bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Porous Si3N4 Ceramics with Controlled Porosity and Microstructure by Fibrous α‐Si3N4 Addition
Authors: Xu Zhaoyun , Wang Bo , Yang Jianfeng , Zhao Zhongjian 
Published: October 2014

Porous silicon nitride ceramics with various porosities were fabricated by liquid phase sintering of mixtures containing fibrous and equiaxed α‐Si3N4 powder with a various content ratios. The effects of the contents of the fibrous α‐Si3N4 powder (0%–100%) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of porous Si3N4 ceramics were studied. As the increase of the fibrous α‐Si3N4 powder content, both the density of green bodies and the linear shrinkage decreased, resulting in increased porosity due to the inhibited densification by the fibrous Si3N4 particle. XRD analysis proved the complete formation of single β‐Si3N4 phase. SEM analysis revealed that the microstructure of the low content of fibrous α‐Si3N4 porous ceramics was almost composed of fine elongated β‐Si3N4 grains with high aspect ratio while numerous coarse elongated β‐Si3N4 grains with low aspect ratio surrounding fine grains were formed as the content of the fibrous α‐Si3N4 powder increased. With the increase in content of the fibrous α‐Si3N4 powder from 0% to 100%, the porosity changed from 47.8% to 56.6%, and the flexural strength decreased from 146 to 62 MPa correspondingly, indicating a flexural adjustment of the porosity and mechanical properties.
Reducing Nitrogen Export from the Corn Belt to the Gulf of Mexico: Agricultural Strategies for Remediating Hypoxia
Authors: McLellan Eileen , Robertson Dale , Schilling Keith , Tomer Mark , Kostel Jill , Smith Doug , King Kevin 
Published: October 2014

AbstractSPAtially Referenced Regression on Watershed models developed for the Upper Midwest were used to help evaluate the nitrogen‐load reductions likely to be achieved by a variety of agricultural conservation practices in the Upper Mississippi‐Ohio River Basin (UMORB) and to compare these reductions to the 45% nitrogen‐load reduction proposed to remediate hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Our results indicate that nitrogen‐management practices (improved fertilizer management and cover crops) fall short of achieving this goal, even if adopted on all cropland in the region. The goal of a 45% decrease in loads to the GoM can only be achieved through the coupling of nitrogen‐management practices with innovative nitrogen‐removal practices such as tile‐drainage treatment wetlands, drainage–ditch enhancements, stream‐channel restoration, and floodplain reconnection. Combining nitrogen‐management practices with nitrogen‐removal practices can dramatically reduce nutrient export from agricultural landscapes while minimizing impacts to agricultural production. With this approach, it may be possible to meet the 45% nutrient reduction goal while converting less than 1% of cropland in the UMORB to nitrogen‐removal practices. Conservationists, policy makers, and agricultural producers seeking a workable strategy to reduce nitrogen export from the Corn Belt will need to consider a combination of nitrogen‐management practices at the field scale and diverse nitrogen‐removal practices at the landscape scale.
Describing Damage to Stream Modification Projects in Constrained Settings
Authors: Jones Cidney J. , Johnson Peggy A. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractComplex relationships between stream functions and processes make evaluation of stream modification projects difficult. Informed by vague objectives and minimal monitoring data, post‐construction project evaluations can often be a subjective attribution of success or failure. This article provides a simple framework to rapidly describe the degree of damage in stream modification projects performed in constrained settings. Based on widely accepted evaluations of physical habitat quality and stream stability, the damage states framework describes a continuum of damage in multiple categories that relate natural stream functions to the often desired state of static equilibrium. Given that channel form is closely related to stream function, it follows that changes to the channel form result in changes in function. The damage states focus on damage to flow hydraulics, sediment transport and channel equilibrium, hydraulic, and geomorphic parameters that describe basic stream functioning and support higher level functions in the modified channel. The damage states can be used in decision making as a systematic method to determine the need for repair and design adjustments.
A Spatially Explicit Model for Mapping Headwater Streams
Authors: Russell Periann P. , Gale Susan M. , Muñoz Breda , Dorney John R. , Rubino Matthew J. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractHeadwater streams are the primary sources of water in a drainage network and serve as a critical hydrologic link between the surrounding landscape and larger, downstream surface waters. Many states, including North Carolina, regulate activity in and near headwater streams for the protection of water quality and aquatic resources. A fundamental tool for regulatory management is an accurate representation of streams on a map. Limited resources preclude field mapping every headwater stream and its origin across a large region. It is more practical to develop a model for headwater streams based on a sample of field data that can then be extrapolated to a larger area of interest. The North Carolina Division of Water Quality has developed a cost‐effective method for modeling and mapping the location, length, and flow classification (intermittent and perennial) of headwater streams. We used a multiple logistic regression approach that combined field data and terrain derivatives for watersheds located in the Triassic Basins ecoregion. Field data were collected using a standard methodology for identifying headwater streams and origins. Terrain derivatives were generated from digital elevation models interpolated from bare‐earth Light Detection and Range data. Model accuracies greater than 80% were achieved in classifying stream presence and absence, stream length and perennial stream length, but were not as consistent in predicting intermittent stream length.
Accounting for unknown foster dams in the genetic evaluation of embryo transfer progeny
Authors: Suárez M.J. , Munilla S. , Cantet R.J.C. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryAnimals born by embryo transfer (ET) are usually not included in the genetic evaluation of beef cattle for preweaning growth if the recipient dam is unknown. This is primarily to avoid potential bias in the estimation of the unknown age of dam. We present a method that allows including records of calves with unknown age of dam. Assumptions are as follows: (i) foster cows belong to the same breed being evaluated, (ii) there is no correlation between the breeding value (BV) of the calf and the maternal BV of the recipient cow, and (iii) cows of all ages are used as recipients. We examine the issue of bias for the fixed level of unknown age of dam (AOD) and propose an estimator of the effect based on classical measurement error theory (MEM) and a Bayesian approach. Using stochastic simulation under random mating or selection, the MEM estimating equations were compared with BLUP in two situations as follows: (i) full information (FI); (ii) missing AOD information on some dams. Predictions of breeding value (PBV) from the FI situation had the smallest empirical average bias followed by PBV obtained without taking measurement error into account. In turn, MEM displayed the highest bias, although the differences were small. On the other hand, MEM showed the smallest MSEP, for either random mating or selection, followed by FI, whereas ignoring measurement error produced the largest MSEP. As a consequence from the smallest MSEP with a relatively small bias, empirical accuracies of PBV were larger for MEM than those for full information, which in turn showed larger accuracies than the situation ignoring measurement error. It is concluded that MEM equations are a useful alternative for analysing weaning weight data when recipient cows are unknown, as it mitigates the effects of bias in AOD by decreasing MSEP.
Early pragmatic language difficulties in siblings of children with autism: implications for DSM‐5 social communication disorder?
Authors: Miller Meghan , Young Gregory S. , Hutman Ted , Johnson Scott , Schwichtenberg A.J. , Ozonoff Sally 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundWe evaluated early pragmatic language skills in preschool‐age siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and examined correspondence between pragmatic language impairments and general language difficulties, autism symptomatology, and clinical outcomes.MethodsParticipants were younger siblings of children with ASD (high‐risk, n = 188) or typical development (low‐risk, n = 119) who were part of a prospective study of infants at risk for ASD; siblings without ASD outcomes were included in analyses. Pragmatic language skills were measured via the Language Use Inventory (LUI).ResultsAt 36 months, the high‐risk group had significantly lower parent‐rated pragmatic language scores than the low‐risk group. When defining pragmatic language impairment (PLI) as scores below the 10th percentile on the LUI, 35% of the high‐risk group was identified with PLI versus 10% of the low‐risk group. Children with PLI had higher rates of general language impairment (16%), defined as scores below the 10th percentile on the Receptive or Expressive Language subscales of the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, relative to those without PLI (3%), but most did not evidence general language impairments. Children with PLI had significantly higher ADOS scores than those without PLI and had higher rates of clinician‐rated atypical clinical best estimate outcomes (49%) relative to those without PLI (15%).ConclusionsPragmatic language problems are present in some siblings of children with ASD as early as 36 months of age. As the new DSM‐5 diagnosis of Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder (SCD) is thought to occur more frequently in family members of individuals with ASD, it is possible that some of these siblings will meet criteria for SCD as they get older. Close monitoring of early pragmatic language development in young children at familial risk for ASD is warranted.
Barrier Properties and Microstructure of Pullulan–Alginate‐Based Films
Authors: Xiao Qian , Lu Kun , Tong Qunyi , Liu Chang 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn this study, the barrier properties, crystalline structure and morphology of pullulan–sodium alginate‐based films were investigated. Among the tested samples, pure pullulan films exhibited the lowest water vapor permeability and oxygen permeability values (7.053 × 10−6 g.m/Pa.h.m2 and 0.48x10−6 mL.mm/m2day.pa, respectively). Incorporating pullulan into alginate, the absorbance bands of COO− groups shifted significantly to higher wavenumbers (1,640 and 1,413 cm−1, respectively). This could be attributed to the disruption of intermolecular hydrogen bonds present originally between the carboxylic groups caused by added pullulan. The diffractogram of pullulan films indicated that pullulan was a fully amorphous polymer, whereas that of sodium alginate exhibited semi‐crystalline features. Furthermore, the morphology of pullulan–alginate‐based film was studied by atomic force microscopy. Roughness parameter (Rq and Ra) values increased significantly with the incorporation of alginate content into pullulan.Practical ApplicationsBecause pure pullulan, alginate and their blend film are highly water soluble, transparent, tasteless, odorless and heat sealable and poses low permeability to oxygen, they could potentially be a secondary packaging material for beverage products such as instant coffees and cocoa.
Effects of Instant Pressure Drop Puffing with Super‐Heated Vapor on the Physical Properties of Granny Smith Apple Chips
Authors: An Fengping , Qiu Dongzhao , Song Hongbo , Wu Xiaoqi , Tong Jinhua , Guo Rui 
Published: October 2014

AbstractA central composite rotatable design of three factors was used to optimize instant pressure drop puffing with super‐heated vapor (IPDPSV) for Granny Smith apple slices. The physical properties of the chips processed by hot‐air drying after IPDPSV, hot‐air drying or freeze drying were analyzed and compared. The results revealed that moisture content, puffing temperature and heating time had significant effects on puffing ratio and color differences. The optimum conditions were 23% moisture content for pre‐dried samples, 122C puffing temperature and 41 s heating time. In these conditions, the puffed slices had a large puffing ratio of 45.137% and a relative small color differences of 4.642. Compared with the chips processed by hot‐air drying or freeze drying, chips processed by hot‐air drying after IPDPSV were brighter in color and had porous structures and suitable hardness. Therefore, IPDPSV is an effective method to improve chips quality.Practical ApplicationsInstant pressure drop puffing with super‐heated vapor (IPDPSV) could increase the pore volume in Granny Smith apple tissue. The effects of puffing parameters, including moisture content in sample, puffing temperature and heating time, on puffing ratio and color difference were studied. On optimized conditions, Granny Smith apple could be effectively puffed with less color change. IPDPSV combined with hot‐air drying gave the best physical qualities for Granny Smith apple chips, such as color and hardness, compared with traditional hot‐air drying and freeze drying. This processing method spent shorter time than hot‐air drying and consumed less energy than freeze drying. We may reasonably infer that IPDPSV has the advantages of productivity and economy. IPDPSV will be a helpful technology to produce high‐quality Granny Smith apple chips.
Geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate is crucial for neuronal survival but has no special role in Purkinje cell degeneration in Niemann Pick type C1 disease
Authors: Marschalek Nils , Albert Frank , Afshordel Sarah , Meske Volker , Eckert Gunter P. , Ohm Thomas G. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractNiemann Pick type C (NPC1) is a rare fatal hereditary cholesterol storage disease associated with a massive Purkinje cells loss. The mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration are still poorly understood. Different laboratories pointed to hypersensitivity to cytotoxic effects of statins (HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors) in NPC1 and suggested an underlying lack of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP). GGPP is a non‐sterol isoprenoid essential for cell survival and differentiation. We measured GGPP levels in cerebella of a NPC1 mouse model and of wild‐type littermates and found a physiological increase of GGPP levels between post‐natal days 21 and 49 in wild‐type mice but not in NPC mice. This further supports the hypothesis that Purkinje cell loss may be due to an extremely low level of GGPP. The progressive Purkinje cell loss in NPC starts between p21 and p49. To test the hypothesis, we used long‐term organotypic slice cultures of NPC1 mice that display the natural history of NPC1 disease in vitro and tested if chronic administration of GGPP might prevent Purkinje cell loss. We did not see a beneficial effect. This suggests, in contrast to the expectations, that the relative lack of GGPP may not significantly contribute to mechanisms of Purkinje cell loss in NPC1.
image
We observed a decrease in geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) levels in Niemann Pick type C1 (NPC1) cerebellum and tested the hypothesis that this decrease may lead to Purkinje cell death. Adding GGPP, however, did not prevent Purkinje cell death. The effect of statins, which arrested GGPP production and subsequently augmented Purkinje cell death, however, could be prevented by adding GGPP. Together, this suggested that despite a lower GGPP level in NPC1 cerebellum, this decrease did not cause Purkinje cell death and adding GGPP cannot prevent the natural history of Purkinje cell death in NPC1.
Comparison of desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol plus spironolactone versus cyproterone acetate/ethinyl estradiol in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Leelaphiwat Supatra , Jongwutiwes Theerayut , Lertvikool Srithean , Tabcharoen Chotika , Sukprasert Matchuporn , Rattanasiri Sasivimol , Weerakiet Sawaek 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimTo compare the effects of ethinyl estradiol (EE) 30 mcg/desogestrel 150 mcg plus spironolactone 25 mg/day (group A) versus EE 35 mcg/cyproterone acetate 2 mg (group B) on hyperandrogenism and metabolism in PCOS.MethodsThis was a randomized clinical study. Eighteen women in groups A and B received medications for three cycles. Acne score, androgens and metabolic parameters were assessed before and after treatment.ResultsOne and two women in groups A and B, respectively, were excluded from the study. Both groups had significantly decreased acne score and free androgen index, and increased sex hormone‐binding globulin levels. Cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein were significantly increased in group B, and androstenedione was significantly decreased in group A. The regular withdrawal bleeding was obtained in both groups.ConclusionBoth regimens had quite similar efficacy on hyperandrogenism after three cycles of therapy and without any changes in metabolic parameters.
Assessment of osseous morphology of temporomandibular joint in asymptomatic participants with chewing‐side preference
Authors: Jiang H. , Li C. , Wang Z. , Cao J. , Shi X. , Ma J. , Liu H. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryChewing‐side preference (CSP) may be associated with temporomandibular disorders. However, little information exists regarding whether CSP will lead to osseous changes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in asymptomatic participants. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between osseous morphology of TMJ in asymptomatic participants with CSP and without CSP. Of the 121 healthy dentate participants, 35 participants with left CSP, 38 with right CSP and other 48 without CSP were scanned by cone‐beam computed tomography. The dimensions of the reconstructed images of opposing TMJs were compared. Statistical analyses were performed using spss 16.0 software. The results showed that there were no significant differences between the dimensions of bilateral structures of the TMJ (P1 > 0·05) in participants without CSP. However, the posterior–superior, posterior and lateral joint space of the preferred side were smaller than that of the unpreferred side in participants with CSP (P2 < 0·01) and bilateral TMJ in participants without CSP (P3 < 0·01). In addition, width of condylar neck of the unpreferred side both in sagittal and perpendicular to the long axis of condyle views was greater than that of the preferred side in participants with CSP (P2 < 0·01) and bilateral TMJ of participants without CSP (P4 < 0·01). Also, the inclination of articular eminence of the preferred side in view perpendicular to the long axis of condyle was less than that of the unpreferred side (P2 < 0·05). These findings suggest CSP affects osseous morphology of TMJ in asymptomatic participants.
Effect of Veneering Methods on Zirconia Framework—Veneer Ceramic Adhesion and Fracture Resistance of Single Crowns
Authors: Kanat‐Ertürk Burcu , Çömlekoğlu Erhan M. , Dündar‐Çömlekoğlu Mine , Özcan Mutlu , Güngör Mehmet Ali 
Published: October 2014

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance (FR) and shear bond strength (SBS) via finite element analysis (FEA) of zirconia framework veneered with different methods.Materials and MethodsZirconia frameworks were prepared as crowns for FR and cubic blocks for SBS (N = 60, n = 10). The specimens were veneered with one of the following veneering methods: (a) overcemented file‐splitting (OCF), (b) layering (L), or (c) overpressing (P). For crowns, stainless steel dies (N = 30; chamfer: 1 mm) were scanned using a contrast spray. Bilayered design for OCF and reduced design (1 mm) for both L and P were performed by computer‐aided design and manufacturing. For the SBS test, zirconia blocks were sectioned (4 × 4 × 4 mm3) under water cooling and sintered. Frameworks were veneered with compatible ceramics for each veneering method and subjected to mechanical tests. The milled suprastructures were bonded to zirconia frameworks using a resin composite in Group OCF and photopolymerized. Crowns were cemented to the metal dies with resin modified glass‐ionomer cement. All specimens were stored at 37°C, 100% humidity for 48 hours prior to mechanical tests. Data were statistically analyzed (ANOVA, Bonferroni tests, α = 0.05). Fractured specimens were examined under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and FEA modeling of the crowns was performed.ResultsMean FR values (N) were significantly higher with L (6102 ± 1519) and P (4117 ± 1083) than with of OCF (1900 ± 254) (p = 0.01). The mean SBS (MPa) in OCF (24 ± 4) was significantly lower (p < 0.002) than L (35 ± 6) and P (32 ± 6) (p > 0.05). For crown restorations, while only adhesive failures were found in OCF, cohesive failures within veneering ceramic were more frequent in P and L. FEA verified these findings.ConclusionVeneering methods based on layering or pressing may reduce ceramic chipping but the overcemented file‐splitting method does not seem to prevent this failure.Clinical SignificanceLayering and overpressing veneering methods on zirconia frameworks with reduced design might decrease chipping compared to overcemented file‐splitting, where in the latter, zirconia framework and feldspathic suprastructure are combined using a resin cement.
Clinical observations in mesh suture treatment for infants of Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon
Authors: Li Kelei , Tai Maozhong , Qin Zhongping , Ge Chunxiao 
Published: October 2014

AimThis study aims to evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of the mesh suture treatment for infants of Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon and to report our treatment experience.MethodsOf the three patients, two of the cases occurred in the scalp and one occurred in the back of the chest, with platelet counts < 40 × 109/L before the treatment, reduced fibrinogen levels and increased D‐dimer levels. All the three patients underwent the mesh suture treatment of the tumour area. Post‐treatment observations were made regarding the surface colour and texture of the tumours, periodic routine blood examination results, fibrinogen and D‐dimer levels.ResultsAfter treatment, the degree of swelling on the tumour surface was reduced, surface tension was decreased, the tumour colour turned pale red from dark red and the skin gradually returned to normal. Two days after treatment, the platelet counts increased to 70 × 109/L or higher; the platelet count reached a normal level after 1 week in two cases. The fibrinogen level increased in varying degrees after treatment, whereas the D‐dimer level was reduced. One case showed a small amount of exudate at the suture area, 1 month after the treatment; improvements were observed 3 days after changing the local dressing. All the patients were followed up for 6 months to 1 year, during which the patients showed complete regression of the lesion and relapse, normal platelet counts and normal fibrinogen and D‐dimer levels.ConclusionsWe recommend the mesh suture treatment as the first treatment of choice for paediatric Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon.