Push-Out Bond Strength Evaluation of Glass Fiber Posts With Different Resin Cements and Application Techniques.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the push-out strength of two different adhesive cements (total etch and self-adhesive) for glass fiber post (GFP) cementation using two different techniques (microbrush and elongation tip) of cement application. In addition, this study evaluated the effect of total-etch conditioning before the use of a self-adhesive cement. Sixty premolar specimens with a single root canal were selected, endodontically treated, and shaped for GFP cementation. The specimens were randomly placed into one of six groups according to the cement and technique used: RelyX ARC (ARC): ARC + microbrush, ARC + elongation tip; RelyX Unicem (RU): RU + microbrush, RU + elongation tip; or RelyX Unicem + 37% phosphoric acid (RUE): RUE + microbrush, RUE + elongation tip. Each specimen root was cut perpendicular to the vertical axis yielding six 1.0-mm-thick sections. Push-out strength test was performed, followed by statistical analysis using three-way analysis of variance and the Games-Howell test (p<0.05). Statistically significant differences between the groups were found (p< 0.05). The cervical third of the roots had the highest mean push-out strength values, while the apical third had the lowest mean values regardless of the technique used. The elongation technique produced higher mean push-out strength values compared to the microbrush technique. The self-etch adhesive cement had the highest mean push-out strength value in all thirds. The addition of a conditioning step before the self-etch adhesive cementation appears to be effective in enhancing push-out strength with GFPs.

Population structure and genetic diversity in Gynaikothrips uzeli (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae): is there a correlation between genetic and geographic proximity?

Gynaikothrips uzeli (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) is a minuscule insect species, which forms galls, is subsocial, and parthenogenetic. It is associated with Ficus benjamina L. (Moraceae) and has a pantropical occurrence. The paucity of genetic studies on the order Thysanoptera led us to use inter-simple sequence repeat molecular marker to assess intra- and inter-gall, as well as intra- and inter-site, genetic variability and population structure of G. uzeli. Analyses indicated low genetic variability, probably related to haplodiploidy, genetic drift, the galling habit, and the low dispersal ability of G. uzeli. Populations were highly structured, with higher variation within populations than among them. Geographic distance does not appear to affect structure and genetic diversity, the latter being influenced by G. uzeli's bioecological traits, by numerous introductions during a short period, and by a possible recent, common ancestry.

Hybrid platforms of graphane-graphene 2D structures: prototypes for atomically precise nanoelectronics.

First-principles calculations demonstrate that line/ribbon defects, resulting from a controlled dehydrogenation in graphane, lead to the formation of low-dimensional electron-rich tracks in a monolayer. The present simulations point out that hybrid graphane-graphene nanostructures exhibit important elements, greatly required for the fabrication of efficient electronic circuits at the atomic level.

Measuring long-range carrier diffusion across multiple grains in polycrystalline semiconductors by photoluminescence imaging.

Thin-film polycrystalline semiconductors are currently at the forefront of inexpensive large-area solar cell and integrated circuit technologies because of their reduced processing and substrate selection constraints. Understanding the extent to which structural and electronic defects influence carrier transport in these materials is critical to controlling the optoelectronic properties, yet many measurement techniques are only capable of indirectly probing their effects. Here we apply a novel photoluminescence imaging technique to directly observe the low temperature diffusion of photocarriers through and across defect states in polycrystalline CdTe thin films. Our measurements show that an inhomogeneous distribution of localized defect states mediates long-range hole transport across multiple grain boundaries to locations exceeding 10 µm from the point of photogeneration. These results provide new insight into the key role deep trap states have in low temperature carrier transport in polycrystalline CdTe by revealing their propensity to act as networks for hopping conduction.

ABO-incompatible liver transplantation in acute liver failure: a single Portuguese center study.

INTRODUCTION: ABO-incompatible liver transplantation (ABOi LT) is considered to be a rescue option in emergency transplantation. Herein, we have reported our experience with ABOi LT including long-term survival and major complications in these situations. PATIENT AND METHODS: ABOi LT was performed in cases of severe hepatic failure with imminent death. The standard immunosuppression consisted of basiliximab, corticosteroids, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil. Pretransplantation patients with anti-ABO titers above 16 underwent plasmapheresis. If the titer was above 128, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was added at the end of plasmapheresis. The therapeutic approach was based on the clinical situation, hepatic function, and titer evolution. A rapid increase in titer required five consecutive plasmapheresis sessions followed by administration of IVIG, and at the end of the fifth session, rituximab. RESULTS: From January 2009 to July 2012, 10 patients, including 4 men and 6 women of mean age 47.8 years (range, 29 to 64 years), underwent ABOi LT. At a mean follow-up of 19.6 months (range, 2 days to 39 months), 5 patients are alive including 4 with their original grafts. One patient was retransplanted at 9 months. Major complications were infections, which were responsible for 3 deaths due to multiorgan septic failure (2 during the first month); rejection episodes (4 biopsy-proven of humoral rejections in 3 patients and 1 cellular rejection) and biliary. CONCLUSION: The use of ABOi LT as a life-saving procedure is justifiable in emergencies when no other donor is available. With careful recipient selection close monitoring of hemagglutinins and specific immunosuppression we have obtained acceptable outcomes.

Magnetic-field-induced delocalized to localized transformation in GaAs:N.

The use of a high magnetic field (57 T) to study the formation and evolution of nitrogen (N) cluster and supercluster states in GaAs:N is demonstrated. A magnetic field is used to lift the conduction band edge and expose resonant N cluster states so that they can be directly experimentally investigated. The reduction of the exciton Bohr radius also results in the fragmentation of N supercluster states, enabling a magnetic field induced delocalized to localized transition. The application of very high magnetic fields thus presents a powerful way to probe percolation phenomena in semiconductors with bound and resonant isoelectronic cluster states.

Estruturas secretoras em órgãos vegetativos e florais de Secondatia densiflora A. DC. (Apocynaceae - Apocynoideae - Odontadenieae) / Secretory structures in vegetative and floral organs of Secondatia densiflora A. DC. (Apocynaceae - Apocynoideae - Odontadenieae)

A família Apocynaceae é caracterizada por possuir grande diversidade de estruturas secretoras como idioblastos, coléteres, laticíferos e nectários florais. Este estudo teve por objetivo caracterizar anatomicamente as estruturas secretoras nos órgãos vegetativos e reprodutivos de Secondatia densiflora e identificar as principais classes de compostos químicos nos idioblastos e na secreção dos coléteres vegetativos. Os idioblastos estão distribuídos por todos os órgãos aéreos da planta possuindo conteúdo na maioria das vezes denso e fortemente corado pela safranina. Alguns idioblastos apresentam secreção de aspecto granulado. Os testes histoquímicos evidenciaram apenas compostos fenólicos. Os laticíferos são do tipo anastomosado podendo ser observados em todos os órgãos estudados e identificados pelo conteúdo diferenciado e, em alguns casos, pela presença de paredes celulares mais espessas que as paredes das células parenquimáticas. O látex tem cor branca e aspecto leitoso, sendo extravasado logo que a planta é lesionada. Os coléteres vegetativos são do tipo padrão, formados por uma porção alongada que se afina em direção à extremidade. A epiderme secretora em paliçada delimita uma região parenquimática e o curto pedúnculo é coberto por epiderme não secretora de formato retangular. Todo coléter é recoberto por cutícula fina. A mucilagem é constatada tanto no interior das células secretoras quanto no meio extracelular pelo vermelho de rutênio e pela reação PAS. Os nectários florais têm origem receptacular, possuem uma epiderme que reveste toda estrutura, parênquima nectarífero, e feixes vasculares; são fundidos na base e livres na região apical constituindo cinco unidades distintas.

The family Apocynaceae is characterized for showing a wide variety of secretory structures such as idioblasts, colleters, laticiferous glands and floral nectaries. The present study aimed to anatomically characterize the secretory structures in vegetative and reproductive organs of Secondatia densiflora and to identify the major classes of chemical compounds in idioblasts and in the secretion of vegetative colleters. Idioblasts are distributed all over the aerial organs of the plant and their content is usually dense and strongly stained with safranin. Some idioblasts have secretion of granulated aspect. Histochemical tests evidenced phenolic compounds only. Laticiferous glands are of the anastomosed type and can be seen in all the studied organs and identified by their distinct content and, in some cases, by the presence of cell walls that are thicker than those of parenchyma cells. Latex is white, milky and leaks as the plant is injured. Vegetative colleters are of the standard type and formed of an elongated portion that becomes thinner towards the end. The secretory palisade epidermis delimits a parenchymatic region, while the short peduncle is covered by rectangular non-secretory epidermis. A thin cuticle covers the entire colleter. Mucilage is detected both inside the secretory cells and in the extracellular medium by ruthenium red staining and PAS reaction. Floral nectaries have receptacular origin and epidermis covering their entire structure, nectariferous parenchyma, and vascular bundles; they are fused at their bases but have free apical region, forming five distinct units.

Elemental and magnetic sensitive imaging using x-ray excited luminescence microscopy.

We demonstrate the potential of x-ray excited luminescence microscopy for full-field elemental and magnetic sensitive imaging using a commercially available optical microscope, mounted on preexisting synchrotron radiation (SR) beamline end stations. The principal components of the instrument will be described. Bench top measurements indicate that a resolution of 1 µm or better is possible; this value was degraded in practice due to vibrations and/or drift in the end station and associated manipulator. X-ray energy dependent measurements performed on model solar cell materials and lithographically patterned magnetic thin film structures reveal clear elemental and magnetic signatures. The merits of the apparatus will be discussed in terms of conventional SR imaging techniques.

Septic arthritis presenting as brachial plexus neurophaty.

Bone and joint infections are rare in the neonatal period. They often present with pseudo paralysis of the affected limb due to pain and discomfort caused by movement. The existence of a concomitant neuropathy is a rare and insufficiently understood phenomenon with few cases described. The authors report the case of a 7-week infant, born prematurely and with Staphylococcus aureus neonatal sepsis, who presented to the emergency room with a paretic right upper limb. Osteoarticular infection complicated with brachial plexus neuropathy was considered and MRI and electromyography the confirmed diagnosis. There was a good outcome after antibiotic treatment and functional rehabilitation.

New England, USA dental professionals' attitudes and behaviours regarding domestic violence.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to describe New England dental professionals' attitudes and behaviours regarding domestic violence (DV) and to identify barriers faced in intervening to help suspected victims. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey using a convenience sample of dentists (n = 169) and hygienists (n = 190) attending the 2004 Yankee Dental Conference in Boston, MA was conducted. Data were collected using a questionnaire assessing screening practices, actions taken, deterrents in identification and referral, prior DV education and perceived need for DV education. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Dentists and hygienist were very similar in their attitudes and behaviours regarding DV. Dental professionals who had received prior DV education were more likely to screen for DV (p

First prenatally detected small supernumerary neocentromeric derivative chromosome 13 resulting in a non-mosaic partial tetrasomy 13q.

Neocentromeres are functional centromeres located in non-centromeric euchromatic regions of chromosomes. The formation of neocentromeres results in conferring mitotic stability to chromosome fragments that do not contain centromeric alpha satellite DNA. We present a report of a prenatal diagnosis referred to cytogenetic studies due to ultrasound malformations such as large cisterna magna, no renal differentiation, hypotelorism and ventriculomegaly. Cytogenetic analysis of GTG-banded chromosomes from amniotic fluid cells and fetal blood cells revealed a de novo small supernumerary marker chromosome. Molecular cytogenetic studies using fluorescence in situ hybridization and comparative genomic hybridization showed this marker to be an inverted duplication of the distal portion of chromosome 13q which did not contain detectable alpha satellite DNA. The neocentromeric constriction was located at band 13q31. The presence of a functional neocentromere on this marker chromosome was confirmed by immunofluorescence with antibodies to centromere protein-C. The anatomopathologic study revealed a female fetus with facial dysmorphisms, low set ears and renal dysplasia. Ten small supernumerary neocentromeric chromosomes originating from the distal region of chromosome 13q have been reported to date. There are only three additional cases described with the location of the neocentromere in band 13q31. This is the first reported case detected prenatally.

Non-Bloch nature of alloy states in a conventional semiconductor alloy: GaxIn1-xP as an example.

Using GaxIn1-xP as a prototype system, we present the first systematic examination of the alloy scattering effects on the global electronic structure of a semiconductor alloy for the whole composition range. Contrary to conventional wisdom, many electronic states in such a "well behaved" alloy are found to differ drastically from a Bloch state, including band edge states that are derived from degenerate critical points. This study offers a more comprehensive picture of the electronic structure of the alloy, and reveals new nontrivial but vital implications of the alloy scattering on transport and optical properties.

Retention and effectiveness of fissure sealants in Kuwaiti school children.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the retention and effectiveness of fissure sealants in permanent first molars in a public programme. METHODS: Sealant retention in permanent first molars was evaluated in 452 children aged 6-8 years in 20 primary schools under the care of the School Oral Health Programme, Kuwait-Forsyth. The sealants were placed using rubber dam or cotton roll isolation, after cleaning with pumice and rubber cup, and 15 seconds etching. Sealant retention was evaluated at one and two years and scored as complete, partial or complete loss of sealant. Caries was scored when sealant was partially or completely lost. RESULTS: A total of 2,744 sealants were applied, with 2,324 and 2,288 sealants examined at the end of the first and second year respectively. In two years, 75% of the sealants were completely retained, 2.9% partially lost, 7.3% completely lost, and 14.8% resealed or restored. A small proportion of teeth (0.9%) were carious. Multivariate analyses showed that occlusal surfaces were 2.8 times more likely to retain a sealant than the buccal and palatal pits (95% CI 2.7-3.9, p<0.0001), and maxillary teeth were 1.3 times more likely to retain their sealant than the mandibular teeth (95% CI 1.01-1.5, p=0.04). Maxillary teeth were less likely to be carious (OR=0.6, 95% CI 0.4-0.97), p=0.03) and occlusal surfaces were 2.8 times more likely to be carious (95% CI 1.9-4.3), p<0.0001). No differences in sealant retention (p=0.24) and caries (p=0.19) were seen between teeth isolated using rubberdam or cotton roll. CONCLUSIONS: Sealant retention was high, and sealants were effective in preventing caries.

Composição aminoacídica e digestibilidade ileal de aminoácidos de alimentos energéticos determinados com suínos submetidos à anastomose ileo-retal / Amino acids composition and ileal digestibility of amino acids in energetics feedstuffs measured in pigs with ileo-rectal anastomosis

Com o objetivo de determinar os coeficientes de digestibilidade ileal aparente (CDA) dos aminoácidos de alimentos energéticos foi realizado um ensaio de metabolismo com suínos machos castrados submetidos à anastomose íleo-retal com isolamento do intestino grosso, utilizando-se o método da coleta total de excretas e três repetições por alimento avaliado. Os animais cujo peso médio inicial foi de 35,1kg foram alojados em gaiolas de metabolismo sendo um animal por unidade experimental. Os alimentos avaliados (milho comum, milho de alta proteína, milheto, sorgo e farelo de trigo) constituíram a única fonte protéica das dietas, isoprotéicas em 8 por cento de PB. As dietas foram fornecidas duas vezes ao dia e a sua quantidade calculada com base no peso metabólico dos animais. A glicina, treonina e prolina apresentaram os menores CDA (respectivamente 49,37; 59,36 e 59,62 por cento), enquanto arginina e ácido glutâmico, os maiores valores, (respectivamente 89,67 e 85,09 por cento para o CDA). Os dados obtidos podem ser utilizados como referência para a formulação de dietas para suínos em crescimento com base em aminoácidos digestíveis.

A metabolism assay that utilized pigs ileo-rectal anastomosis with complete isolation of large intestine was conducted to determine aparent (ADC) ileal amino acids digestibility coefficients of energetic feedstuffs for swine. The method employed was the total feces collection with three repetitions for evaluated feedstuff. The pigs, averaging 35,5kg initial live weight, were allotted in metabolism cages. The metabolism cage was considerate one experimental unit. The valued feedstuffs (corn, QPM corn, millet, sorghum and wheat bran) was single protein source of diets, every one with 8 percent of crude protein. The diets was provide in twice time and the quantity calculated of accord with the metabolic weight. In the feedstuffs evaluated glycine, threonine and proline exhibited the smaller values of ADC (respectively, 49,37; 59,36 and 59,62 percent), whereas arginine and glutamic acid presented the greater values of ADC (respectively, 89,67 and 85,09 percent).

Zero thermal expansion in a nanostructured inorganic-organic hybrid crystal.

There are very few materials that exhibit zero thermal expansion (ZTE), and of these even fewer are appropriate for electronic and optoelectronic applications. We find that a multifunctional crystalline hybrid inorganic-organic semiconductor, beta-ZnTe(en)(0.5) (en denotes ethylenediamine), shows uniaxial ZTE in a very broad temperature range of 4-400 K, and concurrently possesses superior electronic and optical properties. The ZTE behavior is a result of compensation of contraction and expansion of different segments along the inorganic-organic stacking axis. This work suggests an alternative route to designing materials in a nanoscopic scale with ZTE or any desired positive or negative thermal expansion (PTE or NTE), which is supported by preliminary data for ZnTe(pda)(0.5) (pda denotes 1,3-propanediamine) with a larger molecule.

Understanding the structure of the turbulent mixing layer in hydrodynamic instabilities.

When a heavy fluid is placed above a light fluid, tiny vertical perturbations in the interface create a characteristic structure of rising bubbles and falling spikes known as Rayleigh-Taylor instability. Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities have received much attention over the past half-century because of their importance in understanding many natural and man-made phenomena, ranging from the rate of formation of heavy elements in supernovae to the design of capsules for Inertial Confinement Fusion. We present a new approach to analyze Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities in which we extract a hierarchical segmentation of the mixing envelope surface to identify bubbles and analyze analogous segmentations of fields on the original interface plane. We compute meaningful statistical information that reveals the evolution of topological features and corroborates the observations made by scientists. We also use geometric tracking to follow the evolution of single bubbles and highlight merge/split events leading to the formation of the large and complex structures characteristic of the later stages. In particular we (i) Provide a formal definition of a bubble; (ii) Segment the envelope surface to identify bubbles; (iii) Provide a multi-scale analysis technique to produce statistical measures of bubble growth; (iv) Correlate bubble measurements with analysis of fields on the interface plane; (v) Track the evolution of individual bubbles over time. Our approach is based on the rigorous mathematical foundations of Morse theory and can be applied to a more general class of applications.

Giant spin-orbit bowing in GaAs1-xBix.

We report a giant bowing of the spin-orbit splitting energy Delta0 in the dilute GaAs1-xBix alloy for Bi concentrations ranging from 0% to 1.8%. This is the first observation of a large relativistic correction to the host electronic band structure induced by just a few percent of isoelectronic doping in a semiconductor material. It opens up the possibility of tailoring the spin-orbit splitting in semiconductors for spintronic applications.

Treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children is associated with papillary carcinoma of thyroid, but not with thyroid disfunction.

AIM: The treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children may cause sequelae, some appearing only at long-term follow-up. We investigated the thyroid gland morphology and the function of the pituitary-thyroid axis in a group of patients treated for ALL in childhood. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted at a tertiary medical center. Thirty-three children (22 males and 11 females; age: 11.9+/-3 years; range: 6 to 18 years) were studied. The mean age at the time of chemotherapy and prophylactic cranial irradiation (12-24 Gy) was 5.5+/-2.6 years (range: 1 to 14 years). The average length of the follow-up was 6.1+/-3 years (range: 2 to 12 years). Thyroid morphology (n=33) was evaluated by palpation and ultrasonography. Thyroid function (n=30) was evaluated measuring total T3 and T4, and by the thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) test. Prolactin secretion was assessed before and after injection of TRH to evaluate the diagnostic test accuracy. RESULTS: One out of the 33 children (3%) was found to have a papillary carcinoma of thyroid four years after ALL treatment. Thyroid function was normal in all the patients, however one case (3%) showed high TSH (9.2 microU/mL) and prolactin (37.5 ng/mL) basal levels, but normal responses to TRH (TSH = 17.8 microU/mL; prolactin = 82.3 ng/mL). These hormonal alteration were not confirmed at follow-up: TSH = 1.6 microU/mL and prolactin = 13.7 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of patients, the treatment of ALL was associated with one case of thyroid carcinoma, but it did not produce adverse effect on the thyroid function, at least after a follow-up lasted on average 6 years.

Intrinsic and extrinsic effects in the temperature-dependent photoluminescence of semiconducting carbon nanotubes.

The temperature dependence of the band gap of semiconducting carbon nanotubes was measured for ten different nanotube species. The unprecedented effectiveness in avoiding the effect of external strain, or any other effects originating from the surrounding environment, lead to an accurate measurement of the band gap temperature dependence, giving fundamental insight into the nanotube electron-phonon interaction. Small but reproducible energy shifts of the emission lines with temperature were observed, showing a moderate chirality dependence, well in agreement with recent theoretical calculations. In addition to the energy shift, a substantial narrowing of the emission lines was also observed. The removal of the temperature shift of the band gap allows the precise measurement of the effect of external strain on carbon nanotubes in different environments.

Novel approach to tuning the physical properties of organic-inorganic hybrid semiconductors.

We discuss theoretically a novel approach to tailoring the properties of a new family of organic-inorganic hybrid superlattices, using two isostructural materials, ZnSe(en)0.5 and ZnTe(en)0.5, as examples. Replacing Se with Te leads to a number of nontrivial changes: the conduction band parity, singularity type, conductivity in the superlattice direction, and the p-type dopability. Experimentally, we report the first unambiguous observation of exciton-polariton emission in a hybrid semiconductor, i.e., ZnTe(en)0.5 . The band-edge excitonic transitions in both emission and absorption are explained by the calculated electronic structures.