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Kinds of Plus Terms modified by Plus Selected AbstractsMicroleakage along Glassix glass fibre posts cemented with three different materials assessed using a fluid transport systemINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 5 2006-Barbi, M. Rogi Abstract Aim, To evaluate the microleakage along Glassix fibre posts cemented with three different materials. Methodology, The root canals of maxillary central incisor teeth were filled and restored with Glassix posts (Harald Nordin sa, Chailly/Montreux, Switzerland) cemented with either a zinc-phosphate Harvard cement (Richter & Hoffmann, Harvard Dental GmbH, Berlin, Germany), Fuji PLUS cement (GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) or Variolink II cement (Vivadent, Schaan, Lichtenstein) in three groups of 15 canals each. Twenty unrestored canals served as a control group, 10 filled with gutta-percha and sealer (negative control group), the remaining 10 with gutta-percha only (positive control group). Coronal microleakage was evaluated using a fluid transport system. The movement of an air bubble in a capillary glass tube connected to the apex of the experimental root section was measured over 5-min periods. Measurements were performed four times for each specimen and the mean values recorded. anova and Duncan's test were performed. Results, The positive control group had the highest values of microleakage. Amongst experimental groups, the highest values of microleakage occurred in the group with the posts cemented with Harvard cement, followed by Fuji PLUS and Variolink II cements. Groups with Fuji PLUS, Variolink II and the negative control group had significantly (P < 0.00001) less microleakage compared with the Harvard cement group and the positive control group. Conclusion, Canals with Glassix posts cemented with Variolink II and Fuji PLUS cement had the least leakage when assessed using a fluid transport system. [source] Rapid and reliable DNA extraction and PCR fingerprinting methods to discriminate multiple biotypes of the nematophagous fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia isolated from plant rhizospheresLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2009R.H. Manzanilla-López Abstract Aims:, To develop a simple, rapid, reliable protocol producing consistent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fingerprints of Pochonia chlamydosporia var. chlamydosporia biotypes for analysing different fungal isolates during co-infection of plants and nematodes. Methods and Results:, DNA extracted from different P. chlamydosporia biotypes was fingerprinted using enterobacterial repetitive intragenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR. Four extraction methods (rapid alkaline lysis; microLYSIS® -PLUS; DNeasy®; FTA® cards) gave consistent results within each protocol but these varied between protocols. Reproducible fingerprints were obtained only if DNA was extracted from fresh fungal cultures that were free of agar. Some DNA degradation occurred during storage, except with the FTA® cards, used with this fungus for the first time, which provide a method for long-term archiving. Rapid alkaline lysis and ERIC-PCR identified fungal isolates from root and nematode egg surfaces when plants were treated with different combinations of fungal biotypes; the dominant biotype isolated from the rhizosphere was not always the most abundant in eggs. Conclusions:, ERIC-PCR fingerprinting can reliably detect and identify different P. chlamydosporia biotypes. It is important to use fresh mycelium and the same DNA isolation method throughout each study. Significance and Impact of the Study:, This evaluation of methods to assess genetic diversity and identify specific P. chlamydosporia biotypes is relevant to other mycelial fungi. [source] Workplace performance,PLUS: Empowerment and voice through professional development and democratic processes in health care trainingPERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT QUARTERLY, Issue 4 2009Kathleen P. King Based on the theory of transformative learning (Mezirow, 1980) and critical pedagogy (Freire, 1980), mixed-methods research (Tashakkori & Teddlie, 1998) of a hospital workers' union and training organization addressed the impact of a custom-designed, group-focused, results-driven professional development model with 130 participants. Employees across many job titles participated. Findings reveal substantial content learning, along with the development of empowerment and voice. The purpose of the research was to determine the ways and the extent that worker voice, satisfaction, attitude, communication, and problem solving improved as workers and managers put into practice knowledge and skills learned through the training (Winchester, 2003). The scope of results includes efficiency and skill improvements and qualitative changes intersecting professional and personal realms. [source] Linkage analysis of schizophrenia to chromosome 15AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS, Issue 8 2001Dr. Pablo V. Gejman Abstract We have mapped a sample of 68 families consisting of one or more affected sibling pairs with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder with 20 markers spanning all of chromosome 15 to investigate whether there is a locus on chromosome 15 that confers an increased susceptibility to schizophrenia using parametric and nonparametric linkage analyses. Allele sharing identical by descent and multipoint maximum likelihood score (MLS) statistics were employed. Results show excess allele sharing for multiple markers in 15q11.2,q25, a chromosomal region previously found linked to a decrease in the normal inhibition of the P50 auditory-evoked response to the second of paired stimuli, a decrease associated with schizophrenia. Excess allele sharing was found for markers spanning about 48 cM in 15q11.2,q25 (D15S1002,D15S1023). The greatest single point allele sharing was found at D15S659 (62.6%). The multipoint MLS scores were greater than 1.0 in the 30,52 cM interval delimited by ACTC and D15S150, with a maximum value of 2.0 with GENEHUNTER PLUS near D15S1039. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Modell und Programm CLIMT zur einfachen Ermittlung der Raumlufttemperatur und Raumluftfeuchte bei freier KlimatisierungBAUPHYSIK, Issue 3 2010Peter Häupl Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. i. R., bis 30. Berechnungsverfahren; Feuchte; Wärme Abstract In der Planungspraxis besteht Bedarf nach einem vergleichsweise (siehe TRNSYS, ENERGY PLUS) einfachen und zuverlässigen Handwerkszeug zur Quantifizierung des Raumklimas. In diesem Beitrag wird ein praktikables Modell zur Ermittlung der Stundenwerte für die Raumlufttemperatur, die Empfindungstemperatur (Mitteltemperatur aus Raumluft- und Umschließungsflächentemperatur) und die Raumluftfeuchte in Abhängigkeit vom Außenklima (Außenlufttemperatur, Wärmestrahlung und relative Luftfeuchtigkeit der Außenluft), von den Gebäudeparametern (Geometrie, Wärmetransportwiderstände der Hüllkonstruktion, Wärme- und Feuchteabsorptionsvermögen der Bauteile), von der Lüftung und der Raumnutzung (innere Wärmequellen, innere Feuchtequellen und raumluftregulierte Heizung) bei freier Klimatisierung vorgestellt. Die Ergebnisse bilden den Quelltext für das nutzerfreundliche Windows-Programm CLIMT (CLimate-Indoor-Moisture-Temperature). Modell und Programm CLIMT werden durch einen Vergleich mit Rechenwerten nach TRNSYS und Messwerten in einem Testhaus validiert. Die Ergebnisse stimmen sehr gut überein. Das Programm CLIMT ist anwenderfreundlich und praxistauglich. Model and program CLIMT for a simplified determination of room temperature and relative humidity under arbitrary climate conditions. In planning practice there is a need for a comparably simple (cf. TRNSYS, ENERGY PLUS), reliable tool for quantifying an indoor climate. In this article a practicable model is put forward for determining the hourly values for natural conditioning of indoor air temperature, the perceived temperature (average of air and enclosing surface temperatures) and the interior air humidity in relation to the external climate (external air temperature, radiant heat and relative humidity of the outside air), the building parameters (geometry, heat transfer resistance of the shell structure, heat and moisture absorption properties of the components), the ventilation and the use of the space (interior heat sources, interior moisture sources and interior air-regulated heating). The results form the source text for the user-friendly Windows program CLIMT (CLimate-Indoor-Moisture-Temperature). The CLIMT model and program are validated in a test house by comparing values calculated using TRNSYS with measured values. The results agree very well. The CLIMT program is user-friendly and practically-oriented. [source] Beijing Plus Ten: An Ambivalent Record on Gender JusticeDEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE, Issue 6 2005Maxine Molyneux The 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women (the ,Beijing Conference') was a landmark in policy terms, setting a global policy framework to advance gender equality. Ten years after Beijing, in March 2005, the UN's Commission on the Status of Women presided over an intergovernmental meeting in New York to review the progress achieved on the commitments made in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This ,Plus 10' event was decidedly low key. Its aim was not agenda setting but agenda confirming; not policy formulation but policy affirmation. Whether it proves to be part of an ongoing worldwide movement in support of gender equality, or whether it marks the decline of that process, is a question that many in international women's movements are asking. This article, drawing on research undertaken for the UNRISD report, Gender Equality: Striving for Justice in an Unequal World, reflects on the ambivalent record of progress achieved by women over the last decades and considers how the policy environment has changed over the period since the high point of global women's movements. It examines how the changing international policy and political climate over this period has given rise to new issues and challenges for those active in global women's movements. [source] THE INITIAL IMPACTS OF A MATCHED SAVINGS PROGRAM: THE SAVER PLUS PROGRAMECONOMIC PAPERS: A JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECONOMICS AND POLICY, Issue 1 2006ROSLYN RUSSELL A major emphasis in policy focus in recent years has been to promote greater levels of saving and financial inclusion in Australia. A number of studies have identified that low-income households and households with children have lower saving propensities. This paper explores the effectiveness of a particular matched savings program, Saver Plus, in promoting savings amongst low-income families that are typically at the margin of the financial sector. While noting the limitations of the lack of a formal control group, the results appear to suggest that the Saver Plus program, with its involvement of community groups, a financial education component, and co-contribution arrangements may have been successful in encouraging savings behaviour. [source] In vitro fracture behavior of maxillary premolars with metal crowns and several post-and-core systemsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 3 2006Wietske A. Fokkinga The in vitro fracture behavior of severely damaged premolars, restored with metal crowns with limited ferrule and several post-and-core systems, was investigated. Crowns of maxillary premolars were removed and canals were prepared with Gates Glidden drills and with Parapost drills. Groups of 11 samples were each treated with cast post-and-cores (Parapost XP, Wironium Plus) (group 1), prefabricated metal posts (Parapost XH) (group 2), prefabricated glass fiber posts (Parapost FiberWhite) (group 3), and custom-made glass fiber posts (EverStick Post) (group 4). Posts and composite cores and metal crowns in groups 2, 3, and 4 were adhesively cemented. Post-and-cores and crowns in group 1 were cemented with phosphate cement. Thermocycling was performed (6,000×, 5,55 °C). Two static load tests (30°) were applied. During the first load test (preloading) no failures occurred. Failure modes from the second load test were categorized into favorable and unfavorable failures. Mean failure loads among the four groups (group 1, 1845 N; group 2, 1718 N; group 3, 1812 N; and group 4, 1514 N) were not significantly different. Unfavorable failures were root fractures and favorable failures were postcrown displacements. No differences in frequencies of unfavorable/favorable failures were seen among the groups. The results suggest that different post-and-core systems have no influence on the fracture behavior of severely damaged premolars restored with metal crowns with limited ferrule. [source] Seven-year dentin bond strengths of a total- and self-etch systemEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 3 2005Michael F. Burrow The aim of this study was to determine the durability of tensile bond strengths of a conventional 3-step bonding system (Superbond D-liner Plus) and a self-etching priming bonding system (Clearfil Liner Bond II) to bovine dentin over a 7 yr period. Superficial bovine dentin finished with 600-grit SiC paper was bonded with one of the two adhesive materials. A 4 mm diameter area was bonded, covered with resin composite and stored in 37°C deionized water containing gypsum chips and 0.4% sodium azide as an antibacterial. Bonds were stressed in tension at a crosshead speed of 1 mm min,1. Mean bond strengths were observed at 1 d, at 1, 3, and 6 months, and at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 yr. Ten specimens were tested for the first 3 yr and 15 specimens were tested for 6 and 7 yr. The bond strength of Superbond D-liner Plus significantly decreased over the 7 yr period, whereas Liner Bond II showed a slight but, insignificant, decrease. The fracture mode changed with time for Superbond D-liner Plus, but not for Liner Bond II. It was concluded that systems which use a strong acid for demineralizing the dentin may show greater deterioration of the bond to dentin compared with a self-etching priming system. [source] Effect of endodontic irrigation on bonding of resin cement to radicular dentinEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 1 2005Mikako Hayashi The influence of endodontic irrigation on shear bond strengths of resin cement to radicular dentin was investigated. Human radicular dentin blocks were divided into four groups and subjected to one of four endodontic irrigations: ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) group, 17% EDTA for 60 s; EDTA/sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) group, 17% EDTA for 60 s followed by 10 ml of 5% NaOCl for 15 s; NaOCl group, 10 ml of 5% NaOCl for 15 s; and control group, no treatment. Morphological changes of dentin surface after endodontic irrigation were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A resin block was bonded to the radicular dentin after irrigation using resin cement with either wet-bonding (Uni-Etch/One-Step; Bisco) or self-etching (Tyrian SPE/One-Step Plus; Bisco) adhesives. Shear bond strengths were measured and the penetration of resin tags into dentinal tubules at resin,dentin interface was observed by SEM. With the wet-bonding system, the shear bond strengths for the EDTA/NaOCl group, in which dentinal tubules openings and uniform resin tag penetration into dentinal tubules were observed, were significantly higher than the EDTA and control groups. With the self-etching system, the shear bond strengths were significantly lower in the EDTA group compared with the NaOCl and control groups. The effects of endodontic irrigation on the bonding of resin cement to radicular dentin depended on the dentin bonding system used. [source] Characterization and gene expression profiling in glioma cell lines with deletion of chromosome 19 before and after microcell-mediated restoration of normal human chromosome 19GENES, CHROMOSOMES AND CANCER, Issue 10 2009Kristen L. Drucker Nearly 10% of human gliomas are oligodendrogliomas. Deletion of chromosome arm 19q, often in conjunction with deletion of 1p, has been observed in 65,80% of these tumors. This has suggested the presence of a tumor suppressor gene located on the 19q arm. Chromosome 19 deletion is also of interest due to the better prognosis of patients with deletion, including longer survival and better response to chemotherapy, compared with patients without deletion. Two glioma cell lines with deletion of 19q were used for chromosome 19 microcell-mediated transfer, to assess the effect of replacing the deleted segment. Complementation with chromosome 19 significantly reduced the growth rate of the hybrid cells compared with the parental cell lines. Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0 Gene Chip analysis was performed to measure and compare the expression of the chromosome 19 genes in the chromosome 19 hybrid cell lines to the parental cell line. Probes were considered significantly different when a P value <0.01 was seen in all of the cell line comparisons. Of 345 probes within the commonly deleted 19q region, seven genes (APOE, RCN3, FLJ10781, SAE1, STRN4, CCDC8, and BCL2L12) were identified as potential candidate genes. RT-PCR analysis of primary tumor specimens showed that several genes had significant differences when stratified by tumor morphology or deletion status. This suggests that one or more of these candidates may play a role in glioma formation or progression. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A Geostatistical Analysis of Soil, Vegetation, and Image Data Characterizing Land Surface VariationGEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS, Issue 2 2007Sarah E. Rodgers The elucidation of spatial variation in the landscape can indicate potential wildlife habitats or breeding sites for vectors, such as ticks or mosquitoes, which cause a range of diseases. Information from remotely sensed data could aid the delineation of vegetation distribution on the ground in areas where local knowledge is limited. The data from digital images are often difficult to interpret because of pixel-to-pixel variation, that is, noise, and complex variation at more than one spatial scale. Landsat Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) and Satellite Pour l'Observation de La Terre (SPOT) image data were analyzed for an area close to Douna in Mali, West Africa. The variograms of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from both types of image data were nested. The parameters of the nested variogram function from the Landsat ETM+ data were used to design the sampling for a ground survey of soil and vegetation data. Variograms of the soil and vegetation data showed that their variation was anisotropic and their scales of variation were similar to those of NDVI from the SPOT data. The short- and long-range components of variation in the SPOT data were filtered out separately by factorial kriging. The map of the short-range component appears to represent the patterns of vegetation and associated shallow slopes and drainage channels of the tiger bush system. The map of the long-range component also appeared to relate to broader patterns in the tiger bush and to gentle undulations in the topography. The results suggest that the types of image data analyzed in this study could be used to identify areas with more moisture in semiarid regions that could support wildlife and also be potential vector breeding sites. [source] Site-level evaluation of satellite-based global terrestrial gross primary production and net primary production monitoringGLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2005David P. Turner Abstract Operational monitoring of global terrestrial gross primary production (GPP) and net primary production (NPP) is now underway using imagery from the satellite-borne Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor. Evaluation of MODIS GPP and NPP products will require site-level studies across a range of biomes, with close attention to numerous scaling issues that must be addressed to link ground measurements to the satellite-based carbon flux estimates. Here, we report results of a study aimed at evaluating MODIS NPP/GPP products at six sites varying widely in climate, land use, and vegetation physiognomy. Comparisons were made for twenty-five 1 km2 cells at each site, with 8-day averages for GPP and an annual value for NPP. The validation data layers were made with a combination of ground measurements, relatively high resolution satellite data (Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus at ,30 m resolution), and process-based modeling. There was strong seasonality in the MODIS GPP at all sites, and mean NPP ranged from 80 g C m,2 yr,1 at an arctic tundra site to 550 g C m,2 yr,1 at a temperate deciduous forest site. There was not a consistent over- or underprediction of NPP across sites relative to the validation estimates. The closest agreements in NPP and GPP were at the temperate deciduous forest, arctic tundra, and boreal forest sites. There was moderate underestimation in the MODIS products at the agricultural field site, and strong overestimation at the desert grassland and at the dry coniferous forest sites. Analyses of specific inputs to the MODIS NPP/GPP algorithm , notably the fraction of photosynthetically active radiation absorbed by the vegetation canopy, the maximum light use efficiency (LUE), and the climate data , revealed the causes of the over- and underestimates. Suggestions for algorithm improvement include selectively altering values for maximum LUE (based on observations at eddy covariance flux towers) and parameters regulating autotrophic respiration. [source] Polymerization stress, flow and dentine bond strength of two resin-based root canal sealersINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 10 2009S. F. C. Souza Abstract Aim, To compare two resin-based root canal sealers (AH Plus and dual cure Epiphany) in terms of flow, polymerization stress and bond strength to dentine. Methodology, Flow was evaluated by measuring the diameter of uncured discs of sealer (0.5 mL) after 7 min compression (20N) between two glass plates (n = 5). Polymerization stress was monitored for 60 min in 1-mm thick discs bonded to two glass rods (Ø = 5 mm) attached to a universal testing machine (n = 3). Bond strength was analyzed through micropush-out test (n = 10) and failure mode was examined with scanning electron microscope (100× and 2500×). Data were statistically analyzed using the Student's t -test (, = 0.05). Results, Polymerization stress was 0.32 ± 0.07 MPa for Epiphany self-cure, 0.65 ± 0.08 MPa for Epiphany light-cure and zero for AH Plus (P < 0.05). Flow data and bond strength values were 30.9 ± 1.1, 28.6 ± 0.7 mm and 6.3 ± 5.3, 17.8 ± 7.5 MPa for Epiphany and AH Plus, respectively (P < 0.001). Failure mode was predominantly cohesive in the sealer for both materials. Conclusions, Epiphany had higher flow and polymerization stress and lower bond strength values to dentine than AH Plus. In view of these findings it can be implied that AH Plus would provide a better seal. [source] A laboratory assessment of coronal bacterial leakage in root canals filled with new and conventional sealersINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 4 2009A. U. Eldeniz Abstract Aim, To evaluate the resistance to ex vivo bacterial leakage over a 40-day period of root canal fillings with five new root canal sealers: RC Sealer, Epiphany, EndoREZ, GuttaFlow and Acroseal, compared with Apexit, AH Plus and RoekoSeal. Methodology, One hundred and forty-four single rooted human teeth were divided randomly into eight test (n = 15) and two control groups (n = 12). The root canals were filled using a single cone technique with gutta-percha except in the Epiphany and EndoREZ groups. These were filled with Resilon and resin-coated gutta-percha, respectively. The gutta-percha surface of the GuttaFlow group was coated with an experimental primer prior to filling. Positive controls were filled with gutta-percha without sealer and tested with bacteria, whereas negative controls were sealed with wax to test the seal between the chambers. Filled roots were incorporated in a split chamber model system using Streptococcus mutans as a microbial marker. Leakage was assessed for turbidity of the broth in the lower chamber every day for 40 days. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan,Meier product limit method and event times were compared using the Log-rank test (, = 0.05). Results, Epiphany, GuttaFlow with test primer and Apexit prevented leakage significantly better than AH Plus, RC Sealer, RoekoSeal, EndoREZ and Acroseal (P < 0.05). None of the specimens in the AH Plus, RC Sealer, RoekoSeal and EndoREZ groups resisted bacterial penetration for 40 days. Conclusion, The new sealers, Epiphany and GuttaFlow with primer, along with Apexit, showed better resistance to bacterial penetration than the other new or traditional sealers tested. [source] Bond strength of AH Plus and Epiphany sealers on root dentine irradiated with 980 nm diode laserINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 9 2008E. Alfredo Abstract Aim, To evaluate the bond strength of AH Plus and Epiphany sealers to human root canal dentine irradiated with a 980 nm diode laser at different power and frequency parameters, using the push-out test. Methodology, Sixty canine roots were sectioned below the cementoenamel junction to provide 4-mm-thick dentine discs that had their root canals prepared with a tapered bur and irrigated with sodium hypochlorite, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and distilled water. The specimens were assigned to five groups (n = 12): one control (no laser) and four experimental groups that were submitted to 980 nm diode laser irradiation at different power (1.5 and 3.0 W) and frequency (continuous wave and 100 Hz) parameters. Half of specimens in each group had their canals filled with AH Plus sealer and half with Epiphany. The push-out test was performed and data (MPa) were analysed statistically by anova and Tukey's test (P < 0.05). The specimens were split longitudinally and examined under SEM to assess the failure modes after sealer displacement. Results, The specimens irradiated with the diode laser and filled with AH Plus had significantly higher bond strength values (8.69 ± 2.44) than those irradiated and filled with Epiphany (3.28 ± 1.58) and the nonirradiated controls (3.86 ± 0.60). The specimens filled with Epiphany did not differ significantly to each other or to the control (1.75 ± 0.69). There was a predominance of adhesive failures at Epiphany,dentine interface (77%) and mixed failures at AH Plus,dentine interface (67%). Conclusions, The 980 nm diode laser irradiation of root canal dentine increased the bond strength of AH Plus sealer, but did not affect the adhesion of Epiphany sealer. [source] Efficacy of three rotary NiTi instruments in removing gutta-percha from root canalsINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 3 2008T. Ta, demir Abstract Aim, To investigate the ability of three rotary nickel,titanium instruments and hand instrumentation to remove gutta-percha and sealer. Methodology, Sixty freshly extracted human single-rooted teeth, each with one root canal, were instrumented with K-files and filled using cold lateral compaction of gutta-percha and AH Plus (Dentsply Detrey, Konstanz, Germany) sealer. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups of 15 specimens each. Removal of gutta-percha was performed with the following devices and techniques: ProTaper, R-Endo, Mtwo and Hedström files. The specimens were rendered transparent and the area of remaining filling material on the root canal wall was measured using a computer image analysis program. Statistical analysis was accomplished by Kruskal,Wallis and Mann,Whitney U -tests with Bonferroni correction for the analysis of residual root filling material and working time. Results, The ProTaper group had less filling material inside the root canals than the other groups, but a significant difference was found between only the ProTaper and Mtwo groups (P < 0.05). The retreatment time for Mtwo and ProTaper was significantly shorter compared with R-Endo and manual instrumentation with Hedström files (P < 0.001). R-Endo was significantly faster than manual instrumentation (P < 0.001). Conclusions, Under the experimental conditions, ProTaper left significantly less gutta-percha and sealer than Mtwo instruments. Complete removal of materials did not occur with any of the instrument systems investigated. [source] Radiopacity of root filling materials using digital radiographyINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 7 2007J. R. Carvalho-Junior Abstract Aim, To evaluate radiopacity of root filling materials using digital radiography. Methodology, The sealers tested were AH PlusTM, Endofill®, EndoREZTM and EpiphanyTM. Gutta-percha (Dentsply Maillefer) and ResilonTM cones were also tested. Acrylic plates, containing six wells, measuring 1 mm in depth and 5 mm in diameter, were prepared for the test, and filled with the materials. The test samples were radiographed together with an aluminium stepwedge calibrated in millimetres, according to ANSI/ADA Specification 57. For the radiographic exposures, digital imaging plates and an X-ray machine at 70 kVp and 8 mA were used. The object-to-focus distance was 30 cm, and the exposure time, 0.2 s. After the laser optic reading process, the software determined the radiopacity of the standardized areas, using grey-scale values, calculating the average radiographic density for each material. Results, The decreasing values of radiopacity of the studied materials, expressed in millimetres of aluminium equivalent, were: ResilonTM (13.0), AH PlusTM (11.2), gutta-percha (9.8), EpiphanyTM (8.0), Endofill® (6.9) and EndoREZTM (6.6). Conclusion, All materials had radiopacity values above 3 mm of aluminium recommended by ANSI/ADA Specification 57. [source] The effect of temperature on viscosity of root canal sealersINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 11 2006S. Lacey Abstract Aim, To test the hypothesis that there was no significant (, = 0.05) change in viscosity of commercially available root canal sealers with increase in temperature using a high-performance Advanced Rheometric Expansion System (ARES) rheometer. Methodology, Materials tested were Apexit, Tubliseal EWT, Grossman's, AH Plus and Ketac-endo. Cone-and-plate geometry was used (25-mm diameter, 0.1 radian and gap 0.051 mm). Measurements were carried out for steady-state viscosity at 25 and 37 °C in the shear rate range of 0.001,50 s,1 at standardized relative humidity and within 30 min from the start of mixing. Five samples were taken for each sealer at each temperature. Results, At 25 °C all sealers demonstrated shear thinning. At 37 °C Grossman's (powder : liquid ratio 2 : 1 and 3 : 1) and Ketac-endo had a rapid rise in viscosity and early set whereas the other sealers were shear thinning. On increasing temperature from 25 °C to 37 °C, Apexit, Tubliseal and AH Plus had reduced viscosity whereas Grossman's 2 : 1, Grossman's 3 : 1 and Ketac-endo had increased viscosity, which varied with the shear rate. The change in viscosity with change in temperature was significant (P < 0.05) for all sealers except AH Plus. Conclusions, There was a variation in the effect of increasing temperature on each sealer depending on the shear rate. With the exception of AH Plus, a significant (P < 0.05) change in viscosity was found, and the null hypothesis was rejected. [source] Solubility of root-canal sealers in water and artificial salivaINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 10 2003E. Schäfer Abstract Aim, To compare the weight loss of eight different root-canal sealers in water and in artificial saliva with different pH values. Methodology, For standardized samples (n = 12 per group), ring moulds were filled with epoxy resin (AH 26, AH Plus)-, silicone (RSA RoekoSeal)-, calcium hydroxide (Apexit, Sealapex)-, zinc oxide,eugenol (Aptal-Harz)-, glass-ionomer (Ketac Endo)- and polyketone (Diaket)-based sealers. These samples were immersed in double-distilled water or artificial saliva with different pH values (7.0, 5.7 and 4.5) for 30 s, 1 min, 2 min, 5 min, 10 min, 20 min, 1 h, 2 h, 10 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 14 days and 28 days. Mean loss of weight was determined and analysed statistically using a one-way anova and Student,Newman,Keuls test for all pairwise comparisons. Results, Most sealers were of low solubility, although Sealapex, Aptal-Harz and Ketac Endo showed a marked weight loss in all liquids. Even after 28 days of storage in water, AH 26, AH Plus, RSA RoekoSeal, and Diaket showed less than 3% weight loss. At exposure times greater than 14 days, Sealapex showed the significantly greatest weight loss of all sealers tested (P < 0.05). Aptal-Harz and Ketac Endo were significantly more soluble in saliva (pH 4.5) than in water (P < 0.05). Conclusions, Under the conditions of the present study, AH Plus showed the least weight loss of all sealers tested, independent of the solubility medium used. Sealapex, Aptal-Harz and Ketac Endo had a marked weight loss in all liquids. [source] Examination of cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of AH26 and AH Plus sealersINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 5 2003I. Mileti Abstract Aim ,To study in vitro the cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of AH26 and AH Plus. Methodology ,Cytotoxic effects on Chinese hamster V79 cells were determined by counting viable cells following incubation with eluations of AH26 and AH Plus. In one set of experiments, the materials were mixed, set for 1 h and then eluted with dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) for 1 h, 24 h and 7 days. In the other set, AH26 and AH Plus were mixed and set for 1 h, 24 h and 7 days in physiological saline then crushed and eluted in DMSO for 24 h. The cytotoxic effects of these eluates were evaluated. Three concentrations were chosen to examine the mutagenic effects of AH26 and AH Plus: 5.57, 16.7 and 55.7 ,g mL,1. The structural chromosomal aberration analysis and micronucleus test were performed on human lymphocytes according to standard procedures. Results ,Dose,response curves of cell survival were obtained. Both materials were shown to be cytotoxic in doses larger than 55.7 ,g mL,1, except for AH26, after 7 days setting time. AH Plus was also shown to be toxic in concentrations of 16.7 ,g mL,1, except after 7 days setting time. Neither AH26 nor AH Plus induced a significant increase of chromosomal aberrations or micronuclei induction at any setting time or concentration. Conclusion ,There was no mutagenicity found for AH26 and AH Plus on human lymphocytes in highly controlled conditions in vitro. [source] Dissolution of root canal sealer cements in volatile solventsINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 1 2000J. M. Whitworth Whitworth JM, Boursin EM. Dissolution of root canal sealer cements in volatile solvents. International Endodontic Journal, 33, 19,24, 2000. Aim There are few published data on the solubility profiles of endodontic sealers in solvents commonly employed in root canal retreatment. This study tested the hypothesis that root canal sealer cements are insoluble in the volatile solvents chloroform and halothane. Methodology Standardized samples (n=5) of glass ionomer (Ketac Endo), zinc oxide-eugenol (Tubli-Seal EWT), calcium hydroxide (Apexit) and epoxy resin (AH Plus) based sealers were immersed in chloroform or halothane for 30 s, 1 min, 5 min and 10 min. Mean loss of weight was plotted against time of exposure, and differences in behaviour assessed by multiple paired t-tests (P <0.01). Results Clear differences were shown in the solubility profiles of major classes of root canal sealer cements in two common volatile solvents. In comparison with other classes of material, Ketac Endo was the least soluble in chloroform and halothane (P <0.01), with less than 1% weight loss after 10 min exposure to either solvent. Apexit had low solubility with 11.6% and 14.19% weight loss after 10 min exposure to chloroform and halothane, respectively. The difference between solvents was not significant (P >0.01). Tubli-Seal EWT was significantly less soluble in halothane than chloroform (5.19% and 62.5% weight loss after 10 min exposure, respectively (P <0.01)). Its solubility in halothane was not significantly different from that of Apexit. AH Plus was significantly more soluble than all other materials in both chloroform and halothane (96% and 68% weight loss after 10 min exposure, respectively (P <0.01)). Conclusions There are significant differences in the solubility profiles of major classes of root canal sealer in common organic solvents. Efforts should continue to find a more universally effective solvent for use in root canal retreatment. [source] Performance evaluation of LIBTA/hybrid time-slot selection algorithm for cellular systems,INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, Issue 6 2001Jyh-Horng Wen Abstract This paper studies the performance of radio assignment algorithms for portable access in cellular systems. Several channel access procedures are proposed and simulated using block oriented network simulator (BONeS) simulation of a model 36-port system. Simulation results exhibit that load-sharing system with LIBTA algorithm is better than directed retry system with the same algorithm by around 0.9 erlangs while better than quasi-fixed channel assignment (QFCA) system by around 2 erlangs if the grade of service (GOS) is constrained to less than 10 per cent. Plus, a hybrid time-slot selection procedure is proposed to enhance the system performance. It is observed that systems with hybrid time-slot selection perform better than those with LIBTA algorithm in GOS under heavy load. It is also observed that load sharing system with hybrid time-slot selection algorithm is better than directed retry system with the same algorithm by around 0.7 erlangs and better than QFCA system by around 2 erlangs. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Efficacy of chemical and botanical over-the-counter pediculicides available in Brazil, and off-label treatments, against head lice ex vivoINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2010André Asenov MD Background, There is a lack of reliable data on the efficacy of over-the-counter (OTC) pediculicides in Brazil. Methods, We performed ex vivo assays of eight marketed pediculicides: 1% permethrin (Kwell®, Clean Hair®, Keltrina®, Nedax®), 0.02% deltamethrin (Deltacid®, Pediderm®), and two "natural" products (Piolho e Lêndea®, Pilogenio®). We also tested 5% permethrin (Keltrina Plus®), traditional home remedies and an ivermectin-based product used in veterinary medicine. Head lice (49,52 per group) were immersed in the compound for 3 min and washed after 20 min to simulate the typical in vivo treatment protocol. Lice were examined for activity up to 24 h using stringent criteria for survival. Results, Of the permethrin containing products, highest mortality was observed with Kwell® and Clean Hair® (97.9 and 90.2% after 4 h). Keltrina®, Nedax®, Keltrina Plus®, and the two deltamethrin-based products showed only a low efficacy of <60% after 4 h. With exception of pure coconut oil (80% mortality after 4 h), home remedies showed a very low efficacy, and both marketed products killed few lice. The ivermectin-based product caused a mortality of 100% after 4 h. Conclusions, Most Brazilian OTC products did not show a satisfactory efficacy against head lice. Resistance may be present. Ivermectin and coconut oil are promising compounds for topical treatment. Laboratory-based tests should be used to assess resistance patterns and to identify formulations of the active ingredient that increase the efficacy. Standardized testing should be performed before a product is licensed for head lice treatment. [source] EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Systematic review of current executive function measures in adults with and without cognitive impairmentsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EVIDENCE BASED HEALTHCARE, Issue 3 2010Sabrina Pickens PhDc MSN ANP-BC GNP-BC Abstract Background, Executive function pertains to higher cognitive processes historically linked to frontal lobes. Several measures are available to screen for executive function; however, no gold standard exists. The difficulty in assessing executive function is the existence of its many subsets. Objectives, To evaluate the psychometric properties of executive function measures and determine the most effective measure(s) through a systematic review of the literature. Search strategy, The search strategy utilised a comprehensive literature review of articles written in the English language published from January 2003 to September 2009. The following electronic databases were searched: SCOPUS, PUBMED, Medline Ovid, PsychArticles and CINAHL Plus. Initial key words used were ,executive function', ,measures', ,reliability' and ,validity' followed by the addition of ,traumatic brain injury'. The initial search elicited 226 articles, of which 28 were retrieved. After further exclusion 19 were included in the review. Results, Eight measures underwent factor analysis and 18 underwent various forms of reliability and/or validity testing. Factor analysis showed different aspects of executive functions. According to preset evaluation criteria, only the Test of Practical Judgment performed all of the recommended reliability and validity testing. Reviewer's conclusion, Of the recently developed measures, several show promise for future use yet further validity and reliability testing is warranted. Future tool development should measure all subsets of executive function rather than only a few and include the recommended components of reliability and validity testing. [source] Simulation-based learning in nurse education: systematic reviewJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 1 2010Robyn P. Cant Abstract Title.,Simulation-based learning in nurse education: systematic review. Aim., This paper is a report of a review of the quantitative evidence for medium to high fidelity simulation using manikins in nursing, in comparison to other educational strategies. Background., Human simulation is an educational process that can replicate clinical practices in a safe environment. Although endorsed in nursing curricula, its effectiveness is largely unknown. Review methods., A systematic review of quantitative studies published between 1999 and January 2009 was undertaken using the following databases: CINAHL Plus, ERIC, Embase, Medline, SCOPUS, ProQuest and ProQuest Dissertation and Theses Database. The primary search terms were ,simulation' and ,human simulation'. Reference lists from relevant papers and the websites of relevant nursing organizations were also searched. The quality of the included studies was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme criteria. Results. Twelve studies were included in the review. These used experimental or quasi-experimental designs. All reported simulation as a valid teaching/learning strategy. Six of the studies showed additional gains in knowledge, critical thinking ability, satisfaction or confidence compared with a control group (range 7,11%). The validity and reliability of the studies varied due to differences in design and assessment methods. Conclusion. Medium and/or high fidelity simulation using manikins is an effective teaching and learning method when best practice guidelines are adhered to. Simulation may have some advantage over other teaching methods, depending on the context, topic and method. Further exploration is needed to determine the effect of team size on learning and to develop a universal method of outcome measurement. [source] How people live with or get over being suicidal: a review of qualitative studiesJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 2 2008Richard Lakeman Abstract Title.,How people live with or get over being suicidal: a review of qualitative studies Aim., To systematically review qualitative research which addresses how people live with suicidality or recover a desire to live. Background., Suicide is a pressing social and public health problem. Much emphasis in suicide research has been on the epidemiology of suicide and the identification of risk and protective factors. Relatively little emphasis has been given to the subjective experiences of suicidal people, but this is necessary to inform the care and help provided to individuals. Data sources., Electronic searches of CINAHL Plus with full text, Medline and PsychArticles (included PsycINFO, Social Services Abstracts and Sociological abstracts) were undertaken for the period from 1997 to April 2007. In addition, the following journals were hand searched (1997,2007): ,Mortality', ,Death Studies', ,Archives of Suicide Research' and ,Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention'. Method., A systematic review of the literature and thematic content analysis of findings. The findings were extracted from selected papers and synthesized by way of content analysis in narrative and tabular form. Findings., Twelve studies were identified. Analysis revealed a number of interconnected themes: the experience of suffering, struggle, connection, turning points and coping. Conclusions., Living with or overcoming suicidality involves various struggles, often existential in nature. Suicide may be seen as both a failure and a means of coping. People may turn away from suicide quite abruptly through experiencing, gaining or regaining the right kind of connection with others. Nurses working with suicidal individuals should aspire to be identified as people who can turn people's lives around. [source] Tear-film lipid layer morphology and corneal sensation in the development of blinking in neonates and infantsJOURNAL OF ANATOMY, Issue 3 2005John G. Lawrenson Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of lipid layer thickness and corneal sensation in the development of blinking in neonates. The study group comprised sixty-four neonates and infants (mean age 27.5 ± 15 (sd) weeks, range 3.4,52) whose mothers were attending a general practice healthy baby clinic. Spontaneous eye-blink activity was determined from digital videographic recordings; tear film lipid layer morphology wasexamined using interference patterns produced by the Keeler TearscopeÔ Plus over a five-point grading scale (higher grades are associated with thick and stable lipid films); corneal sensation threshold was assessed with the Non-Contact Corneal Aesthesiometer (NCCA), using the eye-blink response as an objective indication that the cooling stimulus had been felt; palpebral aperture dimensions were measured using calibrated digital still images of the eye in the primary position. The overall mean spontaneous blink-rate was found to be 3.6 (± 0.3) blinks min,1, and the mean interblink time was 21.6 (± 2.8) s. The lowest blink-rates were observed in the 0,17-week age group (average 2 blinks min,1). The blink-rate showed a highly significant correlation with age (r = 0.46, P < 0.01). The overall mean lipid layer grading was 3.6 (± 0.2 SE) arbitrary units. Higher grades were found in the newborn and the mean grading score reduced with age (P < 0.01). The mean sensation threshold to blink (TTB) was 0.69 (0.04 SE) mbar, which did not differ from a control group of older subjects (P > 0.05). There was a rapid increase in palpebral aperture length and width from birth to 1 year old, with surface area increasing by 50% over the same period. We concluded that the low rate of spontaneous eye blink activity in neonates is associated with a thick stable lipid layer that may be a function of a small palpebral aperture. Furthermore, neonates appear to have the capacity to detect ocular surface cooling, which is a major trigger for spontaneous blinking. [source] In GERD patients, mucosal repair associated genes are upregulated in non-inflamed oesophageal epitheliumJOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 5 2009D. R. De Vries Abstract Previous studies addressing the effects of acid reflux and PPI therapy on gene expression in oesophageal epithelium concentrated on inflamed tissue. We aimed to determine changes in gene expression in non-inflamed oesophageal epithelium of GERD patients. Therefore, we included 20 GERD patients with pathological total 24-hr acid exposure of 6,12% and SAP , 95%. Ten patients discontinued PPI treatment (PPI-), 10 took pantoprazole 40 mg bid (PPI+). Ten age/sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Biopsies were taken from non-inflamed mucosa 6 cm and 16 cm proximal to the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ). Gene expression profiling of biopsies from 6 cm was performed on Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 arrays (Affymetrix). Genes exhibiting a fold change >1.4 (t-test P -value < 1E, 4) were considered differentially expressed. Results were confirmed by real-time RT-PCR. In PPI- patients, 92 microarray probesets were deregulated. The majority of the corresponding genes were associated with cell,cell contacts, cytoskeletal reorganization and cellular motility, suggesting facilitation of a migratory phenotype. Genes encoding proteins with anti-apoptotic or anti-proliferative functions or stress-protective functions were also deregulated. No probesets were deregulated in PPI+ patients. QPCR analysis of 20 selected genes confirmed most of the deregulations in PPI- patients, and showed several deregulated genes in PPI+ patients as well. In the biopsies taken at 16 cm QPCR revealed no deregulations of the selected genes. We conclude that upon acid exposure, oesophageal epithelial cells activate a process globally known as epithelial restitution: up-regulation of anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidant and migration associated genes. Possibly this process helps maintaining barrier function. [source] Large-volume leukapheresis using femoral venous access for harvesting peripheral blood stem cells with the Fenwal CS 3000 Plus from normal healthy donors: Predictors of CD34+ cell yield and collection efficiencyJOURNAL OF CLINICAL APHERESIS, Issue 1 2003Sang Kyun Sohn Abstract The current paper reports on the predicting factors associated with satisfactory peripheral blood stem cell collection and the efficacy of large-volume leukapheresis (LVL) using femoral vein catheterization to harvest PBSCs with Fenwal CS 3000 Plus from normal healthy donors for allogeneic transplantation. A total of 113 apheresis procedures in 57 patients were performed. The median number of MNCs, CD3+ cells, and CD34+ cells harvested per apheresis was 5.3 × 108/kg (range, 0.3,11.0 × 108/kg), 3.0 × 108/kg (range, 0.2,6.6 × 108/kg), and 7.9 × 106/kg (range, 0.1,188.9 × 106/kg), respectively. The median collection efficiency of MNCs and CD34+ cells was 49.8% and 49.7%, respectively. A highly significant correlation was found between the collected CD34+ cell counts and the pre-apheresis WBC counts in the donors (P = 0.013), and between the collected CD34+ cell counts and the pre-apheresis peripheral blood (PB) CD34+ cell counts (P<0.001). Harvesting at least >4 × 106/kg CD34+ cells from the 1st LVL was achieved in 44 (77.2%) out of 57 donors and in 19 (90.5%) out of 21 donors with a PB-CD34+ cell count of >40/,l. There was no significant difference in the harvested MNC and CD34+ cell counts between the 1st and 2nd apheresis. The catheter-related complications included catheter obstruction (n = 2) and hematoma at the insertion site (n = 3). Accordingly, LVL using femoral venous access for allogeneic PBSC collection from normal healthy donors would appear to be safe and effective. J. Clin. Apheresis 18:10,15, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||