bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carrier-based Root Canal Filling Materials: A Literature Review
Authors: Al-Kahtani Ahmed Mubarak
Published: November 2013

A review of the literature on the use of carrier based obturation materials focusing on Thermafil and Resilon based obturator (RealSeal 1) are presented in this article. The review addressed the history, apical leakage, coronal leakage, biocompatibility, sealing ability and clinical success of Thermafil and RealSeal 1.

Based on the studies gathered, this review concluded that both treatment techniques (Thermafil and RealSeal 1) did not provide excellent apical sealing ability. More research should be done to try to overcome their main drawback, its sealing ability.

How to cite this article

Al-Kahtani AM. Carrier-based Root Canal Filling Materials: A Literature Review. J Contemp Dent Pract 2013;14(4):777-783.
Public Philosophy of Technology
Authors: Wittkower D. E. , Selinger Evan , Rush Lucinda ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: November 2013

Philosophers of technology are not playing the public role that our own theoretical perspectives motivate us to take. A great variety of theories and perspectives within philosophy of technology, including those of Marcuse, Feenberg, Borgmann, Ihde, Michelfelder, Bush, Winner, Latour, and Verbeek, either support or directly call for various sorts of intervention—a call that we have failed to heed adequately. Barriers to such intervention are discussed, and three proposals for reform are advanced: (1) post-publication peer-reviewed reprinting of public philosophy, (2) increased emphasis on true open access publication, and (3) increased efforts to publicize and adapt traditional academic research.
Long‐term disease control in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma after suspension of lenalidomide therapy
Authors: Kourelis Taxiarchis V. , Kumar Shaji K. , Srivastava Geetika , Gertz Morie A. , Lacy Martha Q. , Buadi Francis K. , Hayman Suzanne R. , Zeldenrust Steven R. , Leung Nelson , Kyle Robert A. , Russell Stephen J. , Dingli David , Lust John A. , Lin Yi , Kapoor Prashant , Go Ronald , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Dispenzieri Angela
Published: November 2013

There are no systematic data regarding nonmaintained induction for those patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who do not receive consolidative autologous stem cell transplantation. Of 173 patients with newly diagnosed MM treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (LenDex) as primary therapy, 31 patients had their lenalidomide discontinued for reasons other than progression or alternate therapy. Median progression free survival (PFS) from the time of discontinuing lenalidomide was longer in patients who received lenalidomide ≥1 year (39 vs. 13 months, P < 0.05); there was no difference in PFS for those treated for 1–2 years as compared to ≥2 years. Among those taking lenalidomide for ≥1 year PFS was superior in patients who were in very good partial response (VGPR) or better as compared to those with partial response (48.4 versus 14.8 months, P < 0.05). All patients who progressed and were rechallenged with LenDex responded. These analyses illustrate that discontinuation of lenalidomide after 1 year among those patients achieving a ≥VGPR can result in long‐term disease control. Am. J. Hematol. 89:302–305, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oxytocin and Epstein‐Barr virus: Stress biomarkers in the postpartum period among first‐time mothers from São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Rudzik Alanna E.F. , Breakey Alicia , Bribiescas Richard G.
Published: November 2013

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between self‐reported stress levels among new mothers in São Paulo, Brazil and two biomarkers of stressful experience, oxytocin (OT) and Epstein‐Barr Virus antibody level (EBV‐ab), with planned pregnancy hypothesized as a moderator of biological response to stressful conditions.

Methods

Sixty‐three first‐time mothers between the ages of 15 and 45 were recruited from neighborhoods in São Paulo, Brazil. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected longitudinally, bi‐weekly between two and 12 weeks postpartum. OT level was assessed from breast milk samples and EBV‐ab from blood spot samples. An Interpersonal Satisfaction scale was developed, validated, and administered, along with the Cohen perceived stress scale (PSS).

Results

In‐depth interview data revealed unplanned pregnancy to be a significant stressor in the lives of first‐time mothers. In linear regression, OT level was negatively associated with interpersonal satisfaction score (P = 0.022) and positively associated with PSS score (P = 0.007). When splitting the sample by planned status of the pregnancy, women with an unplanned pregnancy showed a strengthened positive association between OT level and PSS (P = 0.001; Adj R2 = 0.44) and negative association with interpersonal satisfaction (P = 0.017; Adj R2 = 0.15), while no associations existed for women with a planned pregnancy. EBV‐ab level was not correlated or associated with stress/satisfaction measures.

Conclusion

OT is an effective biomarker in the measurement of stress in the body, and additionally reflects differential experiences with difficult interpersonal circumstances, such as unplanned pregnancy. By contrast, EBV‐ab failed to reflect differences in self‐reported stress levels between mothers. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:43–50, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chronic undernutrition and traditional weaning foods are associated with fat stores in ariaal infants of Northern Kenya
Authors: Miller Elizabeth M.
Published: November 2013

The high proportion of human infant fat is hypothesized to protect infant brains by mobilizing against growth disturbances caused by acute nutritional and pathogen stress during weaning. However, individuals who experience chronic nutritional stress have been shown to store fat rather than mobilize fat stores, although this has not been demonstrated during infancy. This study investigated the relationship between fat development, diet, and nutritional status among 239 breastfeeding Ariaal infants, a group of settled pastoralists who experience both acute and chronic nutritional stress residing in Marsabit District, Kenya. This study had three goals: 1) To investigate the pattern of fat accumulation among Ariaal infants compared with a reference population; 2) to explore the relationship between chronic nutritional stress and fat deposits; and 3) to determine the relationship between traditional weaning foods, particularly cow's milk, and infant's fat. Infants, particularly infants experiencing chronic nutritional stress, were found to accumulate fat deposits in a manner that suggests reduced oxidation of fat stores. Infant upper arm fat area significantly increases with age over the weaning period compared with reference populations, who show a decline in body fat. Chronically undernourished infants were particularly likely to have increased levels of upper arm fat compared with normal infants or acutely undernourished infants. In addition, infants who consume cow's milk are significantly fatter than those that do not. These results suggest that Ariaal infants have both physiological and cultural mechanisms for fat storage in the face of their nutritionally stressed environment. Am J Phys Anthropol 153:286–296, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional and morphological correlates of mandibular symphyseal form in a living human sample
Authors: Holton Nathan E. , Franciscus Robert G. , Ravosa Matthew J. , Southard Thomas E.
Published: November 2013

Variation in recent human mandibular form is often thought to reflect differences in masticatory behavior associated with variation in food preparation and subsistence strategies. Nevertheless, while mandibular variation in some human comparisons appear to reflect differences in functional loading, other comparisons indicate that this relationship is not universal. This suggests that morphological variation in the mandible is influenced by other factors that may obscure the effects of loading on mandibular form. It is likely that highly strained mandibular regions, including the corpus, are influenced by well‐established patterns of lower facial skeletal integration. As such, it is unclear to what degree mandibular form reflects localized stresses incurred during mastication vs. a larger set of correlated features that may influence bone distribution patterns. In this study, we examine the relationship between mandibular symphyseal bone distribution (i.e., second moments of area, cortical bone area) and masticatory force production (i.e., in vivo maximal bite force magnitude and estimated symphyseal bending forces) along with lower facial shape variation in a sample of n = 20 living human male subjects. Our results indicate that while some aspects of symphyseal form (e.g., wishboning resistance) are significantly correlated with estimates of symphyseal bending force magnitude, others (i.e., vertical bending resistance) are more closely tied to variation in lower facial shape. This suggests that while the symphysis reflects variation in some variables related to functional loading, the complex and multifactorial influences on symphyseal form underscores the importance of exercising caution when inferring function from the mandible especially in narrow taxonomic comparisons. Am J Phys Anthropol 153:387–396, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oxadiazoles as Privileged Motifs for Promising Anticancer Leads: Recent Advances and Future Prospects
Authors: Khan Imtiaz , Ibrar Aliya , Abbas Naeem
Published: November 2013

Taking into account the rising trend of the incidence of cancers of various organs, effective therapies are urgently needed to control human malignancies. The rapid emergence of hundreds of new agents that modulate an ever‐growing list of cancer‐specific molecular targets offers tremendous hope for cancer patients. However, almost all of the chemotherapy drugs currently on the market cause serious side effects. Based on these facts, the design of new chemical entities as anticancer agents requires the simulation of a suitable bioactive pharmacophore. The pharmacophore not only should have the required potency but must also be safer on normal cell lines than on tumor cells. In this perspective, oxadiazole scaffolds with well‐defined anticancer activity profile have fueled intense academic and industrial research in recent years. This paper is intended to highlight the recent advances along with current developments as well as future outlooks for the design of novel and efficacious anticancer agents based on oxadiazole motifs.
Aqueous biphasic cancer cell migration assay enables robust, high‐throughput screening of anti‐cancer compounds
Authors: Lemmo Stephanie , Nasrollahi Samila , Tavana Hossein
Published: November 2013

Migration of tumor cells is a fundamental event implicated in metastatic progression of cancer. Therapeutic compounds with the ability to inhibit the motility of cancer cells are critical for preventing cancer metastasis. Achieving this goal requires new technologies that enable high‐throughput drug screening against migration of cancer cells and expedite drug discovery. We report an easy‐to‐implement, robotically operated, cell migration microtechnology with the capability of simultaneous screening of multiple compounds. The technology utilizes a fully biocompatible polymeric aqueous two‐phase system to pattern a monolayer of cells containing a cell‐excluded gap that serves as the migration niche. We adapted this technology to a standard 96‐well plate format and parametrically optimized it to generate highly consistent migration niches. The analysis of migration is done automatically using computerized schemes. We use statistical metrics and show the robustness of this assay for drug screening and its sensitivity to identify effects of different drug compounds on migration of cancer cells. This technology can be employed in core centers, research laboratories, and pharmaceutical industries to evaluate the efficacy of compounds against migration of various types of metastatic cancer cells prior to expensive animal tests and thus, streamline anti‐migratory drug screening.
Treatment of Pharmaceutical Effluent by Sono‐Fenton‐Sorption
Authors: Nachiappan Senthilnathan , Muthukumar Karuppan
Published: November 2013

This study presents the treatment of a high strength pharmaceutical wastewater by sono‐Fenton‐sorption (SFS). Better results were observed with SFS compared to individual processes and the maximum chemical oxygen demand reduction observed after 180 min of treatment with SFS, sono‐Fenton, and sono‐sorption was 71.9, 48.4, and 43.75%, respectively. The effect of parameters such as initial concentration, dosage of Fenton's reagent, sorbent dosage, and pattern of addition of iron on the performance of SFS was analyzed. The sonosorption and SFS were found to fit well with Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetics. Fourier transformed IR studies of effluent and sorbent before and after treatment confirmed the oxidative degradation of pharmaceutical effluent. Toxicity of the effluent was considerably reduced after the treatment and the electrical energy consumption was significantly reduced, when sonolysis was coupled with sorption and Fenton's process (SFS).
Effect of Anaerobic Azo Dye Reduction on Continuous Sludge Digestion
Authors: Ozkan‐Yucel Umay Gokce , Gokcay Celal Ferdi
Published: November 2013

Effect of continuous feeding of a reactive azo dye, reactive orange 107, and its hydrolyzed form (HRO107), on a conventional anaerobic digester was investigated in this study together with observation of change in microbial community. Laboratory‐scale digesters were fed with waste activated sludge and azo dye for 575 days continuously. The influent concentrations of reactive azo dye were between 200 and 3200 mg/L. The digester performance was not adversely affected by azo dye and its reduction metabolites throughout the study. A HRO107 concentration with 3200 mg/L was not inhibitory for the digester performance after prolonged exposure. The dye removal efficiencies were between 95 and 99% most of the time of operation implying that dye removal efficiency was not affected by variations in organic loading rate or influent dye concentration. Sulfate‐reducing bacteria may increase in the digester but did not cause any toxicity due to hydrogen sulfide formation after prolonged feeding.
Electro‐Oxidation of Pistachio Processing Industry Wastewater Using Graphite Anode
Authors: Fıl Baybars Ali , Boncukcuoğlu Recep , Yilmaz Alper Erdem , Bayar Serkan
Published: November 2013

In the present study, removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), and total phenols (TP) from pistachio processing industry wastewater was investigated using electro‐oxidation. COD, TOC, and TP removal efficiencies were compared considering stirring speed, support electrolyte types, support electrolyte concentrations, wastewater initial pH, and current density by using stainless steel cathodes and graphite anodes. Results showed that optimum values of operating variables, i.e., processing time, stirring speed, wastewater pH, current density, and support electrolyte (NaCl), were 5 h, 400 rpm, 3, 30 mA/cm2, and 1.25 M, respectively. Removal efficiencies of 99.79, 76.55, and 100% were obtained with these values for COD, TOC, and TP, respectively. Removal of COD, TOC, and TP increased with increased chloride concentration and current density at acidic pH.
μ‐Chlorido‐Bridged Dimanganese(II) Complexes of the Schiff Base Derived from [2+2] Condensation of 2,6‐Diformyl‐4‐methylphenol and 1,3‐Bis(3‐aminopropyl)tetramethyldisiloxane: Structure, Magnetism, Electrochemical Behaviour, and Catalytic Oxidation of Secondary Alcohols
Authors: Alexandru Mihaela , Cazacu Maria , Arvinte Adina , Shova Sergiu , Turta Constantin , Simionescu Bogdan C. , Dobrov Anatolie , Alegria Elisabete C. B. A. , Martins Luísa M. D. R. S. , Pombeiro Armando J. L. , Arion Vladimir B.
Published: November 2013

The reaction of 2,6‐diformyl‐4‐methylphenol with 1,3‐bis(3‐aminopropyl)tetramethyldisiloxane in the presence of MnCl2 in a 1:1:2 molar ratio in methanol afforded a dinuclear μ‐chlorido‐bridged manganese(II) complex of the macrocyclic [2+2] condensation product (H2L), namely, [Mn2Cl2(H2L)(HL)]Cl·3H2O (1). The latter afforded a new compound, namely, [Mn2Cl2(H2L)2][MnCl4]·4CH3CN·0.5CHCl3·0.4H2O (2), after recrystallisation from 1:1 CHCl3/CH3CN. The co‐existence of the free and complexed azomethine groups, phenolato donors, μ‐chlorido bridges, and the disiloxane unit were well evidenced by ESI mass spectrometry and FTIR spectroscopy and confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. The magnetic measurements revealed an antiferromagnetic interaction between the two high‐spin (S = 5/2, g = 2) manganese(II) ions through the μ‐chlorido bridging ligands. The electrochemical behaviour of 1 and 2 has been studied, and details of their redox properties are reported. Both compounds act as catalysts or catalyst precursors in the solvent‐free low‐power microwave‐assisted oxidation of selected secondary alcohols, for example, 1‐phenylethanol, cyclohexanol, 2‐ and 3‐octanol, to the corresponding ketones in the absence of solvent. The highest yield of 72 % was achieved for 1‐phenylethanol by using a maximum of 1 % molar ratio of catalyst relative to substrate.
Synthesis of the Pentacyclic Framework of the Alkaloid Tronocarpine
Authors: Torres‐Ochoa Rubén O. , Reyes‐Gutiérrez Paul E. , Martínez Roberto
Published: November 2013

A short and efficient synthesis of the pentacyclic core of the indole alkaloid tronocarpine is described. The synthetic pathway involves several easily accomplished steps, including a radical oxidative aromatic substitution reaction on the N‐tert‐butoxycarbonyl‐protected tryptamine and a xanthate, a 1,4–1,2‐nucleophilic addition between a 2,3‐disubstituted indole and an α,β‐unsaturated aldehyde, and a Ti‐mediated Dieckmann condensation. This report represents a significant advance in the quest for the first total synthesis of tronocarpine.
Proteomics in environmental and technical microbiology
Authors: Benndorf Dirk , Reichl Udo
Published: November 2013

Nowadays, the field of proteomics encompasses various techniques for the analysis of the entirety of proteins in biological samples. Not only 2D electrophoresis as the primary method, but also MS‐based workflows and bioinformatic tools are being increasingly applied. In particular, research in microbiology was significantly influenced by proteomics during the last few decades. Hence, this review presents results of proteomic studies carried out in areas, such as fundamental microbiological research and biotechnology. In addition, the emerging field of metaproteomics is addressed because high‐throughput genome sequencing and high‐performance MS facilitate the access to such complex samples from microbial communities as found in sludge from wastewater treatment plants and biogas plants. Both current technical limitations and new concepts in this growing and important area are discussed. Moreover, it was convincingly shown that future prospective applications of proteomics in technical and environmental microbiology might also be closely connected with other Omics approaches as well as bioinformatics for systems biology studies.
Chromium Coordination Compounds of Pyridoxal and Nicotinic Acid: Synthesis, Absorption and Metabolism
Authors: Gonzalez‐Vergara Enrique , De Gonzalez Blanca Candia , Hegenauer Jack , Saltman Paul
Published: November 2013

The poor gastrointestinal absorption of inorganic chromium has hampered study of the bioavailability, biodistribution and function of this essential trace element. New coordination compounds of Cr(III) — most notably the Schiff base complexes of pyridoxal, dipeptides and nicotinic acid — have been synthesized and characterized for metabolic studies in mice. Data are presented to document the whole‐body absorption, excretory pathways and organ distribution of orally administered 51Cr complexes. These compounds are well absorbed but retention is low because of rapid urinary excretion. The liver accumulates more Cr from the pyridoxylidene complexes than from inorganic or other coordination compounds. These results suggest that Schiff base chelates potentiate the absorption of Cr by cells of the intestine, kidney and liver. Coordination by nicotinic acid increased the stability of the Schiff base chelates but did not affect the biodistribution significantly. The relationship of these complexes to the “glucose tolerance factor” is discussed.
The Role of Zinc in Angiotensin Converting Enzyme
Authors: Bünning Peter , Riordan James F.
Published: November 2013

Angiotensin converting enzyme is a chloride‐dependent zinc metalloexo‐peptidase. The zinc atom is essential for enzymatic activity. Removal of zinc by dialysis against the chelating agent 1,10‐phenanthroline abolishes activity toward the chromophoric substrates furanacryloyl‐Phe‐Gly‐Gly. Reconstitution of the resultant apoenzyme with either zinc, cobalt or manganese restores activity to 100, 55 or 25% of that of the native enzyme, respectively. Spontaneous dissociation of zinc from the enzyme occurs below pH 7 and this can be prevented by adding excess metal to the buffer. Radiationless energy transfer studies with a fluorescent substrate demonstrate that zinc is not required for substrate binding and does not mediate the activating effect of chloride. Thus, zinc functions solely in the hydrolytic step of catalysis.
Nucleotide‐Iron Complexes and Lipid Peroxidation: Mechanisms and Biological Significance
Authors: Hochstein Paul
Published: November 2013

Nucleotide pyrophosphate‐iron complexes (NPP‐Fe), which presumably function in the intracellular transport of iron, may also serve as substrates for cytochrome P450 reductase. The reduction of these complexes via this flavin enzyme leads to the formation of oxygen radicals which have the capacity to initiate peroxidation reactions in phospholipids. It is suggested that the formation of oxygen free‐radicals, catalyzed by iron bound to nucleotides, may contribute to cellular alterations involving membranes as well as other biological constituents.
Pulsed EPR Studies of bis Imidazole Heme a
Authors: Peisach J. , Mims W. B.
Published: November 2013

Electron spin echo studies have been performed on the model compound for cytochrome a, bis imidazole heme a, and the results compared with those obtained for bis imidazole protoheme and for cytochrome a. The 14N coupling with the iron in the heme a model compound, as obtained from a study of the nuclear modulation effect, is comparable with that seen for the bis imidazole complex of protoheme. The magnetic field dependence of the linear electric field effect is essentially the same in both bis imidazole complexes, but is markedly different from that observed for cytochrome a.15 Thus the odd field component of the crystal field in bis imid heme a is different from that in cytochrome a.
Quaternary Structure and Spin State of Human Fetal Methemoglobin
Authors: Chevion Mordechai , Ilan Yael A. , Navok Tikva , Czapski Gidon
Published: November 2013

In an attempt to shed more light on the physiological function of fetal hemoglobin, we studied the alteration of quaternary structure and switch in spin state of the fetal methemoglobin and compared it to the corresponding adult protein. Using the pulse‐radiolysis technique, solutions of fetal human methemoglobin were irradiated in order to reduce a single heme‐iron within the protein tetramers. The valence‐hybrids thus formed were reacted with oxygen. Kinetics of the reactions were studied. The effects of pH and inositol‐hexaphosphate (IHP) were examined. The kinetics of the ligation of oxygen to stripped valence‐hybrids showed a single‐phase behaviour at the pH range 7–9. As the pH was lowered below 6.5, a second slower phase became apparent. This slow phase consisted of ∼ 50% at pH 5.8. In the presence of IHP above pH 7.4, the kinetics of oxygen‐binding was of a single‐phase. As the pH was lowered a transition to a second, slower phase was noticed. Below pH 7 the slower phase was the only detectable one. The analysis of the relative contribution of the faster phase to the total reaction, as a function of the pH, showed a typical sigmoidal transition curve characterized by a pK = 7.2 and a Hill parameter n = 3.06. On this basis it is concluded that stripped, fetal human methemoglobin resides in an R quaternary structure while the presence of IHP stabilizes the T structure.at pH below 7.2. Thus, this protein exhibits a higher degree of intrinsic low affinity state than that of methemoglobin A, while in the presence of IHP the stabilization of the low affinity state of the fetal protein by the organic phosphate is smaller in comparison to the adult protein. The switch between the high spin aquomet‐ and the low spin hydroxymet‐derivatives of adult and fetal human hemoglobins was studied optically in detail. These switches were found to be only slightly affected by IHP, and exhibited very low cooperativity (pK = 8.04; n = 1.1 and pK = 8.10; n = 1.3 for adult methemoglobin when stripped and in the presence of IHP, respectively; pK = 8.18; n = 1.11 and pK = 8.21; n = 1.28 for fetal methemoglobin when stripped and in the presence of IHP, respectively). These findings lead to the conclusion that the transition between quaternary structures in either human or fetal methemoglobins is not coupled to the switch of the spin state of the ferric heme.
Kinetics and Mechanism of the Ferrimyoglobin — H202 Reaction
Authors: Kremer Mordechai L.
Published: November 2013

The kinetics of the reaction between ferrimyoglobin and H202 has been analyzed. It has been shown that the observed red complex is an intermediate which becomes stabilized in the system due to the fact that it is both formed and decomposed by H202. A FeO3+ type structure for the complex has been proposed with strong π‐bonding between the metal and the oxygen atom.
Low Lying Paramagnetic States in Oxy‐ and Carbonmonoxyhemoglobins
Authors: Cerdonio M. , Morante S. , Vitale S.
Published: November 2013

Reconsidering early and recently published magnetic susceptibility data, we find that the assumption about the full diamagnetism of oxy‐ and carbonmonoxy‐derivatives of hemoglobins is not warranted. It appears that these derivatives display a variety of magnetic states of the iron ligand complex, depending on conditions which must still be elucidated in full. The bearing of these results on debates of the past, the recent evidence from other spectroscopic techniques and the perspectives for future work are briefly discussed.
Hemoglobin Structural Dynamics as Monitored by Resonance Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Spiro Thomas G.
Published: November 2013

Resonance Raman spectra of the heme group are now understood at a level sufficient to provide a useful monitor of several heme structural features. Some porphyrin vibrational frequencies are sensitive to Fe oxidation state, or π‐electron distribution, and give insight into the electronic structure of 02, CO and NO hemes. Others are sensitive to Fe spin‐state, via the associated geometry variation, and provide an accurate index of the porphyrin core size. When examined during the photolysis of CO‐hemoglobin via short laser pulses, these frequencies indicate that conversion from low‐ to high‐spin Fe11 takes place within 30 ps of photolysis, presumably via intersystem‐crossing in the excited state, but that the subsequent relaxation of the Fe atom out of the heme plane takes longer than 20 ns, probably because of restraint by the protein. Axial ligand modes have been identified for several heme derivatives. The Fe‐imidazole frequency in deoxyhemoglobin is appreciably lowered in the T quaternary structure, as determined in both static and kinetic experiments, suggesting molecular tension or proximal imidazole H‐bond weakening in the T state.
Theory of Photodissociation with Coherent Laser Pulses
Authors: Shapiro Moshe
Published: November 2013

A theory of photodissociation with coherent pulsed lasers is developed with special emphasis on the nature of the prepared state under various modes of excitation. Stationary and time‐dependent formulations are treated on an equal footing. Detuning of the transition frequencies with respect to the pulse center is shown to have a profound effect on the time evolution of the system during the pulse. The connection between the laser phase and its location and the nature of the prepared photodissociation state is made explicit. Applications to the femtosecond transition‐state spectra of the NaI system are presented.
Na2 Ground and Excited States by the Open‐Shell Coupled‐Cluster Method
Authors: Kaldor Uzi
Published: November 2013

The open‐shell coupled‐cluster method is used to calculate the potential functions of the five lowest states of Na2, at internuclear separation of 3.5 bohr ≤ R ≤ 10 bohr, with an 80—function contracted Gaussian basis. The usual complete model space calculation diverges, and a general, incomplete model space is used. Core (2s, 2p) correlation plays an important role. Very good agreement with experimentally known molecular constants is obtained when the 2s, 2p, and 3s electrons are correlated.
Different Orbitals for Different Spins: A Study of Bond Breaking in (H‐Li‐H)−
Authors: Mcweeny Roy
Published: November 2013

Calculations of electronic structure in which electrons of different spin are assigned to different orbitals have always been handicapped by difficulties arising from orbital nonorthogonality. A very simple and general way of meeting such difficulties, within the framework of classical valence bond theory, is outlined and then used in an ab initio study of the dissociation of (H‐Li‐H)−, a system recently studied by more standard methods. Just two VB structures are found to be dominant over the whole range of geometries and to offer a simple and physically transparent interpretation of the bond‐breaking process.
Simple Iterative Procedures for Quantum‐Mechanical Bound States
Authors: Burrows Brian L. , Cohen Maurice , Feldman Tova
Published: November 2013

Iterative methods are developed to obtain approximate solutions for bound states of quantum‐mechanical systems. A sequence of 2 × 2 secular equations is solved, to yield a specified eigensolution to the N × N secular equation. Our simplest procedure ensures convergence only for certain states, but a generalisation appears to converge for any state. Some sample calculations are presented, both for model (anharmonic oscillator) systems and for a two‐electron atom.
COST‐EFFICIENCY AND OUTREACH OF MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS: TRADE‐OFFS AND THE ROLE OF OWNERSHIP
Authors: Abate Gashaw Tadesse , Borzaga Carlo , Getnet Kindie
Published: November 2013

The focus on achieving financial efficiency by microfinance institutions in recent years raises a natural concern on their social outcome, outreach to the poor. Using a stochastic frontier approach on sample microfinance providers in Ethiopia, this paper analysed the effect of an increasingly important efficiency requirement on the traditional social mission of microfinance. It also addressed whether the way ownership is organised and practiced affects the cost of microfinance delivery. The result indicates a trade‐off between the outreach to the poor and cost‐efficiency, suggesting the difficulty in trying to achieve the two goals simultaneously. Financial cooperatives are better in their cost containment compared with specialised microfinance institutions owned by shareholders. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Younger Dryas – early Holocene transition in the south‐eastern Iberian Peninsula: insights from land snail shell middens
Authors: YANES YURENA , GÓMEZ‐PUCHE MAGDALENA , ESQUEMBRE‐BEBIA MARCO A. , FERNÁNDEZ‐LÓPEZ‐DE‐PABLO JAVIER
Published: November 2013

The land snail Sphincterochila candidissima from archeological records in Villena (SE Spain) was studied isotopically to estimate the Younger Dryas (YD)–early Holocene transition in the western Mediterranean. Live‐collected individuals exhibited body (−21.8 ± 1.6‰) and shell (−5.8 ± 1.4‰) δ13C values typical of a C3 plant diet, probably combined with carbonate ingestion. Calculations of a carbon flux balance‐mixing model suggest that living specimens experienced similar metabolic rates, with comparable ratio of input and output fluxes of bicarbonate from the snail hemolymph. All fossil shells showed comparable δ13C values among each other, but values were ∼2‰ higher than living specimens. This may be explained by higher water stress at the YD–Holocene transition or by the Suess effect. Shell δ18O values averaged +1.3 ± 0.8‰ for living individuals, −0.5 ± 0.8‰ for Holocene (8.4–10.2 cal ka BP) specimens and +0.4 ± 0.6‰ for YD (12.0–12.4 cal ka BP) snails. An oxygen flux balance‐mixing model suggests that YD shells precipitated during relative humidity (RH) values of ∼79–82%, after which RH increased gradually reaching maximum values of ∼87–88% at ∼8.4–8.6 cal ka BP and, from there, RH eventually declined to present values of ∼82%. Comparisons with other snail data suggest that the xerophilous Sphincterochila records different environmental signatures fro other contemporaneous taxa.
Does genotyping of risk‐associated single nucleotide polymorphisms improve patient selection for prostate biopsy when combined with a prostate cancer risk calculator?
Authors: Butoescu Valentina , Ambroise Jérôme , Stainier Annabelle , Dekairelle Anne‐France , Gala Jean‐Luc , Tombal Bertrand
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

Genome‐wide association studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with higher risk of prostate cancer (PCa). This study aimed to evaluate whether published SNPs improve the performance of a clinical risk‐calculator in predicting prostate biopsy result.

METHODS

Three hundred forty‐six patients with a previous prostate biopsy (191 positive, 155 negative) were enrolled. After literature search, nine SNPs were selected for their statistically significant association with increased PCa risk. Allelic odds ratios were computed and a new logistic regression model was built integrating the clinical risk score (i.e., prior biopsy results, PSA level, prostate volume, transrectal ultrasound, and digital rectal examination) and a multilocus genetic risk score (MGRS). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC) of the clinical score alone versus the integrated clinic‐genetic model were compared. The added value of the MGRS was assessed using the Integrated Discrimination Improvement (IDI) and Net Reclassification Improvement (NRI) statistics.

RESULTS

Predictive performance of the integrated clinico‐genetic model (AUC = 0.781) was slightly higher than predictive performance of the clinical score alone (AUC = 0.770). The prediction of PCa was significantly improved with an IDI of 0.015 (P‐value = 0.035) and a continuous NRI of 0.403 (P‐value < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The predictive performance of the clinical model was only slightly improved by adding MGRS questioning the real clinical added value with regards to the cost of genetic testing and performance of current inexpensive clinical risk‐calculators. Prostate 74:365–371, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fundamental thermo‐electro‐elastic solutions for 1D hexagonal QC
Authors: Li X.Y. , Wang T. , Zheng R.F. , Kang G.Z.
Published: November 2013

This paper is concerned with the fundamental solutions, in the framework of thermo‐electro‐elasticity, for an infinite/half‐infinite space of 1D hexagonal quasicrystals (QCs). To this end, three‐dimensional static general solutions, in terms of 5 quasi‐harmonic functions, are derived with the help of rigorous operator theory and generalized Almansi's theorem. For an infinite/half‐infinite space subjected to an external thermal load, corresponding problem is formulated by boundary value problems. Appropriate potential functions are set by a trail‐and‐error technique. Green functions for the problems in question are obtained explicitly in the closed forms. The present fundamental solutions can be employed to construct 3D analysis for crack, indentation and dislocation problems. Furthermore, these solutions also serve as benchmarks for various numerical simulations.
Fermion portal dark matter
Authors: Bai Yang , Berger Joshua
Published: November 2013

Abstract

We study a class of simplified dark matter models in which one dark matter particle couples with a mediator and a Standard Model fermion. In such models, collider and direct detection searches probe complimentary regions of parameter space. For Majorana dark matter, direct detection covers the region near mediator-dark matter degeneracy, while colliders probe regions with a large dark matter and mediator mass splitting. For Dirac and complex dark matter, direct detection is effective for the entire region above the mass threshold, but colliders provide a strong bound for dark matter lighter than a few GeV. We also point out that dedicated searches for signatures with two jets or a monojet not coming from initial state radiation, along missing transverse energy can cover the remaining parameter space for thermal relic dark matter.
Achs- und rotationsgerechte Positionierung des bikondylären Femurschlittens
Authors: Schläfer H. , Schläfer M.
Published: November 2013

Hintergrund

Klinisches Ergebnis und Haltbarkeit bikondylärer Oberflächenersatzprothesen sind von einer exakten Positionierung der Femurprothese abhängig. Diese sollte senkrecht zur mechanischen Femurachse und parallel zur Transepikondylarachse unter Sicherstellung einer harmonischen Ligamentbalance implantiert werden.

Methode

Weder die mechanische Femurachse noch die Transepikondylarachse sind intraoperativ ohne Hilfsmittel eindeutig definierbar. In der dargestellten Methode werden diese Achsen indirekt über die distale bzw. dorsale Femurkondylentangente bestimmt. Beide Tangenten sind sowohl prä- als auch intraoperativ exakt definierbar. Für die mechanische Femurachse wird präoperativ eine Röntgenaufnahme des gesamten Femurs, für die Transepikondylarachse ein Dünnschicht-CT benötigt. Die intraoperative Umsetzung erfordert Steckhülsen für den 4-in-1-Block von 0 bis 13° und einen speziellen Winkelmesser.

Ergebnisse

Diese Methode wurde bei 783 Patienten angewendet, 38 Patienten wurden nachuntersucht. Die Abweichung der Senkrechten zur mechanischen Femurachse betrug durchschnittlich 0,32°, die Abweichung von der Parallelen zur Transepikondylarachse 1,04°.

Schlussfolgerung

Bei der dargestellten Vorgehensweise handelt es sich um eine sichere und preiswerte Methode, die zudem die Operationszeit deutlich reduziert.
Is Vocal Cord Asymmetry Seen on Transcutaneous Laryngeal Ultrasonography a Significant Predictor of Voice Quality Changes After Thyroidectomy?
Authors: Wong Kai‐Pun , Lang Brian Hung‐Hin , Ng Sze‐How , Cheung Chung‐Yeung , Chan Christina Tin‐Yan , Chan Miu‐Yee
Published: November 2013

Background

Vocal cord asymmetry (VCA) on laryngoscopic examination (LE) may suggest voice impairment after thyroidectomy, but LE may cause patient discomfort. We aimed to correlate the presence of postoperative VCA assessed by noninvasive transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasonography (TLUSG) with voice quality changes after thyroidectomy.

Methods

A total of 169 patients scheduled for thyroidectomy completed two validated voice symptoms questionnaires—the GRBAS (grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain) scale and the voice impairment score (VIS)—and underwent TLUSG and LE at 1 day before and 7–10 days after thyroidectomy. Postoperative VCA was apparent in 51 patients on TLUSG (group I), whereas there was no VCA in the other 118 patients (group II, controls). The GRBAS scale and VIS results were compared between the groups.

Results

Before operation, the two groups had comparable preoperative GRBAS and VIS status. After operation, the “grade” and “roughness” components on the GRBAS scale were significantly worse in group I than in group II: 0.24 versus 0.07 (p = 0.016) and 0.33 versus 0.14 (p = 0.022), respectively. “Grade” and “roughness” in the GRBAS scale significantly worsened after the operation in group I: from 0.04 to 0.24 (p = 0.008) and from 0.02 to 0.33 (p = 0.001), respectively. They did not change in group II. Also, the overall VIS was significantly worse after thyroidectomy in group I: 4.97 versus 12.97 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

VCA seen on TLUSG significantly correlated with “grade” and “roughness” components on the GRBAS scale and the overall VIS. Thus, VCA might be used as a surrogate of postoperative voice changes.
The Influence of Silicone Softeners on Fabric Stain Removal and Whiteness Maintenance During Home Laundry
Authors: Pei Liujun , Ge Huayun , Wang Dawei , Zhong Qi , Wang Jiping
Published: November 2013

The influence of silicone softeners applied in textile mills on fabric stain removal and whiteness maintenance during home laundry are investigated using amino and polyether silicones. It is observed that fabrics treated with amino silicones have reduced stain removal performance. On the other hand, fabrics treated with polyether silicones have improved performance over both amino silicones treated and untreated fabrics. In general, amino silicones reduce the fabric whiteness because they influence the intensity of textile brightener and its maximum emission wavelength. With analysis of fabric surface energy, Si content, wash fastness and silicone–stain interaction, the influence of the silicone on the performance of fabric stain removal can be concluded as follows: (1) the higher the surface energy of fabric treated with silicone, the better is the fabric stain removal; (2) cationic charges of amino silicones create a strong interaction between silicones and stains, leading to poor stain removal index; (3) due to silicone–stain interaction, stains may be washed away with silicone on the fabric surface. Therefore, poor silicone wash fastness may lead to better fabric stain removal.
Proterozoic Crustal Scale Shearing in the Bundelkhand Massif with Special Reference to Quartz Reefs
Authors: Bhattacharya A. R. , Singh S. P.
Published: November 2013

Quartz reefs that constitute the most spectacular feature of the Bundelkhand massif of Central India are as yet riddled with controversy. We consider the NE-SW trending quartz reefs and the NE-SW trending brittle-ductile shear system developed outside the quartz reefs to constitute a single tectonic fabric of the massif. The study of structural features of the quartz reefs and the associated NE-SW trending shear zones coupled with the mineralogical and structural features suggests that the quartz reefs represent strike-slip dominated vertical to subvertical shear zones with dominantly sinistral sense of shear. The loci of the quartz reefs constitute the large scale fractures developed as a consequence of extensional processes in this part of Central India. These fractures were the sites for later emplacement of siliceous magmatic melt, commonly known as quartz reef that was also responsible for the mineralization of some base metals as well as pyrophyllite and diaspore. The lithotectonic system of these quartz reefs thus developed was later on subjected to strike-slip movements. A generalized model of large scale extensional tectonics during the Proterozoic times has thus been suggested for the development of the NE-SW tectonic fabric of the Bundelkhand massif.
Petrochemistry of Crater Facies Tokapal Kimberlite Pipe, Bastar Craton, Central India and its Orangeitic Affinities
Authors: Dhote P. S. , Dongre Ashish N. , Subbarao D. V.
Published: November 2013

Tokapal kimberlite is the only well preserved crater facies kimberlite intruded within sedimentary sequence of Indravati basin in Bastar craton of central India. We present detailed petrographical and whole rock geochemical studies, carried out on ten samples collected from different locations from Tokapal kimberlite to constrain its genesis and also the mantle processes involved in the origin of this earlier characterized Group I kimberlite. Geochemical studies show that only SiO2 content and the mobile trace elements Ba, Sr, and K vary in the crater facies while rest others show restricted range and can be successfully used in evaluating the petrogenetic processes. Very low abundances of Rb (<2 ppm), Sr (<28 ppm), Ba (<52 ppm) and Cs (0.02-3 ppm) are observed which show possible effects of late-stage alteration rather than significant crustal contamination. The LREE enriched REE pattern, absence of positive Eu anomalies and HREE depletion also provide further additional evidence against crustal contamination considerably modifying magma composition. We infer the presence of less enriched (metasomatised) mantle source regions and comparatively greater degrees of partial melting responsible for the genesis of Tokapal kimberlite. Present study also suggests that crater facies Tokapal kimberlite intruding the Indravati basin, Bastar craton has a Group II kimberlite (orangeite) affinity. This finding is important in light of recent identification of Mainpur kimberlites of Bastar craton as orangeites.
Imaging of Sand Lens at a Barrage Site in the Indian Himalaya – A Case Study using Cross-hole Seismic Tomography
Authors: Nelliat S. , Jha P. C. , Mohanty P. R.
Published: November 2013

Drilling at the barrage site of a hydropower project usually gives a reasonable picture of the sub-surface rock mass condition. However, when the overburden (OB) comprising river borne materials is very thick and the basement rock is deep, the drilling results become unreliable. In the present case, the depth to the granitic gneiss basement is 45m from the river level and the height of the proposed diversion barrage is only 24.5 m. For this reason, stripping of the overburden up to the basement is not considered feasible. Cross-borehole seismic tomography (CST) was carried out at the barrage site to investigate the inclusions and structure of the OB material in order to facilitate a foundation design suitable for permeable formation. Three sets of CST surveys were carried out up to a depth of 30 m between the three vertical boreholes that were prepared at the vertices of an equilateral triangle with a separation of 17.8 m. The tomograms precisely imaged the nature and disposition of the different constituents of the overburden material. A lens shaped low velocity layer (LVL) with seismic velocity Vp=2000-2500 ms-1 was mapped at a depth of 14.5m from the surface. Hence, it was recommended to shift the barrage axis by 50 m towards the downstream side of the proposed axis. The outcome of this study proved valuable for the designer who finalised the foundation design. Successful application of CST in OB characterisation has reiterated the need of such studies for barrage site investigations particularly in the Himalayan terrain.
Effect of Saline Water Bodies on the Hydrogeochemical Evaluation of Groundwater at Kalpakkam Coastal Site, Tamil Nadu
Authors: Seshadri H. , Kaviyarasan R. , Sasidhar P. , Balasubramaniyan V.
Published: November 2013

Geochemical signatures of groundwater in Kalpakkam plant site were used to identify the geochemistry of the unconfined coastal aquifer. Ground water samples collected from 14 borewells around the study area were studied for four different seasons viz. Summer, South-west monsoon, North-east monsoon and Post-monsoon to identify the major geochemical processes activated in the study area. Data obtained through chemical analyses of groundwater samples were used for graphical plots and geochemical calculations. Piper, Chloro alkaline indices and Chadda’s diagram were determined for geochemical classification of the groundwaters. Identified geochemical processes were verified and quantified using hydrogeochemical aqueous speciation model, PHREEQC to find out the Saturation Indices (SI) of the possible minerals of the study area. It was observed that majority of the bore well samples were under saturated with respect to minerals such as Gypsum, Aragonite and oversaturated with respect to dolomite and calcite. Parameters such as ion exchange and reverse ion exchange, saline water incursion were observed due to the presence of saline water bodies in addition to dissolution of minerals.