bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Volcanism in Association with the Prelude to Mass Extinction and Environment Change Across the Permian-Triassic Boundary (PTB), Southern China
Authors: Hong Hanlie , Xie Shucheng , Lai Xulong 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIn order to better understand the provenance of the sediments and environmental change associated with the Permian-Triassic (P/T) biotic crisis, a comparative clay mineralogical study of the Permian-Triassic boundary (PTB) sediments between the Meishan section (the Global Stratotype Section and Point of the PTB) and the Xiakou section, southern China, was undertaken using X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that clay minerals of the packstone bed 24e, in which the preludial mass extinction occurred at Meishan, consist of 56% mixed-layer illite-smectite (I-S), 39% illite, and 5% kaolinite. A dehydroxylation effect was measured at 652°C, indicating that I-S and illite of this bed contain mainly cis-vacant (cv) layers related to volcanic origin. The dehydroxylation event correlates with bed P257 at Xiakou. The white clay bed 25 also corresponding to the main extinction event at Meishan contains 95% I-S and 5% kaolinite, with a strong endothermic effect at 676°C and a weaker one at 514°C in the DSC curve. These results are attributed to dehydroxylation of cv layers in I-S clays, suggesting that I-S in the white clay bed was derived from marine alteration of volcanic ash, in agreement with the conodont-correlated clay (P258) at Xiakou. (Conodonts are tooth-like microfossils and are usually used as an indicator of age in PTB stratigraphy.) Increases in chlorite and illite contents in the black clays (bed 26) at Meishan and the conodont-correlated black clay layer (P259b) at Xiakou probably indicate stronger erosional processes under cooler and more arid conditions. Volcanic materials found in a bed which marked the prelude to the main episode of mass extinction reinforce the temporal link between volcanism and the mass extinction.
Energy landscape models for conduction and drift in phase change memory
Authors: Ielmini D. , Fugazza D. , Boniardi M. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTThe physical modeling of carrier conduction and material-related effects such as crystallization, structural relaxation (SR), electromigration and ion migration in chalcogenide materials is a key challenge toward the development and scaling of phase change memory (PCM) devices. In particular, future scaling to 10 nm and below may require addressing variability effects in the programming, switching and retention properties of the cell. Variability is deeply linked with the nanometer-scale fluctuations of potential, atomic structure and material composition that affect conduction, structure relaxation and crystallization. Therefore, the physical modeling of conduction and reliability in PCM devices requires energy landscape models, describing the random fluctuations of e.g. the potential energy dictating the carrier transport and the free energy controlling the atomic rearrangement of the amorphous chalcogenide structure. This work discusses energy landscape models for a physical description of (i) electrical conduction in the amorphous phase and (ii) SR responsible for resistance drift in the amorphous chalcogenide phase. The link between the effective energy barrier in conduction and relaxation will be clarified, and analytical models for the prediction of drift depending on time and temperature will be introduced. These models provide the first comprehensive approach for a physics-based prediction of resistance window, resistance drift and their corresponding statistical variability within large PCM arrays.
Precise Absorbent ink Deposition and Optical Inspection System
Authors: Willert Andreas , Lucas Joerg , Sowade Enrico , Rahnfeld Christian , Heilmann Andreas , Baumann Reinhard R. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTFoils from the ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) copolymer are used as transparent, humidity resistant and UV-stabile facade and roof coverings, e.g. for stadia, indoor swimming pools or greenhouses [1]. With pneumatically supported cushions, large translucent structures can be realized. Until now, they are assembled through a thermal welding process [2]. The development of welding techniques using laser irradiation is under way.Laser welding of transparent polymer foils requires an optical absorber placed in the interface between the two welding pairs. Usually, dye molecules with absorption properties adapted to the laser wavelength are used as absorbers. At a well-defined temperature, the dye molecules will be chemically modified, and transparent laser welding seams can be achieved. To get reproducible laser welding results, a homogenous layer of absorbent molecules or materials at the welding interface have to be realized, which is often very hard to achieve by wet deposition of dye molecules dispersed in a solution.In our contribution, we report on an inkjet printing system that can be mounted on a R2R manufacturing setup. The main challenge to this approach is to find the right ink that is compatible with this highly hydrophobic ETFE foil. Therefore, both the pretreatment of the substrate as well as the utilization of different inkjet technologies are dealt with in this contribution. It is demonstrated that the inkjet printing of a laser absorbent ink in a defined way onto the substrate is possible.For quality assurance, an optical inspection system has been developed to ensure a proper deposition of material. This ensures the quality control for the inkjet printing process of the special functional material. In that part the results of the comparison of the use of a dedicated 14‑bit grey level CCD line camera is compared to a high quality webcam.Laser irradiation of the foil with printed laser absorbent lines together with the untreated joining partner was performed by a continuous wave diode laser at a wavelength of 808 nm using a defocused laser spot. A nearly transparent welding seam was achieved. Mechanical tensile tests of the laser welding seams have demonstrated that their tensile strength is comparable to conventional thermal welding seams.
Interleukin‐21 Expression and Its Association With Proinflammatory Cytokines in Untreated Chronic Periodontitis Patients
Authors: Dutzan Nicolás , Vernal Rolando , Vaque Jose P. , García‐Sesnich Jocelyn , Hernandez Marcela , Abusleme Loreto , Dezerega Andrea , Gutkind J. Silvio , Gamonal Jorge 
Published: December 2011

Background: Interleukin‐21 (IL‐21) controls the differentiation of T‐helper Th17 cells and induces the production of IL‐17 in this T‐cell subtype. The aim of this study is to determine the relative expression of IL‐21 in gingival tissues of chronic periodontitis patients and correlate/associate this expression with proinflammatory cytokines and clinical parameters of disease.Methods: Samples of gingival biopsies were collected from chronic periodontitis patients (n = 10) and controls (n = 8). The mRNA expressions of IL‐21, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐17, IL‐23, IL‐10, and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) were quantified using real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. IL‐21 levels were compared between chronic periodontitis and healthy gingival tissues and correlated with cytokine and clinical parameters of tissue destruction.Results: A significant overexpression of IL‐21, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐17, and IL‐23p19 was detected in periodontal disease–affected tissues compared to healthy gingival tissues. IL‐10 and TGF‐β1 were, however, downregulated in periodontal lesions. IL‐21 yielded significant positive correlations with probing depth, clinical attachment level, IL‐1β, and IL‐6. In addition, IL‐21 was negatively correlated with IL‐10 and TGF‐β1.Conclusions: IL‐21 was overexpressed in chronic periodontitis gingival tissues and correlated with clinical parameters of periodontal destruction and with proinflammatory cytokines. Therefore, IL‐21 might play a role in the tissue destruction that characterizes chronic periodontal disease.
Applicability of the Cross-Culturally Modified University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test in a Japanese Population
Authors: Ogihara Hitomi , Kobayashi Masayoshi , Nishida Kohei , Kitano Masako , Takeuchi Kazuhiko 
Published: December 2011

Background The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) is a popular olfactory function test used throughout the world. In Japan, however, it is not widely used because it is written in English and some of the test odorants are unfamiliar to the Japanese population. Recently, a cross-culturally modified UPSIT was developed. This study was designed to determine if the Japanese version of the UPSIT (UPSIT-J) is effective in Japanese populations. Methods We administered the UPSIT-J to 50 normosmic Japanese subjects and 54 Japanese patients with known olfactory dysfunction. Subjects were also administered the Japanese standard olfactory threshold test (T&T olfactometry), the Odor Stick Identification Test for Japanese (OSIT-J) and i.v. olfactometry (the Alinamin test). Test results from the UPSIT-J and subjects’ opinions were compared with the standard Japanese tests of olfactory function. Results Most subjects reported that the UPSIT-J was easy and interesting compared with OSIT-J and easier and more interesting than the T&T olfactometry and Alinamin test. Identification rates for nine of the UPSIT-J odorants were found to be < 80% for normal subjects. UPSIT-J scores correlated with subjects’ self-reported levels of olfactory function (r s = 0.85), OSIT-J score (r s = 0.86), recognition threshold of the T&T olfactometry (r s = 0.80), and Alinamin test results (r s = 0.38 for latency; r s = 0.52 for duration time). Conclusion Although a cultural bias was detected for some test odorants, this study indicates that the UPSIT-J is effective for use in the clinic to assess olfactory function in the Japanese population.
The Prevalence of Aspirin Hypersensitivity in Patients with Nasal Polyposis and Contributing Factors
Authors: Bavbek Sevim , Dursun Berna , Dursun Engin , Korkmaz Hakan , Karasoy Durdu Sertkaya 
Published: December 2011

Background Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid [ASA]) hypersensitivity is frequent in patients with nasal polyps (NPs) and is called aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease, previously known as Samter's syndrome. However, studies evaluating the prevalence of ASA hypersensitivity in patients with NPs using the oral aspirin provocation test (APT) are quite limited. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of ASA hypersensitivity and factors associated with ASA hypersensitivity in patients with NPs. Methods Sixty-eight patients with NPs with or without asthma were recruited. Extension of NPs was evaluated by endoscopic examination/paranasal CT. A 2-day, single-blind placebo-controlled APT was used to detect ASA hypersensitivity. Results APT was performed in 53 (21 women/ 32 men) patients (mean age, 39.34 ± 1.76 years). APT resulted positive in 12 patients (22.6%) of whom 3 (25%) had no history of ASA hypersensitivity. Of the positive APTs, three were isolated rhinitis and nine had classic responses. APT was negative in 41 patients (77.4%) although three (7.3%) had a history of ASA hypersensitivity. History of ASA hypersensitivity and prolonged duration of NPs were associated with positive APT (p < 0.05). Advanced NP with multiple operations was also correlated with APT positivity but was not statistically significant. Presence of asthma was associated with age, female gender, NP duration, and ASA hypersensitivity history (p < 0.05), but not with smoking, atopy, NP extension, and positive APT. Conclusion ASA hypersensitivity is quite common in patients with NP. Patients with extensive and long-term NP with multiple polyp operations require evaluation for the presence of ASA hypersensitivity in terms of chronic management and future risks of the disease.
Aerodynamic Characteristics inside the Rhino-Sinonasal Cavity after Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Chen Xiao Bing , Lee Heow Pueh , Chong Vincent Fook Hin , Wang De Yun 
Published: December 2011

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) on transient nasal aerodynamic flow patterns using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Methods A three-dimensional model of the nasal cavity was constructed from CT scans of a patient with FESS interventions on the right side of the nasal cavity. CFD simulations were then performed for unsteady aerodynamic flow modeling inside the nasal cavity as well as the sinuses. Results Comparisons of the local velocity magnitude and streamline distributions inside the left and right nasal cavity and maxillary sinus regions were presented. Because of the FESS procedures in the right nasal cavity, existences and distributions of local circulations (vortexes) were found to be significantly different for the same nasal airflow rate but at different acceleration, deceleration, or quiet phases in the maxillary sinus region on the FESS side. Because of inertia effects, local internal airflow with circulation existences was continuous throughout the whole respiration cycle. With a larger peak inspiration flow rate, the airflow intensity inside the enlarged maxillary sinus increased significantly. Possible outcomes on functional performances of the nose were also examined and discussed. Conclusion Surgical enlargements of natural ostium of the maxillary sinus will change the aerodynamic patterns inside the main nasal cavity and maxillary sinus regions, which may affect normal nasal physiological functions. Local inertia effects play more important roles for the internal nasal airflow pattern changes and thus such conventional FESS procedures should be carefully planned.
Relationship between Septal Body Size and Septal Deviation
Authors: Setlur Jennifer , Goyal Parul 
Published: December 2011

Background Previous studies have described inferior turbinate hypertrophy compensatory to a septal deviation. The septal body contains vasoactive tissue that may behave in a manner similar to the inferior turbinate. The septal body, situated in the nasal valve region, may undergo changes that alter nasal anatomy and airflow patterns. The goal was to compare the size of the septal body to the laterality of septal deviation. The aim was to determine whether there is a correlation between the laterality of septal deviation and laterality of septal body prominence. Methods Measurements were obtained from 100 sinus computerized tomography scans that were retrospectively reviewed. The degree of septal deviation, the size of the septal body, and the correlation between these measurements were assessed. Results The mean septal body width was 9.3 mm. The degree of septal deviation was classified as mild in 27 cases, moderate in 36 cases, and severe in 27 cases. In 99 of 100 cases, the septal body was larger on the side opposite the nasal septal deviation, and this was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The difference in septal body thickness ipsilateral and contralateral to a septal deviation was found to correlate with the degree of septal deviation. Mean difference in septal body size was 3.98 mm in cases with severe septal deviation, 1.97 mm in cases with moderate deviation, and 1.21 mm in cases with mild septal deviation. Conclusion The septal body is more prominent contralateral to a septal deviation. These findings are similar to those seen with inferior turbinate hypertrophy. The results indicate that septal body hypertrophy may play a role in regulating nasal airflow and may contribute to nasal obstruction.
Microarray Analysis of Differentially Expressed microRNAs in Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Shaoqing Yu , Ruxin Zhang , Guojun Liu , Zhiqiang Yan , Hua Hu , Shudong Yu , Jie Zhang 
Published: December 2011

Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa, but we have not fully understood the mechanism responsible for the development of AR. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short endogenous noncoding RNAs regulating protein translation through a mechanism known as RNA interference. To understand the molecular mechanisms of miRNA involved in the pathogenesis of AR, expressed miRNAs in AR were investigated through genomewide microarray analysis. Methods Mammalian miRNA microarrays containing whole human mature and precursor miRNA sequences were used for analyzing eight samples of nasal mucosa of AR and eight samples of nonallergic patients. Quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of some different expressed miRNAs was used to confirm the array results. Results The miRNA microarray chip analysis identified 421 miRNAs differentially expressed in the nasal mucosa of AR, and a total of 9 miRNAs were identified in the AR group with twofold change compared with control samples (p < 0.05). These included up-regulated miRNAs, hsa-hsa-miR-7, and hsa-miRPlus-E1194, and down-regulated miRNAs, hsa-miR-498, hsa-miR-187, hsa-miR-874, hsa-miR-143, hsa-miR-886–3p, hsa-miR-224, and hsa-miR-767–5p. RT-PCR results also confirmed that part of differentially expressed miRNAs as hsa-miR-224, hsa-miR-187, and hsa-miR-143 were down-regulated in AR. Conclusion The report indicated that many miRNA expressions were altered in AR and differentially expressed miRNAs appear to be involved in the development of AR. The study of miRNAs may lead to a better understanding about the roles of identified miRNAs in the pathogenesis of AR; this would be considered in future therapeutic strategies.
Levocetirizine Inhibits Rhinovirus-Induced Up-Regulation of Fibrogenic and Angiogenic Factors in Nasal Polyp Fibroblasts
Authors: Kim Ji Heui , Ja Kwon Hyun , Ju Jang Yong 
Published: December 2011

Background Up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor (TGF) beta, may contribute to the formation of nasal polyps (NPs). Rhinovirus (RV) infection enhances expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGF in NP fibroblasts and of TGF-beta in respiratory epithelial cells. We investigated the inhibitory effects of levocetirizine (LCT) on the RV-induced expression of (1) fibrogenic (MMPs and TGF-beta) and (2) angiogenic (VEGF and TGF-beta) factors in NP fibroblasts. Methods NP fibroblasts obtained from 11 male patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with NPs (CRSwNPs), were infected with RV serotype 16 (RV-16) for 4 hours. Cells were treated with 50 nM of LCT 24 hours before infection and for 48 hours thereafter. Expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, VEGF, and TGF-β mRNA and protein were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. Results LCT significantly inhibited RV-induced increases in MMP-2, MMP-9, VEGF, and TGF-beta mRNA, and protein expression, in NP fibroblasts (p < 0.05 for each comparison). Conclusion LCT inhibits RV-induced up-regulation of fibrogenic and angiogenic factors in NP fibroblasts, suggesting that LCT may prevent NP formation in patients with CRSwNP caused by RV infection.
Milk Allergy is Frequent in Patients with Chronic Sinusitis and Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Lill Claudia , Loader Benjamin , Seemann Rudolf , Zumtobel Michaela , Brunner Markus , Heiduschka Gregor , Thurnher Dietmar 
Published: December 2011

Background Chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps with subsequent nasal blocking, anosmia, and relapsing infections are frequent in the rhinological practice. Often, recurrent disease necessitates repetitive conservative therapy and surgical treatment (functional endoscopic sinus surgery). This study was initiated to scrutinize the relationship of wheat and milk allergies to chronic polypoid sinusitis (CPS) and recurrent disease. Methods Blood samples of 50 healthy controls and 50 patients with clinically and radiologically diagnosed CPS and nasal polyposis were screened for common food allergies including wheat and milk allergy. On inclusion into the study, none of the patients reported a symptomatic food allergy. Results Fifteen of 100 tested subjects (15%) revealed a previously undiagnosed allergy to inhalant (dust, rye, and pollens) and other food allergens (corn and egg white). Six of 50 patients (12%) with CPS exhibited a wheat allergy, and a milk allergy could be identified in 7 patients (14%). In the control group, seven healthy subjects (14%) showed a wheat allergy and no case of milk allergy could be identified (p = 0.0125). Conclusion In contrast to previous studies in other countries presenting a food allergy incidence of ∼75% in patients with nasal polyposis, we could not show such a high incidence. In the group with chronic polyposis 14% of the patients were positive for milk allergy compared with none of the tested healthy subjects, resulting in a strong statistical significance. Therefore, we conclude that cow's milk but not wheat allergy might be a relevant pathogenetic entity in chronic nasal polyps.
Acute Isolated Sphenoid Sinusitis in Children
Authors: Caimmi Davide , Caimmi Silvia , Labò Elena , Marseglia Alessia , Pagella Fabio , Castellazzi Anna Maria , Marseglia Gian Luigi 
Published: December 2011

Background Isolated pediatric sphenoidal sinusitis is an uncommon disorder with sphenoiditis more commonly found as part of pansinusitis. Recognizing the condition on history and examination alone is difficult and delayed diagnosis many occur in many cases. Nasal endoscopy, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are essential adjuncts to confirm diagnosis. This study was designed to confirm the clinical features and diagnostic difficulties associated with isolated sphenoidal sinusitis in children. Methods A 16-year review was performed of cases diagnosed and treated in a tertiary teaching hospital. Results Two different groups of patients were identified. One group presented with fever and headache, frequently associated with neurological complications. Swimming and/or diving could be identified as possible causative agents. The second group presented with headache alone and a less severe clinical presentation. Conclusion Isolated pediatric sphenoidal sinusitis may be more prevalent than was previously thought with CT/MRI helping establish the diagnosis in many cases. Pediatricians should be aware of this unusual but still potentially devastating condition. A nasal endoscopy is a useful diagnostic tool in this patient group, being noninvasive and well tolerated in children and adolescents.