bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioral choice across leech species: chacun à son goût
Authors: Gaudry Q. , Ruiz N. , Huang T. , Kristan W. B. , Kristan W. B.
Published: March 2010

At any one time, animals are simultaneously bombarded with many sensory stimuli, but they typically choose to respond to only a few of them. We used multidimensional analysis to determine the behavioral responses of six species of leeches to stimulation, as the responses are affected by species identity, diet, behavioral state and stimulus location. Our results show that each of the species tested while not feeding displayed remarkably similar behaviors in response to tactile stimulation of the surface of the body. When not feeding, stimulus location was the most reliable factor in determining behavioral response. While feeding, the three sanguivorous (bloodsucking) species tested ignored stimulation, whereas the three carnivorous leeches abandoned feeding in favor of locomotory responses, regardless of phylogenetic relationships. In the sanguivorous leeches, feeding abolished all mechanically elicited responses and mechanical stimulation in turn had no effect on feeding. We also show that the behavioral hierarchy of leeches was fixed and unchanging even in species that can consume both a carnivorous and a sanguivorous diet.
Investing in Capabilities: The Dynamics of Resource Allocation
Authors: Coen Corinne A. , Maritan Catherine A.
Published: March 2010

In this research, we examine the dynamic capability of resource allocation to invest in operational capabilities. Using a computer simulation, we model a process of firms competing in factor markets for opportunities to invest in existing capabilities and acquire new ones. Based on the simulation results, we derive a set of propositions about the conditions under which there are and are not performance benefits from possessing a superior ability to search for new capabilities. Because the definition of what constitutes a new capability is based on a firm's preexisting capabilities, we also incorporate differences in initial endowments into the analysis. We find that endowment and search ability both matter, and that in many circumstances, the effects of possessing a superior endowment dominate the effects of superior search ability.
A retrospective analysis of ambulatory burn patients: focus on wound dressings and healing times
Authors: Gravante Gianpiero , Montone Antonio
Published: March 2010

INTRODUCTION

In this study, we retrospectively analysed healing times of ambulatory burn patients after silver-based dressings were introduced in late December 2005, and compared the results with those obtained before.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were collected in November–December 2005 and in January–February 2006. We excluded from the study: (i) admitted patients; (ii) patients with mixed superficial partial thickness and deep partial thickness burns; (iii) patients with full-thickness burns; and (iv) operated patients that came for follow-up. We recorded the age, sex, cause (flame vs scald), burn depth, dressings used and healing times.

RESULTS

We selected 347 patients corresponding to 455 burned areas (64.4% superficial and 35.6% deep; 47.7% treated in 2005 and 52.3% in 2006). During the years 2005 and 2006, there was an increase in the use of silver-based dressings (2005, 9.7%; 2006, 38.7%; chi-squared test, P < 0.001) and a decrease in the use of paraffin gauzes (2005, 66.4%; 2006, 40.3%; chi-squared test, P < 0.001). The healing time of overall burns and of superficial burns showed no significant differences between 2005 and 2006. However, in deep partial thickness burns, a significant reduction was present (2006, 19; 2005, 29 days; Student's t-test, P < 0.01). Among all dressings, paraffin gauzes had the shortest healing times in superficial burns (5 days); with silver-based dressings in deep burns, the healing times were nanocrystalline silver (16 days) and silver carboxymethylcellulose (21 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Results of our retrospective study would suggest that paraffin gauzes are a valuable option in superficial burns, while silver-based dressings are preferable in deep burns.
The incidence and outcome of incidental breast lesions detected by computed tomography
Authors: Hussain A , Gordon-Dixon A , Almusawy H , Sinha P , Desai A
Published: March 2010

INTRODUCTION

In the UK, the majority of breast cancers are diagnosed through symptomatic breast clinics and the breast screening programmes. With increased use of computed tomography (CT) to assess various pathologies, breast lesions are picked up incidentally. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and outcomes of breast lesions detected incidentally on CT scans.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted to assess the incidence and outcome of incidentally found breast lesions, which were detected on chest CT scans that were conducted for other pathologies during the period from February 2007 to October 2008.

RESULTS

A total of 432 chest CT scans were performed over 18 months. Thirty-three (7.63%) patients were found to have an incidental breast lesion. The mean age was 73 years (range, 50–86 years). Of these, 17 (52%) were benign, eight (24%) were primary breast cancer and the remaining eight (24%) had no definite pathology. The detection rate of breast cancer was 1.85%.

CONCLUSIONS

CT is emerging as an important contributor to the detection of occult breast lesions. Radiological awareness of incidental breast lesions is important so that appropriate referral to a specialised breast unit is made.
Training in the practical application of damage control and early total care operative philosophy – perceptions of UK orthopaedic specialist trainees
Authors: Eardley WGP , Taylor DM , Parker PJ
Published: March 2010

INTRODUCTION

Despite improvements in the outcome of individuals sustaining significant injury, the optimum management of fractures in traumatised patients remains an area of debate and publication. There is, however, a paucity of studies regarding the specifics of acquired experience and training of junior orthopaedic surgeons in the practical application of these skills. Our null hypothesis is that, despite alteration in surgical training, the perceived confidence and adequacy of training of UK orthopaedic specialist trainees in the application of damage control orthopaedics (DCO) and early total care (ETC) philosophy is unaffected.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A web-based survey was sent to a sample of orthopaedic trainees. From 888 trainees, 222 responses were required to achieve a 5% error rate with 90% confidence.

RESULTS

A total of 232 responses were received. Trainees reported a high level of perceived confidence with both external fixation and intramedullary devices. Exposure to cases was sporadic although perceived training adequacy was high. A similar pattern was seen in perceived operative role with the majority of trainees expecting to be performing such operations, albeit under varying levels of supervision. In a more complicated case of spanning external fixation for a ‘floating knee, trainees reported a decreased level of perceived confidence and limited exposure. One-third of trainees reported never having been involved in such a case. In contrast to nationally collated logbook data, exposure to and perceived confidence in managing cases involving ETC and DCO were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite changes in the training of junior orthopaedic surgeons, trainee-reported confidence and adequacy of training in the practical application of DCO and ETC was high. Exposure to cases overall was, however, seen to be limited and there was a suggestion of disparity between current operative experiences of trainees and that recorded in the national trainee logbook.
Developing a Mentoring Culture in Dentistry. Making a Difference in a Changing World
Authors: Holt Vernon P , Ladwa Russ
Published: March 2010

This paper follows the recent series published in Primary Dental Care on the subject of mentoring.1 It is intended to place mentoring in a broader societal, professional, ethical and philosophical context. The introduction of the mentoring approach into human affairs in general, and the workplace in particular, is evidence of a fundamental shift both in the way we work together as individuals and in how we view and value ourselves as human beings. This paper reflects on the changes in thinking and attitudes in society that have led to the emergence of mentoring and coaching as elements in the approach of positive psychology. It then seeks to learn from the experience of the adoption of mentoring and coaching in other areas of work and society. It goes on to consider what impact this might have on underlying beliefs and attitudes within the profession of dentistry, and who might become the mentors and the mentees. Finally, it presents mentoring as an expression of the values and the culture of a caring profession seeking to promote the ‘good life’ both for its patients and for its practitioners.
Diplomates Day 2010
Authors: Eaton Kenneth A
Published: March 2010

On Saturday, 6th March 2010, the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) hosted its annual ceremony of the presentation of Diplomates. A total of 135 individuals received diplomas in a packed Edward Lumley Hall at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.
Panton–Valentine leukocidin Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis of the adult tibia – a case report
Authors: Hall MJ , Steer JA , Keenan J
Published: March 2010

Panton–Valentine leukocidin toxin producing Staphylococcus aureus (PVLSA) is known to be responsible for recurrent soft tissue infections and more serious invasive infections including necrotising pneumonia, pyomyositis, and osteomyelitis. Most reported cases involving musculoskeletal infection in adults are associated with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) PVL-producing strains. We present the case of an adult male with PVL toxin–producing methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) osteomyelitis of the tibia which has not previously been described in adults and highlight issues of recognition, treatment, and surgical management of PVLSA osteomyelitis.
Manubriosternal subluxation/dislocation can lead to manubriosternal septic arthritis in patients with kyphoscoliosis
Authors: Nwaejike N , Unsworth-White MJ
Published: March 2010

Locally deranged joint anatomy can predispose to septic arthritis which can be managed by surgical debridement. We present a case of manubriosternal subluxation/dislocation caused by kyphoscoliosis leading to manubriosternal septic arthritis.
Variation of aromaticity by twisting or expanding the ring content
Authors: Chauvin Remi , Lepetit Christine , Maraval Valérie , Leroyer Léo
Published: March 2010

Generalization of the Hückel rule predicts that the (anti)aromaticity of a neutral ring is qualitatively reverted upon a single twist of the π-orbital array (Möbius interconversion), and is preserved upon expansion of all the bonds by singleC2units (ringcarbo-merization). These opposite effects are addressed from quantitative theoretical and experimental standpoints, respectively. (i) According to most resonance energy (RE) schemes, the RE value of a Möbius ring isnotthe opposite of that of the Hückel version. This also applies to the Aihara’s and Trinajstic’s topological resonance energy (TRE), where a non-aromatic reference in the topological limit is defined as being “as identical as possible” to the parent ring but just “acyclic”. In spite of its conceptual merits, the computing complexity and fictitious character of the TRE acyclic reference resulted in a disuse of TRE as a current energetic aromaticity index. Both the calculation and interpretation of TRE have been revisited in light of a cross-reference between the Hückel and Möbius rings within the Hückel molecular orbital (HMO) framework. Whereas the topological influence of triple bonds is currently neglected in the first-level HMO treatment of π-conjugated systems, a graph-theoretical analysis allows one to differentiate the TRE value of a [3n]annulene from those of the correspondingcarbo-[n]annulene. The C18ring ofcarbo-benzene is thus predicted to be slightly more topologically aromatic than that of [18]annulene. (ii) Recent experimental and density functional theory (DFT) theoretical studies of quadrupolarcarbo-benzene derivatives are presented. The results show that the “flexible aromaticity” of thep-C18Ph4bridge between donor anisyl substituents plays a crucial role in determining the intriguing chemical/spectroscopical/optical properties of thesecarbo-chromophores.
The Bowl of Terror: A Case Study of an Adolescent Perpetrator of Sexual Abuse
Authors: Kozlowska Kasia
Published: March 2010

This article describes a complex multimodal intervention with a family where inappropriate sexual contact had occurred between Taro and his younger sister Lara, when they were young children. The family presented to clinical services when Lara was brought to hospital with suicidal ideation, traumatic flashbacks and regressed behaviour at 13 years of age. Treatment involved multiple components: family work with all members of the family individual work with Lara, joint work with Lara and Taro, and finally, a brief intervention with Taro. This article focuses primarily on the therapist's work with Taro, the perpetrator of the inappropriate sexual contact. The Adult Attachment interview (AAI), a semi‐structured interview, was used by the therapist to assess Taro's developmental experiences and psychological functioning. Information from the AAI helped the therapist identify both the relationship factors that had contributed to the perpetration of sexual abuse and the self‐protective strategies Taro had come to use in order to elicit maximum comfort and protection from neglectful attachment figures. The therapist used the functional formulation derived from the AAI to structure a time‐limited intervention.
Family‐of‐Origin Issues and the Generation of Childhood Illness
Authors: Kozlowska Kasia
Published: March 2010

Unresolved family‐of‐origin issues can play a powerful but covert role in here‐and‐now family interactions, and can contribute to the generation and maintenance of childhood psychopathology and illness behaviour. This article describes an intervention with a family where the children frequently presented to local health services with a baffling array of psychological and somatic symptoms. The therapist was unable to pinpoint where the problem lay. In a final effort to understand family functioning she used the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) in order to better understand parental state of mind and how parental anxieties and behaviours contributed to current family functioning. This information was used to plan a treatment intervention.
Two's Company, Three's a Crowd: Revisiting Triangles in Family Therapy
Authors: Young Sally
Published: March 2010

In this article I would like to investigate the place of the couple in family therapy intervention. Within this I will look at the usefulness of the concepts of triangulation and triangles in families and as to whether it is a theory that translates to be useful in practice and in technique. Attention will be paid to both the experience of this phenomena and emerging theories of the mind which casts new light on the concept of the emotional triangle.
The Musashi family RNA-binding proteins in stem cells
Authors: Horisawa Kenichi , Imai Takao , Okano Hideyuki , Yanagawa Hiroshi
Published: March 2010

The Musashi family is an evolutionarily conserved group of RNA-binding proteins. In mammal, two members of the group, Msi1 and Msi2, have been identified to date. Msi1 is considered to play roles in maintaining the stem cell status (stemness) of neural stem/progenitor cells in adults and in the development of central nervous system through translational regulation of its target mRNAs, which encode regulators of signal transduction and the cell cycle. Recently, strong expression of Msi1 in various somatic stem/progenitor cells of adult tissues, such as eye, gut, stomach, breast, and hair follicle, has been reported. The protein is also expressed in various cancer cells, and ectopically emerging cells have been found in neural tissues of patients with diseases involving neural disorder, including epilepsy. Many novel target mRNAs and regulatory pathways of Msi1 have been reported in recent years. Here, we present a review of the functions and action mechanisms of Msi1 protein and discuss possible directions for further study.
Identification of candidate molecular markers predicting chemotherapy resistance in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Han Mingyong , Liu Qi , Yu Jiekai , Zheng Shu
Published: March 2010

Background: Empirical chemotherapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is recommended, even without knowledge of the tumor's specific biological characteristics, and many patients may not benefit. The goal of this study was to identify potential serum biomarkers that influence resistance to chemotherapy, and to build a model that could be used to predict resistance to chemotherapy of patients with advanced NSCLC.

Methods: A total of 97 NSCLC patients were classified as stage IIIB and stage IV. The chemotherapy regimen was cisplatin plus docetaxel. All patients received two cycles of chemotherapy. Serum protein profiles were detected using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS) and the spectra were analyzed with a support vector machine (SVM).

Results: For the 93 eligible patients, 22 patients had a partial response (23.7%); 27 patients had stable disease (29.0%) and 44 (47.3%) had progressive disease. One hundred and twenty-eight mass peaks were detected from the chemotherapy sensitive group and the chemotherapy resistant group by receiver operator characteristic curve. The top 10 peaks with the highest area under the curve values were selected, randomly combined, and fed into the SVM. The SVM model with the highest accuracy was used as the diagnostic model. The model constructed using five protein peaks with mass/charge ratios of 3955 Da, 6207 Da, 7992 Da, 9214 Da, and 15,086 Da separated the chemotherapy resistant group from the chemotherapy sensitive group with a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 85.7%.

Conclusions: SELDI-TOF MS may provide a useful means in the search for serum biomarkers for predicting chemotherapy resistance in patients with advanced NSCLC.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:863–7.
The prevalence of eating disorders in a Hungarian secondary school population over a period of 10 years
Authors: Szabó Pál , Pető Zoltán , Túry Ferenc
Published: March 2010

Az evészavarok sokféle, időnként irreverzíbilis és veszélyes szövődményekkel és jelentős pszichiátriai komorbiditással járó betegségek, amelyek elsősorban a fiatal nőket érintik. Ellentmondásos eredményeket közölnek azzal kapcsolatban, időben hogyan változik az evészavarok gyakorisága.
Célkitűzés:
annak meghatározása, hogyan változott az evészavarok és tüneteinek gyakorisága 10 év alatt.
Módszerek:
Az 1989-ben végzett vizsgálatot (Túry és mtsai, 1991; Szabó és Túry, 1991) ismételtük meg az 1998/1999-es tanévben. Mindkét vizsgálatban ugyanazokat a kérdőíveket alkalmaztuk az evészavarok vizsgálatára: az Evési attitűdök tesztjét, a Bulimia kognitív disztorziós skálát és az Evészavar-súlyossági skálát. A kérdőívet 6 város 9 középiskolájának tanulói töltötték ki.
Eredmények:
Összesen 2731 tanuló vett részt a vizsgálatban (2138 lány és 593 fiú, az 1. vizsgálatban 932, a másodikban 1799). A testsúly csökkentésére használt módszerek és az evészavar-patológiát jelző kérdőíves pontszám szerint a kóros jelenségek lényegesen gyakoribbak a lányok körében, emellett 10 év távlatában gyakoribbá is váltak. A klinikai és szubklinikai anorexia és bulimia gyakorisága is lényegesen nőtt a lányoknál a vizsgált időszakban (összesen 0,12%-ról 0,68%-ra).
Következtetések:
Eredményeink alapján az evészavarok tünetei és az evészavar-szindrómák gyakorisága lényegesen nőtt 10 év alatt a hazai középiskolás lányok csoportjában. Ebben nagy jelentőséget tulajdonítunk a külső megjelenés fontosságának és a karcsúságideál térnyerésének.
Ultrahigh-pressure densification of nanocrystalline WB ceramics
Authors: Chen Ying , He Duanwei , Qin Jiaqian , Kou Zili , Wang Shanmin , Wang Jianghua
Published: March 2010

Phase-pure nanostructured WB ceramics are hot pressed at ultrahigh pressures of 1.0 to 3.0 GPa and high temperatures of 700 to 1000 °C (UHPHT) for 60 min. The UHPHT samples are nanograin size from 15 to 40 nm. Our experimental observation shows that ultrahigh pressure could improve densification, and the density of WB samples could reach 99.4% of theoretical. The comparative experiments carried out at ambient pressure and temperatures of 550 to 1100 °C for 60 min indicate that the external pressure was favorable for phase-pure and highly dense WB formation. In addition, the UHPHT samples give a high hardness value of 28.9 ± 0.8 GPa.
Effects of prestrain on high temperature impact properties of 304L stainless steel
Authors: Lee Woei-Shyan , Lin Chi-Feng , Chen Tao-Hsing , Yang Meng-Chieh
Published: March 2010

The effects of prestrain, strain rate, and temperature on the impact properties of 304L stainless steel are investigated using a compressive split-Hopkinson pressure bar. The impact tests are performed at strain rates ranging from 2000 to 6000 s−1 and temperatures of 300, 500, and 800 °C using 304L specimens with prestrains of 0.15 or 0.5. The results show that the flow stress, work-hardening rate, and strain rate sensitivity increase with increasing strain rate or decreasing temperature. As the prestrain increases, the flow stress and strain rate sensitivity increase, but the work-hardening rate decreases. The temperature sensitivity increases with an increasing strain rate, temperature, and prestrain. Overall, the effects of prestrain on the impact properties of the tested specimens dominate those of the strain rate or temperature, respectively. Finally, optical microscopy observations reveal that the specimens fracture primarily as the result of the formation of adiabatic shear bands.
Electrochemical synthesis and properties of layer-structured polypyrrole/montmorillonite nanocomposite films
Authors: Wang Chang-An , Chen Keyu , Huang Yong , Le Huirong
Published: March 2010

Layer-structured polypyrrole/montmorillonite (PPy/MMT) naoncomposite films were synthesized by the electrodeposition method. The fabricated free-standing films consist of about 0∼2 wt% Na+-montmorillonite (NMMT). The thickness of films could be controlled by deposition time. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to observe the microstructure of the films. After MMT was introduced into the PPy matrix, the interspace between PPy chains decreased, according to the XRD results. The layered structure of the films was observed from the SEM images. Tensile and nanoindentation test results showed that the mechanical properties of the composite films were improved at low clay loading. The electrical conductivity of the films with 1.2 wt% MMT loading was increased from 3.6 to 51 S/cm, probably because of the restricted growth of PPy chains in the interspace of MMT layers.
A physically based model for indenter tip shape calibration for nanoindentation
Authors: Berla Lucas A. , Allen Aileen M. , Han Seung Min , Nix William D.
Published: March 2010

A new function that describes the shape of three-sided pyramidal indenters is introduced. This function differs from the polynomial tip shape function conventionally used in nanoindentation tip shape calibration in that the new function includes fewer fitting parameters with clearer physical meaning. Specifically, two of the fitting parameters integrated into the new function are the indenter’s tip radius and the slope of the indenter’s equivalent cone. Tip shape calibration data were collected with four different diamond indenter tips, and both the new function and the standard polynomial function were fit to the data. It is found that the new function can fit calibration data nearly as well as the standard polynomial function and better than existing physically based functions. Although the tip radius parameter obtained by fitting the new model to data deviates from the tip radius determined from Hertzian elastic contact, the two values are correlated.
Structurally complex metallic coatings in the Al-Cu system and their orientation relationships with an icosahedral quasicrystal
Authors: Duguet Thomas , Kenzari Samuel , Demange Valérie , Belmonte Thierry , Dubois Jean-Marie , Fournée Vincent
Published: March 2010

Quasicrystals have been identified as alloys possessing unusually low surface energy. This results in poor adhesion properties of quasicrystalline coatings when deposited on metallic substrates, hindering the development of these new materials for technological applications. Here we investigate the possible use of complex Al-Cu metallic phases as interface layers to accommodate the structural and electronic mismatch between a quasicrystalline coating and a metallic substrate and improve adhesion. First, we show that all stable low-temperature phases of the Al-Cu system can be grown as thin films using DC magnetron sputtering. Among the various possible phases, we select the γ-brass γ-Al4Cu9 as a promising candidate for the interface layer. Then the γ-Al4Cu9 phase is grown on the fivefold surface of an icosahedral (i-) Al-Pd-Mn quasicrystal. The interface is investigated by transmission electron microscopy and shows a clear texturing of the film. The grains exhibit rotational epitaxy with the substrate. We find that the interface is mainly composed of a β-phase of unknown chemical composition and sometimes exhibits γ grains in direct contact with the quasicrystalline substrate. Occasionally, we observe a fourth phase at the β/γ interface, identified as β1, possessing a lattice parameter aβ1 equal to 2aβ and 2/3aγ.
Stress gradients observed in Cu thin films induced by capping layers
Authors: Murray Conal E. , Besser Paul R. , Witt Christian , Jordan-Sweet Jean L.
Published: March 2010

Glancing-incidence x-ray diffraction (GIXRD) has been applied to the investigation of depth-dependent stress distributions within electroplated Cu films due to overlying capping layers. Cu films, 0.65 μm thick, plated on conventional barrier and seed layers received a chemical vapor deposited (CVD) SiCxNyHz cap, an electrolessly deposited CoWP layer, or a CoWP layer followed by a SiCxNyHz cap. GIXRD and conventional x-ray diffraction measurements revealed that strain gradients were created in Cu films possessing a SiCxNyHz cap, where a greater in-plane tensile stress of approximately 180 MPa was generated near the film/cap interface as a result of constraint imposed by the SiCxNyHz layer during cooling from the cap deposition temperature. Although Cu films possessing a CoWP cap without a SiCxNyHz layer did not exhibit depth-dependent stress distributions, subsequent annealing introduced stress gradients and increased the bulk Cu stress. However, a thermal excursion to liquid-nitrogen temperatures significantly reduced tensile stresses in the Cu films.
Fabrication and characterization of sol-gel-derived zinc oxide thin-film transistor
Authors: Hwang Young Hwan , Seo Seok-Jun , Bae Byeong-Soo
Published: March 2010

Thin-film transistors (TFTs) with zinc oxide channel layers were fabricated through a simple and low-cost solution process. Precursor solution concentration, annealing temperature, and the process were controlled for the purpose of improving the electrical properties of ZnO TFTs and analyzed in terms of microstructural scope. The fabricated ZnO films show preferential orientation of the (002) plane, which contributes to enhanced electron conduction and a dense surface. The results show that the TFT characteristics of the film are clearly affected by the microstructure. The optimized TFT operates in a depletion mode, shows n-type semiconductor behavior, and is highly transparent (>90%) within the visible light range. It exhibits a channel mobility of 9.4 cm2/V·s, a subthreshold slope of 3.3 V/decade, and an on-to-off current ratio greater than 105. In addition, the result of N2 annealing shows the possibility of improvement in electrical property of the ZnO TFTs.
Full‐Mouth Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy in Fusobacterium nucleatum–Infected Periodontitis Patients
Authors: Sigusch Bernd W. , Engelbrecht Marcus , Völpel Andrea , Holletschke Anne , Pfister Wolfgang , Schütze Juliane
Published: March 2010

Background: The purpose of this study is to clinically and microbiologically evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a full‐mouth procedure in Fusobacterium nucleatum–infected patients with periodontitis.

Methods: In the present study, PDT is administered adjuvantly after scaling and root planing (SRP) to patients with localized chronic periodontitis (LCP). Twenty‐four patients, in whom only F. nucleatum was detected by baseline polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after SRP, were randomly assigned to PDT and control groups. PDT was carried out once as a full‐mouth disinfection in the test group. The control group was treated with the photosensitizer solution, but without laser irradiation. In all subjects, the clinical parameters plaque index, reddening, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), gingival recession, and clinical attachment level (CAL) were determined at the baseline examination and at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after PDT. Quantitative analysis of the F. nucleatum DNA concentration was performed by competitive PCR. All clinical indices were calculated for each test and control subject as were the median and interquartile range of each group.

Results: In patients with LCP who received PDT treatment, significant reductions in reddening, BOP, and mean PD and CAL were observed during the observation period and with respect to controls. Four and 12 weeks after PDT, the mean PD and CAL showed significant differences from baseline values and from those of the control group. In the PDT group, 12 weeks after treatment, the F. nucleatum DNA concentration was found to be significantly reduced compared to the baseline level.

Conclusion: The results of this study show that the adjuvant application of the described PDT method is appropriate to reduce periodontal inflammatory symptoms and to successfully treat infection with F. nucleatum.
Hypertension May Affect Tooth‐Supporting Alveolar Bone Quality: A Study in Rats
Authors: Bastos Marta Ferreira , Brilhante Felipe Vilhena , Gonçalves Tiago Eduardo Dias , Pires Amanda Gonçalves , Napimoga Marcelo Henrique , Marques Marcelo Rocha , Duarte Poliana Mendes
Published: March 2010

Background:This study evaluates the ligature‐induced bone loss (BL) and quality of tooth‐supporting alveolar bone in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) by histometric, histochemical, and immunohistochemical analyses and assesses the effects of lercanidipine on these parameters.

Methods:Wistar rats and SHRs were assigned to one of the following groups: normotensive rats (n = 15), untreated SHRs (n = 15), and treated SHRs (n = 15). The latter group was treated daily with lercanidipine for 45 days. Two weeks after the beginning of drug administration, the first right mandibular molar received a cotton ligature, whereas the contralateral tooth was left unligated. The following parameters were analyzed in the furcation area of decalcified histologic sections: BL, bone density (BD), number of positive cells for tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP+), and expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG).

Results:In ligated teeth, no significant differences among groups were found regarding BL, TRAP+ cells, and the ratio of RANKL/OPG+ cells (P>0.05), although the expression of RANKL was decreased in the treated SHR group (P<0.05). Increased BL and decreased BD were observed around unligated teeth of the untreated and treated SHR groups (P<0.05). In the furcation area of the unligated teeth, the untreated SHR group presented a higher number of TRAP+ cells and higher ratio of RANKL/OPG+ cells compared to the other groups.

Conclusions:SHRs present harmful alterations in the quality of tooth‐supporting bone, independently of inflammation. In addition, the administration of lercanidipine for 45 days decreased the expression of bone‐resorption markers.
Girls’ and Boys’ Lexical Availability in EFL
Authors: Jiménez Catalán Rosa M. , Alba Julieta Ojeda
Published: March 2010

In the present study we report research conducted with female and male students who were learning English as EFL in the 6th grade of Spanish primary education (end of this educational stage). Our main objective was to ascertain whether there were differences or similarities regarding the number and the kind of words produced by male students compared to those produced by female students in response to cue words from a lexical availability task. Highly significant differences were found in the average number of words produced by the two sexes. Girls achieved higher means than boys for each of the fifteen cue words contained in the lexical availability task.
Modelling and simulation revealing mechanisms likely responsible for achieving the nitrite pathway through aeration control
Authors: Guisasola A. , Marcelino M. , Lemaire R. , Baeza J. A. , Yuan Z.
Published: March 2010

Nitrogen removal via nitrite has recently gained a lot of interest because it results in significant savings in both aeration costs and COD (chemical oxygen demand) requirements for denitrification, when compared to the conventional biological nitrogen removal via nitrate. The effectiveness of two different control strategies to achieve the nitrite pathway in systems with sludge retention has been experimentally demonstrated: (i) control of aerobic phase length, with which aeration is terminated as soon as ammonia is completely oxidised; (ii) operation at low DO setpoints in the aerobic phase. These strategies have been extensively studied in nitrifying reactors and are currently applied in real systems achieving biological carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus removal. In this work, we aim to demonstrate, through modelling and simulation, that the competition between nitrite reducers and nitrite oxidisers for nitrite, rather than kinetic selection plays a major role in NOB washout. Moreover, the results show that the occurrence of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification under “aerobic” conditions is very helpful for the nitrite pathway obtainment and for a more efficient COD utilisation.
Pesticide runoff from greenhouse production
Authors: Roseth Roger , haarstad Ketil
Published: March 2010

A research has been undertaken studying pesticide residues in water from greenhouses and the use of soils and filter materials to reduce such losses. The pesticides detected in water samples collected downstream greenhouses include 9 fungicides, 5 herbicides and 4 insecticides. 10 compounds from flower and vegetable productions were frequently found to exceed environmental risk levels, and with a few exceptions the compounds were found in higher concentrations than those typically found in agricultural runoff. Some compounds were found in high concentrations (>1 μg/l) in undiluted runoff from greenhouses producing vegetables. Nutrient concentrations in the runoff were also sporadically very high, with phosphorous values varying between 0.85 and 7.4 mg P/l, and nitrogen values between 7.5 and 41.4 mg N/l. Undiluted runoff from the productions showed values of 60 mg P/l and 300 mg N/l. High values of pesticides correlated with high values of nutrients, especially P. Column experiments using a sandy agricultural soil and stock solutions of non-polar and slightly polar pesticides mixed with a complex binder and nutrients showed a significant reduction for nearly all of the compounds used, indicating that transport through soil will reduce the concentrations of the studied pesticides. The pesticide adsorption capacity of the filter materials pine bark, peat, Sphagnum moss, compost, oat straw, ferrous sand and clay soil were tested in batch and column experiments. Adsorption were studied contacting the filter materials with aqueous solutions containing greenhouse production pesticides. The batch experiments showed that pine bark and peat, both combining a high content of organic matter with a low ph, provided the highest adsorption for most of the tested pesticides. Sphagnum moss, compost and oat straw also showed high adsorption for most of the pesticides, while the mineral filters provided the lowest adsorption (30–55%). Further column experiments confirmed these results, displaying the best removal efficiency in the organic materials, varying from 200 μg/g in compost, to 500 μg/g in moss, straw and pine bark.
A survey of the characteristics and maintenance of rainwater tanks in urban areas of South Australia
Authors: Rodrigo S. , Sinclair M. , Leder K.
Published: March 2010

Households resident in metropolitan Adelaide and surrounding areas in South Australia were recruited into a randomised controlled trial. A total of 630 rainwater tanks with a total tank capacity of 14.5 ML were installed at the 325 households surveyed. The majority of the tanks were plumbed into the kitchen (64.6%), over 10 years in age (45.5%), over 15,000 L in capacity (42.5%) and composed of galvanised steel (36.9%). Over 90% of the households undertook one or more prevention and maintenance strategies for reducing contamination of collected rainwater. The use of first flush diverters was reported by 30.8% households, the presence of leaf control devices on the tank by 57.2%, and the presence of leaf control screens on gutters by 25.5% households. Most households reported that the rainwater tank was cleaned at some time, with 50.4% of these households stating that tank cleaning occurred 1 to 5 years previously, and 31.9% more than 5 years prior to enrolment Rainwater from the main drinking tank was sampled from a subset of households for turbidity and metals (Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Pb, Zn). This information regarding tank characteristics and degree of adherence to recommended maintenance procedures may assist understanding of variability in rainwater quality data and may help determine whether untreated rainwater can be considered a safe water supply for household purposes including drinking.
The simulation research of dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus non-point source pollution in Xiao-Jiang watershed of Three Gorges Reservoir area
Authors: Wu Lei , Long Tian-yu , Li Chong-ming
Published: March 2010

Xiao-jiang, with a basin area of almost 5,276 km2 and a length of 182.4 km, is located in the center of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, and is the largest tributary of the central section in Three Gorges Reservoir Area, farmland accounts for a large proportion of Xiao-jiang watershed, and the hilly cropland of purple soil is much of the farmland of the watershed. After the second phase of water storage in the Three Gorges Reservoir, the majority of sub-rivers in the reservoir area experienced eutrophication phenomenon frequently, and non-point source (NPS) pollution has become an important source of pollution in Xiao-jiang Watershed. Because dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus non-point source pollution are related to surface runoff and interflow, using climatic, topographic and land cover data from the internet and research institutes, the Semi-Distributed Land-use Runoff Process (SLURP) hydrological model was introduced to simulate the complete hydrological cycle of the Xiao-jiang Watershed. Based on the SLURP distributed hydrological model, non-point source pollution annual output load models of land use and rural residents were respectively established. Therefore, using GIS technology, considering the losses of dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus in the course of transport, a dissolved non-point source pollution load dynamic model was established by the organic coupling of the SLURP hydrological model and land-use output model. Through the above dynamic model, the annual dissolved non-point source nitrogen and phosphorus pollution output as well as the load in different types were simulated and quantitatively estimated from 2001 to 2008, furthermore, the loads of Xiao-jiang Watershed were calculated and expressed by temporal and spatial distribution in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area. The simulation results show that: the temporal changes of dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus load in the watershed are close to the inter-annual changes of rainfall runoff, and the different land-use type distribution has great impacts on the spatial changes of dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus load in the watershed; The nitrogen and phosphorus load of different land-use types in size with descending order is, glebe and mixed land, paddy, grassland, urban land, forestland; however, for the phosphorus load, the unit area output load of glebe and mixed land is almost the same as for paddy fields; The output contribution of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution load from land-use accounts for 78%–85%, while the output contribution from livestock and poultry occupies 13%–20%. The established load model was verified by observation data, simulation results show that the established model is reasonable, simulation accuracy is higher.
Regeneration of carbon nanotube and nanofibre composite film electrode for electrical removal of cupric ions
Authors: Zhan Yankun , Li Haibo , Pan Likun , Zhang Yanping , Chen Yiwei , Sun Zhuo
Published: March 2010

Low cost and large scale carbon nanotube and nanofibre (CNT–CNF) composite films have been fabricated and employed as electrodes for electrosorption of cupric ions. The regeneration of the saturated CNT–CNF film electrode has been investigated. Three methods (short-circuiting, short-circuiting and then reversing voltage, reversing voltage and then short-circuiting) are used for regeneration. The results show that low regeneration efficiency of CNT–CNF film electrode due to electrodeposition of Cu on the electrode surface can be highly improved by regeneration applying reverse voltage combined with short circuit. 93% regeneration efficiency can be achieved when 0.8 V reverse voltage is applied before short-circuiting during regeneration of CNT–CNF film electrode.
Full-stream and part-stream ultrasound treatment effect on sludge anaerobic digestion
Authors: Pérez-Elvira S. I. , Ferreira L. C. , Donoso-Bravo A. , Fdz-Polanco M. , Fdz-Polanco F.
Published: March 2010

The use of ultrasound as pre-treatment to improve anaerobic digestion of secondary sludge has been established as a promising technology. There are great differences between lab scale and full-scale devices, regarding the relationship between the disintegration achieved and the energy supplied. Based on economic aspects, most of the full-scale plants use partial-stream instead of the full-stream sonication, which affects biogas production and digestate dewatering characteristics. A laboratory scale operation combining ultrasound and anaerobic digestion (batch tests) has been performed, determining the relationship between the ratio of sonicated sludge fed and the methane production, SCOD removal and capillary suction time after 20-day anaerobic biodegradation, in order to check the possible benefits of part-stream versus full-stream sonication. Additional incubation was also evaluated, searching for an optimum process combining ultrasound and 24-h incubation pretreatment. Results showed that by sonicating fresh WAS at 25,700 kJ/kg TS biogas yield increased linearly with the percentage of sonicated WAS in the substrate, from 248 (control reactor) to 349 mL CH4/g VS (41% increase in full-stream sonication). By incubation (24 h, 55°C), 325 mL CH4/g VS were obtained (31% increase), but the digestion of the soluble compounds generated during incubation of sonicated sludge appeared to be less degradable compared to those solubilised by ultrasound or incubation alone, which showed no benefit in combining both treatments. Post-digestion dewatering deteriorated for both part-stream and full-stream sonication, and CST values were constant (74% higher than the control digestate) from 30% to 100% sonicated sludge.
Performance Study of Pervaporation Reactor (PVR) for Esterification of Acetic Acid with Ethanol
Authors: Wasewar Kailas L. , Patidar Shyambabu , Agarwal Vijay K. , Rathod Ajit , Sonawane Shriram S. , Agarwal Richa V. , Uslu Hasan , Inci Ismail
Published: March 2010

The most common reaction system studied for the application of pervaporation (PV) is an esterification reaction between alcohol and acid in the presence of a catalyst. In present paper, performance of pervaporation reactor (PVR) for esterification of acetic acid with ethanol was studied. Model equations were developed for reaction and separation in PVR. Model results were validated with experimental results and excellent comparison was obtained. The effect of various parameters such as: reactant ratio, ratio of effective membrane area to volume of reacting mixture, catalyst concentration and flux on the performance of PVR were discussed. The optimum conditions were obtained as: membrane area to volume of reacting mixture = 2 m-1, reactant ratio = 1.5, catalyst concentration = 50 g/l for esterification of acetic acid with ethanol in PVR. The model presented can also be used for the other esterification reactions. The described model allows the evolution of the reaction time necessary to achieve a given conversion. The process parameters: temperature, catalyst concentration, initial molar ratio of acid to alcohol, the ratio of the effective membrane area to the volume of reacting mixture can be changed in order to attain the optimum operating conditions of the pervaporation-esterification coupling operating.
Optimization of a Three-Phase Catalytic Slurry Reactor Using Reduced Statistical Models
Authors: Melo Delba Nisi Cosme , Costa Caliane B B , Vasco de Toledo Eduardo Coselli , Mariano Adriano Pinto , Wolf Maciel Maria Regina , Maciel Filho Rubens
Published: March 2010

The main contribution of this work is to propose the use of a statistical procedure to generate simplified models from a detailed deterministic one for Real Time Optimization. Such models are also used as a tool to map the optimal and feasible region. These simplified models are useful in online optimization coupled to control implementations, since detailed rigorous models may demand time and high computational burden for their solution, which hampers the success of online purposes. In order to illustrate the application of the procedure, a three-phase catalytic reactor was considered. A dynamic heterogeneous mathematical model formulation of the o-cresol hydrogenation reaction was used to simulate the reactor steady-state response to different inlet conditions. The proposed statistical procedure (factorial design) generated simplified models for the reactor exit temperature and the reactant conversion, two useful pieces of process information. The use of these models in an optimization problem is then presented as an illustration of their application in an online real time optimization in a two-layer fashion. The simplified models turn possible the identification of the range of optimal solutions as well as the mapping of the region of optimal solutions very quickly compared to the use of full models, allowing the system to be flexibly operated at high level of performance.