bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RELIABILITY CENTERED MULTI OBJECTIVE HYBRID FLOW SHOP SCHEDULING
Authors: LIPI TAHMINA FERDOUSI , HASIN MD. AHSAN AKHTAR , NOOR-E-ALAM MD.
Published: December 2009

Real world scheduling problems are complex in nature. They require satisfying multiple objectives. To get a realistic schedule, consideration of machine reliability and availability is very important to allocate job in machine. This research aims to develop two fuzzy inference systems (FIS) for hybrid flow shop problem. First FIS is used to get priority of each job considering multiple objectives of processing time, due date and cost over time. Second FIS is used to get machine reliability and availability based priority using the information of mean time to failure (MTTF) & mean time to repair (MTTR) of each individual machine at each stage. To distribute the workload depending on their reliability and availability based priority of each machine, maximum utilization target is determined. An algorithm has been developed for grouping, sequencing & allocating the jobs to the machines at every stage in such a way that total percentage of over utilization will minimum. Based on this algorithm, a computing tool has been developed and, explained with a three stage hybrid flow shop scheduling problem.
CLUSTER MOVING MONTE CARLO SIMULATION OF NANO-SIZED MAGNETIC PARTICLE AGGREGATION IN AN APPLIED MAGNETIC FIELD
Authors: LI X. L. , YAO K. L. , LIU Z. L.
Published: December 2009

We used the cluster moving Metropolis Monte Carlo method combined with image and statistical analyses to simulate magnetized magnetic particle (or magnetic carried particle) aggregation in a uniform magnetic field. Once the particles aggregate together they permanently attach to one another. The dynamics of aggregation is characterized in terms of mean particle size, fractal dimensions, distribution of orientations and radial distribution function for different sized particles. From small to large diameters, the distribution of orientations gradually approaches the orientation of the magnetic field, the larger particles forming chain-like clusters, the smaller ones forming clusters with branched and looped shapes. The fractal dimensions of each diameter indicate fluctuations of 20, 40 and 100 nm during the process. For the polydisperse system, the radial distribution function shows that the peaks shift by integer multiples of the average diameter. This indicates that particles larger than average are the most common to be found forming clusters; the behavior of small particles is not the main factor in cluster formation because they generally attach themselves to the larger-particle clusters. The evolution of the aggregation as a whole can help to analyze the particle configuration in the magnetic separation and magnetic targeting process.
TOPOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE PROTON VORTEX CLUSTERS IN THE CORE OF A NEUTRON STAR
Authors: LIANG JUN , DUAN YISHI
Published: December 2009

Based on the ϕ mapping topological current theory, the proton vortex clusters in the core of a neutron star are investigated. We derive rigorously the London equation with topological structure for superconducting protons. We also show that the proton vortices can only stem from the zero points of the vector order parameter. The evolution of the proton vortices is discussed, the proton vortices are found generating or annihilating at the limit points and splitting or merging at the bifurcation points of the vector order parameter, and the total topological charges remain invariant during the evolution.
A PROBABILISTIC FRAMEWORK TO IMPROVE MICRORNA TARGET PREDICTION BY INCORPORATING PROTEOMICS DATA
Authors: LI JINGJING , MIN RENQIANG , BONNER ANTHONY , ZHANG ZHAOLEI
Published: December 2009

Due to the difficulties in identifying microRNA (miRNA) targets experimentally in a high-throughput manner, several computational approaches have been proposed. To this date, most leading algorithms are based on sequence information alone. However, there has been limited overlap between these predictions, implying high false-positive rates, which underlines the limitation of sequence-based approaches. Considering the repressive nature of miRNAs at the mRNA translational level, here we describe a probabilistic model to make predictions by combining sequence complementarity, miRNA expression level, and protein abundance. Our underlying assumption is that, given sequence complementarity between a miRNA and its putative mRNA targets, the miRNA expression level should be high and the protein abundance of the mRNA should be low. Having identified a set of confident predictions, we then built a second probabilistic model to trace back to the mRNA expression of the confident targets to investigate the mechanisms of the miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation. Our results suggest that translational repression (which has no effect on mRNA level), instead of mRNA degradation, is the dominant mechanism in miRNA regulation. This observation explained the previously observed discordant correlation between mRNA expression and protein abundance.
Structural and magnetic studies of a new intermetallic compound: Er2Cu10.9Ga6.1
Authors: Belgacem B. , Hassen R. Ben , Pasturel M. , Noel H.
Published: December 2009

A new ternary phase, Er2Cu10.9Ga6.1, has been found in the Er-Cu-Ga phase diagram. X-ray powder diffraction data were successfully refined based on a rhombohedral Th2Zn17 structure type (space group R-3m, No. 166) with cell parameters a=8.6627(1) Å, c=12.6824(2) Å, and Z=3. Er2Cu10.9Ga6.1 exhibits a paramagnetic Curie-Weiss behaviour down to 2 K with a trivalent character of Er atoms.
A Rietveld tutorial—Mullite
Authors: Kaduk James A.
Published: December 2009

The crystal structure of the mullite in a commercial material was refined by the Rietveld method using laboratory X-ray powder diffraction data. In this one refinement, most of the common challenges—including variable stoichiometry (partially occupied sites), multiple impurity phases, amorphous material, constraints, restraints, correlation, anisotropic profiles, microabsorption, and contamination during grinding—are encountered and the thought processes during the refinement are described step-by-step. Interpretation of the refinements includes bulk chemical analysis, chemical composition of the mullite, assessment of the geometry, bond valence sums, the displacement coefficients, crystallite size and microstrain, comparison to similar structures to assess chemical reasonableness, and the nature of the amorphous phase.
X-ray diffraction data of tibolone Δ4 isomer (isotibolone)
Authors: Antonio Selma Gutierrez , Ferreira Fabio Furlan , Araujo Gabriel Lima Barros , Matos Jivaldo do Rosario , Paiva-Santos Carlos de Oliveira
Published: December 2009

Tibolone is used for hormone reposition of postmenopause women and isotibolone is considered the major degradation product of tibolone. Isotibolone can also be present in tibolone API raw materials due to some inadequate synthesis. Its presence is then necessary to be identified and quantified in the quality control of both API and drug products. In this work we present the indexing of an isotibolone X-ray diffraction pattern measured with synchrotron light (λ=1.2407 Å) in the transmission mode. The characterization of the isotibolone sample by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and thermal analysis are also presented. The isotibolone crystallographic data are a=6.8066 Å, b=20.7350 Å, c=6.4489 Å, β=76.428°, V=884.75 Å3, and space group P21, ρo=1.187 g cm−3, Z=2.
X-ray powder diffraction characterization of iron microparticles on a Bruker SMART1000 single-crystal X-ray diffractometer
Authors: Reibenspies Joseph H. , Bhuvanesh Nattamai
Published: December 2009

A method to characterize iron oxide microparticles by microquantity X-ray powder diffraction is presented. The method employs small sections of acrylic tubing and double sided Mylar® tape that fits over a standard 170 mm collimator for a Bruker-AXS SMART 1000 or APEXII three-circle single-crystal diffractometer (Mo X-ray tube). The tubing will hold and position a sample that is placed on the double-sided Mylar® tape and allow for rapid specimen mounting/dismounting and data collection. The method is simple, portable, and readily adapted to a variety of single-crystal X-ray diffractometers.
Simple Liver Cyst as a Focus ofSalmonella paratyphiAbscess: A Case Report
Authors: Sangwaiya A. , Patel A. , Chan J. , Arnold J.
Published: December 2009

Salmonellosis, endemic in various part of the world, is considered a differential diagnosis in a tropical traveller. Although it usually presents as gastroenteritis, its various clinical syndromes may vary from mild gastroenteritis to severe septicaemia including abscess formation, the later two being the most common cause of morbidity and mortality. Here we present a patient who returned to the UK after an overseas trip and was diagnosed with a pyogenic liver abscess withSalmonella paratyphiat a site of a pre-existing simple liver cyst.
Functional Analysis of Novel Androgen Receptor Mutations in a Unique Cohort of Indonesian Patients with a Disorder of Sex Development
Authors: Elfferich P. , Juniarto A.Z. , Dubbink H.J. , van Royen M.E. , Molier M. , Hoogerbrugge J. , Houtsmuller A.B. , Trapman J. , Santosa A. , de Jong F.H. , Drop S.L.S. , Faradz S.M.H. , Brüggenwirth H. , Brinkmann A.O.
Published: December 2009

Mutations in the androgen receptor (AR) gene, rendering the AR protein partially or completely inactive, cause androgen insensitivity syndrome, which is a form of a 46,XY disorder of sex development (DSD). We present 3 novel AR variants found in a cohort of Indonesian DSD patients: p.I603N, p.P671S, and p.Q738R. The aim of this study was to determine the possible pathogenic nature of these newly found unclassified variants. To investigate the effect of these variants on AR function, we studied their impact on transcription activation, AR ligand-binding domain interaction with an FxxLF motif containing peptide, AR subcellular localization, and AR nuclear dynamics and DNA-binding. AR-I603N had completely lost its transcriptional activity due to disturbed DNA-binding capacity and did not show the 114-kDa hyperphosphorylated AR protein band normally detectable after hormone binding. The patient with AR-I603N displays a partial androgen insensitivity syndrome phenotype, which is explained by somatic mosaicism. A strongly reduced transcriptional activity was observed for AR-Q738R, together with diminished interaction with an FxxLF motif containing peptide. AR-P671S also showed reduced transactivation ability, but no change in DNA- or FxxLF-binding capacity and interferes with transcriptional activity for as yet unclear reasons.
Increased Serum IL-1β Level in Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Forlenza Orestes Vicente , Diniz Breno Satler , Talib Leda Leme , Mendonça Vanessa Amaral , Ojopi Elida B. , Gattaz Wagner Farid , Teixeira Antonio Lucio
Published: December 2009

Background/Aims: Abnormal inflammatory response has been associated to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and may be a marker of an ongoing neurodegenerative process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD. Methods: One hundred and sixty-three older adults (58 with mild to moderate AD, 74 with MCI and 31 healthy controls) were recruited for this study. Serum IL-1β levels were measured by ELISA. Patients with MCI were subcategorized in single-domain amnestic (aMCI), nonamnestic (naMCI), and multiple-domain (mdMCI) subtypes. Results: Patients with AD and MCI (all subtypes) had a significant increase in serum IL-1β levels as compared to controls (p = 0.03). Patients with mdMCI had serum IL-1β levels comparable to those with AD, and significantly higher than those observed in aMCI and naMCI (p = 0.02). Discussion: The present study provides evidence that inflammatory mechanisms, represented by elevated IL-1β, are observed in patients with MCI, specifically in those with impairment in multiple cognitive domains. As these patients are at higher risk of conversion to dementia, we propose that an increased serum IL-1β level is a stage marker of the ongoing brain neurodegeneration in the continuum between normal ageing and AD.
Proteomic Analysis of Differentially Expressed Proteins in Rat Liver Allografts Developed Acute Rejection
Authors: Cheng J. , Zhou L. , Jiang J.W. , Qin Y.S. , Xie H.Y. , Feng X.W. , Gao F. , Zheng S.S.
Published: December 2009

Background: Acute rejection (AR) after liver transplantation is a cell-mediated immune response that takes place within the allograft and results in graft dysfunction and failure, but the molecular mechanisms about hepatocyte dysfunction remain poorly understood. Here we characterized global protein expression changes in liver allograft during AR. Methods: The effect of an alloantigen-dependent immunological response was evaluated by syngeneic and allogeneic rat orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Using a combination of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, we identified 18 differentially expressed proteins in AR allograft compared with matched tolerance allograft. Serum chemistry and allograft histology were determined. Results: Allogeneic OLT recipients exhibited elevated plasma levels of liver injury markers, progressive portal and venous inflammation and cellular infiltration in liver allograft compared with syngeneic OLT. 18 protein expressions altered by AR play important roles in metabolism, oxidative stress defense, signal transduction, biotransformation and transport. Decreased expression of protein disulfide isomerase in AR allograft was confirmed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Conclusions: This study uncovered new mechanistic insights into graft dysfunction in AR of liver allograft. Several significantly altered protein expressions act coordinately in hepatocyte dysfunction by depressed energy, enhanced oxidative stress-induced molecular damage and restrained biotransformation. The present findings may open new avenues for the understanding and prevention of graft dysfunction and failure during AR.
Association between Bone Mineral Density and Metabolic Syndrome in Postmenopausal Korean Women
Authors: Park Kwan Kyu , Kim Sung-Jae , Moon Eun Su
Published: December 2009

Background/Aims: We investigated the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur neck or lumbar spine and metabolic syndrome or its parameters in postmenopausal Korean women. Methods: This study included 399 postmenopausal women, for whom the BMD of their L2s–L4s and femur necks were examined in association with metabolic syndrome. Results: Subjects with metabolic syndrome had a higher BMD of the femur neck than those without metabolic syndrome when adjusted for age (0.85 ± 0.09 vs. 0.82 ± 0.12 g/cm2, p = 0.011), while there was no statistical difference at lumbar spine. When adjusted for age and BMI, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was weakly and negatively correlated with BMD of the lumbar and femur neck (r = –0.107, p = 0.033; r = –0.111, p = 0.028 respectively). Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome was partly associated with higher BMD in our postmenopausal Korean women. Our study also showed that HDL-C levels were negatively associated with BMD of the lumbar spine and femur neck which means that subjects with lower HDL-C levels could have higher BMD. The results of our retrospective study revealed that metabolic syndrome could be associated with higher BMD in our postmenopausal Korean women.
Antithrombotic and fibrinolytic drugs for retinal vein occlusion: A systematic review and a call for action
Authors: Manfredi Elisa , Bozzato Silvia , Dentali Francesco , Ageno Walter , Squizzato Alessandro
Published: December 2009

Optimal management of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is still a matter of debate. Antithrombotic and fibrinolytic drugs have been investigated after demonstration of a role of thrombosis in the complex pathogenesis of the disease. Aim of our study was to systematically summarise best available evidence on the acute treatment and on the secondary prevention of RVO with antithrombotic and fibrinolytic drugs. A computer-assisted search of the MEDLINE and EMBASE electronic databases up to January 2009 was performed. Two review authors selected all published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from the search, assessed study quality and extracted data. Based on Jadad’s score, RCTs were stratified into three quality categories. A total of six RCTs were included. Only one RCT of high quality was identified. A total of 384 patients were investigated, 234 with central retinal vein occlusion and 150 with branch retinal vein occlusion. No study enrolled more than 100 patients. Three studies compared therapeutic doses of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) with low-dose aspirin, one study compared ticlopidine with placebo and two studies compared intravenous fibrinolytic therapy followed by warfarin or aspirin with either haemodilution or no treatment. A partial improvement of visual acuity was reported in every study, independently of the study drug. No long-term secondary prevention study was published. The present systematic review suggests that antithrombotic therapy, in particular LMWH, may be part of the therapeutic armamentarium for patients with recent onset RVO. No firm recommendation can be provided given the limited available evidence.
Development and Tropical Transition of an Alpine Lee Cyclone. Part I: Case Analysis and Evaluation of Numerical Guidance
Authors: McTaggart-Cowan Ron , Galarneau Thomas J. , Bosart Lance F. , Milbrandt Jason A.
Published: December 2009

The development and tropical transition (TT) of a subsynoptic-scale cyclone in the Gulf of Genoa during the Mesoscale Alpine Project (MAP) demonstration of probabilistic hydrological and atmospheric simulation of flood events in the alpine region (D-PHASE) project is investigated using analyses and model simulations. Cyclogenesis occurs in association with the passage of a synoptic-scale trough and attendant surface cold front across the Alps on 15 November 2007. An embedded coherent tropopause disturbance (CTD) plays an important role in promoting the initial development of the lower-level vortex by simultaneously providing quasigeostrophic forcing for ascent and reducing the bulk column stability over warm Mediterranean waters. Persistent convection thereafter erodes the CTD as the storm transitions into a hurricane-like vortex.

In addition to this upper-level forcing, a pair of diabatically generated lower-level cyclonic potential vorticity (PV) features associated with distinct flow regimes is potentially important to the cyclogenetic process in this case. The first, a warm surface potential temperature anomaly, is generated during cross-barrier flow by prefrontal upslope precipitation on the Alpine northside, followed by parcel descent in the lee. The second PV feature is a mountain-scale PV banner that extends southward from the southwestern tip of the Alps as the flow is deflected around the mountain chain.

Numerical guidance for this case is evaluated on its ability to accurately depict the development and evolution of the cyclone. Comparison of a triply nested integration (grid spacings of 33, 10, and 2.5 km) with observations and analyses demonstrates that the model is capable of simulating the salient features of the event. Combining reliable guidance from high-resolution modeling systems with the paradigms of lee cyclone development and the emerging concepts of TT promotes an improved understanding of these potentially high-impact events.
Development and Tropical Transition of an Alpine Lee Cyclone. Part II: Orographic Influence on the Development Pathway
Authors: McTaggart-Cowan Ron , Galarneau Thomas J. , Bosart Lance F. , Milbrandt Jason A.
Published: December 2009

The development and subsequent tropical transition of a subsynoptic-scale cyclone over the Gulf of Genoa (GoG) on 15 November 2007 led to the rapid onset of tropical storm-force winds near the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. This study evaluates the influence of two key ingredients on the cyclogenesis event: a near-surface warm potential temperature perturbation in the lee of the Alps and a mountain-scale potential vorticity (PV) banner.

A high-resolution modeling system is used to perform a set of attribution tests in which modifications to the Alpine orography control the presence of the cyclogenetic ingredients. When either feature exists in the initial state, a GoG cyclone develops even when the Alpine barrier is removed; however, when neither the warm perturbation nor the PV banner is present, there is insufficient lower-level PV to couple with the upper-level trough to promote cyclogenesis. A conceptual model involving the complimentary interaction of the two PV features is presented that accurately describes the development location of the cyclone beneath a midlevel vorticity maximum.

Despite development in most of the attribution tests, the energy sources for the cyclones vary widely and represent a spectrum of cyclogenetic pathways from baroclinically to convectively dominant. Removal of the Alpine barrier allows for a stronger thermal wave and a baroclinic mode of development, rather than the diabatically generated hurricane-like vortex seen in the control and available observations. Similarly, insufficient flow interaction with the low-resolution representation of the Alps in the global-driving model is shown to favor a baroclinic mode of cyclogenesis in that integration. Adequate resolution of both the Alpine terrain and the incipient cyclone itself are shown to be important to correctly predict the evolution of the system from both structural and energetic perspectives.
From Policies to Realities
Authors: Mok Jane
Published: December 2009

■ In 1999 a critical thinking syllabus was issued by the education authority to all junior secondary school English language teachers in Hong Kong. Different from the earlier curriculum guidelines, the syllabus highlights the importance of thinking in English language teaching and learning, and developing students’ critical thinking through the subject. This study aims to investigate through classroom observation whether the critical thinking syllabus is translated into the classroom practices of two teachers. In the case studies covering more than 600 minutes of classroom teaching, four writing lessons were observed, analyzed and reported. The data reveal that the two teachers constantly deprived their students of the time and space for critical thinking. What is striking about the classroom data is that these teachers were indeed not creating the space of learning for students’ writing development. The study, though exploratory, has important implications regarding students’ critical thinking development. The paper concludes that it is important for teacher trainers to help teachers become reflective writing instructors.
Influence of penetration depth of atmospheric pressure plasma processing into multiple layers of polyester fabrics on inkjet printing
Authors: Zhang C M , Fang K J
Published: December 2009

Penetration depth of plasma surface modification of inkjet printing polyester fabrics was investigated. A four‐layer stack of woven polyester fabrics was exposed to atmospheric pressure air plasma. Surface morphology and chemical compositions of each fabric layer in the stack were analysed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Wetting time was used to evaluate surface hydrophilicity on the top and bottom sides of each fabric layer. It was found that the atmospheric pressure plasma was able to penetrate four layers of polyester fabrics and the effect weakened from the top down. The research of antibleeding property and colour strength reveals that the atmospheric pressure plasma could substantially penetrate two layers of polyester fabrics to observably improve their inkjet printing effect.
Abrasion and corrosion resistance of new Ni–based coating deposited by HVOF thermal spray process
Authors: Benegra M. , Magnani M. , Goldenstein H. , Maranho O. , Pintaude G.
Published: December 2009

Coatings based on NiCrAlC intermetallic based alloy were applied on AISI 316L stainless steel substrates using a high velocity oxygen fuel torch. The influence of the spray parameters on friction and abrasive wear resistance were investigated using an instrumented rubber wheel abrasion test, able to measure the friction forces. The corrosion behaviour of the coatings were studied with electrochemical techniques and compared with the corrosion resistance of the substrate material. Specimens prepared using lower O2/C3H8 ratios showed smaller porosity values. The abrasion wear rate of the NiCrAlC coatings was much smaller than that described in the literature for bulk as cast materials with similar composition and one order of magnitude higher than bulk cast and heat treated (aged) NiCrAlC alloy. All coatings showed higher corrosion resistance than the AISI 316L substrate in HCl (5%) aqueous solution at 40°C.
Nyerereite and nahcolite inclusions in diamond: evidence for lower-mantle carbonatitic magmas
Authors: Kaminsky F. , Wirth R. , Matsyuk S. , Schreiber A. , Thomas R.
Published: December 2009

Nyerereite and nahcolite have been identified as micro- and nano-inclusions in diamond from the Juina area, Brazil. Alongside them are Sr- and Ba-bearing calcite minerals from the periclase-wiistite series, wollastonite II (high), Ca-rich garnet, spinels, olivine, phlogopite and apatite. Minerals of the periclase- wustite series belong to two separate groups: wustite and Mg-wustite with Mg# = 1.9—15.3, and Fe- periclase and periclase with Mg# = 84.9—92.1. Wollastonite-II (high, with Ca:Si = 0.992) has a triclinic structure. Two types of spinel were distinguished among mineral inclusions in diamond: zoned magnesioferrite (with Mg# varying from 13.5—90.8, core to rim) and Fe spinel (magnetite). Olivine (Mg# = 93.6), intergrown with nyerereite, forms an elongate, lath-shaped crystal and most likely represents a retrograde transformation of ringwoodite or wadsleyite. All inclusions are composed of poly-mineralic solid mineral phases. Together with previously found halides, sulphates and other mineral inclusions in diamond from Juina, they form a carbonatitic-type mineral paragenesis in diamond which may have originated in the lower mantle and/or transition zone. Wustite inclusions with Mg# = 1.9—3.4, according to experimental data, may have formed in the lowermost mantle. The source for the observed carbonatitic-type mineral association in diamond is lower-mantle natrocarbonatitic magma. This magma may represent a juvenile mantle melt, or be the result of low-degree partial melting of deeply-subducted carbonated oceanic crust. This magma was rich in volatiles, such as Cl, F and H, which played an important role in the formation of diamond.
Effect of Carbonate Ions on the Photooxidation of Water over Porous BiVO4 Film Photoelectrode under Visible Light
Authors: Sayama Kazuhiro , Wang Nini , Miseki Yugo , Kusama Hitoshi , Onozawa-Komatsuzaki Nobuko , Sugihara Hideki
Published: December 2009

Carbonate ions in the aqueous electrolyte solution improved both the photocurrent and the stability of a porous BiVO4 semiconductor electrode used for water splitting under visible light up to 520 nm. The photocurrents in AHCO3 (A = Na and K) solutions at 1.23 V were approximately six times higher than that in Na2SO4 aqueous solution. The maximum incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE) was 45% at 420 nm without any surface modifications.
Synthesis and Catalysis of B12–Core–Shell Hyperbranched Polymer
Authors: Shimakoshi Hisashi , Nishi Masashi , Tanaka Akihiro , Chikama Katsumi , Hisaeda Yoshio
Published: December 2009

A vitamin B12 derivative was immobilized on a core–shell hyperbranched polymer, and the hybrid polymer was characterized by GPC, UV–vis, IR as well as TEM analyses. The hybrid polymer exhibits catalysis for the dehalogenation of phenethyl bromide to form ethylbenzene and 2,3-diphenylbutane by irradiation with UV light at room temperature.
Simple, Low-cost Preparation of High Surface Area Co3O4–CeO2 Catalysts for Total Decomposition of Toluene
Authors: Somekawa Shouichi , Yuliati Leny , Ishikawa Asako , Takanabe Kazuhiro , Domen Kazunari
Published: December 2009

High surface area Co3O4–CeO2 catalysts were prepared by the simple calcination of carbonate–precursor mixtures at 300 °C. The Co3O4–CeO2 catalyst with a Co/Ce molar ratio of 1 showed high activity for toluene decomposition, comparable to that of Pt(0.08 wt %)/zeolite catalyst. The total decomposition of toluene was achieved at degradation temperatures as low as 200 °C. The Co3O4–CeO2 catalyst was highly stable, even after two weeks of reaction.
Design and Characterization of a Polarized Coordination Polymer of a Zinc(II) Biphenyldicarboxylate Bearing a Sulfone Group
Authors: Kanaizuka Katsuhiko , Iwakiri Shoji , Yamada Teppei , Kitagawa Hiroshi
Published: December 2009

A novel coordination polymer of zinc(II) biphenyldicarboxylate bearing a sulfone group, [Zn(sbdc)(H2O)3]·(H2sbdc)·H2O (H2sbdc: sulfone biphenyldicarboxylic acid), has been synthesized. It is composed of a one-dimensional chain structure of alternating Zn(II) cations and sbdc anions. This coordination polymer possesses noncoordinating uncharged acid H2sbdc existing between the chains with hydrogen-bonding networks. The proton conductivity of [Zn(sbdc)(H2O)3]·(H2sbdc)·H2O strongly depended on the relative humidity (RH), being 2.5 × 10−7 S cm−1 at 95% RH. The activation energy for proton conductivity was estimated to be 0.32 eV at 95% RH.
Effect of Trehalose on Thermal Stability of Bovine Serum Albumin
Authors: Lavecchia Roberto , Zuorro Antonio
Published: December 2009

Trehalose at 10–30% (w/w) greatly stabilized bovine serum albumin (BSA) against thermal denaturation. The highest stabilization was reached in 30% trehalose at 65 °C, when the protein’s half life was increased from 72 to 335 min. A kinetic analysis based on the Lumry–Eyring mechanism of inactivation showed that BSA denaturation can be described by a first-order rate expression with an apparent activation energy ranging from 238.1 to 246.4 kJ mol−1.
Determination of serum holotranscobalamin concentrations with the AxSYM active B12 assay: cut-off point evaluation in the clinical laboratory
Authors: Bamonti Fabrizia , Moscato Giovanna Antonella , Novembrino Cristina , Gregori Dario , Novi Claudia , De Giuseppe Rachele , Galli Claudio , Uva Valentina , Lonati Silvia , Maiavacca Rita
Published: December 2009

Background: A reliable early marker is required for diagnosis of cobalamin deficiency. We calculated an appropriate holotranscobalamin (HoloTC) cut-off point for identifying cobalamin deficiency using an immunoenzymatic assay.

Methods: Determination of the cut-off threshold and correlation between HoloTC and the other diagnostic parameters routinely used for vitamin B12 deficiency [total vitamin B12 (tB12), folate, homocysteine] were measured in 250 routine blood specimens from 107 men (mean age 59.0±18.8 years) and 143 women (mean age 54.2±23.1 years). The inclusion criterion was serum tB12 concentration ≤221 pmol/L.

Results: Analytical performance results agreed with those reported by others. A weak correlation (R=0.42) was found between HoloTC and tB12. A 40 pmol/L cut-off threshold was chosen for HoloTC and the associated sensitivity and specificity was 0.86 and 0.66, respectively. Out of 250 tested samples, 126 showed tB12 concentrations 139–221 pmol/L (gray zone, GZ) and 124 had tB12 concentrations <139 pmol/L (low, L). Values less than the cut-off for HoloTC were present in 68.2% and 37.9% of cases in the GZ and L group, respectively (p<0.01), and in 53.2% of subjects.

Conclusions: Our results confirmed the analytical reliability of the AxSYM HoloTC assay. The method is adequate for routine use and a cut-off threshold of 40 pmol/L is appropriate for assessing cobalamin deficiency in populations with reduced tB12 values.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:249–53.
Variabilidade amostral das séries mensais de precipitação pluvial em duas regiões do Brasil: Pelotas-RS e Campinas-SP
Authors: Blain Gabriel Constantino , Kayano Mary Toshie , Camargo Marcelo Bento Paes de , Lulu Jorge
Published: December 2009

O presente trabalho avaliou a variabilidade amostral dos parâmetros da distribuição gama, relativos a séries mensais de precipitação pluvial, nas regiões de Campinas-SP e Pelotas-RS, que têm dados para os períodos de 1890-2006 e 1890-2005, respectivamente. Assim, os espaços amostrais considerados foram de 58, 39 e 29 anos para Campinas e 58 e 29 anos para Pelotas. As análises foram feitas usando o teste da razão da máxima verossimilhança. Os resultados apontaram significativas alterações amostrais. Não houve indicações de tendências contínuas (redução ou aumento) no regime mensal de precipitação pluvial na região de Campinas-SP. Em contrapartida, esse teste indicou, para a localidade de Pelotas-RS, tendência de elevação no regime desse elemento meteorológico ocorrida entre as amostras relativas aos anos de 1948 a 1976 e 1977 a 2005.
Gingival Transcriptome Patterns During Induction and Resolution of Experimental Gingivitis in Humans
Authors: Offenbacher Steven , Barros Silvana P. , Paquette David W. , Winston J. Leslie , Biesbrock Aaron R. , Thomason Ryan G. , Gibb Roger D. , Fulmer Andy W. , Tiesman Jay P. , Juhlin Kenton D. , Wang Shuo L. , Reichling Tim D. , Chen Ker‐Sang , Ho Begonia
Published: December 2009

Background: To our knowledge, changes in the patterns of whole‐transcriptome gene expression that occur during the induction and resolution of experimental gingivitis in humans were not previously explored using bioinformatic tools.

Methods: Gingival biopsy samples collected from 14 subjects during a 28‐day stent‐induced experimental gingivitis model, followed by treatment, and resolution at days 28 through 35 were analyzed using gene‐expression arrays. Biopsy samples were collected at different sites within each subject at baseline (day 0), at the peak of gingivitis (day 28), and at resolution (day 35) and processed using whole‐transcriptome gene‐expression arrays. Gene‐expression data were analyzed to identify biologic themes and pathways associated with changes in gene‐expression profiles that occur during the induction and resolution of experimental gingivitis using bioinformatic tools.

Results: During disease induction and resolution, the dominant expression pathway was the immune response, with 131 immune response genes significantly up‐ or downregulated during induction, during resolution, or during both at P <0.05. During induction, there was significant transient increase in the expression of inflammatory and oxidative stress mediators, including interleukin (IL)‐1 alpha (IL1A), IL‐1 beta (IL1B), IL8, RANTES, colony stimulating factor 3 (CSF3), and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), and a decreased expression of IP10, interferon inducible T‐cell alpha chemoattractant (ITAC), matrix metalloproteinase 10 (MMP10), and beta 4 defensin (DEFB4). These genes reversed expression patterns upon resolution in parallel with the reversal of gingival inflammation.

Conclusions: A relatively small subset (11.9%) of the immune response genes analyzed by array was transiently activated in response to biofilm overgrowth, suggesting a degree of specificity in the transcriptome‐expression response. The fact that this same subset demonstrates a reversal in expression patterns during clinical resolution implicates these genes as being critical for maintaining tissue homeostasis at the biofilm–gingival interface. In addition to the immune response pathway as the dominant response theme, new candidate genes and pathways were identified as being selectively modulated in experimental gingivitis, including neural processes, epithelial defenses, angiogenesis, and wound healing.
The Anti‐Inflammatory Role of Heme Oxygenase‐1 in Lipopolysaccharide and Cytokine‐Stimulated Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase and Nitric Oxide Production in Human Periodontal Ligament Cells
Authors: Kim Young‐Suk , Pi Sung‐Hee , Lee Young‐Man , Lee Sang‐Im , Kim Eun‐Cheol
Published: December 2009

Background: Although heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) is involved in anti‐inflammation, the mechanisms of its activity in regulating periodontal inflammation are largely unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the anti‐inflammatory properties of HO‐1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐ and proinflammatory cytokine‐stimulated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and nitric oxide (NO) production in human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells.

Methods: PDL cells were treated with LPS plus a combination of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐1β in serum‐free media for 1 day. The production of NO was evaluated using a Griess reagent kit. The expression of iNOS and HO‐1 proteins and mRNAs was evaluated using Western blotting and reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction, respectively.

Results: Proinflammatory cytokines and LPS triggered iNOS and HO‐1 expression and NO production in PDL cells. HO‐1 inhibitor and HO‐1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) attenuated the LPS‐ and cytokine‐stimulated NO release and iNOS and HO‐1 expression. Specific inhibitors of p38, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) mitogen‐activated protein kinases phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB), and protein kinase C delta (PKC‐δ) greatly reduced the levels of iNOS and HO‐1 expression induced by LPS plus cytokines.

Conclusions: Collectively, these data suggested that HO‐1 inhibition blocked LPS‐ and proinflammatory cytokine‐stimulated iNOS expression and NO production in PDL cells via a mechanism that involves p38, ERK, PI3K, NF‐κB, and PKC‐δ. Thus, the regulation of HO‐1 activity may be a therapeutic strategy for periodontal disease.
Bacterial Colonization of the Dental Implant Fixture–Abutment Interface: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Tesmer Michael , Wallet Shannon , Koutouzis Theofilos , Lundgren Tord
Published: December 2009

Background: The geometry of the fixture–abutment interface (FAI) might influence the risk of bacterial invasion of the internal part of the implant. The aim of this study was to use an in vitro model to assess the potential risk for invasion of oral microorganisms into the FAI microgap of dental implants with different characteristics of the connection between the fixture and abutment.

Methods: Thirty implants were divided into three groups (n = 10 per group) based on their microgap dynamics. Groups 1 and 2 were comprised of fixtures with internal Morse‐taper connections that connected to standard abutments and the same abutments with a 0.5‐mm groove modification, respectively. Group 3 was comprised of implants with a tri‐channel internal connection. Fixtures and abutments were assembled and allowed to incubate in a bacterial solution of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans) and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Two standard abutments were either exposed to bacterial culture or left sterile to serve as positive and negative controls. After disconnection of fixtures and abutments, microbial samples were taken from the threaded portion of the abutment, plated, and allowed to culture under appropriate conditions.

Results: Three of the 10 samples in group 1 developed one colony forming unit (CFU) for A. actinomycetemcomitans, whereas zero of 10 samples developed CFUs for P. gingivalis. Ten of 10 and nine of 10 samples from groups 2 and 3, respectively, developed multiple CFUs for A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis.

Conclusion: This study indicated that differences in implant designs may affect the potential risk for invasion of oral microorganisms into the FAI microgap.
Treatment of Periodontal Endosseous Defects With Platelet‐Rich Plasma Alone or in Combination With Demineralized Freeze‐Dried Bone Allograft: A Comparative Clinical Trial
Authors: Markou Nikolaos , Pepelassi Eudoxie , Vavouraki Helen , Stamatakis Harry C. , Nikolopoulos Georgios , Vrotsos Ioannis , Tsiklakis Kostas
Published: December 2009

Background: Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) alone or combined with other regenerative materials was previously studied in human periodontal endosseous defects. There are no sufficient data evaluating to what extent the addition of demineralized freeze‐dried bone allograft (DFDBA) to PRP may enhance the effectiveness of PRP. The aim of this randomized, double‐masked, controlled clinical trial was to compare the effectiveness of autologous PRP alone to PRP + DFDBA in periodontal endosseous defects.

Methods: Twenty‐four proximal endosseous defects in 24 patients with severe chronic periodontitis were randomly treated with PRP alone or in combination with DFDBA. The final evaluation at 6 months was based on clinical and radiographic parameters. Subtraction radiography was used. The primary outcome variable was clinical attachment level (CAL).

Results: The two treatment groups were initially comparable (mean CAL: 8.67 ± 2.19 mm for PRP + DFDBA and 8.25 ± 1.96 mm for PRP). Both treatments achieved statistically significant and similar CAL gain (3.08 ± 1.17 mm for PRP + DFDBA and 3.08 ± 0.95 mm for PRP), probing depth, defect depth, and area surface reduction. The percentage of defect fill did not significantly differ between the two treatments. There was a non‐significant trend to greater defect fill (45.42% versus 41.29%), defect depth (54.05% versus 49.52%), and area surface (58.43% versus 52.16%) reduction with the graft. In both groups, 66.66% of the defects gained ≥3 mm of CAL.

Conclusion: Within its limits, this study demonstrates that both PRP and PRP combined with DFDBA resulted in significant clinical and radiographic improvement in human periodontal endosseous defects at 6 months, and the addition of DFDBA to PRP did not significantly enhance the treatment outcome.
Periodontal Status, Sociodemographic, and Behavioral Indicators in Subjects Attending a Public Dental School in Brazil: Analysis of Clinical Attachment Loss
Authors: Silva‐Boghossian Carina M. , Luiz Ronir R. , Colombo Ana Paula V.
Published: December 2009

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence, extent, and severity of clinical attachment loss (AL) and their association with sociodemographic and behavioral parameters of subjects attending a public dental school in Brazil.

Methods: A total of 491 consenting participants (21 to 70 years of age) submitted to a full‐mouth periodontal clinical examination, assessment of missing teeth, and anamnesis questionnaires. The data were analyzed by multivariable models using logistic regression analyses. The dependent variables were moderate (≥5 mm) and severe (≥7 mm) clinical AL.

Results: The prevalence of individuals with at least one site with clinical AL ≥5 or ≥7 mm was 72.1% and 60.9%, respectively. The mean clinical AL ranged from 2.9 to 3.9 mm, according to age. The mean frequency of sites with moderate (5 to 6 mm) and severe (≥7 mm) clinical AL was 15.8% and 9.1%, respectively. Multivariate analyses identified smoking (odds ratio [OR] = 8.93), bleeding on probing (BOP) in >10% of sites (OR = 6.82 to 22.53), and ≥4 missing teeth (OR = 2.52) as risk indicators for clinical AL ≥5 mm in ≥10% of sites, whereas an age of 36 to 50 years (OR = 1.72), smoking (OR = 7.66), and BOP in >10% of sites (OR = 6.84 to 24.89) were considered risk indicators for clinical AL ≥7 mm in at least one site.

Conclusions: This particular Brazilian population presented a high prevalence and extent of severe periodontal disease. Age, smoking, and BOP were risk indicators associated with moderate and severe AL in this population.
Gingival Cyst of the Adult: Regenerative Therapy of Associated Root Exposure. A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Kelsey V W. Patrick , Kalmar John R. , Tatakis Dimitris N.
Published: December 2009

Background: The gingival cyst of the adult (GCA) is an uncommon developmental cyst of odontogenic origin most frequently seen near mandibular canines and premolars and is routinely treated with excisional biopsy. This article presents a case of a GCA treated with a combined regenerative approach and reviews the GCA literature with an emphasis on the clinical aspects of this lesion.

Methods: A 54 year‐old man presented for treatment of generalized severe chronic periodontitis. Clinical examination revealed a cystic lesion in the gingiva of the mandibular canine‐premolar area. Radiographs revealed a well‐defined radiolucency in the coronal one‐third of the tooth roots. Surgical enucleation of the lesion revealed root exposure of the second premolar. Because of the anatomy of the lesion‐associated defect, regenerative treatment, using a combination of freeze‐dried bone allograft and a collagen membrane, was considered the therapeutic approach of choice.

Results: The biopsy revealed histologic features consistent with a GCA. Clinical and radiographic examinations 1 year post‐surgery indicated uneventful soft tissue healing and bone fill of the initial defect. The review of the literature revealed only one other case of root exposure associated with GCA and no previous report of regenerative therapy.

Conclusions: In rare instances, a GCA lesion may result in tooth‐root exposure. In such cases, a combined regenerative treatment approach may be used to achieve resolution.
Comparative Analysis of Peri‐Implant Marginal Bone Loss Based on Microthread Location: A 1‐Year Prospective Study After Loading
Authors: Song Dong‐Wook , Lee Dong‐Won , Kim Chong‐Kwan , Park Kwang‐Ho , Moon Ik‐Sang
Published: December 2009

Background: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the short‐term effects of microthread location on peri‐implant marginal bone levels.

Methods: Two types of implants, one with microthreads placed at the implant top (group A) and the other with microthreads placed 0.5 mm below the implant top (group B), were placed adjacent to each other in the partially edentulous areas of 20 patients. In total, 40 implants were placed. Bone loss around each implant was analyzed after 1 year of functional loading, and gingival parameters (modified plaque index and modified sulcus bleeding index) of the peri‐implant soft tissue were evaluated. Bone losses after loading and gingival parameters were compared using the paired t test.

Results: The average bone loss was 0.16 (SD: 0.19) mm in group A and 0.30 (SD: 0.22) mm in group B after 1‐year of functional loading. The paired t test revealed a significant difference in crestal bone loss between groups A and B in individual patients (P = 0.004). No significant differences were found between the two groups for the gingival parameters.

Conclusions: Less peri‐implant bone loss was observed around implants with microthreads placed at the implant top (group A) compared to those in which microthreads were placed below the top (group B). These results indicated that the microthreads acted to stabilize the peri‐implant marginal bone, and their locations played an important role in the stabilization process.