bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Clinical Multicenter Study of Orofacial Features in 26 Brazilian Patients with Different Types of Mucopolysaccharidosis
Authors: Ribeiro Erlane Marques , Fonteles Cristiane S.R. , Freitas Adriana Bezerra , Da Silva Alves Karla Shangela , Monteiro André Jalles , Bruno Da Silva Carlos Antônio
Published: June 2014

Purpose

This study aimed to describe the orofacial features of 26 unrelated Brazilian patients with mucopolysaccharidosis and to verify any possible associations between these findings and specific types of mucopolysaccharidosis.

Methods

Patients were diagnosed with mucopolysaccharidosis and clinically evaluated. Following consent, a clinical assessment form was completed. Facial and intraoral examination was performed by evaluating facial pattern, malocclusions, dental caries, and tooth identification.

Results

Midface deficiency, increased lower facial third, anterior open bite, convex profile, macroglossia, gingival enlargement, and spaced arches were the most frequently observed features. These findings did not allow a differential diagnosis among the different types of mucopolysaccharidosis, except for pitting enamel, which significantly associated with mucopolysaccharidosis IVA ( P < .001). Open bite was associated with mucopolysaccharidosis types I, II, III, and VI; however, only one patient with mucopolysaccharidosis IVA expressed this feature ( P = .043).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that pitted enamel in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis is most likely a feature of mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA; whereas, open bite is rarely observed in these patients. Orofacial features in mucopolysaccharidosis may help pediatric dentists recognize this disorder and minimize the delay between the initial signs/symptoms and diagnosis of the disease. Future studies should focus on the longitudinal manifestations, expression, and severity of mucopolysaccharidosis-associated orofacial anomalies.
Growth of biomimetic films – influences of polymer topography and phase structure
Authors: Lackner Juergen M. , Gümüş Serap , Polat Seyda , Major Lukasz , Waldhauser Wolfgang
Published: June 2014

The current work explains the influence of the polymer substrate on the topography formation of nano-wrinkled thin titanium films. Similar to the biomimetic antetype of human skin, this wrinkling phenomenon increases the elastic deformability of hard materials under tensile loading by flattening the wrinkled waves before high tensile stresses occur. Low energetic plasma deposition in direct current magnetron sputtering leads to smoother films with equiaxed domed wrinkle topography without a distinct preferred orientation on polymers (polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane). These domes are at least one order of magnitude larger than the commonly found topography on stiff silicon and correlates to the size of crystalline spherulites and segments in the applied semi- and pseudo-crystalline polymers. High energetic plasma deposition in pulsed laser deposition results in denser films with stretching of wrinkles. Higher intrinsic stresses require for relaxation deformation of deeper regions of the polymer below the surface. Because the width of these sinusoidal wrinkles is quite similar to sputtered films and the preferred stretching orientation correlates to the main direction of the polymer chains, the change in the wrinkle shape can only be explained by stress relaxation due to mechanical anisotropy by extrusion-based manufacturing.
Advances in techniques and technologies for bone implants
Authors: Munro Natasha H. , McGrath Kathryn M.
Published: June 2014

Materials which can augment and repair the function of damaged bone are required. Metals, ceramics and plastics have been widely used as artificial bone implants, although their material properties are not optimally matched to those of the native bone tissue. New materials, and methods of production, are being extensively investigated to overcome the limitations of the current implants. In this review, we give an oversight into the current materials used and their limitations followed by an analysis of the new types of materials and techniques which are under development. The groups of materials covered specifically include new metals and metal alloys which are potentially more biocompatible, porous metal foams which mimic the structure of spongy bone and advanced composites which incorporate the properties of multiple materials within one implant. The use of additive manufacturing techniques is also discussed as these techniques allow for the tailoring of the physical properties of the implant and the production of customisable implants.
Dynamic nanomechanical behaviour of healthy and OI human cortical bone
Authors: Gu Chunju , Katti Dinesh R. , Katti Kalpana S.
Published: June 2014

Viscoelasticity of bone has been of interest for many years because this time-dependent mechanical property relates to the fracture risk of bone under dynamic loading. Several factors have been claimed to contribute to this property including the nature of different constituents of bone and their interactions, as well as moisture content. In the present study, intact normal human cortical bone was demineralised, and molecular structures were identified using infrared spectroscopy. Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) human cortical bone was also selected for comparison because OI bone has severe defects in collagen molecules, while its mineral phase is almost identical to that of normal bone. The dynamic nanomechanical behaviours of the intact, demineralised and OI human cortical bone specimens were examined using dynamic nanoindentation. Loss tangent, tan δ, was considered as a measure of the degree of the viscoelastic response. Variable dynamic load tests show that the viscoelastic responses of all bone specimens increase with frequency. With demineralisation, bone specimens show greater viscoelastic response than intact specimens. OI bone shows similar viscoelastic response as normal bone. Results suggest that the viscoelasticity of bone is mostly attributable to the mineral phase. The present study adds to the understanding of the viscoelastic response of bone material. In addition, the dynamic mechanical properties of OI bone are firstly reported here.
A specific setup to study hydration and dehydration of COx argillite at applied stresses
Authors: Yang D. , Chanchole S. , Gharbi H.
Published: June 2014

This article presents a specific experimental setup to study the hydration and dehydration of Callovo-Oxfordian (COx) argillite, which is considered as a possible host rock formation for radioactive nuclear waste at great depth in France. Argillite will swell during hydration and contract during dehydration, which is a key geotechnical process during the excavation and open-drift stages of a nuclear waste repository. Studies show that the partially saturated properties of argillite depend strongly on both water content and mechanical loading. In order to study the coupled hydro-mechanical behaviour of COx argillite, a specific experimental setup was developed. This new system can be used to carry out hydration and dehydration tests under controlled mechanical loading. The developed setup continuously records not only relative humidity, stress and deformation, but also the sample weight. Hydration and dehydration testing carried out on COx argillite confirms the performance of the specific setup.
Successful Application of Deepwater Dual Gradient Drilling
Authors: Ziegler Robert , Ashley Paul , Malt Roar Fredrik , Stave Roger , Toftevåg Kjell Rune
Published: June 2014

A world first "Controlled Annular Mud Level" type Dual Gradient Drilling (DGD) system was successfully applied on an ultra-deepwater well drilled in May - July 2012.

Water depth was 2260m and the formation was generally carbonates with potential for severe or total losses. DGD was applied to prevent losses from occurring. Dynamic circulation pressure effects were eliminated. The DGD topside system was rigged up offline and when running the riser, the DGD pump was launched and attached to the riser for the last 400m. During drilling of the 17 ½" hole section, a Dual Gradient mud weight was selected and the riser level was maintained between 150 and 200m below flow line most of the time. On connections the riser level was kept unchanged. The level was decided according to PWD Readings. On several occasions it was demonstrated that lowering the riser level increased ROP whilst raising it again decreased ROP in hard rock.

In the 12 ¼" hole section, drilled to well TD, the same approach was taken, but here the riser level was raised 50 m (approximately 75 psi) on connections to account for some of the reduced bottom hole pressure when shutting down the rig mud pumps. In this section some gas bearing formations were penetrated with a reduced riser level. No gas at all was seen in the riser top.

During drilling of the reservoir and surrounding formations, no losses were seen and the hole was in good condition with no indication of fill or drag.

The paper will present the technology applied and analyze the results achieved on this well.
Monitoring the Environmental Impact of Offshore E&P Discharges Through Innovative Techniques
Authors: Alboussière Marie-Charlotte , Kampala Benjamin , Galgani François , Canovas Sophie , Michel Cédric , Cazes Laurent
Published: June 2014

Accurate environmental impact assessment and reliable monitoring of the ecosystems exposed to drilling and produced water discharges are key for offshore Exploration and Production (E&P) industry. The ability to determine and manage effects discharges are having on the surrounding environment is an integral dimension of local authorities’ decision-making and maintaining of the license to operate. Investing efforts in improved monitoring methods around offshore sites can then help address this issue and develop a better understanding of the impact evolution over space and time.

In this framework, a thorough field survey was carried out in 2010 in around an offshore installation 200 meter water depth. It included four innovative environmental monitoring techniques additionally to conventional ones. Foraminiferal assessment, biomarker analysis, passive samplers, ecotoxicological tests were all performed on the same site together with conventional analyses. The present study consolidates the results of the multi-parameter environmental diagnosis performed and offers a comparative assessment of the new monitoring methods, their added value and limiting factors. For example, passive samplers have been shown to be a valuable alternative to conventional water analyses since they report hydrocarbon to very low concentration. Foraminifera integrate any environment perturbation with a short response time and may provide an alternative solution for Arctic seas where benthic macrofauna is expected to be in low abundance. Taken together, historical environmental data of the site and information from recent field survey supplemented with innovative monitoring results have permitted to improve understanding of the change in space and time of the ecosystem quality around the offshore facilities.

Investing in improving monitoring methods yields greater understanding of environmental impact and provides benefits in terms of sensitivity, cost-effectiveness and spatial coverage. It offers a useful management support to take consistent mitigation measures and raise the level of performance of the offshore E&P industry.
Environmental Risk Analysis in Permitting Process of Oil & Gas Activities in Brazil
Authors: Azevedo Gabriela , Pellegrini Julio , Santos Ana , Santos Natalia , Moreira Adriana , Schaffel Silvia
Published: June 2014

In Brazil, Offshore Oil & Gas Exploration and Production activities have to be submitted to an environmental permitting process. The Environmental Agency of Brazil - IBAMA - responsible for this process, adopted, in 2009, the Environmental Risk Analysis (ERA) in the studies that undertakes the license grant. In order to meet these new requirements, a multidisciplinary team composed by biologists, oceanographers, engineers as well as risk assessment, modeling and GIS experts have developed studies based on the interpretation of the IBAMA’s requests. The ERA methodology relies on three main steps: calculus of operational risk; results from numerical oil modeling; identification of Components with Environmental Value (CEV), with their Recovery Period and probability of particular CEV being reached by an oil volume range. By integrating these types of analyzes is possible to calculate the environmental risk for each volume range and each seasonal scenario. The joining of these areas provide the necessary information for the environmental risk assessment approach, which will lead to the tolerability index, that is the goal of the ERA study. Despite the uncertainties involved in this process, mainly in terms of previous information of these three areas (i. e. recovery period and baseline studies, specific failure rates data basis, etc.) which should be minimized by considering a better relationship between operators, consultants and public agencies to achieve results closer of the reality. Finally, the ERA consists of an innovative methodology for oil and gas permitting in Brazil. But more than a new methodology, it is a more comprehensive analysis and advanced tool to support the studies, since it integrates three important areas of the studies within a single indicator (tolerability index), which simplifies the process of assessing the viability and risks of a proposed offshore Oil & Gas project.
Solids Control Device Optimised For Proper Occupational Hygiene
Authors: Larsson Andreas , Blikra Harald , Florvaag Magnus , Vasshus Jan Kristian , Malmin Arne , Grelland Tore , Stokknes Arne , Saasen Arild
Published: June 2014

To obtain acceptable working environment in the shaker room has been a long lasting challenge. A new solids control system based on a vacuum conveyer system (VCS) has been developed to meet this challenge. The VCS uses a slowly rotating screen. Instead of using high gravity forces as being done on conventional shale shakers, the VCS uses a horizontally vibrating screen with a pressure difference to separate drilling waste from the drilling fluid. The use of this technology has several benefits. The absence of the high G collision forces reduces degradation of cuttings sizes and thereby reduces the fluid on cuttings. The VCS has a self cleaning device preventing blinding of the screen. The solids control system is built into an enclosed cabinet eliminating hydrocarbon mist and vapour. Furthermore, the system significantly reduces vibrations in the shaker room.

The current paper outlines the VCS performance on the first series of regular applications on the jack-up drilling rig Maersk Giant. The improved occupational hygiene conditions are verified along with proper solids control performance.
New Insights into the Mechanism of Mobility Reduction by Associative Type Copolymers
Authors: Reichenbach-Klinke Roland , Stavland Arne , Langlotz Björn , Wenzke Benjamin , Brodt Gregor
Published: June 2014

New thickeners based on associative properties and their application in enhanced oil recovery are discussed. The new thickeners are anionic, water-soluble, hydrophobically modified copolymers.

The rheological properties as well as the flow properties in porous media have been evaluated. In bulk the polymer viscosity is shear thinning and the viscosity vs. shear rate profile is comparable with other synthetic EOR polymers. For most of the other tested parameters, the new thickeners differ from what is assumed as the standard properties for EOR polymers. The relative viscosity increases by increasing the temperature, especially at low shear rates. The core flood experiments revealed a significant mobility reduction in sandstone cores, both at ambient and elevated temperature. The mobility reduction demonstrated strongly shear thinning behavior. For standard EOR polymers the main contribution to the mobility reduction and improved mobility ratio is the polymer viscosity, while for the new thickeners the mobility reduction seems to be dominated by reversible polymer retention that is lowering the permeability. Post water injection resulted in low permeability reduction. However, the time to regain the permeability was significant.

Flood experiments with the associative polymer in Bentheim sandstone cores showed significantly increased oil production. The incremental oil recovery was interpreted by the capillary number which due to the high mobility reduction exceeded the critical capillary number. Because of the high mobility reduction a further increase in oil production would have been possible by only slight reduction of the oil-water interfacial tension by addition of small amounts of a surfactant. Moreover the new associative polymer seems to be more shear stable than other synthetic EOR polymers.
Reducing Brownfield Development Costs via Improved Drilling Practice and Enhanced Understanding of Wellbore Instability in Weak Formations
Authors: Stevenson N. , Kvevik G. , Mañalac E. , Persson C. , Dorr J.
Published: June 2014

The combination of geological risk evaluation and enhanced drilling practice recently increased the efficiency of drilling and completion of a reservoir section on the Snorre field. This resulted in increased reservoir exposure and cost savings (5m $), and was achieved without requiring expensive, or complex, new technology.

Experience and data acquisition over many years in the nearby mature Statfjord Field have led to the development of best practice procedures and methods to increase the success of drilling and completion operations. The implementation of similar methodology in the Snorre Field has been successful, and the results will be described in detail in this paper.

Wellbore stability in the Snorre reservoir has been challenging since field development commenced in 1990. Wellbore sidetracks due to collapse of incohesive formation occurred, particularly in inter-bedded fluvial sand and weak paleosol sequences of the Statfjord Group.

A multi-disciplinary analysis was performed of historical wellbore stability incidents spanning well planning, drilling practice, drilling fluids, rock mechanics and geology. From the analysis revised well planning guidelines, drilling practice, BHA design, data acquisition and wellsite geology practices were recommended and adopted.

The recommendations of this work were first applied successfully on the Snorre field to the drilling of well A in 2012. The 8½" section of the well was drilled without sidetrack, to greater length, at higher inclination and in less time than recent wells through the same formation. Significant sections of incohesive paleosol were exposed during drilling, but presented only minor problems. A 7" liner was run to TD and the wellbore cemented successfully.

The introduction of new drilling practice in the Snorre Field, and its impact on wellbore stability, through change management and detailed risk assessment of individual well operations contributed strongly to the successful outcome. Additionally, selection of an appropriate BHA enabled enhanced understanding of borehole conditions.
Population and individual variability of the leafing phenophase of pedunculate oak in three successive years
Authors: Batos Branislava , Ninic-Todorovic Jelena , Miljkovic Danijela
Published: June 2014

The leafing phenophase of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) was analyzed at
two locations in Belgrade (Ada Ciganlija - ?AC?, Bojcinska suma - ?BS?). The
observations were made on 29 trees per site for three consecutive years
(2004, 2005, 2006). In the ?BS? site the phenophase of leafing starts and
ends earlier than in the ?AC? site. The largest number of trees in the ?AC?
site are classified in the late phenological group and in the ?BS? site they
belong to the ?average? group. Population variability of the analyzed
parameters of the phenophase of leafing was confirmed by the results of a
Mann - Witney U - test for each year of observation, except for the end of
the second year of observation and start of leafing in the first year of
observation. According to the results of an F - test significant differences
between sites were confirmed for all analyzed parameters except for the
duration of leafing (2005) and the start of leafing (2006). Differences among
the years of observation in the ?AC? site were significant only in the end
and in the ?BS? site for they were significant for all three growth stages of
scrolling. Despite the different environmental conditions in the three years
of monitoring the stability of the phenology of analyzed populations was
maintained (the percentage of trees that were always over the years of
observation in the same phenological group relative to the start of leafing
?AC? - 41.3%, ?BS? - 55.2%), which is primarily the result of the genetic
structure of populations and intraspecies variability.
Effect of sugar alcohol sorbitol on in vitro shoot development of Dianthus serotinus Waldst. et Kit.
Authors: Markovic Marija , Grbic Mihailo , Djukic Matilda
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different
concentrations of sorbitol on the development of the in vitro culture of D.
serotinus in the multiplication phase. The obtained results showed that
sorbitol generally had a positive effect, depending on its concentration and
explant type. In addition, the presence of sorbitol affected the change of pH
value of the media after autoclaving and after 25 days of in vitro culture,
which could affect the availability of certain ions to plants. Therefore, the
obtained results indicate that sorbitol can be used as an energy source for
the in vitro culture of D. serotinus, but this should be further
investigated.
Effect of explant type on the rooting and acclimatization of Dianthus serotinus Waldst. & Kit.
Authors: Markovic Marija , Grbic Mihailo , Skocajic Dragana , Djukic Matilda
Published: June 2014

The effect of the concentration of MS salts and explant type on D. serotinus
rooting and acclimatization was investigated in order to optimize a protocol
for the micropropagation of this species. The obtained results showed that
explant type as well as the concentration of MS salts had a significant
effect on rooting, and the highest rooting rate (85-86,7%) was achieved when
culturing single-node cuttings and terminal buds on a half-strength MS medium
supplemented with 0,5 mgL-1 NAA. Nevertheless, mean number of roots per
explant was higher on the MS media (15,3-18,6) than on the half-strength MS
media (11,8-13,4). The best acclimatization rate was obtained in a 4:1
mixture of peat and sand (83,3-86,7%). The explant type from which in vitro
plantlets developed had no effect on the acclimatization rate.
Fluvastatin Causes NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Adipose Insulin Resistance
Authors: Henriksbo Brandyn D. , Lau Trevor C. , Cavallari Joseph F. , Denou Emmanuel , Chi Wendy , Lally James S. , Crane Justin D. , Duggan Brittany M. , Foley Kevin P. , Fullerton Morgan D. , Tarnopolsky Mark A. , Steinberg Gregory R. , Schertzer Jonathan D.
Published: June 2014

Statins reduce lipid levels and are widely prescribed. Statins have been associated with an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes, but the mechanisms are unclear. Activation of the NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)/caspase-1 inflammasome, promotes insulin resistance, a precursor of type 2 diabetes. We showed that four different statins increased interleukin-1β (IL-1β) secretion from macrophages, which is characteristic of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This effect was dose dependent, absent in NLRP3−/− mice, and prevented by caspase-1 inhibition or the diabetes drug glyburide. Long-term fluvastatin treatment of obese mice impaired insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in adipose tissue. Fluvastatin-induced activation of the NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway was required for the development of insulin resistance in adipose tissue explants, an effect also prevented by glyburide. Fluvastatin impaired insulin signaling in lipopolysaccharide-primed 3T3-L1 adipocytes, an effect associated with increased caspase-1 activity, but not IL-1β secretion. Our results define an NLRP3/caspase-1–mediated mechanism of statin-induced insulin resistance in adipose tissue and adipocytes, which may be a contributing factor to statin-induced development of type 2 diabetes. These results warrant scrutiny of insulin sensitivity during statin use and suggest that combination therapies with glyburide, or other inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome, may be effective in preventing the adverse effects of statins.
Tissue-Specific Differences in the Development of Insulin Resistance in a Mouse Model for Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Jelenik Tomas , Séquaris Gilles , Kaul Kirti , Ouwens D. Margriet , Phielix Esther , Kotzka Jörg , Knebel Birgit , Weiß Jürgen , Reinbeck Anna Lena , Janke Linda , Nowotny Peter , Partke Hans-Joachim , Zhang Dongyan , Shulman Gerald I. , Szendroedi Julia , Roden Michael
Published: June 2014

Although insulin resistance is known to underlie type 2 diabetes, its role in the development of type 1 diabetes has been gaining increasing interest. In a model of type 1 diabetes, the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse, we found that insulin resistance driven by lipid- and glucose-independent mechanisms is already present in the liver of prediabetic mice. Hepatic insulin resistance is associated with a transient rise in mitochondrial respiration followed by increased production of lipid peroxides and c-Jun N-terminal kinase activity. At the onset of diabetes, increased adipose tissue lipolysis promotes myocellular diacylglycerol accumulation. This is paralleled by increased myocellular protein kinase C θ activity and serum fetuin A levels. Muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity is unchanged at the onset but decreases at later stages of diabetes. In conclusion, hepatic and muscle insulin resistance manifest at different stages and involve distinct cellular mechanisms during the development of diabetes in the NOD mouse.
Type 1 Diabetes in NOD Mice Unaffected by Mast Cell Deficiency
Authors: Gutierrez Dario A. , Fu Wenxian , Schonefeldt Susann , Feyerabend Thorsten B. , Ortiz-Lopez Adriana , Lampi Yulia , Liston Adrian , Mathis Diane , Rodewald Hans-Reimer
Published: June 2014

Mast cells have been invoked as important players in immune responses associated with autoimmune diseases. Based on in vitro studies, or in vivo through the use of Kit mutant mice, mast cells have been suggested to play immunological roles in direct antigen presentation to both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, in the regulation of T-cell and dendritic cell migration to lymph nodes, and in Th1 versus Th2 polarization, all of which could significantly impact the immune response against self-antigens in autoimmune disease, including type 1 diabetes (T1D). Until now, the role of mast cells in the onset and incidence of T1D has only been indirectly tested through the use of low-specificity mast cell inhibitors and activators, and published studies reported contrasting results. Our three laboratories have generated independently two strains of mast cell–deficient nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, NOD.Cpa3Cre/+ (Heidelberg) and NOD.KitW-sh/W-sh (Leuven and Boston), to address the effects of mast cell deficiency on the development of T1D in the NOD strain. Our collective data demonstrate that both incidence and progression of T1D in NOD mice are independent of mast cells. Moreover, analysis of pancreatic lymph node cells indicated that lack of mast cells has no discernible effect on the autoimmune response, which involves both innate and adaptive immune components. Our results demonstrate that mast cells are not involved in T1D in the NOD strain, making their role in this process nonessential and excluding them as potential therapeutic targets.
Validation of the Applicability of the Traditional Chinese Version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Jiang Rong-San , Kuo Li-Te , Wu Shang-Heng , Su Mao-Chang , Liang Kai-Li
Published: June 2014

The 40-item University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) is the most widely used smell test in the world. Presently, culturally modified versions of this test are available in multiple languages. A traditional Chinese version of the UPSIT (UPSIT-TC) has been developed for administration in Taiwan. The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the UPSIT-TC in Taiwanese patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The phenylethyl alcohol (PEA) odor detection threshold test, the North American version of UPSIT (UPSIT-NA), and the UPSIT-TC were administered to 40 healthy subjects and to 100 CRS patients before and after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The UPSIT-TC showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.887, 0.886, and 0.870 at three test occasions) and test-retest reliability (p < 0.001). The scores of UPSIT-TC were significantly correlated to the PEA thresholds (p < 0.001). The UPSIT-TC scores were significantly higher than those of the UPSIT-NA (p = 0.028) when analysis was performed with logistic regression with independent variables including test occasions (before or after FESS), test methods (UPSIT-NA or UPSIT-TC), status of polyp (with or without), and PEA thresholds (improved or did not improve). In addition, there were significant between-group differences in UPSIT-TC scores including healthy versus CRS, CRS with polyps versus CRS without polyps, and PEA thresholds improved versus PEA thresholds which did not improve. The UPSIT-TC is reliable and valid for measuring olfactory function in Taiwanese patients with rhinosinusitis. In addition, the UPSIT-TC clearly resulted in better performance than that of UPSIT-NA.
Pathology Quiz Case: Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm
Authors: Dunlap Quinn A. , Day Kristine E. , Borak Samuel G. , Woodworth Bradford A.
Published: June 2014

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare hematologic malignancy that possesses a heterogenous clinical and immunophenotypic presentation. The current case report describes an interesting and unique presentation of BPDCN as a primary paranasal sinus tumor without evidence of cutaneous or systemic involvement. As such, the report further contributes to the ongoing debate regarding the true putative origin of the neoplasm, as well as highlights the optimal diagnostic modalities, paramount importance of early diagnosis, and vast heterogeneity exhibited by this fascinating malignancy. The atypical presentation described here indicates the manifestations of BPDCN are more heterogenous than previously documented and thus can not be definitively ruled out in the absence of bone marrow, peripheral blood, or cutaneous involvement. Furthermore, atypical neoplastic presentations mandate flow cytometry and adjunctive immunohistochemistry for the definitive diagnosis of BPDCN, and early diagnosis of such neoplasms are critical for rapid initiation of treatment and improved outcomes.
Seasonal diet and numbers of prey consumed by Cape foxes Vulpes chama in South Africa
Authors: Klare Unn , Kamler Jan F. , Macdonald David W.
Published: June 2014

The Cape fox Vulpes chama is one of the least studied Vulpes species, and little is known about their diet. By analyzing contents of scats, we determined the seasonal diet of Cape foxes on Benfontein Game Farm (BGF) in South Africa, and determined the biomass and number of rodents consumed. We also determined the diet of Cape foxes on a nearby private livestock ranch (PR) in winter when sheep were lambing. On BGF, murids were the dominant food item, and comprised 44–90% of the biomass consumed across seasons. Other major food items that were seasonally important were leporids and berries. Although arthropods were frequently consumed, they were negligible in terms of biomass consumed. On PR, sheep were found in 19% of scats, but in relatively low amounts per scat, indicating sheep were likely scavenged rather than predated upon. On BGF, the estimated annual consumption was 3,861 rodent/fox, or about 11 rodent/day/fox. Our results indicate Cape foxes feed primarily on small rodents, and therefore Cape foxes might be beneficial to livestock and game farm owners in southern Africa.
Sudden flamingo deaths in Kenyan Rift Valley lakes
Authors: Straubinger‐Gansberger Nadja , Gruber Martin , Kaggwa Mary N. , Lawton Linda , Oduor Steve Omondi , Schagerl Michael
Published: June 2014

The East African Rift Valley Lakes Bogoria and Nakuru sometimes host around 75% of the world population of lesser flamingos Phoeniconaias minor. In this area, mysterious flamingo die‐offs have occupied researchers for four decades. Recently, cyanobacterial toxins came into the fore as a possible explanation for mass mortalities because the main food source of lesser flamingos is the cyanobacterium Arthrospira fusiformis. We took weekly samples from July 2008 to November 2009 from Lakes Nakuru and Bogoria and analyzed them by high performance liquid chromatography for microcystins. Monthly, samples were cross‐checked using protein phosphatase inhibition assays with lower detection limits and additionally screened for polar toxins. During our study period, three flamingo die‐offs occurred at L. Bogoria and we were able to analyze tissues of 20 carcasses collected at the shoreline. No cyanotoxins were detected either in plankton samples or in flamingo tissues. Accordingly, other reasons such as food composition or bird diseases played a key role in the observed flamingo die‐offs.
How does harvest size vary with hunting season length?
Authors: Sunde Peter , Asferg Tommy
Published: June 2014

Manipulating hunting season length is often used as a population management tool but the effects of these changes on total harvest have rarely been studied. We modelled relative changes in national annual bag size as a function of relative change in hunting season length in 63 cases involving 28 species in Denmark (1957–2007). The duration of the hunting season, initially lasting 30–365 days, was modified to 39–204% of the former length. The undifferentiated effect of season length change on bag size change (all 63 cases) was not statistically significant (b = 0.16, 95%CI: ‐0.04–0.36), with a 10% (95%CI: ‐3–22%) predicted decrease in bag size upon a 50% reduction of season length. However, the functional relationship between the relative change in bag size and the change in season length differed between sedentary and non‐sedentary species and interacted with the motivation behind changing season length (population management/ethical/other). In non‐sedentary species, changes in bag size correlated positively with changes in season length (overall response: b = 0.54, 95%CI: 0.14–0.95): reducing the hunting season to 50% of its initial length would on average result in a 31% reduction (95% CI: 9–48%) of total bag size. This overall effect interacted with the motivation for season length changes, being strongest for ‘other reasons’ (mainly harmonization of hunting periods for related species) but was absent when seasons were changed for reasons of ‘population management’. In sedentary species, changes in season length had no effect on bag size. Our results suggest that manipulating hunting seasons of duration ≥ 1 month by less than 50% is generally inefficient as a means of predictably changing harvest rates. This may be because recreational hunters either invest a fixed effort or aim for a specific yield within a given season, neither strategy being affected by changes in hunting seasons.
Middle ear disease and cochlear implant function
Authors: Dixon Joshua F. , Shinn Jennifer B. , Adkins Meg , Hardin Bryan D. , Bush Matthew L.
Published: June 2014

Objectives and methods:

It has been our clinical observation that active middle ear disease (MED) temporally corresponds to a transient decrease in cochlear implant (CI) function, specifically at the apical electrodes. This is non-intuitive as CI function is thought to be independent of middle ear aeration and inflammation. The purpose of this case study is to demonstrate how active MED negatively affects both subjective hearing complaints and objective impedance measures in a CI patient.

Results:

Subjective hearing decreased and impedances levels increased significantly when the patient was experiencing active MED. No significant changes in these measures occurred when there was no active MED.

Conclusions:

MED may affect CI function in some patients requiring adjustments in programming at times of involvement.
Bandgap Science for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Hiramoto Masahiro , Kubo Masayuki , Shinmura Yusuke , Ishiyama Norihiro , Kaji Toshihiko , Sakai Kazuya , Ohno Toshinobu , Izaki Masanobu
Published: June 2014

The concept of bandgap science of organic semiconductor films for use in photovoltaic cells, namely, high-purification, pn-control by doping, and design of the built-in potential based on precisely-evaluated doping parameters, is summarized. The principle characteristics of organic solar cells, namely, the exciton, donor (D)/acceptor (A) sensitization, and p-i-n cells containing co-deposited and D/A molecular blended i-interlayers, are explained. ‘Seven-nines’ (7N) purification, together with phase-separation/cystallization induced by co-evaporant 3rd molecules allowed us to fabricate 5.3% efficient cells based on 1 µm-thick fullerene:phthalocyanine (C60:H2Pc) co-deposited films. pn-control techniques enabled by impurity doping for both single and co-deposited films were established. The carrier concentrations created by doping were determined by the Kelvin band mapping technique. The relatively high ionization efficiency of 10% for doped organic semiconductors can be explained by the formation of charge transfer (CT)-complexes between the dopants and the organic semiconductor molecules. A series of fundamental junctions, such as Schottky junctions, pn-homojunctions, p+, n+-organic/metal ohmic junctions, and n+-organic/ p+-organic ohmic homojunctions, were fabricated in both single and co-deposited organic semiconductor films by impurity doping alone. A tandem cell showing 2.4% efficiency was fabricated in which the built-in electric field was designed by manipulating the doping.
Importance of Fuel Cell Tests for Stability Assessment—Suitability of Titanium Diboride as an Alternative Support Material
Authors: Roth Christina , Bleith Peter , Schwöbel Christoph , Kaserer Sebastian , Eichler Jens
Published: June 2014

Carbon corrosion is a severe issue limiting the long-term stability of carbon-supported catalysts, in particular in the highly dynamic conditions of automotive applications. (Doped) oxides have been discussed as suitable alternatives to replace carbon, but often suffer from poor electron conductivity. That is why non-oxide ceramics, such as tungsten carbide and titanium nitride, have been discussed recently. Titanium diboride has also been proposed, due to its promising activity and stability in an aqueous electrochemical cell. In this work, Pt nanoparticles were deposited onto μm-sized TiB2 particles with improved grain size, manufactured into porous gas diffusion electrodes and tested in a realistic polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell environment. In contrast to the model studies in an aqueous electrochemical cell, in the presence of oxygen and high potentials at the cathode side of a real fuel cell, TiB2 becomes rapidly oxidized as indicated by intensely colored regions in the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA). Moreover, already the electrode manufacturing process led to the formation of titanium oxides, as shown by X-ray diffraction measurements. This demonstrates that Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) measurements in an aqueous electrochemical cell are not sufficient to prove stability of novel materials for fuel cell applications.
Mapping Forest Biomass Using Remote Sensing and National Forest Inventory in China
Authors: Du Ling , Zhou Tao , Zou Zhenhua , Zhao Xiang , Huang Kaicheng , Wu Hao
Published: June 2014

Quantifying the spatial pattern of large-scale forest biomass can provide a general picture of the carbon stocks within a region and is of great scientific and political importance. The combination of the advantages of remote sensing data and field survey data can reduce uncertainty as well as demonstrate the spatial distribution of forest biomass. In this study, the seventh national forest inventory statistics (for the period 2004–2008) and the spatially explicit MODIS Land Cover Type product (MCD12C1) were used together to quantitatively estimate the spatially-explicit distribution of forest biomass in China (with a resolution of 0.05°, ~5600 m). Our study demonstrated that the calibrated forest cover proportion maps allow proportionate downscaling of regional forest biomass statistics to forest cover pixels to produce a relatively fine-resolution biomass map. The total stock of forest biomass in China was 11.9 Pg with an average of 76.3 Mg ha−1 during the study period; the high values were located in mountain ranges in northeast, southwest and southeast China and were strongly correlated with forest age and forest density.
High Pressure Processing of Bivalve Shellfish and HPP’s Use as a Virus Intervention
Authors: Kingsley David
Published: June 2014

Bivalve shellfish readily bioconcentrate pathogenic microbes and substance, such as algal and dinoflagulate toxins, fecal viruses and bacteria, and naturally present vibrio bacteria. High pressure processing (HPP) is currently used as an intervention for Vibrio vulnificus bacteria within molluscan shellfish and its potential to inactivate food-borne viruses and bacteria are discussed. Mechanisms of action of high pressure against bacteria and viruses, as well as how time of pressure application, pressure levels, and pre-pressurization temperature influence inactivation are described. Matrix influences such as ionic strength are noted as important additional considerations. The potential of HPP to influence spoilage and enhance shelf-life of shucked shellfish is also discussed.
Quantum Gravity and Cosmological Density Perturbations
Authors: Hamber Herbert , Toriumi Reiko
Published: June 2014

We explore the possible cosmological consequences of a running Newton’s constant, G(⎕), as suggested by the non-trivial ultraviolet fixed point scenario for Einstein gravity with a cosmological constant term. Here, we examine what possible effects a scale-dependent coupling might have on large-scale cosmological density perturbations. Starting from a set of manifestly covariant effective field equations, we develop the linear theory of density perturbations for a non-relativistic perfect fluid. The result is a modified equation for the matter density contrast, which can be solved and thus provides an estimate for the corrections to the growth index parameter, ɤ.
On Interlayer Stability and High-Cycle Simulator Performance of Diamond-Like Carbon Layers for Articulating Joint Replacements
Authors: Thorwarth Kerstin , Thorwarth Götz , Figi Renato , Weisse Bernhard , Stiefel Michael , Hauert Roland
Published: June 2014

Diamond like carbon (DLC) coatings have been proven to be an excellent choice for wear reduction in many technical applications. However, for successful adaption to the orthopaedic field, layer performance, stability and adhesion in physiologically relevant setups are crucial and not consistently investigated. In vitro wear testing as well as adequate corrosion tests of interfaces and interlayers are of great importance to verify the long term stability of DLC coated load bearing implants in the human body. DLC coatings were deposited on articulating lumbar spinal disks made of CoCr28Mo6 biomedical implant alloy using a plasma-activated chemical vapor deposition (PACVD) process. As an adhesion promoting interlayer, tantalum films were deposited by magnetron sputtering. Wear tests of coated and uncoated implants were performed in physiological solution up to a maximum of 101 million articulation cycles with an amplitude of ±2° and −3/+6° in successive intervals at a preload of 1200 N. The implants were characterized by gravimetry, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and cross section scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. It is shown that DLC coated surfaces with uncontaminated tantalum interlayers perform very well and no corrosive or mechanical failure could be observed. This also holds true in tests featuring overload and third-body wear by cortical bone chips present in the bearing pairs. Regarding the interlayer tolerance towards interlayer contamination (oxygen), limits for initiation of potential failure modes were established. It was found that mechanical failure is the most critical aspect and this mode is hypothetically linked to the α-β tantalum phase switch induced by increasing oxygen levels as observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). It is concluded that DLC coatings are a feasible candidate for near zero wear articulations on implants, potentially even surpassing the performance of ceramic vs. ceramic.
Notch Corrosion Fatigue Behavior of Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Baragetti Sergio
Published: June 2014

The aim of this paper is to map the corrosion fatigue characteristics of Ti-6Al-4V alloy through the evaluation of the corrosion fatigue initiation and failure mechanisms. The study included the effect of the stress concentration factor at very high Kt values and the role of different inert or corrosive environments. This alloy is widely used in naval-structures and aero-engine communities and the outcomes of the work will have direct relevance to industrial service operations. Axial fatigue tests (R = 0.1; 2 × 105 cycles; f = 10 Hz) were carried out on smooth and high notched (Ktmax = 18.65) flat specimens in laboratory air, paraffin oil, laboratory air + beeswax coating, recirculated 3.5% NaCl solution. The step loading procedure was used to perform the fatigue tests and the surface replica method and crack propagation gages were used to check crack nucleation and propagation until failure. Log-Log plots of σmax vs. Kt showed a bilinear behavior and enabled the demonstration of the presence of a threshold stress intensity factor (Kt = 8–9), after which the environment has no effect on the fatigue damage for all the tested environments.
Materials Development for Next Generation Optical Fiber
Authors: Ballato John , Dragic Peter
Published: June 2014

Optical fibers, the enablers of the Internet, are being used in an ever more diverse array of applications. Many of the rapidly growing deployments of fibers are in high-power and, particularly, high power-per-unit-bandwidth systems where well-known optical nonlinearities have historically not been especially consequential in limiting overall performance. Today, however, nominally weak effects, most notably stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) are among the principal phenomena restricting continued scaling to higher optical power levels. In order to address these limitations, the optical fiber community has focused dominantly on geometry-related solutions such as large mode area (LMA) designs. Since such scattering, and all other linear and nonlinear optical phenomena including higher order mode instability (HOMI), are fundamentally materials-based in origin, this paper unapologetically advocates material solutions to present and future performance limitations. As such, this paper represents a ‘call to arms’ for material scientists and engineers to engage in this opportunity to drive the future development of optical fibers that address many of the grand engineering challenges of our day.