bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiolysis of C5-BTBP in cyclohexanone irradiated in the absence and presence of an aqueous phase
Authors: Fermvik Anna , Aneheim Emma , Grüner Bohumir , Hájková Zuzana , Kvicalová Magdaléna , Ekberg Christian
Published: February 2012

Spent nuclear fuel contains many highly radioactive species; hence solvents used in reprocessing will be subjected to radiolysis. In this study, solvents containing one of the BTBP molecules intended for the separation of trivalent actinides and lanthanides, the so called C5-BTBP, have been subjected to radiolysis and hydrolysis. We present here that this compound shows a dramatic decrease in both distribution ratios and separation factor when irradiated with higher doses up to 50 kGy; particularly in the presence of an aqueous phase. Furthermore, fast hydrolytic degradation is observed, which significantly contributes to the overall degree of decomposition. This is supported by speciation studies performed by HPLC and LC-MS methods. Proposed structures of the highest-yield degradation products are presented and they seem to confirm previously drawn structures for these products. From these studies it can be concluded that the presence of nitric acid or nitrate during irradiation leads to higher content of species containing keto groups.
The Effect of Simulated Ostracism on Physical Activity Behavior in Children
Authors: Barkley Jacob E. , Salvy Sarah-Jeanne , Roemmich James N.
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVES:

To assess the effects of simulated ostracism on children’s physical activity behavior, time allocated to sedentary behavior, and liking of physical activity.

METHODS:

Nineteen children (11 boys, 8 girls; age 11.7 ± 1.3 years) completed 2 experimental sessions. During each session, children played a virtual ball-toss computer game (Cyberball). In one session, children played Cyberball and experienced ostracism; in the other session, they were exposed to the inclusion/control condition. The order of conditions was randomized. After playing Cyberball, children were taken to a gymnasium where they had free-choice access to physical and sedentary activities for 30 minutes. Children could participate in the activities, in any pattern they chose, for the entire period. Physical activity during the free-choice period was assessed via accelerometery and sedentary time via observation. Finally, children reported their liking for the activity session via a visual analog scale.

RESULTS:

Children accumulated 22% fewer (P < .01) accelerometer counts and 41% more (P < .04) minutes of sedentary activity in the ostracized condition (8.9e+4 ± 4.5e+4 counts, 11.1 ± 9.3 minutes) relative to the included condition (10.8e+4 ± 4.7e+4 counts, 7.9 ± 7.9 minutes). Liking (8.8 ± 1.5 cm included, 8.1 ± 1.9 cm ostracized) of the activity sessions was not significantly different (P > .10) between conditions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Simulated ostracism elicits decreased subsequent physical activity participation in children. Ostracism may contribute to children’s lack of physical activity.
Prospective Analysis of Pulmonary Hypertension in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Bhat Ramachandra , Salas Ariel A. , Foster Chris , Carlo Waldemar A. , Ambalavanan Namasivayam
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVES:

Pulmonary hypertension is associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants and contributes to morbidity and mortality. The objective was to determine the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension among ELBW infants by screening echocardiography and evaluate subsequent outcomes.

METHODS:

All ELBW infants admitted to a regional perinatal center were evaluated for pulmonary hypertension with echocardiography at 4 weeks of age and subsequently if clinical signs suggestive of right-sided heart failure or severe lung disease were evident. Management was at discretion of the clinician, and infants were evaluated until discharge from the hospital or pre-discharge death occurred.

RESULTS:

One hundred forty-five ELBW infants (birth weight: 755 ± 144 g; median gestational age: 26 weeks [interquartile range: 24–27]) were screened from December 2008 to February 2011. Overall, 26 (17.9%) were diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension at any time during hospitalization (birth weight: 665 ± 140 g; median gestational age: 26 weeks [interquartile range: 24–27]): 9 (6.2%) by initial screening (early pulmonary hypertension) and 17 (11.7%) who were identified later (late pulmonary hypertension). Infants with pulmonary hypertension were more likely to receive oxygen treatment on day 28 compared with those without pulmonary hypertension (96% vs 75%, P < .05). Of the 26 infants, 3 died (all in the late group because of cor pulmonale) before being discharged from the hospital.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pulmonary hypertension is relatively common, affecting at least 1 in 6 ELBW infants, and persists to discharge in most survivors. Routine screening of ELBW infants with echocardiography at 4 weeks of age identifies only one-third of the infants diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. Further research is required to determine optimal detection and intervention strategies.
Good Outcome With Early Empiric Treatment of Neural Larva Migrans Due to Baylisascaris procyonis
Authors: Peters Jurriaan M. , Madhavan Vandana L. , Kazacos Kevin R. , Husson Robert N. , Dangoudoubiyam Sriveny , Soul Janet S.
Published: February 2012

We report a remarkably good outcome in a 14-month-old boy with early clinical diagnosis and aggressive empirical treatment of neural larva migrans caused by the raccoon roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis. He presented with fever, meningismus, lethargy, irritability and asymmetric spastic extremity weakness. Early findings of marked blood and cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilia and of diffuse white matter signal abnormality in the brain and spinal cord on MRI suggested a parasitic encephalomyelitis. Rapid presumptive treatment with albendazole and high-dose steroids halted progression of clinical signs. The diagnosis was confirmed by 2 sequential enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay studies positive for B procyonis serum immunoglobulin G and by Western blot. Field examination with soil sampling yielded infective Baylisascaris eggs. Repeat MRI 3 months later showed atrophy and diffuse, chronic white matter abnormalities, discordant with the marked clinical improvement in this interval. At 10 months, residual neurologic deficits included subtle paraparesis and moderate language delay. This case is the first in which spinal involvement in human Baylisascaris infection was clinically suspected and confirmed by neuroimaging. Importantly, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment of Baylisascaris meningo-encephalitis and myelitis with albendazole and high-dose steroids likely contributed to the good outcome in this patient, in contrast with previous reports.
Calculation of migration rates of vacancies and divacancies in α-Iron using transition path sampling biased with a Lyapunov indicator
Authors: Picciani Massimiliano , Athènes Manuel , Marinica Mihai-Cosmin
Published: February 2012

Predicting the microstructural evolution of radiation damage in materials requires handling the physics of infrequent-events, in which several time scales are involved. The reactions rates characterizing these events are the main ingredient for simulating the kinetics of materials under irradiation over large time scales and high irradiation doses. We propose here an efficient, finite temperature method to compute reaction rate constants of thermally activated processes. The method consists of two steps. Firstly, rare reactive trajectories in phase-space are sampled using a transition path sampling (TPS) algorithm supplemented with a local Lyapunov bias favoring diverging trajectories. This enables the system to visit transition regions separating stable configurations more often, and thus enhances the probability of observing transitions between stable states during relatively short simulations. Secondly, reaction constants are estimated from the unbiased fraction of reactive trajectories, yielded by an appropriate statistical data analysis tool, the multistate Bennett acceptance ratio (MBAR) package. We apply our method to the calculation of reaction rates for vacancy and di-vacancy migration in α-Iron crystal, using an Embedded Atom Model potential, for temperatures ranging from 300 K to 800 K.
In situ XANES Study of Co2+ Ion Adsorption on Fe3O4 Nanoparticles in Supercritical Aqueous Fluids
Authors: Yan Hao , Mayanovic Robert A. , Demster Joseph , Anderson Alan J.
Published: February 2012

In situ x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements were made on Fe3O4 nanoparticles in supercritical aqueous fluids to 500 °C in order to study their reactivity with Co2+ aqua ions and to investigate the structural properties of the reacted nanoparticles. The analyses of the x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) of XAS indicate that reactivity of Fe3O4 nanoparticles with Co2+ ions is minimal to 200 °C but becomes significant in the 250–500 °C temperature range. XANES and angular momentum projected density of states (l-DOS) calculations were carried out using the FEFF8.2 code and analyses were made using multi-peak fitting to determine the origin of the features exhibited in the spectra.
Copper (II) Phthalocyanine Based Field Effect Transistors as Total Dose Sensors for Determining Ionizing Radiation Dose
Authors: Raval Harshil N. , Rao V. Ramgopal
Published: February 2012

Changes in the material properties of copper (II) phthalocyanine (CuPc) thin-films were studied upon exposure to increasing dose of ionizing radiation using photoluminescence spectrum. We observe generation of new energy states below the band gap upon exposure to ionizing radiation. Organic electronic devices – CuPc based resistor and an organic field effect transistor (OFET) – are proposed in this work as total dose sensors for ionizing radiation. We observe an increase in the conductivity of CuPc thin-films with increasing dose of ionizing radiation. To overcome the possibility of changes/degradation in the electrical properties of CuPc thin-films upon interaction with various gases and moisture in the environment, a passivation layer of silicon nitride, deposited by hot-wire CVD process is proposed. Effect of ionizing radiation on the electrical properties of thin-films of CuPc has been studied. We observe a 170% increase in the resistance of the thin-film for a total of 50 Gy radiation dose using Cobalt-60 (60Co) radiation source. Moreover, significant changes in the electrical characteristics of an OFET, with CuPc as an organic semiconductor, have been observed with increasing doses of ionizing radiation. Experiments with an OFET (W/L = 19350 μm / 100 μm and tox = 150 nm) as a sensor resulted in a ∼100X change in the OFF current for a total of 50 Gy dose of ionizing radiation exhibiting a sensitivity of ∼1 nA/Gy. Moreover, implementing a reader circuit, shift in the threshold voltage of the OFET at 1e-7 A drain current displayed a sensitivity of 80 mV/Gy for a total of 50 Gy dose of ionizing radiation. CuPc based organic electronic devices have advantages as sensors because of their low-cost fabrication, large area coverage on flexible substrates, etc.
In situTEM Ion Irradiation and Atmospheric Heating of Cladding Materials
Authors: Hattar K. , Rajasekhara S. , Clark B.G.
Published: February 2012

Over the course of use, both in-service and during storage, fuel claddings for nuclear reactors undergo complex changes that can drastically change their material properties. Exposures to irradiation, temperature changes, and stresses, as well as contact with coolant, storage pool, and dry storage environments, may induce microstructural changes, such as formation of radiation defects, precipitate dissolution, and chemical segregation, that can ultimately result in failure of the cladding if pushed beyond its limit. In order to predict the performance of cladding in-service and during storage, understanding of the dominant processes related to these changes and their consequences is essential. In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) allows dynamic observation, at the nanoscale, of microstructural changes under a range of stimuli, making it an excellent tool for deepening our understanding of microstructural evolution in claddings. This proceeding presents details of the new in situ ion irradiation TEM and in situ gas cell TEM capabilities developed at Sandia National Laboratories. In addition, it will present the initial results from both systems investigating radiation tolerance of potential Generation IV cladding materials and understanding degradation mechanisms in Zr-based claddings of importance for dry storage.
Laser Trace Vaporization of Trace Explosive Materials
Authors: Papantonakis Michael , Furstenberg Robert , Kendziora Christopher A. , Nguyen Viet , Großer Jakob , McGill R. Andrew
Published: February 2012

The low vapor pressure of many energetic materials presents a challenge for detection by non-contact methods. We address this limitation by illuminating energetic materials including TNT and RDX with infrared lasers tuned to strong molecular absorption bands to efficiently heat trace amounts present on substrates. This substantially increases their vapor signatures for direct detection, obviating the need to swab surfaces for solid particles or to collect headspace vapors for extended time periods. The instantaneously generated vapor produced by Laser Trace Vaporization (LTV) can be detected by any number of techniques which can accommodate vapor sampling or spectroscopic analysis. Currently the testbed for LTV incorporates a tunable quantum cascade laser (QCL) to illuminate the sample and an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) to validate the signal enhancement. The LTV technique works well with all tested substrates, though the thermal and spectroscopic properties of the substrate can influence the efficiency of the vaporization. Computational results from laser heating along with experimental thermal kinetic measurements were used to optimize LTV laser irradiation parameters. In addition to a range of LTV results for different explosives and substrates, we explore the effects of wavelength-dependent heating on the sample and substrate.
Workplace Safety in Polymer Nanocomposite Research
Authors: Cattin Cyrill , Debia Maximilien , Dufresne André , Hubert Pascal
Published: February 2012

The topic of this study is focused on exposure control measures and working practices to minimize/eliminate potential health, safety, and environmental risks associated with the handling of dry nanoparticles. First, it is shown that a glove box with attached vacuum chamber for material transport and air cleaning is highly effective in minimizing occupational exposure to airborne nanoparticles. Second, the propensity for Baytubes C 150 P multi-walled carbon nanotubes to form airborne particles is found to be very low. The combined results provide useful guidelines for both the selection and the use of an engineering control to minimize/eliminate exposure to airborne carbon nanotubes, and nanoparticles in general.
Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Epoxy-Based Chemically-Amplified Resist for MEMS Application
Authors: Yagyu Hiromasa , Hirai Yoshikazu , Uesugi Akio , Makino Yoshihide , Sugano Koji , Tsuchiya Toshiyuki , Tabata Osamu
Published: February 2012

A unique simulation method of epoxy-based chemically-amplified resist by coarse-grained molecular dynamics was proposed. The mechanical properties of an epoxy-based chemically-amplified resists with various cross-linking ratios were simulated using a newly developed coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation that employs a bead-spring model. Models with the different cross-linking ratios were created in the molecular dynamics calculation step and uniaxial elongation simulations were performed. The results reveal that the simulated elastic modulus of the resist modeled by the bead-spring model with an extended angle bending potential depends on the cross-linking ratio; its dependency exhibits good agreement with that determined by nanoindentation tests.
A Systematic Study of Metal-assisted Chemical Etching Parameters for Well-Ordered Silicon Nanowire Array Fabrication
Authors: Alagoz Arif S. , Karabacak Tansel
Published: February 2012

Metal-assisted chemical etching is a simple and low-cost silicon nanowire fabrication method which allows control of nanowire diameter, length, shape and orientation. In this work, we fabricated well-ordered silicon nanowire array by patterning gold thin film by nanosphere lithography and etching single crystalline silicon wafer by metal-assisted chemical etching technique. We investigated relation between etched solution concentration and nanowire morphology, wafer crystal orientation, etching rate. This well-ordered silicon nanowires arrays have the potential applications in many fields but especially next generation energy related applications from solar cells to lithium-ion batteries.
Investigation of thin-film ultrasonic transducers for high-temperature applications
Authors: Hou Ruozhou , Hutson D , Kirk K J
Published: February 2012

Ultrasonic transducers based on aluminium nitride (AlN) piezoelectric thin films have been proposed for high-temperature (>400°C) defect monitoring of industrial plants and components. To form the transducers, c-axis oriented AlN films, 6 μm thick, were grown on carbon steel
substrates by RF sputter deposition. If the films are deposited directly onto components, then the problems of high-temperature couplant layers can be avoided. Two approaches were taken to testing the devices. In the first method, the devices were heated on a hot plate up to 400-500°C
and tested by pulse-echo measurements at high temperature and on returning to room temperature. It was shown that AlN thin-film transducers could maintain their performance in pulse-echo mode at temperatures approaching 500°C. A deterioration in performance below 500°C was attributed
mainly to degradation of the top electrode. In the second method, film and substrate were heated in an oven to 600°C and subsequently characterised by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy to identify any structural change in the films and to investigate the transducer failure
mode. These tests showed no significant change in the AlN film after heating. The high temperature durability of the transducers, however, was limited by heat-induced surface oxidation of the carbon steel substrate at the elevated temperatures, which led to decoupling of the film from the
substrate.
Corrosion detection using low-frequency RFID technology
Authors: Alamin M , Tian G Y , Andrews A , Jackson P
Published: February 2012

In this paper we present the novel use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology as a sensor for corrosion detection. An RFID system consists of two components: the reader and the tag/transponder. The tag is placed on a test sample surface and then measurements are made using
the reader coil at a certain height above the tag. The RFID corrosion sensor operates according to the principles of electromagnetic induction. The sample set consists of coated and uncoated mild steel plates, which have rectangular regions that have been exposed to the environment for different
durations (1, 3 and 6 months) to create different levels of corrosion. The results show that the RFID corrosion sensor is able to distinguish all the different levels of corrosion. Furthermore, the measurements from the corroded region are consistently different from coating thickness and
conductivity/permeability variations across the sample surface.
Application of the Relationship-Based Care Model to Improve Health Outcomes via the Electronic Personal Health Record
Authors: Hebda Toni , Patton Carol
Published: February 2012

This article examines the metaparadigm of the relationship-based care (RBC) model in health care delivery, delineates selected characteristics of the electronic personal health record (ePHR), provides an example of how RBC applies to integration of the ePHR in the health care delivery setting, discusses the utility of RBC for interprofessional collaboration using the ePHR, and examines how application of RBC in conjunction with the ePHR has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes.
Recipe for Success: Stories of Evidence-Based Practice Implementation
Authors: Rugari Susan M. , Alcorn Lynette , Baird Theresa , Phillips-Williams Basnot E. , Spagnuolo Wendy F. , Lee Mei-Yi , Berglund Pamela A.
Published: February 2012

Through a collaborative partnership with administrators at a university, nurse leaders at a local hospital worked to create a culture in which nurses could provide evidence-based practice (EBP). The Best Practice Series was started, and two participants ‘experiences of implementing EBP in their units are described with encouraging results.
Inflow-Control-Device Design: Revisiting Objectives and Techniques
Authors: Daneshy Ali , Guo Boyun , Krasnov Vitaly , Zimin Sergey
Published: February 2012

Inflow-control devices (ICDs) were developed in response to early water breakthrough from the heel of prolific horizontal wells. In their initial applications, the design of ICD installations was based on equalizing flux (flow rate per unit length) along the length of a horizontal well, which required "choking" of flux in the heel region. In practice, these tools are often installed along the entire length of a horizontal well, with the logic that, because choking level is proportional to flow, the tool will automatically produce a more uniform flow profile.

In this paper, we will re-examine the technical validity of equalizing flux along the length of the horizontal well. We will show that, in reservoirs with uniform permeability, the flux from the toe and heel regions should, in fact, be larger than that from the midsection. We will also show that delaying water or gas breakthrough is not the best reason for using ICDs. We will discuss the benefits of a new design philosophy whereby the well is segmented and choked at a level that regulates its flux to a value that produces a more-suitable flow for optimum reservoir management. This gives the operator the flexibility to design ICD layout to optimize various flow parameters, including time or cumulative production at water/gas breakthrough, location of first water/gas breakthrough, or any other parameter that fits the production strategy. This will be especially valuable for wells in variable-permeability reservoirs. A new design philosophy developed on the basis of this concept will be presented and its benefits demonstrated through a case history.
Analysis of Nitrogen Stimulation Technique in Shallow Coalbed-Methane Formations
Authors: Settari A.. , Bachman R.C.. C. , Bothwell P..
Published: February 2012

Nitrogen (N2) stimulation has become the preferred technique for stimulation of coal seams in the Horseshoe Canyon play in Alberta. It consists of stimulating each seam by pumping at very high rates for short time (2–4 minutes). Because the coal is producible at shallow depths, the Energy Resource Conservation Board (ERCB) has been developing and updating regulatory guidelines that aim to protect the freshwater supply.

This study was undertaken to improve the understanding of the process and provide recommendations on the regulatory guidelines for shallow depth (less than 200 m). The study was provided with extensive data from the industry (more than 20,000 fractures in more than 2,000 wells) and has carried out several types of analyses to estimate fracture orientation and dimensions and their dependence on N2-injection rate and duration and on reservoir parameters. This included statistical analysis of large amounts of surface pressure data, pressure-transient analysis (PTA) of downhole pressure data, analysis of fracture-mapping data, and conceptual simulations of the injection process using coupled reservoir and geomechanical models. Coupled geomechanical modeling provided a realistic physical model of the process (in comparison with conventional models). Stress dependence of coal permeability and permeability anisotropy were shown to be the controlling mechanisms. This model was then used to investigate height-growth mechanisms.

After considering the results of the analysis, its limitations, uncertainties in geological description of the coal and shale sequences, available case histories, and other factors, recommendations were made for modifications, resulting in the revised ERCB Directive 27, Shallow Fracturing Operations—Restricted Operations, released 14 August 2009.
Parameters Affecting the Interaction Among Closely Spaced Hydraulic Fractures
Authors: Bunger A.P.. P. , Zhang X.. , Jeffrey R.G.. G.
Published: February 2012

Placing multiple hydraulic fractures at intervals along horizontal wells has proved to be a highly effective method for stimulation. However, the mechanical interaction between a growing hydraulic fracture and one or more previous hydraulic fractures can affect the fracture geometry such that the final fracture array is suboptimal for stimulation. If the fracture-array geometry is idealized as a set of regular and planar fractures, history matching and production forecasting may be inaccurate. During the treatments, the fractures can curve toward or away from one another, potentially intersecting one another. A detailed parametric study of this phenomenon using a coupled 2D numerical fracturing simulator shows that the curving is associated with a combination of opening and sliding along the previously placed hydraulic fracture, as well as the previous fracture's disturbance of the local stress field because of its propped width. Dimensional analysis and scaling techniques are used to identify the key parameters that are associated with suppression of each mechanism that can lead to hydraulic-fracture curving. The analysis, which is in agreement with available data, results in a clarification of the conditions under which attractive and repulsive curving are expected, as well as the conditions under which curving is expected to be negligible or even completely suppressed. This last case of planar hydraulic-fracture growth is of practical importance and will usually be considered desirable. We present a straightforward method for determining whether planar fracture growth is expected that additionally gives insight into how design parameters can be modified to promote planar hydraulic-fracture growth.
Inversion of Distributed-Temperature-Sensing Logs To Measure Zonal Coverage During and After Wellbore Treatments With Coiled Tubing
Authors: Tardy P.M.J.. M.J. , Ramondenc P.. , Weng X.. , Burgos R.. , Baez F.. , Yekta-Ganjeh K..
Published: February 2012

Distributed temperature sensing (DTS) is a fiber-optic technology that provides continuous temperature profiles along the length of a well. When placing the fiber inside a coiled tubing (CT), one can monitor the temperature evolution while pumping as well as during a shut-in period. This evolution, in turn, yields some indications about the fluid-placement performance or zonal coverage. So far, interpretation of such DTS traces has been mostly qualitative. The work presented here demonstrates how DTS data can be used, coupled with an inversion algorithm and a forward model of fluid injection into a reservoir, to quantify the intake profile of treatment fluid along the wellbore. Recent field cases of matrix acidizing treatments in carbonate reservoirs are analyzed to illustrate the workflow and how it may yield valuable information.
Improved Uncertainty Quantification in the Ensemble Kalman Filter Using Statistical Model-Selection Techniques
Authors: Sætrom Jon , Hove Joakim , Skjervheim Jan-Arild , Gustav Vabø Jon
Published: February 2012

The ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) is a sequential Monte Carlo method for solving nonlinear spatiotemporal inverse problems, such as petroleum-reservoir evaluation, in high dimensions. Although the EnKF has seen successful applications in numerous areas, the classical EnKF algorithm can severely underestimate the prediction uncertainty. This can lead to biased production forecasts and an ensemble collapsing into a single realization.

In this paper, we combine a previously suggested EnKF scheme based on dimension reduction in the data space, with an automatic cross-validation (CV) scheme to select the subspace dimension. The properties of both the dimension reduction and the CV scheme are well known in the statistical literature. In an EnKF setting, the former can reduce the effects caused by collinear ensemble members, while the latter can guard against model overfitting by evaluating the predictive capabilities of the EnKF scheme. The model-selection criterion traditionally used for determining the subspace dimension, on the other hand, does not take the predictive power of the EnKF scheme into account, and can potentially lead to severe problems of model overfitting. A reservoir case study is used to demonstrate that the CV scheme can substantially improve the reservoir predictions with associated uncertainty estimates.
Microleakage Resistance of Minimally Invasive Class I Flowable Composite Restorations
Authors: Bonilla ED , Stevenson RG , Caputo AA , White SN
Published: February 2012

Minimally invasive flowable composite Class I restorations are widely used. However, flowable composites are characterized by low filler contents, modified resin formulations, low moduli of elasticity, low viscosity, generally poor mechanical properties, and decreased long-term stability. The purpose of this study was to compare the microleakage resistance of a wide variety of flowable composites used with their manufacturers' recommended bonding systems to that of a long-used and widely studied microhybrid composite when placed as minimally invasive occlusal restorations. Molar teeth were prepared in a standardized manner, restored, artificially aged, stained, sectioned, evaluated, and analyzed. Microleakage varied substantially, by a whole order of magnitude, among the material groups tested. The control group, a conventional microhybrid composite material, leaked significantly less than all the flowable composite groups. Microleakage varied very slightly among measurement site locations. Tiny microscopic bubbles were seen within many of the flowable composite specimens, as were a few voids.
Preliminary spectroscopic investigation of some PVA membranes gamma irradiated
Authors: Todica Mihai , Udrescu Luciana , Şimon Simion
Published: February 2012

The UV-VIS absorption property and the structural modification of PVA membranes gamma irradiated were investigated by XRD, UV-VIS and Raman spectroscopies. The increase of UV absorbance is observed after irradiation. This behavior is correlated with the scission effect and local ordering of the polymeric chain induced by irradiation. These effects were probed by XRD and Raman spectroscopy.
Posterior pusher syndrome — case report
Authors: Mikołajewska Emilia
Published: February 2012

Pusher syndrome is classically described as disorder of body orientation in the coronal plane. It is characterized by a tilt towards the contralesional paretic side and a resistance to external attempts to rectify. It occurs mainly in stroke patients, however, non-stroke causes have been described too. In 2010 the concept of the posterior pusher syndrome had been proposed, defined as disturbance of body orientation in the sagittal plane with imbalance, posterior tilt and an active resistance to forward pulling or pushing. The author describes, on the basis of the literature and own research, symptoms and methods of the treatment of the little-known posterior pusher syndrome.
Who is Behind the Name?
Authors: Talebi Shahla
Published: February 2012

This paper journeys along the theoretical and historical trajectories of the early stage of post-revolutionary Iran, marked by an external war with Iraq and internal political suppression. Specifically, it grapples with the intricacies of loss, mourning, and survival in the meanders of the life of a woman, a former leftist political prisoner, named Mahtab. Striving to unravel the pathos and aporias of Mahtab’s life, this paper ponders the limits of the laws of polity and of kinship, and the “limit of reflexivity” (a phrase introduced by Judith Butler) that may have led to her suicide. Based on Mahtab’s story and my ethnographic work with some of the surviving former women inmates, this paper engages with Sigmund Freud’s notions of survival, mourning, and melancholia in light of their intertwined relationship to the re-formation of the subject. I argue for the centrality of mourning and its limits and illustrate how historically shaped political ideals and gendered subjectivities are implicated and influential in determining the impossibility of survival.
Ecological response of some Iris L. taxa (Iridaceae) in Turkey
Authors: Kandemir Nezahat , Çelik Ali , Sürücü Abdulkadir
Published: February 2012

Ecological relationships of some Iris taxa belonging to subgenera Hermodactyloides (I. danfordiae, I. histrio subsp. aintabensis, I. histrio subsp. histrio, I. reticulata, I. bakeriana, I. pamphylica) and Scorpiris (I. aucheri and I. persica) have been compared and relationships between taxa have been determined. These taxa are geophytes and flower in Spring. I. danfordiae, I. pamphylica and subsp. aintabensis are endemic to Turkey. I. reticulata and I. persica have widespread distribution while I. aucheri, subsp. aintabensis, subsp. histrio, I. pamphylica and I. bakeriana have restricted distribution in Turkey. Soil samples of the taxa were collected during flowering periods and physical and chemical properties (texture class, total salinity %, pH, CaCO3 %, organic matter %, N %, P kg/da, K kg/da, Ca , Mg, Mn, Cu, Fe and Zn ppm) were determined. The correlations between the soil analyses and taxa were evaluated using regression analysis. The P and CaCOsub>3 values were found to be more effective than the other soil factors in the distributions of investigated taxa. Key words: Iris taxa; Endemic; Rare; Ecological properties; Relationship DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v40i2.9774   Bangladesh J. Bot. 40(2): 177-184, 2011 (December)
Relationship Of FEF25-75, Pefr And SVC With Estrogen And Progesterone Level In Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Polly Zinat Ara , Begum Shelina , Ferdousi Sultana , Begum Noorzahan , Ali Taskina , Begum Afroza
Published: February 2012

Background: Deterioration of lung function is common in women after menopause, which may be related to very low estrogen and progesterone level. Objective: To observe FEF25-75, PEFR and SVC (slow vital capacity) values in apparently healthy postmenopausal women to find out their relationships with serum estrogen and progesterone. Methods: This study was carried out in the Department of Physiology in BSMMU, Dhaka in the year 2007. 30 healthy postmenopausal women aged 45 to 60 years and 30 healthy premenopausal women aged 20 to 30 years during their different phases of menstrual cycle were studied. Postmenopausal women were residents of Dhaka city and premenopausal subjects were medical students. FEF25-75, PEFR and SVC of all subjects were measured by a digital micro spirometer. Their estrogen and progesterone levels were estimated by Micro particle Enzyme Immunoassay (MEIA) method. Data were analyzed by Pearson’s correlation coefficient test, one way ANOVA and unpaired‘t’ test Results: The mean percentage of predicted values of FEF25-75 and PEFR were lower in postmenopausal women compared to those of follicular and luteal phases of premenopausal women but it was not significant. Measured values of SVC was Significantly (p<.001) lower in postmenopausal women compared to those of follicular and luteal phases of premenopausal women. Again Mean serum estrogen and progesterone levels were significantly (p<.001) lower in post menopausal women compared to those of follicular and luteal phases of premenopausal women. In post menopausal women, FEF25-75 was positively, PEFR and SVC were negatively correlated with progesterone level. PEFR and SVC showed positive correlattion and FEF25-75 showed negative correlation with serum estrogen level. All these correlations were statistically non significant. In premenopausal women FEF25-75 and PEFR showed positive correlation and SVC showed negative correlation with serum progesterone level. The relationships were statistically significant in luteal phase but nonsignificant in follicular phase. FEF25-75 ,PEFR and SVC were positively correlated with serum estrogen level in luteal phase but FEF25-75 and PEFR negatively correlated and SVC positively correlated with estrogen level in follicular phase. Conclusion: The outcome of this study shows FEF25-75 , PEFR and SVC may be reduced in postmenopausal women which in turn may be associated with their low progesterone and estrogen levels. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsp.v6i2.9761 JBSP 2011 6(2): 116-121
Transition of Treatment for Patients with Extra-Abdominal Desmoid Tumors: Nagoya University Modality
Authors: Nishida Yoshihiro , Tsukushi Satoshi , Shido Yoji , Urakawa Hiroshi , Arai Eisuke , Ishiguro Naoki
Published: February 2012

Treatment modalities for desmoid tumors have been changed because of the high recurrence rate, even after wide resection, and some cases experience spontaneous self-regression during clinical course. The treatment modality in our institutions before 2003 was surgical resection with wide surgical margin, however, meloxicam, which is a NSAID and a selective COX-2 inhibitor has been applied consecutively since 2003. We reviewed the previously reported outcomes of surgical and conservative treatment in our institutions. Among 30 patients receiving surgical treatment, 16 (53%) recurred. Younger age ( p < 0.05) was a significant poor factor. According to RECIST for meloxicam treatment, CR was in one, PR in 10, SD in eight, PD in one evaluated at 2011. Older age ( p < 0.01) was significantly associated with good outcome for meloxicam treatment. Results of the previous study indicated that surgical treatment alone could not control desmoid tumors, even with negative surgical margin. Considering the functional impairment resulting from surgery with negative surgical margin, a conservative and effective treatment modality with fewer complications is desired. Conservative treatment with meloxicam is a promising novel modality for patients with extra-abdominal desmoid tumors.
Benzoxetes and Benzothietes ¾ Heterocyclic Analogues of Benzocyclobutene
Authors: Meier Herbert
Published: February 2012

Benzo-condensed four-ring heterocycles, such as benzoxetes 1 and benzothietes 3 represent multi-purpose starting compounds for the preparation of various higher heterocyclic ring systems. The thermal or photochemical valence isomerizations between the benzenoid forms 1,3 and the higher reactive o-quinoid structures 2,4 provide the basis for the synthetic applications. On the other hand, this valence isomerization impedes in particular the generation and storage of 1 because the thermal equilibrium 1 2 is completely on the side of 2. Thus, the number of erroneous or questionable benzoxete structures published to date is surprisingly high. On the contrary, the thermal equilibrium 3 4 is on the side of the benzothietes 3, which makes them easily accessible, especially by different flash vacuum pyrolysis techniques. The present article gives a survey of the preparations of 1 and 2, and tries to stimulate their use in synthetic projects. Naphtho-condensed and higher condensed compounds and compounds with an exocyclic C=O or S=O double bond (lactones, thiolactones, sulfoxides and sulfones) are not covered in this article.
Protein Reporter Bioassay Systems for the Phenotypic Screening of Candidate Drugs: A Mouse Platform for Anti-Aging Drug Screening
Authors: Chiba Takuya , Tsuchiya Tomoshi , Mori Ryoichi , Shimokawa Isao
Published: February 2012

Recent drug discovery efforts have utilized high throughput screening (HTS) of large chemical libraries to identify compounds that modify the activity of discrete molecular targets. The molecular target approach to drug screening is widely used in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, because of the amount of knowledge now available regarding protein structure that has been obtained by computer simulation. The molecular target approach requires that the structure of target molecules, and an understanding of their physiological functions, is known. This approach to drug discovery may, however, limit the identification of novel drugs. As an alternative, the phenotypic- or pathway-screening approach to drug discovery is gaining popularity, particularly in the academic sector. This approach not only provides the opportunity to identify promising drug candidates, but also enables novel information regarding biological pathways to be unveiled. Reporter assays are a powerful tool for the phenotypic screening of compound libraries. Of the various reporter genes that can be used in such assays, those encoding secreted proteins enable the screening of hit molecules in both living cells and animals. Cell- and animal-based screens enable simultaneous evaluation of drug metabolism or toxicity with biological activity. Therefore, drug candidates identified in these screens may have increased biological efficacy and a lower risk of side effects in humans. In this article, we review the reporter bioassay systems available for phenotypic drug discovery.
Spatiotemporal Inhibition of Innate Immunity Signaling by the Tbc1d23 RAB-GAP
Authors: De Arras Lesly , Yang Ivana V. , Lackford Brad , Riches David W. H. , Prekeris Rytis , Freedman Jonathan H. , Schwartz David A. , Alper Scott
Published: February 2012

We previously identified Tbc1d23 as a candidate novel regulator of innate immunity using comparative genomics RNA interference screens in Caenorhabditis elegans and mouse macrophages. Using Tbc1d23 knockout mice and macrophages engineered to overexpress Tbc1d23, we now show that Tbc1d23 is a general inhibitor of innate immunity signaling, strongly inhibiting multiple TLR and dectin-signaling pathways. Tbc1d23 likely acts downstream of the TLR-signaling adaptors MyD88 and Trif and upstream of the transcription factor XBP1. Importantly, like XBP1, Tbc1d23 affects the maintenance, but not the initiation, of inflammatory cytokine production induced by LPS. Tbc1d23 acts as a RAB-GAP to regulate innate immunity signaling. Thus, Tbc1d23 exerts its inhibitory effect on innate immunity signaling in a spatiotemporal fashion. The identification of a novel spatiotemporal regulator of innate immunity signaling validates the comparative genomics approach for innate immunity gene discovery.
Natural hosts of the larvae of Nuttalliella sp. (N. namaqua?) (Acari: Nuttalliellidae)
Authors: Horak Ivan G. , Lutermann Heike , Medger Katarina , Apanaskevich Dmitry A. , Matthee Conrad A.
Published: February 2012

The first collection of unengorged and fully engorged larvae of Nuttalliella sp. (N. namaqua?) from the murid rodents Micaelamys namaquensis, Aethomys chrysophilus and Acomys spinosissimus in Limpopo Province and from M. namaquensis in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa, is documented. A total of nine larvae were collected from two M. namaquensis in the Soutpansberg mountain range in the Limpopo Province during April 2009. During the last week of September 2011, 221 larvae were collected from rodents at the same locality and 10 of 48 M. namaquensis, 6 of 12 Ae. chrysophilus and 3 of 14 Ac. spinosissimus were infested. One of the M. namaquensis harboured 53 larvae. Five larvae were collected from two M. namaquensis in the Northern Cape Province. Total genomic DNA was extracted from two larvae and a region of the 18S rRNA gene was sequenced for these. BLASTn searches revealed similarity between these specimens and the Nuttalliella sequences published on GenBank.
Internet and interest articulation in China: A theoretical re-examination
Authors: Chen Yu-Wen
Published: February 2012

Borrowing concepts from classic game theory, this paper theoretically re-examines the impact of the Internet on interest articulation in China. I consider the Chinese state to be a monopolist interacting with a number of entrants, that is, individuals wishing to bring information relating to public goods into the public space. Instead of being a unitary monopolist, the Chinese state has opted for different strategies, depending on the perceived costs of conceding or fighting against entrants. The entrants, similarly, have different strategic concerns depending on how salient the issue is that they seek to bring up.
The Effect of Conductors on Ensemble Evaluations
Authors: Price Harry E. , Mann Alison
Published: February 2012

Undergraduate music and music education majors (N = 131) scored stimulus video recordings of conductors and ensembles with seven conductors directing an identical performance of a college wind band composition from the performer's (front) and audience's (back) perspectives. Participants provided written suggestions and a numeric rating for each conductor and ensemble stimuli. The comments were used to develop emergent themes and trends were found regarding positive and negative influences of the conductor and performance. Two aspects of the comments were of particular interest: (1) the most common comment for the ensemble regarded following the conductor (along with musical expression), which were predominantly positive even though the performance was identical for all conductors, and (2) expressivity was a focus for both the conductor and ensemble comments even though participants were rating quality. Results indicated that there was a significant (p < .0001) conductor impact on the conductor and ensemble performance evaluations, even though the performances were identical. The conductor scores were strongly related to the ratings of the ensemble performances. It was also found that conductors viewed from the front or back had a significant (p < .01) impact on participant evaluations of conductors but not ensembles.
Phenotypic variability in hyperphosphatasia with seizures and neurologic deficit (Mabry syndrome)
Authors: Thompson Miles D. , Roscioli Tony , Marcelis Carlo , Nezarati Marjan M. , Stolte‐Dijkstra Irene , Sharom Frances J. , Lu Peihua , Phillips John A. , Sweeney Elizabeth , Robinson Peter N. , Krawitz Peter , Yntema Helger G. , Andrade Danielle M. , Brunner Han G. , Cole David E.C.
Published: February 2012

Hyperphosphatasia with neurologic deficit (Mabry syndrome) was first described in a single family (OMIM#239300) by Mabry et al. [1970]. Although considered rare at the time, more than 20 individuals with the triad of developmental disability, seizures, and hyperphosphatasia have been identified world‐wide. The 1‐6 mannosyltransferase 2, phosphatidylinositol glycan V (PIGV) gene has been found to be disrupted in some patients with the additional feature of brachytelephalangy. In the present report we identify three patients compound homozygous for PIGV mutations. Two siblings were found to be compound heterozygotes for c.467G > A and c.494C > A in exon 3 of PIGV (the c.494C > A PIGV variant is novel). A third patient with similar phenotype, was a compound heterozygote for the known c.1022C > A/c.1022C > T (p.Ala341Glu/p.Ala341Val) mutation. This patient was also noted to have lysosomal storage in cultured fibroblasts. In contrast, the fourth patient who had no apparent hand abnormality, was found to be heterozygous for a previously unclassified c.1369C > T mutation in exon 4 of the PIGV gene, resulting in a p.Leu457Phe substitution in the catalytic domain of the enzyme. Unless this variant has a dominant negative effect, however, it seems likely that another GPI biosynthesis gene variant may contribute to the disorder, possibly through digenic inheritance. Since slightly fewer than half of the nine cases presented in this report and our previous report [Thompson et al., 2010] have PIGV mutations, we suggest that other genes critical to GPI anchor biosynthesis are likely to be disrupted in some patients. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.