bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on Metal-Ceramic Thermal Expansion Compatibility
Authors: Miculescu Marian , Branzei Mihai , Miculescu Florin , Meghea Daniela , Bane Marin
Published: August 2014

Push rod method for determining linear thermal expansion using vertical differential dilatometer was used in the study of the thermal compatibility of metal-ceramic systems for dental applications. The purpose of this study consisted in evaluating the effectiveness of dental coating by determining the ceramic metal bonding strength of metal-ceramic couples (Ni-Cr and Co-Cr alloy coated with dental ceramic) and correlation with the difference of linear thermal expansion coefficients of metals and ceramics.
An Evaluation of Sn-Cu-Ga and Sn-Cu-Ag Solder Alloys for Applications within the Electronics Industry
Authors: Melcioiu Georgiana , Şerban Viorel Aurel , Ashworth Mark , Codrean Cosmin , Liţă Marin , Wilcox Geoffrey D.
Published: August 2014

Components soldered with Sn-based alloys are susceptible to the growth of whiskers. Tin whiskers have been proven to be responsible for equipment failures in a wide range of industries. In order to reduce defects in electronic components a new solder alloy is proposed based on the Sn-Cu alloys. The Sn-Cu-Ga alloy utilised in this study was fabricated as a ribbons using melt-spinning method. These ribbons were then soldered onto electroplated tin layers. Preliminary characterization of the solder alloy is presented in this paper, including scanning electron microscopy, EDX mapping and X-ray diffraction. Key words: tin whiskers, PCB, printed circuit boards, melt spinning, solder, ribbons
Left Ventricular Diastolic Parameters in Dilated Cardiomypoathy: Are We Missing Out on Something?
Authors: Kashyap Raghava , Mittal Bhagwant , Manohar Kuruva , Bhattacharya Anish , Bahl Ajay
Published: August 2014

Equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography is an established modality to assess the left ventricular (LV) systolic function in several clinical situations. Diastolic parameters can also be extracted from this investigation. The aim of our study is to assess the diastolic function of the left ventricle in cases of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) and ischemic cardiomyopathy, where systolic dysfunction has been considered of prime pathologic significance. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 89 patients who had undergone radionuclide ventriculography at our department with established diagnosis of IDCM in 59 patients and ischemic cardiomyopathy in remaining 30 patients. Peak filling rate (PFR) was assessed. The PFR was significantly lower in both patients with IDCM (median = 1.61 end diastolic volumes [EDV]/s) and ischemic cardiomyopathy (median = 2.005 EDV/s). 33% of the patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and ejection fraction (EF) >45% had diastolic dysfunction while 25% of patients with IDCM and EF >45% had low PFR. Diastolic dysfunction can coexist in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and even in patients with preserved LV EF. Routine evaluation of diastolic function in patients with heart failure can help in elucidation of pathogenesis and management of patients.
Nuclear Scan Strategy and Outcomes in Chest Pain Patients Value of Stress Testing with Dipyridamole or Adenosine
Authors: Conti Alberto , Mariannini Yuri , Canuti Erica , Petrova Tetyana , Innocenti Francesca , Zanobetti Maurizio , Gallini Chiara , Costanzo Egidio
Published: August 2014

Objective: To update the prognostic value of scan strategy with pharmacological stress agent in chest pain (CP) patients presenting with normal electrocardiography (ECG) and troponin. Methods: Two consecutive nonrandomized series of patients with CP and negative first-line workup inclusive of serial ECG, serial troponin, and echocardiography underwent myocardial perfusion imaging single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in the emergency department. Of 170 patients enrolled, 52 patients underwent dipyridamole-SPECT and 118 adenosine-SPECT. Patients with perfusion defects underwent angiography, whereas the remaining patients were discharged and followed-up. Primary endpoint was the composite of nonfatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina, revascularization, and cardiovascular death at follow-up or the presence of coronary stenosis > 50% at angiography. Results: At multivariate analysis, the presence of perfusion defects or hypertension was independent predictor of the primary endpoint. Sensitivity and negative predictive value were higher in patients subjected to adenosine-SPECT (95% and 99%, respectively) versus dipyridamole-SPECT (56% and 89%; yield 70% and 11%, respectively; P < 0.03). Of note, sensitivity, negative, and positive predictive values were high in patients with hypertension (100%, 93%, and 60%, respectively) or nonischemic echocardiography alterations (100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively). Conclusions: In CP patients, presenting with normal ECG and troponin, adenosine-SPECT adds incremental prognostic values to dipyridamole-SPECT. Costly scan strategy is more appropriate and avoids unnecessary angiograms in patients with hypertension or nonischemic echocardiography alterations.
Prognostic Value of Fluoro-D-glucose Uptake of Primary Tumor and Metastatic Lesions in Advanced Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Nguyen Xuan , Nguyen Van , Tran Minh , Maurea Simone , Salvatore Marco
Published: August 2014

To assess the prognostic value of maximum standardized uptake value (maxSUV) of the primary tumor (maxSUV pt ), maxSUV of whole-body tumors (maxSUV wb ) and sum of maximum standardized uptake value (sumaxSUV) measured by the sum of maxSUVs of the primary tumor, metastatic lymph nodes, and metastatic lesions per each organ on fluoro-D-glucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Eighty-three patients (49 male, 34 female) with advanced NSCLC were enrolled. Seventeen patients had Stage IIIA, 21 Stage IIIB, and 45 Stage IV. maxSUV pt , maxSUV wb , sumaxSUV, age, gender, tumor-cell type, T stage, N stage, overall stage, primary tumor size, and specific treatment were analyzed for correlation with overall survival. Median follow-up duration was 13 months. Fifty patients were dead during a median follow-up time of 11 months and 33 patients were alive with a median time of 15 months. Univariate analysis revealed that overall survival was significantly correlated with sumaxSUV (≥35 vs. <35, P = 0.004), T stage (T4 vs. T1-T3, P = 0.025), overall stage (IV vs. III, P = 0.002), gender (male vs. female, P = 0.029) and specific treatment (no vs. yes, P = 0.011). maxSUV pt and maxSUV wb were not correlated with overall survival with P value of 0.139 and 0.168, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified sumaxSUV, T stage, gender, and specific treatment as independent prognostic indicators. Patients with a sumaxSUV of ≥35 were 1.921 times more likely to die than those with a sumaxSUV of < 35 (P = 0.047). Median survival time was 14 months for patients with sumaxSUV ≥ 35 compared with 20 months for those with sumaxSUV < 35. In patients with metastatic NSCLC, sumaxSUV with cut-off of 35 was much more significant for survival prognosis (P = 0.021). sumaxSUV is a new prognostic measure, independent of tumor stage, gender, and specific treatment in advanced NSCLC. sumaxSUV may be better than maxSUV pt and maxSUV wb in prediction of survival. A large prospective cohort study is necessary to validate these results.
99m Tc-Hexamethyl Propyleneamine Oxime Brain Perfusion Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography in Characterization of Dementia: An Initial Experience in Indian Clinical Practice
Authors: Santra Amburanjan , Sinha Gaurav , Neogi Rajarshi , Thukral Ramesh
Published: August 2014

There is a growing health burden in developing countries due to recent trends of increasing incidence of neurodegenerative diseases. To reduce the healthcare cost and effective management of dementia illness, early diagnosis, accurate differentiation and their progression assessment is becoming crucially important. We are utilizing 99m Tc-d, l-hexamethyl propyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) brain perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to characterize dementia on the basis of perfusion patterns and observed significant improvement in their management. Eleven patients (median age of 60 years range of 53-83 years) with clinical suspicion of dementia underwent 99m Tc-HMPAO brain perfusion SPECT. SPECT-computed tomography acquisition done, data are reconstructed, reviewed in three view and further processed in "neurogam" to get voxel based analysis and the comparison with age based normal database and surface mapping. Final diagnosis was done with clinical correlation. Four patients are diagnosed as Alzheimer′s disease, two as frontotemporal dementia, one as dementia of Lewy bodies, two as vascular dementia and two as pseudodementia. All imaging findings are well-correlated with clinical background. Brain perfusion SPECT with HMPAO was very helpful to us in characterizing the patients of dementia by its perfusion pattern.
Perinephric Urinoma Due to Locally Advanced Recto-Sigmoid Tumor: Incidental Finding on Bone Scan
Authors: Marzooq Al Tamimi Ammad , Magsombol Butch , Ng Arthur , Ng David
Published: August 2014

We are presenting a 59 years old man with locally advanced recto-sigmoid colon cancer; complaining of left flank pain and bone scan was done to rule out bone metastases. Findings in bone scan were suggesting left renal obstruction, but further SPECT/CT imaging to localize the uptake revealed a perinephric collection likely due to leak from the left ureter close to tumor site.
Bilateral Diffuse Fluorodeoxyglucose Uptake in Thyroid Gland Diagnosed by Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography
Authors: Win Aung , Aparici Carina
Published: August 2014

Our patient is a female who was first diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 23. A follow-up fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) at age 44 revealed diffuse high FDG uptake in an enlarged thyroid gland. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of the thyroid mass revealed estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor negative, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2+ breast cancer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case to report breast cancer metastasis to the thyroid in a diffuse pattern on FDG-PET/CT. Bilateral diffuse uptake of FDG in thyroid is the most commonly associated with benign conditions. However, FNA biopsies need to be done to rule out metastatic disease in thyroid lesions with diffuse high FDG uptake, especially for patients with history of cancer.
Late Aminophylline Reversal of Regadenoson Stress Testing in Patients with End Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Abudiab Muaz , Freiman Samuel
Published: August 2014

Regadenoson is a widely used and well-tolerated vasodilator agent for pharmacologic stress myocardial perfusing imaging. In patients at higher risk of adverse reactions such as those with end stage renal disease, it can be reversed with early administration of aminophylline. However, little is known about late administration of aminophylline. This case report describes the efficacy of late aminophylline use in patients with end stage renal disease. Possible explanations for the prolonged pharmacodynamic effect of regadenoson in this group are discussed.
Haemodynamic and anaesthetic management of patients undergoing endovascular therapy for cerebral vasospasm
Authors: Tan Audrey , Tharmaradinam Suresh , Mariappan Ramamani , Manninen Pirjo , Venkatraghavan Lakshmi
Published: August 2014

Background: Cerebral vasospasm is a common and devastating complication after a subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Current guidelines for treatment recommend hypertension with euvolaemia. Endovascular therapy with cerebral angioplasty and possible administration of intra-arterial vasodilators is indicated in patients who fail medical treatment. The objective of our study was to review the haemodynamic management and anaesthetic care of patients undergoing endovascular therapy for cerebral vasospasm in our institution. Materials and Methods: The medical records of all patients who underwent endovascular therapy for cerebral vasospasm between, April 2006 and September 2012, were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with clinical vasospasm were treated initially by inducing hypertension to systolic pressures of 140 to 170 mmHg; Endovascular treatment was performed, if there was no clinical improvement. Data was collected on blood pressure measurements, anaesthetic management, duration and complications of hypertensive therapy and outcome. The differences in the pre- and post-angioplasty systolic blood pressure were statistically analysed. Results: A total of 45 patients had 47 endovascular interventions, with balloon angioplasty for proximal vessel spasm and 16 (34%) patients had additional intra-arterial injection of a vasodilator agent. Onset of vasospasm was 7 days (range 2-15 days) after SAH. Vasospasm was usually seen in multiple vessels in the same patient regardless of the site of ruptured aneurysm and was present unilaterally in 80% of the patients. All patients had a general anaesthesia for the procedure. Prior to endovascular treatment 68.9% patients required vasopressors, but post angioplasty 93.3% required them. Norepinephrine was the most commonly used (66.2%). Angioplasty was successful in reversing the cerebral vasospasm as assessed by angiography in all patients with no intra-procedure complications. Overall 80% of patients were discharged from hospital to home or to a rehabilitation centre. Conclusion: Cerebral vasospasm affects multiple vessels in the same patient. Despite endovascular therapy being a successful intervention for proximal vessel spasm, most patients still required induced hypertension with even higher levels post angioplasty compared to pre angioplasty.
Meta-analysis of high-latitude nitrogen-addition and warming studies imply ecological mechanisms overlooked by land models
Authors: Bouskill N. J , Riley W. J , Tang J.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Accurate representation of ecosystem processes in land models is crucial for reducing predictive uncertainty in energy and greenhouse gas feedbacks with the atmosphere. Here we describe an observational and modeling meta-analysis approach to benchmark land models, and apply the method to the land model CLM4.5 with two versions of belowground biogeochemistry. We focused our analysis on the above and belowground high-latitude ecosystem responses to warming and nitrogen addition, and identified mechanisms absent, or poorly parameterized in CLM4.5. While the two model versions predicted similar trajectories for soil carbon stocks following both types of perturbation, other variables (e.g., belowground respiration) differed from the observations in both magnitude and direction, indicating the underlying mechanisms are inadequate for representing high-latitude ecosystems. The observational synthesis attribute these differences to missing representations of microbial dynamics, characterization of above and belowground functional processes, and nutrient competition. We use the observational meta-analyses to discuss potential approaches to improving the current models (e.g., the inclusion of dynamic vegetation or different microbial functional guilds), however, we also raise a cautionary note on the selection of data sets and experiments to be included in a meta-analysis. For example, the concentrations of nitrogen applied in the synthesized field experiments (average =72 kg ha−1 yr−1) are many times higher than projected soil nitrogen concentrations (from nitrogen deposition and release during mineralization), which preclude a rigorous evaluation of the model responses to nitrogen perturbation. Overall, we demonstrate here that elucidating ecological mechanisms via meta-analysis can identify deficiencies in both ecosystem models and empirical experiments.
Activist capitals in network societies: Towards a typology for studying networking power within contemporary activist demands
Authors: Svensson Jakob
Published: August 2014

Network societies are characterized by social media — media that are supposed to level out power hierarchies — making political participation more inclusive and equal. By developing a typology for studying networking power within activist demands in network societies, such techno–optimistic/deterministic assumptions are questioned. This typology is based on Bourdieu’s conceptual framework of social fields, habitus and capitals. It revolves around participating, mobilising, connecting and engaging capital and how these intersect, overlap and are used for negotiating recognition which I argue is of pivotal importance for upholding core positions among activists. Such core positions are related to networking power, i.e., knowing how and being in a position to network in order to decide about courses of events in the organisation of the demand/social field and its actions. This largely theoretical account is exemplified from an ethno– and nethnographic study of a group of middle–class activists in southern Stockholm using online platforms in tandem with more traditional off–line activist activities to organise and mobilise participation.
The effects of ambient media: What unplugging reveals about being plugged in
Authors: Roberts Jessica , Koliska Michael
Published: August 2014

An ever-increasing number of us live in a world rich in information and media that provide us with constant access to that information. Besides television, radio, newspapers, and computers, we now carry communication devices with us. Mobile devices with digital content — phones, iPods, PDAs — have become ubiquitous around the world, creating an information environment with as yet unknown consequences for the way we function and the way we think and feel. This study examines responses from students at 12 universities from 10 nations who tried to avoid all “media” for 24 hours and reflect on their experience, and considers the data in the context of ambient media in hopes of better understanding the effects of living in a world of ambient media.
APLICAÇÃO DE K-NEAREST NEIGHBOR EM IMAGENS MULTISPECTRAIS PARA A ESTIMATIVA DE PARÂMETROS FLORESTAIS
Authors: Alves Marcos Vinicius Giongo , Chiavetta Ugo , Koehler Henrique Soares , Machado Sebastião do Amaral , Kirchner Flávio Felipe
Published: August 2014

A gestão dos recursos naturais requer a estimativa de uma série de parâmetros para o apoio da identificação de alternativas mais adequadas para a gestão e manejo das áreas florestais. Em particular, os ecossistemas florestais exigem um complexo e crescente conjunto de informações, e os inventários florestais fornecem informações preciosas, entretanto, espacialmente, de forma não contínua. Muitos trabalhos científicos vêm direcionando esforços para o desenvolvimento de metodologias que relacionam os dados da terra com informações de imagens multiespectrais. A modelagem dessas relações pode estender as estimativas dos dados de inventário florestal em áreas não amostradas. Neste trabalho, foi avaliado o desempenho de uma análise não paramétrica, com a utilização do algoritmo K-Nearest Neighbor em imagens SPOT5. Foram avaliados os resultados obtidos na espacialização de atributos florestais em uma área em Molise, na Itália. Entre as diversas metodologias para os cálculos das distâncias espaciais, o uso do método baseado nas distâncias multirregressivas não paramétricas apresentaram os melhores resultados. A densidade e número de espécies levantados em campo apresentaram um coeficiente de correlação de Pearson ρ = 0,58, comparativamente às informações obtidas nas imagens multispectrais, ligeiramente inferior aos obtidos para a área basal e volume, que obtiveram, respectivamente, ρ = 0,62 e 0,71.AbstractApplication of k-nearest neighbor on multispectral images to estimate forest parameters. Natural resources management requires several parameters estimate in order to support the identification of the best alternatives to  forest areas management. In particular, forest ecosystems require a complex and increasing set of descriptive information, where forest inventories put up important information, however not in a continuous spatial way. Lately, several scientific researches have been focusing on establishing methodologies to relate data from field to those obtained from multispectral images. Modeling these relations can extend the estimates of forest inventory data to not sampled areas. This research evaluated performance of non-parametric analysis using the K-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN) on SPOT 5 images. It evaluated the results obtained from the spatialization of some forest attributes in a forest area located at Molise, Italy. Among several methodologies for spatial distance calculations, the use of multiregressive non-parametric distances revealed the best results. Density and number of species on the ground revealed a Pearson correlation coefficient of r = 0.58 as compared to data obtained from multispectral images, lightly lower than the obtained for basal area and volume, which were r = 0.62 and 0.71, respectively.Keywords: Forest inventory; remote sensing; basal area; volume.
RESISTÊNCIA À FLEXÃO ESTÁTICA E À COMPRESSÃO PARALELA DO BAMBU-MOSSÔ (Phyllostachys pubescens)
Authors: Berndsen Rodrigo Strzelecki , Klitzke Ricardo Jorge , Batista Djeison Cesar , Nascimento Eduardo Mauro do , Ostapiv Fabiano
Published: August 2014

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o efeito da posição do colmo e da idade nas propriedades mecânicas de flexão estática e compressão paralela às fibras do bambu-mossô (Phyllostachys pubescens), correlacionando a densidade aparente com as propriedades avaliadas. Os corpos de prova utilizados nos ensaios foram produzidos de material laminado colado, adaptados segundo a norma para madeira sólida ASTM D143-96, seguindo as proporções mantidas por Ahmad (2000). Os resultados apresentaram tendência crescente da resistência na flexão estática com a idade e com a posição do colmo em termos absolutos. Para os ensaios de compressão paralela às fibras, a resistência à compressão (fc) e o MOE tiveram a mesma tendência de aumento da resistência com a idade e com a posição. Os ensaios demonstraram estatisticamente que não houve efeito significativo da interação entre a idade e a posição do colmo. A densidade aparente apresentou uma correlação linear e positiva no teste de flexão estática quanto aos valores do MOR e do MOE, assim como no teste de compressão paralela às fibras para a resistência à compressão (fc) e para o MOE. Baixos coeficientes de correlação foram obtidos entre a densidade aparente e as propriedades mecânicas estudadas.AbstractCompressive strength and flexure of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens). The aim of this study was to determine the mechanical properties of bending and compression parallel to grain of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) and analyze the effect of stem position and age on these properties. It was also studied the correlation between the bulk density and mechanical properties. The tests used specimens produced in glued laminated material, adapted according to ASTM D143 solid wood-96 norm, following proportions maintained by Ahmad (2000). The results revealed increasing trend of resistance in bending with age and stem position in absolute terms. In relation to compression tests parallel to grain, the compression strength (fc) and the MOE had the same tendency to increase resistance with age and with the position. The tests revealed that there was no statistically significant interaction between age and culm position. The apparent density of bamboo revealed a positive and linear correlation in bending test at MOR and MOE, as well as at parallel compression test to the fibers for the compression force (fc) and the MOE. Low correlation coefficients had been obtained between the focused apparent density and mechanical properties.Keywords: Mechanical properties; age; position of the culm.
Autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among individuals with a family history of alcohol use disorders
Authors: Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Ji Jianguang
Published: August 2014

Recent studies suggest de novo mutations may involve the pathogenesis of autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Based on the evidence that excessive alcohol consumption may be associated with an increased rate of de novo mutations in germ cells (sperms or eggs), we examine here whether the risks of autism and ADHD are increased among individuals with a family history of alcohol use disorders (AUDs). The standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of autism and ADHD among individuals with a biological parental history of AUDs were 1.39 (95% CI 1.34–1.44) and 2.19 (95% CI 2.15–2.23), respectively, compared to individuals without an affected parent. Among offspring whose parents were diagnosed with AUDs before their birth, the corresponding risks were 1.46 (95% CI 1.36–1.58) and 2.70 (95% CI 2.59–2.81), respectively. Our study calls for extra surveillance for children with a family history of AUDs, and further studies examining the underlying mechanisms are needed.
mRNA-programmed translation pauses in the targeting of E. coli membrane proteins
Authors: Fluman Nir , Navon Sivan , Bibi Eitan , Pilpel Yitzhak
Published: August 2014

In all living organisms, ribosomes translating membrane proteins are targeted to membrane translocons early in translation, by the ubiquitous signal recognition particle (SRP) system. In eukaryotes, the SRP Alu domain arrests translation elongation of membrane proteins until targeting is complete. Curiously, however, the Alu domain is lacking in most eubacteria. In this study, by analyzing genome-wide data on translation rates, we identified a potential compensatory mechanism in E. coli that serves to slow down the translation during membrane protein targeting. The underlying mechanism is likely programmed into the coding sequence, where Shine–Dalgarno-like elements trigger elongation pauses at strategic positions during the early stages of translation. We provide experimental evidence that slow translation during targeting and improves membrane protein production fidelity, as it correlates with better folding of overexpressed membrane proteins. Thus, slow elongation is important for membrane protein targeting in E. coli, which utilizes mechanisms different from the eukaryotic one to control the translation speed.
Trap‐Assisted Recombination via Integer Charge Transfer States in Organic Bulk Heterojunction Photovoltaics
Authors: Bao Qinye , Sandberg Oskar , Dagnelund Daniel , Sandén Simon , Braun Slawomir , Aarnio Harri , Liu Xianjie , Chen Weimin M. , Österbacka Ronald , Fahlman Mats
Published: August 2014

Organic photovoltaics are under intense development and significant focus has been placed on tuning the donor ionization potential and acceptor electron affinity to optimize open circuit voltage. Here, it is shown that for a series of regioregular‐poly(3‐hexylthiophene):fullerene bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic photovoltaic devices with pinned electrodes, integer charge transfer states present in the dark and created as a consequence of Fermi level equilibrium at BHJ have a profound effect on open circuit voltage. The integer charge transfer state formation causes vacuum level misalignment that yields a roughly constant effective donor ionization potential to acceptor electron affinity energy difference at the donor–acceptor interface, even though there is a large variation in electron affinity for the fullerene series. The large variation in open circuit voltage for the corresponding device series instead is found to be a consequence of trap‐assisted recombination via integer charge transfer states. Based on the results, novel design rules for optimizing open circuit voltage and performance of organic bulk heterojunction solar cells are proposed.
Modeling of turbulent cross flow microfiltration of pomegranate juice using hollow fiber membranes
Authors: Mondal Sourav , De Sirshendu , Cassano Alfredo , Tasselli Franco
Published: August 2014

A mathematical analysis of the permeate flux decline during microfiltration of fruit juice with hollow fibers under turbulent flow is presented. Impact of complex fluid flow phenomena on mass transfer is analyzed. A comprehensive analytical model for developing concentration boundary layer was formulated from first principles using integral method. Attempts to model the system considering constant boundary layer thickness (film theory) is inaccurate for developing boundary layer. Gel resistance parameter depending on juice characteristics has significant impact on permeate flux. Specific gel layer concentration has insignificant effect on system performance under total recycle mode but important for batch mode. Theoretical results were compared with experiments in clarification of pomegranate juice with poly(ether ether ketone) and polysulfone hollow fiber membranes. The physical parameters of complex mixture were evaluated by optimizing of the flux profiles in total recycle mode of operation and were successfully applied for prediction of batch mode performance. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J 60: 4279–4291, 2014
Correction of the deviated septum: from ancient Egypt to the endoscopic era
Authors: Aaronson Nicole L. , Vining Eugenia M.
Published: August 2014

Background

Obstructed nasal breathing can occur due to deviation of the nasal septum. When the external nose appears grossly normal and cosmesis is not the focus, septoplasty has been the procedure used to straighten the septum with the goal of improving nasal airflow. Septoplasty has evolved over time.

Methods

A historical literature review was conducted to look for primary source journal articles and medical conferences proccedings addressing the evolution of the septoplasty procedure.

Results

Early techniques involved forcible fractures and splinting. Submucous resection was the first major advancement in surgical technique. Once the complications resulting from this technique were observed, it was subsequently revised with attempts to better address the caudal septal deviation. Attention was then turned to better incorporating the role surrounding support structures, such as the upper lateral cartilages. The premaxilla‐maxilla approach attempted to address the overall nasal structure to best improve nasal breathing. The advent of endoscopic technique has been the most recent shift in surgical technique with improved visualization allowing for targeted septoplasty and reoperation on complicated cases including pituitary and skull base surgery.

Conclusion

This paper discusses the evolution of septoplasty techniques over time from the initial undertakings of the ancient Egyptians to the modern‐day septoplasty. While the principles behind septoplasty have remained much the same, experience has allowed for refinement of surgical technique. No doubt new instrumentations and innovations will further help to tailor the practice of septoplasty to the anatomy and functional needs of each individual patient.
Clinical whole exome sequencing in child neurology practice
Authors: Srivastava Siddharth , Cohen Julie S. , Vernon Hilary , Barañano Kristin , McClellan Rebecca , Jamal Leila , Naidu SakkuBai , Fatemi Ali
Published: August 2014

Objective

Whole exome sequencing (WES) represents a significant breakthrough in clinical genetics as a powerful tool for etiological discovery in neurodevelopmental disorders. To better characterize the genetic landscape of neurodevelopmental disorders, we analyzed patients in our pediatric neurogenetics clinic who underwent WES.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study on 78 patients with various neurodevelopmental disabilities and unrevealing workup prior to WES. We characterized their molecular diagnoses, clinical features, and whether their previous treatment plan changed due to WES results.

Results

The overall presumptive diagnostic rate for our cohort was 41% (n = 32 of 78 patients). Nineteen patients had a single autosomal dominant (AD) disorder, 11 had a single autosomal recessive (AR) disorder, 1 had an X‐linked dominant disorder, and 1 had both an AD and an AR disorder. The 32 patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants exhibited various neurobehavioral and neuroimaging abnormalities, including intellectual disability/developmental delay (n = 28), cerebral palsy–like encephalopathy (n = 11), autism spectrum disorder (n = 5), delayed/hypomyelination (n = 7), and cerebellar abnormalities (n = 9). The results of WES affected management for all patients with a presumptive diagnosis, triggering reproductive planning (n = 27), disease monitoring initiation (n = 4), investigation of systemic involvement of the disorder(s) (n = 6), alteration of presumed disease inheritance pattern (n = 7), changing of prognosis (n = 10), medication discontinuation (n = 5) or initiation (n = 2), and clinical trial education (n = 3).

Interpretation

The high diagnostic yield of WES supports its use in pediatric neurology practices. It may also lead to earlier diagnosis, impacting medical management, prognostication, and family planning. WES therefore serves as a critical tool for the child neurologist. Ann Neurol 2014;76:473–483
Dilational rheological properties of interfacial films containing Branch‐Preformed particle gel and crude oil fractions
Authors: Tang Li , Fang Hong‐Bo , Zong Hua , Zhang Lei , Jin Zhi‐Qiang , Xu Zhi‐Cheng , Zhang Lu , Zhao Sui
Published: August 2014

Dilational rheology method was used to study the interfacial rheology properties of Branch‐Preformed Particle Gel (PPG) and its interaction with Shengli crude oil fractions at the kerosene/water interface. The results showed that the interfacial dilational modulus increased monotonously with increasing PPG concentration, the high values of the modulus could be due to the formation of multilayer near the interface. Study on the interaction between PPG and crude oil components showed that different crude oil components have different interactions with PPG molecules at the oil/water interface. The acidic components can adsorb onto the interface and form mixed adsorption film by replacing the PPG molecules at the interface because of their smaller molecular size and stronger interfacial activity, which results in a dramatic reduction in dilational modulus, while asphaltenes have little effect on the dilational rheological behavior of PPG solution due to their lager molecular sizes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41337.
Post‐fabrication and putting on a show: examining the impact of short notice inspections
Authors: Clapham Andrew
Published: August 2014

This paper explores inspection, performativity and fabrication within the context of two English schools. Case studies are employed to compare and contrast the inspection experiences of two teachers at different points in their career trajectories. The paper focuses on comments made by Sir Michael Wilshaw, the head of the Office for Standards in Education (OfSTED), that schools were ‘putting on a show’ during inspections. Empirical evidence is presented which suggests that the key informants invested emotional, physical and intellectual capital into the perpetual readiness incumbent in high‐stakes inspection process—an investment which was anything other than putting on a show. The paper proposes that, in the cases in point, the changing nature of school inspections led to ‘post‐fabrication’, that is, inspection readiness was omnipresent to such an extent that it was not a fabricated version of events. The findings presented here have implications for teachers, school leadership teams, policy makers and all those interested in inspection.
Degradation of methyl orange by TiO2/polymeric film photocatalyst
Authors: Mukherjee Debjani , Barghi Shahzad , Ray Ajay K.
Published: August 2014

Degradation of methyl orange (MeO), as a model compound, in the presence of immobilized polymeric titanium dioxide (TiO2) catalyst was investigated. Degussa P25 TiO2, Polyvinyl alcohol, and Polyvinylpyrolidone were used to prepare polymeric film immobilized photocatalyst. The photocatalyst pore size varied between 50 and 300 µm while its pore density ranged from 7 to 10 pores per square mm. Adsorption of MeO over the catalyst film followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The degradation kinetics of MeO followed the well‐known Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L–H) type model. The degradation rate increased at higher initial concentrations while flow rate had a negative impact on the degradation rate. pH of the solution influenced the degradation rate, with higher degradation rates observed in acidic solutions. Degradation rate was also increased with increasing light intensity up to a certain level, beyond which it remained almost unchanged. Total organic carbon (TOC) content of MeO was also measured during the degradation process. It was observed that the TOC decreased substantially with time. The degradation efficiency was 85 %.
Evaluation and Optimization of a Novel Immobilized Photoreactor for the Degradation of Gaseous Toluene
Authors: Jafarikojour Morteza , Sohrabi Morteza , Royaee Sayed Javid , Hassanvand Armineh
Published: August 2014

The photocatalytic degradation of toluene was studied in a newly designed continuous photoreactor. In this unit, TiO2 was immobilized on two different shapes of stainless steel disks. Twenty‐eight disks coated with catalyst were placed alternately in the photoreactor in order to have a zigzag pattern in the gas flow along the reactor length. The structural properties of the coatings were examined using materials characterization techniques including X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscope. The XRD results revealed that the intensity of the peak related to the anatase phase increases with increasing the number of coatings from two to six. The response surface methodology was applied to model and optimize the photocatalytic degradation of toluene. The Box–Behnken design was employed to analyze the simultaneous effects of toluene inlet concentration (20–100 ppm), relative humidity (10–50%), flow rate of gas feed (100–500 mL/min), and TiO2 loading (two to six times coating or catalyst loading of 0.274–0.924 g/m2). The maximum predicted conversion of toluene was 61.11% at the optimum processing condition (relative humidity of 32%, catalyst loading of 0.924 g/m2, flow rate of 100 mL/min of gas feed, and initial toluene concentration of 20 ppm). The experimental conversion of toluene was 60% at the optimum conditions.
Influence of grain boundaries intentionally induced between seed plates on the defect generation in quasi‐mono‐crystalline silicon ingots
Authors: Trempa Matthias , Reimann Christian , Friedrich Jochen , Müller Georg , Krause Andreas , Sylla Lamine , Richter Thomas
Published: August 2014

This work reports about the growth behavior and defect formation during the directional solidification of mono‐crystalline lab‐scale silicon ingots in which split seed crystals were used. Thereby the split seeds have certain crystallographic orientations which chosen to induce the growth of selected grain boundaries between the seeded regions. It will be shown that the grain boundary type which is formed inside the seed gap correlates quite well with the intentionally selected orientation relationship of the adjacent seeds. During further growth of the ingot the grain boundaries show a different behavior with respect to their structure and the formation of other crystal defects, e.g. dislocations. It was found that some of the grain boundaries continue straightly in growth direction without any change of structure or formation of other defects. In contrast, other grain boundaries split into several new grain boundaries with a simultaneous formation of dislocations around them. This behavior correlates very well with the energy content of the respective grain boundary, i.e. with its symmetry or coincidence lattice site parameter Σ. In consequence the use of special grain boundaries between the seeds can significantly reduce the defect generation above the seed joints during growth of quasi‐mono silicon ingots.
Changes in pollinator fauna affect altitudinal variation of floral size in a bumblebee‐pollinated herb
Authors: Nagano Yusuke , Abe Kota , Kitazawa Tomoaki , Hattori Mitsuru , Hirao Akira S. , Itino Takao
Published: August 2014

Geographic trait variations are often caused by locally different selection regimes. As a steep environmental cline along altitude strongly influences adaptive traits, mountain ecosystems are ideal for exploring adaptive differentiation over short distances. We investigated altitudinal floral size variation ofCampanula punctatavar.hondoensisin 12 populations in three mountain regions of centralJapan to test whether the altitudinal floral size variation was correlated with the size of the local bumblebee pollinator and to assess whether floral size was selected for by pollinator size. We found apparent geographic variations in pollinator assemblages along altitude, which consequently produced a geographic change in pollinator size. Similarly, we found altitudinal changes in floral size, which proved to be correlated with the local pollinator size, but not with altitude itself. Furthermore, pollen removal from flower styles onto bees (plant's male fitness) was strongly influenced by the size match between flower style length and pollinator mouthpart length. These results strongly suggest thatC. punctatafloral size is under pollinator‐mediated selection and that a geographic mosaic of locally adaptedC. punctataexists at fine spatial scale.
Performance evaluation of bluetooth low energy in indoor positioning systems
Authors: Contreras David , Castro Mario , de la Torre David Sánchez
Published: August 2014

Local positioning systems (LPS) are attracting much attention, both commercially and scientifically, as they represent a natural extension of global positioning systems to indoor scenarios. Amongst all the viable wireless technologies used in this context, WiFi and Bluetooth are the most widely extended. These technologies are also chosen for their simplicity, low cost and integration into mobile devices. The appearance of the new Bluetooth specification, named Bluetooth low energy (BLE), and the emergence of new popular devices that incorporate it, opens the door to new LPS wireless solutions based on BLE. Here, we evaluate the viability of BLE for indoor positioning scenarios. In addition, we develop a framework to analyse, understand and help migrate previous LPS systems, based on other technologies, to BLE. We show experimentally that, with proper configuration of the BLE devices, great performance can be obtained in terms of discovery time and energy consumption. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The structure of the gas bladder of the spotted gar, Lepisosteus oculatus
Authors: Icardo José M. , Colvee Elvira , Lauriano Eugenia R. , Capillo Gioele , Guerrera Maria C. , Zaccone Giacomo
Published: August 2014

We report here on the macroscopic, light microscopic, and electron microscopic structure of the gas bladder (GB) of the spotted gar, Lepisosteus oculatus. The GB opens into the pharynx, dorsal to the opening of the oesophagus, through a longitudinal slit bordered by two glottal ridges. Caudal to the ridges, the GB is an elongated sac divided into a central duct and right and left lobes. The lobes are formed by a cranio‐caudal sequence of large air spaces that open into the central duct. The structure of the GB is that of a membranous sac supported by a system of septa arising from the walls of a central duct. The septa contain variable amounts of striated and smooth muscle might function to maintain the bladder shape and in providing contractile capabilities. The presence of muscle cells, nerves, and neuroepithelial cells in the wall of the GB strongly suggests that GB function is tightly regulated. The central duct and the apical surface of the thickest septa are covered by mucociliated epithelium. Most of the rest of the inner bladder surface is covered by a respiratory epithelium which contains goblet cells and a single type of pneumocyte. These two cell types produce surfactant. The respiratory barrier contains thick areas with fibrillar material and cell prolongations, and thin areas that only contain basement membrane material between the capillary wall and the respiratory epithelium. Lungs and GBs share many anatomical and histological features. There appears to be no clear criterion for structural distinction between these two types of respiratory organs. J. Morphol. 276:90–101, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The efficacy of steroids for edema and ecchymosis after Rhinoplasty: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Hwang Se H. , Lee Joo H. , Kim Byung G. , Kim Soo W. , Kang Jun M.
Published: August 2014

Objectives

Postoperative periorbital edema and ecchymosis following rhinoplasty can result in dissatisfaction for both the surgeon and the patient. The goal of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on the efficacy of steroids on edema and ecchymosis during rhinoplasty.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane database.

Review Methods

Two authors independently searched the databases from their inception of article collection to February 2014. Studies comparing perioperative steroid administration (steroid group) with no treatment (control group) where the outcomes of interest were edema and ecchymosis on postoperative days were included in the analysis. Overall, a total of nine trials met the inclusion criteria of this study, with a total sample size of 312 patients.

Results

The lower and upper eyelid edema during the 7 days postoperatively was statistically decreased in the steroid group versus control group. The lower and upper eyelid ecchymosis in the steroid group was significantly decreased in comparison to the control group for the first 4 days follow surgery. Regarding the outcome comparison between single‐dose and multiple‐dose administration of steroids, the multiple‐dose administration decreased edema and ecchymosis significantly compared to single‐dose administration after the fourth day.

Conclusions

Perioperative administration of steroid during rhinoplasty could reduce the level of edema and eyelid ecchymosis. Multiple‐dose administration of steroids has more advantages in terms of the outcomes of late postoperative edema and ecchymosis compared to a single‐dose regimen.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 125:92–98, 2015
Global dynamics of multi‐group dengue disease model with latency distributions
Authors: Huang Gang , Wang Jinliang , Zu Jian
Published: August 2014

In this paper, by incorporating latencies for both human beings and female mosquitoes to the mosquito‐borne diseases model, we investigate a class of multi‐group dengue disease model and study the impacts of heterogeneity and latencies on the spread of infectious disease. Dynamical properties of the multi‐group model with distributed delays are established. The results showthat the global asymptotic stability of the disease‐free equilibrium and the endemic equilibrium depends only on the basic reproduction number. Our proofs for global stability of equilibria use the classical method of Lyapunov functions and the graph‐theoretic approach for large‐scale delay systems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eigenvalue problems for nonlinear third‐order m‐point p‐Laplacian dynamic equations on time scales
Authors: Dogan Abdulkadir
Published: August 2014

This work deals with the existence and uniqueness of a nontrivial solution for the third‐order p‐Laplacian m‐point eigenvalue problems on time scales. We find several sufficient conditions of the existence and uniqueness of nontrivial solution of eigenvalue problems when λ is in some interval. The proofs are based on the nonlinear alternative of Leray–Schauder. To illustrate the results, some examples are included. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.