bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Single-Lap Joints: Effect of Adhesive Thickness and Poisson's Ratio
Authors: Afshar R. , Berto Filippo , Lazzarin Paolo
Published: September 2013

Three-dimensional (3D) elastic stress distributions in the vicinity of overlap corners of single-lap joints are investigated. A detailed 3D finite element (FE) model is carried out to study the intensity of the in-plane and out-of-plane stress distributions along the plate width direction. The effects of adhesive thickness and Poisson's ratio are also studied. The FE results show the presence of coupled modes at the overlap corners of the joint. In particular, sharp increment of out-of-plane fracture mode very near the lateral free surface of the joint is worth noting.
An Automated Method for the Measurement of Fatigue Crack Progression
Authors: Tavares Paulo , Viriato N.S. , Moreira Pedro
Published: September 2013

This letter describes the work conducted at our laboratory for the implementation of an automated vision system for fatigue crack growth measurement. The system relies on a dedicated illumination system with grazing incidence and optimized feature extraction by morphological image processing and continuous calculation of the crack growth, for adjustment of the optimal time interval for image registration.
Study of Multi Pass Welding Temperature Distribution in Dissimilar Steels
Authors: Li Li , Asifa Khurram , Li Hong , Li Zhen
Published: September 2013

An efficient structure design using welding of dissimilar steels is a common strategy in the process and construction industries. This study investigates the temperature distribution in the HAZ due to multi pass welding of an austenitic stainless steel SUS316 pipe to carbon steel S610 plate. A nonlinear transient thermal FE analysis is performed using ANSYS software. An APDL (ANSYS Parametric Design Language) program is developed to define moving double ellipsoidal heat source model, nonlinear thermal properties and thermal boundary conditions. Addition of filler metal is simulated using element death and birth technique. Transient effect of heat and cooling slopes during welding are studied. The present work offers a basis for future prediction of welding residual stresses and distortions in joint between pipe and plate.
The Role of Microstructure on the Fracture Behaviour and Statistics of Advanced Ceramics
Authors: McNamara Declan , Alveen Patricia , Carolan Declan , Murphy Neal , Ivanković Alojz
Published: September 2013

Strength data of three advanced ceramics were fitted to the Weibull, normal and lognormal distributions. The three ceramics had similar grain size and varied in binder content. The role of microstructure in the failure mechanism of such ceramics was analysed in terms of the chosen strength distributions. The best-fit distributions were determined using the maximum log-likelihood criteria and a comparison between the best and worst fit was conducted using the Akaike Information Criteria (AIC). Both large and small samples were tested to investigate possible scaling effects for these ceramics. It was found that for two of the three ceramics tested that a lognormal distribution rather then the conventionally used Weibull distribution was preferable in characterising the strength data. A small drop in strength was noticed between large and small samples but this trend was not thought to be a result of scaling rather due to the decrease in binder content.
A Constitutive Model for Bovine Cortical Bone under Cyclic Creep-Recovery Loading
Authors: Lovrenić-Jugović Martina , Tonković Zdenko , Bakić Ante
Published: September 2013

The present paper is concerned with an experimental research and numerical modelling of the viscoelastic-viscoplastic-damage behaviour of bovine cortical bone. A one-dimensional constitutive model is proposed to predict the experimental behaviour under creep-recovery load conditions. The material parameters are determined by fitting experimental results. The derived algorithm for the integration of the proposed constitutive model is implemented into finite element formulation. The computational algorithm shows an excellent capability to describe the tensile behaviour of bovine cortical bone for the specific mechanical conditions analyzed.
Statistical Ensemble Interactions in Microstructures where Damage Events Present
Authors: Qi Gang , Fan Ming , Li Jian Yu
Published: September 2013

This work reports a study of the ensemble interactions in hierarchical structures where damage events present, a significant issue in the analysis of material failure. Our approach was data-enabled in which we constructed a multi-variate composing of the amplitude spectrum matrix of responses of the evolving hierarchical microstructure to the applied stress. The columns and rows of this matrix are vectors of the amplitude scale and the observation vectors of multiscale random damage events, respectively. The results showed that damage mechanisms occurred in ensemble clusters, and the multiscale random damage was strongly correlated in spacetime.
Abr, a Negative Regulator of Rac, Attenuates Cockroach Allergen–Induced Asthma in a Mouse Model
Authors: Gong Dapeng , Fei Fei , Lim Min , Yu Min , Groffen John , Heisterkamp Nora
Published: September 2013

Abr deactivates Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate (Rac), a master molecular switch that positively regulates many immune cell functions, by converting it to its GDP-bound conformation. In this article, we report that, in the absence of Abr function, cockroach allergen (CRA)-immunized mice experienced a fatal asthma attack when challenged with CRA. The asthma in abr−/− mice was characterized by increased pulmonary mucus production, elevated serum IgE, and leukocyte airway infiltration. Decreased pulmonary compliance was further documented by increased airway resistance upon methacholine challenge. Peribronchial and bronchoalveolar lavage eosinophils, key cells associated with allergic asthma, were increased in abr−/− mice, but adoptive transfer of this cell type from immunized mice to naive controls, followed by CRA challenge, showed that eosinophils are not primarily responsible for differences in airway resistance between controls and abr-null mutants. CD4+ T cell numbers in the airways of CRA-challenged abr−/− mice also were significantly increased compared with controls, as were the Th2 T cell–secreted cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 in total lung. Interestingly, when control and abr−/− CD4+ T cells from CRA-immunized mice were transferred to wild-type animals, airway resistance upon challenge with CRA was significantly higher in mice transplanted with T cells lacking Abr function. CD4+ T cells from CRA-immunized and challenged abr−/− mice contained elevated levels of activated GTP-bound Rac compared with wild-type controls. Functionally, abr−/− CD4+ T cells from CRA-exposed mice showed significantly enhanced chemotaxis toward CCL21. These results identify Abr-regulated CD4+ T cell migration as an important component of severe CRA-evoked allergic asthma in mice.
‘Wo soll ich hinfliehen vor diesem Mensch?’: Een luisteroefening in Ludwig Hofacker (1797−1828)
Authors: Kommers Johan
Published: September 2013

De aanwezigheid van de levende God in preken kunnen wij niet terzijde stellen of verontachtzamen. Waar dit wel gebeurt, daar wordt verkondiging een voordracht, zonder de volmacht. Orthodoxie komt in ademnood wanneer exegese en dogmatiek opgaan in een aantal meningen en waarbij het getuigenis van de Bijbel op de achtergrond komt. Ludwig Hofacker (1798–1828)1 was een prediker die in bijbelonderzoek en prediking zijn oor te luisteren legde aan de Bron. Het Woord van God was voor hem hét homiletisch magazijn. Dat nu nog steeds, in de 21e eeuw, zijn preken gelezen worden, geeft aan dat zijn erfenis een opmerkelijke is. Hij pakte het probleem van de geestelijke dorheid op in een tijd gekenmerkt door het opkomend klimaat van het humanistisch rationalisme. Hofackers prediking geeft weer waar het werkelijk om gaat: Christus alleen. Deze preken laten ook de prediker zelf zien. Zijn stem roept op wat de Reformatie zo na aan het hart lag, en de cadenzen van het sola gratia, sola Scriptura, en het sola fide zijn in elke preek te horen. Het religieuze eigene van Hofacker sluit grote missionaire bewogenheid in.In sermons we cannot disregard the presence of the living God, otherwise preaching will become a performance, without divine authority. Orthodoxy will be gasping for breath when exegesis and dogmatic theology are wholly absorbed in a number of opinions, causing biblical testimony to recede into the background. Ludwig Hofacker (1798–1828), was a preacher who in Bible study and preaching put his ears to the Fountain. The Word of God was his sole homiletic storehouse. Today, in our 21st century, his sermons are still being read. This indicates that he left us a remarkable body of work. He tackled the problem of spiritual dearth in a time of emerging humanistic rationalism. Hofacker’s preaching reflected his core belief: Christ only. His sermons also reflect the preacher himself. His voice clearly recalls what was held so dear in the Reformation, and the cadences of the sola gratia, sola Scriptura and sola fide are heard in every sermon. His religious individuality included a strong motivation for missions.
Qohelet's concept of deity: A comparative-philosophical perspective
Authors: Gericke Jacobus W.
Published: September 2013

This article discusses the concept of deity in the book of Ecclesiastes (Qohelet) from the perspective of issues of interest in analytic philosophy of religion. Of concern are assumptions in the text about religion, the nature of religious language, religious epistemology, the concept of revelation, the attributes of the divine, the existence of God, the problem of evil, the relation between religion and morality and religious pluralism. A comparative philosophical clarification is offered with the aim of discerning similarities and differences between popular views in Christian philosophical theology and what, if anything, Qohelet took for granted on the same issues.
Avoiding occlusal derangement in facial fractures: An evidence based approach
Authors: Mendonca Derick , Kenkere Deepika
Published: September 2013

Facial fractures with occlusal derangement describe any fracture which directly or indirectly affects the occlusal relationship. Such fractures include dento-alveolar fractures in the maxilla and mandible, midface fractures - Le fort I, II, III and mandible fractures of the symphysis, parasymphysis, body, angle, and condyle. In some of these fractures, the fracture line runs through the dento-alveolar component whereas in others the fracture line is remote from the occlusal plane nevertheless altering the occlusion. The complications that could ensue from the management of maxillofacial fractures are predominantly iatrogenic, and therefore can be avoided if adequate care is exercised by the operating surgeon. This paper does not emphasize on complications arising from any particular technique in the management of maxillofacial fractures but rather discusses complications in general, irrespective of the technique used.
Unfavourable results in temporomandibular joint ankylosis surgery
Authors: Jagannathan Mukund , Munoli Amarnath V.
Published: September 2013

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a debilitating condition usually afflicting children and young adults. Treatment is surgical, i.e., release of the ankylosed joint/s with or without interposition arthroplasty and correction of secondary deformities (mandibular retrusion and asymmetry) This article deals with identifying potential setbacks in TMJ ankylosis surgery and preventing them.
Unfavourable results following reduction mammoplasty
Authors: Saleem Lakshmi , John Jerry R.
Published: September 2013

Breast reduction is a common cosmetic surgical procedure. It aims not only at bringing down the size of the breast proportionate to the build of the individual, but also to overcome the discomfort caused by massive, ill-shaped and hanging breasts. The operative procedure has evolved from mere reduction of breast mass to enhanced aesthetic appeal with a minimum of scar load. The selection of technique needs to be individualised. Bilateral breast reduction is done most often. Haematoma, seroma, fat necrosis, skin loss, nipple loss and unsightly, painful scars can be the complications of any procedure on the breast. These may result from errors in judgement, wrong surgical plan and imprecise execution of the plan. Though a surfeit of studies are available on breast reduction, very few dwell upon its complications. The following article is a distillation of three decades of experience of the senior author (L.S.) in reduction mammoplasty. An effort is made to understand the reasons for unfavourable results. To conclude, most complications can be overcome with proper selection of procedure for the given patient and with gentle tissue handling.
Scar revision
Authors: Sharma Mohit , Wakure Abhijeet
Published: September 2013

Most surgical patients end up with a scar and most of these would want at least some improvement in the appearance of the scar. Using sound techniques for wound closure surgeons can, to a certain extent, prevent suboptimal scars. This article reviews the principles of prevention and treatment of suboptimal scars. Surgical techniques of scar revision, i.e., Z plasty, W plasty, and geometrical broken line closure are described. Post-operative care and other adjuvant therapies of scars are described. A short description of dermabrasion and lasers for management of scars is given. It is hoped that this review helps the surgeon to formulate a comprehensive plan for management of scars of these patients.
Changes in seawater N : P ratios in the northwestern Pacific Ocean in response to increasing atmospheric N deposition: Results from the East (Japan) Sea
Authors: Kim Tae-Hoon , Kim Guebuem
Published: September 2013

An increase in seawater N : P ratios due to enhanced atmospheric N deposition has recently been reported in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, including the East (Japan) Sea. In the Pacific Ocean, the East Sea is an ideal site to examine this effect since it is fed by the Pacific surface water, which has very low N concentrations relative to P concentrations (N : P < 5), and is located in the downwind area of major N emission sources in China and Korea. In addition, the East Sea is semi‐enclosed, without any major river inputs, resulting in a long surface‐water residence time (∼ 2 yr for the upper 0–200 m layer). Vertical and horizontal distributions of nutrients determined in the East Sea from 2001 to 2009 showed that the N : P ratios were always lower than 10 in the mixed layer (10–30 m) and constant (N : P = 13 ± 1) in the deep ocean (200–3500 m). A simple mass‐balance box model shows that the combined effects of physical (the rapid ventilation of the surface water with a N : P ratio of < 10 into the deep ocean) and biological (remineralization of sinking organic matter) processes result in the low N : P ratios (∼ 13) over the deep water column of the East Sea. This model predicts that N : P ratios in the East Sea will be lower than 14 within the predictable range of atmospheric N input in the next 100 yr, indicating that the N‐limited condition in the northwestern Pacific Ocean cannot be shifted to the P‐limited condition in the near future.
Midwater zooplankton and suspended particle dynamics in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre: A stable isotope perspective
Authors: Hannides Cecelia C. S. , Popp Brian N. , Choy C. Anela , Drazen Jeffrey C.
Published: September 2013

We used amino acid (AA) compound‐specific isotope analysis (δ15NAA and δ13CAA values) of midwater zooplankton and suspended particles to examine their dynamics in the mesopelagic zone. Suspended particle δ15NAA values increased by up to 14‰ with depth, whereas particle trophic status (measured as trophic position, TP) remained constant at 1.6 ± 0.07. Applying a Rayleigh distillation model to these results gave an observed kinetic isotope fractionation of 5.7 ± 0.4‰, similar to that previously measured for protein hydrolysis. AA‐based degradation index values also decreased with depth on the particles, whereas a measure of heterotrophic resynthesis (ΣV) remained constant at 1.2 ± 0.3. The main mechanism driving 15N enrichment of suspended particles appears to be isotope fractionation associated with heterotrophic degradation, rather than a change in trophic status or N source with depth. In zooplankton the “source” AA phenylalanine (Phe) became 15N enriched by up to 3.5‰ with depth, whereas zooplankton TP increased by up to 0.65 between the surface ocean and midwaters. Both changes in the δ15N values of food resources at the base of the zooplankton food web and changes in zooplankton TP drive observed zooplankton 15N enrichment with depth. Midwater zooplankton δ15NPhe values were lower by 5–8‰ compared with suspended particles, indicating this organic matter pool is not a significant zooplankton food resource at depth. Instead, 62–88% of the N sustaining midwater zooplankton is surface derived, obtained through consumption of sinking particles, carnivory of vertical migrants, or direct feeding in surface waters at night.
Sapphirinid copepods as predators of doliolids: Their role in doliolid mortality and sinking flux
Authors: Takahashi Kazutaka , Ichikawa Tadafumi , Saito Hiroaki , Kakehi Shigeho , Sugimoto Yasunori , Hidaka Kiyotaka , Hamasaki Koji
Published: September 2013

We investigated predatory behavior of sapphirinid copepods on doliolids around the Kuroshio Extension at stations experiencing blooms of Dolioletta gegenbauri. Onboard observations showed that adult Sapphirina nigromaculata was an active predator of doliolids, with a preference for internal tissues. When entering a doliolid body cavity, sapphirinids left a characteristic bite mark around the fringe of oral and atrial aperture or hole on the tunic of the doliolid. In situ observations with a video plankton recorder (VPR) revealed that association between sapphirinids and doliolids was common in the field. Adult sapphirinids and doliolids exhibiting the characteristic evidence of an attack (bite mark or hole) were found in sediment traps at a depth of 50 m, indicating that the association between these taxa was due to predation. Early copepodites, which were not observed in sediment‐trap samples, appeared in the VPR observations to have a semi‐parasitic phase when they attached themselves to nurse chains. The maximal daily ration of sapphirinids estimated by onboard experiments ranged between 29% and 37% of their body carbon weight. Although the mean predation effect by sapphirinids on the doliolid population biomass was only 0.7% d−1, sapphirinids potentially had a greater effect on doliolid abundance at the termination of doliolid blooms. Some of the attacked doliolids were discarded by the sapphirinids and contributed to the sinking flux below 150 m, the importance of which as a source of detritus likely increased with depth. Sapphirinids, despite their relatively low abundance in the water column, play a specific role in driving community succession and biogeochemical cycling.
Eddy‐correlation measurements of benthic fluxes under complex flow conditions: Effects of coordinate transformations and averaging time scales
Authors: Lorke A. , McGinnis D.F. , Maeck A.
Published: September 2013

Eddy‐correlation measurements of sediment oxygen uptake rates in aquatic systems are increasingly used to obtain areal‐averaged fluxes with a high temporal resolution. Here we discuss the effects of coordinate rotation and averaging time scale for Reynolds decomposition on flux estimates. Using 119 hours of continuous eddy‐correlation measurements of sediment oxygen fluxes in an impounded river, we demonstrate that rotation of measured current velocities into streamline coordinates can be a crucial and necessary step in data processing under complex flow conditions in non‐flat environments with complex topography. We found that under these conditions neither time series detrending nor coordinate rotation can remove low‐frequency velocity variations completely. These variations result in spurious flux contributions and in a pronounced dependence of the derived fluxes on averaging time scales. Application of the planar fit transformation was found to provide an alternative means for transforming measured velocities into streamline coordinates for longer‐term observations. The observed sensitivity of estimated fluxes to coordinate transformation and selection of averaging time scale is discussed in the context of the theoretical concepts underlying eddy‐correlation measurements and a set of recommendations for planning and analyses of flux measurements are derived.
A novel drifter designed for use with a mounted Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler in shallow environments
Authors: Mullarney Julia C. , Henderson Stephen M.
Published: September 2013

We present a novel design for a surface drifter, mounted with a pulse‐coherent Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) for measuring near‐surface (depths 0.18–1 m) flows. During repeated drifter deployments over the tidal flats of Skagit Bay, the mounted ADCP recorded high quality and high resolution profiles of velocity in depths as shallow as 0.4 m. Depth‐dependent velocities revealed regions of vertically sheared currents and wave motions not resolved by surface drifters alone. Although the cost of ADCPs is substantial, the drifter bodies were low cost, robust, and of simple construction.
Direct chromatographic separation and quantification of calcium and magnesium in seawater and sediment porewaters
Authors: Meléndez Melissa , Nesterenko Ekaterina P. , Nesterenko Pavel N. , Corredor Jorge E.
Published: September 2013

Direct analysis of Ca2+ and Mg2+ is required for accurate determination of metastable carbonate mineral phase saturation states (ΩCaCO3; ΩMgCO3) in seawater, sediment porewaters, and other high ionic strength brines. To this end, we have implemented a method using High Performance Chelation Ion Chromatography (HPCIC) in which metal ion complexation at the stationary phase renders separation efficiency insensitive to high ionic strength matrix effects common to other ion chromatography (IC) methods. This method, using direct automated on‐column injection, vastly increases sample throughput capacity in comparison to current titration methods. Calcium and magnesium ions in IAPSO standard seawater were selectively separated using a monolithic silica column (100 × 4.6 mm ID) activated with a covalently bonded iminodiacetic acid (IDA) chelator. The colored ion complexes resulting from post‐column reaction (PCR) of the ions with a metallochromic indicator, in this case 4‐(2‐pyridylazo)‐resorcinol (PAR), were detected spectrophotometricaly at 510 nm. Optimization of flow rate, eluent concentration, pH, and sample injection volume allowed baseline separation of Mg2+(0.05474 mol kg−1) and Ca2+ (0.01065 mol kg−1) in less than 8 min using 2 µL seawater sample injections. At a flow rate of 1 mL min−1, peak elutions occurred respectively at 4 and 5 min, using an eluent containing 0.1 M potassium chloride and 1 mM nitric acid adjusted to pH 2.5. Retention time variability below 0.5% for both metals following more than 200 injections indicates long‐term stability of the derivatized monolithic silica column. Method application to marine sediment porewaters is discussed.
Inferring plankton community structure from marine and freshwater long‐term data using multivariate autoregressive models
Authors: Scheef Lindsay P. , Hampton Stephanie E. , Izmest'eva Lyubov R.
Published: September 2013

Multivariate autoregressive (MAR) models have been useful in elucidating food web dynamics and stability from freshwater plankton monitoring data, but their applicability to marine datasets has not been as well explored. Characteristics of marine systems, such as the movement of water masses by tides and currents, may present unique challenges to MAR modeling of data gathered in marine environments. To explore the behavior of MAR models with marine plankton data, in the context of what we know about applying MAR to freshwater data, we applied MARs to each of three freshwater and four marine long‐term datasets and compared results among them. We generated sets of replicate MAR models for each dataset and used the consistency of models within each set of replicates as a measure of MAR performance. Overall, replicate MAR models generated from the marine datasets were less consistent than those generated from the freshwater datasets, suggesting that MAR methods need fundamental reconfigurations to be applied to standard marine plankton data. Higher variability observed within the marine MAR results may be attributable to weaker biotic interactions as represented by the data, and to overparameterization when the criteria for lumping freshwater plankton taxa into model variables are directly applied to marine plankton taxa. Adjustments to dataset preparation for MAR application and to the modeling framework itself may address these issues associated with analyzing data from highly dynamic systems.
Ectopic Thyroid Tissue in the Thyroglossal Cyst Duct: Rare Clinical Entity with Review of Literature
Authors: Gupta Sumit , Halkud Rajshekar , Siddappa KT , Sunil KC , Sarvadyna Jagdish , Chavan Purshottam , Madhu SD , Naik Sudhir M , Moorthy Samskruthi , Sinha Prashanth
Published: September 2013

The ectopic thyroid tissue is a rare developmental abnormality during embryogenesis where the thyroid gland passes from floor of the primitive foregut to its final pretracheal position. Its very important to verify the presence of a normally located normally functioning thyroid gland, thus excluding the possibility of an ectopic thyroid gland which resembles a TDC. A 12-year-old female presented to us with swelling in the midline of the neck region since 1 year. The mass moved with swallowing and protrusion of the tongue. On aspiration biopsy, a colloid material with cyst was confirmed. Imaging showed no orthotopic thyroid tissue on sonography and scintigraphy. No surgical intervention was done and as the patient was hypothyroid, levothyroxine replacement was given and the patient was advised for followup regularly. Hormonal estimation to rule out hypothyroid status and thyroid scintigraphy to detect the ectopic tissue and to see the presence of the normal orthotopic thyroid are essential investigations in evaluating thyroglossal cyst. Surgery is the treatment of choice in symptomatic lingual thyroids, with a role for radioiodine ablation in recurrent disease. Head and neck surgeons should evaluate ectopic thyroid as a differential diagnosis while evaluating mass in the midline as well as lateral neck.

How to cite this article

Naik SM, Halkud R, Madhu SD, Chavan P, Siddappa KT, Gupta S, Sunil KC, Moorthy S, Sinha P, Sarvadyna J. Ectopic Thyroid Tissue in the Thyroglossal Cyst Duct: Rare Clinical Entity with Review of Literature. World J Endoc Surg 2013;5(2):39-44.
Intraoperative Ultrasound-guided Excision of Cervical Lymph Nodes for Recurrent Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Bennett Ian C , Biggar Magdalena , Wong Clement , Law Michael
Published: September 2013

As a result of sensitive thyroglobulin assays and widespread use of cervical ultrasound, endocrine surgeons are encountering patients with impalpable suspicious or frankly metastatic cervical lymph nodes in the follow-up phase after treatment for welldifferentiated thyroid cancer. The surgical excision of impalpable disease of recurrent or persistent thyroid cancer can represent a significant challenge which may require some means of intraoperative localization to ensure that affected nodes are removed. Surgeon-performed intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) can be used for guiding excision of suspicious but impalpable cervical nodes. The IOUS-guided excision technique is described. The successful application of IOUS to localize and guide resection of impalpable nodal recurrences of papillary thyroid carcinoma in two patients is reported. The utilization of IOUS to guide resection of impalpable pathological nodes in the context of thyroid carcinoma is a safe and practical technique which avoids the need for additional localization procedures and unnecessary potential morbidity for the patient.

How to cite this article

Biggar M, Wong C, Law M, Bennett IC. Intraoperative Ultrasound-guided Excision of Cervical Lymph Nodes for Recurrent Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. World J Endoc Surg 2013;5(2):45-49.
Comparison of Proximal Contact and Contours of Premolars restored with Composite Restoration using Circumferential Matrix Band with and without Separation Ring: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Khan Farhan Raza , Umer Fahad , Rahman Munawar
Published: September 2013

Aim

To compare the proximal contacts and contours in class II composite restorations in premolars achieved with Automatrix band with separation ring vs Automatrix band alone.

Materials and methods

A total of 188 premolar teeth with proximal cavity were assigned on alternate basis in two groups. Intervention group teeth received Automatrix band with separation ring using clamp forceps, while the control group received Automatrix band alone. All preparations were restored with P-60 composite (3M-ESPE Dental, USA). The outcome (proximal tightness) was determined by a blinded assessor. Chi-square test was applied to compare the contact tightness between the two groups. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was applied to determine any correlation between the contact tightness with proximal contours. p-value of 0.05 was taken as significant.

Results

The intervention group exhibited better proximal contacts than the control group (p-value 0.040). There was no correlation between the contact tightness and the proximal contours.

Conclusion

The use of separation ring along with Automatrix matrix band in class II composite restorations resulted in significantly better proximal contacts than Automatrix band alone. However, the separation ring does not contribute in producing an additional improvement in the proximal contours. The proximal contour has no relationship with the proximal contact tightness.

Clinical significance

Several techniques have been advocated to get tight contacts in composites including interdental separation ring. Our study focuses on using separation ring with circumferential matrix band instead of a sectional band. Moreover, we have attempted to study proximal tightness and proximal contours of composite restoration as separate variables.

How to cite this article

Khan FR, Umer F, Rahman M. Comparison of Proximal Contact and Contours of Premolars restored with Composite Restoration using Circumferential Matrix Band with and without Separation Ring: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2013;3(1):7-13.
Contribution of land use changes to future flood damage along the river Meuse in the Walloon region
Authors: Beckers A. , Dewals B. , Erpicum S. , Dujardin S. , Detrembleur S. , Teller J. , Pirotton M. , Archambeau P.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Managing flood risk in Europe is a critical issue because climate change is expected to increase flood hazard in many european countries. Beside climate change, land use evolution is also a key factor influencing future flood risk. The core contribution of this paper is a new methodology to model residential land use evolution. Based on two climate scenarios ("dry" and "wet"), the method is applied to study the evolution of flood damage by 2100 along the river Meuse. Nine urbanization scenarios were developed: three of them assume a "current trend" land use evolution, leading to a significant urban sprawl, while six others assume a dense urban development, characterized by a higher density and a higher diversity of urban functions in the urbanized areas. Using damage curves, the damage estimation was performed by combining inundation maps for the present and future 100 yr flood with present and future land use maps and specific prices. According to the dry scenario, the flood discharge is expected not to increase. In this case, land use changes increase flood damages by 1–40%, to €334–462 million in 2100. In the wet scenario, the relative increase in flood damage is 540–630%, corresponding to total damages of €2.1–2.4 billion. In this extreme scenario, the influence of climate on the overall damage is 3–8 times higher than the effect of land use change. However, for seven municipalities along the river Meuse, these two factors have a comparable influence. Consequently, in the "wet" scenario and at the level of the whole Meuse valley in the Walloon region, careful spatial planning would reduce the increase in flood damage by no more than 11–23%; but, at the level of several municipalities, more sustainable spatial planning would reduce future flood damage to a much greater degree.
Oral Administration of the Probiotic Lactobacillus casei Ameliorates Gut Morphology and Physiology in Malnourished-Giardia intestinalis-Infected BALB/c Mice
Authors: Shukla Geeta , Singh Sumedha , Verma Angela
Published: September 2013

Malnutrition reduces the host immunity and enhances the host susceptibility to various diseases. The present study describes the effect of oral administration of probiotic Lactobacillus casei to malnourished-Giardia-infected BALB/c mice with respect to surface alterations and brush border membrane enzyme activity of the small intestine. It was observed that probiotic feeding either prior to or simultaneously with Giardia infection to malnourished mice led to significantly enhanced activity of disaccharidases compared with malnourished and Giardia-infected mice. Scanning electron microscopy also revealed less mucosal damage in the villi of small intestine of probiotic-fed malnourished-Giardia-infected mice compared with completely damaged, mummified, or blunted villi of malnourished-Giardia-infected mice. The findings indicate that probiotics can be used as the prophylactic candidate in abrogating the gut and intestinal dissacharidases anamolies in malnourished hosts suffering from the intestinal diseases.
Hydrogenases as Catalysts in Renewable Energy Applications
Authors: Tye Jesse W. , Hall Michael B.
Published: September 2013

This review details the role of the hydrogenase enzymes in the development of new electrode materials for proton reduction and dihydrogen oxidation. Platinum is the best catalyst for these reactions, but it is expensive and rare. Graphite electrodes functionalized by hydrogenase enzymes are one possible route to the synthesis of inexpensive electrodes for water splitting based on common, earth‐abundant elements. The major shortcoming of these enzymes is there extreme sensitivity to oxygen. Experimental and theoretical study of the mechanisms of proton reduction, hydrogen oxidation, and oxygen inactivation of the hydrogenase enzymes are discussed. Natural and synthetic methods for increasing oxygen tolerance are also discussed.
Cu‐Dependent Quercetin Dioxygenase
Authors: Steiner Roberto A
Published: September 2013

Fungal quercetin dioxygenase (Qase) belongs to the cupin superfamily and is the only dioxygenase unambiguously known to rely on a mononuclear Cu(II) center for its catalytic activity. Qase catalyzes the cleavage of the O‐heteroaromatic ring of flavonols, yielding the corresponding depside (phenolic carboxylic acid ester) and carbon monoxide. In this review article we explore the available structural and functional information and discuss mechanistic proposals for this unique dioxygenase.
Divalent Lanthanides in Solution
Authors: Platt Andrew W.G.
Published: September 2013

The formation and stability of “traditional” divalent ions, Eu
2+
, Yb
2+
, and Sm
2+
are outlined. The ease of preparation of other Ln
2+
is discussed in relation to calculated reduction potentials in aqueous acidic solution. The methods of preparation of Ln
2+
are detailed as are recent advances in the stabilization of europium(II) with cryptands. The use of non‐aqueous solvents has allowed a considerable increase in the range of lanthanide metals available in the +2 oxidations state and the production of inorganic complexes of Tm, Dy, and Nd with THF and ethers outlined. Organometallic complexes particularly with bulky cyclopentadiene type ligands allow the preparation of a variety of Cp2Ln complexes with Ln = La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Dy, Tm, Yb. Many of these reduce N2. New methods of producing organometallic Ln(II) complexes by steric reduction and base‐induced reduction are outlined.
Evolutionary concepts in natural products discovery: what actinomycetes have taught us
Authors: Diminic Janko , Starcevic Antonio , Lisfi Mohamed , Baranasic Damir , Gacesa Ranko , Hranueli Daslav , Long Paul F , Cullum John , Zucko Jurica
Published: September 2013

Actinomycetes are a very important source of natural products for the pharmaceutical industry and other applications. Most of the strains belong to Streptomyces or related genera, partly because they are particularly amenable to growth in the laboratory and industrial fermenters. It is unlikely that chemical synthesis can fulfil the needs of the pharmaceutical industry for novel compounds so there is a continuing need to find novel natural products. An evolutionary perspective can help this process in several ways. Genome mining attempts to identify secondary metabolite biosynthetic clusters in DNA sequences, which are likely to produce interesting chemical entities. There are often technical problems in assembling the DNA sequences of large modular clusters in genome and metagenome projects, which can be overcome partially using information about the evolution of the domain sequences. Understanding the evolutionary mechanisms of modular clusters should allow simulation of evolutionary pathways in the laboratory to generate novel compounds.
Typoselectivity of CrudeGeobacillussp. T1 Lipase Fused with a Cellulose‐Binding Domain and Its Use in the Synthesis of Structured Lipids
Authors: Qin Xiao‐Li , Huang Hui‐Hua , Lan Dong‐Ming , Wang Yong‐Hua , Yang Bo
Published: September 2013

Typoselectivity of crude CBD‐T1 lipase (Geobacillussp. T1 lipase fused with a cellulose binding domain) was investigated. Multi‐competitive reaction mixtures including a set ofn‐chain fatty acids (C8:0, C10:0, C12:0, C14:0, C18:1 n‐9, C18:2 n‐6 and C18:3 n‐3) and tripalmitin‐enriched triacylglycerols were studied in hexane. The crude CBD‐T1 lipase discriminated strongly against C18:1 n‐9 [competitive factor (α) = 0.23] and showed the highest preference for C8:0 (α= 1). Utilizing the catalytic properties of crude CBD‐T1 lipase, acidolysis of soybean oil with C8:0 was selected as a model reaction to investigate the ability of the lipase to produce MLM‐type (medium‐long‐medium) structured lipids. Several reaction parameters (added water amount, reaction temperature, substrate molar ratio and reaction time) examined for incorporating C8:0 into soybean oil, the optimum conditions were: 1:3 (soybean oil/C8:0) of molar ratio, 3 mL of hexane, 50 °C of temperature, 48 h of reaction time, 20 % of crude CBD‐T1 lipase (w/w total substrates), and 7.5 % of water (w/w enzyme). Under these conditions, the incorporation of C8:0 was 29.6 mol%. The results suggest that crude CBD‐T1 lipase, which showed different fatty acid specificity profiles, is a potential biocatalyst for the modification of fats and oils.
Delayed physical and neurobehavioral development and increased aggressive and depression‐like behaviors in the rat offspring of dams fed a high‐fat diet
Authors: Giriko Catherine Ássuka , Andreoli Carla Albuquerque , Mennitti Laís Vales , Hosoume Lilian Fazion , Souto Tayane dos Santos , Silva Alexandre Valotta da , Mendes‐da‐Silva Cristiano
Published: September 2013

Early maternal exposure to a high‐fat diet (HFD) may influence the brain development of rat offspring and consequently affect physiology and behavior. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the somatic, physical, sensory‐motor and neurobehavioral development of the offspring of dams fed an HFD (52% calories from fat, mainly saturated) and the offspring of dams fed a control diet (CD – 14.7% fat) during lactation from the 1st to the 21st postnatal day (P). Maternal body weights were evaluated during lactation. In the progeny, somatic (body weight, head and lengths axes) and physical (ear unfolding, auditory conduit opening, eruption of the incisors and eye opening) development and the consolidation of reflex responses (palm grasp, righting, vibrissa placing, cliff avoidance, negative geotaxis, auditory startle response and free‐fall righting) were determined during suckling. Depressive and aggressive behaviors were tested with the forced swimming test (FST) and the “foot‐shock” test on days 60 and 110, respectively. The open field test was used to assess motor function. Compared to controls, the HFD‐pups exhibited decreases in body weight (P7–P21) and body length (P4–P18), but by days P71 and P95, these pups were overweight. All indicators of physical maturation and the consolidation of the following reflexes, vibrissa placing, auditory startle responses, free‐fall righting and negative geotaxis, were delayed in HFD‐progeny. In addition, the pups from HFD dam rats also exhibited reduced swimming and climbing times in the FST and increased aggressive behavior. No changes in locomotion were observed. These findings show developmental and neurobehavioral changes in the rat offspring of dams fed the HFD during lactation and suggest possible disruption of physical and sensory‐motor maturation and increased susceptibility to depressive and aggressive‐like behavior.
Impulsively started planar actuator surfaces in high-Reynolds-number steady flow
Authors: Johnson P. B. , Wojcik A. , Drake K. R. , Eames I.
Published: September 2013

The characteristics of unbounded flow past an impulsively started planar energy extracting device, such as a wind or tidal turbine, are studied theoretically, numerically and experimentally. The initial thrust on an impulsively started device, which can be more than double the steady thrust, is an important consideration for design and safe operation. The energy sink is modelled here as an ‘actuator surface’ which imposes a uniform pressure discontinuity in the fluid proportional to the square of the fluid speed normal to the surface, the fluid density, and a dimensionless resistance coefficient. The flow past the actuator is studied theoretically for the case of weak resistance using an unsteady model which recovers steady linear momentum theory in the limit of long time. For the case of strong resistance the flow is studied numerically using the point vortex method. Experimental measurements of thrust on a mesh towed through static water are compared to the numerical results and show good agreement. The thrust on an impulsively started device is estimated, for a typical installation, to fall to within 10 % of the steady value within ∼1 min. The numerical model is also used to simulate the gradual startup of a device, yielding estimates of the time constant necessary in a control system in order to reduce peak thrusts in practice.
Cure or Protection? The meaning of smallpox inoculation, ca 1750–1775
Authors: Eriksen Anne
Published: September 2013

The idea that smallpox could be eradicated was not necessarily the ultimate aim when inoculation was introduced in Europe in the 1720s. This potentiality was not clearly articulated as an aim until the end of the eighteenth century. This article argues that during most of the eighteenth century, the main aim of inoculation was to lead people as safely as possible through what was regarded as an unavoidable disease. Inoculation became safer, simpler and less expensive from the 1760s, but the changing ideas about its potentiality had more complex roots. A new understanding was produced through an interaction between inoculation practice, more general medical theory and developments within probabilistic thinking and political arithmetic. The first part of the article explores how smallpox inoculation was incorporated into existing medical thinking based on traditional humoral pathology. Inoculation was a new technology, but as it was perceived in the early eighteenth century, the innovation did not first and foremost concern the medical principles of the treatment. The second part of the article investigates arguments about why and when to inoculate: what kind of remedy was inoculation for eighteenth-century agents? The article concludes with a discussion on changes emerging towards the end of the century, and relates them to developments during the preceding decades rather than seeing them as inspired precursors of events and ideas to come.
Ritual Circumcision in the Age of Germ Theory Amongst Nineteenth-Century New York Immigrants
Authors: Poliak Daniel B.
Published: September 2013

While Jewish ritual circumcision continues to be a controversial issue in Europe and the US, metzitzah b’peh, the addendum to brit milah, which requires the mohel (ritual peritomist) to orally suck blood from the wound immediately following the excision of the foreskin, remains a divisive topic. While medical historians have studied European outbreaks of infectious disease following metzitzah b’peh, no one has assessed the response of the nineteenth century New York Jewry. This paper analyses how this nascent community responded to the thorough report by the New York Board of Health following an alleged and discredited outbreak of syphilis attributed to metzitzah b’peh in 1873, especially in the context of nineteenth century immigration, popular perception of syphilis and American medicine.
How International Courts Shape Domestic Justice: Lessons from Rwanda and Sierra Leone
Authors: Horovitz Sigall
Published: September 2013

The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) were created to deliver accountability for the atrocities committed during Rwanda's genocide of 1994 and Sierra Leone's civil war of the 1990s. The capacity of these courts, however, like other international criminal tribunals, is limited in terms of the number of persons they can prosecute. If most perpetrators evade justice, the ability of international tribunals to deliver accountability may be seriously undermined. To mitigate this risk, national justice systems should deal with the perpetrators who are not addressed by international tribunals. When national systems do not do so (or fail to do so effectively), international tribunals are well placed to encourage (or improve) national atrocity-related judicial proceedings, thereby increasing their chances of delivering accountability.

This article assesses empirically the impact of the ICTR and SCSL on national atrocity-related judicial proceedings in their target countries, thus contributing to an overall assessment of these tribunals. The article also compares the national impact of the ‘pure international’ ICTR to that of the ‘hybrid’ SCSL and tries to identify features that affect the national impact of an international tribunal. Understanding the interactions between international and national justice systems, and the features that affect the national impact of international tribunals, is particularly important given the shift to ‘positive complementarity’ at the International Criminal Court.
The Normative Impact of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights on Latin-American National Prosecution of Mass Atrocities
Authors: Medellín-Urquiaga Ximena
Published: September 2013

Throughout its history, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights has ruled in a significant number of cases on the state's obligations to investigate and prosecute grave human rights violations and international crimes. Regardless of the existence of this body of international jurisprudence, an important question remains unanswered: Can the Inter-American Court's decisions have any significant normative impact on national jurisdictions when it comes to the prosecution of international crimes? This article argues that such an impact is possible provided that the national courts have a specific judicial identity, better associated with the idea of neo-constitutionalism. In this context, international law and regional human rights jurisprudence becomes a relevant argumentative resource, which can be incorporated into judicial decisions in order to ensure the effective prosecution of gross human rights violations and international crimes.