bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Chloridion Content in the Cement by Ion Chromatograph
Authors: Zhang Rui Yan
Published: February 2016

A new method of using ion chromatograph (IC) to test chloride in the cement was introduced in this paper. The accuracy and precision of the new developed method was also analyzed. The advantages compared with existing methods were pointed out that this method is not only quicker but also more accurate and more green environmental.
CrN Coatings at Different Substrate Temperatures Prepared by Single D.C. Magnetron Sputtering Target
Authors: Zhang Hao , Shang Jin , Luo Chen Gang , Zhong Rui Fang , Duo Shu Wang
Published: February 2016

The authors deposited CrN coatings on the surface of 304 stainless steel at room temperature (R.T.), 200, 240 and 280 °C for studying systematically the influence of substrate temperature on morphologies, phase components and mechanical properties of CrN coatings, using the single-target magnetron sputtering in a direct-current mode. The results showed that temperature had an important impact on the morphology, structure and adhesion of CrN coatings. The phases in CrN coatings were not much different and mainly cub-CrN and small amounts of hex-Cr2N, but the intensity change of some peaks was always in existence, the compactness and crystalline improved with the increasing temperature. The coating adhesion was strictly increasing along with the mounting temperature, but the effect of temperature on coating hardness was not clear. In all, CrN coating had the superior properties (the denser structure, the higher critical load of 10.4 N and a reasonable hardness of 18.90 GPa) at 280°C in this paper.
Epitaxial Growth of Copper Film by MOCVD
Authors: Tu Rong , Huang Jin , Zhang Song , Zhang Lian Meng
Published: February 2016

Copper thin films were deposited on single crystal sapphire substrate via metal-organic MOCVD using Cu (acac)2 as precursor. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electronic Microscope (SEM) were employed for studying preferred orientation and microstructure. Atomic Force Microscope was utilized in order to characterize roughness of copper thin layer. By calculation of the Gibbs free energy, the reactions have been deeply understood. Depositions were carried out at various substrate temperatures in the rage 473K to 673K. It has been revealed that temperature determined the orientation and microstructure of copper films. At 673K, copper films have exhibited preferred orientation, smooth surface and connected grains, which proved that this copper thin film can act as precursor. Based on the study of epitaxial growth of copper films, a schematic diagram of epitaxial growth relationship is suggested for the step by step depositions processes.
Studies of Pd-Ag Thin Film for Hydrogen Sensor
Authors: Geng Zhi Ting , He Qing
Published: February 2016

Developing quality hydrogen sensitive material is the core problem of hydrogen sensor, the sensor performance was determined by sensitive response, reproducibility and recovery of hydrogen material. Palladium silver alloy was used as hydrogen sensitive material in this paper. A thin film hydrogen sensor was prepared by using magnetron sputtering system. Testing results indicate that the sensor has a good linear output performance at 0 ~ 30% hydrogen concentration range, and demonstrates a high responsiveness and good repeatability. The strength of responsive signal of the sensor decreases while temperature increases, and its responsive time was shorten as the temperature increases.
Preparation and Photoluminescence Properties of RE-Doped GaN Film by Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Wang Xue Wen , Liu Chan , Wang Cheng Xing
Published: February 2016

This paper fabricates rare earth(RE) La, Ce and Pr doped GaN film by sol-gel method and uses X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) to characterize and analyze their dimensions, morphology and optical properties. The results show that doped GaN film is hexagonal wurtzite structure and has good crystallinity. With the increasing of the Ce doping amounts, the particle size of GaN increases gradually. While augmenting the doping amounts of La or Ce can cause particle size to be smaller. Several RE doped GaN have inhibitory effects on yellow luminescence and generate red emission peaks. The GaN:La don’t appear photoluminescence peak except for the characteristic peak of GaN. Ce doped GaN appear emission peaks with narrow FWHM between 500~600nm. 5% Pr doping enhances the intrinsic excitation and blue band edge luminescence of GaN. Through the analysis, it can be found that La, Ce and Pr doping influence the grain growth and photoluminescence spectrum of GaN film effectively.
A Novel Electrolyte Protect Layer for Aqueous Lithium-Air Battery
Authors: Gong Ying Peng , Zhang Ming , Chi Bo , Li Jian
Published: February 2016

Solid-state composite polymer electrolyte PEO18LiTFSI-xDMSO (CPEx) are prepared by the casting process. An optimized freestanding electrolyte CPEx system yields a lithium ionic conductivity of 2.8×10-4 Scm-1 at 60 oC with x =1.32. The interfacial resistances of Li/CPEx and Li/CPEx/H-LAGP are examined. The interfacial resistance between CPE0 and lithium metal is reduced sharply by the addition of DMSO for CPE1.32 at 60 oC after storage about 35 days. The aqueous lithium air battery consists of Li/CPE1.32/H-LAGP electrode as a lithium protected electrode is successfully operated with LiCl saturated LiOH aqueous solution as electrolyte and Pt black as reference electrode at current density of 0.2 mAcm-1 at 60 oC.
Preparation of Ultra-Fine Clarithromycin Particles by Anti-Solvent Recrystallization
Authors: Xu Jing
Published: February 2016

Ultrafine drug powders have higher bioavaibability than the larger signed particles. Ultrafine powders of clarithromycin were produced by anti-solvent recrystallization with the acetone - water solvent systems. The effects of volume ratio of clarithromycin acetone solution to anti-solvent, stirring speed, precipitation temperature and precipitation time on the preparation process were investigated. The results show that ultrafine powders can be yielded and well-controlled under the following optimal conditions: the volume ratio of clarithromycin acetone solution to anti-solvent 1:10, stirring speed 900 r/min, precipitation temperature 20°C, and precipitation time 10 min. The ultrafine powders with the rod-shape and the mean diameter of 1.8μm with the narrow distribution were successfully obtained. The yield of drug powders is more than 83%. The powders were analyzed with FT-IR and metalloscope. The purity of drug powders is more than 98%, according with Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The operation of the experiment was very simple, and the powders were separated easily.
Sonophotocatalytic Degradation and Mineralization of Bisphenol A in a Sequential Ultrasound Intensified Photocatalytic Reactor
Authors: Cheng Zhi Liang , Xiong Yan Qi , Quan Xue Jun
Published: February 2016

A sequential ultrasound intensified photocatalytic reactors was investigated to degrade and mineralize typical endocrine disruptor, bisphenol A (BPA) using nanometer TiO2 as photocatalyst. The process parameters i.e., US power, TiO2 dosages, air flow rate and circulating liquid velocity of the reactors were optimized of the process. Under the optimum operation condition, nearly 90% and 80% BPA was degraded and mineralized in the reactor within 2.5 h. The combination of sonolysis and photocatalysis of TiO2 exhibits a synergetic effect, and benefits for BPA mineralization.
Thermal Reaction and Phase Evolution of APP/Al(OH)3/α-SiO2
Authors: Hu Sheng , Sun Wan Wan , Chen Fei , Li Jun Guo , Shen Qiang , Zhang Lian Meng
Published: February 2016

The thermal reaction and phase evolution of APP/Al (OH)3/α-SiO2 with different mass ratios during heating were studied by TG, FTIR, XRD and SEM, respectively. When the temperature is not higher than 300 oC, mass ratio of mAPP:mAl (OH)3:mSiO2 has no effect on the phase evolution of APP/Al (OH)3/α-SiO2 and the main interaction product is AlNH4HP3O10. APP/Al (OH)3/α-SiO2 with lower content of APP, appears larger weight loss rate due to the thermal decomposition of Al (OH)3. The thermal reaction of APP/Al (OH)3/α-SiO2 is significantly influenced by the APP content as temperature rises to higher than 300 oC. The decomposition products of APP can chemically interact with Al (OH)3 to generate Al2P6O18 and Al (PO3)3 during 600 oC ~900 °C. When the content of APP increases, much more APP can chemically react with Al (OH)3 and also with part of α-SiO2 to generate SiP2O7. SEM shows the relatively dense microstructure due to micro-bridges of liquid phase with phosphate content increasing.
Numerical Simulation of Powder Dispersion Performance by Different Mesh Types
Authors: Cai Jian , Chen Lan , Opara Umezuruike Linus
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of mesh type on numerical simulating the dispersion performance of micro-powders through a home-made tube. METHODS With the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, a powder dispersion tube was meshed in three different types, namely, tetrahedral, unstructured hexahedral and prismatic-tetrahedral hybrid meshes. The inner flow field and the kinetic characteristics of the particles were investigated. Results of the numerical simulation were compared with literature evidences. RESULTS The results showed that using tetrahedral mesh had the highest computational efficiency, while employing the unstructured hexahedral mesh obtained more accurate outlet velocity. The simulation results of the inner flow field and the kinetic characteristics of the particles were slightly different among the three mesh types. The calculated particle velocity using the tetrahedral mesh had the best correlation with the changing trend of the fine particle mass in the first 4 stages of the new generation impactor (NGI) (R2 = 0.91 and 0.89 for powder A and B, respectively). Conclusions Mesh type affected computational time, accuracy of simulation results and the prediction abilities of fine particle deposition.
Shape and Distribution of Pores in SiC Ceramic Membrane Supports Formed by Extrusion Molding
Authors: Liu Kai Qi , Luo Zhi Yong , Kang Feng , Wang Bing Jun , Gao Fei , Liu Yong Feng
Published: February 2016

The SiC ceramic membrane supports by using four different processes were prepared by extrusion molding process. Shape and distribution of pores in SiC ceramic membrane supports were observed by SEM, Meanwhile the O-ring strength was measured. By analyzing the relationship between pores’ shape, distribution and O-rings strength, the optimal data of apparent porosity and the optimal pores’ shape and distribution was obtained. By means ofusing similar particle sizes, particles modification, controlling drying rate of the green body and controlling the contents of glass phase in neck part between SiC particles formed at the high temperature, the SiC ceramic membrane supports with the O-ring strength greater than 20 MPa were prepared.
Quasistatic Electro-Elastic Contact Modeling Using the Boundary Element Method
Authors: Rodríguez-Tembleque Luis , Sáez Andrés , Buroni Federico C. , Aliabadi Ferri M.H.
Published: February 2016

A three-dimensional boundary element methodology to study frictionless indentation response of piezoelectric (PE) materials is presented. The boundary element method (BEM) is used in order to compute the electro-elastic influence coeffcients of fully anisotropic piezoelectric solids. The proposed contact formulation is based on the augmented Lagrangian method presented in [33, 34, 35] and makes it possible to consider piezoelectric materials under different mechanical and electrical boundary conditions (i.e. insulating indenter and conducting indenter). The methodology is validated by comparison with theoretical solutions presented in the literature.
Convergence and Quasi-Optimality of an Adaptive Multi-Penalty Discontinuous Galerkin Method
Authors: Zhou Zhenhua , Wu Haijun
Published: February 2016

An adaptive multi-penalty discontinuous Galerkin method (AMPDG) for the diffusion problem is considered. Convergence and quasi-optimality of the AMPDG are proved. Compared with the analyses for the adaptive finite element method or the adaptive interior penalty discontinuous Galerkin method, extra works are done to overcome the difficulties caused by the additional penalty terms.
Positivity-Preserving Runge-Kutta Discontinuous Galerkin Method on Adaptive Cartesian Grid for Strong Moving Shock
Authors: Liu Jianming , Qiu Jianxian , Goman Mikhail , Li Xinkai , Liu Meilin
Published: February 2016

In order to suppress the failure of preserving positivity of density or pressure, a positivity-preserving limiter technique coupled withh-adaptive Runge-Kutta discontinuous Galerkin (RKDG) method is developed in this paper. Such a method is implemented to simulate flows with the large Mach number, strong shock/obstacle interactions and shock diffractions. The Cartesian grid with ghost cell immersed boundary method for arbitrarily complex geometries is also presented. This approach directly uses the cell solution polynomial of DG finite element space as the interpolation formula. The method is validated by the well documented test examples involving unsteady compressible flows through complex bodies over a large Mach numbers. The numerical results demonstrate the robustness and the versatility of the proposed approach.
Un webGIS per la conoscenza delle antiche città della Mesopotamia
Authors: Di Giacomo Giacomo , Scardozzi Giuseppe
Published: February 2016

In the years 2005-2009, The Institute for Archaeological Monuments and Sites (CNR-IBAM) participated with "The Virtual Museum of Iraq," sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and developed with the scientific coordination of the National Council of Research. This paper describes in detail the peculiarities of the webGIS implemented for the submission of certain centers of ancient Mesopotamia. From image processing to extract the satellite map data for documentary base, until the creation of the structure and web interface: an experiment in communication history and archeology that extends the classical concept of "museum", extending also to contexts of discovery and the link between the historic landscape and man.
Procesos de documentación arqueológica y generación de modelos virtuales
Authors: Blasco Senabre Josep , Varea Sebastián , Cotino Vila Fernando , Ribera Lacomba Albert , García Puchol Oreto
Published: February 2016

In the present communication we offer some examples that illustrate the methodological corpus applied by our company (Global S.L) in relation with the photogrametrical documentation and the virtual reality in the field of the archaeology. The use of these technologies of computerized documentation offers a great range of possibilities for the graphic documentation of an archaeological excavation, allowing to generate planimetry and pertinent sections and to improve the times in the process of obtaining of information. The possibility of producing 3D models supposes an essential addition to show in a three –dimensional way the current condition of the monument, as well as for its virtual recreation by means of the technologies of virtual reality and increased reality.
Digitalización 3D en Arqueología
Authors: Vila Bonamusa Lluís , Viladrichtor Lluís
Published: February 2016

The purpose of the communication is to show, from several archaeological projects, the results achieved in cooperation between two companies specialized in different disciplines: one in archeology and cultural heritage and other measurement and 3D scanning. The set of elements will be described relate to projects that are being implemented, so that their development is not enough yet to present some conclusions to allow us to evaluate the outcome of the work carried out between the two company.
Nuevas tecnologías en levantamientos aplicadas a la restauración: “El Giraldillo’’
Authors: Barrera Vera José Antonio , Pérez Romero Antonio , Ortiz Marín Rafael , Cobos Gutiérrez Carlos
Published: February 2016

This work consists in the geometric survey of a big statue by means of a laser scanner and solid modelling. It has been chosen, for its complexity and singularity of the image. It’s about the copy of the weather vane that crowns the tower of the Giralda of Seville, the well-known " Giraldillo ", carried out by traditional methods a few years ago. The big dimensions of the study object and its location in a public place make that other methods of obtaining of data cannot be applied without using auxiliary elements to be carried out, this would suppose to have disable its exhibition during a certain time.

By means of this experience we will have opportunity to contrast the results of the application of technical of geometric survey with laser total station and threedimensional laser scanner.
Seasonal and solar cycle variations in the ionospheric convection reversal boundary location inferred from monthly SuperDARN data sets
Authors: Koustov Alexander V. , Fiori Robyn A. D.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Multi-year (1995–2013) velocity data collected by the Super Dual Auroral Network (SuperDARN) HF radars are considered to investigate seasonal and solar cycle variations of the convection reversal boundary (CRB) location for interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz < 0. By considering monthly data sets we show that the CRB is at higher latitudes in summer between 1995 and 2007. The poleward shifts are on the order of 2–5°. After 2007, the seasonal effect weakens, and the highest latitudes for the CRB start to occur during the winter time. We show that the CRB latitudes decrease with an increase of the IMF transverse component at a rate of (1–2°)/2 nT. Because of this effect, on average, the CRB latitudes are lower during high solar activity periods with stronger IMFs. We also confirm the effect of the CRB dawn-dusk shifts related to the IMF changes in the IMF By sign.
Vilniaus universiteto studentų rizikingos elgsenos įvertinimas
Authors: Tarejeva Jekaterina , Žagminas Kęstutis , Serapinas Danielius
Published: February 2016

Tyrimo tikslas. Įvertinti Vilniaus universiteto studentų rizikingą elgseną 2009 metais. Metodai. Iškeltam tyrimo tikslui pasiekti duomenys buvo renkami anoniminės anketinės apklausos metodu. Tiriamąjį kontingentą sudarė 1200 Vilniaus universiteto Chemijos, Ekonomikos, Matematikos ir informatikos, Medicinos, Fizikos, Filologijos ir Teisės fakultetų I-VI kursų studentai. Tyrime naudotas 39 klausimų anoniminis klausimynas, kuris apibūdina studentų bendrus duomenis: amžių, lytį, kursą, fakultetą, rūkymo paplitimą, alkoholio, narkotinių medžiagų vartojimą, lytinį elgesį, mitybą, traumatizmą, fizinį aktyvumą, depresyvumą. Anketos klausimai analizuoti bendrai ir atskirai pagal lytį, atskirus kursus ir fakultetus. Kategorinių duomenų (nominalinių ir ranginių kintamųjų) analizei taikytas χ2 ir Mann-Whitney, Kruskal – Wallis metodai. Paplitimo įverčiams apskaičiuoti 95 proc. pasikliautiniai intervalai. Tolydūs dydžiai analizuoti Stjudent‘o t-testu, ANOVA. Duomenų apdorojimui ir analizei panaudota SPSS.17 (17 versija, 2009) ir WinPepi 10.5 (10.5 versija, 2010) kompiuterinės programos. Rezultatai. 94,8% apklaustų studentų patenkinamai vertino savo fizinės sveikatos būklę. Rūko 39,5 % apklaustųjų, daugiau vyrų nei moterų (atitinkamai 45% ir 34,9%, p = 0,002). Daugiausia rūko Filologijos fakulteto studentai, mažiausiai – Medicinos fakulteto studentai. Alkoholį vartoję kelis kartus per savaitę nurodė 16,9% respondetų, daugiau vyrų nei moterų (atitinkamai 21,6% ir 13,0% moterų, p<0,001). Kasdien alkoholinius gėrimus vartoja 8,6% studentų ir 1,8% studenčių. Narkotines medžiagas vartojo 34,5% VU studentų (45,5% vyrų ir 25,5% moterų, p<0,001). Vidutinis apklaustųjų vyrų KMI yra 24,60, moterų – 20,76. 22,8% apklaustųjų turi antsvorio arba yra nutukę. 66,4% vyrų ir 63,6% moterų (p<0,001) nurodė, kad gamindami maistą dažniausiai vartoja aliejų. 30,8% studentų per paskutinę savaitę du - tris kartus darė mankštą, kurios metu suprakaituodavo ir padažnėdavo kvėpavimas. Lytinius santykius per paskutinius 12 mėn. turėjo 76,6% studentų. 63,5% studentų paskutinių lytinių santykių metu naudojo prezervatyvą. 33,4% vyrų ir 24,7% moterų per pastaruosius 12 mėn. teko patirti susižalojimų, dėl kurių teko kreiptis pagalbos į gydytoją. 25,3% respondentų susižeidė ar patyrė nelaimingą atsitikimą būdami apsvaigę nuo alkoholio ar narkotinių medžiagų. Per pastaruosius 12 mėn. itin prislėgtos nuotaikos ne mažiau kaip dvi savaites buvo 25,9% respondentų, daugiau moterų (29,0%) nei vyrų (22,3%) (p=0,019). Nusižudyti yra bandę 8,9% apklaustųjų. Išvados. Didelis alkoholio vartojimo paplitimas, narkotikų vartojimas, nesaugus lytinis elgesys, nesubalansuota mityba sudaro palankias prielaidas lėtinėms ligoms išsivystyti. Siekiant sumažinti šių ligų išsivystymo riziką studentų grupėje, alkoholio ir kitų narkotikų vartojimo prevencija turi būti prioritetine. Traumų prevencija, mityba, psichinė sveikata taip pat turi būti jaunimo visuomenės sveikatos prioritetų sąraše.
Predicting Non-Adherence To Medication Regimen Among Patients With Hypertension: Taking Steps Toward Ecological Approach
Authors: Zamalijeva Olga , Jusienė Roma , Badarienė Jolita
Published: February 2016

Medication non-adherence among patients with hypertension is one of the main reasons for poor treatment efficacy, higher healthcare costs, increased patient morbidity and mortality. Despite numerous attempts to explain and improve adherence to long-term treatment regimen, the prevalence of non-adherence is still very common. Moreover, treatment adherence research rarely includes environmental variables as proposed by the ecological model. The aim of this study is to analyze the role of patient-level and micro-level variables in predicting medication non-adherence among patients with hypertension. Method. 101 hypertensive outpatients aged 33-93 (M = 60.13; SD = 11.85) volunteered to participate in the study. A self-report questionnaire was constructed to assess subjects’ adherence to medication regimen. Pivotal socioeconomic variables were recorded as well as treatment-related information, illnessrelated beliefs, perceived social support and satisfaction with the healthcare provider. Results show that perceived longer illness duration and higher satisfaction with the healthcare provider predict lower levels of intentional medication non-adherence. Younger age, higher intensity of side effects and lower levels of perceived social support predict higher unintentional medication non-adherence. Amount of prescribed medication has no direct effect on unintentional medication non-adherence, but is mediated through intensity of side effects. Results of this study emphasize the importance of environmental variables and recognition of various patterns of medication non-adherence, which provide additional understanding of the complexity of this health-related behavior.
Pacientų, gydytų nuo piktybinių galvos ir kaklo navikų, fizinės problemos
Authors: Šiupšinskienė Nora , Švagždytė Ligita , Dubosas Laimis , Vaitkus Saulius , Razbadauskas Artūras
Published: February 2016

Darbo tikslas buvo įvertinti pacientų, gydytų nuo piktybinių galvos ir kaklo navikų, fizines problemas ir palyginti jas atsižvelgiant į skirtingus gydymo laikotarpius. Analizuoti 62 pirminių pacientų (amžiaus vidurkis 61,6±10,2 m.) duomenys. Dauguma - 69,4 proc. tirtų pacientų sirgo gerklų vėžiu, absoliuti dauguma pacientų buvo gydyti chirurginiu ar sudėtiniu būdais. Atsižvelgiant į gydymo laikotarpius, pacientai suskirstyti į dvi grupes: ankstyvojo laikotarpio (N=31) - besigydančius ar po gydymo praėjus ne daugiau kaip 6 mėn. ir vėlyvojo laikotarpio (N=31) - po gydymo praėjus daugiau kaip 6 mėn. Pacientų grupės buvo homogeniškos atsižvelgiant į amžių, lytį, ligos lokalizaciją, stadiją ir gydymo būdą. Dauguma pacientų gydyti chirurginiu ar kombinuotu būdais. Pacientų fizinės problemos vertintos juos apklausiant standartizuotais gyvenimo kokybės (GK) klausimynais - EORTC QLQ-C30 ir EORTC QLQ – H&N35. Bendroji sveikatos būklė daugumos – 64,5 proc. pacientų buvo įvertinta patenkinamai ar blogiau. Pagrindinė specifinė fizinė problema, bloginanti pacientų GK, buvo kalbos sunkumai (72,6 proc. pacientų). Taip pat pacientams pasireiškė jutimų sutrikimai - uoslės (58,1 proc.) ir skonio (53,2 proc.) susilpnėjimas, sunkumai, susiję su įtempta fizine veikla (59,7 proc.), ir užimtumo funkcijų apribojimas (40,3 proc.). Be to, pacientus vargino vidutinio sunkumo nuovargis, nemiga, nuskausminamųjų vartojimas, padidėjęs seilių lipnumas, dantų ir svorio kontrolės problemos. Kai kurios vėlyvojo laikotarpio grupės pacientų problemos buvo išryškėjusios ženkliau nei ankstyvojo laikotarpio grupės pacientų: užimtumas, ypač darbe, buvo reikšmingai mažesnis, dusulys - stipresnis, kalbos ir jutimo problemos - sunkesnės, aiškėjo ligos sąlygotos finansinės problemos (p<0,05). Galime teigti, kad pacientams, gydytiems nuo piktybinių galvos ir kaklo navikų, pasireiškia nespecifinių ir specifinių fizinių problemų. Daugumos pacientų bendroji sveikatos būklė yra pablogėjusi. Pagrindinės fizinės problemos - kalbos ir įtemptos fizinės veiklos sunkumai. Vėlyvojo laikotarpio pacientų grupėje nustatyta reikšmingai daugiau fizinių problemų nei ankstyvojo.
Pacientų emocinės ir funkcinės būklės kaita po estetinio protezavimo
Authors: Liškutė, Jovita , Tamulienė Rasa , Mačiulienė Daiva
Published: February 2016

Šiandien vis didesnis dėmesys skiriamas ne tik ėduonies pažeistiems dantims, tačiau ir jų esteti- nei išvaizdai. Mokslinėje literatūroje akcentuojama, jog graži šypsena yra svarbi socialinė vertybė ir lemia paciento ne tik funkcinės, tačiau ir emocinės būklės pokyčius. Tyrimo tikslas: nustatyti pacientų emocinės ir funkcinės būklės kaitą po estetinio protezavimo procedūros. Tyrimo dalyviai ir metodai: 48 pacientai, kuriems buvo atlikta estetinio protezavimo procedūra. Taikytas duomenų rinkimo metodas – apklausa raštu. Tyrimo rezultatai: atlikto tyrimo rezultatai parodė, kad po estetinio protezavimo procedūros labiau pasikeitė pacientų emocinė nei funkcinė būklė. Tyrimo rezultatai atskleidė, kad pacientai, kuriems buvo atlikta estetinio protezavimo procedūra, pradėjo la- biau pasitikėti savimi, atsirado pojūtis, jog gyvenimas yra geresnis ir pilnavertiškesnis, tyrimo dalyviai pradėjo skirti daugiau dėmesio burnos higienai. Vertinant funkcinės būklės pokyčius nustatyta, kad labiausiai pasikeitė kramtymo bei sukandimo funkcijos.
Role of CYP2E1 and NQO1 polymorphisms in oxidative stress derived cancer in Thais with and without dyslipidemia
Authors: Tanaviyutpakdee Pharrunrat , Yoovathaworn Krongtong , Sirivarasai Jintana , Chanprasertyothin Suwannee , Panpunuan Pachara , Petchpoung Krittaya , Tatsaneeyapant Aninthita , Sura Thunyachai , Kaojarern Sming , Sritara Piyamit
Published: February 2016

Background

Hyperlipidemia can induce the endogenous production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may cause carcinogenesis. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2E1 activity, induced by various factors including polyunsaturated fatty acids, effects the incidence of cancers, whereas NQO1, a flavoprotein, may protect against ROS.

Objectives

To investigate the effect of CYP2E1 and NQO1 polymorphism on oxidative stress status in Thais with and without dyslipidemia.

Methods

We included 1380 apparently healthy employees of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand in this study. We determined their CYP2E1 and NQO1 genotypes and related these to blood lipid profiles, and circulating levels of antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced glutathione (GSH). Lifestyle-related factors were determined from questionnaires.

Results

All tested genotype frequencies were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The heterozygous and variant genotype distribution and allele frequency of CYP2E1 *5B were less common than CYP2E1 *6. Heterozygous NQO1 was the most prevalent form. The frequency of the mutated allele CYP2E1 *5B was 0.16, CYP2E1 *6 was 0.22, and NQO1 *2 was 0.43. Significant differences were observed for blood cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol between normolipidemic participants, and those with hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and combined hyperlipidemia. Participants in the hyperlipidemic subgroup who bore any variant alleles of genes had higher plasma MDA and GSH levels, and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity, but lower catalase activity when compared with normolipidemic participants bearing wild-type alleles.

Conclusions

Variations in genetic disposition and dyslipidemia can modify oxidative stress status. Relatively more free radicals may be generated in individuals in subgroups with hyperlipidemia bearing any variant alleles.
A store-and-forward telemedicine for retinopathy of prematurity screen: is it cost-effective in Thailand?
Authors: Wongwai Phanthipha , Kingkaew Pritaporn , Asawaphureekorn Somkiat , Kolatat Tharatip
Published: February 2016

Background

Prompt diagnosis and treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is crucial to prevent blindness. Telemedicine for ROP diagnosis can be applied in regions that lack an expert ophthalmologist.

Objectives

To assess the value-for-money of telemedicine in screening for ROP in high-risk infants.

Methods

A cost-utility analysis of screening and diagnosis of ROP using telemedicine was compared with the current process for ROP screening (Thai Clinical Trials Registry Identification No. TCTR20130911001). We used decision analytical models to compare costs and outcomes in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALY) to the health provider and society. We used one-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis to consider parameter uncertainty.

Results

The total capital cost for telemedicine to the health provider was 951,000 THB per year. With the base case analysis of 400 children screened per year per RetCam, the performance of screening and diagnosis of ROP using telemedicine (100% sensitivity and 97.8% specificity) was higher compared with the current method (88.9% sensitivity and 93.4% specificity). We therefore expect that blindness can be prevented in 3 children per 400 screening cases. The incremental cost to society of telemedicine compared with the current practice was 837 THB. Preventing just one child from becoming blind can save around 146,000 THB throughout their lifetime based on savings to welfare costs for disabled people. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of this telemedicine was 259 THB per case of prevented blindness and 17,397 THB per QALY saved.

Conclusions

Store and forward telemedicine for ROP screening is cost-effective.
Coinheritance of Southeast Asian ovalocytosis and the β-thalassemia trait in a Malay family
Authors: Raman Yamunah , Saleem Mohamed , Ahmad Rahimah , Yusoff Narazah Mohd
Published: February 2016

Background

Southeast Asian ovalocytosis (SAO) is a red blood cell membrane disorder caused by a 27 base pair (bp) deletion in the SLC4A1 that transcribes to a truncated variant of band-3 glycoprotein. β-Thalassemia is another red blood cell disorder, caused by mutant alleles in the β-globin gene that lead to globin chain impairment. Both conditions occur in Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia.

Objectives

This report describes hematological and molecular features of a patient with both SAO and β-thalassemia and her children.

Methods

A 58-year-old Malay woman presented to our clinic with dizziness, tiredness, and easy fatigability. She was mildly anaemic. Analysis of her complete blood counts and her peripheral blood smear revealed microcytic hypochromic anaemia with large numbers of macro-ovalocytes and stomatocytes.

Results

Hemoglobin and globin gene studies revealed heterozygous β-thalassemia, and further analysis demonstrated a heterozygous 27 bp deletion on the SLC4A1 gene consistent with SAO. Analysis of the patient’s offspring showed co-inheritance of β-thalassemia and SAO in her elder daughter and son, and SAO alone in another daughter.

Conclusions

High frequencies of SAO and different β-thalassemia mutations are present in the Malaysian population, thus coinheritance of SAO and β-thalassemia is not uncommon. However, this coinheritance is rarely reported, possibly because the red blood cell indices are overlooked and peripheral smear examinations are not routine.
Janus kinase 2 negative polycythemia vera
Authors: Thungthong Pravinwan , Chamnanchanunt Supat , Suwanban Tawatchai , Nakhakes Chajchawan , Iam-arunthai Kunapa
Published: February 2016

Background

A Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) mutation polycythemia vera (PV) is a common manifestation of stem cell disorder. However, available data on the clinical and treatment response of JAK2-negative PV patients are limited.

Objectives

We report the case and clinical course of a patient with PV and left hemiparesis who was JAK2V617-negative.

Methods

We conducted a literature review and compared our patient with previously published reports of JAK2-negative patients with P V.

Results

Our patient presented with hemiparesis without a previous history of hematological disease. He was diagnosed with PV based on the British Committee for Standards in Haematology guidelines 2007. He underwent only phlebotomy with subsequent improvement of his neurological condition. He was discharged with therapeutic phlebotomy for one and a half months.

Conclusions

Although this rare condition required complex diagnostic criteria, the patient achieved good clinical outcome with therapeutic phlebotomy alone.
Editorial No.9
Authors: Castillo Herrera Beverly
Published: February 2016

Con esta edición N° 9 estamos arribando al tercer año de publicación continua de la REVISTA CIENTIFICA DE FAREM-Estelí. En este número encontraran ocho artículos, seis en Ciencias Económicas, uno en Ciencias Sociales y uno en Gestión Integral de Riesgos. Todas estas investigaciones están conectadas con las líneas de investigación de la Facultad Regional Multidisciplinaria (FAREM-Estelí) perteneciente a la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua, UNAN-Managua.
Applications of the Theory of Continuous Oil Film Lubrication of a Radial Sliding Bearing for Three Combined Conditions
Authors: Li Jingyuan , Li Zifeng
Published: February 2016

The theory of lubrication of a radial sliding bearing is extended to three cases: the shaft neck rotation and bush rotation bearing, the rotating load bearing, and the floating sleeve bearing. For the bearing with rotating shaft neck and rotating bush, fixing the observer at the bushing can enable the determination, in a simple and more accurate manner, of the bearing capacity of the bearing with the rotating load. As long as a rotating load exists, whirl exists; if the shaft rotation speed is 2 times the load rotation speed, then the eccentricity reaches the maximum.
A method to construct a points system to predict cardiovascular disease considering repeated measures of risk factors
Authors: Palazón-Bru Antonio , Carbayo-Herencia Julio Antonio , Vigo Maria Isabel , Gil-Guillén Vicente Francisco
Published: February 2016

Current predictive models for cardiovascular disease based on points systems use the baseline situation of the risk factors as independent variables. These models do not take into account the variability of the risk factors over time. Predictive models for other types of disease also exist that do consider the temporal variability of a single biological marker in addition to the baseline variables. However, due to their complexity these other models are not used in daily clinical practice. Bearing in mind the clinical relevance of these issues and that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide we show the properties and viability of a new methodological alternative for constructing cardiovascular risk scores to make predictions of cardiovascular disease with repeated measures of the risk factors and retaining the simplicity of the points systems so often used in clinical practice (construction, statistical validation by simulation and explanation of potential utilization). We have also applied the system clinically upon a set of simulated data solely to help readers understand the procedure constructed.
Bagworm bags as portable armour against invertebrate predators
Authors: Sugiura Shinji
Published: February 2016

Some animals have evolved the use of environmental materials as “portable armour” against natural enemies. Portable bags that bagworm larvae (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) construct using their own silk and plant parts are generally believed to play an important role as a physical barrier against natural enemies. However, no experimental studies have tested the importance of bags as portable armour against predators. To clarify the defensive function, I studied the bagwormEumeta minusculaand a potential predatorCalosoma maximoviczi(Coleoptera: Carabidae). Under laboratory conditions, all bagworm larvae were attacked by carabid adults, but successfully defended themselves against the predators’ mandibles using their own bags. The portable bags, which are composed mainly of host plant twigs, may function as a physical barrier against predator mandibles. To test this hypothesis, I removed the twig bags and replaced some with herb leaf bags; all bag-removed larvae were easily caught and predated by carabids, while all bag-replaced larvae could successfully defend themselves against carabid attacks. Therefore, various types of portable bags can protect bagworm larvae from carabid attacks. This is the first study to test the defensive function of bagworm portable bags against invertebrate predators.
Spatial structure arising from neighbour-dependent bias in collective cell movement
Authors: Binny Rachelle N. , Haridas Parvathi , James Alex , Law Richard , Simpson Matthew J. , Plank Michael J.
Published: February 2016

Mathematical models of collective cell movement often neglect the effects of spatial structure, such as clustering, on the population dynamics. Typically, they assume that individuals interact with one another in proportion to their average density (the mean-field assumption) which means that cell–cell interactions occurring over short spatial ranges are not accounted for. However,in vitrocell culture studies have shown that spatial correlations can play an important role in determining collective behaviour. Here, we take a combined experimental and modelling approach to explore how individual-level interactions give rise to spatial structure in a moving cell population. Using imaging data fromin vitroexperiments, we quantify the extent of spatial structure in a population of 3T3 fibroblast cells. To understand how this spatial structure arises, we develop a lattice-free individual-based model (IBM) and simulate cell movement in two spatial dimensions. Our model allows an individual’s direction of movement to be affected by interactions with other cells in its neighbourhood, providing insights into how directional bias generates spatial structure. We consider how this behaviour scales up to the population level by using the IBM to derive a continuum description in terms of the dynamics of spatial moments. In particular, we account for spatial correlations between cells by considering dynamics of the second spatial moment (the average density of pairs of cells). Our numerical results suggest that the moment dynamics description can provide a good approximation to averaged simulation results from the underlying IBM. Using ourin vitrodata, we estimate parameters for the model and show that it can generate similar spatial structure to that observed in a 3T3 fibroblast cell population.
AN OVERVIEW OF COLLAPSE OF BUILDINGS IN NIGERIA: A MEDICO-SPATIAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Akinlabi FADAMIRO Joseph , Adeniran ADEDEJI Joseph
Published: February 2016

The tripartite quality of buildings that qualify as architectural products has been traditionally held to be serviceability, stability and aesthetics. Unfortunately, the Nigerian built environment has lost the stability component of this trio with attendant socio-economic, political and cultural negative outcomes. This is obvious from the reported cases of building collapses in the country. While the literature is replete with numerous studies on the subject matter, the interaction of this spatial problem with medical practice has been grossly neglected. This review paper presents a medico-spatial dimension of building collapse towards understanding its implications on the medical practice, people and places. Through the aid of literature resources, results show multiple interactions among these key variables. The paper enumerates and argues in favour of holistic solutions and asserts that medical professionals should be co-opted as major stakeholders in the formulation, review and enforcement of the National Building Code in Nigeria and elsewhere.
Cytosolic localization of NADH cytochrome b5 oxidoreductase (Ncb5or)
Authors: Zámbó Veronika , Tóth Mónika , Schlachter Krisztina , Szelényi Péter , Sarnyai Farkas , Lotz Gábor , Csala Miklós , Kereszturi Éva
Published: February 2016

Acyl‐CoA desaturation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane depends on cytosolic NADH or NADPH, whereas NADPH in the ER lumen is utilized by prereceptor glucocorticoid production. It was assumed that NADH cytochrome b5 oxidoreductase (Ncb5or) might connect Acyl‐CoA desaturation to ER luminal redox. We aimed to clarify the ambiguous compartmentalization of Ncb5or and test the possible effect of stearoyl‐CoA on microsomal NADPH level. Amino acid sequence analysis, fluorescence microscopy of GFP‐tagged protein, immunocytochemistry, and western blot analysis of subcellular fractions unequivocally demonstrated that Ncb5or, either endogenous or exogenous, is localized in the cytoplasm and not in the ER lumen in cultured cells and liver tissue. Moreover, the involvement of ER‐luminal reducing equivalents in stearoyl‐CoA desaturation was excluded.
Saharan versus local influence on atmospheric aerosol deposition in the southern Iberian Peninsula: Significance for N and P inputs
Authors: Morales‐Baquero Rafael , Pérez‐Martínez Carmen
Published: February 2016

A novel methodology was used to evaluate the contribution of Saharan dust to the atmospheric deposition of particulate material (PM), total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN) in the southeastern Iberian Peninsula. Dry and wet aerosol depositions were measured weekly during two 1 year periods at one site and simultaneously during spring‐summer of the same years at two other sites (intersite distance of ~ 40 km). Statistical relationships among depositions at the different sites permitted differentiation of Saharan dust inputs from locally derived dust. PM and TP depositions were synchronous among the three study sites; the synchrony was elevated during periods of Saharan intrusions (evaluated by air mass retrotrajectories analyses), but no temporal correlation was observed during periods without Saharan intrusions. According to analysis of variance results, PM and TP depositions were both significantly affected by Saharan intrusions. During weeks with Saharan intrusions, PM deposition increased around 85% above background levels, with no differences among the three sites, while TP deposition increased by 1.1 µmol TP m−2 d−1, i.e., 29% to 81% above background levels depending on the site. There were no correlations or differences in TN deposition among sites or as a function of Saharan intrusion periods. The annual contribution of PM and TP from Saharan dust was 75 kg ha−1 and 0.07 kg P ha−1, respectively, which can be considered a genuine input for the ecosystems in this area. This novel approach is likely to be valid in any area in the world under atmospheric deposition of long‐range transported material.
Mid‐2000s North Atlantic shift: Heat budget and circulation changes
Authors: Somavilla R. , González‐Pola C. , Schauer U. , Budéus G.
Published: February 2016

Prior to the 2000s, the North Atlantic was the basin showing the greatest warming. However, since the mid‐2000s during the so‐called global warming hiatus, large amounts of heat were transferred in this basin from upper to deeper levels while the dominance in terms of atmospheric heat capture moved into the Indo‐Pacific. Here we show that a large transformation of modal waters in the eastern North Atlantic (ENA) played a crucial role in such contrasting behavior. First, strong winter mixing in 2005 transformed ENA modal waters into a much saltier, warmer, and denser variety, transferring upper ocean heat and salt gained slowly over time to deeper layers. The new denser waters also altered the zonal dynamic height gradient reversing the southward regional flow and enhancing the access of saltier southern waters to higher latitudes. Then, the excess salinity in northern regions favored additional heat injection through deep convection events in later years.
Frequency of marine heatwaves in the North Atlantic and North Pacific since 1950
Authors: Scannell Hillary A. , Pershing Andrew J. , Alexander Michael A. , Thomas Andrew C. , Mills Katherine E.
Published: February 2016

Extreme and large‐scale warming events in the ocean have been dubbed marine heatwaves, and these have been documented in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This paper examines the intensity, duration, and frequency of positive sea surface temperature anomalies in the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans over the period 1950–2014 using an objective definition for marine heatwaves based on their probability of occurrence. Small‐area anomalies occur more frequently than large‐area anomalies, and this relationship can be characterized by a power law distribution. The relative frequency of large‐ versus small‐area anomalies, represented by the power law slope parameter, is modulated by basin‐scale modes of natural climate variability and anthropogenic warming. Findings suggest that the probability of marine heatwaves is a trade‐off between size, intensity, and duration and that region specific variability modulates the frequency of these events.
Phillips' Lambda function: Data summary and physical model
Authors: Irisov V. , Plant W.
Published: February 2016

Measurements of Phillips' Lambda function describing the average length of breakers on the ocean per unit area at speed cb are summarized. An expression is developed that fits these data within reasonable bounds. A physical model for the Lambda function is derived based on the assumption that breaking occurs when the surface steepness exceeds a threshold value. The energy contained in the breaking region is related to the fifth power of the breaker speed, as Phillips showed, and from this the probability of finding a breaker with a speed cb may be determined from a simulation of the long‐wave surface based on a linear superposition of Fourier components. This probability is directly related to the Lambda function so that a form for this function can be determined. The Lambda function so determined agrees in both shape and intensity with the fit to the measured Lambda functions.
Basin scale controls on CO2 and CH4 emissions from the Upper Mississippi River
Authors: Crawford John T. , Loken Luke C. , Stanley Emily H. , Stets Edward G. , Dornblaser Mark M. , Striegl Robert G.
Published: February 2016

The Upper Mississippi River, engineered for river navigation in the 1930s, includes a series of low‐head dams and navigation pools receiving elevated sediment and nutrient loads from the mostly agricultural basin. Using high‐resolution, spatially resolved water quality sensor measurements along 1385 river kilometers, we show that primary productivity and organic matter accumulation affect river carbon dioxide and methane emissions to the atmosphere. Phytoplankton drive CO2 to near or below atmospheric equilibrium during the growing season, while anaerobic carbon oxidation supports a large proportion of the CO2 and CH4 production. Reductions of suspended sediment load, absent of dramatic reductions in nutrients, will likely further reduce net CO2 emissions from the river. Large river pools, like Lake Pepin, which removes the majority of upstream sediments, and large agricultural tributaries downstream that deliver significant quantities of sediments and nutrients, are likely to persist as major geographical drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.