graham 
Published: May 2007

Purpose: Preschoolers’ dietary intake behaviours are described from the perspective of their parents.Methods: A maximum variation sample of 71 parents of preschoolers participated in this qualitative study. Ten semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted. Two experienced moderators facilitated all focus groups, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Strategies to ensure trustworthiness of the data were employed throughout the study. Two team members independently performed inductive content analysis. NVivo software was used to code the emerging themes.Results: Parents identified food and food issues as key health-related behaviours among preschoolers. Parents discussed challenges to healthy eating, including time limitations and societal pressures, as well as methods for facilitating healthy food choices, including bribery, education, and being creative with food.Conclusions: Dietary intake is on the minds of preschoolers’ parents. Unfortunately, some methods that parents currently use to promote healthy food choices may be more detrimental than beneficial for children in the long term. Parents’ keen interest in their preschoolers’ eating habits may make them particularly receptive to learning about and facilitating healthy choices in more behaviourally appropriate ways. Widespread educational messages about the benefits and detriments of various strategies to facilitate healthy eating among preschoolers therefore seem warranted.
Feeding Patterns and Weight Among First Nations Children
Authors: Kuperberg Karen , Evers Susan 
Published: May 2007

Purpose: Little information is available on the growth and feeding patterns of First Nations children. Our goal was to assess the anthropometric status, feeding practices, and dietary intake of children born in 1994 or 1995 (n=102) and living in Walpole Island First Nation. Methods: Information on demographic characteristics and infant feeding practices was obtained through parent interviews conducted between 1994 and 1999. Parents also completed a 24-hour dietary recall for their children when they were 48 months old. Head circumference was measured at three and 18 months, and weight and length/height at three, 18, 33, and 48 months. Results: Most infants (75%) were breastfed at birth; however, by the time infants were three months old, 39.7% of the mothers had stopped breastfeeding. Over half (57.1%) of the infants were fed solids before age three months, 11.6% were given whole milk before age nine months, and 59.4% had low fat milk before age two years. Body mass index (kg/m2) (BMI) was above the 85th percentile for 27.8% at the 48-month interview, and was associated with a maternal BMI above 25 (OR=7.8, CI=1.1-41.9). Conclusions: Mothers need to be encouraged to follow current infant feeding recommendations. Strategies should be developed to reduce the prevalence of overweight among adults and children in First Nations communities.
Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity In School-aged Children
Authors: He Meizi , Beynon Charlene 
Published: May 2007

Purpose: Childhood obesity is a public health concern in Canada. Few published anthropometric data are available to indicate obesity prevalence in Canadian children. Obesity prevalence is reported for school-aged children in 11 London, Ontario, schools. Methods: Data on body weight and height were obtained using standardized procedures. United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) body mass index (BMI)-for-age references and Cole’s international BMI reference were used to classify the children’s weight categories. Results: The study included 1,570 pupils aged six to 13. The CDC BMI references categorized 16.6% and 11.8% of children as overweight and obese, respectively. In comparison, when the Cole BMI reference and cut-off points were used, 17.5% and 7.6% of children were classified as overweight and obese, respectively. Conclusion: Overweight is prevalent in the study population. Public health interventions are warranted to curb the obesity epidemic in school-aged children.
Prevalence of Childhood Obesity In Northeastern Ontario: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Haque Foyez , de la Rocha Alberto G. , Horbul Betty Ann , Desroches Patricia , Orrell Craig 
Published: May 2007

Purpose: In Canada, the incidence of childhood obesity has tripled within the past 20 years. The prevalence of obesity in the Timmins, Ontario, student population was studied to gain knowledge for program planning and resource allocation, and to compare Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria with Cole’s international criteria for childhood obesity. Methods: Anthropometric measurements of 801 students were taken. Students were chosen from randomly selected schools for each grade. Data were analyzed according to age, gender, and ethnicity. Data were also compared with other studies. Intragroup comparisons were performed using hypothesis testing for significance with the z table and chi-square test. Results: Overweight and obesity prevalence was 28% according to CDC criteria. No statistical difference was found between genders or among ethnic groups, or between this study and other Canadian studies. In comparison with the CDC criteria, Cole’s international criteria indicated less obesity and increased overweight prevalence. These differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: The findings suggest that in the northern Ontario community of Timmins, the prevalence of childhood obesity is of epidemic proportions. When the findings are shared with different agencies, this study will help the health unit to take necessary public health measures to curb the epidemic.