Identification of a hydrodynamic threshold in karst rocks from the Biscayne Aquifer, south Florida, USA

A hydrodynamic threshold between Darcian and non-Darcian flow conditions was found to occur in cubes of Key Largo Limestone from Florida, USA (one cube measuring 0.2 m on each side, the other 0.3 m) at an effective porosity of 33% and a hydraulic conductivity of 10 m/day. Below these values, flow was laminar and could be described as Darcian. Above these values, hydraulic conductivity increased greatly and flow was non-laminar. Reynolds numbers (Re) for these experiments ranged fro

A review of CAD/CAM use in dentistry (part II): Comparison of intraoral digital scanners used in restorative dentistry

Introduction: Intraoral imaging technology has become one of the most exciting new fields in dentistry. Three-dimensional scanning of the oral cavity is used in many dental procedures such as restorative dentistry and orthodontics. To date, a number of intraoral scanners have been developed for restorative dentistry throughout the world, and many researchers and manufacturers seek the design and development of new digital devices. Only some of these devices are currently available on the market and some others are being clinically tested. All existing intraoral scanners try to overcome the drawbacks of traditional impression processes. The aim of the present article is to provide an extensive evaluation of intraoral scanners in restorative dentistry, with special attention to their assessment principles, characteristics and performance. Review report: This review article was prepared by scientific searching in electronic sources of Pubmed and ISI Web of Science in connection with articles published in English until 2014, and with these key words: intraoral scanners and digital impression. Conclusion: Over the years there have been major advances in digital scanning systems, and a variety of digital systems have been introduced that enable the dentist to select different intraoral reconstruction methods in the extraoral environment. The ultimate goal of dentists is to provide accurate and efficient dental restorations for the patient, while maintaining patient comfort during the impression process. High-resolution dental optical scanners will enable the operator to provide high-quality restorations. With digital impression techniques, the number of operators and material variables will decrease, making restoration fabrication processes more predictable and easier

Adsorption and desorption of phosphate on limestone in experiments simulating seawater intrusion

This study investigates the potential release of from carbonate aquifers exposed to seawater intrusion. Adsorption and desorption of in the presence of deionized water (DIW) and seawater were conducted on a large block of Pleistocene age limestone to simulate the effects of seawater intrusion into a coastal carbonate aquifer at the laboratory scale. The limestone showed strong adsorption of in DIW, while adsorption was significantly less in the presence of seawater. Dissolution of CaCO3 was found to prevent adsorption at salinities less than 30 psu. Adsorption of was limited at higher salinities (30–33 psu), due to competition with ions for adsorption sites. At a salinity3 precipitated. Concentrations of between 2 and 5 μmol/L were released by desorption when the limestone was exposed to seawater. The results of this study suggest that as seawater intrudes into an originally freshwater coastal aquifer, adsorbed may be released into the groundwater. Consequently, adsorbed is expected to be released from coastal carbonate aquifers world-wide as sea level continues to rise exposing more of the freshwater aquifer to seawater

Oxidant-NO dependent gene regulation in dogs with type I diabetes: impact on cardiac function and metabolism

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The mechanisms responsible for the cardiovascular mortality in type I diabetes (DM) have not been defined completely. We have shown in conscious dogs with DM that: <it>1</it>) baseline coronary blood flow (CBF) was significantly decreased, <it>2</it>) endothelium-dependent (ACh) coronary vasodilation was impaired, and <it>3</it>) reflex cholinergic NO-dependent coronary vasodilation was selectively depressed. The most likely mechanism responsible for the depressed reflex cholinergic NO-dependent coronary vasodilation was the decreased bioactivity of NO from the vascular endothelium. The goal of this study was to investigate changes in cardiac gene expression in a canine model of alloxan-induced type 1 diabetes.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Mongrel dogs were chronically instrumented and the dogs were divided into two groups: one normal and the other diabetic. In the diabetic group, the dogs were injected with alloxan monohydrate (40-60 mg/kg iv) over 1 min. The global changes in cardiac gene expression in dogs with alloxan-induced diabetes were studied using Affymetrix Canine Array. Cardiac RNA was extracted from the control and DM (n = 4).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The array data revealed that 797 genes were differentially expressed (P < 0.01; fold change of at least ±2). 150 genes were expressed at significantly greater levels in diabetic dogs and 647 were significantly reduced. There was no change in eNOS mRNA. There was up regulation of some components of the NADPH oxidase subunits (gp91 by 2.2 fold, P < 0.03), and down-regulation of SOD1 (3 fold, P < 0.001) and decrease (4 - 40 fold) in a large number of genes encoding mitochondrial enzymes. In addition, there was down-regulation of Ca²⁺cycling genes (ryanodine receptor; SERCA2 Calcium ATPase), structural proteins (actin alpha). Of particular interests are genes involved in glutathione metabolism (glutathione peroxidase 1, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase), which were markedly down regulated.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>our findings suggest that type I diabetes might have a direct effect on the heart by impairing NO bioavailability through oxidative stress and perhaps lipid peroxidases.</p

The ratio of the interzygomatic width with mesiodistal width of maxillary anterior teeth

Esthetics is one of the prosthetic treatment goals. Correct selection of anterior teeth, regarding size and appearance, results in a successful treatment. The goal of the present research was to investigate the relationship between interzygomatic width and maxillary anterior teeth width in order to find a better determinant for artificial anterior teeth selection. In this study, the interzygomatic width and maxillary central incisors width and also the width of six maxillary anterior- teeth, in 71 subjects (29females and 42 males) were measured. The results showed a significant difference in maxillary anterior teeth width, comparing men and women, (P&amp;lt;0.05). These measurement in people under study, are less than Europeans. The interzygomatic width was also more in men than women (PO.05), which is, less than of European race. The ratio between interzygomatic and central maxillary incisor width was 15:1 which is less than 16:1 that is used in clinic. Thus, it is recommended to pay more attention to anterior teeth selection, especially in young patients