bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grants versus Financing for Domestic Retrofits: A Case Study from Efficiency Maine
Authors: Gillich Aaron
Published: June 2013

Any attempts to limit the impacts of climate change must maximize the potential for energy efficiency in existing dwellings. Retrofitting the existing stock of aging and inefficient dwellings is a challenge on many fronts. A number of programs have been put in place to encourage domestic retrofits by reducing barriers such as the upfront costs and access to capital. While many such programs are delivering positive results, there is much uncertainty regarding what constitutes success, as well as the long term cost effectiveness of various approaches. Geographic, demographic, and programmatic differences frequently cloud the ability to make comparisons across programs. This work examines a case study from Efficiency Maine in the United States, in which a grant program transitioned to a financing program. The grant program was highly popular and delivered significant energy savings, but used considerable public funds. The financing program reaches fewer homeowners, but delivers larger retrofit projects per homeowner, and leverages private investment with smaller public expenditures. Which of the two programs can be considered more successful? This work explores the methods of assessing this question and offers the author’s perspectives.
Computational Design of Peptide Ligands for Ochratoxin A
Authors: Heurich Meike , Altintas Zeynep , Tothill Ibtisam
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we describe a peptide library designed by computational modelling and the selection of two peptide sequences showing affinity towards the mycotoxin, ochratoxin A (OTA). A virtual library of 20 natural amino acids was used as building blocks to design a short peptide library against ochratoxin A template using the de novo design program, LeapFrog, and the dynamic modelling software, FlexiDock. Peptide sequences were ranked according to calculated binding scores in their capacity to bind to ochratoxin A. Two high scoring peptides with the sequences N'-Cys-Ser-Ile-Val-Glu-Asp-Gly-Lys-C' (octapeptide) and N'-Gly-Pro-Ala-Gly-Ile-Asp-Gly-Pro-Ala-Gly-Ile-Arg-Cys-C' (13-mer) were selected for synthesis from the resulting database. These synthesized peptides were characterized using a microtitre plate-based binding assay and a surface plasmon resonance biosensor (Biacore 3000). The binding assay confirmed that both de novo designed peptides did bind to ochratoxin A in vitro. SPR analysis confirmed that the peptides bind to ochratoxin A, with calculated KD values of ~15.7 μM (13-mer) and ~11.8 μM (octamer). The affinity of the peptides corresponds well with the molecular modelling results, as the 13-mer peptide affinity is about 1.3-times weaker than the octapeptide; this is in accordance with the binding energy values modelled by FlexiDock. This work illustrates the potential of using computational modelling to design a peptide sequence that exhibits in vitro binding affinity for a small molecular weight toxin.
Nouvelles observations sur le portail Saint-Jean de la cathédrale Saint-Etienne de Sens
Authors: Martin Annabelle
Published: June 2013

The portal of Saint John the Baptist on the Cathedral of Saint Stephen at Sens (Yonne) is one of the most significant examples of hagiographic iconography and monumental sculpture at the end of the twelfth century. The twenty-three scenes in the voussoirs and tympanum devoted to his life are the fruit of an ambitious intellectual conception closely linked to the history of Christianity at Sens and its integration in the new cathedral. The reliefs are only slightly restored and only the jamb statues have been lost ; the formal vocabulary is that of the workshops at Mantes-la-Jolie, but the sculptures evoke the aspirations and responses of the work of Nicolas de Verdun. The study of the portal of Saint John provides the opportunity to reconsider the activity of programmers and sculptors working on an urban site.
Fortifications des îles. Trois siècles d'architecture militaire en Guadeloupe : XVIIe-XIXe siècle
Authors: Kissoun Bruno
Published: June 2013

La Guadeloupe possède un patrimoine fortifié riche et diversifié, témoin des affrontements séculaires que Français et Anglais se sont livrés depuis le XVII siècle. Dès le début de la colonisation de l'île, les premiers ingénieurs militaires tentèrent d'appliquer en Amérique des principes défensifs que les contraintes insulaires et les sites d'implantation, souvent inadaptés, rendirent inefficaces. Modestes et rudimentaires, les premiers ouvrages fortifiés témoignent d'un archaïsme démesuré que les travaux, longs et coûteux d'aménagement et d'extension, ne corrigerons jamais au XVIIIe siècle ; à l'image du fort Delgrès à Basse-Terre ou du fort Louis à l'entrée de la rade de Pointe-à-Pitre.

Au XIXe siècle, alors que la recrudescence des conflits se généralise, les réflexions engagées sous l'Empire sous les ouvrages-types permettent l'amélioration par la standardisation des batteries de côtes, y compris aux Antilles où les multiples points de défense sont abandonnés au profit de sites stratégiques uniques que les progrès de l'artillerie permettent en outre de mieux couvrir. À Pointe-à-Pitre mais surtout aux Saintes, « Gibraltar des Antilles », de nouveaux ouvrages, plus adaptés, répondant mieux aux prescriptions concernant la défense des côtes, voient le jour mais ne connaîtrons jamais le baptême du feu.
Discovery of EST‐derived microsatellite primers in the legume Lens culinaris (Fabaceae)
Authors: Jain Neelu , Dikshit H. K. , Singh D. , Singh Akanksha , Kumar Harish
Published: June 2013

• Premise of the study: We developed microsatellite markers in the legume Lens culinaris from publicly available databases to enrich the limited marker resource available for the crop.

• Methods and Results: Eighty‐two primer sets were identified using expressed sequence sets of L. culinaris available in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database and were characterized in six species of Lens. Among them, 20 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers produced no amplification product, 43 produced monomorphic products, and 19 were polymorphic. The primers amplified mono‐, di‐, tri‐, tetra‐, penta‐, and hexanucleotide repeats with one to four alleles. These SSR loci successfully amplified in five related wild species, with a total of 61 primer pairs in L. nigricans and L. odemensis (98.39%), 59 in L. tomentosus (95.1%), and 60 in L. ervoides and L. orientalis (96.7%), respectively.

• Conclusions: The microsatellite markers discovered in this study will be useful in genetic mapping, marker‐assisted breeding, and characterization of germplasm.
DATA FILTERING BASED STOCHASTIC GRADIENT ALGORITHMS FOR MULTIVARIABLE CARAR-LIKE SYSTEMS
Authors: Wang Dongqing , Shan Tong , Ding Rui
Published: June 2013

This paper considers identification problems for a multivariable controlled autoregressive system with autoregressive noises. A hierarchical generalized stochastic gradient algorithm and a filtering based hierarchical stochastic gradient algorithm are presented to estimate the parameter vectors and parameter matrix of such multivariable colored noise systems, by using the hierarchical identification principle. The simulation results show that the proposed hierarchical gradient estimation algorithms are effective.
THIN PLATE SPLINES FOR TRANSFINITE INTERPOLATION AT CONCENTRIC CIRCLES
Authors: Bejancu Aurelian
Published: June 2013

We propose a new method for constructing a polyspline on annuli, i.e. a C 2 surface on ℝ2 \ {0}, which is piecewise biharmonic on annuli centered at 0 and interpolates smooth data at all interface circles. A unique surface is obtained by imposing Beppo Levi conditions on the innermost and outermost annuli, and one additional restriction at 0: either prescribing an extra data value, or asking that the surface is non-singular. We show that the resulting Beppo Levi polysplines on annuli are in fact thin plate splines, i.e. they minimize Duchon's bending energy.
An Update on Hdv: Virology, Pathogenesis and Treatment
Authors: Alvarado-Mora Mónica V , Locarnini Stephen , Rizzetto Mario , Pinho João R Rebello
Published: June 2013

Hepatitis delta is an inflammatory liver disease caused by infection with HDV. HDV is a single-stranded circular RNA pathogen with a diameter of 36 nm. HDV is classified in the genus Deltavirus and is still awaiting a final taxonomic classification up to the family level. HDV shares similarities with satellite RNA and viroids including a small circular single-stranded RNA with secondary structure that replicates through the ‘double rolling circle’ mechanism. The HDV RNA genome is capable of self-cleavage through a ribozyme and encodes only one structural protein, the hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg), from the antigenomic RNA. There are two forms of HDAg, a shorter (S; 22 kDa) and a longer (L; 24 kDa) form, the latter generated from an RNA editing mechanism. The S form is essential for viral genomic replication. The L form participates in the assembly and formation of HDV. For complete replication and transmission, HDV requires the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Thus, HDV infection only occurs in HBsAg-positive individuals, either as acute coinfection in treatment-naive HBV-infected persons, or as superinfection in patients with pre-existing chronic hepatitis B (CHB). HDV is found throughout the world, but its prevalence, incidence, clinical features and epidemiological characteristics vary by geographic region. There are eight genotypes (1 to 8) distributed over different geographic areas: HDV-1 is distributed worldwide, whereas HDV-2 to 8 are seen more regionally. Levels of HDV viraemia change over the course of HDV infection, being significantly higher in patients with early chronic hepatitis than in cirrhosis. Chronic HDV infection leads to more severe liver disease than chronic HBV monoinfection with an accelerated course of fibrosis progression, an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and early decompensation in the setting of established cirrhosis. Current treatments include pegylated interferon-α and liver transplantation; the latter of which can be curative. Further studies are needed to develop better treatment strategies for this challenging disease.
Origin of HBV and Its Arrival in the Americas – the Importance of Natural Selection on Time Estimates
Authors: Godoy Bibiane A , Alvarado-Mora Mónica V , Gomes-Gouvêa Michele S , Pinho João R Rebello , Fagundes Nelson JR
Published: June 2013

Background

The strong geographic structure shown by the global pattern of HBV lineages suggests an ancient origin for this virus; however, estimates based on the molecular clock suggest a very recent origin for the Native American genotypes F and H. In this study, we contribute to this debate by estimating the divergence times of genotypes F and H and by discussing how evolutionary rates estimated from recent samples may underestimate the divergence time of more ancient nodes in HBV phylogenies.

Methods

A total of 108 complete HBV genotype F and H genomes were compared to 44 reference genomes from other genotypes. Time estimates were based on a Bayes-ian method with evolutionary rates taken from the literature. To assess the pattern of substitutions in recent versus old branches we mapped the phylogenetic distribution of all mutations occurring in genotypes F and H using a maximum likelihood approach and compared the number of synonymous and non-synonymous mutations in young and old branches of HBV genotype F and H phylogeny using a c2 test.

Results

Estimated divergence times between genotypes F and H depend heavily on the evolutionary rate. While fast rates suggest a recent separation of these genotypes (approximately 800 years ago), slow rates suggest an earlier divergence (up to approximately 13,000 years ago). There is a clear excess of non-synonymous substitutions in the most recent branches of HBV phylogeny ( P=4.87x10-15), most likely suggesting the action of purifying selection.

Conclusions

These results suggest that rates estimated based on recent samples will overestimate the evolutionary rate and underestimate the coalescence times for ancient nodes in HBV phylogeny.
Clinical and Epidemiological Aspects of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Brazil
Authors: Kikuchi Luciana , Chagas Aline L , Alencar Regiane SSM , Paranaguá-Vezozzo Denise C , Carrilho Flair J
Published: June 2013

The global hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence is widely variable, depending on geographic region and the prevalence of major risk factors. In Brazil, two large multicentre retrospective studies were performed to investigate clinical and epidemiological aspects of HCC. In the first study, performed in 1997, HCC was found in cirrhotic livers in 71% of cases. Chronic alcoholism was present in 36% of cases, chronic hepatitis B in 35% and hepatitis C in 25%. In a 2010 survey, cirrhosis was present in 98% of cases and HCV was the main aetiology (54%). Differences in HBV prevalence were found among regions. Selection of HCC treatment depends on tumour burden, liver function and performance status. Liver transplantation (LT) is the best available curative treatment for HCC in its early stage and with compromised liver function. After modifications in priority policy, the number of patients with early HCC submitted for LT has increased in the past 5 years in Brazil. Chemoembolization is the most common initial HCC therapy in early and intermediate stages of HCC in Brazil.
HBV Genotype F: Natural History and Treatment
Authors: Marciano Sebastián , Galdame Omar A , Gadano Adrián C
Published: June 2013

The analysis of the HBV genome revealed the existence of 10 genotypes, named A–J. Evidence of the influence of the different genotypes in the natural history and treatment response to nucleoside/nucleotide analogues or interferon-based regimens is scant. HBV genotype F is one of the most prevalent circulating genotypes in South America and the Arctic Circle. Since most of the available information on HBV is from Asia, the US and Europe, it refects their predominant genotypes: A, B, C and D. To date, the evidence is not fully confirmed, but it appears that genotype F chronic hepatitis B is associated with a more aggressive course of liver disease, refected by higher histological indexes, a higher risk of development of hepatocellular carcinoma and a higher rate of liver-related mortality. In terms of treatment response, the available data is, unfortunately, even more limited; however, what data is available suggests acceptable and similar response rates to pegylated interferon-α2a in genotype F compared to genotype A. Response rates to nucleoside/nucleotide analogues is not influenced by genotype. The review of this limited data sheds light on the necessity to conduct further studies in South America and the Arctic Circle in order to better understand the different aspects of HBV genotype F, especially in relation to treatment response.
Genetic Diversity of HCV in Brazil
Authors: Lampe Elisabeth , Lewis-Ximenez Lia , Espírito-Santo Marcia P , Delvaux Nathália M , Pereira Sergio A , Peres-da-Silva Allan , Martins Regina MB , Soares Marcelo A , Santos André F , Vidal Luãnna L , Germano Fabiana N , De Martinez Ana Maria B , Basso Rossana , Pinho João R Rebello , Malta Fernanda M , Gomes-Gouvêa Michele , Moliterno Ricardo A , Bertolini Dennis A , Fujishima Mayara AT , Bello Gonzalo
Published: June 2013

Background

Many studies have documented the molecular epidemiological scenario of HCV within individual Brazilian states, but we still have an incomplete understanding of the dispersion dynamics of the virus in different regions throughout the country.

Methods

A total of 676 HCV NS5B gene sequences of subtypes 1a ( n=321), 1b ( n=170) and 3a ( n=185), isolated from seven different Brazilian states covering four out of five regions were analysed in the present study. We also analysed 22 HCV NS5B gene sequences of minor genetic variants including genotype 2 ( n=13), genotype 4 ( n=6) and subtype 5a ( n=3). Brazilian HCV sequences were aligned with sequences of non-Brazilian origin and subjected to maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses.

Results

These analyses revealed that the Brazilian HCV epidemic resulted from multiple introductions and autochthonous transmission of subtypes 1a, 1b, 3a and genotypes 2, 4 and 5. Brazilian HCV subtype 1a epidemic is dominated by the dissemination of one major clade; while Brazilian HCV subtypes 1b and 3a epidemics are characterized by concurrent dissemination of several independent HCV lineages. Some HCV Brazilian lineages of subtypes 1a, 1b, 2b and 3a were successful in becoming established and disseminated through several regions in the country. Despite significant phylogenetic intermixing of Brazilian sequences, the distribution of HCV strains from different states across lineages was not completely homogeneous.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the existence of multiple introductions and local propagation of both prevalent and uncommon HCV genetic variants in Brazil and identify some major Brazilian HCV clades with nationwide dissemination. This study also suggests that the observed HCV diversity in Brazil has been shaped by both frequent viral migration among regions and in situ viral dissemination.
Bioinformatics Methods for the Analysis of Hepatitis Viruses
Authors: Moriconi Francesco , Beard Michael R , Yuen Lilly KW
Published: June 2013

HBV and HCV are the only hepatotropic viruses capable of establishing chronic infections. More than 500 million people worldwide are estimated to have chronic infections with HBV and/or HCV, and they have an increased risk of developing liver complications, such as cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. During the past decade, several antiviral agents including immune-modulatory drugs and nucleoside/nucleotide analogues have been approved for the treatment of HBV and HCV infections. In recent years, the focus has been on the development of new and better therapeutic agents for management of chronic HCV infections. Bioinformatics has only been applied recently to the field of viral hepatitis research. In addition to the wide range of general tools freely available for identification of open reading frames, gene prediction, homology searching, sequence alignment, and motif and epitope recognition, several public database systems designed specifically for HBV and HCV research have now been developed. The focus of these databases ranged from being viral sequence repositories for the provision of bio-informatics tools for viral genome analysis, as well as HBV or HCV drug resistance prediction. This review provides an overview of these public databases, which have integrated bioinformatics tools for HBV and HCV research. Properly managed and developed, these databases have the potential to have a broad effect on hepatitis research and treatment strategies. However, the effect will depend on the comprehensive collection of not only molecular sequence data, but also anonymous patient clinical and treatment data.
États-Unis : « sécuriser » la réforme migratoire
Authors: Simonneau Damien
Published: June 2013

Le projet de loi américain sur l’immigration, en cours de discussion au Congrès, vise à régler le problème du statut des onze millions de sans-papiers vivant aux États-Unis tout en poursuivant la sécurisation de la frontière avec le Mexique. Il s’inscrit dans un processus long de militarisation de la zone frontalière et de criminalisation des sans-papiers.
The right to self-representation in English criminal law
Authors: Padfield Nicola
Published: June 2013

Cet article est consacré au droit de se défendre soi-même devant les juridictions pénales anglaises. Le premier point abordé est celui du profil des défendeurs usant de ce droit. Il met en évidence l’utilisation plus fréquente de ce type de défense devant les magistrates’courts que devant les Crown Court . Il enseigne également que si l’utilisation du droit de se défendre soi-même est parfois contrainte, elle peut également procéder d’un choix délibéré, la représentation par un conseil étant parfois perçue comme un désavantage. La question de l’opportunité de la représentation par un conseil est aussi examinée. Le second point traité est celui des cas où la loi anglaise interdit au défendeur de se représenter soi-même. Ces interdictions se sont multipliées dans un souci de protection des victimes. Elles emportent de nombreuses conséquences pour les différents acteurs du procès.
Spousal rape: A challenge for pastoral counsellors
Authors: Glanville James A. , Dreyer Yolanda
Published: June 2013

This article reflects on the criticism regarding the pastoral counsellor’s dealings with spousal rape victims. It argues that counsellors should be sensitive not to be biased, either personally or theologically, and should have an understanding of the biopsychosocial (biological, psychological and social) impact of spousal rape, such as rape-related post-traumatic stress and other related illnesses such as depression, victimisation and stigmatisation. The pastoral counsellors should be aware of the legal and medical ramifications of spousal rape and have knowledge of the correct referral resources and procedures (trusted professionals, shelters and support structures). They should be self-aware and understand the effect that gender or previous traumatic personal experiences may have on their reactions. The article consists of the following sections: the phenomenon ‘rape’; acquaintance rape; spousal rape; post-traumatic stress; post-traumatic stress disorder; rape trauma syndrome; cognitive behavioural therapy; spirituality; doctrinal matters; social system of patriarchy; a pastoral counselling model; self-care.
A perspective on a period of contact between Khoi and Afrikaans
Authors: Van Rensburg Christo
Published: June 2013

In the search for the roots of Afrikaans, early linguists focused on similarities between Afrikaans and Dutch. The influence of non-European languages received little attention. In the course of time, the focus of this field of study changed. Closer attention was paid to language in contact situations in different regions where non-Dutch speakers, as well as Dutch speakers were involved. Data gained from these studies contributed to a better understanding of the origin and history of Afrikaans, and gave more answers to earlier unsolved questions. Discussed here are the details and importance of the contact and the interchange of languages among groups in the interior border area. Khoi-Afrikaans and stock farmers’ Afrikaans were both spoken in this region and gradually modified between 1700 and 1800. This could easily have been the most important phase in the history of Afrikaans, in which there were fundamental changes in the way the language was spoken. The circumstances under which contact took place and the change in social roles of these two languages are also discussed. Forms that were at first stigmatised as Khoi-Afrikaans, later became part of the general Afrikaans vocabulary and grammar. The central question is: How did this happen? The shifting of the norms regarding the spoken language in the interior border area can be understood when the sociohistorical situation in which these varieties of Afrikaans were used, is studied closely. One of the results of this contact and interchange between languages, and the gradual shifting in norms that followed, is discussed by way of illustration: the Khoi usage of ‘ons’ as subject and its integration into everyday Afrikaans.
Acquired von Willebrand syndrome
Authors: Kasatkar P , Ghosh K , Shetty S
Published: June 2013

Context:

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) is a rare bleeding disorder that mimics the inherited form of von Willebrand disease (VWD) in terms of laboratory findings and clinical presentation.

Aims:

To study the etiology of acquired VWD.

Settings and Design:

The patients referred from various hospitals in and out of Mumbai were included in the study.

Materials and Methods:

Six patients with AVWS diagnosed at this center over the last 10 years were analyzed against 171 patients with inherited VWD. The differential diagnosis of AVWS was made based on reduced levels of von Willebrand antigen and von Willebrand ristocetin cofactor, decrease in ristocetin induced platelet aggregation, absence of correction in mixing studies with no prior history of bleeding problems and a negative family history for bleeding disorders.

Results:

In three patients, the disease was associated with systematic lupus erythematosus, out of which one was also associated with Kikuchi lymphadenitis and second with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Fourth case was associated with hypothyroidism and fifth was a case of dermatitis and vitiligo. The last patient was a case of hemophilia A with Burkitts lymphoma, who developed autoantibodies to von Willebrand factor. Except two patients, all other patients responded to immune suppressive therapy with corticosteroids, while the patient with hypothyroidism responded to oral thyroxine.

Conclusion:

AVWS is a rare condition and may often be missed or diagnosed as inherited disease associated with heterogeneous disease conditions.
Arterial bicarbonate may be a useful indicator of inadequate cortisol response in children with catecholamine resistant septic shock
Authors: Maralihalli MB , Deshmukh CT
Published: June 2013

Objective:

To study the clinical and biochemical parameters that can predict cortisol insufficiency in children with septic shock.

Design:

prospective, observational study.

Setting:

tertiary health-care center.

Patients/Subjects:

Fifty children admitted with the catecholamine resistant septic shock to a tertiary health-care center.

Materials and Methods:

At the time of hospitalization all patients underwent detailed clinical evaluation including, history and physical examination, evaluation with the complete blood count, serum cortisol, renal function tests, liver function tests, prothrombin time activated partial thromboplastin time, arterial blood gas analysis, urine analysis, chest roentgenogram, ultrasonography of the abdomen and chest, urine, and blood culture for bacteria and fungi.

Results:

Out of 50 children with the catecholamine resistant septic shock, seven had adrenal insufficiency (serum cortisol <18 μg/dl). Of all parameters studied, only arterial bicarbonate at the time of admission to intensive care predicted adrenal insufficiency. On Receptor operative characteristic curve analysis, a bicarbonate level of 10.9 mEq/L had the best accuracy to predict adrenal insufficiency.

Conclusion:

Arterial bicarbonate may be used as a rapid test for provisional identification of adrenal insufficiency among children with the catecholamine resistant septic shock.
Aspergilloma coexisting with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Kumar N , Mishra M , Singhal A , Kaur J , Tripathi V
Published: June 2013

Fungal ball (mycetoma/aspergilloma) is a saprophytic fungal infection that colonizes pre-existing lung cavities. Reported literature suggests its development in cystic lesions/cavitation associated with tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, bronchiectasis, lung abscess, and cavitating neoplasm to name a few. Coexistence of aspergilloma with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has not been reported in literature so far, to the best of our knowledge. We hereby report the case of a 55-year-old female with IPF having fungal ball.
Diffusion weighted MR imaging of 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin-induced leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Paul BS , Singh G , Bansal R , Paul G
Published: June 2013

A 55-year-old man treated with 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin for advanced sigmoid colon cancer presented with seizures, progressive gait and balance difficulties with frequent falls and slurring of speech. After three cycles of chemotherapy, brain magnetic resonance imaging using diffusion-weighted imaging clearly revealed the presence of high signal intensity in the deep white matter of the bilateral cerebral hemispheres, including the corpus callosum symmetrically. A diagnosis of acute leukoencephalopathy was made based on these findings. His clinical symptoms normalized after the discontinuation of the chemotherapy. Early detection of drug-induced leukoencephalopathy is important as the clinical symptoms can be reversed by early discontinuation of the causative drug. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging is a useful modality for the early detection and definitive diagnosis of this characteristic encephalopathy.
Effect of Insertion and Removal of Tooth Supported Overdentures on Retention Strength and Fatigue Resistance of Two Commercially Available Attachment Systems
Authors: Guttal Satyabodh S , Nadiger Ramesh K , Abhichandani Sagar
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The main problem with semiprecision attachment retained prosthesis is that they need frequent servicing in terms of replacing the female component. There is a need for a study to assess the life span and frequency of replacement of elastic components in the attachment systems.

Aim

The aim of the study was to test the retention strength and fatigue resistance of Rhein OT cap and Ceka sagix attachment systems fabricated on the models.

Materials and methods

Rhein OT cap (micro) and Ceka sagix attachments were procured. Acrylic resin mandibular models fabricated with teeth embedded at overdenture positions. Bar framework with attachments were cast and cemented on the model. Denture fabricated on this model was subjected to universal testing machine (UTM Instron 5900 series) for retention and fatigue test. The retention strength was measured at various cycles namely 1,440, 2,880, 4,320 and 5,760 cycles to check for the loss of retention and development of fatigue on the basis of average number of removals and placements per day for 1,2,3 and 4 years, respectively. The values of both the attachment systems were recorded at the respective cycles and a graphical analysis was carried out representing the retention loss and development of fatigue.

Results

One-way ANOVA was used as part of the statistical analysis to compare the retention strength and fatigue resistance of both the attachment systems used. The results obtained proved that the retention values of both the attachment systems on tooth supported overdentures had a significant variation as they were subjected to increased number of cycles.

Conclusion

Sagix and Rhein attachment systems showed adequate retention values up to the first 2 to 3 years (2,880- 4,320 cycles). Fatigue test simulating 4 years of denture insertion and removal did cause subsequent reduction in the retention values but no component fracture of attachment systems.

How to cite this article

Guttal SS, Nadiger RK, Abhichandani S. Effect of Insertion and Removal of Tooth Supported Overdentures on Retention Strength and Fatigue Resistance of Two Commercially Available Attachment Systems. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2012;2(2):47-51.
Palatogingival Groove: A Cause for Periapical Infection
Authors: Chandra Anil , Bharti Ramesh , Tikku Aseem Prakash
Published: June 2013

The palatal groove is a developmental anomaly; when it is present in a tooth, it causes periodontal as well as endodontic problems. These grooves often present a challenge to the clinicians as diagnosing and treatment planning that requires an interdisciplinary treatment approach. This case report describes the successful collaborative management of a maxillary lateral incisor with an extensive palatal groove, using a combination of surgical endodontic therapy along with periodontal therapy.

How to cite this article

Bharti R, Chandra A, Tikku AP, Arya D. Palatogingival Groove: A Cause for Periapical Infection. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2012;2(2):61-65.
Full Mouth Rehabilitation of a Patient with Severely Worn Dentition and Reduced Occlusal Vertical Dimension: A Clinical Report
Authors: Muley Bipin Yeshwantrao , Khalikar Arun N , Shaikh Sameera Rafique , Tagore Mohana M , Wankhade Sattyam V
Published: June 2013

Esthetic and functional rehabilitation of severely worn dentition presents a significant challenge to the restorative dentist. The prerequisites in restoring the worn dentition are to understand the determinants of the occlusal vertical dimension and the effects of its alteration on the temporomandibular joint, muscle comfort, bite force, speech and long-term occlusal stability. This clinical report describes a sequential treatment procedure of full mouth rehabilitation of a patient with severe attrition and cervical abrasion of teeth with metal-ceramic restorations and implant supported fixed dental prosthesis after establishing a functional and esthetic vertical dimension and occlusal plane.

How to cite this article

Muley BY, Khalikar AN, Shaikh SR, Tagore MM, Patil PG, Wankhade SV. Full Mouth Rehabilitation of a Patient with Severely Worn Dentition and Reduced Occlusal Vertical Dimension: A Clinical Report. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2012;2(2):72-76.
Diurnal variations of total carbon, dicarboxylic acids, ketoacids and α-dicarbonyls in aerosols in the northern vicinity of Beijing
Authors: He N. , Kawamura K. , Okuzawa K. , Kanaya Y. , Wang Z. F.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Aerosol samples (TSP, n=58) were collected on day- and night-time basis at Mangshan in the north of Beijing, China in autumn 2007 to better understand the status of air quality and the influence of urban pollutants in the northern vicinity of Beijing. The samples were analyzed for aerosol mass, total carbon (TC), low molecular weight α, ω-dicarboxylic acids (C2-C12), ketoacids (ωC2-ωC9, pyruvic acid), α-dicarbonyls (glyoxal and methylglyoxal), as well as aromatic (phthalic, iso- and tere-phthalic) diacids. Aerosol mass and TC concentrations are higher in daytime than in nighttime. TC/aerosol mass ratios in this study are lower than those reported in megacities in East Asia, but higher than those reported in marine aerosols. Molecular distributions of diacids demonstrated that oxalic (C2) acid was the most abundant species, comprising 38–77% of total diacids, followed by succinic (C4) and malonic (C3) acids. For most compounds, the concentrations were higher in daytime than nighttime, indicating that diacids are produced in daytime by photochemical oxidation of organic precursors emitted from anthropogenic sources in Beijing during the transport to Mangshan area by the northward wind. However, we found that C2 concentrations are higher in nighttime than in daytime. A positive correlation of C2 to glyoxylic acid (ωC2) was obtained at night when relative humidity increased up to 100%, suggesting that aqueous phase production of C2 occurs in nighttime via the oxidation of ωC2. Depletion of C2 by photolysis of Fe-oxalato complexes might be another reason for the lower concentrations of C2 in daytime samples. High phthalic acid/C4 ratios in the aerosol samples suggest that automobile combustion and coal burning products are important sources, which are subjected to photochemical oxidation during the atmospheric transport of urban aerosols from Beijing. In contrast, higher concentrations of methylglyoxal in nighttime than daytime may suggest that isoprene emitted from the northern forest area is oxidized in daytime and then transported to the sampling area at night by northerly winds. This study demonstrates that secondary organic aerosols are significantly produced and aged in the vicinity of Beijing during atmospheric transport.
Modeling the evolution of aerosol particles in a ship plume using PartMC-MOSAIC
Authors: Tian J. , Riemer N. , Pfaffenberger L. , Schlager H. , Petzold A.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. This study investigates the evolution of ship-emitted aerosol particles using the stochastic particle-resolved model PartMC-MOSAIC. Comparisons of our results with observations from the QUANTIFY Study in 2007 in the English channel and the Gulf of Biscay showed that the model was able to reproduce the observed evolution of total number concentration and the vanishing of the nucleation mode consisting of sulfate particles. Further process analysis revealed that during the first hour after emission, dilution reduced the total number concentration by four orders of magnitude, while coagulation reduced it by an additional order of magnitude. Neglecting coagulation resulted in an overprediction of more than one order of magnitude in the number concentration of particles smaller than 40 nm at a plume age of 100 s. Coagulation also significantly altered the mixing state of the particles, leading to a continuum of internal mixtures of sulfate and black carbon. The impact on cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations depended on the supersaturation threshold S at which CCN activity was evaluated. For the base case conditions simulated here, characterized by a low formation rate of secondary aerosol species, neglecting coagulation led to an underestimation of CCN concentrations of about 20% for S=0.6% and of about 40% for S=0.3%. For S=0.1% the differences between simulations including coagulation and neglecting coagulation were negligible.
The identification and tracking of volcanic ash using the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infra-Red Imager (SEVIRI)
Authors: Naeger A. R. , Christopher S. A.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. In this paper, we develop an algorithm based on combining spectral, spatial, and temporal thresholds from the geostationary Spinning Enhanced Visible and InfraRed Imager (SEVIRI) daytime measurements to identify and track different aerosol types, primarily volcanic ash. Contemporary methods typically do not use temporal information to identify ash. We focus not only on the identification and tracking of volcanic ash during the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption period beginning 14 April 2010 to May but a pixel level classification method for separating various classes in the SEVIRI images. Three case studies on 19 April, 16 May, and 17 May are analyzed in extensive detail with other satellite data including the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Multi-angle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR), Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO), and Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) BAe146 aircraft data to verify the aerosol spatial distribution maps generated by the SEVIRI algorithm. Our results indicate that the SEVIRI algorithm is able to track volcanic ash even at these high latitudes. Furthermore, the BAe146 aircraft data shows that the SEVIRI algorithm detects nearly all ash regions when AOD > 0.2. However, the algorithm has higher uncertainties when AOD is < 0.1 over water and AOD < 0.2 over land. The ash spatial distributions provided by this algorithm can be used as a critical input and validation for atmospheric dispersion models simulated by Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAACs). Identifying volcanic ash is an important first step before quantitative retrievals of ash concentration can be made.
Observations of HF-induced instability in the auroral E region
Authors: Schlatter N. M. , Ivchenko N. , Gustavsson B. , Leyser T. , Rietveld M.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Enhancements were observed in backscattered radar power during an ionospheric heating experiment from two distinct altitude regions in the auroral E region above Tromsø. For the experiment the EISCAT Tromsø heater was operated with O mode and X mode alternated at 4.04 MHz, close to the 3rd electron gyroharmonic. Ion-line data recorded with the EISCAT UHF radar reveal different temporal evolutions as well as different ion-line characteristics for the enhancements from the two altitude regions. The upper layer is dominated by a strong central feature, whereas the lower layer has three peaks corresponding to the central feature and the two ion lines. The altitude region of the two closely spaced (altitude separation ~ 5 km) but distinct enhancements is close to the critical altitude for the heater wave.
Nitrogen transfers off Walvis Bay: a 3-D coupled physical/biogeochemical modeling approach in the Namibian upwelling system
Authors: Gutknecht E. , Dadou I. , Marchesiello P. , Cambon G. , Le Vu B. , Sudre J. , Garçon V. , Machu E. , Rixen T. , Kock A. , Flohr A. , Paulmier A. , Lavik G.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Eastern boundary upwelling systems (EBUS) are regions of high primary production often associated with oxygen minimum zones (OMZs). They represent key regions for the oceanic nitrogen (N) cycle. By exporting organic matter (OM) and nutrients produced in the coastal region to the open ocean, EBUS can play an important role in sustaining primary production in subtropical gyres. However, losses of fixed inorganic N through denitrification and anammox processes take place in oxygen depleted environments such as EBUS, and can potentially mitigate the role of these regions as a source of N to the open ocean. EBUS can also represent a considerable source of nitrous oxide (N2O) to the atmosphere, affecting the atmospheric budget of N2O. In this paper a 3-D coupled physical/biogeochemical model (ROMS/BioEBUS) is used to investigate the N budget in the Namibian upwelling system. The main processes linked to EBUS and associated OMZs are taken into account. The study focuses on the northern part of the Benguela upwelling system (BUS), especially the Walvis Bay area (between 22° S and 24° S) where the OMZ is well developed. Fluxes of N off the Walvis Bay area are estimated in order to understand and quantify (1) the total N offshore export from the upwelling area, representing a possible N source that sustains primary production in the South Atlantic subtropical gyre; (2) export production and subsequent losses of fixed N via denitrification and anammox under suboxic conditions (O2 < 25 mmol O2 m−3); and (3) the N2O emission to the atmosphere in the upwelling area. In the mixed layer, the total N offshore export is estimated as 8.5 ± 3.9 × 1010 mol N yr−1 at 10° E off the Walvis Bay area, with a mesoscale contribution of 20%. Extrapolated to the whole BUS, the coastal N source for the subtropical gyre corresponds to 0.1 ± 0.04 mol N m−2 yr−1. This N flux represents a major source of N for the gyre compared with other N sources, and contributes 28% of the new primary production estimated for the South Atlantic subtropical gyre. Export production (16.9 ± 1.3 × 1010 mol N yr−1) helps to maintain an OMZ off Namibia in which coupled nitrification, denitrification and anammox processes lead to losses of fixed N and N2O production. However, neither N losses (0.04 ± 0.025 × 1010 mol N yr−1) nor N2O emissions (0.03 ± 0.002 × 1010 mol N yr−1) significantly impact the main N exports of the Walvis Bay area. The studied area does not significantly contribute to N2O emissions (0.5 to 2.7%) compared to the global coastal upwelling emissions. Locally produced N2O is mostly advected southward by the poleward undercurrent.
The Jena Diversity-Dynamic Global Vegetation Model (JeDi-DGVM): a diverse approach to representing terrestrial biogeography and biogeochemistry based on plant functional trade-offs
Authors: Pavlick R. , Drewry D. T. , Bohn K. , Reu B. , Kleidon A.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Terrestrial biosphere models typically abstract the immense diversity of vegetation forms and functioning into a relatively small set of predefined semi-empirical plant functional types (PFTs). There is growing evidence, however, from the field ecology community as well as from modelling studies that current PFT schemes may not adequately represent the observed variations in plant functional traits and their effect on ecosystem functioning. In this paper, we introduce the Jena Diversity-Dynamic Global Vegetation Model (JeDi-DGVM) as a new approach to terrestrial biosphere modelling with a richer representation of functional diversity than traditional modelling approaches based on a small number of fixed PFTs. JeDi-DGVM simulates the performance of a large number of randomly generated plant growth strategies, each defined by a set of 15 trait parameters which characterize various aspects of plant functioning including carbon allocation, ecophysiology and phenology. Each trait parameter is involved in one or more functional trade-offs. These trade-offs ultimately determine whether a strategy is able to survive under the climatic conditions in a given model grid cell and its performance relative to the other strategies. The biogeochemical fluxes and land surface properties of the individual strategies are aggregated to the grid-cell scale using a mass-based weighting scheme. We evaluate the simulated global biogeochemical patterns against a variety of field and satellite-based observations following a protocol established by the Carbon-Land Model Intercomparison Project. The land surface fluxes and vegetation structural properties are reasonably well simulated by JeDi-DGVM, and compare favourably with other state-of-the-art global vegetation models. We also evaluate the simulated patterns of functional diversity and the sensitivity of the JeDi-DGVM modelling approach to the number of sampled strategies. Altogether, the results demonstrate the parsimonious and flexible nature of a functional trade-off approach to global vegetation modelling, i.e. it can provide more types of testable outputs than standard PFT-based approaches and with fewer inputs. The approach implemented here in JeDi-DGVM sets the foundation for future applications that will explore the impacts of explicitly resolving diverse plant communities, allowing for a more flexible temporal and spatial representation of the structure and function of the terrestrial biosphere.
Sources and transport of dust to East Antarctica: new insights from high-resolution terrestrial and marine aerosol records from the Talos Dome ice core
Authors: Schüpbach S. , Federer U. , Albani S. , Barbante C. , Stocker T. F. , Fischer H.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. In this study we report on new non-sea salt calcium (nssCa2+, mineral dust proxy) and sea salt sodium (ssNa+, sea ice proxy) records along the East Antarctic Talos Dome deep ice core in centennial resolution reaching back 150 thousand years before present. During glacial conditions nssCa2+ fluxes in Talos Dome are strongly related to temperature as has been observed before in other deep Antarctic ice core records, and has been associated with synchronous changes in the main source region (southern South America) during climate variations in the last glacial. However, during warmer climate conditions Talos Dome mineral dust input is clearly elevated compared to other records mainly due to the contribution of additional local dust sources in the Ross Sea area. Based on a simple transport model we compare nssCa2+ fluxes of different East Antarctic ice cores. From this multi-site comparison we conclude that changes in transport efficiency or atmospheric lifetime of dust particles do have a minor effect compared to source strength changes on the large scale concentration changes observed in Antarctic ice cores during climate variations of the past 150 thousand years. Our transport model applied on ice core data only so far is further validated by climate model data. The availability of multiple East Antarctic nssCa2+ records allows for a revision of a former estimate on the atmospheric CO2 sensitivity to reduced dust induced iron fertilisation in the Southern Ocean (SO) during the transition from the Last Glacial Maximum to the Holocene (T1). While the former estimate based on the EDC record only suggested 20 ppm, we find reduced dust induced iron fertilisation in the SO to be responsible for up to 40 ppm of the total atmospheric CO2 increase during T1. During the last interglacial, ssNa+ levels of EDC and EDML are only half of the Holocene levels, in line with higher temperatures during that period, indicating much reduced sea ice extent in the Atlantic as well as the Indian Ocean sector of the SO. In contrast, Holocene ssNa+ flux in Talos Dome is about the same as during the last interglacial, indicating that there was similar ice cover present in the Ross Sea area during MIS 5.5 as during the Holocene.