bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tribocorrosion of Fe-Based Amorphous Coating in Simulated Body Fluids
Authors: Luo Chanyuan , Ji Xiulin , Ji Cuicui , Zhang Yingtao , Wang Hui
Published: April 2018

An arc-sprayed Fe-based amorphous coating with high hardness and low porosity was prepared. A tribo-electrochemical approach was used to study the tribocorrosion behaviour of the amorphous coating. The volume wear losses of the amorphous coating with different sliding paths in dry, 0.9% NaCl, and PBS solutions were measured, as well as the friction coefficient and the polarization curves in static and dynamic situations. The volume wear loss with the linear sliding path is higher than those with circular and triangle paths. Since the ions in the solution accelerate the wear, the volume loss of the amorphous coating in 0.9% NaCl solution is higher than dry and in PBS solution. The wear loss of 316L stainless steel (SS) is about 1.7 times more than the amorphous coating in PBS solution under a load of 10 N. Although 316L SS possesses better corrosion resistance than the amorphous coating in the static situation, the corrosion resistance of the amorphous coating is much better than that of 316L SS during tribocorrosion. The wear mechanism of the amorphous coating includes abrasive wear accompanying with corrosive wear. For the intrinsic superior corrosion resistance, amorphous coating shows the prospective tribology application in the corrosion environment.
The Impact of Medical Conditions on the Quality of Life of Survivors at Discharge From Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Klimašauskas Andrius , Sereikė Ieva , Klimašauskienė Aušra , Kėkštas Gintautas , Ivaškevičius Juozas
Published: April 2018

Background and Objective. Impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is one of the possible outcomes after discharge from an intensive care unit (ICU). Evaluation of patient health status on discharge from the ICU would help identify factors influencing changes in HRQOL after ICU discharge. The objective of the study was to identify whether health state on discharge from prolonged stay in the ICU has any influence on survivors’ HRQOL 6 months after intensive care. Material and Methods. A prospective study of patients with the prolonged length of stay (exceeding 7 days) in the ICU was conducted. The study covered the impact of organ system dysfunction (SOFA score), number of therapeutic interventions (TISS-28 score), and critical illness neuromuscular abnormalities (CINMA) on discharge from the ICU on HRQOL 6 months following ICU discharge. Results. In total, 137 patients were included in the study. The SOFA score on the last day in the ICU was 2.91 (SD, 1.57); the TISS-28 score on the last day in the ICU was 21.79 (SD, 4.53). Decreased physical functioning (PF) and role physical (RP) were identified. Circulatory impairment on discharge from the ICU had an impact on decreased PF (P=0.016), role physical (P=0.066), and role emotional (P=0.001). Patients with dysfunction in more than one organ system on ICU discharge had decreased role emotional (P=0.016). Severe CINMA was diagnosed in 18 patients. They had decreased PF (P=0.007) and RP (P=0.019). Patients with the TISS-28 score above or equal to 20 points showed lower HRQOL in the PF domain (P=0.077) and general health (P=0.038). Conclusions. HRQOL in patients with prolonged stay in the ICU is particularly impaired in the domains of physical functioning and role physical. It is associated with circulatory impairment, CINMA, and greater number of therapeutic interventions on discharge from the ICU.
Galvos smegenų insulto ir mirties rizika po vidinės miego arterijos endarterektomijos
Authors: Meškauskienė Auksė , Barkauskas Egidijus , Gaigalaitė Virginija , Laurikėnas Kęstutis , Bičkuvienė Ilona , Mackevičius Artūras
Published: April 2018

Tyrimo tikslas. Įvertinti galvos smegenų insulto ir mirties dažnį po vidinės miego arterijos endarterektomijos bei rizikos veiksnių ir kraujagyslių chirurgo įgūdžių reikšmę šių komplikacijų atsiradimui. Tyrimo medžiaga ir metodai. Vilniaus greitosios pagalbos universitetinėje ligoninėje nuo 1995 iki 2006 m. atlikta 790 vidinių miego arterijų endarterektomijų. Išankstinėje duomenų bazėje buvo registruojami visų ligonių rizikos veiksniai, neurologinė būklė, gretutinės ligos, radiologiniai ir angiografi niai duomenys, angiochirurgo patirtis, atliktų endarterektomijų skaičius, mirties bei insulto atvejai. Duomenų analizei naudota vienaveiksnė ir daugiaveiksnė logistinė regresija bei ROC kreivės. Rezultatai. Tarp 790 endarterektomijų, mirčių užregistruota 2,2 proc., insultu susirgo 2,4 proc. ligonių. Operacijos komplikacijų dažniau radosi sergantiesiems cukriniu diabetu palyginus su nesergančiaisiais šia liga (12 proc. palyginti su 3,4 proc. p<0,001) ir sergantiesiems kitos lokalizacijos insultu (10,7 proc. palyginti su 1,4 proc., p<0,02) lyginant su sergančiaisiais lėtine smegenų išemija. Daugiau radosi komplikacijų, kai ligonius operavo kraujagyslių chirurgas, vidutiniškai atliekantis ne daugiau kaip penkias endarterektomijas per metus palyginus su kraujagyslių chirurgu, kuris padarė šešias ir daugiau endarterektomijų per metus (10,0 proc. palyginus su 4,6 proc., p<0,02). CD (ŠS 3,51; 95 proc. PI 1,60–7,66, p=0,002), kitos lokalizacijos insultas (ŠS 4,14; 95 proc. PI 1,57–10,91, p=0,004) ir mažai operacijų padaręs angiochirurgas (ŠS 0,32; 95 proc. PI 0,13–0,78, p=0,013), daugiaveiksnės logistinės regresijos duomenimis, turėjo didžiausią operacijos mirties ir insulto riziką. ROC kreivių analizė parodė, kad šių trijų parametrų bendra prognostinė vertė – 0,72. Išvados. Cukrinis diabetas, kitos lokalizacijos insultas ir mažai operacijų padaręs angiochirurgas turėjo didžiausią nepalankios operacijos baigties prognostinę vertę.
The Prevalence of Problem Drug Use in Lithuania
Authors: Astrauskienė Audronė , Dobrovolskij Valerij , Stukas Rimantas
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study was to estimate and assess the prevalence of problem drug use in Lithuania. Materials and Methods. The capture-recapture method was used to estimate the prevalence of problem drug use. For the study, the data concerning problem drug users were collected from the databases of health care and law enforcement institutions. The target group consisted of permanent users (aged 15–64 years) of heroin and other opioids and/or a combination of drugs. Results. In Lithuania, 431 monitored problem drug users were identifi ed in 2005, 482 in 2006, and 447 in 2007. The male-to-female ratio among the monitored problem drug users was 6:1 in 2006 and 4:1 in 2005 and 2007. The mean age of the monitored problem drug users was 26.8 years in 2005, 27.6 years in 2006, and 28.0 years in 2007. In total, 5699 problem drug users were identified (95% CI, 5552 to 5849) in 2005, 5800 (95% CI, 5652 to 5951) in 2006, and 5458 (95% CI, 5314 to 5605) in 2007. According to the gathered data, the prevalence of problem drug use was 2.3 cases per 1000 Lithuanian population aged 15–64 years in 2005, 2.5 in 2006, and 2.4 in 2007. Conclusions. The study showed one of the lowest prevalence of problem drug use in Lithuania as in Germany, the Netherlands, Greece, and Cyprus. In 2005–2007, problem drug users were mainly young men of employable age in Lithuania.
Propolio ekstrakto komponentų atsipalaidavimo iš emulsinių dispersijų tyrimai
Authors: Ramanauskienė Kristina , Žilius Modestas , Briedis Vitalis
Published: April 2018

Tyrimo tikslas. Pagrindo sukūrimas yra vienas pagrindinių uždavinių kuriant pusiau kietąją vaisto formą, skirtą išoriniam vartojimui. Pusiau kietojo preparato stabilumą saugojimo metu galima prognozuoti remiantis klampos tyrimais. Tinkama pusiau kietojo preparato pagrindo sudėtis lemia jo stabilumą ir reikiamą vaistinės medžiagos atsipalaidavimo kinetiką. Įvertinant kremų technologiją, ypač kompleksinių vaistinių medžiagų (pvz., skystųjų, tirštųjų, sausųjų ekstraktų) įterpimo į pagrindą sudėtingumą, aktualios išlieka kremų pagrindų sudėties paieškos, norint išvengti ilgai trunkančių šildymo bei lydymo procesų. Tirštasis propolio ekstraktas, pasižymintis antimikrobiniu, antivirusiniu, priešuždegiminiu bei antioksidaciniu poveikiu, buvo pasirinktas kaip kompleksinė biologiškai veiklioji medžiaga kuriamos emulsinės dispersinės sistemos tyrimams. Tyrimų tikslas buvo nustatyti fizikinių ir cheminių savybių bei veikliųjų medžiagų išsiskyrimo greičio iš modeliuojamos vaisto formos in vitro rodiklio tarpusavio priklausomybę ir, remiantis tuo, pagrįsti emulsinio (vanduo-aliejus) kremo sudėties ir technologijos priimtinumą. Tyrimo medžiaga ir metodai. Propolio tirštasis ekstraktas (1–3 proc. nuo bendrosios sistemos masės) buvo įterptas į emulsinę sistemą vanduo-aliejus. Modelinių emulsinių sistemų kokybė įvertinta pagal jų klampą, polifenolinių junginių kiekį bei jų išsiskyrimo iš pagrindo greitį pritaikius in vitro modelį. Polifenolinių junginių kiekis μg/ml apskaičiuotas pritaikius ferulo rūgšties standartinę kalibracinę kreivę, naudojant spektrofotometrinį metodą. Rezultatai. Tyrimų duomenimis, tinkama emulsiklio koncentracija, būtina modeliuoti homogenišką, stabilią pusiau kietąją emulsinę sistemą su propolio tirštuoju ekstraktu, yra nuo 3 iki 12 proc. Klampos tyrimai parodė, kad emulsiklio kiekis modeliuojamose pusiau kietosiose sistemose turi įtakos jų klampai ir beveik nekeičia polifenolinių junginių išsiskyrimo iš kremo matricos greičio. Tyrimais nustatyta, kad tirštasis propolio ekstraktas emulsinėse sistemose klampos pokyčiui turi mažiau įtakos nei kremo temperatūra. Išvada. Patvirtinta, kad klampos pokytis emulsinėse dispersinėse sistemose, didėjant temperatūrai, neturėjo įtakos modelinių dispersinių sistemų stabilumui, o tai būtina įvertinti nustatant modeliuojamų preparatų laikymo sąlygas jų saugojimo metu.
Clinical and Pathological Findings of Fatal 2009–2010 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Infection in Estonia
Authors: Tamme Kadri , Minajeva Ave , Adamson Vivika , Ristmägi Kaarina , Põder Jaak , Lutsar Irja
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study was to analyze all deaths from A (H1N1) in Estonia during the 2009–2010 epidemic to find out the reasons of high mortality and optimize management strategies for future influenza epidemics. Material and Methods. A retrospective review of medical records, autopsy reports, and reassessment of autopsy slides of all fatal cases of proven A (H1N1) influenza in Estonia from October 2009 to May 2010 was carried out. Results. There were a total of 21 proven fatal cases (median age, 57 years); the population mortality rate of 1.56 per 100 000 inhabitants was one of the highest in the world. Altogether, 18 of the 21 patients had known risk factors for influenza, and 3 patients were previously healthy children. Three decedents had received antiviral treatment, and none had been immunized. There were 19 decedents autopsied, with viral pneumonia (58%) being the most frequent pathological finding; 40% had evidence of bacterial superinfection. In 4 cases, influenza was not clinically suspected and was diagnosed postmortem. Influenza was the primary cause of death in 15 decedents, while in 9 cases, comorbidities played a significant role in fatal outcome. In the remaining 4 cases, another illness was considered the primary cause of death with influenza as an accompanying factor. Conclusions. High autopsy rate and liberal postmortem PCR testing enables the detection of additional A (H1N1) influenza cases, yet it might lead to overestimation of the population mortality rates, especially in a small population with low number of events. Increased vaccine coverage, vigilant diagnosing including wide PCR testing, and early more liberal use of antiviral medications during the influenza A (H1N1) epidemic may hold the potential of lowering population mortality.
Two Cases of Takotsubo Syndrome Related to Tracheal Intubation/Extubation
Authors: Jakobson Triin , Svitškar Nikolai , Tamme Kadri , Starkopf Joel , Karjagin Juri
Published: April 2018

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is an acute, reversible left ventricular dysfunction with characteristic contractility disorder and is usually preceded by emotional or physical stress. Two cases of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy related to tracheal manipulation are presented. Both the patients had all the typical symptoms and signs of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and both of them recovered completely within weeks. Tracheal manipulation is a well-known stress factor during the perioperative period, and experience from these two cases stresses the crucial role of measures aimed to stress reduction. Proper premedication and calm environment are recommended to produce anxiolysis before intubation. The administration of α- and β-blockers is also recommended to inhibit sympathetic stress caused by tracheal manipulation.
Biomechanical Aspects of Locking Reconstruction Plate Positioning in Osteosynthesis of Transverse Clavicle Fracture
Authors: Kontautas Egidijus , Pijadin Andrej , Vilkauskas Andrius , Domeika Aurelijus
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the biomechanical effects of locking reconstruction plate positioning on the osteosynthesis of clavicle midshaft simulated transverse fractures. Material and Methods. Twelve synthetic clavicles with simulated midshaft transverse fractures were repaired with a 3.5-mm locking reconstruction plate in the anteroinferior or the superior position. The clavicles were randomly assigned to 2 groups (6 per group). Each repaired clavicle was tested in cantilever bending by using the universal testing machine. The maximal load and the displacement of the specimens at a load of 40 N were recorded for each group. Results. The anteroinferior plating osteosynthesis with a 3.5-mm locking reconstruction plate could bear an average maximal load of 183.3 N (SD, 11.3); the corresponding load for the superior plating osteosynthesis with the identical implants was 444.8 N (SD, 102.3), and the mean displacement was 1.5 mm (SD, 0.5) and 0.7 mm (SD, 0.2), respectively. Conclusions. The superior plating osteosynthesis of simulated midshaft transverse clavicle fractures with the 7-hole 3.5-mm locking reconstruction plate had a significantly higher bending (from top to bottom) load to failure in comparison with the anteroinferior plating osteosynthesis of the clavicle with the identical implants. Clavicles plated with the 7-hole 3.5-mm locking reconstruction plate at the superior aspect exhibited a significantly greater biomechanical stability at a load of 40 N than those plated at the anteroinferior aspect.
Referral Pattern, Management, and Long-Term Results of Laparoscopic Bile Duct Injuries: A Case Series of 44 Patients
Authors: Barauskas Giedrius , Paškauskas Saulius , Dambrauskas Žilvinas , Gulbinas Antanas , Pundzius Juozas
Published: April 2018

Background and Objective. The incidence of bile duct injuries (BDIs) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is higher than after open cholecystectomy, and the management of these lesions is still controversial. This study analyzed diagnostic and management strategies as well as long-term outcomes after BDI. Material and Methods. A prospective database of patients with BDIs at the Clinic of Surgery was maintained during the 8-year period (2000–2007). The long-term results were evaluated during 2008–2010, after 36- to 120-month follow-up (median, 84 months). Results. In our series, 21 patients (48%) presented with minor and 23 (52%) with major BDIs. The overall incidence of BDIs was 0.24%. In 92% of cases in the minor BDI group, endoscopic stenting resulted in a good outcome. Major BDIs were treated by immediate, early, or delayed surgery depending on the timeliness of diagnosis and presence of biliary sepsis and/or cholangitis. The mean estimated time to failure after the initial treatment in the minor BDI group was significantly longer when compared with the major BDI group (114.3 vs. 81.8 months, log-rank test P=0.048). The hazard ratio of initial treatment failure after major versus minor BDIs was 6.06 (95% CI, 1.01–17.59). The mean estimated time to develop a biliary stricture after immediate, early, and delayed reconstructions was not different (P>0.05 in pairwise comparisons by log-rank test). Conclusions. Minor BDIs are best served by endoscopy, while surgical repair may be an efficient option when injury is diagnosed intraoperatively. The timing of reconstruction after major BDIs does not portend a different outcome; consequently, every attempt to achieve infection control should be warranted. Referral to a tertiary care center should be encouraged to facilitate a proper classification of preoperative injuries and multidisciplinary approach
Associations Between Procalcitonin and Markers of Bacterial Sepsis
Authors: Patil Veeresh , Morjaria Jaymin , De Villers Francois , Babu Suresh
Published: April 2018

Background. Bacterial sepsis with no bacterial isolates can be a difficult clinical conundrum, where other markers like C-reactive protein (CRP), white cell count (WCC), and neutrophilia are helpful to arrive at a diagnosis. Procalcitonin (PCT) has been shown to be a useful biomarker in bacterial sepsis. The aim of the study was to look at the association of PCT with bacterial cultures and compare this to currently used markers of bacterial sepsis. Material and Methods. WCC, neutrophil count, and CRP with PCT were compared in patients with a positive bacterial culture from blood/body fluid. The specificity and sensitivity of PCT were compared with those of CRP. Results. Of the 99 paired samples obtained, 25 cultures were positive for bacteria. There was a significant difference in CRP (P=0.04) and PCT (P<0.001) levels between culture-positive and culture-negative samples. PCT had a better sensitivity and specificity than CRP (84% and 64.9% vs. 69.6% and 52.9%, respectively), with a combined specificity (CRP and PCT) of 83.5%. Conclusions. PCT has a better association with bacterial sepsis and is superior to currently available biomarkers in the clinical setting. The rapid pharmacodynamics of PCT can serve as an early predictor of the diagnosis of bacterial sepsis while awaiting the bacterial culture results avoiding undue delay in the institution of antibiotics, hence, potentially improving the prognosis of patients with bacterial sepsis.
Effective Conversion of Amide to Carboxylic Acid on Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity (PIM-1) with Nitrous Acid
Authors: Wu Wei-Hsuan , Thomas Paul , Hume Paul , Jin Jianyong
Published: April 2018

Carboxylate-functionalised polymers of intrinsic microporosity (C-PIMs) are highly desirable materials for membrane separation applications. The recently reported method to afford C-PIMs was via an extensive base hydrolysis process requiring 360 h. Herein, a novel and effective method to convert PIM-CONH2 to C-PIM using nitrous acid was studied. The chemical structure of C-PIM was characterised by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR, elemental analysis, UV-Vis, TGA and TGA-MS. Complete conversion from amide to carboxylic acid groups was confirmed. Decarboxylation of C-PIM was also successfully studied by TGA-MS for the first time, with a loss of m/z 44 amu (CO2) observed at the first degradation stage. TGA also revealed decreased thermal stability of C-PIM relative to PIM-CONH2 under both N2 and air atmosphere. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis showed continuous molecular weight degradation of C-PIM with extended reaction time. Aromatic nitration was also observed as a side reaction in some cases.
Failure Analysis of PHILOS Plate Construct Used for Pantalar Arthrodesis Paper II—Screws and FEM Simulations
Authors: Hamandi Farah , Laughlin Richard , Goswami Tarun
Published: April 2018

A fractured stainless steel 3.5 mm proximal humerus internal locking system (PHILOS) plate and screws were investigated in this paper. This plate was used for ankle arthrodesis of a 68-year-old female with a right ankle deformity. Both the plate and screws were considered in this investigation. Optical and scanning electron microscopes (SEM) were used to document fracture surface characteristics, such as extensive scratching, plastic deformation, rubbed surfaces, discoloration, and pitting, along with cleavage, secondary cracking, deposits of debris, striations, and dimples. Indications of these features show that the plate failed by corrosion fatigue, however, overloading separated the screw(s) in two parts. Radiographic evidence shows that the screws failed ahead of the plate from the proximal end. Three-dimensional models of the plate and the screws: cortical, locking, and cannulated, were constructed using Solidworks and imported in ANSYS Workbench 16.2 to simulate the loading conditions and regions of stress development. Statistical analysis was conducted to understand the impact of different factors on the maximum von Mises stresses of the locking compression plate. These factors were the load, screw design pattern, coefficient of friction between the plate and screws, and cortical screw displacement. In summary, the finite element simulation of the plate validates the fractographic examination results. The following observations were made: (a) as the angle between the screws and the plates increased, the von Mises stresses increased in the cortical screws; and (b) the stress in the locking screws was lower than that of the cortical screws, which may be due to locking the screws with fixed angles onto the plate. Finally, fractographic examination of the cortical and locking screws supports the mechanism of corrosion-fatigue fracture from crack initiation sites, pits, due to the presence of inclusion bodies for this material (ASTM standards F138-03 and F139-03) documented for the plate in Paper I.
Zeta Potential of Beta Zeolites: Influence of Structure, Acidity, pH, Temperature and Concentration
Authors: Liu Xuan , Mäki-Arvela Päivi , Aho Atte , Vajglova Zuzana , Gun’ko Vladimir M. , Heinmaa Ivo , Kumar Narendra , Eränen Kari , Salmi Tapio , Murzin Dmitry Yu.
Published: April 2018

Measurements of the zeta potential of solid heterogeneous supports are important for preparation of metal supported catalysts and for shaping zeolites into extrudates. In the current work, different types of heterogeneous support materials such as SiO2, Al2O3, and a range of beta zeolites of different silica- to-alumina ratio were analysed. It was observed that parameters such as temperature, pH and acidity significantly affect the zeta potential. In several instances, depending on the materials’ acidity and microstructure, maxima in zeta potential were observed. The solid materials were thoroughly characterized using XRD, SEM, EDX, TEM, nitrogen physisorption, Al-NMR and FTIR with pyridine before zeta potential measurements.
Simulation Analysis of Fluid-Structure Interaction of High Velocity Environment Influence on Aircraft Wing Materials under Different Mach Numbers
Authors: Zhang Lijun , Sun Changyan
Published: April 2018

Aircraft service process is in a state of the composite load of pressure and temperature for a long period of time, which inevitably affects the inherent characteristics of some components in aircraft accordingly. The flow field of aircraft wing materials under different Mach numbers is simulated by Fluent in order to extract pressure and temperature on the wing in this paper. To determine the effect of coupling stress on the wing’s material and structural properties, the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) method is used in ANSYS-Workbench to calculate the stress that is caused by pressure and temperature. Simulation analysis results show that with the increase of Mach number, the pressure and temperature on the wing’s surface both increase exponentially and thermal stress that is caused by temperature will be the main factor in the coupled stress. When compared with three kinds of materials, titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, and Haynes alloy, carbon fiber composite material has better performance in service at high speed, and natural frequency under coupling pre-stressing will get smaller.
A Wearable Body Controlling Device for Application of Functional Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Taghavi Nazita , Luecke Greg R. , Jeffery Nicholas D.
Published: April 2018

In this research, we describe a new balancing device used to stabilize the rear quarters of a patient dog with spinal cord injuries. Our approach uses inertial measurement sensing and direct leg actuation to lay a foundation for eventual muscle control by means of direct functional electrical stimulation (FES). During this phase of development, we designed and built a mechanical test-bed to develop the control and stimulation algorithms before we use the device on our animal subjects. We designed the bionic test-bed to mimic the typical walking gait of a dog and use it to develop and test the functionality of the balancing device for stabilization of patient dogs with hindquarter paralysis. We present analysis for various muscle stimulation and balancing strategies, and our device can be used by veterinarians to tailor the stimulation strength and temporal distribution for any individual patient dog. We develop stabilizing muscle stimulation strategies using the robotic test-bed to enhance walking stability. We present experimental results using the bionic test-bed to demonstrate that the balancing device can provide an effective sensing strategy and deliver the required motion control commands for stabilizing an actual dog with a spinal cord injury.
New Constraints on the Abundance of 60Fe in the Early Solar System
Authors: Trappitsch Reto , Boehnke Patrick , Stephan Thomas , Telus Myriam , Savina Michael R. , Pardo Olivia , Davis Andrew M. , Dauphas Nicolas , Pellin Michael J. , Huss Gary R.
Published: April 2018

Establishing the abundance of the extinct radionuclide 60Fe (half-life 2.62 Ma) in the early solar system is important for understanding the astrophysical context of solar system formation. While bulk measurements of early solar system phases show a low abundance consistent with galactic background, some in situ measurements by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) imply a higher abundance, which would require injection from a nearby supernova (SN). Here we present in situ nickel isotopic analyses by resonance ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS) in a chondrule from the primitive meteorite Semarkona (LL3.00). The same chondrule had been previously analyzed by SIMS. Despite improved precision compared to SIMS, the RIMS nickel isotopic data do not reveal any resolved excesses of 60Ni that could be unambiguously ascribed to in situ 60Fe decay. Linear regression of 60Ni/58Ni versus 56Fe/58Ni yields an initial 60Fe/56Fe ratio for this chondrule of (3.8 ± 6.9) × 10−8, which is consistent with both the low initial value found by bulk measurements and the low end of the range of initial ratios inferred from some in situ work. The same regression also gives a solar initial 60Ni/58Ni ratio, which shows that this sample was not disturbed by nickel mobilization, thus agreeing with a low initial 60Fe/56Fe ratio. These findings agree with a re-evaluation of previous SIMS measurements of the same sample. Supernova injection of 60Fe into the solar system or its parental cloud material is therefore not necessary to account for the measured solar system’s initial amount of 60Fe.
Two Types of Long-duration Quasi-static Evolution of Solar Filaments
Authors: Xing C. , Li H. C. , Jiang B. , Cheng X. , Ding M. D.
Published: April 2018

In this Letter, we investigate the long-duration quasi-static evolution of 12 pre-eruptive filaments (four active region (AR) and eight quiescent filaments), mainly focusing on the evolution of the filament height in 3D and the decay index of the background magnetic field. The filament height in 3D is derived through two-perspective observations of Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO). The coronal magnetic field is reconstructed using the potential field source surface model. A new finding is that the filaments we studied show two types of long-duration evolution: one type comprises a long-duration static phase and a short, slow rise phase with a duration of less than 12 hr and a speed of 0.1–0.7 km s−1, while the other one only presents a slow rise phase but with an extremely long duration of more than 60 hr and a smaller speed of 0.01–0.2 km s−1. At the moment approaching the eruption, the decay index of the background magnetic field at the filament height is similar for both AR and quiescent filaments. The average value and upper limit are ∼0.9 and ∼1.4, close to the critical index of torus instability. Moreover, the filament height and background magnetic field strength are also found to be linearly and exponentially related with the filament length, respectively.
Revealing the Host Galaxy of a Quasar 2175 Å Dust Absorber at z = 2.12
Authors: Ma Jingzhe , Brammer Gabriel , Ge Jian , Prochaska J. Xavier , Lundgren Britt
Published: April 2018

We report the first detection of the host galaxy of a strong 2175 Å dust absorber at z = 2.12 toward the background quasar SDSS J121143.42+083349.7 using Hubble Space Telescope/Wide Field Camera 3 (HST/WFC3) IR F140W direct imaging and G141 grism spectroscopy. The spectroscopically confirmed host galaxy is located at a small impact parameter of ∼5.5 kpc (∼0.″65). The F140W image reveals a disk-like morphology with an effective radius of 2.24 ± 0.08 kpc. The extracted 1D spectrum is dominated by a continuum with weak emission lines ([O iii] and [O ii]). The [O iii]-based unobscured star formation rate (SFR) is 9.4 ± 2.6 M
⊙ yr−1, assuming an [O iii]/Hα ratio of 1. The moderate 4000 Å break (Dn(4000) index ∼1.3) and Balmer absorption lines indicate that the host galaxy contains an evolved stellar population with an estimated stellar mass M
* of (3–7) × 1010
M
⊙. The SFR and M
* of the host galaxy are comparable to, though slightly lower than, those of typical emission-selected galaxies at z ∼ 2. As inferred from our absorption analysis in Ma et al., the host galaxy is confirmed to be a chemically enriched, evolved, massive, and star-forming disk-like galaxy that is likely in the transition from a blue star-forming galaxy to a red quiescent galaxy.
Évidence d’un manque de concordance entre les patients hémodialysés et les infirmières sur la présence et la sévérité des symptômes
Authors: Cohen Christine , Antonini Matteo , Delmas Philippe
Published: April 2018

Les patients hémodialysés représentent une population fragile expérimentant de nombreux symptômes (par exemple douleurs, fatigue) qui impactent leur qualité de vie. La présence et la sévérité de ces symptômes sont sous-estimées de façon importante par les professionnels de la santé. Le but de cette étude est de décrire et comparer les symptômes perçus par les patients hémodialysés versus ceux détectés par les infirmières et de discuter les possibles causes de disparité observées. Au total, 123 patients et 70 infirmières œuvrant dans six centres d’hémodialyse ont été inclus dans cette étude. Les résultats montrent que les infirmières participantes ont détecté moins de 50 % des symptômes perçus par les patients. La concordance entre les réponses des patients hémodialysés et celles des infirmières sur la présence et la sévérité de tous les symptômes est très faible (Kappa<0.4). Par conséquent, l’amélioration des connaissances et compétences des infirmières d’hémodialyse dans la détection des symptômes des patients hémodialysés qu’elles soignent apparaît être un des axes centraux pour intervenir de manière efficiente et améliorer la qualité de soins.
La relation patient-médecin : une théorisation ancrée de l’expérience des effets secondaires des antirétroviraux
Authors: Dufour Caroline , Gagnon Marilou
Published: April 2018

Les antirétroviraux provoquent une panoplie d’effets secondaires qui sont non négligeables puisqu’ils nuisent à la qualité de vie des personnes vivant avec le VIH (PVVIH). Une prise en charge efficace des effets secondaires est nécessaire pour maintenir la qualité de vie et l’adhésion au traitement. La relation patient-médecin joue un rôle important dans la prise en charge des effets secondaires et elle influence l’expérience des effets secondaires chez les PVVIH. Cette théorisation ancrée explore la relation patient-médecin dans le contexte des effets secondaires. Cinquante PVVIH de la région d’Ottawa/Gatineau ont participé à une entrevue semi-structurée afin de partager leur expérience avec les effets secondaires. Quatre catégories ont émergé de l’analyse : modèle de soins, pouvoir médical (catégorie centrale), stratégies et impacts. Les résultats montrent que les médecins exercent un monopole dans la prise en charge des PVVIH, ces dernières mettent alors en place plusieurs modes de résistance pour contrer l’autorité médicale. Elles doivent également développer leurs propres stratégies pour atténuer leurs effets secondaires. Malgré tout, une relation patient-médecin conflictuelle engendre différents impacts qui peuvent être dévastateurs pour les PVVIH (isolement, abandon et souffrance).
Rappel explicite d’une ventilation mécanique : une analyse conceptuelle
Authors: Michaud Mylène Suzie , Gagnon Marilou
Published: April 2018

La ventilation mécanique à l’unité de soins intensifs nécessite l’administration de médicaments pour diminuer entre autres la douleur, l’inconfort, l’anxiété et l’agitation. Un rappel explicite fait référence au phénomène où la personne se rappelle les perceptions survenues sous sédation lors d’une ventilation mécanique. Des conséquences psychologiques graves peuvent survenir à la suite d’un rappel explicite. Ce phénomène est mal défini et il n’existe pas de langage commun pour le signifier dans la littérature. Une analyse conceptuelle a été effectuée selon la méthode évolutionniste dans le but de clarifier le concept de rappel explicite. Au total, 68 articles ont été analysés de manière interdisciplinaire. Les résultats indiquent qu’un rappel explicite se manifeste à la suite d’un traitement nécessitant des modalités d’anesthésie ou de sédation et que la réponse aux médicaments varie en fonction des caractéristiques individuelles. Le rappel explicite se définit comme étant perceptif, interprétatif, subjectif, dynamique et temporel. À la suite d’un rappel explicite, la trajectoire psychologique comporte diverses conséquences psychologiques pouvant mener à un état de stress post-traumatique.
Numerical Biaxial Tensile and Tension-Compression Tests of Aluminum Alloy Sheet Using Crystal Plasticity Finite Element Method
Authors: Yamanaka Akinori , Nemoto Natsuki , Kuwabara Toshihiko
Published: April 2018

This paper presents the results of the numerical multi-axial material tests for predicting elastoplastic deformation behavior of aluminum alloy sheets under equi-biaxial tension and in-plane tension-compression stress states. In this study, we have performed the numerical biaxial tensile and tension-compression tests of a 5000-series aluminum alloy sheet using the crystal plasticity finite element method based on the mathematical homogenization method which has been developed by the previous studies. We found that the true stress-logarithmic plastic strain (SS) curves calculated by the numerical biaxial tensile test slightly deviate from those measured by the biaxial tensile tests using a cruciform specimen. On the other hand, the results of the numerical tension-compression test demonstrated that the predicted SS curves shows a reasonable agreement with those obtained by the experiment using the biaxial stress-testing machine with comb-shaped dies.
Design of Flexible Bulge Testing System for Evaluating the Influence of Size Effect on Thin Metal Sheets
Authors: Chen Chun Yuan , Cristino Valentino Anok Melo , Hung Ching Hua
Published: April 2018

Formability in sheet forming processes are usually analyzed by standardized tests, which often requires different test equipment associated with high initial investment cost. The present study purposes a flexible test tooling system for hydraulic bugle test apparatus that allows to evaluate the impact of size effect on the formability of thin metallic sheets. Finite Element Method was used for concept and design of the tooling system and experimental tests were carried out with thin sheets of SUS316L stainless steel to assess the overall performance of the tooling system.
Tensile and Compression Analyses to Investigate the Mesoscale Mechanical Characteristics Influential for Press Formability of CFRP Sheets
Authors: Hayashi Takahiro , Oya Tetsuo
Published: April 2018

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is applied in various fields such as automobile and aerospace industry due to high specific strength and rigidity than metals. However, since its ductility is poor, there are problems that it is difficult to perform press forming and the production cost increases. In recent years, studies on improving the ductility of CFRP for realizing press forming are gradually increasing. Experiments to obtain the mechanical properties of CFRP are costly and time consuming. Although there are several test standards in the compression test for CFRP, none of them evaluates mesoscale compression characteristics, and it is difficult to capture the deformation of internal fibers and resins when the sheet is subjected to forming. Therefore, establishing an analytical model that expresses the deformation of CFRP by evaluating mesoscale mechanical characteristics would be important to meet the increasing demand for the press forming of CFRP sheets. In this research, by modeling and analyzing CFRP sheets in microscale, the influence of the interaction between resin and fiber within a CFRP during plastic deformation was evaluated. The carbon fiber was modeled to observe its kink behavior based on an orthotropic elastic material model. The epoxy resin was regarded as a ductile material and a Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) model was applied, which represent a viscoelastic plastic material considering damage by void generation, growth and coalescence. Simulations were performed by changing the GTN parameters, and this paper explains the influence of each parameter on formability based on the analysis result.
Natural infection rates and transmission of Theileria annulata by Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum ticks in the Sud
Authors: Salih D.A. , Sharieff O.E. , Lazarus A.G. , Hassan S.M.
Published: April 2018

Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum nymphs were collected from two localities in the Sudan: Eddamer in Northern Sudan and Wad-Medani in Central Sudan. They were allowed to moult to adult ticks, which were assessed for Theileria infection in their salivary glands using Feulgen stain. At Eddamer, 49.6 % of 123 ticks examined were infected with Theileria and the mean intensity of infection was 1.3 (i.e. the number of infected acini / number of infected ticks). At Wad-Medani, 8.6 % of 162 ticks were infected and the mean intensity of infection was 7.9. The prevalence of infection was higher in female than in male ticks at both localities. When adult H. a. anatolicum were applied onto two susceptible calves, both animals developed the severe form of theileriosis.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy: Surgical Approaches and Postoperative Imaging Changes
Authors: Nakamura Shu , Taguchi Mitsuto
Published: April 2018

Study Design

Retrospective clinical study.

Purpose

This study investigated the relationship between surgical approaches and surgical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD), including the reduction in intervertebral disc height and the incidence of Modic changes.

Overview of Literature

The anterior approach involves partial invasion of the intervertebral disc, with a reported reduction in intervertebral disc height after PECD.

Methods

Forty-two patients with cervical disk hernia who underwent PECD and magnetic resonance imaging at least 3 months postoperatively were divided into four groups according to the hernia sites and the surgical approach used: unilateral hernia treated using the contralateral approach (group C, n=18), unilateral hernia treated using the ipsilateral approach (group I, n=15), midline hernia (group M, n=4), and broad and bilateral hernia (group B, n=5). Modic changes and intervertebral disc height were evaluated.

Results

The overall incidence of Modic changes was 52.4%: 72.2% in group C, 26.7% in group I, 25.0% in group M, and 80.0% in group B. The reduction in intervertebral disc height was 21.8% across all the patients: 24.5% in group C, 11.0% in group I, 22.8% in group M, and 23.9% in group B.

Conclusions

The incidence of Modic changes and the reduction in intervertebral disc height were lower in the patients treated using the ipsilateral approach than in those treated using the contralateral approach. Traditionally, a contralateral approach has been used for PECD; however, the ipsilateral approach is more appropriate and is therefore recommended.
Spinopelvic Alignment and Low Back Pain after Total Hip Replacement Arthroplasty in Patients with Severe Hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: Eguchi Yawara , Iida Satoshi , Suzuki Chiho , Shinada Yoshiyuki , Shoji Tomoko , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Ohtori Seiji
Published: April 2018

Study Design

Retrospective observational study.

Purpose

We examined change in lumbrosacral spine alignment and low back pain (LBP) following total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with severe hip osteoarthritis (OA).

Overview of Literature

Severe hip osteoarthritis has been reported to cause spine alignment abnormalities and low back pain, and it has been reported that low back pain is improved following THA.

Methods

Our target population included 30 patients (29 female, mean age 63.5 years) with hip OA who underwent direct anterior approach THA. There were 12 cases with bilateral hip disease and 18 cases with unilateral osteoarthritis. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for LBP and coxalgia, the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ), and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) were assessed before and after surgery. Spinal alignment metrics were measured before and after surgery.

Results

VAS for LBP change from preoperative to final postoperative observation was significantly improved (p <0.05), as was VAS for hip pain (p<0.001). RDQ improved significantly (p<0.01). All five domains of JOABPEQ were significantly improved (p<0.05). In terms of coronal alignment, lumbar scoliosis change from preoperative to last observation was significantly reduced (p<0.05). There were no significant changes in the sagittal alignment metrics. In addition, there was a correlation between before and after RDQ difference and before and after lumbar scoliosis difference (p<0.05). VAS for LBP (p<0.05) as well as RDQ (p<0.05) were significantly improved only in unilateral OA. Lumbar scoliosis was significantly improved in cases of unilateral OA (p<0.05), but alignment did not improve in cases of bilateral OA (p=0.29).

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates improvements in VAS for LBP, RDQ, and all domains of JOABPEQ. There were also significant reductions in lumbar scoliosis and an observed correlation of RDQ improvement with lumbar scoliosis improvement. We were able to observe improvements in lumbar scoliosis and low back pain only in cases of unilateral OA. It has been suggested that the mechanism of low back pain improvement following THA is related to compensatory lumbar scoliosis improvement.
Dear Program Director: Deciphering Letters of Recommendation
Authors: Saudek Kris , Saudek David , Treat Robert , Bartz Peter , Weigert Rachel , Weisgerber Michael
Published: April 2018

Background 

Letters of recommendation (LORs) are an important part of applications for residency and fellowship programs. Despite anecdotal use of a “code” in LORs, research on program director (PD) perceptions of the value of these documents is sparse.

Objective 

We analyzed PD interpretations of LOR components and discriminated between perceived levels of applicant recommendations.

Methods 

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive study of pediatrics residency and fellowship PDs. We developed a survey asking PDs to rate 3 aspects of LORs: 13 letter features, 10 applicant abilities, and 11 commonly used phrases, using a 5-point Likert scale. The 11 phrases were grouped using principal component analysis. Mean scores of components were analyzed with repeated-measures analysis of variance. Median Likert score differences between groups were analyzed with Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results 

Our survey had a 43% response rate (468 of 1079). “I give my highest recommendation” was rated the most positive phrase, while “showed improvement” was rated the most negative. Principal component analysis generated 3 groups of phrases with moderate to strong correlation with each other. The mean Likert score for each group from the PD rating was calculated. Positive phrases had a mean (SD) of 4.4 (0.4), neutral phrases 3.4 (0.5), and negative phrases 2.6 (0.6). There was a significant difference among all 3 pairs of mean scores (all P < .001).

Conclusions 

Commonly used phrases in LORs were interpreted consistently by PDs and influenced their impressions of candidates. Key elements of LORs include distinct phrases depicting different degrees of endorsement.
Shifts in stream hydrochemistry in responses to typhoon and non-typhoon precipitation
Authors: Chang Chung-Te , Huang Jr-Chuan , Wang Lixin , Shih Yu-Ting , Lin Teng-Chiu
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Climate change is projected to increase the intensity and
frequency of extreme climatic events such as tropical cyclones. However, few
studies have examined the responses of hydrochemical processes to climate
extremes. To fill this knowledge gap, we compared the relationship between
stream discharge and ion input–output budget during typhoon and non-typhoon
periods in four subtropical mountain watersheds with different levels of
agricultural land cover in northern Taiwan. The results indicated that the
high predictability of ion input–output budgets using stream discharge
during the non-typhoon period largely disappeared during the typhoon periods. For ions
such as Na+, NH4+, and PO43-, the typhoon period and
non-typhoon period exhibited opposite discharge–budget relationships. In
other cases, the discharge–budget relationship was driven by the typhoon
period, which consisted of only 7 % of the total time period. The
striking differences in the discharge–ion budget relationship between the two
periods likely resulted from differences in the relative contributions of
surface runoff, subsurface runoff and groundwater, which had different
chemical compositions, to stream discharge between the two periods.
Watersheds with a 17–22 % tea plantation cover showed large increases in
NO3- export with increases in stream discharge. In contrast,
watersheds with 93–99 % forest cover showed very mild or no increases in
NO3- export with increases in discharge and very low levels of
NO3- export even during typhoon storms. The results suggest that even
mild disruption of the natural vegetation could largely alter hydrochemical
processes. Our study clearly illustrates significant shifts in hydrochemical
responses between regular and typhoon precipitation. We propose that
hydrological models should separate hydrochemical processes into regular and
extreme conditions to better capture the whole spectrum of hydrochemical
responses to a variety of climate conditions.