bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total hip replacement in HIV-positive patients
Authors: Graham S. M. , Lubega N. , Mkandawire N. , Harrison W. J.
Published: April 2014

We report the short-term follow-up, functional outcome and incidence of early and late infection after total hip replacement (THR) in a group of HIV-positive patients who do not suffer from haemophilia or have a history of intravenous drug use. A total of 29 patients underwent 43 THRs, with a mean follow-up of three years and six months (five months to eight years and two months). There were ten women and 19 men, with a mean age of 47 years and seven months (21 years to 59 years and five months). No early (< 6 weeks) or late (> 6 weeks) complications occurred following their THR. The mean pre-operative Harris hip score (HHS) was 27 (6 to 56) and the mean post-operative HHS was 86 (73 to 91), giving a mean improvement of 59 points (p = < 0.05, Student’s t-test). No revision procedures had been undertaken in any of the patients, and none had any symptoms consistent with aseptic loosening. This study demonstrates that it is safe to perform THR in HIV-positive patients, with good short-term functional outcomes and no apparent increase in the risk of early infection.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:462–6.
Surgical outcomes of primary hip and knee replacements in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Jämsen E. , Puolakka T. , Peltola M. , Eskelinen A. , Lehto M. U. K.
Published: April 2014

We evaluated the duration of hospitalisation, occurrence of infections, hip dislocations, revisions, and mortality following primary hip and knee replacement in 857 patients with Parkinson’s disease and compared them with 2571 matched control patients. The data were collected from comprehensive nationwide Finnish health registers. The mean follow-up was six years (1 to 13). The patients with Parkinson’s disease had a longer mean length of stay (21 days [1 to 365] vs 13 [1 to 365] days) and an increased risk for hip dislocation during the first post-operative year (hazard ratio (HR) 2.33, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.02 to 5.32). There was no difference in infection and revision rates, and one-year mortality. In longer follow-up, patients with Parkinson’s disease had higher mortality (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.68 to 2.25) and only 274 (34.7%) were surviving ten years after surgery. In patients with Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular and psychiatric comorbidity were associated with prolonged hospitalisation and cardiovascular diseases also with increased mortality.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:486–91.
New and updated reviews published by the Cochrane collaboration
Authors: Das A.
Published: April 2014

The first Cochrane Corner of 2014 reports on a bumper number of new and updated reviews from the Cochrane Collaboration. Since November the Cochrane collaboration have turned their beady eye to scrutinise several topical (and sometimes controversial) orthopaedic issues such as pin site care, the use of Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) in the rehabilitation of total knee replacement (TKR) and the efficacy of nerve blocks.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest at the Finish Line: In Coronary Ectopia, the Cause of Ischemia Is from Intramural Course, Not Ostial Location
Authors: Joggerst Steven , Monge Jorge , Uribe Carlo , Sherron Scott , Angelini Paolo
Published: April 2014

A 26-year-old woman, a well-trained runner, had a sudden cardiac arrest just before crossing the finish line of a marathon. She was rapidly resuscitated and was later found to have an ectopic origin of the left coronary artery. This anomaly was surgically repaired by translocating the ostium from the right to the left sinus of Valsalva. Her difficult postoperative course prompted further coronary evaluation, which revealed severe stenosis of the neoostium. The patient underwent a second operation: this time, the stenosis was bypassed via a left internal mammary artery-to-left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) graft. Hypoplasia of the LAD and spasm during manipulation caused the graft to fail, necessitating double-stent angioplasty of the left main ostium and the LAD 2 months later. At the patient's 6-month follow-up examination, she had no further evidence of functional ischemia, and she resumed jogging.

Because the mode and mechanism of the patient's condition and events were documented in unusual detail, this case furthers our understanding of sudden cardiac arrest in athletes who have rare coronary anomalies. We conclude that ectopia of a coronary artery does not itself cause potentially fatal ischemia. Rather, these events are due to the ectopic artery's intramural proximal course within the aortic media, which might result in critical stenosis by means of hypoplasia or lateral compression of the artery.
Serum Levels of Soluble ICAM-1 in Children with Pulmonary Artery Hypertension
Authors: Oguz Melahat Melek , Oguz Ayse Deniz , Sanli Cihat , Cevik Ayhan
Published: April 2014

This prospective cross-sectional study attempted to determine both the usefulness of the serum intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) as a biomarker for pulmonary artery hypertension secondary to congenital heart disease and the nature of this marker's association with catheter angiographic findings.

Our study included a total of 70 male and female children, comprising 30 patients with both pulmonary artery hypertension and congenital heart disease, 20 patients with congenital heart disease alone, and 20 healthy control subjects. Levels of ICAM-1 in plasma samples from all groups were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Cardiac catheterization was also performed in all patients.

The mean serum ICAM-1 levels in pediatric patients who had congenital heart disease with and without pulmonary artery hypertension were 349.6 ± 72.9 ng/mL and 312.3 ± 69.5 ng/mL, respectively (P=0.002). In healthy control subjects, the mean serum ICAM-1 level was 231.4 ± 60.4 ng/mL.

According to the results of this study, the ICAM-1 level of the pulmonary artery hypertension group was significantly higher than those of the congenital heart disease group and the healthy control group. Correlation analysis showed that ICAM-1 level was correlated with systolic and mean pulmonary artery pressures (r=0.62, P=0.001; r=0.57, P=0.001)—which are 2 important values used in diagnosis of pulmonary artery hypertension. Moreover, receiver operating characteristic analysis yielded consistent results for the prediction of pulmonary artery hypertension. Therefore, we conclude that ICAM-1 has potential use as a biomarker for the diagnosis and follow-up of pulmonary artery hypertension.
Microvascular Permeability Changes Might Explain Cardiac Tamponade after Alcohol Septal Ablation for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hsu Jen-Te , Hsiao Ju-Feng , Chang Jung-Jung , Chung Chang-Min , Chang Shih-Tai , Pan Kuo-Li
Published: April 2014

Various sequelae of alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy have been reported. Of note, some cases of cardiac tamponade after alcohol septal ablation cannot be well explained. We describe the case of a 78-year-old woman with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy in whom cardiac tamponade developed one hour after alcohol septal ablation, probably unrelated to mechanical trauma. At that time, we noted a substantial difference in the red blood cell-to-white blood cell ratio between the pericardial effusion (1,957.4) and the peripheral blood (728.3). In addition to presenting the patient's case, we speculate that a possible mechanism for acute tamponade—alcohol-induced changes in microvascular permeability—is a reasonable explanation for cases of alcohol septal ablation that are complicated by otherwise-unexplainable massive pericardial effusions.
Infective Endocarditis Caused by Neisseria elongata on a Native Tricuspid Valve and Confirmed by DNA Sequencing
Authors: Yoo Yeon Pyo , Kang Ki-Woon , Yoon Hyeon Soo , Yoo Seungmin , Lee Myung-Shin
Published: April 2014

Neisseria elongata, a common oral bacterium, has been recognized as a cause of infections such as infective endocarditis, septicemia, and osteomyelitis. Neisseria-induced infective endocarditis, although infrequently reported, typically arises after dental procedures. Without antibiotic therapy, its complications can be severe.

We report the case of a 27-year-old man who presented with fever, severe dyspnea, and a leg abscess from cellulitis. An echocardiogram showed a vegetation-like echogenic structure on the septal leaflet of the patient's native tricuspid valve, and an insignificant Gerbode defect. Three blood cultures grew gram-negative, antibiotic-susceptible coccobacilli that were confirmed to be N. elongata. Subsequent DNA sequencing conclusively isolated N. elongata subsp nitroreducens as the organism responsible for the infective endocarditis. The patient recovered after 21 days of antibiotic therapy. In addition to the patient's unusual case, we discuss the nature and isolation of N. elongata and its subspecies.
Bileaflet versus Posterior-Leaflet-Only Preservation in Mitral Valve Replacement
Authors: Ozdemir Ahmet Coskun , Emrecan Bilgin , Baltalarli Ahmet
Published: April 2014

In the present study of mitral valve replacement, we investigated whether complete preservation of both leaflets (that is, the subvalvular apparatus) is superior to preservation of the posterior leaflet alone.

Seventy patients who underwent mitral valve replacement in our clinic were divided into 2 groups: MVR-B (n=16), in whom both leaflets were preserved, and MVR-P (n=54), in whom only the posterior leaflet was preserved. The preoperative and postoperative clinical and echocardiographic findings were evaluated retrospectively.

No signs of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction were observed in either group. In the MVR-B group, no decrease was observed in left ventricular ejection fraction during the postoperative period, whereas a significant reduction was observed in the MVR-P group (P=0.003). No differences were found between the 2 groups in their need for inotropic agents or intra-aortic balloon pump support, or in cross-clamp time, duration of intensive care unit or hospital stays, postoperative development of new atrial fibrillation, or mortality rates.

Bileaflet preservation prevented the decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction that usually followed preservation of the posterior leaflet alone. However, posterior leaflet preservation alone yielded excellent results in terms of decreased left ventricular diameter. Bileaflet preservation should be the method of choice to prevent further decreases in ejection fraction and to avoid death in patients who present with substantially impaired left ventricular function.
Large Lipomatous Hypertrophy of the Interventricular Septum
Authors: Ak Koray , Isbir Selim , Kepez Alper , Turkoz Kemal , Elci Emre , Arsan Sinan
Published: April 2014

We present the case of a 58-year-old woman who had large lipomatous hypertrophy of the interventricular septum, a condition that is reported very infrequently. Preoperative cardiac magnetic resonance images revealed an inhomogeneous, infiltrating mass that was suppressed in fat-suppression mode. The extensive mass was causing right ventricular dysfunction, so we excised it through a right ventricular approach. The findings on histologic analysis of the mass were consistent with lipomatous hypertrophy. The patient died of septic shock on the 28th postoperative day. In addition to the patient's case, we discuss the characteristics and diagnosis of this rare entity.
State of the Art of Mechanical Circulatory Support
Authors: Mallidi Hari R. , Anand Jatin , Cohn William E.
Published: April 2014

Mechanical circulatory support of the failing heart has become an important means of treating end-stage heart disease. This rapidly growing therapeutic field has produced impressive clinical outcomes and has great potential to help thousands of otherwise terminal patients worldwide. In this review, we examine the state of the art of mechanical circulatory support: current practice, totally implantable systems of the future, evolving biventricular support mechanisms, the potential for myocardial recovery and adjunctive treatment methods, and miniaturized devices with expanded indications for therapy.
Functional Fractional Calculus for System Identification of Battery Cells
Authors: Eckert Marius , Kupper Martin , Hohmann Sören
Published: April 2014

This paper considers a fractional modelbased identification method with the objective to determine the aging of a battery cell. The method avoids lumped approximations of the fractional operator. Moreover with this approach it is possible to identify physically motivated battery cell parameters. The basic idea is to transfer the derivatives from the measurements to the so called modulating functions. With the help of simulations a robust behavior against measurement noise is shown. It is possible to use the method for online battery identification.
Parametrization of ideal classes in rings associated to binary forms
Authors: Wood Melanie Matchett
Published: April 2014

We parametrize the ideal classes of rings associated to integral binary forms by
classes of tensors in

ℤ

2

⊗

ℤ

n

⊗

ℤ

n

${\mathbb {Z}} ^2\otimes {\mathbb {Z}} ^n\otimes {\mathbb {Z}} ^n$

. This generalizes Bhargava's work on Higher Composition Laws, which gives such parametrizations in the cases

n
=
2
,
3

$n=2,3$

.
We also obtain parametrizations of 2-torsion ideal classes by symmetric tensors. Further, we give versions of these theorems when ℤ is replaced by an arbitrary base scheme S, and geometric constructions of the modules from the tensors in the parametrization.
What is the total Betti number of a random real hypersurface?
Authors: Gayet Damien , Welschinger Jean-Yves
Published: April 2014

We bound from above the expected total Betti number of
a high degree random real hypersurface in a smooth real projective manifold.
This upper bound is deduced from the equidistribution of critical points of
a real Lefschetz pencil restricted to the complex domain of such a random hypersurface, equidistribution which we first establish. Our proofs involve Hörmander's theory of peak sections as well as the formula of Poincaré–Martinelli.
On the number of integers in a generalized multiplication table
Authors: Koukoulopoulos Dimitris
Published: April 2014

Motivated by the Erdős multiplication table problem we study the following question: Given numbers

N
1

,
...
,

N

k
+
1

$N_1,\ldots ,N_{k+1}$

, how many distinct products of the form

n
1

⋯

n

k
+
1

$n_1\cdots n_{k+1}$

with

1
≤

n
i

≤

N
i

$1\le n_i\le N_i$

for

i
∈
{
1
,
...
,
k
+
1
}

$i\in \lbrace 1,\ldots ,k+1\rbrace $

are there? Call

A

k
+
1

(

N
1

,
...
,

N

k
+
1

)

$A_{k+1}(N_1,\ldots ,N_{k+1})$

the quantity in question. Ford established the order of magnitude of

A
2

(

N
1

,

N
2

)

$A_2(N_1,N_2)$

and the author
the one of

A

k
+
1

(
N
,
...
,
N
)

$A_{k+1}(N,\ldots ,N)$

for all

k
≥
2

$k\ge 2$

. In the present paper we generalize these results by establishing the order of magnitude of

A

k
+
1

(

N
1

,
...
,

N

k
+
1

)

$A_{k+1}(N_1,\ldots ,N_{k+1})$

for arbitrary choices of

N
1

,
...
,

N

k
+
1

$N_1,\ldots ,N_{k+1}$

when

2
≤
k
≤
5

$2\le k\le 5$

. Moreover, we obtain a partial answer to our question when

k
≥
6

$k\ge 6$

. Lastly, we develop a heuristic argument which explains why the limitation of our method is

k
=
5

$k=5$

in general and we suggest ways of improving the results of this paper.
Chemical constituents of plants from the genus Neolitsea
Authors: Qing Xia , Zhao Ting , Guo Rui-Xia , Wu Yi-Bing , Shi Qing-Wen , Gu Yu-Cheng , Kiyota Hiromasa
Published: April 2014

The genus Neolitsea (Lauraceae) contains over 85 species distributed around the world. These plants have been found to be rich in sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, steroids, and alkaloids. This review summarizes the phytochemical progress and list of all the constituents isolated from the genus Neolitsea over the past few decades. Some biological activities of compounds isolated from this genus are also included.
Three-component anti selective Mannich reactions in a tetrahydro-4-pyranone system by using PDAG-Co catalyst
Authors: Abaee M. Saeed , Akbarzadeh Elahe , Shockravi Abbas , Mojtahedi Mohammad M. , Mehraki Ehsan , Khavasi Hamid Reza
Published: April 2014

Catalytic quantities (2 mol%) of a complex of cobalt containing guanidine and 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid ligands (PDAG-Co) were used for the efficient three-component Mannich reactions of tetrahydro-4-pyranone (1) with different aromatic aldehydes and aniline derivatives in a one-pot process. Reactions rapidly gave high yields of the corresponding three-substituted tetrahydro-4-pyranones at room temperature. Spectroscopic and X-ray analyses support the formation of anti diastereomers as the major or sole products of the reactions.
An object-oriented Petri net simulation tool for hybrid biological processes
Authors: Proß Sabrina , Bachmann Bernhard
Published: April 2014

A Petri net library, called PNlib, is presented to enable
graphical hierarchical modeling, hybrid simulation and animation of
processes in life sciences among others. In order to model these
processes, a powerful and universally usable mathematical modeling
concept – xHPN (extended Hybrid Petri Nets) – has been
established. This formalism is used as specification for the PNlib
realized by the object-oriented modeling language Modelica. The PNlib
is freely available and can be downloaded on the Modelica homepage
www.modelica.org/libraries.
Preventive effects of the methanol soluble fraction of Millettia macrophylla Benth (Fabaceae) on an osteoporosis-like model of ovariectomized Wistar rats
Authors: Zingue Stéphane , Njamen Dieudonné , Mvondo Marie Alfrede , Magne Nde Chantal Beatrice
Published: April 2014

Background: Millettia macrophylla Benth is a Cameroonian medicinal plant traditionally used to alleviate menopause-related problems. The methanol soluble fraction of this plant was shown to exhibit estrogenic effects in vitro in Human Embryonic kidney cells, and in vivo on ovariectomized rat following the classical uterotrophic assay. Since estrogens have been involved in bone remodeling process, the present study then aimed at evaluating bone loss preventive effects of the methanol soluble fraction of Millettia macrophylla (MM-met) in ovariectomized rat model.

Methods: Twenty-five healthy Wistar female rats (3-month-old) were randomly assigned to a sham-operated group and to four treated ovariectomized (OVX) groups. Treatments lasted 8 weeks and animals were sacrificed. The uterus, the femoral and the tibia bones of each animal were collected, weighed and fixed in 10% formalin for histological analysis.

Results: Results showed that ovariectomy decreased uterine wet weight (p<0.01), induced body weight gain (p<0.01), decreased both femoral and tibia bone density and mineral content and increased alkaline phosphatase activity (p<0.05). E2V and MM-met treatments in general prevented bone mass loss and/or bone density loss. At all tested doses, MM-met induced a significant decrease of alkaline phosphatase activity (p<0.05). As observed with E2V, MM-met also induced a significant protective effect on bone, and this was indicated by an abundance of bone marrow in an almost intact trabecular network.

Conclusions: The overall results show that the methanol soluble fraction of Millettia macrophylla may prevent ovariectomy-induced bone mass loss and deterioration of the trabecular microarchitecture.
Experimental rapid surface heating by induction for injection molding of large LCD TV frames
Authors: Nian Shih-Chih , Lien Che-Wei , Huang Ming-Shyan
Published: April 2014

The use of electromagnetic induction heating on achieving high mold temperature has been proven to effectively improve the appearance quality of injection molded parts. However, until now, the method has only successfully been used on heating small mold surfaces. This study aims to apply the method on a large injection mold that is used for producing 42-inch LCD TV frames. With the goals of achieving heating efficiency and uniformity, the main focus in this research is designing the induction coil. Initially, three types of induction coils – a single-layered coil with currents that flow in one direction, a single-layered coil with currents that flow in opposite directions, and a two-layered coil – were compared to confirm their heating rates; the best one was then chosen. Additionally, evaluation of various induction coils was preceded with commercial simulation software that supports electromagnetic and thermal analyses. An experiment involving heating a simple workpiece with a heated area similar to that of the male mold plate of the LCD TV frames was conducted to confirm its heating rate and uniformity. Real injection molding LCD TV frames assisted with induction heating was then carried out. Experimental results depicted that: (1) a single-layered coil with currents that flow in one direction performed best; (2) that it heated the simple workpiece at a high heating rate of 5.5°C/s with reasonable temperature uniformity (standard deviation: 5.1°C); and (3) induction heating of a 42-inch LCD TV frame mold surface in practical injection molding provided a high heating rate of 4.5°C/s with favorable temperature uniformity (standard deviation: 4.0°C).
French adverbial clauses, rescue by ellipsis and the truncation versus intervention debate
Authors: Authier J.-Marc , Haegeman Liliane
Published: April 2014

This paper investigates the restrictions on movement to the left periphery found in non-root environments such as French central adverbial clauses and argues that an analysis of main clause phenomena based on intervention/Relativized Minimality is to be preferred to one based on structural truncation. The empirical basis for this claim consists of an examination of some asymmetries between French infinitival TP ellipsis and infinitival TP Topicalization. Adopting Authie's (2011) approach to TP ellipsis whereby the to-be-elided TP undergoes fronting in the computational component but fails to be spelled out at PF, we argue that these asymmetries follow from the fact that in French, while a spelled out fronted TP is an intervener for
The acquisition of melodic form and meaning in yes-no interrogatives by Catalan and Spanish speaking children
Authors: Thorson Jill , Borras-Comes Joan , Crespo-Sendra Verònica , Vanrell Maria del Mar , Prieto Pilar
Published: April 2014

This study investigates the link between interrogative intonation and meaning in child-directed speech (henceforth CDS) and how this is reflected in the early development of
Optisches Messsystem zur Analyse von bewegten viskosen Materialien basierend auf Fluoreszenz
Authors: Murr Patrik , Weraneck Klaus , Schardt Michael , Koch Alexander W.
Published: April 2014

Dieser Artikel beschreibt ein neuartiges fluoreszenzbasiertes Messsystem zur
Qualitätsüberwachung von fluoreszierenden Materialien. Das Messsystem
beinhaltet zwei unterschiedliche optische Pfade. In einem wird eine abbildende
und im anderen eine spektral aufgelöste Aufnahme einer Messfläche
erzeugt. Eine Anwendung ist die Überprüfung von viskosen Materialien. Hier
kann durch die Kombination der beiden Abbildungen die Art, Position und Größe
von Verunreinigungen bestimmt werden. Das Messsystem ermöglicht statische und
bewegt Messungen. Durch die Verwendung von Standardkomponenten ist es
kostengünstig und an viele viskose und nicht-viskose fluoreszierende
Materialien anpassbar.
Chylothorax in Infants and Children
Authors: Tutor James D.
Published: April 2014

Chylothorax, the accumulation of chyle in the pleural space, is a relatively rare cause of pleural effusion in children. It can cause significant respiratory morbidity, as well as lead to malnutrition and immunodeficiency. Thus, a chylothorax requires timely diagnosis and treatment. This review will first discuss the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system and discuss various causes that can lead to development of a chylothorax in infants and children. Then, methods of diagnosis and treatment will be reviewed. Finally, complications of chylothorax will be reviewed.
The Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Kawasaki Disease in Australia
Authors: Saundankar Jelena , Yim Deane , Itotoh Benedicta , Payne Ruth , Maslin Katie , Jape Gayatri , Ramsay James , Kothari Darshan , Cheng Allen , Burgner David
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVES:

The current Australian epidemiology of Kawasaki disease (KD) is poorly defined. Previous enhanced surveillance (1993–1995) estimated an incidence of 3.7/100 000 <5 years.

METHODS:

We identified all patients hospitalized in Western Australia (current population ∼2.4 million) 1979 through 2009 with a discharge diagnosis of KD. We reviewed demographic, clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic data from individual patient files and derived age-specific population estimates. KD diagnosis was made using standard criteria.

RESULTS:

There were 353 KD cases, with incomplete KD in 34 (9.6%). Male to female ratio was 1.7:1 and median age was 3.8 years (interquartile range 12–60 months). Fifty (18.1%) patients were Asian. Mean annual incidence increased from 2.82 per 100 000 children aged <5 years (95% confidence interval, 1.93–3.99) in 1980 to 1989, to 7.96 (6.48–9.67) in 1990 to 1999, to 9.34 (7.72–11.20) in 2000 to 2009. The highest incidence was 15.7 in 2005. A total of 293 children (83%) received intravenous immunoglobulin and 331 (95.4%) aspirin. Of 282 children who completed echocardiographic studies, 47 (16.7%) had coronary artery (CA) ectasia/dilatation and 19 (6.8%) had CA aneurysms; male gender was significantly associated with CA abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS:

KD epidemiology in Western Australia mirrors that of other industrialized, predominantly European-Caucasian populations. The rising incidence likely reflects both improved ascertainment and a real increase in disease burden. The current Australian incidence is threefold higher than previously reported and similar to the United Kingdom. The CA outcomes, which include the pre-intravenous immunoglobulin era, are comparable to those reported elsewhere.
Specific Surface Area of Carbon Fine Particles Including Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Synthesized by Hot-Filament Plasma Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Yamada Ryuhei , Masaki Yasuhiro , Hayashi Yasuaki
Published: April 2014

Carbon fine particles including single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were synthesized by hot-filament and plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition. Specific surface area was evaluated for carbon fine particles synthesized under optimized conditions along with purified SWNTs and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) for comparison. The value of specific surface area for the synthesized carbon fine particles was smaller than the SWNTs, but larger than the MWNTs. Pore size distribution was analyzed with desorption isotherms by the DH method. Although smaller pores are included in the purified SWNTs than the synthesized carbon fine particles, pores of size larger than several nm were included more in the synthesized carbon fine particles.
Structural Requirements for Surface-Induced Aromatic Stabilization
Authors: Hosokai Takuya , Yonezawa Keiichirou , Kato Kengo , Makino Rintaro , Yang Jinpeng , Koswattage Kaveenga Rasika , Gerlach Alexander , Schreiber Frank , Ueno Nobuo , Kera Satoshi
Published: April 2014

Surface-induced aromatic stabilization (SIAS), a recently proposed mechanism leading to a formation of charge-transfer (CT) states at organic/metal (O/M) interfaces [G. Heimel, et al., Nat. Chem.5, 187 (2013)], was investigated for an aromatic hydrocarbon, diindenoperylene (DIP), by means of synchrotron radiation-based ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). By employing DIP and noble metal substrates (Ag and Cu), we confirmed the formation of CT states, indicating that an inclusion of a specific functional group with a hetero-atom within adsorbate molecules as suggested before is not necessarily required for the formation of CT states mediated by the SIAS. With a comparison of the mother and analogue molecules, perylene and PTCDA, we discuss the structural requirement for the realization of the SIAS.
Characterization of Silicon Oxides Formed by Light-Induced Anodisation for Silicon Solar Cell Surface Passivation
Authors: Cui Jie , Wang Xi , Opila Robert , Lennon Alison
Published: April 2014

In this paper we report the properties of the anodic silicon dioxide film formed using light-induced anodisation (LIA) method and its potential to be used as surface passivation layer of p-type silicon surfaces of silicon solar cells. The high uniformity of the formed oxide is possibly due to the uniform drift of the positive charge carriers in the silicon to the surface being anodised. The oxide grows at higher rate than that in nitric acid, an oxide layer with thickness of 18 nm can be formed by anodising for 10 min with 15 V bias in 0.5 M sulphuric acid. After annealing in oxygen and then forming gas at 400 °C for 30 min, an average effective carrier lifetime of 120 μs was measured by quasi-steady state photoluminance on 180 μm p-type 3-5 Ohm cm Cz silicon wafers, with a value of 110 μs being measured for the same wafers passivated by a thermally-grown oxide of the same thickness. The properties of the anodic silicon dioxide layers formed by LIA have been characterized by ellipsometry, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, quasi-steady state photoluminance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Effect of Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide on Surface Segregation and Phase Formation in La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δThin Films
Authors: Yu Yang , Cetin Deniz , Luo Heng , Lin Xi , Ludwig Karl , Pal Uday , Gopalan Srikanth , Basu Soumendra
Published: April 2014

This study investigates Sr surface segregation behavior and phase formation in La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ(LSCF), a commonly used cathode material for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). (100)-oriented LSCF thin films were deposited on (110)-oriented NdGaO3(NGO) substrates by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD). The samples were annealed in atmospheres with various CO2partial pressures at 800°C. Using the synchrotron technique of Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF), surface segregation in these thin films were quantified. The morphological changes at the surface were examined by AFM studies. The kinetics and thermodynamics of the segregation are discussed.
Contact Angles in Imaginary Number Space: A Novel Tool for Probing the Remaining Mysteries of Ultrahydrophilicity and Superhydrophilicity.
Authors: Jennissen Herbert P.
Published: April 2014

Imaginary contact angles underlying hyperhydrophilicity and the Inverse Lotus Effect introduce a fundamental new development in the area of contact angles and wettability. Just as the Lotus Effect expanded hydrophobicity beyond the maximal contact angle of 119° on a smooth surface, the Inverse Lotus Effect expands hydrophilicity beyond the minimal contact angle of 0° on a smooth surface. Imaginary dynamic contact angles thus offer an exciting enhancement in tools and methodology for measuring the wettability on rough, highly hydrophilic surfaces. Contrary to current thinking, full or perfect wetting of rough surfaces is only little understood and cannot be predicted by classical equations. Therefore also the exact physical basis of imaginary dynamic contact angles remains to be elucidated. In this short treatise some aspects of the new field will be treated with examples derived from rough titanium surfaces employed in the medical field.
Graptolites from the Wheeler and Marjum Formations (Cambrian, Series 3) of Utah
Authors: LoDuca Steven T. , Kramer Anthony
Published: April 2014

Specimens from the Wheeler and Marjum Formations of Utah comprising an elongate stipe with freely projecting conical thecae are described as dithecoid graptolites, the first reported from these units. The Wheeler Shale specimens, assigned to Archaeolafoea monegettae (Chapman, 1919), provide the first record of Archaeolafoea Chapman, 1919 from the Cambrian of Laurentia and show clear fusellar structure in backscattered electron images, confirming a graptolite affinity for this taxon. Mastigograptus sp., described on the basis of a single well-preserved specimen from the Marjum Formation, shows for the first time in a Cambrian mastigograptid an arrangement of thecae similar to that known for Ordovician representatives of the genus.
An Examination of Life History and Behavioral Evolution Across the Ediacaran–Cambrian Transition
Authors: Schiffbauer James D. , Xiao Shuhai
Published: April 2014

With the 1859 publication of On the Origin of Species, Charles Darwin posed contention against his synthesis on the history of life. His dilemma specifically regarded that the geologically sudden appearance of complex shelly invertebrates at the Cambrian Explosion followed an incomprehensible absence of a long-standing gradual transition to such forms. Indeed, as quoted from Chapter 10 of the sixth edition, “To the question why we do not find rich fossiliferous deposits belonging to these assumed earliest periods prior to the Cambrian system, I can give no satisfactory answer… the difficulty of assigning any good reason for the absence of vast piles of strata rich in fossils beneath the Cambrian system is very great… The case at present must remain inexplicable; and may be truly urged as a valid argument against the views here entertained” (p. 286–288). In the 155 years since this assertion, paleontologists focusing on the strata of the Ediacaran–Cambrian transition have uncovered a rich evolutionary history prior to the radiation of animals, but our resulting discoveries have neither been without debate nor unraveled the intricacies suggested by Darwin's dilemma. While we are continuing to learn from both geological and paleontological records, the organisms, their expanding ecosystem intricacy, and the increasing complexity of their behaviors during the Ediacaran and Cambrian periods are yet not well understood. With rapidly growing data and ideas, this transition in evolutionary history has become one of the intellectually richest periods in our record of life on Earth.
Trace Fossils with Spreiten from the Late Ediacaran Nama Group, Namibia: Complex Feeding Patterns Five Million Years Before the Precambrian–Cambrian Boundary
Authors: Macdonald Francis A. , Pruss Sara B. , Strauss Justin V.
Published: April 2014

Here we describe large, complex trace fossils in the late Ediacaran Omkyk Member of the Zaris Formation, Nama Group, southern Namibia. The horizontal trace fossils are preserved on a number of talus blocks from a bedding plane of a cm-thick sandstone lens from a single stratigraphic horizon less than 100 m below an ash bed dated at 547.3 ± 0.7 Ma. The forms consist of overlapping U-shaped spreiten elements with parallel limbs surrounded by an outer tube. Individual U-shaped elements are 0.2 to 1 cm in diameter, the outer tube is less than 3 mm in diameter, and the forms as a whole range from 5 to 30 cm long and 3 to 10 cm wide. The specimens commonly show a change in direction and change in diameter. The morphology of these trace fossils is comparable to backfill structures, particularly specimens of Paleozoic Zoophycos from shallow water environments. Here we interpret these horizontal spreiten-burrows to record the grazing of the trace-maker on or below a textured organic surface. The identification of large late Ediacaran trace fossils is consistent with recent reports of backfilled horizontal burrows below the Precambrian–Cambrian boundary and is suggestive of the appearance of complex feeding habits prior to the Cambrian trace fossil explosion.
Possible Animal Embryos from the Lower Cambrian (Stage 3) Shuijingtuo Formation, Hubei Province, South China
Authors: Broce Jesse , Schiffbauer James D. , Sharma Kriti Sen , Wang Ge , Xiao Shuhai
Published: April 2014

Fossilized animal embryos from lower Cambrian rocks provide a rare opportunity to study the ontogeny and developmental biology of early animals during the Cambrian explosion. This paper reports possible animal embryos, along with sponge spicules, hyolithelminths, and linguliformean brachiopods, from the upper Shuijingtuo Formation limestone (Cambrian Stage 3) at Changyang, Hubei Province, South China. This limestone unit has carbonate carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions similar to the upper Shuijingtuo limestone in the Yangtze Gorges area. The Shuijingtuo embryo fossils were exposed by physical fracturing, extracted with acetic acid maceration, and observed in thin sections. They were examined using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic elemental mapping, and micro-focus X-ray computed tomography. Most of them are poorly preserved, with a phosphatic envelope (interpreted as a chorion or fertilization envelope) surrounding sparitic calcite. In some specimens, a polygonal pattern is present on the surface, and these are interpreted as multicelled blastula embryos. In others, sets of grooves are present on the surface of a calcitic spheroidal structure, presumably representing the calcitic interior within the chorion; these grooves are superficially similar to annulations ofMarkueliaembryos, but their biological significance is unknown. Although their phylogenetic and taxonomic placement is largely unconstrained, the Shuijingtuo animal embryos indicate that chorions are taphonomically more robust and are selectively phosphatized. Embryos within the chorions, on the other hand, can be completely lost or entirely replaced by calcite, with only poorly preserved surficial structures. This style of preservation can be explained by a taphonomic switch from early phosphatization to later calcitization. This study illustrates the importance of combining physical fracturing with widely used acid digestion methods in the study of calcitized animal embryos, and it alludes to the possibility that many empty phosphatic vesicles recovered by acid digestion from Cambrian carbonates may be fossilized chorions.
Patterns of Evolution of the Ediacaran Soft-Bodied Biota
Authors: Grazhdankin Dmitriy
Published: April 2014

When each of the Avalon-, Ediacara-, and Nama-type fossil assemblages are tracked through geological time, there appear to be changes in species composition and diversity, almost synchronized between different sedimentary environments, allowing a subdivision of the late Ediacaran into the Redkinian, Belomorian and Kotlinian geological time intervals. The Redkinian (580–559 Ma) is characterized by first appearance of both eumetazoan traces and macroscopic organisms (frondomorphs and vendobionts) in a form of Avalon-type communities in the inner shelf environment, whereas coeval Ediacara-type communities remained depauperate. The Belomorian (559–550 Ma) is marked by the advent of eumetazoan burrowing activity in the inner shelf, diversification of frondomorphs, migration of vendobionts from the inner shelf into higher energy environments, and appearance of tribrachiomorphs and bilateralomorphs. Ediacaran organisms formed distinctive ecological associations that coexisted in the low-energy inner shelf (Avalon-type communities), in the wave- and current-agitated shoreface (Ediacara-type communities), and in the high-energy distributary systems (Nama-type communities). The Kotlinian (550–540 Ma) witnessed an expansion of the burrowing activity into wave- and current-agitated shoreface, disappearance of vendobionts, tribrachiomorphs and bilateralomorphs in wave- and current-agitated shoreface, together with a drop in frondomorph diversity. High-energy distributary channel systems of prodeltas served as refugia for Nama-type communities that survived until the end of the Ediacaran and disappeared when the burrowing activity reached high-energy environments. This pattern is interpreted as an expression of ecosystem engineering by eumetazoans, with the Ediacaran organisms being progressively outcompeted by bilaterians.
Survey on full-scale drinking water treatment plants for arsenic removal in Italy
Authors: Sorlini S. , Gialdini F. , Collivignarelli M. C.
Published: April 2014

Arsenic in drinking water causes severe health effects and it is widely diffused in groundwater around the world. This paper presents the results of a survey about the main arsenic removal technologies employed in Italy and the main features in the management of real treatment plants. 19 drinking water treatment plans were involved in this study. The specific aspects analysed in this survey were: type of technologies applied in the drinking water treatment plants (water characteristics, ionic form of As in raw water, etc.), technical aspects (chemical dosage, treatment steps, hydraulic load, retention time, etc.), operational aspects (backwashing, media regeneration, management of residues, etc.) and costs of these technologies. In Italy, the main technologies employed are chemical precipitation (10 plants) and adsorption with granular ferric hydroxide (GFH) (six plants). Two of these plants employ both chemical precipitation and GFH. Moreover, there are some applications of adsorption on titanium dioxide (two plants), reverse osmosis (two plants) and ionic exchange (two plants).
Innovative sewer inspection as a basis for an optimised condition-based maintenance strategy
Authors: Plihal H. , Kretschmer F. , Schwarz D. , Ertl Th.
Published: April 2014

Currently, around 100,000 km of public sewers are operated in Austria, with cleaning as one of the main tasks for a wastewater utility. Due to the precarious financial situation of many cities and municipalities sewer cleaning represents a considerable financial burden, resulting in the extension of cleaning intervals and the delay of required cleaning activities. Different approaches to sewer management can be distinguished. If a selective strategy is adopted, only pipe sections with deposits are cleaned. Thus, detailed information regarding the amount of deposits is required. A simple and quick method to inspect the sewer system and assess the degree of sediments is by means of a manhole-zoom camera. The current research project INNOKANIS investigates the operational condition assessment of sewers by means of different manhole-zoom cameras. So far the data suggest that the majority of investigated pipe sections belongs to the self-cleaning category. Only 1% of the pipe sections of combined sewers and 11% of sanitary sewers require additional cleaning. The example of the city of Salzburg illustrates the potential savings in connection with sewer cleaning if a selective approach is adopted. Following a strategic change, the sewer cleaning expenses decreased by 60% within a year.
Transforming ‘value engineering’ from an art form into a science – process resilience modelling
Authors: Currie J. , Wragg N. , Roberts C. , Tattersall J. , Leslie G.
Published: April 2014

The resilience of a treatment facility should be an important part of its design and operation throughout its service life to ensure it meets compliance and production expectations. This has traditionally been difficult to assess and quantify, and as a consequence its management has largely been ignored, or has been reduced to a function of how many treatment stages are provided with redundancy and/ or backup ‘stand-by’ facilities. Without proper resilience assessment there will always be a tendency to undertake ‘gold-plate’ engineering producing specifications much higher than the business need. This consequently leads to higher capital and operational expenditure over the life of a treatment asset. Value engineering then ends up an art form, where negotiating the line between risk and cost is often more to do with good luck than judgement. Resilience assessment makes value engineering a science rather than an art, as well as providing a critical means of influencing and assessing investment decisions and operational and maintenance planning to minimise the overall cost of compliance. Asset resilience assessment techniques have been developed in other industries over the last 15 years. Recently the authors have applied these tried and tested approaches to water and wastewater treatment assets.
Antibiotic-loaded cement spacer for treatment of Klebsiella infected total hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Barjaktarovic Radoslav , Radoicic Dragan , Mitkovic Milorad
Published: April 2014

Background/Aim. Infection following total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total
knee arthoplasty (TKA) may have devastating consequences. Some bacterial
strains are often encountered as agents of these infections, others occur
less frequently but are sometimes burdened with more severe complications.
Klebsiella spp. are uncommon causes of THA or TKA infection. The aim of this
study was to identify an effective treatment algorithm for multidrug
resistant Klebsiella spp. caused THA or TKA infections. Methods. During the
3-year period, from January 1 2009 to December 31 2011, we registered and
treated 5 patients with THA or TKA multidrug resistant Klebsiella spp. caused
infection. All the patients were primarily operated in other institutions,
and were admitted in our clinic after the onset of infection symptoms. In
three of the cases Klebsiella infection was complicated by additional
infection (Staphyloccocus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia
marscescens). In 3 of the cases we performed revision arthroplasty after
double exchange of antibiotic-loaded articulating cement spacer, and in 2 of
the cases the standard two stage revision approach with one antibiotic cement
spacer exchange was applied. Results. The mean length of follow-up after
reimplantation surgery was 17.1 months (range 2-31 months). One patient died
2 months after the final reimplantation procedure. The initial Klebsiella
infection was eradicated in all patients. At the end follow-up after
definitive reimplantation, patients had no clinical, laboratory or
microbiological parameters positive for active infection. Conclusion.
According to our experience with multidrug-resistant Klebsiella TKA/THA
infections, two-stage approach, in some cases with double articulating cement
spacer exchange prior to definitive reimplantation, is the most effective
treatment option.
Professional liability insurance of physicians and other medical workers
Authors: Colovic Vladimir , Petrovic Zdravko , Tesic Aleksandra
Published: April 2014

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Methodology for evaluate the form deviations for formula one nose car
Authors: Bere Paul , Neamtu Calin
Published: April 2014

The paper presents a measuring strategy for a Formula One car using a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) and a 3D laser scanning devices. The measurement procedures outlined the dimensional deviation of the CAD model and prototype made of composite material. The authors present two methods for the determination of symmetry for components of a Formula One car based on measuring and 3D scanning.
Influence of different materials on the microstructure and optical band gap of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles
Authors: Mallick P.
Published: April 2014

Composites of hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles with different materials (NiO, TiO2, MnO2 and Bi2O3) were synthesized. Effects of different materials on the microstructure and optical band gap of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were studied. Crystallite size and strain analysis indicated that the pure α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were influenced by the presence of different materials in the composite sample. Crystallite size and strain estimated for all the samples followed opposite trends. However, the value of direct band gap decreased from ∼2.67 eV for the pure α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles to ∼2.5 eV for α-Fe2O3 composites with different materials. The value of indirect band gap, on the other hand, increased for all composite samples except for α-Fe2O3/Bi2O3.