bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dispersed phase characteristics in three phase (liquid‐liquid‐solid) fluidized beds
Authors: Kim Sang Done , Kim Dong Yun , Han Joo Hee
Published: March 2009

Two ideal droplet length (l,) distributions have been derived for two different droplet shapes. The dispersed phase holdup (ϵd) increases with increasing dispersed phase velocity (Ud), but decreases with increasing continuous phase velocity, (Uc) in three‐phase fluidized beds. In the droplet‐coalescing flow regime, lv and the droplet rising velocity (vd) increase, but the spherical droplet fraction (k) decreases with increasing Ud and uc. In the droplet‐disintegrating flow regime, the effects of ud and Uc on lv and k are insignificant, but vd increases with increasing Uc. Maximum values of lv, occur in the bed containing 1.7 mm diameter particles and lv has an uniform length of around 2.0 mm in beds with particle size larger than 3.0 mm.
Hydrodynamic characteristics of a trickling bed of peat moss used for biofiltration of wastewater
Authors: Karamanev D. G. , Bélanger M.‐C. , Chavarie C. , Chaouki J. , Talbot P. , Mayer R.
Published: March 2009

The retention time distribution of liquid in a trickling bed of peat moss was studied. Two different flow regimes have been detected. This is due to the fractal‐like structure of peat moss. At low velocities, the liquid flows through the aggregates of peat moss particles. In this case, the tracer is distributed evenly in all the volume of the liquid because of the small characteristic time of diffusion. When the superficial liquid velocity is high, the liquid mainly flows between the solid aggregates and only a small amount of tracer penetrates the liquid inside and between the particles forming the aggregates.

The results obtained are important for modelling the process of biofiltration with peat moss, a new system for environmental protection.
Effect of electrode geometry and charge on the production of polymer microbeads by electrostatics
Authors: Bugarski B. , Amsden B. , Goosen M. F. A. , Neufeld R. J. , Poncelet D.
Published: March 2009

Experimental parameters which are critical for producing small diameter (i.e. 100‐300 μm) polymer microbeads, using electrostatic droplet generation, were investigated with three types of electrodes; a parallel plate, a positively charged needle and a grounded needle with alginate as the polymer. Electrode spacing was a critical factor controlling microbead size, but only for the parallel plate set‐up. While the applied potential affected droplet size in all three set‐ups, the smallest droplet size was produced with the positively charged needle. In some experiments needle oscillation was observed resulting in even smaller microbeads (i.e. < 100 μm). Calculated microbead diameters agreed well with experimental values.
Use of mixed surfactants to improve the transient interfacial tension behaviour of heavy oil/alkaline systems
Authors: Chiwetelu C. I. , Hornof V. , Neale G. H. , George A. E.
Published: March 2009

The objective of this study was to identify suitable combinations of additives to aqueous alkaline formulations for the potential recovery of Saskatchewan heavy crude oil. A previously developed strategy was applied to screen various additive combinations consisting of three commercial petroleum sulfonate surfactants and two commercial lignosulfonate surfactants. The selection of the additives was based on a large number of physical and interfacial property measurements in conjunction with phase stability tests at different temperatures. The resulting ternary formulations, labelled here as Mixed‐Surfactant‐Enhanced Alkaline (MSEA) systems, were very successful in reversing the trend of increasing interfacial tension with time that characterizes additive‐free alkaline/crude oil systems. This success came at the expense of initial IFT values that were considerably higher than those exhibited by the corresponding additive‐free alkaline solutions. However, at higher temperatures (65 °C), these ternary MSEA formulations were capable of generating very low IFT values against the crude oil (in the range of 5 × 10−2 to 10−1 mN/m), which suggests that they could be suitable candidates for commercial exploitation of heavy oil recovery processes.
Correlation and prediction of the viscosity of pure hydrocarbons
Authors: Mehrotra Anil K.
Published: March 2009

A relationship is identified between the effective carbon number (ECN) and parameter b in the one‐parameter viscosity euation: log (μ + 0.8) = 100 (0.0lT)b. The generalized correlation, b = ‐5.745 + 0.616 In (ECN) ‐ 40.468 (ECN)−15, provides an equation to predict parameter b, which gives values that are within the maximum deviation of 5% for ECN < 10 and 1% for 10 < ECN < 44 of the empirically‐determined values for 70 liquid hydrocarbons. The calculated viscosities are within 5% of literature data. The viscosity prediction method is simple to use, and it can be extrapolated reliably to heavier hydrocarbons.
Hydrodynamics of turbulent bed contactor: Flooding aspects
Authors: Soundarajan K. , Krishnaiah K.
Published: March 2009

Experimental data on flooding characteristics were obtained in a Turbulent Bed Contactor (TBC). The flooding conditions and the mechanism of flooding in a single stage TBC have been analyzed for light and dense particles in order to obtain useful correlations that are easier to comprehend. The proposed correlations predict all the combinations of flooding velocities over a large range of variables.
Two‐Stage pyrolysis model of PVC
Authors: Wu Chao‐Hsiung , Chang Ching‐Yuan , Hor Jwo‐Luen , Shih Shin‐Min , Chen Leo‐Wang , Chang Feng‐Wen
Published: March 2009

The pyrolysis of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was examined with a thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA). The experiments were carried out over the temperature range of 400‐800 K at three heating rates of 1, 2, and 5.5 K/min and in a nitrogen atmosphere. The results indicate that the entire process of PVC pyrolysis under the experimental conditions of this investigation consists of two distinct pyrolysis stages, namely, the thermal dehydrochlorination and the breakdown of the intermediate products produced after the dehydrochlorination stage. The corresponding activation energy, pre‐exponential factor, and reaction order were determined. A two‐stage pyrolysis model, which is composed of four reactions including a number of independent, consecutive and competitive reactions with volatiles and solid products, was developed. This kinetic model gives good agreement with the experimental results.
Liquid‐Liquid equilibria of heptane‐methanol‐toluene‐calcium chloride and ethyl acetate‐water‐ethanol‐calcium chloride quaternary systems
Authors: Kumagae Yoshio , Suzuta Tetsuya , Abe Tadashi , Iwai Yoshio , Arai Yasuhiko
Published: March 2009

Liquid‐liquid equilibria (LLE) data for the heptane‐methanol‐toluene‐calcium chloride and ethyl acetate‐water‐ethanol‐calcium chloride quaternary systems were measured under various salt concentrations at 298.15 K and the results obtained were correlated with a modification of Hàla's model. Distribution of the salt between the two liquid phases was found to be strongly influenced by the content of methanol or ethanol while the solubility of the salt in the heptane or ethyl acetate rich phase was very small. The two‐liquid region, i.e. the miscibility gap was enlarged by adding the salt. Correlations of LLE data including the salt distribution for both the non‐aqueous and aqueous quaternary systems were possible with reasonable accuracy.
The influence of solid properties on the just‐suspended agitation requirements of pitched‐blade and high‐efficiency impellers
Authors: Myers Kevin J. , Fasano Julian B. , Corpstein Robert R.
Published: March 2009

Extensive experimental data indicates that the particle property dependence of the just‐suspended agitation speed of pitched‐blade turbines and high‐efficiency impellers can be described with reasonable accuracy using a Zwietering power‐law correlation. However, there are indications that the effect of particle size is divided into two regimes, one for particle sizes less than 1000 μm and one for larger particles. Comparison of the two impeller types indicates that the pitched‐blade turbine requires somewhat higher power inputs and substantially higher torque levels to produce the same level of agitation as the high‐efficiency impeller.
Variations in the porous structure of a Cr2O3/Al2O3 catalyst by coke deposition
Authors: Menéndez M. , Braña A.
Published: March 2009

The porous structure of a Cr2O3/Al2O3 catalyst deactivated by coke deposition has been studied at various levels of coke content. The results obtained agree satisfactorily with a model of uniform coverage of the catalyst pores, thus allowing the hypothesis of pore blockage to be discarded under the conditions investigated.
Liquid‐liquid equilibria of water + methanol + (MTBE or TAME) mixtures
Authors: Arce Alberto , Blanco Antonio , Blanco Manuel , Soto Ana , Vidal Isabel
Published: March 2009

Experimental liquid‐liquid equilibrium data obtained at various temperatures for water + methanol + methyl tert‐butyl ether and water + methanol + tert‐amyl methyl ether were satisfactorily fitted by both NRTL and UNIQUAC models using Sϕrensen's well‐known correlation program, which nevertheless performed anomalously when run seeking minimum error in the solute distribution ratio.
Modelling the flow in a hydrocyclone
Authors: Malhotra A. , Branion R. M. R. , Hauptmann E. G.
Published: March 2009

A computational procedure is employed in the present work to predict the flow field in a hydrocyclone. Computations are carried out for turbulent flow under assumptions of axial symmetry. Turbulence closure has been affected with the help of the conventional k→ ϵ model that includes a new formulation of the turbulence dissipation equation. The existing formulation of the dissipation equation proved to be inadequate in predicting the true nature of the present flow field. Results of the procedure are discussed. The new model appears to predict correctly the behaviour of a conventional water‐fed hydrocyclone in the absence of an air core.
Pre‐treatment of kraft pulp bleach plant effluent by selected ultrafiltration membranes
Authors: Yao Wendy X. , Kennedy Kevin J. , Tam Chung Ming , Hazlett John D.
Published: March 2009

Three ultrafiltration membranes in series with molar mass cutoffs of 130,000, 15,000, and 5,000 Da, respectively were used to pretreat Kraft pulp bleach plant effluent prior to biological treatment. The TOC (total organic carbon), COD (chemical oxygen demand) and AOX (adsorbable organic halogen) reductions for the permeate were 65, 70 and 85%, respectively with no significant change of toxicity. Treatment of the ultrafiltration permeate using tighter ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF) membranes with molar mass cutoffs less than 1,500 Da, yielded TOC and AOX reductions of 90 and 99%, respectively with a permeate Microtox EC50 level of 100%.
Pressure drop in two phase cocurrent upward flow in packed beds: Air/non‐newtonian liquid systems
Authors: Srinivas K. V. , Chhabra R. P.
Published: March 2009

New data on the two phase pressure drop for the concurrent upflow of air‐liquid (Newtonian and non‐Newtonian) mixtures through packed beds of spherical and non‐spherical particles are presented. The results for single phase flows and for the air‐Newtonian liquid mixtures have been used both to gauge the overall accuracy of the present experimental methods and to evaluate the validity of the predictive expressions available in the literature. The two phase pressure drop has been measured as a function of the liquid and gas flow rates, column diameter and the power law model constants. Depending upon a suitable combination of the gas and liquid fluxes and the power law index, the two phase pressure drop may be less than its value for the flow of liquid alone. A simple expression is proposed which correlates the present set of experiments (nearly 500 data points) with satisfactory levels of accuracy over the following ranges of conditions: 0.54 ≤ n ≤ 1; 0.001 ≤ ReL* ≤ 50; 3.7 ≤ ReG ≤ 177 and 0.9 ≤χ (Lockhart‐Martinelli parameter) ≤ 104.
Evolution axiale du coefficient de transfert de matière en colonne à bulles et en lit fluidisé triphasique
Authors: Tavakoli T. , Syaiful S. , Bascoul A. , Delmas H.
Published: March 2009

Les coefficients de transfert de matière volumétriques de la phase liquide pour l'oxygène sont déterminés en colonne à bulles et en lit fluidisé. Le concept d'une variation axiale du coefficient de transfert kla exponentiellement décroissant conduit à une meilleure représentation des profils de concentration en oxygène dissous à l'intérieur de la colonne. Contrairement à la colonne à bulles, les variation axiales de kla sont très importantes surtout dans la partie inférieure de la colonne en lit fluidisé où la présence de particules solides accélère le phénomène de coalescence particulièrement marqué pour les liquides visqueux.
The solubility of CO2 in triethylene glycol monomethyl ether
Authors: Henni Amr , Mather Alan E.
Published: March 2009

The solubility of CO2 in triethylene glycol monomethyl ether (TEGMME) has been measured at 40, 70 and 100°C at pressures up to 8.8 MPa. The results were correlated with the Peng‐Robinson (1976) equation of state. The interaction parameters and Henry's constants were derived.
Gas holdup and overall volumetric mass transfer coefficient in a modified reversed flow jet loop reactor
Authors: Prasad K. Yagna , Ramanujam T. K.
Published: March 2009

Experiments were conducted in a modified reversed flow jet loop reactor having the liquid outlet at the top of the reactor to determine the gas holdup and overall volumetric mass transfer coefficient in the air‐water system. The influence of gas and liquid flow rates, and the draft tube to reactor diameter ratio were studied. It was observed that both gas holdup and volumetric mass transfer coefficient increased with increased gas and liquid flow rates and were found to be significantly higher in the modified reactor compared to the conventional one. The optimum draft tube to reactor diameter ratio was found to be in the range of 0.4 to 0.5. Empirical correlations are presented to predict gas holdup and overall volumetric mass transfer coefficient in terms of operational and geometrical variables.
Air stripping of hydrocarbon‐contaminated soils: Investigation of mass transfer effects
Authors: Karan Kunal , Chakma Amitabha , Mehrotra Anil K.
Published: March 2009

Bench‐scale experiments were carried out to simulate air stripping of soil contaminated with a semi‐volatile hydrocarbon, n‐octane. The experiments were conducted in an 8‐cm diameter glass column, packed with two types of packings: glass beads to represent non‐adsorbing materials and soil particles to represent adsorbing materials. Effects of gas superficial velocity, particle size and soil organic matter on the column outlet concentration and temperature profile were studied. Nitrogen adsorption/desorption experiments were performed to establish the desorption characteristics of the soil sample.

Additionally, a mathematical model is presented which treats the interphase contaminant transport as a mass transfer rate‐limited process. The predictions from the mathematical model are shown to be in good agreement with the experimental results. Most importantly, the numerical results show that, contrary to the common assumption of local equilibrium, the interphase contaminant transport (from the sorbed to the vapour phase and/or from the liquid to the vapour phase) is mass transfer controlled.
Hydrodesulfurization of athabasca fluid coke — conversion and mechanism
Authors: Saha Chandreyee , Tollefson Eric L.
Published: March 2009

Hydrodesulfurization of Athabasca (Syncrude) fluid coke was studied for particle sizes of −74 + 53, −53 + 44 and −44 μm using a quartz reactor. Five flow rates of hydrogen from 1.2 × 10−6 to 2.5 × 10−6 m3/s were investigated with from 0.45 to 1.0 g of coke. Gas production — time profiles for H2S and CH4 were obtained at temperatures from 973 to 1073 K for each particle size range. Desulfurization rates were functions of particle size and temperature. Results agree with predictions of the shrinking core model, the rate being controlled initially by the gas film and chemical reaction resistances followed by control due to diffusion of hydrogen through the increasing ash layer. Below 998 K, the apparent activation energy was determined to be 293 kJ/mol · K, while at temperatures between 998 and 1073 K it was 29 kJ/mol · K.
Calcium sulphide formation in fluidized bed boilers
Authors: Lyngfelt Anders , Langer Vratislav , Steenari Britt‐Marie , Puromäki Kazimiera
Published: March 2009

Analyses of samples of bed ash from a stationary fluidized bed boiler show the presence of calcium sulphide. In some samples, half of the total sulphur was present as sulphide. The samples containing CaS were obtained under unstaged conditions and with a high excess air ratio, 1.3 to 1.4. The samples were taken after a stop in the limestone addition, i.e. at high SO2 emissions of about 1000 mL/m3 (ppm). No CaS was found during limestone addition when the SO2 emission was 300–400 mL/m3. This indicates that formation of large amounts of CaS may be initiated as the SO2 concentration exceeds some critical level.
A momentum integral model for central recirculation in swirling flow in a sudden expansion
Authors: Hallett W. L. H. , Ding C.‐Y.
Published: March 2009

A momentum integral model is developed to predict the size and maximum recirculating mass flow rate for the central recirculation zone produced by a swirling flow in a sudden expansion as a function of expansion ratio, swirl intensity, and inlet velocity profile shape. Experimental measurements of velocity profiles in the recirculating flow are presented for three different expansion ratios and are used to validate the model. The model is shown to give good agreement with the measurements. The recirculation rate is found to increase roughly linearly with inlet swirl intensity and expansion size.
Self‐Assembly from Discrete Clusters to 2D Network Based on [Fe(phen)(CN)4]– and [Fe(bipy)(CN)4]–: Synthesis, Structures and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Xiang Hua , Wang Shao‐Jun , Jiang Long , Feng Xiao‐Long , Lu Tong‐Bu
Published: March 2009

A series of cyanido‐bridged complexes {[FeIII(phen) (CN)4]2[NiL1]}·4H2O (1), {[FeIII(bipy)(CN)4]2[NiL1]}·4H2O (2), [FeIII(bipy)(CN)4]2[NiL2] (3), {[FeIII(phen)(CN)4]2[CuL3]}·5H2O (4), {[FeII(phen)(CN)4][Ni(ea)2]}2·2H2O (5), {[FeII(phen)(CN)4] [NiL2]·2H2O}n (6), {[FeIII(bipy)(CN)4]2[Ni(H2O)2]}·6.5H2O}n (7) and {[FeII(bipy)(CN)4][Ni(ea)2]·H2O}n (8) were synthesized using H[Fe(phen)(CN)4]·2H2O and H[Fe(bipy)(CN)4]·2H2O as precursors [L1 = 5,5,7,12,12,14‐hexamethyl‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane, L2 = 3,10‐bis(2‐phenylethyl)‐1,3,5,8, 10,12‐hexaazacyclotetradecane, L3 = 3,10‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐1,3,5,8,10,12‐hexaazacyclotetradecane, phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline, bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, ea = ethanolamine). Complexes 1–4 are trinuclear clusters, and 5 is a tetranuclear square. In 6, the [FeII(phen)(CN)4]2– anions alternately bridge the [NiL2]2+ cations to generate a 1D wavy chain. The structure of 7 possesses a 4,2‐ribbonlike chain, which contains a NiII2(CN)4FeIII2 square with each NiII atom shared by two adjacent squares. Each FeII and NiII atom in 8 acts as a three‐connected node through the cyanido‐bridges to generate a 2D network with a 4,82 topological net. Ferromagnetic couplings are found between the low‐spin FeIII ions and the NiII ions through the cyanido groups in 1–3 and 7, and a metamagnetic behavior and a frequency dependence of the out‐of‐phase ac susceptibility are observed in 7. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Arsenic speciation in natural and contaminated waters using CZE with in situ derivatization by molybdate and direct UV‐detection
Authors: Koshcheeva Olga S. , Shuvaeva Olga V. , Kuznetzova Lidiya I.
Published: March 2009

A simple and sensitive procedure for simultaneous determination of arsenate, arsenite, monomethylarsonate and dimethylarsinate (DMA) ions in waters using CZE with chemical derivatization in situ and UV‐detection at 250 nm was developed. The separation was performed in a fused‐silica capillary using solution containing sodium molybdate and sodium perchlorate as electrolyte. Molybdate forms heteropolycomplexes with arsenic species in low acidic media, while sodium perchlorate masks silicate ion. The analysis conditions were optimized; the best results were achieved with the electrolyte consisting of 10 mM Na2MoO4 and 10 mM NaClO4 at pH 3.0 using negative voltage and pneumatic injection of the sample. Nevertheless, the signal of arsenite ion was not detected, probably because of its instability. Arsenite ion was quantified as a difference between arsenate ion contents after and before oxidation by bromine water. The detection limits for the fresh water at the level of 5.0 μg/L for AsIII and AsV, 16 μg/L for DMA and 20 μg/L for MMA were achieved. The reproducibility varied in the range of 0.06–0.25 relative units. To reduce the interferences of the sample salinity an addition of organic substances and isotachophoretic effect were used.
A study of the essence of play experience to children living in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Authors: Berinstein Stephany , Magalhaes Lilian
Published: March 2009

This study aimed to gain an understanding of the essence of play experience to children in Zanzibar, Tanzania. A phenomenological approach using the photovoice method was adopted. The study was carried out over 4 weeks, with 12 boys and 4 girls. Four key themes emerged from the analysis of 116 photographs: creative play, physical play/games, football and equipment play. The findings suggest that play experience in Zanzibar has aspects of creativity and resourcefulness, and influences from tradition, culture and poverty. Furthermore, that opportunity for play may differ for children in Tanzania, compared with children in Western countries. Unequal boy and girl participants, and the lack of representation of children with a disability were some limitations of this study. The occupational therapy profession may want to further investigate the opportunities for play for children living in developing countries. Additionally, it may be valuable to look at different aspects of play, such as its meaning to children from different cultures and its potential restorative value for children who have experienced traumatic events. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Murine “Cardiospheres” Are Not a Source of Stem Cells with Cardiomyogenic Potential
Authors: Andersen Ditte Caroline , Andersen Peter , Schneider Mikael , Jensen Hasse Brønnum , Sheikh Søren Paludan
Published: March 2009

Recent remarkable studies have reported that clonogenic putative cardiac stem cells (CSCs) with cardiomyogenic potential migrate from heart tissue biopsies during ex vivo culture, and that these CSCs self-organize into spontaneously beating cardiospheres (CSs). Such data have provided clear promise that injured heart tissue may be repaired by stem cell therapy using autologous CS-derived cells. By further examining CSs from the original CS protocol using immunofluorescence, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and microscopic analysis, we here report a more mundane result: that spontaneously beating CSs from neonatal rats likely consist of contaminating myocardial tissue fragments. Thus, filtering away these tissue fragments resulted in CSs without cardiomyogenic potential. Similar data were obtained with CSs derived from neonatal mice as wells as adult rats/mice. Additionally, using in vitro culture, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and immunofluorescence, we demonstrate that these CSs are generated by cellular aggregation of GATA-4+/collagen I+/α-smooth muscle actin (SMA)+/CD45− cells rather than by clonal cell growth. In contrast, we found that the previously proposed CS-forming cells, dubbed phase bright cells, were GATA-4−/collagen I−/α-SMA−/CD45+ and unable to form CSs by themselves. Phenotypically, the CS cells largely resembled fibroblasts, and they lacked cardiomyogenic as well as endothelial differentiation potential. Our data imply that the murine CS model is unsuitable as a source of CSCs with cardiomyogenic potential, a result that is in contrast to previously published data. We therefore suggest, that human CSs should be further characterized with respect to phenotype and differentiation potential before initiating human trials.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Laryngeal function after supracricoid laryngectomy
Authors: Saito Koichiro , Araki Koji , Ogawa Kaoru , Shiotani Akihiro
Published: March 2009

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess laryngeal function after supracricoid laryngectomy.

Study Design

Case series.

Subjects and Methods

Supracricoid laryngectomy (SCL) has been performed in our institution for 24 selected patients with laryngeal cancer since December 2000. Reconstruction was performed through cricohyoidoepiglottopexy for 23 patients and cricohyoidopexy for 1 patient. Seven patients had ipsilateral arytenoid removal, and 15 patients underwent SCL as salvage surgery. A retrospective chart review was performed to assess postoperative speech and swallowing function. Stroboscopy and/or fiberscopy of the neoglottis were used to assess postoperative speech kinetics. Acoustic parameters were measured to evaluate vocal function, and several questionnaires were used to evaluate postoperative quality of life (QOL).

Results

In the absence of postoperative complications, stoma closure and normal diet intake were achieved 1 month after surgery. The neoglottis comprises the arytenoid(s), epiglottis, and pyriform sinus mucosa. Several different combinations of vibrating regions were observed among patients during phonation. Although vocalization sounded rough and breathy, vocal communication was possible with little inconvenience.

Conclusion

Acceptable functional recovery and tolerable QOL can be achieved after SCL.
Reconstruction of the through‐and‐through oral cavity defect with the fibula free flap
Authors: Gal T.J. , Jones Kristin A. , Valentino Joseph
Published: March 2009

Objective

To evaluate our experience with reconstruction of anterior and lateral through‐and‐through defects of the oral cavity using the fibula osteocutaneous flap.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Methods

Review of patients undergoing reconstruction of through‐and‐through oral cavity defects between August 2006 and July 2008. Defect size, complications, and need for additional reconstruction were examined.

Results

Twelve patients were identified with through‐and‐through oromandibular defects reconstructed with the fibula. Soft tissue defects were successfully closed using a de‐epithelialized segment to create two skin paddles. Four patients required additional pectoralis major flap reconstruction for secondary fibula skin loss (1), neck skin breakdown (1), delayed flap loss (1), and need for additional tissue for closure (1).

Conclusion

The versatility of the fibula for through‐and‐through defects of the oral cavity is underestimated, and in most cases it is appropriate to reserve second flaps for salvage reconstruction.
Inheritance of a weeping character and the low frequency of rooting from cuttings of the mulberry variety ‘Shidareguwa’
Authors: Yamanouchi H. , Koyama A. , Machii H. , Takyu T. , Muramatsu N.
Published: March 2009

A mulberry variety, Morus alba‘Shidareguwa’, has a weeping habit and is used as an ornamental and landscape plant. This variety is known for being difficult to propagate by hardwood cuttings. To clarify the mode of inheritance of the weeping character and its relationship to the difficulty in cutting propagation, we crossed ‘Shidareguwa’ with a non‐weeping variety ‘Noi’ that has a very high rooting ability. The phenotypic segregations exhibited by the F1 and F2 plants suggested that the weeping habit is controlled by a single recessive gene. In tests of the F2 plants for cutting propagation, no obvious correlation was recognized between the weeping trait and the rooting ability of cuttings. As a result, we were able to develop new weeping mulberry strains with improved high rooting ability.
The physiology of colonic hydrotherapy
Authors: Seow‐Choen F.
Published: March 2009

Objective  Colonic hydrotherapy is widely used and many of its practitioners are medically qualified. Nonetheless, the basis of many of their practices requires physiological scrutiny.

Method  The claims of colonic hydrotherapy are examined against known physiological facts.

Results  Hydrotherapy is not entirely physiological.

Conclusion  Colonic hydrotherapy may increase the dissemination and absorption of toxins and bacteria into the body.
Benign rectal strictures managed with transanal resection – A novel application for transanal endoscopic microsurgery
Authors: Baatrup G. , Svensen R. , Ellensen V. S.
Published: March 2009

Objective  Six cases of management of rectal strictures by transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) are described.

Method  Patients are placed in the lithotomy – Trendelenburg position and the stricture is resected from 4–8 o’clock through the entire thickness of the fibrosis. The upper resection edge is mobilized including all layers of the rectal wall and the defect is sutured along the circumference.

Results  Satisfactory anatomical and functional long‐term results were obtained in 5 of 6 patients.

Conclusion  TEM resection of benign strictures is feasible in some patients and should be tested in a randomized study against known procedures.
The birth of biometric security
Authors: Maguire Mark
Published: March 2009

We are currently witnessing a rapid rise in biometric security. Borders are apparently becoming ‘smart’; passports are becoming e‐passports, and when you set out on your travels your data double is already at your destination. Access to airports and even continents will increasingly be determined not by your national citizenship but by the security of your identity. Biometric security has received little anthropological attention despite historical associations with the discipline. Here I wish to outline a brief genealogy of biometric security in order to argue that, beyond the apparent newness of the technology, key biometric technologies owe their origins to 19th‐entury deployments and then as now they may be understood as a form of bio‐governmentality in which the security of identity opens possibilities for population control.
Persistently normal alanine aminotransferase levels in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients: the role of steatosis
Authors: Bani‐Sadr F , Barange K , Daoud F , Jacomet C , Bicart‐See A , Rosenthal E , Cacoub P , Pol S , Perronne C , Carrat F ,   the ANRS HC02 – Ribavic Study Team
Published: March 2009

Objective

The frequency and significance of, and liver biopsy findings associated with, a persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level in HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐coinfected patients are poorly characterized. We analysed factors associated with persistently normal ALT levels, defined as at least three consecutive normal ALT values over a 6‐month period, in a group of 381 HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients.

Methods

Patients were categorized into two groups according to ALT values: group 1, patients with persistently normal ALT levels; and group 2, patients with elevated ALT values. Possible interactions with host factors, HIV and HCV viral factors, antiretroviral treatment and histological features were examined.

Results

Thirty‐six patients (9.4%) had persistently normal ALT levels. None of the 36 patients had cirrhosis. Seven patients (19.4%) had a METAVIR fibrosis score of F3. In multivariate analysis, a lower mean METAVIR inflammation score [odds ratio (OR) 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28–0.89; P=0.017], the absence of steatosis (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.20–0.90; P=0.026) and HCV genotype 4 infection (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.15–6.68; P=0.023) were associated with persistently normal ALT levels.

Conclusion

The slower progression of chronic hepatitis in patients with persistently normal ALT levels could be related, in part, to a lower frequency of steatosis
Effects of aging on behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: KONISHI Kimiko , HORI Koji , ODA Tatsuro , TOMINAGA Itaru , ASAOKA Toshiyasu , HACHISU Mitsugu , SHIBASAKI Toshiaki
Published: March 2009

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between aging and the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods:  Eligible subjects were consecutively referred AD patients with BPSD. According to patient age at the time of the test, the AD patient group (n = 79, whole AD group (WADG)) was divided into two groups: a relative older group (OG) in the whole AD group (WAD) (age at the time of test was 81 years or more, n = 40) and a relative younger group (YG) in the WAD (age at the time of test was below 81 years, n = 39). A comparison was made of the demographic data (sex difference, educational level and severity of dementia), cognitive functions and BPSD between the groups. BPSD was evaluated using the Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale (BEHAVE‐AD). The factor analysis of BPSD was conducted in the WADG as well as in the OG and YG.

Results:  Sex difference, educational level, severity of dementia and cognitive functions were not different; however, the total score of the BEHAVE‐AD symptom domain in diurnal rhythm was significantly higher in the OG than in the YG (Student's t‐test: P < 0.05). Factor analysis showed that psychosis was the first factor in the OG, but was the third factor in the YG and that the psychotic symptoms were caused by anxieties and phobias in the OG.

Conclusion:  From these results, we found that the effects of aging on the BPSD in AD were characterized by diurnal rhythm disturbance and psychosis.
Implant micromotion is related to peak insertion torque and bone density
Authors: Trisi Paolo , Perfetti Giorgio , Baldoni Edoardo , Berardi Davide , Colagiovanni Marco , Scogna Giuseppe
Published: March 2009

Objectives: Measuring peak insertion torque in relation to different bone densities, the present study seeks to determine whether micromotion at the interface is related to primary stability achieved by increasing insertion torque.

Material and methods: A total of 120 Ti‐Bone implants were placed in fresh bovine bone samples representing three density categories: hard, normal and soft (HNS). Five groups of peak insertion torque (20, 35, 45, 70 and 100 N/cm) were evaluated in the three bone density categories noted. Customized electronic equipment connected to a PC was used to register the peak and other insertion torque data. A loading device, consisting of a digital force gauge and a digital micrometer, was used to measure the micromovements of the implant during the application of 20, 25 and 30 N lateral forces. The data were analyzed for statistical significance by ANOVA and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient tests.

Results: A statistically significant difference between implant micromobility placed with different levels of torque and in different bone densities was demonstrated by ANOVA. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient showed a high dependency between the peak insertion torque and the observed micromovement. Particularly, in soft bone, it was not possible to achieve more than 35 N/cm of peak insertion torque.

Conclusions: Results showed that increasing the peak insertion torque reduces the level of implant micromotion. In addition, micromotion in soft bone was found to be consistently high, which could lead to the failure of osseointegration. Thus, immediate functional loading of implants in soft bone should be considered with caution.
Separating pygmy and Antarctic blue whales using long‐forgotten ovarian data
Authors: Branch T. A. , Mikhalev Y. A. , Kato H.
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Pygmy blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) are ≤24.1 m and are generally found north of 52°S in summer, whereas the more southerly Antarctic blue whales (B. m. intermedia) may exceed 30 m. Previous assessments have assumed that catches and recent surveys south of 60°S recorded Antarctic blue whales, but these may have included pygmy blue whales. Here, we use ovarian corpora, which accumulate with ovulations and hence with length, to separate these subspecies. The resulting Bayesian mixture model, applied to 1,380 Northern Region (north of 52°S and 35°–180°E) and 3,844 Southern Ocean (south of 52°S) blue whales, estimated that only 0.1% (95% credibility intervals 0.0%–0.4%) of the Antarctic region blue whales were pygmy blue whales and, unexpectedly, found significantly lower lifetime ovulation counts for pygmy blue whales than for Antarctic blue whales (7.6 vs. 13.6). Over four decades, despite substantial depletion of Antarctic blue whales, there was no trend in the estimated proportion of pygmy blue whales in the Antarctic. Several lines of investigation found no evidence for sizeable numbers of pygmy blue whales in ovarian corpora data collected in the 1930s, as was previously hypothesized.
Autosomal-Dominant Cerulean Cataract in a Chinese Family Associated with Gene Conversion Mutation in Beta-B2-Crystallin
Authors: Wang Li , Lin Hui , Gu Jingzhi , Su Hong , Huang Shangzhi , Qi Yanhua
Published: March 2009

Aims: Our purpose was to identify the genetic defect in a Chinese cerulean cataract family. Methods: After obtaining informed consent, genomic DNA was extracted from leukocytes. Genotyping and 2-point linkage analysis were carried out using the MLINK component of the LINKAGE program package version 5.10. Mutational analysis of the candidate gene was performed by bidirectional sequencing. The structure homology modeling of the mutant protein was based on Swiss-Model Serve, and its structure was displayed and compared with native β-B2-crystallin using the RasMol software. Results: The disease locus was mapped within a 4.05-cM interval on 22q11.22–22q12.1. By sequencing, a cytosine to thymine transition (NM_000496.2:c.463C>T) was detected in exon 6 of CRYBB2, which resulted in the insertion of a premature stop codon (p.Q155X). In addition, there existed another transition (NM_000496.2:c.471C>T) in the same exon, which does not change the amino acid sequence. Neither NM_000496.2:c.463C>T nor NM_000496.2:c.471C>T were found in 171 normal Chinese controls. The homology modeling showed that the second structure of the mutant protein was different from that of native human β-B2-crystallin. Conclusions: This is the first report of congenital cerulean cataract associated with a mutation in CRYBB2 in a Chinese family. This finding further strengthens the association between CRYBB2 and cerulean cataracts. Two transitions, NM_000496.2:c.463C>T and NM_000496.2:c.471C>T, in CRYBB2 are identical to the sequence of CRYBB2P1, which has over 97% homology to CRYBB2. This supports the possibility of gene conversion between CRYBB2 and CRYBB2P1 as a mechanism responsible for congenital cataract.
Mildronate, a Regulator of Energy Metabolism, Reduces Atherosclerosis in apoE/LDLR–/– Mice
Authors: Vilskersts Reinis , Liepinsh Edgars , Mateuszuk Lukasz , Grinberga Solveiga , Kalvinsh Ivars , Chlopicki Stefan , Dambrova Maija
Published: March 2009

Background/Aims: Mildronate, an inhibitor of L-carnitine biosynthesis and transport, is used in clinics as a modulator of cellular energy metabolism and is a cardioprotective drug. L-Carnitine is a pivotal molecule in fatty acid oxidation pathways and its regulation in vasculature might be a promising approach for antiatherosclerotic treatment. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of mildronate treatment on the progression of atherosclerosis and the content of L-carnitine in the vascular wall. Methods: ApoE/LDLR–/– mice received mildronate at doses of 30 and 100 mg/kg for 4 months. Lipid profile was measured in plasma and atherosclerotic lesions were analyzed in whole aorta and aortic sinus. L-Carnitine concentration was assessed in rat aortic tissues after 2 weeks of treatment with mildronate at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Results: The chronic treatment with mildronate at a dose of 100 mg/kg significantly reduced the size of atherosclerotic plaques in the aortic roots and in the whole aorta, and slightly decreased the free cholesterol level. In addition, mildronate treatment decreased L-carnitine concentration in rat aortic tissues. Conclusions: Long-term mildronate treatment decreases L-carnitine content in aortic tissues and attenuates the development of atherosclerosis in apoE/LDLR–/– mice.
Filtering Out Deep Brain Stimulation Artifacts Using a Nonlinear Oscillatory Model
Authors: Aksenova Tatyana I. , Nowicki Dimitri V. , Benabid Alim-Louis
Published: March 2009

This letter is devoted to the suppression of spurious signals (artifacts) in records of neural activity during deep brain stimulation. An approach based on nonlinear adaptive model with self-oscillations is proposed. We developed an algorithm of adaptive filtering based on this approach. The proposed algorithm was tested using recordings collected from patients during the stimulation. This was then compared to existing methods and showed the best performance.
Detection of Odorous Compounds in Breath
Authors: Van den Velde S. , van Steenberghe D. , Van hee P. , Quirynen M.
Published: March 2009

Previous studies have demonstrated that hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan play a major role in oral malodor. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that other compounds found in mouth air can also contribute to halitosis. Mouth air of 40 healthy volunteers and 40 persons with halitosis was analyzed and compared by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, two sulfur monitors, and organoleptically. Nearly 700 different compounds were detected. Hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, di- and trisulfide were increased in persons with breath odor. These compounds were all significantly correlated with the organoleptic score. We concluded that hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan and, to a much lesser extent, dimethyl sulfide, di- and trisulfide can contribute to oral malodor. The role of other compounds, such as amines and organic acids, seems insignificant.
Ultrasonic Scaler Oscillations and Tooth-surface Defects
Authors: Lea S.C. , Felver B. , Landini G. , Walmsley A.D.
Published: March 2009

Damage to tooth root surfaces may occur during ultrasonic cleaning with both piezoelectric and magnetostrictive ultrasonic scalers. It is unclear which mechanism causes more damage or how their mechanism of action leads to such damage. Our null hypothesis is that tooth-surface defect dimensions, resulting from instrumentation with ultrasonic scalers, are independent of whether the scaler probe is magnetostrictive or piezoelectric. Piezoelectric and magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler probes were placed into contact against polished dentin samples (100 g/200 g). Resulting tooth surfaces were evaluated with a laser metrology system. Ultrasonic instrumentation produced an indentation directly related to the bodily movement of the probe as it made an impact on the surface. Load, generator power, and probe cross-section significantly affected probe vibration and defect depth/volume. Defect dimensions were independent of generator type. Magnetostrictive probes oscillated with greater displacement amplitudes than piezoelectric probes, but produced similar defects. This may be due to the cross-sectional shape of the probes.
Does Fluoride in Compomers Prevent Future Caries in Children?
Authors: Trachtenberg F. , Maserejian N.N. , Soncini J.A. , Hayes C. , Tavares M.
Published: March 2009

Compomer restorations release fluoride to help prevent future caries. We tested the hypothesis that compomer is associated with fewer future caries compared with amalgam. The five-year New England Children’s Amalgam Trial recruited 534 children aged 6–10 yrs with ≥ 2 carious posterior teeth. Children were randomized to receive compomer or amalgam restorations in primary posterior teeth, placed with a fluoride-releasing bonding agent. The association between restorative material and future caries was assessed by survival analysis. Average follow-up of restorations (N = 1085 compomer, 954 amalgams) was 2.8 + 1.4 yrs in 441 children. No significant difference between materials was found in the rate of new caries on different surfaces of the same tooth. Incident caries on other teeth appeared slightly more quickly after placement of compomer restorations (p = 0.007), but the difference was negligible after 5 yrs. Under the conditions of this trial, we found no preventive benefit to fluoride-releasing compomer compared with amalgam.
“Dark Areas of Ignorance” Revisited
Authors: Iyengar Shanto , Hahn Kyu S. , Bonfadelli Heinz , Marr Mirko
Published: March 2009

This study tests the hypothesis that cross-national differences in public awareness of international affairs are attributable to differences in the supply of international news and citizens' demand for information. Simultaneously, the authors compared the level of news coverage accorded specific “target” subjects in major Swiss and U.S. news organizations and the level of attentiveness to news among Swiss and U.S. citizens. The authors' results revealed that Swiss media provided more hard international news than U.S. media, that Swiss citizens reported higher levels of news exposure, and that the Swiss were also considerably more informed than the Americans on questions of hard news. Using a multilevel model, the authors further demonstrate that the effects of news on knowledge are stronger in Switzerland and that the greater availability of international news has the effect of reducing the knowledge gap between more and less attentive Swiss.
Maternal Knowledge and Maternal Behavior Control as Predictors of Preadolescent Behavioral Competence
Authors: Grundy Amber M. , Gondoli Dawn M. , Blodgett Salafia Elizabeth H.
Published: March 2009

The present article examined relationships between maternal knowledge, maternal behavior control, and preadolescent behavioral competence over time. Four years of self-report data were collected from 133 mothers and their preadolescents, beginning when the preadolescents were in 4th grade. Knowledge, behavior control, and behavioral competence were assessed at all 4 time points. The results for preadolescent-reported variables suggested that maternal knowledge and preadolescent behavioral competence were reciprocally related, but maternal behavior control and preadolescent behavioral competence were not significantly related. Mother-reported maternal knowledge and behavior control were generally not associated with mother-reported preadolescent behavioral competence. Thus, the present study identified a longitudinal, reciprocal association between knowledge and preadolescent behavioral competence, for preadolescent reports of these variables.