Not Without My Father: The Legal Status of the Posthumously Conceived Child

Twins Amanda and Elyse were born to William and Mariantonia Kolacy of New Jersey on November 3, 1996. At this ordinarily joyous occasion, only Mariantonia was able to welcome the two girls into the world; their father, William, had passed away some eighteen months before their birth-nearly a year before the girls were conceived. When William and Mariantonia were a young married couple, doctors diagnosed William with leukemia and advised him to begin chemotherapy immediately. Fearing the treatment or the disease would render him sterile, William preserved some of his sperm for later use. Regrettably, William did not survive the disease and died on April 15, 1995, at the young age of twenty-six. Nearly a year later, on April 3, 1996, Mariantonia underwent an in vitro fertilization procedure in which William\u27s sperm was united with her eggs, and the resulting embryos were implanted into her uterus. Some seven months later, on November 3, 1996, Amanda and Elyse were born into the world and into a legal conundrum: despite being William\u27s undisputed genetic offspring, whether they had a right to be legally recognized as his children faced great uncertainty. This uncertainty surfaced when the Social Security Administration denied Mariantonia\u27s petition to obtain dependent benefits for Amanda and Elyse based on William\u27s Social Security contributions during his life. The Administration denied the petition because the girls did not qualify as dependents under the Social Security Act,10 which, in part, provides that benefits can be paid to a child who could inherit under the State\u27s intestate laws. \u27 Under New Jersey law, children born after the father\u27s death can inherit only if conceived before his death. \u27 Since Amanda and Elyse were conceived almost a year after William died, a strict reading of the statute would leave them unable to claim heirship and, consequently, they would be denied the Social Security benefits to which dependents are normally entitled. In further pursuit of the children\u27s claim for dependent benefits, Mariantonia sought to have Amanda and Elyse declared among the class of persons who are S. .. intestate heirs \u27 of William under New Jersey law. Searching in vain for guidance, the court was unable to find any American appellate court decisions dealing with [the] central issue of the legal status of children conceived posthumously. Despite this void, the court reasoned that the children were nonetheless entitled to have their status as heirs of their father determined for a variety of state law purposes, \u27 and accordingly, recognized Amanda and Elyse as the legal heirs of William.\u27 The Kolacy case exemplifies an important legal problem created by advances in technology. In the past, conception was possible only through sexual intercourse, thus death represented the ultimate finality.\u27 Today, new reproductive technologies have made noncoital reproduction commonplace and have even made it possible to conceive from the grave. Posthumous conception-the application of reproductive technology to conceive a child after the death of one or both of the genetic parents-would certainly have seemed oxymoronic only a short time ago. Today, however, it is a real matter that creates doubt about the legal status of this unique class of children

Efeito do modo de ativação na microdureza de cimento resinoso dual convencional

Orientador: Profª Drª Andresa Carla ObiciMonografia (graduação) - Universidade Federal do Paraná, Setor de Ciências da Saúde, Curso de Graduação em OdontologiaInclui referênciasResumo : Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar o efeito do modo de ativação (dual ou química) e da atenuação de luz na microdureza Knoop, bem como na densidade de ligações cruzadas por meio do teste de amolecimento de um cimento resinoso dual convencional. O material foi inserido em matriz metálica com 6mm de diâmetro interno e 0,5 mm de espessura utilizando ponta misturadora e, então os corpos de prova foram subdividido em três grupos (n=10): G1 - fotoativação por 20s utilizando aparelho à base de LED (Emitter B, Schuster); G2 - manutenção em recipiente seco e escuro (presa química); G3 - interposição de um disco cerâmico de dissilicato de lítio (E-Max, Ivoclair, Barueri, Brasil), de 1,5mm de espessura para a fotoativação. Após 24h em 37ºC, a microdureza Knoop foi mensurada (DK1) e, então, os espécimes submersos em álcool absoluto, mantidos em 37ºC por 24h e novos valores de dureza obtidos (DK2). A redução percentual da dureza foi calculada a partir dos valores de DK1 e DK2. Os resultados mostraram que a dureza em 48h foi menor do que em 24h para todos os grupos. A comparação entre grupos mostrou que para DK1, o G1 obteve valores intermediários sem diferença de G2 e G3, os quais diferiram entre si. Para DK2, G1 e G3 demonstraram os maiores valores sem diferenças entre si, mas diferiram de G2. A redução percentual da dureza do G1 foi menor do que de G2 e G3. Assim foi possível concluir que modo de ativação afeta a dureza e a densidade de ligações cruzadas do cimento resinoso.Abstract : The objectives of this work were to evaluate the effect of activation mode (dual or chemical) and light attenuation on Knoop microhardness, as well as on crosslink density by means of the softening test of a conventional dual resin cement. The material was inserted into a metal matrix with an internal diameter of 6 mm and a thickness of 0.5 mm thick using a mixing tip, and then subdivided into three groups (n=10): G1 - photoactivation for 20s using an LEDbased device (Emitter B, Schuster); G2 - maintenance in a dry and dark container (chemical setting); G3 - interposition of a 1.5 mm thick ceramic disk of lithium disilicate (E- Max, Ivoclair, Barueri, Brazil) for photoactivation. After 24 h at 37ºC, the Knoop microhardness was measured (DK1), and then the specimens were submerged in absolute alcohol, kept at 37ºC for 24 h, and new hardness values were obtained (DK2). The percent reduction in hardness was calculated from the DK1 and DK2 values. The results showed that the hardness at 48h was lower than at 24h for all groups. Comparison between groups showed that for DK1, G1 obtained intermediate values with no difference from G2 and G3, which differed from each other. For DK2, G1 and G3 showed the highest values without differences between them, but differed from G2. The percentage reduction in hardness of G1 was smaller than that of G2 and G3. The mode of activation affects the hardness and cross-link density of the resin cement

Mitos e evidências no clareamento dental: uma revisão de literatura

TCC (graduação) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Odontologia.O clareamento dental é um procedimento bastante requisitado nos tempos atuais da Odontologia. O clareamento consiste em um procedimento muito seguro mas mesmo assim, sua ação ainda levanta dúvidas sobre possíveis prejuízos aos tecidos dentais. Diante das certezas e incertezas geradas sobre o tema, este trabalho tem como principal objetivo a revisão da literatura sobre os mitos e as evidências do Clareamento Dental. Para tanto, foram selecionados quatro subtemas que são pertinentes quanto à ação e eficácia do Clareamento Dental: 1. Dieta branca na eficácia do clareamento dental; 2. Eficácia do clareamento dental por face palatal/lingual quando comparado com a face vestibular; 3. Eficácia do clareamento dental em pacientes usuários de aparelhos ortodônticos; 4. Espessura do gel clareador na eficácia do clareamento dental. Dessa forma, foi realizada uma busca de estudos e artigos científicos em plataformas de bases de dados eletrônicas da área odontológica, como o PubMed (United States Library of Medicine), Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO), Google Acadêmico e Repositório da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. A pesquisa e seleção dos artigos relacionados foi através da utilização das palavras e expressões “dental bleaching”, “bleaching” e “teeth”. Também foi realizada a pesquisa de teses de doutorado e trabalhos de conclusão de curso na área de repositórios da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Sendo assim, foram selecionados os artigos e teses que tiveram relação direta com o tema clareamento dental e com os subtemas propostos a serem estudados e discutidos. Por fim, através dessa pesquisa bibliográfica pode-se concluir que: 1. Os refrigerantes à base de cola, o café e o suco de uva não influenciam na eficácia do clareamento dental; 2. O clareamento por face lingual/palatal gera uma mudança significativa da cor, embora a eficácia do clareamento feito por face vestibular seja maior; 3. Clareamento em pacientes com aparelho ortodôntico, a presença do bráquete não causa o insucesso do tratamento e; 4. Independentemente da espessura do gel clareador utilizada, após 7 dias do término do tratamento, o resultado do clareamento dental é semelhante em todos os casos. Dessa forma, com esse trabalho pode concluir que o clareamento mostra-se um tratamento eficaz, duradouro e seguro. Palavras- chave: Clareamento dental, clareamento e dente.Teeth whitening is a very popular procedure in today's Dentistry. Bleaching is a very safe procedure, but even so, its action still raises doubts about possible damage to dental tissues. Given the certainties and uncertainties generated on the subject, this work has as main objective to review the literature on the myths and evidence of Dental Whitening. For this purpose, four sub-themes were selected that are relevant in terms of the action and effectiveness of Tooth Whitening: 1. White diet in the effectiveness of tooth whitening; 2. Efficacy of tooth whitening on the palatal/lingual surface when compared to the buccal surface; 3. Efficacy of tooth whitening in patients using orthodontic appliances; 4. Thickness of whitening gel on the effectiveness of tooth whitening. Thus, a search for studies and scientific articles was carried out on electronic database platforms in the dental field, such as PubMed (United States Library of Medicine), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Google Scholar and Repository of the Federal University of Santa Catarina. The search and selection of related articles was through the use of the words and expressions “dental bleaching”, “bleaching” and “teeth”. The research of doctoral theses and course conclusion works was also carried out in the area of repositories at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Therefore, articles and theses that were directly related to the topic of tooth whitening and to the proposed sub-themes to be studied and discussed were selected. Finally, through this bibliographic research, it can be concluded that: 1. Coke-based soft drinks, coffee and grape juice do not influence the effectiveness of tooth whitening; 2. Bleaching from the lingual/palatal surface generates a significant change in color, although the effectiveness of bleaching performed from the buccal surface is greater; 3. Whitening in patients with orthodontic appliances, the presence of the bracket does not cause treatment failure and; 4. Regardless of the thickness of the whitening gel used, 7 days after the end of the treatment, the result of tooth whitening is similar in all cases. Thus, with this work, it can be concluded that bleaching is an effective, lasting and safe treatment. Key-words: dental bleaching, bleaching” and teeth

Causas e responsabilidades do fracasso escolar nas escolas do município de Guaraqueçaba

Orientadora : Profª. Drª.Jandicleide Evangelista LopesMonografia (especialização) - Universidade Federal do Paraná, Setor de Educação, Curso de Especialização em Coordenação PedagógicaInclui referênciasResumo : Este artigo apresenta um estudo sobre as causas e responsabilidades do fracasso escolar nas escolas do município de Guaraqueçaba, estado do Paraná, substanciado por autores como Arroyo (1993) Bossa (2002), Brandão (1983), Patto (1999), Fonseca (2005), entre outros e contribuições de dez docentes de duas instituições de ensino do município de Guaraqueçaba. Os dados levantados evidenciam que existem vários fatores internos e externos a instituição de ensino que influenciam diretamente na aprendizagem dos educandos do município. A pesquisa de campo demonstra que os fatores mais relevantes na visão dos docentes estão relacionados com a falta de participação da família na vida escolar dos educandos. Os docentes entrevistados apontam que não existe um responsável apenas pelo fracasso escolar, mas que todos em parte são responsáveis para que o fenômeno ocorra

Unified treatment algorithm for the management of crotaline snakebite in the United States: results of an evidence-informed consensus workshop

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Envenomation by crotaline snakes (rattlesnake, cottonmouth, copperhead) is a complex, potentially lethal condition affecting thousands of people in the United States each year. Treatment of crotaline envenomation is not standardized, and significant variation in practice exists.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A geographically diverse panel of experts was convened for the purpose of deriving an evidence-informed unified treatment algorithm. Research staff analyzed the extant medical literature and performed targeted analyses of existing databases to inform specific clinical decisions. A trained external facilitator used modified Delphi and structured consensus methodology to achieve consensus on the final treatment algorithm.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A unified treatment algorithm was produced and endorsed by all nine expert panel members. This algorithm provides guidance about clinical and laboratory observations, indications for and dosing of antivenom, adjunctive therapies, post-stabilization care, and management of complications from envenomation and therapy.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Clinical manifestations and ideal treatment of crotaline snakebite differ greatly, and can result in severe complications. Using a modified Delphi method, we provide evidence-informed treatment guidelines in an attempt to reduce variation in care and possibly improve clinical outcomes.</p

Structural constraints on Laramide shortening and Rio Grande rift extension in the central Franklin Mountains, El Paso County, Texas

The Franklin Mountains, a north-south trending mountain range located in west Texas and southern New Mexico, exhibit deformation associated with both the Laramide orogeny and the Rio Grande rift. Detailed geologic mapping of the Tom Mays State Park area of the central Franklin Mountains was completed in order to better refine the structural geology, to determine the incremental strain history of the major fault systems in the area, and to determine the origin of prevalent low-angle normal faults. Three major fault systems were found in the Tom Mays State Park area, each associated with a separate period of deformation. These are the Western Boundary fault zone (WBFZ) reverse fault, the Avispa detachment, and the WBFZ normal fault. The WBFZ reverse fault was produced by northeast southwest oriented Laramide shortening, and deformed by dip-slip displacements. This single period of Laramide shortening in the central Franklin Mountains created map- and small-scale fault propagation folds in the area which plunge gently to the northwest. The WBFZ reverse fault also shows structures that supports the idea that the Franklin Mountains were a transitional area between thick- and thin-deformation during the Laramide orogeny. The low-angle Avispa detachment was produced by northeast-southwest oriented extension, interpreted to have formed during an early period of Rio Grande rift extension. Structural analysis of low-angle faults associated with the Avispa detachment shows that they have been progressively rotated to their present shallow dip during northeast directed extension demonstrating large horizontal axis rotations during rifting. Finally, the WBFZ normal fault was produced by east-west oriented extension during the most recent period of Rio Grande rifting