bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrocatalyis for PEFCs: Oxygen Reduction on Nanoparticles and Extended Surfaces
Authors: Schmidt Thomas J. , Rabis Annett , Schwanitz Bernhard , Scherer Günther G.
Published: February 2013

This work makes an attempt to correlate experimentally observed Tafel slopes from the oxygen reduction reaction in both model rotating disk electrode and polymer electrolyte fuel cell measurements, respectively, with the kinetic description of a coverage dependent current-potential relationship. It is shown that the potential dependent OHadcoverage can be used as a descriptor of potential dependent Tafel slopes, pointing to the validity of underlying Temkin-Frumkin adsorption properties in combination with the Butler-Volmer approach.
Triagem da Afinação Vocal: comparação do desempenho de musicistas e não musicistas
Authors: Moreti Felipe , Pereira Liliane Desgualdo , Gielow Ingrid
Published: February 2013

OBJETIVOS: Elaborar um procedimento simples e de rápida aplicação contendo tarefas de imitação vocal de sons musicais de diferentes tons e de ordenação temporal de três tons; verificar sua aplicabilidade, comparando o desempenho de musicistas e não musicistas. MÉTODOS: Participaram 32 indivíduos adultos, de ambos os gêneros, sem queixas vocais, auditivas e/ou de processamento auditivo, que foram divididos igualmente em dois grupos: grupo musicistas - GM e grupo não musicistas - GNM. Todos passaram pela Triagem da Afinação Vocal, que incluiu estímulos musicais compatíveis com a tessitura vocal de homens e mulheres, agrupados em dois tipos de tarefas: tons isolados e sequências de três tons. Os participantes foram instruídos a ouvir os tons apresentados e reproduzí-los vocalmente. As emissões vocais foram gravadas, analisadas acusticamente e os acertos e erros cometidos nos dois tipos de tarefas foram caracterizados. As variáveis referentes à comparação entre os grupos e os tipos de tarefas foram analisadas estatisticamente. RESULTADOS: Houve diferença na comparação entre os dois tipos de tarefas para o GNM, o que não ocorreu com o GM. Foram observadas diferenças na comparação entre os grupos, sendo que o GM apresentou um maior número de acertos nos dois tipos de tarefas. CONCLUSÃO: A Triagem da Afinação Vocal foi criada e mostrou-se sensível para avaliação e comparação do desempenho entre grupos, podendo ser utilizada como instrumento de rastreamento de afinação vocal. Musicistas apresentaram melhor desempenho que não musicistas na Triagem da Afinação Vocal.
Effects of confining pressure and water content on performance of unsaturated compacted clay under repeated loading
Authors: SIVAKUMAR V. , KODIKARA J. , O'HAGAN R. , HUGHES D. , CAIRNS P. , McKINLEY J.D.
Published: February 2013

This paper examines the performance of unsaturated soils under repeated loading. As part of the research, a triaxial system was developed that incorporates small-strain measurements using Hall effect transducers, in addition to suction measurements taken using a psychrometer. Tests were conducted on samples of kaolin under constant water mass conditions. The results address the effects of compaction effort and water content at the time of compaction on the overall performance of unsaturated soils, under different amplitudes of loading and different confining pressures. The results show that suction in the sample reduced with increasing number of loading cycles of the same magnitude. The resilient modulus initially increased with increasing water content up to approximately optimum water content, and then reduced substantially with further increase in water content.
Interpretation of stress measurements made around closed-ended displacement piles in sand
Authors: JARDINE R.J. , ZHU B.T. , FORAY P. , YANG Z.X.
Published: February 2013

An interpretation is given of instrumented calibration chamber experiments involving comprehensive measurements of the stresses developed on and around closed-ended model displacement piles installed in pressurised silica sand. Conclusions are drawn regarding the mechanisms and stress regimes that apply during and after penetration, and how these compare with cavity expansion treatments and other analyses. The experimental arrangements and measurement details are described fully in a companion paper.
Compressibility behaviour of bentonite and organically modified bentonite slurry
Authors: SREEDHARAN V. , PUVVADI S.
Published: February 2013

Bentonite in slurry walls needs to be amended with organo-clay to control the migration of organic contaminants. Consolidation behaviour of the slurry is important because it will reduce the total effective stress owing to mobilisation of frictional force between the side wall of the trench and the slurry. Compressibility of the slurry of bentonite is expected to undergo significant changes owing to amendment with organo-clay and according to the nature of the fluid. Standard one-dimensional consolidation tests were carried out on slurries of bentonite, organo-clay and their mixtures by remoulding them to their respective liquid limit consistency with water as well as fluids of low polarity, such as carbon tetrachloride, and inundating with different fluids. Organo-clay and its mixture with bentonite when moulded with water exhibit lower compressibility than bentonite in any pore fluid, but their compressibility increases when moulded with carbon tetrachloride and inundated with the same fluid. These changes in the compressibility of bentonite amended with organo-clay are explained by particle rearrangements, changes in the development of the diffuse double layer and contribution from the water adsorbed in the inter-lamellar space of the clay.
Double-structure effects on the chemo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of a compacted active clay
Authors: MUSSO G. , ROMERO E. , VECCHIA G.DELLA
Published: February 2013

This work presents an insight into double-structure effects on the coupled chemo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of a compacted active clay. In the first part, selected pore size distribution curves are introduced, to highlight the influence of solute concentration on the evolution of the microstructure of compacted samples. An aggregated structure with dual-pore network is induced by compaction even at relatively high water contents. This structural arrangement is enhanced by salinisation, and has a notable influence on transient volume change behaviour – that is, the occurrence of different stages of swelling upon pore water dilution and higher volume change rates upon salinisation. A coupled chemo-hydro-mechanical model, taking into consideration double-structural features from a chemo-mechanical viewpoint, is described and then used to interpret these behavioural responses and present complementary information on local transient processes. The model is designed to identify an intra-aggregate and an inter-aggregate domain, and assigns different values of hydraulic pressure and osmotic suction to each domain. Distinct constitutive laws for both domains are formulated, and the flow of salt and water between the two domains is accounted for by a physically based mass exchange term. The model is used to simulate salt diffusion tests run in an oedometer at constant vertical stress. Parameters used in the formulation are calibrated based on separate experimental evidence, both through direct test results and through back-analyses of laboratory experiments.
A chemo-mechanical constitutive model accounting for cation exchange in expansive clays
Authors: GUIMARãES L.DO N. , GENS A. , SáNCHEZ M. , OLIVELLA S.
Published: February 2013

The paper presents a chemo-mechanical model for expansive clays that takes into account the effects of cation content and cation exchange. These factors play a key role in the mechanical behaviour of very active clays, particularly with regard to volumetric behaviour. The model is based on an existing double-structure formulation that distinguishes specifically between microstructure and macrostructure. Chemical effects are defined at the microstructural level, the seat of the basic physico-chemical phenomena affecting highly swelling clays. The microstructural model accounts for changes in both osmotic suction and in cation content. Microstructural strains are considered to be reversible; material irreversibility arises from the interaction between the two structural levels. The formulation is developed for general unsaturated conditions; saturation is considered as a limiting case. The model is successfully applied to the reproduction of experimental behaviour observed in oedometer tests on saturated bentonite subjected to chemo-mechanical loadings, and in hydration tests of unsaturated bentonite performed using different solute concentrations.
Weathering of submerged stressed calcarenites: chemo-mechanical coupling mechanisms
Authors: CIANTIA M.O. , HUECKEL T.
Published: February 2013

Long portions of the Apulian coast are steep cliffs in carbonate soft rocks. These, especially the calcarenite, are affected by weathering processes that markedly alter their mechanical properties with time, potentially leading to instability of coastal geomorphological structures. Such alterations are mainly due to chemical reactions between the solid and fluid phases, and are driven by chemical variables, which are internal variables and hence uncontrollable. In a search for the variables that drive the process of rock weakening, recourse is made to the micro scale, at which most of the chemical processes are observed and quantified. Observations using scanning electron microsope, thin sections and X-ray computed tomography analyses appear to be crucial for the understanding, interpretation and definition of the degradation mechanisms of the material. A chemo-mechanical coupled model at the meso scale of the chemically reactive stressed porous system is presented and framed in the context of a multi-scale scenario of an array of coupled phenomena. An analogous model at the macro scale is developed in parallel together with upscaling and identification procedures for meso-scale and macro-scale material constants. The main outcome of the study is a tool for predicting the progress of time-dependent weathering phenomena, potentially allowing the stability of geological structures to be assessed as it evolves with a progressing chemical degradation in a specific configuration and under a specific set of loads.
Volumetric consequences of particle loss by grading entropy
Authors: McDOUGALL J.R. , IMRE E. , BARRETO D. , KELLY D.
Published: February 2013

Chemical and biological processes, such as dissolution in gypsiferous sands and biodegradation in waste refuse, result in mass or particle loss, which in turn lead to changes in solid and void phase volumes and grading. Data on phase volume and grading changes have been obtained from oedometric dissolution tests on sand–salt mixtures. Phase volume changes are defined by a (dissolution-induced) void volume change parameter (Λ). Grading changes are interpreted using grading entropy coordinates, which allow a grading curve to be depicted as a single data point and changes in grading as a vector quantity rather than a family of distribution curves. By combining Λ contours with pre- to post-dissolution grading entropy coordinate paths, an innovative interpretation of the volumetric consequences of particle loss is obtained. Paths associated with small soluble particles, the loss of which triggers relatively little settlement but large increase in void ratio, track parallel to the Λ contours. Paths associated with the loss of larger particles, which can destabilise the sand skeleton, tend to track across the Λ contours.
Mycorrhizas in the Central European flora: relationships with plant life history traits and ecology
Authors: Hempel Stefan , Götzenberger Lars , Kühn Ingolf , Michalski Stefan G. , Rillig Matthias C. , Zobel Martin , Moora Mari
Published: February 2013

Plant traits have been widely used to characterize different aspects of the ecology of plant species. Despite its wide distribution and its proven significance at the level of individuals, communities, and populations, the ability to form mycorrhizal associations has been largely neglected in these studies so far. Analyzing plant traits associated with the occurrence of mycorrhizas in plants can therefore enhance our understanding of plant strategies and distributions. Using a comparative approach, we tested for associations between mycorrhizal status and habitat characteristics, life history traits, and plant distribution patterns in 1752 species of the German flora (a major part of the Central European flora). Data were analyzed using log‐linear models or generalized linear models, both accounting for phylogenetic relationships. Obligatorily mycorrhizal (OM) species tended to be positively associated with higher temperature, drier habitats, and higher pH; and negatively associated with moist, acidic, and fertile soils. Competitive species were more frequently OM, and stress tolerators were non‐mycorrhizal (NM), while ruderal species did not show any preference. Facultatively mycorrhizal (FM) species showed the widest geographic and ecological amplitude. Indigenous species were more frequently FM and neophytes (recent aliens) more frequently OM than expected. FM species differed markedly from OM and NM species in almost all analyzed traits. Specifically, they showed a wider geographic distribution and ecological niche. Our study of the relationships between mycorrhizal status and other plant traits provides a comprehensive test of existing hypotheses and reveals novel patterns. The clear distinction between FM and OM + NM species in terms of their ecology opens up a new field of research in plant–mycorrhizal ecology.
Coverage of Isolated, Severe Gingival Recession: A Modified Technique
Authors: Tsourounakis Ioannis , Sweidan Caesar , Palaiologou Angela A. , Maney Pooja
Published: February 2013

Introduction: Gingival recession (GR) presents a major concern for patients, especially when associated with tooth sensitivity or esthetic concerns.

Case Presentation: This report describes a modified technique for the treatment of isolated, severe GR combining a full‐thickness/split‐thickness coronally positioned flap with a subepithelial connective tissue graft. After treatment of severe GR of the maxillary right and left canines (5 and 6 mm, respectively), there was almost complete coverage of both canines and an increase in keratinized gingiva.

Conclusion: A promising technique is presented, yielding 84% to 100% of defect coverage and gingival tissue enhancement on single teeth.
The Role of Implant Position on Long‐Term Success
Authors: Su Chuan‐Yi , Fu Jia‐Hui , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: February 2013

Focused Clinical Question: In the past, implants were placed where the bone was. This mode of treatment often led to implant‐related complications, such as peri‐implant soft‐tissue recession, esthetic challenges, and fractured implants and/or associated suprastructures. Therefore, advances in soft‐tissue and bone augmentation techniques have enabled implants to be placed in an ideal three‐dimensional position, thus ensuring adequate peri‐implant soft tissue and bone thickness for a stable and successful long‐term treatment outcome. The present report aims to answer the question: What are the clinical guidelines for implant placement to achieve long‐term success?

Summary: In the maxillary anterior region where esthetics is of paramount importance, 2 mm of buccal bone anterior to the implant is preferred. This ensures stability of the buccal bone plate, minimizing peri‐implant mucosal recession. To achieve an esthetic emergence profile, the implant platform is generally placed 3 to 4 mm apical to the cemento‐enamel junction (CEJ) of the adjacent teeth and 1.5 to 2 mm away from the adjacent roots. In the posterior region, a minimum of 1 mm of buccal bone around the implant ensures stability of the buccal plate. Generally, implants with a polished collar are preferred because the collar can be placed supracrestally to compensate for any vertical ridge deficiency and yet not compromise the esthetics of the restoration. The implant is placed 1.5 to 3 mm apical to the CEJ of the adjacent teeth and 3 to 4 mm away from adjacent roots to create a smooth transition from implant platform to occlusal plane.

Conclusion: Ideal three‐dimensional implant positioning ensures a long‐term stable esthetic and functional treatment outcome.
A Comparative Study of Reduced-Variables-Based Flash and Conventional Flash
Authors: Michelsen Michael L. , Yan Wei , Stenby Erling H.
Published: February 2013

For compositional transient simulations including compositional reservoir simulations, phase-equilibrium calculation, often formulated as a flash problem, can be time consuming. It is therefore important to speed up the calculation of phase equilibrium to improve the efficiency of the simulator. The reduced-variables methods, or the reduction methods, reformulate the original phase equilibrium problem with a smaller set of independent variables. Various versions of the reduced-variables methods have been proposed since the mid-1980s. The methods were first proposed for cubic equations of state (EOSs) with zero binary-interaction parameters (BIPs) and later generalized to situations with nonzero-BIP matrices. Most of the studies in the last decade suggest that the reduced-variables methods are much more efficient than the conventional flash method. However, Haugen and Beckner (2011) questioned the advantages of the reduced-variables methods in their recent paper. A fair comparison between the reduced-variables-based flash and the conventional flash is not straightforward because it is difficult to formulate the former as unconstrained minimization problems, and the flash calculation time is also related to the implementation quality. With the recent formulations by Nichita and Graciaa (2011), it is possible to code the reduced-variables methods without extensive modifications of Michelsen's conventional flash algorithm. A minimization-based reduced-variables algorithm was coded and compared with the conventional minimization-based flash. A test with the use of the SPE 3 example (Kenyon and Behie 1987) showed that the best reduction in time was less than 20% for the extreme situation of 25 components and just one row/column with nonzero BIPs. A better performance can be achieved by a simpler implementation directly using the sparsity of the BIP matrix.
Investigation of Emulsion Flow in Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage
Authors: Ezeuko C.C.. C. , Wang J.. , Gates I.D.. D.
Published: February 2013

We present a numerical simulation approach that allows incorporation of emulsion modeling into steam-assisted gravity-drainage (SAGD) simulations with commercial reservoir simulators by means of a two-stage pseudochemical reaction. Numerical simulation results show excellent agreement with experimental data for low-pressure SAGD, accounting for approximately 24% deficiency in simulated oil recovery, compared with experimental data. Incorporating viscosity alteration, multiphase effect, and enthalpy of emulsification appears sufficient for effective representation of in-situ emulsion physics during SAGD in very-high-permeability systems. We observed that multiphase effects appear to dominate the viscosity effect of emulsion flow under SAGD conditions of heavy-oil (bitumen) recovery. Results also show that in-situ emulsification may play a vital role within the reservoir during SAGD, increasing bitumen mobility and thereby decreasing cumulative steam/oil ratio (cSOR). Results from this work extend understanding of SAGD by examining its performance in the presence of in-situ emulsification and associated flow of emulsion with bitumen in porous media.
On Some Characteristic Features of Fractured-Horizontal Wells and Conclusions Drawn Thereof
Authors: Chen C.. , Raghavan R..
Published: February 2013

The model developed by Raghavan et al. (1997) is used to examine the characteristics of horizontal wells produced through multiple, transverse vertical fractures. The features of models of horizontal wells that drain a reservoir through multiple fractures are highlighted from the viewpoint of the use of commonly used approximate models. Rigorous and approximate predictions are compared. It is shown that scaling is needed to ensure that volumes drained by approximate models are indeed correct. To that end, information on volumes drained by individual fractures is noted.
Gingival Biotype Assessement: Visual Inspection Relevance And Maxillary Versus Mandibular Comparison
Authors: Cuny-Houchmand Madline , Renaudin Stéphane , Leroul Mustapha , Planche Lucie , Guehennec Laurent Le , Soueidan Assem
Published: February 2013

Objective:

This clinical study was aimed at evaluating the accuracy of gingival visual inspection procedures during clinical examination and determining whether differences existed between the maxillary and mandibular gingival biotypes.

Materials and Methods:

The study included 53 patients and 124 clinicians. The clinicians were asked to assign to each subject, using photographic documents, one of three biotypes: thin-scalloped, thick-scalloped, or thick-flat gingival biotype. A total of 19716 responses were collected for statistical analysis.

Results:

Identification accuracy of the gingival biotype and the intra-examiner repeatability presented poor highlighting of the limited relevance of visual inspection. In addition, the percent of agreement between classifications based on the global view of both the maxilla and mandible and the classification based on the individual mandibular or maxillary anterior teeth was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Based on the above results, it can be concluded that a simple visual inspection is not effective for the identification of gingival biotype. Furthermore, evidence suggests that a difference of biotype between the maxilla and the mandible in the same patient is conceivable. Therefore, orthodontic clinical examination should incorporate a reproducible method of determining the individualized gingival biotype for each group of teeth that will be moved.
Quality and Efficacy of Tribulus terrestris as an Ingredient for Dermatological Formulations
Authors: Sansebastiano Gian-Pietro Di , Benedictis Maria De , Carati Davide , Lofrumento Dario , Durante Miriana , Montefusco Anna , Zuccarello Vincenzo , Dalessandro Giuseppe , Piro Gabriella
Published: February 2013

Tribulus terrestris L. (Zygophyllaceae) is an annual plant commonly known as Puncture vine. It is dramatically
gaining interest as a rich source of saponins. T. terrestris is a promising ingredient for many industries and recent patents
on dermatological applications support the use of this plant for cosmetics and hygiene. Nonetheless problems arise in the
selection of the material to be used. The extracts of different origins may differ substantially. Natural speciation processes
normally influence ‘variations’ in wild-crafted medicinal plants. The genus Tribulus is emblematic. Taxonomic status of
T. terrestris is complicated by the wide geographical distribution leading to high levels of genetic polymorphism. Being
aware of such variability we selected 3 commercial Tribulus extracts and compared their biological effect on Candida
albicans with the effect produced by an extract from local plants (South of Apulia, Italy). One of the commercial extracts
with the best anti-candida performance was used to substitute triclosan in a detergent formulation and it proved to
improve the product performance in the control of potentially pathogenic skin flora such as C. albicans.
Comparison of Sequencing Utility Programs
Authors: Aronesty Erik
Published: February 2013

High throughput sequencing (HTS) has resulted in extreme growth rates of sequencing data. At our lab, we
generate terabytes of data every day. It is usually seen as required for data output to be “cleaned” and processed in various
ways prior to use for common tasks such as variant calling, expression quantification and assembly.

Two common tasks associated with HTS are adapter trimming and paired-end joining. I have developed two tools at
Expression Analysis, Inc. to address these common tasks. The names of these programs are fastq-mcf and fastq-join. I
compared the performance of these tools to similar open-source utilities, both in terms of resource efficiency, and
effectiveness.
Documentation and Management of CKD in Rural Primary Care
Authors: Rao Maya K. , Morris Cynthia D. , O’Malley Jean P. , Davis Melinda M. , Mori Motomi , Anderson Sharon
Published: February 2013

Background and objectives

Recognition of CKD by primary care practitioners is essential in rural communities where nephrology access is limited. This study determined the prevalence of undocumented CKD in patients cared for in rural primary care practices and evaluated characteristics associated with undocumented CKD as well as CKD management.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

A retrospective cohort study, conducted within the Oregon Rural Practice Based Research Network, consisted of 865 CKD patients with serum creatinine≥1.5 mg/dl in males and ≥1.3 mg/dl in females and an estimated GFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Documentation of a CKD diagnosis and laboratory values were abstracted by chart review.

Results

Of CKD patients, 51.9% had no documentation of CKD. Undocumented CKD occurred more frequently in female patients (adjusted odds ratio=2.93, 95% confidence interval=2.04, 4.21). The association of serum creatinine reporting versus automating reporting of estimated GFR on CKD documentation was dependent on patient sex, years of practitioner experience, and practitioner clinical training. Hypertensive patients with documented CKD were more likely to have a BP medication change than patients with undocumented CKD (odds ratio=2.07, 95% confidence interval=1.15, 3.73). Only 2 of 449 patients with undocumented CKD were comanaged with a nephrologist compared with 20% of patients with documented CKD (odds ratio=53.20, 95% confidence interval=14.90, 189.90).

Conclusions

Undocumented CKD in a rural primary care setting is frequent, particularly in female patients. Depending on practitioner characteristics, automatic reporting of estimated GFR might improve documentation of CKD in this population.
Preemptive Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Grams Morgan E. , Chen B. Po-Han , Coresh Josef , Segev Dorry L.
Published: February 2013

Background and objectives

There exists gross disparity in national deceased donor kidney transplant availability and practice: waiting times exceed 6 years in some regions, but some patients receive kidneys before they require dialysis. This study aimed to quantify and characterize preemptive deceased donor kidney transplant recipients and compare their outcomes with patients transplanted shortly after dialysis initiation.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database, first-time adult deceased donor kidney transplant recipients between 1995 and 2011 were classified as preemptive, early (on dialysis≤1 year), or late recipients. Random effects logistic regression and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression were used to identify characteristics of preemptive deceased donor kidney transplant and evaluate survival in preemptive and early recipients, respectively.

Results

Preemptive recipients were 9.0% of the total recipient population. Patients with private insurance (adjusted odds ratio=3.15, 95% confidence interval=3.01–3.29, P<0.001), previous (nonkidney) transplant (adjusted odds ratio=1.94, 95% confidence interval=1.67–2.26, P<0.001), and zero-antigen mismatch (adjusted odds ratio=1.45, 95% confidence interval=1.37–1.54, P<0.001; Caucasians only) were more likely to receive preemptive deceased donor kidney transplant, even after accounting for center-level clustering. African Americans were less likely to receive preemptive deceased donor kidney transplant (adjusted odds ratio=0.44, 95% confidence interval=0.41–0.47, P<0.001). Overall, patients transplanted preemptively had similar survival compared with patients transplanted within 1 year after initiating dialysis (adjusted hazard ratio=1.06, 95% confidence interval=0.99–1.12, P=0.07).

Conclusions

Preemptive deceased donor kidney transplant occurs most often among Caucasians with private insurance, and survival is fairly similar to survival of recipients on dialysis for <1 year.
Two-Year Outcome of the ISKDC Regimen and Frequent-Relapsing Risk in Children with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Nakanishi Koichi , Iijima Kazumoto , Ishikura Kenji , Hataya Hiroshi , Nakazato Hitoshi , Sasaki Satoshi , Honda Masataka , Yoshikawa Norishige
Published: February 2013

Background and objectives

Early identification of frequently relapsing children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is desirable.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

The relapse status and clinical data of patients previously registered (January of 1993 to December of 2001) in a multicenter prospective study of the International Study of Kidney Disease in Children regimen were analyzed for risk of frequent relapsers over a 2-year follow-up period.

Results

Of 166 children with nephrotic syndrome (113 boys and 53 girls; median age=5.1 years), 145 (87.3%, median age=5.5 years) children were steroid-sensitive, and 21 (12.7%, median age=2.9 years) children were steroid-resistant. Of 145 children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome, 32 (22.1%, median age=4.2 years) children experienced frequent relapses over 2 years. The time to initial response was significantly longer (10 versus 7 days, P<0.001, log-rank test) in the 32 frequent relapsers than in the 106 nonfrequent relapsers. The time from start of initial treatment to first relapse was significantly shorter (2.6 versus 6.1 months, P<0.001, log-rank test) in the 32 frequent relapsers than in the 57 infrequent relapsers. In a Cox regression model, the time to initial response ≥9 days and the duration from start of initial treatment to first relapse <6 months were significant predictors of frequent relapses (unadjusted and adjusted).

Conclusions

Initial remission time ≥9 days and first relapse within 6 months were associated with frequent relapses. These findings may also be useful also in selecting potential frequent relapsers for clinical trials.
Dielectric properties of the BaTi0.85Zr0.15O3 ceramics prepared by different techniques
Authors: Curecheriu Petronela , Frunza Raluca , Ianculescu Adelina
Published: February 2013

Three different processing routes, i.e. the classical solid state reaction
technique the sol-precipitation method and the oxalate route, were employed
for preparing BaTi0.85Zr0.15O3 ceramics. The dielectric properties of these
ceramics are comparatively analyzed. The obtained results show that the
dielectric properties of these ceramics, even having the same composition,
are highly sensitive to the preparation route, causing differences in the
microstructures and in the local electrical inhomogeneity, thus, causing
complicated dielectric relaxation phenomena.
Design of ceramic microstructures based on waste materials
Authors: Rekecki Robert , Ranogajec Jonjaua
Published: February 2013

The progressive changes in ceramic raw materials during firing processes are
a complex area. This is partly due to the large number of raw material
characteristics, primarily mineral composition, and partly to the relatively
inadequate particle distribution in the unfired clay body. The most important
starting point is always the optimal raw material composition which should
give appropriate physical and mechanical characteristics to the final
products after firing processes and should provide an efficient and
economical production. The paper analyzes the influence of some additives
(fly ashes and waste glass materials) on the development of the ceramic
roofing tile microstructure during the thermal treatment. The analyzed raw
material mixtures were: the standard raw material mixture (from Kanjiza,
Northern part of Serbia) and the modified one, i.e. the mixture of the
standard raw material and corresponding additive. The silica phase obtained
during the thermal collapse of the clay minerals in the presence of the glass
additive bounded better CaO and MgO components released from the carbonates.
The crystalline phases like plagioclases were performed in a considerable
quantity and the products with new physical characteristics were formed.
Using non-equilibrium state in the MoO3-H-C system for low temperature synthesis of ultradispersed molybdenum carbide powders
Authors: Savyak M.P. , Uvarova I.V. , Yarmola T.M.
Published: February 2013

Pd additives and atomic hydrogen can accelerate kinetic processes in
molybdenum reduction from molybdenum trioxide with hydrogen at 350?C in the
presence of carbon. Such a low temperature reduction process (starting
temperature 300-350?C) promotes the formation of a thermodynamically unstable
nanodispersed phase with the specific surface area of 280 m2/g, which may be
related to the formation of the intermediate cubic molybdenum suboxide
Mo1-xO, responsible for the preservation of the MoO3 faceting. The specific
surface area of 280 m2/g corresponds to the particle size ~3 nm. The phase
transformation leading to the formation of Mo2C in the MoO3-Pd-H2-C system at
a relatively low temperature (650?C) is the result of relaxation of the high
free energy in the thermodynamically unstable system. The carbide formation
process at such a low temperature yields carbide with the specific surface
area from 4 to 40 m2/g (depending on the carbide-forming component), which
can be easy sintered. The morphology of this carbide inherits the faceting of
the initial whiskerous trioxide molybdenum. The microhardness of the sintered
samples is significantly higher than that of carbide produced traditionally
at high temperature.
Synthesis and characterization of one-dimensional titanate structure
Authors: Nikolic Ljubica , Maletin Marija , Ferreira Paula , Vilarinho Paula
Published: February 2013

One-dimensional titania structures were synthesized trough a simple
hydrothermal process in a highly alkaline conditions. The aim of this work
was to elucidate the effect of time on the formation of 1D titanates as well
on its structural characteristics (morphology, phase composition, surface
area). Apart from that, the effect of heat treatment conditions on the
stability of titanate based 1D samples has been investigated. The results
have revealed that it is possible to form one-dimensional titanates already
after 1 hour of hydrothermal synthesis. Although the composition of titanates
is still under debate, the results probably correspond to the layered sodium
titanates. The 1D prepared structures show a remarkable stability during
heating, remaining the basic morphology and composition even up to 700?C.
Thermal shock resistance of ceramic fibre composites characterized by non-destructive methods
Authors: Dimitrijevic M. , Posarac M. , Jancic-Heinemman R. , Majstorovic J. , Volkov-Husovic T. , Matovic B.
Published: February 2013

Alumina based ceramic fibres and alumina based ceramic were used to produce
composite material. Behaviour of composite ceramics after thermal shock
treatments was investigated. Thermal shock of the samples was evaluated using
water quench test. Surface deterioration level of samples was monitored by
image analysis before and after a number of quenching cycles. Ultrasonic
measurements were done on samples after quench tests. Dynamic Young modulus
of elasticity and strength degradation were calculated using measured values
of ultrasonic velocities. Strengths deterioration was calculated using the
non-destructive measurements and correlated to degradation of surface area
and number of quenches. The addition of small amount of ceramic fibres
improves the strengths and diminishes the loss of mechanical properties of
samples during thermal shock experiments.
Restatement Disclosures and Management Earnings Forecasts
Authors: Ettredge Michael , Huang Ying , Zhang Weining
Published: February 2013

SYNOPSIS

We examine the impact of financial restatements on managers' subsequent earnings forecasts. We argue that restatements create conflicting incentives. One incentive is to repair manager reputations as information providers by providing more and better guidance via earnings forecasts. The opposing incentive is to avoid risk by reducing the information in forecasts. We find that compared to control firms, restatement companies exhibit a decreased propensity to issue quarterly earnings forecasts following restatements. Those that do make forecasts issue fewer forecasts in post-restatement periods. We also find that post-restatement forecasts are less precise, and are less optimistically biased. Overall, our results suggest that, rather than increasing voluntary disclosure in the form of forecasts, managers of restatement companies exhibit risk-averting forecasting behavior following restatements.
A new species of Cosmocerca (Nematoda, Cosmocercidae) and other helminths from Barygenys atra (Anura, Microhylidae) from Papua New Guinea
Authors: Bursey Charles , Goldberg Stephen , Kraus Fred
Published: February 2013

Cosmocerca oroensis sp. nov. (Ascaridida, Cosmocercidae) from the large intestine of Barygenys atra (Anura, Microhylidae) is described and illustrated. Cosmocerca oroensis represents the 26th species assigned to the genus and the 7th from the Australo-Papuan biogeographical region. Cosmocerca oroensis sp. nov. differs from the previously described Australo-Papuan species in number of plectanes: C. oroensis with 2 pairs; C. australis, 3–4 pairs; C. archeyi, C. tyleri and C. zugi, 4 pairs; C. limnodynastes and C. novaeguineae, 5 pairs. In addition to the new nematode species, Meteterakis crombiei (Nematoda, Heterakidae) was also found.
The system Tetrabothrius bassani (Tetrabothriidae)/Morus bassanus (Sulidae) as a bioindicator of marine heavy metal pollution
Authors: Mendes Paula , Eira Catarina , Vingada José , Miquel Jordi , Torres Jordi
Published: February 2013

Helminths are known to accumulate higher amounts of certain elements than their hosts. The present study assesses the accumulation of heavy metals in Tetrabothrius bassani and in its host, the Atlantic gannet (Morus bassanus) found dead due to bycatch along the seashore in the centre of Portugal. Samples of kidney, liver and pectoral muscle of 23 infected gannets, as well as specimens of T. bassani were analysed for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb, Se and Zn by ICP-MS. The evidenced lower concentrations of Cr and Pb in tissues of gannets in comparison to an earlier study performed in the same area may reveal a change in the diet of M. bassanus between both study periods. The highest bioaccumulation factor was obtained for Cd with a 12.7-times higher concentration in the cestode than in gannet muscle. Lead concentration in T. bassani was 6.9-times higher than in kidney tissue, 8.5-times higher than in muscle and 9.5-times higher than in liver of M. bassanus. The cestode/seabird system T. bassani/M. bassanus can be considered a promising bioindicator system to monitor environmental Cd and Pb pollution in marine ecosystems.
Two new species of Oswaldocruzia (Nematoda: Trichostrongylina: Molineoidea) parasites of the cane toad Rhinella marina (Amphibia: Anura) from Peru
Authors: Guerrero Ricardo
Published: February 2013

Two new species of Oswaldocruzia, O. manuensis sp. nov., and O. urubambaensis sp. nov. are described and illustrated from Peru, these are parasites of the cane toad Rhinella marina. O. manuensis is characterized by having cervical alae which are not well developed, ridges without chitinous supports, caudal bursa type II and branches of fork of dissimilar length. O. urubambaensis is characterized by a caudal bursa of type I, ridges with chitinous supports, a thin cephalic vesicle and origin of rays 9 in tip of the dorsal trunk.
Metabolic profiling of Echinostoma caproni and Schistosoma mansoni in their definitive and intermediate hosts
Authors: O’Sullivan Ciara , Fried Bernard , Sherma Joseph
Published: February 2013

This review examines metabolic profiling of Schistosoma mansoni and Echinostoma caproni in their definitive and intermediate hosts. The earlier coverage of the literature on metabolic profiling was reviewed by Wang et al. 2010, Advances in Parasitology, 73, 373–404 and covered mainly studies using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The methods focused upon in our review are mainly chromatographic. In the studies reviewed, various metabolites were analyzed in hosts infected with either E. caproni or S. mansoni and compared to the uninfected controls.
Falcaustra sanjuanensis sp. nov. (Nematoda: Kathlaniidae) from Odontophrynus cf. barrioi (Anura: Cycloramphidae) from Argentina
Authors: González Cynthya , Sanabria Eduardo , Quiroga Lorena
Published: February 2013

Here, we describe a new kathlaniid nematode, Falcaustra sanjuanensis sp. nov., from the large intestine of Odontophrynus cf. barrioi (Anura: Cycloramphidae), from San Juan Province, Argentina. The new species belongs to the Falcaustra group that possesses a pseudosucker. It resembles F. andrias in the distribution pattern of caudal papillae (six precloacal, four adcloacal, 12 postcloacal, one unpaired median anterior to the cloaca) but differs from F. andrias in the following characters: the longer size of males and females (11.17–13.45 mm and 10.1–15.5 mm, respectively); the longer size and form of the gubernaculum (0.17–0.23 mm, triangular form); the arrangement of postcloacal papillae (three pairs on the ventral side, two pairs on the lateral side, one pair on the subventral side) and unpaired papilla anterior to the cloaca located on the protuberance. The species description is based on light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Falcaustra sanjuanensis sp. nov. represents the 12th Neotropical species assigned to the genus. Also, we added a key to Neotropical species of Falcaustra.
Cell phenotypic change due to Cryptosporidium parvum infection in immunocompetent mice
Authors: Codices Vera , Martins Catarina , Novo Carlos , Pinho Mário , Sousa Bruno , Lopes Ângela , Borrego Miguel , Matos Olga
Published: February 2013

Cryptosporidium parvum is an intracellular parasite causing enteritis which can become life-threatening in immunocompromised host. Immunoregulatory T cells play a central role in the regulatory network of the host. Here, we proposed to characterize the populations of immune cells during infection and reinfection with C. parvum. Four-week-old BALB/C mice were inoculated with oocysts of C. parvum at days 0 and 22. Fecal and blood samples, spleens, and small intestines were collected for analysis. Peripheral blood and spleen cell populations were characterized by flow cytometry. After infection (days 0 to 21), mice presented higher values of neutrophils, eosinophils, NK cells and CD4+CD25high T cells in peripheral blood. After reinfection, this upward trend continued in the following days for all four populations in infected mice. At day 35, infected mice presented similar values to the control group, except for CD4+CD25high T cells, which remained higher in infected mice. A possible correlation between alterations in blood and spleen cell populations was also studied, but no consistent association could be established. Small intestine sections were screened for intracellular stages of the parasite but no evidence of pathology was observed. Here, we report information which may be important for the understanding of the specific cell-mediated response in immunocompetent mice to C. parvum infection. Although some questions remain unanswered and complementary studies are needed, our results are expected to contribute to a better understanding of innate and Treg cells role in the clearance process of this parasite.
A new species of Protrellus Cobb, 1920 (Nematoda, Thelastomatidae) parasite of the field cockroach Blatella vaga Hebard, 1919 (Blattodea, Blattidae) from Catamarca, Argentina
Authors: Camino Nora , Villalobos Cristina
Published: February 2013

A new species of the genus Protrellus, P. blatta sp. nov. parasitizing a field cockroach Blatella vaga Hebard, 1919, from El Tala river, Catamarca, Argentina, is described and illustrated. It is characterized by having the mouth opening circular, the buccal capsule with eight very small teeth, the nerve ring around oesophageal corpus, the excretory pore anterior to vulva, the vulva anterior to base of oesophagus, didelphic, the posterior ovary reflexed anterior to rectum, about one third of a body length from posterior end, the egg ellipsoidal, colourless, bearing a lateral cuticular crest, tail conical, with long filiform projection, the male with testis single, outstretched, one spicule, very small, short and straight, gubernaculums absent, the genital papillae arranged in three pairs of ventrolateral papillae, of which the first pair are close together and preanal position, two pairs postanal, tail conical and short, less than one twentieth of total body. A taxonomic key of Protrellus species is given.
Two new species of Hymenolepis (Cestoda: Hymenolepididae) from Spalacidae and Muridae (Rodentia) from eastern Palearctic
Authors: Makarikov Arseny , Tkach Vasyl
Published: February 2013

Previously unrecognized species of the genus Hymenolepis are described based on specimens from spalacid and murid (Murinae) rodents. Hymenolepis rymzhanovi sp. nov. from the Siberian zokor, Myospalax myospalax (Laxmann), from East Kazakhstan, and H. apodemi sp. nov. from Eurasian field mice, Apodemus peninsulae (Thomas), A. uralensis (Pallas) and A. agrarius (Pallas), from the south of Russian Far East, western Siberia and south-eastern Kazakhstan are characterized. The new species differ from other species of the genus by the morphology of the scolex, the relative position and length of the cirrus-sac and the relative position and arrangement of the testes. Differential criteria of species of Hymenolepis (sensu stricto) are also discussed.
A new genus of the family Hymenolepididae (Cestoda) from Sephanoides sephaniodes (Apodiformes, Trochilidae) in Northern Patagonia (Chile)
Authors: Widmer Vincent , Georgiev Boyko , Mariaux Jean
Published: February 2013

A new species of hymenolepidid cestodes from Sephanoides sephaniodes (Trochilidae) found in Chile is described. The most characteristic features of Colibrilepis pusilla gen. nov., sp. nov. are the lack of rostellum, a cirrus sac with a thick-walled distal end (separated by a constriction) and protruding into genital atrium, a thick-walled saccular uterus filling entire median field of the gravid proglottis and the small number of eggs containing thick walled embryophores with polar swellings. Staphylepis is the most similar genus but differs in its apical structure because of the presence of a rudimentary rostellum. Moreover, molecular phylogenetic analyses show that Staphylepis and Colibrilepis are not sister taxa.
The Act of Fictional Communication in a Hermeneutic Pragmatic
Authors: Wood Tahir
Published: February 2013

This paper is concerned with fictional communication, as the act of an author in relation to a reader. Fictional discourse exhibits certain complexities that are not observable in other forms of discourse. For example, the author’s act is mediated for the reader by that set of persons called characters. This fact generates a range of relations, firstly the triad of author-reader, author-character, and reader-character. But closer observation reveals that this mediation may be such that it gives way to another, deeper set of relations. At the deepest level one may postulate reader’s relation to author’s self-relating and author’s relation to reader’s self-relating. These questions are explored with view to deriving a revisionist notion of pragmatics that is open to agency.