bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promontory osteoma mimicking otosclerosis: case report
Authors: Gülşen S
Published: September 2019

Objective

This case report presents a middle-ear osteoma mimicking otosclerosis that was located at the promontory. The osteoma was successfully excised using an endoscopic transcanal approach without any complication.

Case report

A 21-year-old man presented with a 4-year history of progressive conductive hearing loss (47 dB with a 30-dB air–bone gap) with intermittent tinnitus of recent onset in his right ear. Endoscopic transcanal middle-ear exploration showed that an osteoma located on the promontory was restricting the mobility of the stapes by affecting the anterior crus of the stapes. After transcanal resection of the osteoma, pure tone audiometry improved to 23 dB with a 5-dB air–bone gap. Tinnitus resolved spontaneously without any additional treatment.

Conclusion

Promontory osteomas, a rare and usually asymptomatic clinical entity, should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis in patients with progressive conductive hearing loss and tinnitus with intact stapedial reflexes and normal otoscopic findings.
Estimating population parameters for the Critically Endangered Bermuda skink using robust design capture–mark–recapture modelling
Authors: Turner Helena , Griffiths Richard A. , Outerbridge Mark E. , Garcia Gerardo
Published: September 2019

Reliably estimating population parameters for highly secretive or rare animals is challenging. We report on the status of the two largest remaining populations of the Critically Endangered Bermuda skink Plestiodon longirostris, using a robust design capture–mark–recapture analysis. Skinks were tagged with passive integrated transponders on two islands and captured on 15 sampling occasions per year over 3 years. The models provided precise estimates of abundance, capture and survival probabilities and temporary emigration. We estimated skink abundance to be 547 ± SE 63.5 on Southampton Island and 277 ± SE 28.4 on Castle Island. The populations do not appear to be stable and fluctuated at both sites over the 3-year period. Although the populations on these two islands appear viable, the Bermuda skink faces population fluctuations and remains threatened by increasing anthropogenic activities, invasive species and habitat loss. We recommend these two populations for continued monitoring and conservation efforts.
Sympatric western lowland gorillas, central chimpanzees and humans are infected with different trichomonads
Authors: Petrželková K. J. , Smejkalová P. , Céza V. , Pafčo B. , Shutt-Phillips K. A. , Todd A. , Jirků-Pomajbíková K. , Benavides J. , Modrý D. , Čepička I.
Published: September 2019

We investigated intestinal trichomonads in western lowland gorillas, central chimpanzees and humans cohabiting the forest ecosystem of Dzanga-Sangha Protected Area in Central African Republic, using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and SSU rRNA gene sequences. Trichomonads belonging to the genus Tetratrichomonas were detected in 23% of the faecal samples and in all host species. Different hosts were infected with different genotypes of Tetratrichomonas. In chimpanzees, we detected tetratrichomonads from ‘novel lineage 2’, which was previously reported mostly in captive and wild chimpanzees. In gorillas, we found two different genotypes of Tetratrichomonas. The ITS region sequences of the more frequent genotype were identical to the sequence found in a faecal sample of a wild western lowland gorilla from Cameroon. Sequences of the second genotype from gorillas were almost identical to sequences previously obtained from an anorexic French woman. We provide the first report of the presence of intestinal tetratrichomonads in asymptomatic, apparently healthy humans. Human tetratrichomonads belonged to the lineage 7, which was previously reported in domestic and wild pigs and a domestic horse. Our findings suggest that the ecology and spatial overlap among hominids in the tropical forest ecosystem has not resulted in exchange of intestinal trichomonads among these hosts.
Circular-shaped differential wideband band pass filter
Authors: Kumar Jhariya Dharmendra , Mohan Akhilesh , Kaushik Rahul , Saxena Vishal Narain
Published: September 2019

The design of a circular-shaped differential wideband band pass filter (BPF) is described. The proposed filter is compact and provides good common mode (CM) suppression. It consists of four ports with a circular-shaped differential mode (DM). The analysis of the filter has been carried out by bisecting it into identical two-port networks along the symmetry plane, resulting in a band stop or band pass response under CM or DM excitations, respectively. The length and width of the stubs can be tuned to obtain the desired pass band and stop band of the differential BPF. The proposed design is fabricated and measured. The results obtained using measurements are in close agreement with those obtained using simulations.
Gas Bubble Forensics Team Surveils the New Zealand Ocean
Authors: Lamarche Geoffroy , Le Gonidec Yves , Lucieer Vanessa , Ladroit Yoann , Weber Tom , Gaillot Arnaud , Heffron Erin , Watson Sally , Pallentin Arne
Published: September 2019

An international research group recorded the acoustic signatures of gas bubbles rising from a hydrothermal vent field to gather clues about greenhouse gases escaping into the atmosphere.
High-risk blastemal Wilms tumor can be modeled by 3D spheroid cultures in vitro
Authors: Wegert Jenny , Zauter Lisa , Appenzeller Silke , Otto Christoph , Bausenwein Sabrina , Vokuhl Christian , Ernestus Karen , Furtwängler Rhoikos , Graf Norbert , Gessler Manfred
Published: September 2019

In vitro models represent a critical tool in cancer research to study tumor biology and to evaluate new treatment options. Unfortunately, there are no effective preclinical models available that represent Wilms tumor (WT) — the most common pediatric renal tumor. Especially the high-risk blastemal WT subtype is not represented by the few primary cell lines established until now. Here, we describe a new 3D approach for in vitro cultivation of blastemal WT cells, where primary cultures grown in suspension as spheroids could be propagated long-term. Besides blastemal cultures, we could generate spheroids representing epithelial and stromal WT. Spheroid cultures were analyzed by immunohistochemistry in comparison to corresponding tumor sections and were further characterized by RNA sequencing. Histological appearance of spheroids resembled the original tumor and they expressed marker genes characteristic of early renal development and blastemal WT elements. The cultures were amenable to genetic manipulation and they formed xenograft tumors, which resemble the primary human tumor. This collection of WT spheroids that carry different genetic drivers forms a long-sought tool for drug testing and in vitro modeling.
3D Analysis of Ordered Porous Polymeric Particles using Complementary Electron Microscopy Methods
Authors: Alvarez Juan , Saudino Giovanni , Musteata Valentina , Madhavan Poornima , Genovese Alessandro , Behzad Ali Reza , Sougrat Rachid , Boi Cristiana , Peinemann Klaus-Viktor , Nunes Suzana P.
Published: September 2019

Highly porous particles with internal triply periodic minimal surfaces were investigated for sorption of proteins. The visualization of the complex ordered morphology requires complementary advanced methods of electron microscopy for 3D imaging, instead of a simple 2D projection: transmission electron microscopy (TEM) tomography, slice-and-view focused ion beam (FIB) and serial block face (SBF) scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The capability of each method of 3D image reconstruction was demonstrated and their potential of application to other synthetic polymeric systems was discussed. TEM has high resolution for details even smaller than 1 nm, but the imaged volume is relatively restricted (2.5 μm)3. The samples are pre-sliced in an ultramicrotome. FIB and SBF are coupled to a SEM. The sample sectioning is donein situ, respectively by an ion beam or an ultramicrotome, SBF, a method so far mostly applied only to biological systems, was particularly highly informative to reproduce the ordered morphology of block copolymer particles with 32–54 nm nanopores and sampling volume (20 μm)3.
Analysis of vertebrate vision in a 384-well imaging system
Authors: Thorn Robert J. , Dombroski Amanda , Eller Kerry , Dominguez-Gonzalez Tania M. , Clift Danielle E. , Baek Peter , Seto Renee J. , Kahn Elizabeth S. , Tucker Sara K. , Colwill Ruth M. , Sello Jason K. , Creton Robbert
Published: September 2019

Visual impairment affects 253 million people worldwide and new approaches for prevention and treatment are urgently needed. While small molecules with potential beneficial effects can be examined in various model systems, the in vivo evaluation of visual function remains a challenge. The current study introduces a novel imaging system for measuring visually-guided behaviors in larval zebrafish. The imaging system is the first to image four 96-well plates with a single camera for automated measurements of activity in a 384-well format. In addition, it is the first system to project moving visual stimuli and analyze the optomotor response in the wells of a 96-well plate. We found that activity is affected by tricaine, diazepam and flumazenil. Surprisingly, diazepam treatments induce a loss of visual responses, at concentrations that do not affect activity or induce hyperactivity. Overall, our studies show that the developed imaging system is suitable for automated measurements of vertebrate vision in a high-throughput format.
Backflow Effect Enabling Fast Response and Low Driving Voltage of Electrophoretic E-ink Dispersion by Liquid Crystal Additives
Authors: Zhang Ya-Di , Hu Wen-Jie , Qiu Zhi-Guang , Xu Jia-Zhe , Yang Ming-Yang , Gu Yi-Fan , Cao Jin-Xin , Chen Peng , Liu Gui-Shi , Yang Bo-Ru
Published: September 2019

Electrophoretic display encountered several challenges towards high frame rate applications, such as long response time and high driving voltage. In this study, liquid crystal additive doping can simultaneously increase the response speed by 2.8 times and reduce the driving voltage to half of the initial value of electrophoretic dispersion. The backflow effect of liquid crystal, which induces an inversely electrorheological effect and facilitates the reverse micelles’ dielectrophoretic separation, was suggested to be the main reason for the performance improvement. The proposed method is facile and effective which shows promising potential for fast response and low power consumption e-paper applications.
World’s largest dam removal reverses coastal erosion
Authors: Warrick Jonathan A. , Stevens Andrew W. , Miller Ian M. , Harrison Shawn R. , Ritchie Andrew C. , Gelfenbaum Guy
Published: September 2019

Coastal erosion outpaces land generation along many of the world’s deltas and a significant percentage of shorelines, and human-caused alterations to coastal sediment budgets can be important drivers of this erosion. For sediment-starved and erosion-prone coasts, large-scale enhancement of sediment supply may be an important, but poorly understood, management option. Here we provide new topographic measurements that show patterns and trends of beach accretion following the restoration of sediment supply from a massive dam removal project. River sediment was initially deposited in intertidal-to-subtidal deltaic lobes, and this sediment was reworked by ocean waves into subaerial river mouth bars over time scales of several months. These river mouth bars welded to the shoreline and then initiated waves of sediment accretion along adjacent upcoast and downcoast beaches. Although the downcoast shoreline has a high wave-angle setting, the sedimentation waves straightened the downcoast shoreline rather than forming self-organized quasi-periodic instabilities, which suggests that simple coastal evolution theory did not hold under these conditions. Combined with other mega-nourishment projects, these findings provide new understanding of littoral responses to the restoration of sediment supplies.
NADPH oxidase is the major source of placental superoxide in early pregnancy: association with MAPK pathway activation
Authors: Hernandez Isabelle , Fournier Thierry , Chissey Audrey , Therond Patrice , Slama Abdel , Beaudeux Jean-Louis , Zerrad-Saadi Amal
Published: September 2019

First-trimester placenta (<10 gestational weeks (GW)) develops in a low oxygen environment (≈2%). Early oxygen exposure can cause oxidative damage leading to pregnancy disorders. The aim of this work was to determine the major sources of placental superoxide during early pregnancy - more specifically before 10 GW - and to study redox adaptation to increased oxygen pressure after 12 GW. Our results show that NADPH oxidase (Nox) is the main source of superoxide in first-trimester chorionic villi. Its activity is higher before 10 GW and concomitant with the location on the syncytiotrophoblast apical pole of p47phox, the Nox organizer subunit. After the increase in pO2 pressure (12–14 GW), the activities of the antioxidant enzymes SOD1, catalase and GPX1 are increased. The redox-sensitive MAPK pathways show increased phosphorylated-p38 expression, but no variation in the phosphorylation of stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) during first trimester, suggesting a physiological redox adaptation, whilst ERK1/2 phosphorylation is higher after 12 GW. Nox is the major superoxide source in early pregnancy (<10 GW). Increased superoxide production at 7–9 GW is associated with p38 MAPK pathway activation, suggesting that it is involved in physiological placental function and healthy early development of the placenta, through MAPK pathways.
Semi-automatic instrumentation for nucleic acid extraction and purification to quantify pathogens on surfaces
Authors: Lee Won-Nyoung , Yoo Hyun Jin , Nguyen Kim Huyen , Baek Changyoon , Min Junhong
Published: September 2019

A semi-automated detection system compatible with PCR that can detect infectious pathogens on wide surfaces in a short time.
A dual-responsive colorimetric probe for the detection of Cu2+ and Ni2+ species in real water samples and human serum
Authors: Yin Guoxing , Yao Jingfeng , Hong Sai , Zhang Yinuo , Xiao Zhaohua , Yu Ting , Li Haitao , Yin Peng
Published: September 2019

The monitoring of heavy transition metals has increasingly attracted great attention because they pollute the environment and have unique physiological functions.
Corroles and corrole/transferrin nanoconjugates as candidates for sonodynamic therapy
Authors: Sharma Vinay Kumar , Mahammed Atif , Soll Matan , Tumanskii Boris , Gross Zeev
Published: September 2019

We report corroles as good agents for utilizing the otherwise harmless sonication of aqueous solutions as a tool for creating highly cytotoxic singlet oxygen, and demonstrate cancer cell killing via this approach.
Aggregation-enhanced emissive mechanofluorochromic carbazole-halogen positional isomers: tunable fluorescence via conformational polymorphism and crystallization-induced fluorescence switching
Authors: Gayathri Parthasarathy , Karthikeyan Subramanian , Pannipara Mehboobali , Al-Sehemi Abdullah G. , Moon Dohyun , Anthony Savarimuthu Philip
Published: September 2019

The conformational twist of the carbazole-halogen positional isomers produced blue and green polymorphs with tunable solid-state fluorescence and demonstrated mechanofluorochromism.
Electron–phonon scattering limited hole mobility at room temperature in a MoS2 monolayer: first-principles calculations
Authors: Guo Fei , Liu Zhe , Zhu Mingfeng , Zheng Yisong
Published: September 2019

Electron–phonon interaction matrix elements show that (a) valence band holes have stronger intervalley scattering than (b) conduction band electrons.
UV-promoted radical formation, and near-IR-induced and spontaneous conformational isomerization in monomeric 9-methylguanine isolated in low-temperature Ar matrices
Authors: Nowak Maciej J. , Reva Igor , Lopes Jesus A. J. , Lapinski Leszek , Fausto Rui
Published: September 2019

An H-atom detaches from UV-excited 9-methylguanine. Excitation with monochromatic near-IR light selectively transforms a chosen amino-hydroxy conformer (AH1 or AH2) into the other. The AH2 form spontaneously converts, via H-atom tunneling, into AH1.
Ruthenium(ii) and palladium(ii) homo- and heterobimetallic complexes: synthesis, crystal structures, theoretical calculations and biological studies
Authors: Askari Banafshe , Amiri Rudbari Hadi , Micale Nicola , Schirmeister Tanja , Efferth Thomas , Seo Ean-Jeong , Bruno Giuseppe , Schwickert Kevin
Published: September 2019

Four Ru–Pd heterobimetallic complexes, each one in two different coordination modes (NNSS and NS) were prepared of dialkyldithiooxamidate ligands. All stable NS complexes showed anti-proliferative activity.
High-performance conjugated polymer donor materials for polymer solar cells with narrow-bandgap nonfullerene acceptors
Authors: Cui Chaohua , Li Yongfang
Published: September 2019

The state-of-the-art conjugated polymer donor materials for high-performance polymer solar cells based on narrow-bandgap nonfullerene acceptors are summarized and discussed.
The impact of reduced red and processed meat consumption on cardiovascular risk factors; an intervention trial in healthy volunteers
Authors: Simpson Elizabeth J. , Clark Marie , Razak Azlina A. , Salter Andrew
Published: September 2019

Reductions in red meat intake lowered LDL in men, but may have unfavourable short term impact on blood cell numbers.
Multi-functional stretchable sensors based on a 3D-rGO wrinkled microarchitecture
Authors: Jia Jin , Huang Guotao , Wang Mingti , Lv Yuhuan , Chen Xiangyang , Deng Jianping , Pan Kai
Published: September 2019

A 3D-rGO wrinkled film with a graphene expansion structure and stretchable 3D-rGO bulge for application in multi-functional sensors is reported.
Electrochemical synthesis of perovskite LaFeO3 nanoparticle-modified TiO2 nanotube arrays for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Gong Cheng , Zhang Zeyang , Lin Sheng , Wu Zhi , Sun Lan , Ye Chenqing , Hu Yanling , Lin Changjian
Published: September 2019

LaFeO3/TiO2 NTAs was synthesized by an electrochemical method and exhibited enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity and excellent photochemical stability.
Sb2S3 solar cells: functional layer preparation and device performance
Authors: Wang Qian , Chen Zhu , Wang Jianyue , Xu Yinyan , Wei Yaping , Wei Yuhan , Qiu Longzhen , Lu Hongbo , Ding Yunsheng , Zhu Jun
Published: September 2019

This review focuses on Sb2S3 solar cell functional layers, including their preparation methodologies, morphologies, structures, and photovoltaic performance.
Investigations of the charge transfer phenomenon at the hybrid dye/BiVO4 interface under visible radiation
Authors: Ordon K. , Coste S. , Noel O. , El-Ghayoury A. , Ayadi A. , Kassiba A. , Makowska-Janusik M.
Published: September 2019

Photocatalytic hybrid systems were realized by associating bismuth vanadate nanostructured thin films with anchored organic dyes. The quantum chemical calculations and computer modelling may explain the charge transfer behaviour occurring in the hybrid systems.
Engineering an enhanced thrombin-based GLP-1 analog with long-lasting glucose-lowering and efficient weight reduction
Authors: Pan Hongchao , Xie Yini , Lu Wenying , Chen Yin , Lu Zhao , Zhen Jun , Wang Weiwei , Shang Anquan
Published: September 2019

Peptides are considered as potent therapeutic drugs primarily due to the exquisite potency and selectivity to targets.
Ion-selective binding as a new trigger for micellization of block copolyelectrolytes with two anionic blocks
Authors: Carl Nico , Prévost Sylvain , Schweins Ralf , Huber Klaus
Published: September 2019

Selective binding of Ca2+ cations to block copolyelectrolytes with two anionic blocks yields well-defined micelles.
Gynura divaricata ameliorates hepatic insulin resistance by modulating insulin signalling, maintaining glycolipid homeostasis and reducing inflammation in type 2 diabetic mice
Authors: Dong Xuan , Zhao Shu-Xiang , Xu Bing-Qing , Zhang Yu-Qing
Published: September 2019

Diabetes mellitus, one of the fastest growing epidemics worldwide, has become a serious health problem in modern society. Gynura divaricata (GD), an edible medicinal plant, has been shown to have hypoglycaemic effects. The molecular mechanisms by which GD improves hepatic insulin resistance (IR) in mice with type 2 diabetes (T2D) remain largely unknown. The aerial parts of GD were prepared in a lyophilized powder, which was added into the diet of T2D mice for 4 weeks. GD could result in an obvious decrease in fasting blood glucose and insulin levels in T2D mice. Meanwhile, the underlying mechanisms involved in the insulin-signalling pathway, glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and inflammatory reaction in the liver tissue were also investigated by western blot, which indicated that GD further ameliorated hepatic IR by activating the PI3K/p-AKT pathway, decreasing the levels of hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase and increasing the levels of glucokinase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ in the livers of T2D mice. GD has the potential to alleviate both hyperglycaemia and hepatic IR in T2D mice. Therefore, GD might be a promising functional food or medicine for T2D treatment.
To grow or not to grow: the dilemma of sustainability
Authors: Tartaglia Angelo
Published: September 2019

The premises and conclusions of the Science and the Future conference held in 2013 are the basis for this paper. I shall describe the changes occurred in the world since 2013 to present both on the positive and on the negative side, together with the failures to change, that will be discussed during the present conference. I shall especially point out the failure to address the contradiction between material growth and sustainability. The limit posed by the growing complexity of the global economy will be demonstrated, showing its implications for theungovernability of the system. I will stress the difficulty and urgency of a fully rational analysis and the discussion of some strongholds of the present social paradigm, which are intrinsically entangled with human and material unsustainability.
Production innovation and environmental protection in the management of rural landscapes: the UNESCO vineyard landscapes of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
Authors: Devecchi Marco
Published: September 2019

In Italy, the landscape appears more and more as the essential element of a sustainable economic development linked to environmental peculiarities and food excellence. In agriculture, the winning aspect of production is no longer measured, in fact, in merely “organoleptic” terms, but also through the issues of environmental protection and care and careful landscape management, as a cornerstone of quality and typical products. In this regard,production - in a broad sense related to wellbeing and leisure, as well as wine - absolutely needs places identifying it, since its value is intimately connected with the quality of the original rural landscapes. These landscapes - that still today represent an element of strong characterization of the single territorial realities - are those that denote a balanced intervention of man on the natural elements; they are those that offer a clear presence of historical signs and legible links between structure and land use. In recent years, agriculture appears to be increasingly responsible for carrying out a plurality of functions, in addition to the acknowledged traditional ones. The maintenance of the hydrogeological structure, the preservation of landscapes with significanthistorical-cultural values, and the maintenance of biodiversity are all the more important. In this perspective,farmers can certainly contribute to conserving and effectively producing high quality landscapes, through a careful “care” of the land in which they work, so as to maintain and strengthen the characteristics of formal quality and historical identity, by avoiding scrupulously useless compromises. A case study of great interest to verify the concreteness and general applicability of this type of reasoning is represented in Piedmont by the territories of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2014, where there are interesting research and experimentation activities in the fields of agricultural sustainability and territorial planning.
The ecological use of digital data
Authors: Jarre Pietro
Published: September 2019

Sloweb promotes the fight against the consumeristic use of digital data, and an ecological approach to the use of digital data, particularly in the fields of private, personal data, stories and memories, but not limited to these areas.
Solar energy, wind energy and storage for the electricity grid of today and tomorrow
Authors: Spertino Filippo , Ciocia Alessandro
Published: September 2019

Photovoltaic (PV) generators and wind turbines (WT) are, nowadays, the most used technologies for power generation. This paper has the primary objective to explain the reasons of this success, in the present and in the future. Secondly, in this paper, an estimation of PV-WT percentage share of the electrical consumption is provided, according to a case study of power generation in southern Italy. The simulation results demonstrate that the PV-WT share can exceed the 40% threshold, considering about 10% of the national consumption located in a region where sun shines and wind blows generously.
Characterization of Torrefied Biomass from Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) Bagasse Blended with Semirara Coal
Authors: Lomeda-De Mesa Rose Ann P. , Soriano Allan N. , Marquez Ariziel Ruth D. , Adornado Adonis P.
Published: September 2019

Utilizing and improving the quality of Philippine indigenous coal is getting more important in order to sustain the country’s high dependence on coal over the next 10 years and to keep up with the country’s growing energy demands. Also, environmental problems and negative impacts of agricultural wastes are drawing more and more attention since the quantity of agricultural wastes has been rising rapidly all over the world. In the Philippines, sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) bagasse has been identified as one of the significant contributor to the country’s biomass energy resource. Hence, in this study, coal blending technique has adopted as a proper approach to improve the quality of indigenous coal reserves while concurrently reducing and reusing agricultural wastes. This paper aimed to establish recommended blending ratios for Semirara coal, a sub-bituminous type of coal from Semirara Island in the province of Antique, Philippines and sugarcane (S. officinarum) bagasse. Proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, and calorific value were determined to characterize and understand the physical conditions and coal properties during combustion. Results showed that blending torrefied sugarcane (S. officinarum) bagasse with Semirara coal would generally improve its quality in terms of its combustion properties thereby making these combinations of coal and biomass advantageous.
Development of Environmentally Friendly Brake Lining Material
Authors: Atmika I K. Adi , Subagia IDG. Ary , Surata IW. , Sutantra IN.
Published: September 2019

Materials commonly used as brake pads are asbestos and alloys, but this material is very dangerous to the environment and health. This research was developed to answer these problems, namely to look for alternative brake pads that have good mechanical and structural properties and are environmentally friendly. Brake lining pads material is made from hybrid composite reinforced basalt, shells, alumina and bound using phenolic resin polymer (PR-51510i). This brake pads material is produced through a sintering process with an emphasis of 2000 kg for 30 minutes at a fixed temperature of 160°C. This hybrid composite is made in as many as five variations, each of which is tested for wear resistance using a pin on disc test based on ASTM G 99-95a standards, while destilled water absorption test was based on ASTM D 570-98. The greatest wear rate is 0.000090 g/cm, which is still lower than wear rate of asbestos brake pad materials, and the highest destilled water absorption of the brake pads specimens obtained was 0.041558 still lower than the destilled water absorption of asbestos brake pads.
A study of multilayer nanostructures [(Co45Fe45Zr10)35(Al2O3)65/a-Si:H]100 and [(Co45Fe45Zr10)35(Al2O3)65/a-Si]120 by means of XRD, XRR, IR spectroscopy, and USXES
Authors: Yurakov Yury A. , Peshkov Yaroslav A. , Domashevskaya Evelina P. , Terekhov Vladimir A. , Barkov Konstantin A. , Lukin Anatoly N. , Sitnikov Alexander V.
Published: September 2019

Interatomic interactions and superstructures of multilayer nanostructures (MLNS) consisting of ferromagnetic composite layers and silicon interlayers with or without hydrogen are studied here by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray reflectivity (XRR), IR spectroscopy, and ultra-soft X-ray emission spectroscopy (USXES). The MLNS [(Co45Fe45Zr10)35(Al2O3)65/a-Si:H]100 and [(Co45Fe45Zr10)35(Al2O3)65/a-Si]120 were deposited on the substrate Si(100) by ion-beam sputtering of two targets, where the first target was a plate of Co45Fe45Zr10 alloy with Al2O3 inserts, and the second target was a single-crystal silicon. Our results show that the iron (FeSi2) and cobalt (CoSi, CoSi2) silicides are formed at the interfaces of the composite metal-containing layer/silicon interlayer. It is demonstrated that the metal clusters of composite layers and interface silicides are partially oxidized to form iron, cobalt, and silicon oxides together with zirconium silicate. Due to the formation of silicides at the interfaces, the composition of MLNS superstructures becomes more complex, and their periods are significantly reduced (down to 5–6 nm) compared to the nominal values of bilayers of about 6.9 nm.
Morphology-dependent electromagnetic wave absorbing properties of iron-based absorbers: one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional classification
Authors: Zhao Zehao , Jia Zirui , Wu Hongjing , Gao Zhenguo , Zhang Yi , Kou Kaichang , Huang Zhengyong , Feng Ailing , Wu Guanglei
Published: September 2019

Owing to the fast development of wireless techniques at the high-frequency range, the electromagnetic interference problem has been of increasing significance and attracting global attention. It is urgent to develop efficient microwave absorbing materials to attenuate the harmful electromagnetic wave. Iron and Fe-based composites are advantageous in the low-cost and attractive magnetic properties, so they have been widely studied in microwave absorption. This review focuses on the latest advances in nanostructured Fe-based materials including nanostructured iron, Fe/C (carbon nanotubes, nanofibers, nanocapsules, etc.), Fe/semiconductor (TiO2, MnO2, ZnO, SiO2, MoS2, etc.), Fe/polymer (polyaniline and polypyrrole), FeCo alloy, etc. However, most of these Fe-based materials suffer from the poor impedance matching and oxidation, which seriously impede their implementation as high-performance microwave absorbing materials. In this review, the main synthesis and modification methods, as well as the practical performance of Fe-based microwave absorbing materials are discussed. Moreover, challenges and perspectives of Fe-based composites for further development in microwave absorbing materials are proposed.
Wie ernähren wir uns eigentlich?
Authors: Büssing Arndt
Published: September 2019

Was essen Sie eigentlich, wenn Sie nach Hause kommen? Oder während der Arbeitszeit? Oder am Morgen? – Achten Sie bewusst auf das, was Sie essen oder wo Ihr Essen herkommt, unter welchen Bedingungen es produziert und transportiert wurde?
Fortgeschrittenes Pankreaskarzinom: Hoch-intensiver fokussierter Ultraschall (HIFU) und andere lokal ablative Verfahren
Authors: Marinova Milka , Wilhelm-Buchstab Timo , Strunk Holger
Published: September 2019

Hintergrund Das lokal fortgeschrittene Pankreaskarzinom ist ein lebenslimitierender Tumor mit einer Vielzahl von Symptomen, u. a. Tumorschmerz. Lokal ablative Verfahren, die thermische oder auch nichtthermische Techniken anwenden, können als moderne Therapieoptionen zur Tumorkontrolle und symptomatischen Verbesserung eingesetzt werden. Dieser Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die derzeit verfügbaren Behandlungsverfahren und -ergebnisse, einschließlich unserer eigenen Erfahrungen mit dem hoch-intensiven fokussierten Ultraschall (HIFU).

Methode Unsere Erfahrungen mit der HIFU-Therapie beim Pankreaskarzinom basieren auf 89 Patienten (UICC III-IV). Neben den HIFU-Ergebnissen wurden Ergebnisse zur lokalen Tumorkontrolle, Sicherheit sowie Mortalität und behandlungsabhängigen Veränderung von Symptomen aus publizierten Studien zur Radiofrequenz-, Mikrowellen- und Kryoablation, irreversiblen Elektroporation und stereotaktischen Strahlentherapie einbezogen.

Ergebnisse Obwohl die unterschiedlichen Modalitäten überwiegend sicher durchführbar sind, bietet der HIFU mit seiner Nicht-Invasivität einen entscheidenden methodischen Vorteil. Mit HIFU konnte bei 85% der Patienten eine effektive und lang anhaltende Schmerzlinderung erreicht werden; bei 50% war nach 6 Wochen keinerlei analgetische Medikation erforderlich. Leider sind Schmerzlinderung und Lebensqualität bei den anderen lokalen Behandlungsmethoden nur selten untersucht. Eine Tumormassenreduktion konnte mit allen ablativen Therapien erreicht werden, wobei diese 6 Monate nach HIFU im Mittel bei 60% lag. Unterschiede in der behandlungsassoziierten Morbidität wurden berichtet, sind jedoch aufgrund der unausgewogenen Studienpopulationen nur eingeschränkt vergleichbar.

Schlussfolgerung Eine Vielzahl an lokal ablativen Behandlungsmodalitäten sind zur Tumormassenreduktion beim fortgeschrittenen Pankreaskarzinom verfügbar, bieten aber unterschiedlichen symptomatischen Nutzen. Eine effektive und lang anhaltende Reduktion von Tumorschmerzen ohne Einführen von Nadeln oder Elektroden in den Tumorbereich bietet ausschließlich das HIFU-Verfahren. Randomisierte, kontrollierte klinische Studien zum direkten Vergleich der hier vorgestellten Modalitäten sind in der näheren Zukunft zu befürworten.
The Relative Location of the Dye Staining Endpoint Indicated With Polypropylene Glycol-Based Caries Dye versus Conventional Propylene Glycol-Based Caries Dye
Authors: Boston Daniel W , Jefferies Steven R , Gaughan John P
Published: September 2019

Objectives: This study determined the difference in the location of the caries dye staining endpoint of 1% Acid Red dye in propylene glycol versus that of 1% Acid Red dye in polypropylene glycol.

Methods: Freshly extracted permanent molar crowns with primary occlusal carious lesions were chisel-split axially to expose the lesion in cross-section on both halves. One half was stained with propylene glycol-based dye and the other with polypropylene glycol-based dye. For the control group, both halves were stained with propylene glycol-based dye. The dye staining front was marked on digital images of the stained split surfaces, and the images were aligned using reference notches. The distance between the marked staining front lines was measured in five locations, and the measurement protocol was repeated. Weighted averages and a 95% confidence interval for the distance between marked staining front lines were calculated for the control and experimental groups.

Results: The weighted average distance for the experimental group (0.298 mm, 95% confidence interval 0.240 mm -0.357 mm) was about four times that of the control group (0.070 mm, 95% confidence interval 0.051 mm - 0.089 mm). Generally, the marked staining line for the polypropylene glycol-based dye specimens was located shallow (occlusal) to the propylene glycol-based staining line (range -0.12 mm to 0.66 mm).

Conclusions: The staining endpoint of 1% Acid Red dye in polypropylene glycol is shallower than that of 1% Acid Red dye in propylene glycol. The method is useful for comparing staining endpoints of caries dye formulations. (Eur J Dent 2008;2:29-36)
Intraoral Repair of All Ceramic Fixed Partial Denture Utilizing Preimpregnated
Fiber Reinforced Composite
Authors: Turkaslan Süha , Tezvergil-Mutluay Arzu
Published: September 2019

All ceramic fixed partial dentures (FPD)s exhibit enhanced biocompatibility and esthetics as compared to metal-ceramic restorations. However, framework fractures are frequently reported especially when the connector dimensions are inadequate to withstand the high tensile stresses. The repair of the failed connector would be desirable rather than the complete removal and renewal since the latter is an expensive and time consuming procedure. Furthermore, the replacement or removal of the restoration for extra-oral repair purposes might increase the risk of destroying the entire restoration or damaging the abutment teeth during the removal. This article presents a direct intra-oral method that may be used to repair the connector fractures of all-ceramic FPDs which are otherwise clinically satisfactory. In the present technique, the connector is reconstructed intraorally utilizing composite resin restorative material reinforced with E-glass-fiber. (Eur J Dent 2008;2:63-68)
Effects of Different Light Curing Units/Modes on the Microleakage of Flowable Composite Resins
Authors: Yazici A. Ruya , Celik Cigdem , Dayangac Berrin , Ozgunaltay Gul
Published: September 2019

Objectives: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of different light curing
units and modes on microleakage of flowable composite resins.

Methods: Eighty Class V cavities were prepared in buccal and lingual surfaces of 40 extracted human premolars with cervical wall located in dentin and the occlusal wall in enamel. These teeth were randomly assigned into two groups (n=20) and restored with different flowable composites; Group I: Esthet-X Flow, Group II: Grandio Flow. Each group was randomly divided into four subgroups; while the samples of the first subgroup were polymerized with conventional Halogen light, the rest of them were polymerized with different curing modes of Light Emitting Diode (LED). The second subgroup was polymerized with fast-curing; the third subgroup with pulse-curing and those of the fourth subgroup with step-curing modes of LED. After the samples were thermocycled and immersed in dye, they were longitudinally sectioned. Dye penetration was assessed under a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results: None of the restorations showed leakage on enamel margins. On dentin margins no significant differences were observed between flowable composite resins polymerized with halogen light (P>.05). While step curing mode of LED presented significant differences between the resins, the difference was insignificant when fast-curing and pulse-curing mode of LED were used. No statistically significant differences were observed between curing units for Esthet-X Flow samples. For Grandio Flow samples, only step-curing mode of LED caused statistically higher leakage scores than halogen and other curing modes of LED (P<.05).

Conclusions: The effect of curing units� type and curing mode on flowable composite resin leakage might be material-dependent. (Eur J Dent 2008;2:240-246)
Prevalence of Torus Palatinus in Cappadocia Region Population of Turkey
Authors: Sisman Yildiray , Ertas Elif Tarim , Gokce Cumali , Akgunlu Faruk
Published: September 2019

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence, size, shape and location of the torus palatinus (TP) in dental outpatients in Cappadocia region of Turkey and to investigate the relationship between the findings in relation to age and gender.

Methods: The present study included 2660 patients, who attended the Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology in the Faculty of Dentistry at Erciyes University for their dental problems between December 2005 and May 2007. The presence or absence of TP was examined by clinical inspection and palpation.

Results: The prevalence of TP in our large sample was low (4.1%) in comparison to other Turkish population. It was found to be significantly higher (P<.001) in females (5.7%) than in males (1.8%). Most TP were found in flat shape (62.7%), smaller than 2 cm (75.4%) and located at premolar-molar region (66.4%).

Conclusions: This study indicated that the prevalence of TP in Turkish population was low. Our results showed a significant relationship between the occurrence of TP and gender. According to the literature, it was firstly showed that flat TP was the most common type in our large population. (Eur J Dent 2008;2:269-275)
Self-Inflicted Gingival Injury Due to Habitual Fingernail Scratching: A Case Report with a 1-Year Follow Up
Authors: Dilsiz Alparslan , Aydin Tugba
Published: September 2019

Injuries to oral soft-tissues can occur due to accidental, iatrogenic, and factitious traumas. Traumatic lesions, whether chemical, physical, or thermal in nature, are among the most common in the mouth. A type of physical injury to the gingival tissues is self-inflicted. Sometimes the lesions are termed gingivitis artefacta. Self-inflicted gingival injuries in children and adolescents can occur as a result of accidental trauma, premeditated infliction, or chronic habits such as fingernail biting, digit sucking, or sucking on objects such as pens, pencils or pacifiers. The purpose of this case report was to illustrate the destructive nature of the habit and to describe the successful treatment of this case. A 14-year-old girl with moderate pain, gingival bleeding and recession in the anterior mandibulary region was admitted to periodontology clinic. Upon questioning, the patient readily admitted traumatizing her gingiva with her fingernail. Treatment consisted of oral hygiene instruction, mechanical debridement, psychological support and surgical periodontal treatment. Postoperatively, complete root coverage, gains in clinical attachment levels, and highly significant increases in the width of keratinized gingiva were observed. This case report shows that it is possible to treat gingival injury and maintain the periodontal health of a patient with destructive habit. Patient compliance, regular dental follow-ups, and psychological support may be useful in stabilizing the periodontal condition of these patients. Dentists must be aware that self-inflicted gingival injury, although thought to be uncommon, is quite widespread. (Eur J Dent 2009;3:150-155)
Cytotoxicity of Mouthrinses on Epithelial Cells by Micronucleus Test
Authors: Erdemir Ebru Olgun , Şengün Abdulkadir , Ülker Mustafa
Published: September 2019

Objectives: To determine the cytotoxicity of three commercial mouthrinses Klorhex, Andorex and Tanflex on buccal epithelial cells using micronucleus (MN) test.

Materials and Methods: 28 patients with aged 16-24 undergone three mouthrinses’ application were analyzed before and after one week exposure. Physiologic saline was used for the control group. The MN incidence was scored in the buccal epithelial of each participants. The difference in pre- and posttreatment after one week incidence of MN and plaque (PI) and gingival indices (GI) was compared by non-parametric statistical tests.

Results: The micronuclei incidence increased in Klorhex, Tanflex and Andorex groups after exposure to mouth rinses (P<.05). But when compared with the control group, there was not any difference between Andorex and control group (P>.05). In the other study groups, MN incidence was significantly increased after 7 days treatment (P<.05). GI scores of all groups were decreased significantly (P<.05). PI scores were decreased only in the Klorhex group (P<.05).

Conclusions: Our primary findings support the presence of possible cytotoxic effects of the mouthrinses on gingival epithelial cells. (Eur J Dent 2007;2:80-85)
Rapunzel syndrome – A rare form of trichobezoar: A case report
Authors: L. Thayumanavan , K. Rajkumar , M. Kennan
Published: September 2019

Hair ball in the GI tract is called trichobezoar and the Rapunzel syndrome is a very rare form of trichobezoar found in patients with psychiatric illness in whom the ingested hair extends from the stomach into the small intestine. Trichotillomania (hair pulling) and trichophagia (chewing of hair) are intrinsic to the development of Rapunzel syndrome. A small number of patients have been reported in whom the gastric trichobezoar has a long tail and extends throughout the small bowel to the cecum. This condition, known as the Rapunzel syndrome, occurs almost exclusively in young girls. We report a case Rapunzel syndrome who presented with history of upper GI obstruction and weight loss. Upper GI endoscopy revealed a large trichobezoar occupying fundus of stomach extending along the whole stomach into duodenum beyond its 3rd part. It was treated successfully with surgery followed by psychiatric consultation. We will review the literature on the subject as well. (J Dig Endosc 2013;4(1):19–21)
Edge turbulence evolution and intermittency development near the density limit on the HL-2A tokamak
Authors: Wang L. , Tynan G. R. , Hong R. , Nie L. , Chen Y. , Ke R. , Wu T. , Long T. , Zheng P. , Xu M. ,   HL-2A Team
Published: September 2019

The development of intermittent non-Gaussian processes is studied in the edge turbulence of ohmically heated HL-2A discharges approaching the density limit. As the density limit is approached, the E×B shear flow at the last closed flux surface (LCFS) weakens, a strong positive skewness develops in the scrape-off layer (SOL), and negative skewness develops inside the LCFS of turbulent density fluctuations. A conditional averaging analysis confirms more frequent increased amplitude positive (negative) going density fluctuation activity in the SOL (inside the LCFS) as the density limit is approached. The measured turbulent stress across the edge, LCFS, and SOL region is decomposed into diffusive and residual stress components, and the nonlinear exchange of kinetic energy between the turbulence and the low-frequency E×B shear flow is determined. Residual stress acts to amplify the E×B flow at the LCFS, while the diffusive stress acts to dissipate the flow just inside this region, at the interface between the core plasma and the LCFS. The relative strength of the flow drive associated with the residual stress weakens as the density limit is approached, while the turbulent viscosity associated with the diffusive stress increases at high density. The adiabatic parameter, kz2vth2/ωνe, drops significantly to about 0.5 in the SOL when the density limit is approached, indicating a transition from the adiabatic regime to the hydrodynamic regime due to increased collisionality. Such changes enhance the particle transport through the nonadiabatic electron response and hence should result in a stronger edge cooling at fixed edge plasma heat flux.
Study of TaN and TaN-Ta-TaN thin films as diffusion barriers in CeFe4Sb12 skutterudite
Authors: Boulat L. , Viennois R. , Oliviero E. , Dadras M. , Fréty N.
Published: September 2019

The efficiency of thermoelectric devices depends on phase stability of layers constituting the device. TaN and TaN-Ta-TaN thin films, 900 nm thick, were investigated as diffusion barriers for the CeFe4Sb12 thermoelectric substrate in contact with the Cu electrode. It is shown that Sb diffuses through the TaN layer when the sample is heated above 400 °C. Multilayer TaN-Ta-TaN acts as the diffusion barrier for Sb and is efficient up to 500 °C. When diffusion of Sb occurs above 400 °C for TaN and above 500 °C for TaN-Ta-TaN, the formation of FeSb2 and Cu2Sb precipitates was identified by XRD and TEM/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.