bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Material flow behaviours during friction stir spot welding of lightweight alloys using pin and pinless tools
Authors: de Leon M. , Shin H.-S.
Published: July 2015

This study investigated material flow behaviour in similar aluminium alloy and magnesium alloy sheet lap welds produced by friction stir spot welding. The material flows around the tool pin and shoulder were visualised through the tracer material technique, and schematic illustrations were made to clarify the induced material flow direction and intensity. The material flow observations described that the pin part provided the outward spinning motion of the material, while the shoulder part generated a centrifugal effect at the edge for downward flow/hooking. Induced material flow intensity suggested that dominant flow patterns near the shoulder edge were observed for the similar Al welds, whereas high intensity outward spinning flows at the pin periphery for the similar Mg welds. As a result, the material flow under the pin and shoulder of the tool explained that the morphology of the failure mode was highly dependent on the tool geometry and the alloy material adopted.
Coincidence point theorems for some multi-valued mappings in complete metric spaces endowed with a graph
Authors: Klanarong Chalongchai , Suantai Suthep
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we introduce the concepts of weak g-graph-preserving for multi-valued mappings and weak G-contractions in a metric space endowed with a directed graph. We establish the coincidence point theorems for this type of mappings in a complete metric space endowed with a directed graph. Examples illustrating our main results are also presented. Our results extend and generalize various known results in the literature.
Surveillance of perchlorate in ground water, surface water and bottled water in Kerala, India
Authors: Nadaraja Anupama Vijaya , Puthiyaveettil Prajeesh Gangadharan , Bhaskaran Krishnakumar
Published: July 2015

Background

Perchlorate is an emerging water contaminant that disrupts normal functioning of human thyroid gland and poses serious threat to health, especially for pregnant women, fetus and children.

Results

High level of perchlorate contamination in fresh water sources at places nearby ammonium perchlorate (rocket fuel) handled in bulk is reported in this study. Of 160 ground water samples analyzed from 27 locations in the State Kerala, 58 % had perchlorate above detection limit (2 μg/L) and the highest concentration observed was 7270 μg/L at Ernakulam district, this value is ~480 times higher than USEPA drinking water equivalent level (15 μg/L). Perchlorate was detected in all surface water samples analyzed (n = 10) and the highest value observed was 355 μg/L in Periyar river (a major river in the State). The bottled drinking water (n = 5) tested were free of perchlorate.

Conclusions

The present study underlines the need for frequent screening of water sources for perchlorate contamination around places the chemical is handled in bulk. It will help to avoid human exposure to high levels of perchlorate.
Thyroid Hormone Signaling in Male Mouse Skeletal Muscle Is Largely Independent of D2 in Myocytes
Authors: Werneck-de-Castro Joao P. , Fonseca Tatiana L. , Ignacio Daniele L. , Fernandes Gustavo W. , Andrade-Feraud Cristina M. , Lartey Lattoya J. , Ribeiro Marcelo B. , Ribeiro Miriam O. , Gereben Balazs , Bianco Antonio C.
Published: July 2015

The type 2 deiodinase (D2) activates the prohormone T4 to T3. D2 is expressed in skeletal muscle (SKM), and its global inactivation (GLOB-D2KO mice) reportedly leads to skeletal muscle hypothyroidism and impaired differentiation. Here floxed Dio2 mice were crossed with mice expressing Cre-recombinase under the myosin light chain 1f (cre-MLC) to disrupt D2 expression in the late developmental stages of skeletal myocytes (SKM-D2KO). This led to a loss of approximately 50% in D2 activity in neonatal and adult SKM-D2KO skeletal muscle and about 75% in isolated SKM-D2KO myocytes. To test the impact of Dio2 disruption, we measured soleus T3 content and found it to be normal. We also looked at the expression of T3-responsive genes in skeletal muscle, ie, myosin heavy chain I, α-actin, myosin light chain, tropomyosin, and serca 1 and 2, which was preserved in neonatal SKM-D2KO hindlimb muscles, at a time that coincides with a peak of D2 activity in control animals. In adult soleus the baseline level of D2 activity was about 6-fold lower, and in the SKM-D2KO soleus, the expression of only one of five T3-responsive genes was reduced. Despite this, adult SKM-D2KO animals performed indistinguishably from controls on a treadmill test, running for approximately 16 minutes and reached a speed of about 23 m/min; muscle strength was about 0.3 mN/m·g body weight in SKM-D2KO and control ankle muscles. In conclusion, there are multiple sources of D2 in the mouse SKM, and its role is limited in postnatal skeletal muscle fibers.
Procedure for Reorganization of Legal Entity in The Form of Allocation
Authors: Миславская  , Mislavskaya N.
Published: July 2015

The present paper is devoted to reorganization of legal entities, this process’s standard and legislative regulation,

solution of thus arising problems, and can serve as a guide to action for managers and economists-accountants of the

legal entities who have made the relevant decision.
National survey on endoscopy training in the UK
Authors: Jones RP , Stylianides NA , Robertson AG , Yip VSK , Chadwick G
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is an important skill for both gastroenterologists and general surgeons but concerns have been raised about the provision and delivery of training. This survey aimed to evaluate and compare the delivery of endoscopy training to gastroenterology and surgical trainees in the UK.

Methods

A nationwide electronic survey was carried out of UK gastroenterology and general surgery trainees.

Results

There were 216 responses (33% gastroenterologists, 67% surgeons). Gastroenterology trainees attended more non-training endoscopy lists (mean: 3.0 vs 1.2) and training lists than surgical trainees (mean: 0.9 vs 0.5). A significantly higher proportion of gastroenterologists had already achieved accreditation in gastroscopy (60.8% vs 28.9%), colonoscopy (66.7% vs 1.4%) and flexible sigmoidoscopy (33.3% vs 3.0%). More gastroenterology trainees aspired to achieve accreditation in gastroscopy (97.2% vs 79.2%), flexible sigmoidoscopy (91.7% vs 70.1%) and colonoscopy (88.8% vs 55.5%) by completion of training. By completion of training, surgeons were less likely than gastroenterologists to have completed the required number of procedures to gain accreditation in gastroscopy (60.3% vs 91.3%), flexible sigmoidoscopy (64.6% vs 68.6%) and colonoscopy (60.3% vs 70.3%).

Conclusions

This survey highlights marked disparities between surgical and gastroenterology trainees in both aiming for and achieving accreditation in endoscopy. Without changes to the delivery and provision of training as well as clarification of the role of endoscopy training in a surgical training programme, future surgeons will not be able to perform essential endoscopic assessment of patients as part of their management algorithm.
Current management approaches to facial neuralgias
Authors: Zakrzewska Joanna M
Published: July 2015

Neurological conditions that cause oral and facial pain are relatively rare but must be distinguished from dental and temporomandibular disorders as their management can be complex and may require referral to the secondary care sector. The most common neuralgia is trigeminal neuralgia with other rarer conditions including post herpetic neuralgia and glossopharyngeal neuralgia.
Port-Site Pyoderma Gangrenosum – A Rare Complication of Surgical Trauma
Authors: Noblett SE , Woodcock S
Published: July 2015

We report a case of pyoderma gangrenosum occurring at the site of a laparoscopic port insertion following laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.
Clopidogrel: is a surgical delay necessary in fractured neck of femur?
Authors: Nwachuku Iheanyi C , Jones Morgan , Clough Timothy M
Published: July 2015

INTRODUCTION

This paper assesses the outcomes of patients after surgery for a proximal femur fracture while on clopidogrel. It describes a single-centre retrospective observational study over a two-year period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 31 surgical patients were included in this study. Of these, 28 were on clopidogrel and 3 on dipyridamole. Patients were split into subgroups based on when surgery took place and the type of hip fracture. The ‘early surgery’ (<48 hours from admission to theatre) group contained 16 patients (51.6%) and the ‘late surgery’ (>48 hours) group composed 15 patients (48.4%). Type of surgery performed and pre-and postoperative haemoglobin (Hb) levels were recorded. Furthermore, the number of units of blood transfused per patient as well as complications before and after surgery were noted.

RESULTS

A significantly larger mean Hb drop occurred in the early surgery group (3.2g/dl) compared with the late surgery group (2.3g/dl) (p=0.027). The mean length of inpatient stay was 21 days in the early and 23 days in the late group (p=0.456). A significantly larger Hb mean drop occurred in patients with extracapsular hip fractures (3.4g/dl; n=16) compared with patients with intracapsular fractures (2.3g/dl; n=15) (p=0.020). The extracapsular patients had longer stays in hospital: 24.5 days versus 19.8 days in the intracapsular group (p=0.521). There was no statistical difference in the 30-day mortality between the early surgery (3/16 deaths) and late surgery (2/15 deaths) groups (p=0.481).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with extracapsular fractures, treated with early surgery, appear to be most at risk of complications after surgery.
The effectiveness of hyaluronic acid intra-articular injections in managing osteoarthritic knee pain
Authors: Trigkilidas D , Anand A
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and progressive joint disease. Treatment options for knee OA vary from simple analgesia in mild cases to knee replacement for advanced disease. Knee pain due to moderate OA can be targeted with intra-articular injections. Steroid injections have been used widely in managing acute flare-ups of the disease. In recent years, viscosupplementation has been used as a therapeutic modality for the management of knee OA. The principle of viscosupplementation is based on the physiological properties of the hyaluronic acid (HA) in the synovial joint. Despite a sound principle and promising in vitro studies, clinical studies have been less conclusive on the effectiveness of HA in managing osteoarthritic knee pain. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of HA intra-articular injections in the management of osteoarthritic knee pain.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed using MEDLINE®, Embase™ and CINAHL® (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature). The databases were searched for randomised controlled trials available on the effectiveness of HA intra-articular injections in managing osteoarthritic knee pain.

Results

The search yielded 188 studies. Of these, 14 met the eligibility criteria and were reviewed in chronological order.

Conclusions

HA intra-articular injections have a modest effect on early to moderate knee OA. The effect peaks at around 6–8 weeks following administration, with a doubtful effect at 6 months.
Postoperative numbness of the knee following total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Black R , Green C , Sochart D
Published: July 2015

Introduction

The infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve is often injured during total knee arthroplasty (TKA), leading to numbness in its distribution distal to the incision. This is illustrated in a patient who suffered full-thickness burns to the lateral aspect of the knee from a hot water bottle. However, the proportion of patients who are informed of this phenomenon (as well as the effect of informing the patient of numbness) has not previously been studied according to the authors’ knowledge. The aim of this study was to establish the proportion of patients with whom postoperative numbness was discussed during the consent procedure and whether this discussion was documented.

Methods

A total of 73 patients (103 TKAs) agreed to take part in this study between 16 May and 9 July 2011. Patients were asked about their recollection of numbness being mentioned prior to the procedure as well as whether they experienced postoperative numbness. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS®.

Results

Subjective numbness was noted in 27% of the patients in this study. The prevalence of numbness decreased with time. Patients whose consent process included a discussion of numbness were 3.3 times more likely to report numbness after TKA (p=0.003).

Conclusions

Patient education regarding postoperative numbness increases the patient’s awareness of any insensate skin that may develop. Numbness after TKA does improve with time but does not resolve completely. It is therefore recommended by the authors that numbness is discussed preoperatively with the patient and that this discussion is documented.
Patient satisfaction with the use of an enhanced recovery programme for primary arthroplasty
Authors: Machin JT , Phillips S , Parker M , Carrannante J , Hearth MW
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Enhanced recovery programmes (ERPs) are increasingly being used for arthroplasty. One of the core aims of an ERP is to improve the quality of patient experience. However, there is currently no published evaluation of patient satisfaction in relation to this new programme of care within orthopaedic surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the ERP against the standard care programme (SCP) at one centre.

Methods

A satisfaction survey addressing patient opinions on the key objectives of the ERP was conducted by telephone, using a set script. Of the 226 patients contacted, 143 (63.3%) responded (69 from the ERP and 74 from the SCP). Of the respondents, 71 received a total hip arthroplasty and 72 a total knee arthroplasty. Patients were contacted at a mean time from operation to survey of 27.2 weeks. They were asked to rate satisfaction on a five-point scale and complete the EQ-5D™ health questionnaire (EuroQol, Rotterdam, Netherlands) to measure healthcare outcomes.

Results

The mean patient satisfaction score of 4.07 for speed of recovery in the ERP group was significantly higher than the SCP group’s score of 3.68 (p=0.037). Adjusting for the preoperative health score, the postoperative health score was higher for ERP patients at 74.1 compared with 64.7 for SCP patients (p=0.0029). Furthermore, the percentage of patients who had a better than expected recovery was significantly greater in the ERP group at 85.5% compared with 58.1% (p=0.0004) in the SCP group.

Conclusions

We believe that the previously established reduction in length of hospital stay delivered by ERPs is not achieved at the expense of the patient’s experience.
Admission inflammatory markers and isolation of a causative organism in patients with spontaneous spinal infection
Authors: Torrie PAG , Leonidou A , Harding IJ , Jones G Wynne , Hutchinson MJ , Nelson IW
Published: July 2015

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to investigate the significance of the inflammatory markers on admission in the isolation of a causative pathogen in patients with spinal infection. Spinal infection is treated frequently at spinal units and can encompass a broad range of clinical entities. Its diagnosis is often delayed because of the difficulty of identifying the responsible pathogen.

Methods

Patients with spinal infection treated in our institution over a period of eight years were identified and their notes studied retrospectively. Admission C-reactive protein (CRP), white cell count (WCC) as well as co-morbidities and mode of pathogen identification were recorded. Overall, 96 patients were included in the study.

Results

The CRP levels on admission were correlated significantly with the overall potential for isolation of a pathogen (p<0.0001) and positive biopsy cultures (p=0.0016). Admission WCC levels were associated significantly with the overall potential for isolation of a pathogen (p=0.0003) and positive biopsy cultures (p=0.0023). Both CRP and WCC levels were significantly negatively correlated with the duration of the preceding symptoms (p=0.0003 and p<0.0001 respectively). Delay in presentation was significantly negatively correlated with organism isolation (p=0.0001). Multivariate analyses identified the delay in presentation as the strongest independent variable for organism isolation (p=0.014) in cases of spontaneous spinal infection when compared with the admission CRP level (p=0.031) and WCC (p=0.056).

Conclusions

In spontaneous spinal infection, delay in presentation is the strongest independent variable for organism isolation. High inflammatory marker levels on admission are a useful prognostic marker for the overall potential of isolating a causative organism either by blood cultures or by biopsy in patients with negative blood cultures. Furthermore, the admission inflammatory marker levels allow for treating surgeons to counsel their patients of the likelihood of achieving a positive microbiological yield from biopsy.
Medical students and foundation doctors need more exposure to basic urology
Authors: Forsythe RO , Eylert MF
Published: July 2015

With few foundation doctors (FDs) expressing any interest in urology and the lack of a formal undergraduate curriculum in urology, 1 it has been documented that undergraduate exposure to urology is inadequate 2 and that FDs are unable to perform basic urological procedures, 3 in which they should be competent as specified in the General Medical Council (GMC) publication Tomorrow’s Doctors. 4
Interview: Sir Terence English
Authors: Newton Charlotte
Published: July 2015

Papworth’s heart transplant pioneeropens up about career setbacks and physician-assisted dying.
Introducing Rowena: a simulator for neurosurgical training
Authors: Ashpole RD
Published: July 2015

Meet the two part MRI-compatible plastic head.
Interview: Henry Marsh
Authors: Button Vivienne
Published: July 2015

Leading neurosurgeon-turned-bestselling author Henry Marsh lets us pick his brain.
Something old, something new
Authors: Mortensen Neil
Published: July 2015

In the first issue of the new-look Bulletin, we discuss politics and determinism – both nominative and architectural.
The realism and usefulness of the Voxel-Man TempoSurg and the Visible Ear simulator
Authors: Bennett WO , Wilmot VV , Reddy VM , Alderson DJ
Published: July 2015

Comparing two different temporal bone simulators, at a point when EWTD limits mean simulation can save vital time during training.
The role of interventional surgery in oral potentially malignant disorders
Authors: Thomson Peter
Published: July 2015

Oral potentially malignant disorders are mucosal diseases with a significantly increased risk of squamous carcinoma development – a lethal and deforming disease with rising incidence, especially in young people. Despite the ability to recognise pre-cancer disorders in patients, clinicians remain unable to predict individual mucosal lesion behaviour or quantify the risk of malignant transformation. No clear management guidelines exist and the available scientific literature is unable to answer the fundamental question: does early diagnosis and interventional management treat pre-cancer effectively and prevent malignant transformation?
Osteonecrosis of the jaw: BRONJ and ARONJ
Authors: Ruggiero Salvatore
Published: July 2015

Bisphosphonates and other more recent antiresorptive agents are potent inhibitors of osteoclast function and osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. As such, they have been effectively utilised to reduce skeletally related events and improve the quality of life of patients with osteoporosis and malignant osteolytic disease. Despite these benefits, osteonecrosis of the jaw continues to be a worrisome complication in a small subset of patients receiving these drugs.
Adapting Phonological Awareness Interventions for Children With Down Syndrome Based on the Behavioral Phenotype: A Promising Approach?
Authors: Lemons Christopher J. , King Seth A. , Davidson Kimberly A. , Puranik Cynthia S. , Fulmer Deborah , Mrachko Alicia A. , Partanen Jane , Otaiba Stephanie Al , Fidler Deborah J.
Published: July 2015

Many children with Down syndrome demonstrate deficits in phonological awareness, a prerequisite to learning to read in an alphabetic language. The purpose of this study was to determine whether adapting a commercially available phonological awareness program to better align with characteristics associated with the behavioral phenotype of Down syndrome would increase children's learning of phonological awareness, letter sounds, and words. Five children with Down syndrome, ages 6 to 8 years, participated in a multiple baseline across participants single case design experiment in which response to an adapted phonological awareness intervention was compared with response to the nonadapted program. Results indicate a functional relation between the adapted program and phonological awareness. Suggestions for future research and implications for practice are provided.
MMTV/LTR Promoter-Driven Transgenic Expression of EpCAM Leads to the Development of Large Pancreatic Islets
Authors: Vercollone Jeffrey R. , Balzar Maarten , Litvinov Sergey V. , Yang Wendy , Cirulli Vincenzo
Published: July 2015

Our previous work demonstrated an important role of EpCAM in the regulation of pancreatic cell adhesion, growth and differentiation. Here we investigated the consequences of human EpCAM (hEpCAM) overexpression under the control of the MMTV-LTR promoter, known to drive robust gene expression in a number of ductal epithelia, including the pancreas. In this animal model (MMTV-hEpCAM) we uncovered a striking pancreatic phenotype exhibiting a 12-fold increase in the islet cell mass, with normal expression patterns of insulin and the transcription factor PDX-1. Intriguingly, these large islet clusters revealed an altered architectural organization of α- and δ-cells that appeared interspersed with β-cells in the islet cores. This suggests an effect of the hEpCAM transgene on the function of other cell adhesion molecules that we have previously shown to regulate islet cell type segregation. Consistent with this finding, we show that the pancreatic epithelium in MMTV-hEpCAM transgenic mice exhibits a redistribution of β-catenin, a known regulator of E-cadherin-mediated adhesions. Collectively, these results provide an important in vivo validation of hEpCAM signaling properties in normal epithelia and offer unique opportunities to further explore the function of this glycoprotein in select pancreatic cell lineages to elicit islet cell expansion, and/or regeneration in diabetes.
Effects of Experimental Trypanosoma Congolense Infection on Sperm Morphology in Yankasa Rams
Authors: Okubanjo Oluyinka O. , Sekoni Victor O. , Ajanusi Ologunja J. , Adeyeye Adewale A.
Published: July 2015

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of T. congolense on the sperm morphology of Yankasa rams (YKR). Nine YKR aged 24-30 months-old were assigned into two groups of 6 infected and 3 uninfected control and were monitored for 7 weeks. The infected group of YKR was each inoculated with 1 × 106 T. congolense through the jugular vein, while the control group remained uninfected. The entire infected group developed trypanosomosis post infection (pi) characterized by sperm morphological abnormalities in the semen. There were significant (P<0.001) increases in the mean percentage of acrosomal, head, middle piece and tail abnormalities. Proximal and distal droplets as well detached heads were also significantly (P<0.001) increased post infection (pi). Acrosomal abnormalities, distal droplet and tail abnormalities increased from week 1 pi till the end of the study, while head abnormalities and detached heads increased from week 2 pi. Middle piece abnormalities and proximal droplets increased from week 3 and 4 pi till the end of the study respectively. The high incidence of morphological defects caused by T. congolense is capable of causing infertility from the first week pi thereby making the rams unfit for breeding at the end of the study.
Medication review in inpatients at cardiology clinic / Prehodnotenie terapie u hospitalizovaných pacientov na kardiologickej klinike
Authors: Kováčová B. , Hasilla J. , Ďurišová A.
Published: July 2015

This study deals with effect of hospital pharmacist on solving drug-related problems (DRP) in inpatients. The study was carried out as a prospective 5-week study at the Cardiology Clinic, Teaching Hospital, Nitra. The study group included 73 inpatients. Pharmacotherapy of each patient was analysed for DRP within 24-48 h after admission. Information on patients was collected from electronic database, medical reports, communication with attending doctors and ward rounds. Patients’ age, medical history, diagnoses, medication prescribed during hospitalisation and laboratory test results were assessed for further pharmacotherapy rationalisation. Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) classification scheme for DRP V6.2 was used to characterise DRP. There were 36 DRP identified in 37% inpatients (n = 27). The most frequent causes of DRP were dose-related (n = 13; 26%) and use
Prosperity of community pharmacy evaluated by gross and net profit and suggested corrective measures. 10 years study / Prosperita verejnej lekárne hodnotená prostredníctvom hrubého a čistého zisku a opatrenia vedúce k ich náprave. 10 ročná štúdia
Authors: Malovecká I. , Papargyris K. , Mináriková D. , Foltán V. , Jankovská A.
Published: July 2015

Monitoring, calculation and assessment of community pharmacy prosperity with the help of financial analysis indicators for years 2003-2012, using financial statements was conducted, with respect to profitability parameters such as gross and net profit ratios. These ratios reflect various changes that hold between years 2003 and 2012. Under the time of financial crisis, recession and serious socioeconomic changes the profitability parameter gross profit ranged from x2003-2011=14.3-22.8% (average=19.2%, mean=19.8%, σ=2.4), but in 2012 decreased on 14.3%. Net profit ranged x2003-2011 = 2.3-18.3% (average=14.6%, mean =16.6%, σ = 4.9), while in 2012 reached only 2.3%. All changes that have taken place in the society had impact on community pharmacy finance by worsening its profitability. Therefore, the stability of community pharmacy may be threatened and may affect its future performance.
Assessment of knowledge and attitudes to preserve oral health among older people aged 60+ in FYROM
Authors: Šapurić Meri , Tozja F.
Published: July 2015

Introduction. In the last decade, the impact of oral health on overall health status in the elderly has attracted considerable attention. Elderly people are often not aware that oral diseases and tooth loss can be prevented. Oral health behaviour involves acquisition of individual habits for preservation and maintenance of oral health, such as regular brushing and brushing teeth, using fluoride-rich toothpastes and dental floss, reducing sugar in the diet and habit of regular visits to the dentist. The aim of this research was to assess knowledge and attitude toward maintenance and preservation of oral health in people over 60 years in FYROM. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study of the population, older than 60 years in FYROM, who use dental services and treatment in public health institution, at the Faculty of Dentistry in Skopje (Clinic of Mouth and Periodontal Diseases) and in the Health Centre in Skopje. As an instrument of this research, a questionnaire which included issues related to oral health behaviour was used for the targeted population. 193 patients answered the questions in this questionnaire. Results. The age of respondents was significantly associated with the frequency of brushing their teeth and interdental spaces, as well as the habits of frequent dental care visits to the dentist. The gender of the patients had a highly significant effect on the use of fluoride toothpastes and the time that had passed since their last visit to the dentist (p<0.01). Education level in elderly patients significantly affected the knowledge of the individual oral health care. Conclusion. Respondents with higher education brushed their teeth and interdental spaces more frequently and had regular dental check-ups. Furthermore, they almost always used fluoride toothpaste when brushing their teeth. The increased concern for their own health correlated to a higher level of knowledge, awareness and attitudes about oral health care, and follow recommendations by a dentist. In FYROM, oral health behaviour of patients above 60 years is far behind the level of care that is achieved in higher developed countries.
Research in Adaptronic Automatic Control System and Biosensor System Modelling
Authors: Skopis Vladimir , Uteshevs Igors
Published: July 2015

This paper describes the research on adaptronic systems made by the author and offers to use biosensors that can be later inserted into the adaptronic systems. Adaptronic systems are based, on the one hand, on the adaptronic approach when the system is designed not to always meet the worst condition, but to change the structure of the system according to the external conditions. On the other hand, it is an extension of common automatic control ad adaptive systems. So, in the introduction firstly the adaptronic approach and biosensor as a term is explained. Adaptive systems, upon which adaptronic ones are based, are also mentioned. Then the construction of biosensor is described, as well as some information is given about the classification of biosensors and their main groups. Also it is suggested to use lichen indicators in industry to control concentration of chemical substances in the air. After that mathematical models and computer experiments for adaptronic system and biosensor analysis are given.
Measurement Instruments and Software Used in Biotribology Research Laboratory
Authors: Tyurin Andrei , Ganus German , Stepanov Mikhail , Ismailov Gafurzhan
Published: July 2015

Precision measurements of friction processes have a key role in a variety of industrial processes. The emergence of fine electronic circuit techniques greatly expands capabilities of control. There are some difficulties for their full implementation today, especially when it regards the accuracy and frequency of measurements. The motion-measuring method in real-time system is considered in this article, paying special attention to increased accuracy. This method is based on rapid analog digital converter (ADC), transmission program and digital signal processor (DSP) algorithms. Description of laboratory devices is included: Tribal-T and universal friction machine (MTU-01) designed for “Pin on disc” tests. Great emphasis is placed on the usability of accelerometers. The present study examined the collected data via laboratory system for data acquisition and control, and processing it in the laboratory of Biotribology. Laboratory supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) algorithms is described below. Task of regulation is not considered. This paper describes only methods of automatic control theory to analyze the frictional quality.
Doubly Robust Estimation with the R Package drgee
Authors: Zetterqvist Johan , Sjölander Arvid
Published: July 2015

A common goal of epidemiologic research is to study the association between a certain exposure and a certain outcome, while controlling for important covariates. This is often done by fitting a restricted mean model for the outcome, as in generalized linear models (GLMs) and in generalized estimating equations (GEEs). If the covariates are high-dimensional, then it may be difficult to well specify the model. This is an important concern, since model misspecification may lead to biased estimates. Doubly robust estimation is an estimation technique that offers some protection against model misspecification. It utilizes two models, one for the outcome and one for the exposure, and produces unbiased estimates of the exposure-outcome association if either model is correct, not necessarily both. Despite its obvious appeal, doubly robust estimation is not used on a regular basis in applied epidemiologic research. One reason for this could be the lack of up-to-date software. In this paper we describe a new
Efficient and convenient synthesis of pyrido [2,1-b]benzothiazole, pyrimidopyrido[2,1-b]benzothiazole and benzothiazolo[3,2-a][1,8]naphthyridine derivatives
Authors: Refat Hala M. , Mohamed Khaled S.
Published: July 2015

New 3-aryl-pyrido[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazole derivatives 2a–e were synthesized in excellent yields via the reaction of benzothiazoleacetonitrile (1) with different aromatic aldehydes. The treatment of 2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-3-(pyridin-4-yl)acrylonitrile (6) with malononitrile afforded 1-amino-3-(pyridin-4-yl)-3H-pyrido[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazole-2,4-dicarbonitrile (7), which was allowed to react with a variety of reagents to provide pyrimido[5′,4′:5,6]pyrido[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazole 8, 9 and [1,3]benzothiazolo[3,2-a][1,8]naphthyridine 10, 15 derivatives. All synthesized products were confirmed by elemental analysis, IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and mass spectral data.
One-pot synthesis of 5-[1-substituted 4-acetyl-5-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)]-8-hydroxyquinolines using DABCO as green catalyst
Authors: Abdelmohsen Shawkat Ahmed , El-Ossaily Yasser Abou-bakr
Published: July 2015

A green and simple method for the synthesis of the title compounds 4 by the reaction of 5-chloroacetyl-8-hydroxyquinoline (1), pentane-2,4-dione (2), and amines 3 in the presence of a catalytic amount of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane at 60°C is described. The procedure is amenable for the synthesis of other substituted pyrroles. Short reaction time, environmentally friendly procedure, and excellent yields are the main advantages. The structures of products 4a–n were characterized by 1H NMR, IR, and MS spectra.
Power Quality Issues and Solutions – Review
Authors: Mikkili Suresh , Panda Anup Kumar
Published: July 2015

Electrical power quality has been an important and growing problem because of the proliferation of nonlinear loads such as power electronic converters in typical power distribution systems in recent years. Particularly, voltage harmonics and power distribution equipment problems result from current harmonics produced by nonlinear loads. The Electronic equipment like, computers, battery chargers, electronic ballasts, variable frequency drives, and switch mode power supplies, generate perilous harmonics and cause enormous economic loss every year. Problems caused by power quality have great adverse economic impact on the utilities and customers. Due to that both power suppliers and power consumers are concerned about the power quality problems and compensation techniques. Power quality has become more and more serious with each passing day. As a result active power filter gains much more attention due to excellent harmonic and reactive power compensation in two-wire (single phase), three-wire (three-phase without neutral), and four-wire (three-phase with neutral) ac power networks with nonlinear loads. However, this is still a technology under development, and many new contributions and new control topologies have been reported in the last few years. It is aimed at providing a broad perspective on the status of APF technology to the researchers and application engineers dealing with power quality issues.
Studies on drying characteristic, nutritional composition, and antioxidant properties of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) leaves
Authors: Moguel-Ordóñez Yolanda B. , Cabrera-Amaro Diana L. , Segura-Campos Maira R. , Ruiz-Ruiz Jorge C.
Published: July 2015

Drying characteristics of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) leaves using radiation drying, convection drying, sun drying, and shade drying treatments were investigated in a convective type. Results for all treatments indicated that drying took place in the falling rate period. The chroma of the dried samples ranged between 29.66 and 23.85. Convection and shade drying samples were found better in colour and had the highest content of total pigments. The proximate and fibre composition were affected by the drying treatments. Extracts obtained from convection drying and shade drying leaves exhibited higher values of Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacities 416.89-423.64 mM mg−1 and ferric reducing power 85.19-87.97%. These extracts also showed ion chelating capacity 59.05-60.21% for Cu+2 and 55.05-59.11% for Fe+2. The results indicate that it is possible to select the drying treatment to obtain the best nutritional and biological properties. Convection drying and shade drying were the least aggressive treatments and leaf powders obtained by these drying methods could be used as sources of nutrients, fibre, and antioxidant compounds.
Assessment Of Biologically Synthesized Ag Nanoparticles Toxicity Against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Parachlorella kessleri And Sinapis alba
Authors: Kaduková Jana , Velgosová Oksana , Mražíková Anna , Marcinčáková Renáta , Tkáčová Eva
Published: July 2015

In general, Ag+ions and AgNPs are considered to be the most toxic for bacterial cells and less toxic for higher organisms. In the present work inhibitory effects of biologically prepared silver nanoparticles on the growth of bacteriaE. coliCCM 3954 andStaphylococcus aureusCCM 3953, green microscopic algaParachlorella kessleriLARG/1 and seed germination and root growth of plantSinapis albaseeds were investigated. Surprisingly, silver nanoparticles showed much stronger inhibitory effects on plant seed germination and root growth than on the bacterial growth. At concentration of 75 mg/l AgNPs both seed germination and root growth ofSinapis albawas inhibited whereas inhibition of the growth ofE. coliandS. aureuswas observed at >195 mg/l. Growth inhibition of algaParachlorella kessleriwas recorded at 300 mg/l AgNPs concentration. The inhibitory effect of silver ions was much higher compared to silver nanoparticles. Even 20 mg/l concentration of Ag+ions inhibited the root growth and concentration > 45 mg/l inhibited germination ofSinapis albaseeds. Inhibition zones in both studied bacteria were found at concentration > 140 mg/l.
History and current status of Red-footed Falcon population size and conservation activities in Voivodina
Authors: Barna Krisztián
Published: July 2015

The Red-footed Falcon population in Voivodina shows a considerable decrease on a large temporal scale, however due to recent conservation measures, it seems to be stable in the past six years. Here I present the history of population estimates and results of partial surveys that have been carried out since 1909. I also show the details and results of conservation efforts recently implemented in the region. Recovery records of individually colour ringed birds indicate that the population breeding in northern Serbia is an integral part of the Carpathian Basin population and thus conservation management should be coordinated within a framework of international cooperation.
Effects of Electricity and Lightning on Man and Animals
Authors: Bernstein T
Published: July 2015

It is often difficult to prove whether a man or animal has been electrocuted. Since death from electrocution can occur with no marks on the body, it is important for pathologists and attorneys to be aware of the lethal effects of electricity from the viewpoint of the engineering expert witness who aids in the investigation of such cases.
Teamwork in the Forensic Sciences: Report of a Case
Authors: Bradford LW , Biasotti AA
Published: July 2015

The scene in which the following events occurred is a single story dwelling in a quiet residential neighborhood where the victim lived. The victim was a 45-year-old woman who lived in the second house on a particular cul-de-sac street next to a red house on the corner (which is of later significance). A street light is situated here.
Discovery of Mental Illness and Mental Defect Among Offenders
Authors: Gold LH
Published: July 2015

In spite of one psychiatrist's play upon words, infatuation with myth, and diatribes about mental illness, people still get sick in their minds and disturbed in their behavior. They are known to have lost control of their impulses and to have committed dangerous acts causing injury to themselves and to others. Patients have described hallucinatory and delusional experiences, have become disorganized and confused, have lost contact with reality, and have required treatment in specialized hospitals, there to be protected for their own sake as well as for others and to receive help toward halting the disease process, controlling it, curing it.
Hexachlorophene Poisoning
Authors: DiMaio VJM , Mullick FG , Henry LD
Published: July 2015

Hexachlorophene is an antibacterial agent widely used in soaps and antiseptic solutions because of its low toxicity and high bactericidal properties. It is used in agriculture as a fungicide on citrus fruits and a number of vegetables. Toxicity from either ingestion or topical application can occur, however. This paper will present four deaths related to hexachlorophene exposure, two acute and two chronic.
Carbonless Paper Systems
Authors: Bertocchi MP
Published: July 2015

In the examination of questioned documents, problems involving the source or authenticity of carbon copies may be encountered. The copy presented may have been prepared through the utilization of individual sheets of carbon paper, or it may have been produced through a carbonless paper system. In some cases it may be significant to determine whether the copy was produced in the conventional manner or with a carbonless system and, if the latter, which particular carbonless system was utilized. For these reasons, a study of the carbonless systems currently in use was undertaken.
Polygraph Validity and Reliability: A Review
Authors: Abrams S
Published: July 2015

In 1963, a subcommittee of the House Government Operations Committee, under the chairmanship of John E. Moss of California, was directed to investigate Federal use of the polygraph [1]. They drew their conclusions from discussions with both researchers and examiners in the field; a review of the literature; and an evaluation of governmental usage of the polygraph. Two years later they presented their findings, which did not favor the continued use of this instrument. Their report indicated that, “There is no lie detector, neither machine nor human.” They further pointed out that this technique had not been proved to be valid in either laboratory research or actual criminal investigations. These statements, inevitably, have had an influence upon polygraph usage. The Federal Government has reduced its use of this technique, and labor unions have relied heavily upon these findings to argue against the employment of this instrument in business and industry. This is in spite of the fact that the polygraph has been demonstrated to aid in recovery of stolen money and material and to act as a deterrent to employee theft [2–4]. It can be assumed, also, that the Moss subcommittee report has influenced the jurists of this country, to the extent that polygraph evidence has generally been ruled inadmissible in the courts.
Court Ordered Handwriting Exemplars—How Effective?
Authors: Mortimer JH
Published: July 2015

Handwriting samples are admitted as standards of comparison by specific Federal Statute, Title 28 United States Code, Section 1731, “The admitted or proved handwriting of any person shall be admissible for purposes of comparison to determine genuineness of another handwriting attributed to such person.” This, of course, would presume that such standards are available.
The Passing of Lay Coroners
Authors: Childs RS
Published: July 2015

In 1945 a committee of the American Medical Association (AMA) published a report [1] deploring the condition of the coroner service throughout the United States. The AMA report stated that “medicine participates less effectively in the administration of justice in the United States than it does in any comparable country in the world.” Although the medical profession throughout the country was aware of the situation already, there was apparently no follow-up nor any change instituted as a result of that report. Presumably the obstacles to reforming the situation seemed invulnerable, for the offices of coroners in most states were imbedded in the state's constitution as were those of county boards, sheriffs, county clerks, prosecutors, and various others. These minor offices, along with the other dull and minor posts that appeared periodically on local ballots, failed almost completely to attract the attention or scrutiny of typical voters. Voters, in the course of marking a paper ballot or pulling little levers on a voting machine, came to such minor offices and voted for all the Democrats or all the Republicans without being able, as they left the polls, to tell you the names of the candidates. The sovereign people have their own royal notion of what is interesting or relatively important in their daily lives, and have taken this attitude toward the great lists of minor offices ever since the era of Andrew Jackson. They are not to be sneered at for being so sensible as to bestow their attention on nearer and dearer matters of private concern; however, this condition left the selection of minor offices to the ticket makers of the two major political parties in each county, a group trivial in numbers and concerned with self interest and party interest in distributing these minor jobs to loyal party members. In perhaps half the 3000-odd counties of the United States, a single party has held, and still holds, consecutive control for generations on end. The situation excluded selection of professionals, since the coronership, like the other county offices, was sure to be awarded to a local aspirant.
Drug Involvement in Automobile Driver and Pedestrian Fatalities
Authors: Turk RF , McBay AJ , Hudson P
Published: July 2015

It has been recognized that traffic crashes are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. In many of these traffic deaths drugs are directly or indirectly involved. The drug most commonly encountered is alcohol, but the extent of involvement of other drugs is unknown.
Standardization of Forensic Drug Analyses
Authors: Frank RS , Gunn JW
Published: July 2015

The subject of standardization of methodology used in the forensic sciences has been a controversial topic studied at length for the past several years. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has formed a committee to study standardization of forensic analyses, and the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) has sections devoted to forensic sciences and narcotic and dangerous drugs. Members of the legal profession have strongly advocated the use of only “standard” procedures in the examination of evidence for court purposes.
Neutron Radiography with 252Cf in Forensic Science
Authors: Cason JL
Published: July 2015

Nuclear methods have been developed and applied in most scientific fields in recent years, including the forensic sciences. One of the newest nuclear techniques is neutron radiography. Although the first radiograph with neutrons was made in 1935, only since the availability of large neutron sources has the experimental technique been developed into an acceptable nondestructive testing method. With the introduction of reactors, neutron radiography made rapid advances. Research with neutron sources such as Pu-Be, Sb-Be, and neutron generators has also aided its development. However, until 252Cf was made available all useful neutron sources were stationary and costly.
The Determination of Excipient Sugar Diluents in Illicit Preparations Containing Heroin by Gas Chromatography
Authors: Miller MD
Published: July 2015

The examination of illicit heroin by the forensic scientist will often entail the identification of adulterants and excipients for intelligence purposes. Fulton [1] in an earlier study of adulterant and diluent content of contraband heroin, found quinine, mannitol, and lactose to be the most common diluents. Knowledge of the various diluents used to cut heroin may provide clues that will enable law enforcement agencies to correlate heroin traffic in diverse metropolitan and geographical areas.