bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical-Mechanical Properties of Hollow Glass Microspheres Filled Polypropylene Composites for Injection Moulding
Authors: Bĕhálek Luboš , Lenfeld Petr , Habr Jiří , Dobránsky Jozef , Seidl Martin , Bobek Jiří
Published: October 2015

The paper deals with the study physical-mechanical properties of polypropylene composites in dependence on amount of hollow glass microspheres in matrix. Composite material compounded by method "Water cooling strand pelletizing" consists of polypropylene, adhesion promoter and hollow glass microspheres with average diameter (18÷20) μm and different density: 0,46 g/cm3 (iM16K) and 0,60 g/cm3 (iM30K). Measured results are compared with talc filled polypropylene. In terms of experimental measurement is by the differential scanning calorimetry method evaluated also course of prepared composites crystallization. Finally there are concluded measured results not only regarding utility properties of parts but regarding also possibilities to control and optimize processing process.
Analysis of Cutting Tools Durability Importance in Turning Process of Steel C60
Authors: Duplák Ján , Hatala Michal , Botko František , Kormoš Miroslav
Published: October 2015

Durability of cutting tools consists form several partial sections. Determination of durability for each specific turning knife, milling head or cutting insert is very complicated. Wide spectrum of factors affects durability of cutting tools, which is important to study and analyze to point out the differences in this process. Major factor influencing cutting process is technological system, which consists of machine, toll, work piece and cutting conditions. In addition to used cutting material there are more parameters affecting cutting process. Properly selected cutting conditions and coating of cutting tool can accelerate production process, improve quality of products or vice versa economically disadvantages. Article deal with analyze of durability of selected cutting materials and compares results of experiment with F.W. Taylor rules and standard ISO 3685. Article highlights on differences developed due to different technological systems in turning process of steel C60. The article also describes process how to define and analytically expressT-vcdependence.
Predictive Diagnostics of Wet Bottom Boilers Operational States by Calculation of Steam Coal Ash Fluid Temperature
Authors: Merc Jaroslav , Varga Augustin
Published: October 2015

This article deals with the issue of steam coal ash fluid (or fusion) temperature evaluation by mathematical method, based on comparison of statistic values obtained by laboratory analysis. The ash fluid temperature is very important parameter for Wet Bottom Boilers operation states because of quality of slagging. The ash composition has the biggest impact to the operation effectiveness and reliability of the Wet Bottom Boilers. It can directly influence the boiler production. Importance of information on ash fluid temperature increased after more strict of NOx emission limits (below 600 mg/m3) become obliged. WBB were initially designed for optimal operation with high temperatures in combustion chamber, with a production of high amount of NOx (often about 1400 mg/m3). The ash fluid temperature is usually determined by laboratory only, but it requires certain time and costs. Authors tried to bring faster and easier way how to evaluate of ash fluid temperature with acceptable accuracy of the parameter as predictive diagnostics [6] of the future boiler operational states.
Diagnostic Analysis of Cutting Tools using a Temperature Sensor
Authors: Krehel' Radoslav , Krchová Denisa , Kočiško Marek
Published: October 2015

In different kinds of industries, newer types of machines are implemented, on which higher and higher requirements are given. High level of production is the essential key for scientific and technological progress in different kind of sectors which contain human activity. Improvement, increasing the efficiency and quality of manufacturing processes are connected with the progress in tool machines. Amongst many indicators that describe the technological level of tool machines is the working part, which has the minor position.
Application and Verification Properties of the Thermal Process Model
Authors: Krehel' Radoslav , Pavlenko Slavko , Maščeník Jozef
Published: October 2015

The article contains sub-results from analyses of processes in thermodiagnostics. In this paper we give examples of the response simulation model of thermal processes on the step pulse. It describes a method of applying diagnostics in machine production. The paper describes a method of prediction values of consistently transient events that can be described by a mathematical function. This article focuses on thermal process. This gives some reasonable time to take an appropriate control plot in the desired values of variables borders. The article contains results of the simulation and plot comparison of simulation results with the measured value.
Method for Measurement of Residual Stresses using Eddy Currents
Authors: Mitaľ Dušan , Michalik Peter , Duplák Ján , Radchenko Svetlana , Živčák Jozef , Kaczmarska Božena , Alowa Mohammed J.A.
Published: October 2015

Article is focused on using eddy current to measure of internal residual stress after milling. In presented article is described methodical process of identification residual stress in internal layers of the surface after machining of steel C45. Eddy current provides fast identification of residual stress directly in engineering areas without necessity to transfer samples in specialized laboratories. Presented article also describe procedure of evaluating measured values of deviation and its transformation to values of residual stress by conversion coefficients.
Verification and Comparison of Two Tribodiagnostic Methods for Analyzing of the Worn out Oils in Service
Authors: Mihalčová Janka
Published: October 2015

The paper deals with comparison and verification of two standard methods for measuring the total acid number of used oils. This is a tribodiagnostic method used to the detection of important quality parameters of oils in service, which determine the degradation of oil filling. This significantly affects the life cycle of oil and, consequently, the lubrication system. The methods for measuring aircraft motor and insulating oils are compared. The method procedures, preparation titration solutions, solvents, through the use of the test sample and electrodes to the accuracy of the measurement on the sample oils are compared. It compares the process of preparation methods of titrating solution, solvents, samples and fills through the use of electrodes to the accuracy of the measurement on the sample oils. From measurements of the samples accuracy and validity of both methods using statistical processing of measurement results is calculated. It utilizes internal control of measurements by means of an internal standard and also inter-laboratory comparison of measurement results.
Diagnostics of Surface Errors by Embedded Vision System and its Classification by Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Židek Kamil , Hošovský Alexander , Dubják Ján
Published: October 2015

The Article deals with usability and advantages of embedded vision systems for surface error detection and usability of advanced algorithms, technics and methods from machine learning and artificial intelligence for error classification in machine vision systems. We provide experiments with following classification algorithms: Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Threes, Gradient Boosted Threes, K-Nearest Neighbor and Normal Bayes Classifier. Next comparison experiment was conducted with multilayer perceptron (MLP), because currently it is very popular for classification in the field of artificial intelligence. These classification approaches are compared by precision, reliability, speed of teaching and algorithm implementation difficulty.
New Silane and MAPP Coupling Agents as Natural Composites Production Systems Improvement
Authors: Bobek Jiří , Lenfeld Petr , Habr Jiří , Seidl Martin , Běhálek Luboš
Published: October 2015

Still more and more applications using synthetic polymers find new material alternative in materials based on synthetic polymer filled with nature fibers mainly plant fibers. Not only in common applications but also in technical applications is possible to use nature fiber composites. But some additional modifications are necessary to perform to gain properties possible to use in technical applications. Mainly increasing adhesion between matrix and fibers is the most common intent of these additional operations. This paper deals with maleic anhydride based coupling agent and silane coupling agent effect in the polypropylene matrix and jute fiber composite and its mechanical properties. By using of silane coupling agents was achieved mechanical properties which are possible to compare with composites with glass fibers mechanical properties mainly in case of the flexural and tensile modulus and mainly was gained significant increasing of composite production system stability.
Proposal of Preventive Maintenance Plan of Experimental Equipment
Authors: Straka Ľuboslav , Gerková Jana , Hašová Slavomíra
Published: October 2015

One of the basic means of improving the reliability of technical equipment is increasing their reliability through targeted maintenance. When designing any technical equipment should be chosen minimum necessary set of technical resources that are necessary to the achievement of the required scope and quality of its functions. By setting an appropriate preventive maintenance plan can be timely and effective interventions to prevent adverse consequences of failure. This paper describes the proposal of optimal plan of preventive maintenance of experimental equipment designed for 3D machining rotating parts with AWJ technology.
Material Flow Planning for Bearing Production in Digital Factory
Authors: Husár Jozef , Dupláková Darina
Published: October 2015

Presented article describes the methodology of material flows planning for bearings production in digital factory. Article analyses the production programme on example in a several steps. It decides about organization of production into the lines and optimizes suggestion of production sequences. In the end of article it presents the basic production parameters. The target of article was creation of complete procedure for suggestion of manufacturing system of bearings production.
Possibilities of Application of Computational Intelligence in Monitoring of Heat Production and Supply
Authors: Čorný Ivan
Published: October 2015

The article deals with on-line monitoring of heat sources with application of predictive system equipped with computational intelligence. In particular, an emphasis is given especially on efficiency, optimization of operation, predictability, and synergistic effects. The operation effectiveness will be evaluated from several perspectives such as the thermal properties of the objects, characteristics and properties of resources, and internal air quality. The proposed system based on the analytical/static approaches (e.g. heat loss models of heated objects) and applying the techniques of computational intelligence (e.g. artificial neural networks) creates a dynamic environment that can predict the amount of heat delivered not only on the basis of the energy requirements for the thermal balance of the heated objects and the current weather forecast, but the use of the data base and universal approximators in the field of computational intelligence on the behavior of objects in different operating conditions.
Cooling Thin Parts of Pressure Casting Moulds by Means of Liquid CO2
Authors: Nováková Iva , Seidl Martin , Brdlík Pavel , Štverák Jan , Moravec Jaromír
Published: October 2015

To ensure optimal temperature conditions during casting cycle the pressure casting moulds are equipped with cooling systems. These days the cooling systems used in the most of Czech foundry plants enable pre-heating of pressure casting moulds to the working temperature before start-up of production and during casting operation to keep optimal temperature balance among the casting and the mould. Pressure casting mould temperature balance is provided by system of mutually connected channels which are mostly parallel with parting line and inside those the heat transfer medium flows. However such a system allows removal only limited heat amount from the most overheated places of the casting mould and does not allow heat removal from cores of small diameters. This inhomogeneous heat removal causes porosity of the casting in certain areas and also lifetime of the pressure casting mould is dramatically reduced. Cooling by means of liquid CO2 was developed as one of the new cooling possibilities for such places in the pressure casting mould where the heat is concentrated and for standard cooling systems it is too complicated to fully control the heat processes there. The paper deals with the behaviour monitoring of the new cooling system utilizing the potential of liquid CO2. This system was applied into pressure casting mould core and its final impact on the casting quality in the close surrounding was observed.
Study of Welding Parameters Effect on the Weld Quality for Structural Steel S235 J0
Authors: Mičko Miroslav , Duplák Ján , Zajac Jozef , Hatala Michal , Kaczmarska Bożena , Botko František , Alowa Mohammed J.A.
Published: October 2015

Welding technology at current level provides wide range of applications such as automotive or aerospace industries. New technique, ways of approach and use of new materials (for example aluminum or composite parts of car body parts) creates necessity of optimizing of welding.The article is focused on welding of two parts using Metal Active Gas (MAG) welding. The main task is to design most suitable parameters for welding structural steel S235 J0. Samples were prepared by CNC machining center by chamfering edges 30°. Machined samples were placed against each other creating angle of total 60°. Welding machine Einhell BT-GW 170 MAG was used to create V and Y shaped welds with various technological parameters. Goal of the article is experimentally determine combination of technological parameters for V and Y shaped weld joints of steel components with thickness of 6 mm focused on hardness. Every welding machine and of course additive material has some recommended values of parameters in large scale, therefore it is necessary to determine most appropriate combination of main welding parameters. Data obtained from experiment showed most suitable combination of variables of welding process in order to achieve highest quality of weld joint.
Correlation between transient ischemic dilation index and endothelin-1 level in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kartamihardja Achmad
Published: October 2015

Transient ischemic dilation (TID) is a sensitive and specific marker for detecting the severity and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD), which is closely associated with endothelial dysfunction. TID can be observed on stress-rest myocardial perfusion scan (MPS) due to subendocardial hypoperfusion. Hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) could lead to micro- and macrovascular complications and begins with endothelial dysfunction. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasocontrictor, increases in endothelial dysfunction. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between TID index and ET​​-1 levels in T2DM patients without any sign or symptom of cardiovascular complication. An analytic-correlational cross-sectional study was done on T2DM patients who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate by signing an informed consent form. The TID index was calculated automatically using standard software provided by the gamma camera GE-Infinia. Stress-rest MPS was done using technetium-99m ( 99m Tc)-tetrofosmin and a pharmacological stress test using adenosine. The ET-1 level was determined by radioimmunoassay. Data distribution was analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk normality test. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the average difference of the variables and Spearman′s rank for correlation analysis. A total of 47 subjects consisting of 24 (51%) males and 23 (49%) females were included in this study. The age range was 37-74 years (54.3 ± 8.4). The TID index range was 0.86-1.26 (median = 1.12) and abnormal TID index was found in 23/47 (49%) subjects. ET-1 levels range 8.02-17.91 pg/mL (median = 11.08). The results showed no significant differences in age, ET-1 levels, and TID index based on age and sex (P > 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between TID index and ET-1 level with r = 0.7 and P < 0.001. There was a positive correlation between TID index and ET-1 plasma level in patients with T2DM.
A case of lingual thyroid presenting with severe hematemesis in pregnancy
Authors: Sudke Amol , Dey Amit , Dhamanskar Suchin , Kulkarni Varsha
Published: October 2015

Lingual thyroid is a rare anomaly with symptoms such as upper airway obstruction, dysphagia, or hypothyroidism. However, bleeding is a very rare manifestation. This report describes a case of lingual thyroid in women with 28 weeks of amenorrhea and hematemesis, and its course of diagnosis and treatment. The pathogenesis of lingual thyroid is unknown. Although ectopic lingual thyroid is usually not managed surgically, excision of ectopic lingual thyroid can be lifesaving when it is causing bleeding or airway obstruction. However, during pregnancy, surgery is the preferred mode of treatment.
Detection of diffuse infiltrative primary hepatic lymphoma on FDG PET-CT: Hallmarks of hepatic superscan
Authors: Mahajan Sonia , Kalra Shefali , Chawla Madhavi , Dougall Pankaj
Published: October 2015

Primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL) is an extremely rare entity with scarce information in evidence-based literature. Few case reports have described the role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG PET-CT) in the diagnosing and staging of PHL. We report the case of a 78-year-old man with PHL who initially presented with weight loss and nonspecific fatigue. FDG PET-CT proved to be a beneficial tool in arriving at the diagnosis of this patient with nonspecific clinical presentation and also in the staging of PHL. Physiological uptake of FDG in the liver can be a potential cause of misinterpretation in such cases. Hence, knowing the imaging hallmarks can increase the accuracy in PET image interpretation.
The incidence of hypothyroidism following the radioactive iodine treatment of graves' disease and the predictive factors influencing its development
Authors: Husseni Maha
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the incidence of hypothyroidism following different fixed radioactive iodine-131 (131I) activities in the treatment of Graves' disease (GD) and to investigate the predictive factors that may influence its occurrence. This retrospective analysis was performed on 272 patients with GD who were treated with 131I, among whom 125 received 370 MBq and 147 received 555 MBq. The outcome was categorized as hypothyroidism, euthyroidism, and persistent hyperthyroidism. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant risk factors that affect the development of hypothyroidism. The incidence of hypothyroidism following the first low activity was 24.8% with a high treatment failure rate of 58.4%, compared with 48.3% and 32% following high activity. The overall cumulative incidence of hypothyroidism following repeated activities was 50.7%, out of which 73.9% occurred after the first activity and 20.3% after the second activity. The higher 131I activity (P < 0.001) and average and mild enlargement of the thyroid gland (P = 0.004) were identified as significant independent factors that increase the rate of incidence of hypothyroidism (Odds ratios were 2.95 and 2.59). No correlation was found between the development of hypothyroidism and the factors such as age, gender, presence of exophthalmos, previous antithyroid medications, and the durations, and Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) pertechnetate thyroid uptake. In view of the high treatment failure rate after first low activity and lower post high activity hypothyroid incidence, high activity is recommended for GD patients, reserving the use of 370MBq for patients with average sized and mildly enlarged goiter; this increases patient convenience by avoiding multiple activities to achieve cure and long-term follow-up.
A 18F-FDG PET/CT screening study of a hepatocellular carcinoma patient with diffuse 18F-FDG uptake into the portal vein and its intrahepatic branches
Authors: Koroglu Reyhan , Koksal Ismail , Gezer Fatma , Kahraman Aysegul , Kekilli Ersoy
Published: October 2015

Major vascular invasion is one of the worst prognostic factors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fludeoxyglucose F 18 (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) method is succesfully being used in HCC patients for the detection of particularly long-distance metastasis. Major vascular invasion is shown by radiological methods [particularly dynamic CT and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)]. A male patient aged 60 years was diagnosed with HCC, according to biopsy after the detection of a mass in the liver. His medical examinations that were performed for the evaluation in terms of liver transplantation were dynamic CT and dynamic MRI; invasion in the intrahepatic branches of the portal vein and in main portal vein was also detected. PET/CT was performed to investigate the distant metastases. Moreover, diffuse 18F-FDG uptake in the intrahepatic branches of the portal vein and in the main portal vein was observed.
Nanotamoxifen delivery system: Toxicity assessment after oral administration and biodistribution study after intravenous delivery of radiolabeled nanotamoxifen
Authors: Shukla Jaya , Dinda Amit , Srivastava Abhay , Srivastava Kamna , Mittal Bhagwant , Bandopadhyaya Guru
Published: October 2015

Tamoxifen is the most prescribed anticancer oral drug for increasing overall survival and decreasing recurrence and the risk of contralateral disease. However, some side effects, such as endometrial and liver tumors, thromboembolic disorders, and drug resistance, are associated with long-term tamoxifen treatment. We assessed the hematologic and organ toxicity after oral administration of three different doses of nanotamoxifen formulations. We also performed biodistribution studies of Technetium-99m (99mTc)-nanotamoxifen after intravenous administration. The results demonstrated that nanotamoxifen was well-tolerated, with no adverse effect on biochemical parameters of blood and at the cellular level. Nitric oxide (NO) levels indicated no free radical formation. Oral nanotamoxifen is well-tolerated, with no hepatic or renal toxicity. Intravenous nanotamoxifen has potential to escape the liver, and is known for producing the harmful metabolite 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4OH-tamoxifen), which can cause uterine cancer.
Multiple brown tumors caused by a parathyroid adenoma mimicking metastatic bone disease from giant cell tumor
Authors: Phulsunga Rohit , Parghane Rahul , Kanojia Rajendra , Gochhait Debasis , Sood Ashwani , Bhattacharya Anish , Mittal Bhagwant
Published: October 2015

Brown tumor affects multiple bones in the body with variable clinical symptoms, which may be misdiagnosed as multiple bone metastases or primary bone tumor. In the present case report, we report the usefulness of 99mTc-MDP bone scan and 99mTc-MIBI whole body scan in differentiating brown tumor of hyperparathyroidism from giant cell tumor.
Poor uptake of fluorodeoxyglucose in positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan for intraocular choroidal melanoma in Asian Indian Eyes
Authors: Sharma Rahul , Shah Parag , Narendran Venkatapathy
Published: October 2015

Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan is fast becoming a very useful tool in diagnosing and staging of several malignancies that affect the human body. We report three cases of ocular choroidal malignant melanoma, wherein FDG PET-CT scan did not show as good uptake as seen in other cancers.
The complimentary role of Methoxy-Isobutyl-Isonitrile and hand-held gamma probe in adamantinoma
Authors: Maharaj Masha , Korowlay Nisaar , Ellmann Prof
Published: October 2015

Adamantinoma is a rare locally aggressive osteolytic tumor that is found 90% of the time in the diaphysis of the tibia with the remaining lesions found in the fibula and long tubular bones. A case of adamantinoma of the tibia is presented. The added value of nuclear medicine investigations in the workup of this patient is described. A three-phase whole body 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate bone and a whole body 99mTc-methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile scans were complimentary in the demarcation of viable bone tumor and the assessment of the remainder of the bone and soft tissue to exclude other sites. Intra-operative assistance with a hand-held gamma probe, guided the biopsy of the most metabolically active tumor tissue. Histology revealed a biphasic tumor composed of epithelial and fibrous components, in keeping with an adamantinoma.
Evaluation of basal renal Function in treatment-naïve patients with malignancy and comparison with age matched healthy control
Authors: Barai Sukanta , Gambhir Sanjay , Jain Suruchi , Rastogi Neeraj
Published: October 2015

There is a paucity of data regarding the prevalence of renal insufficiency in patients with malignancy at baseline before initiation of therapy. The published studies based on patient with prior exposure to cytotoxic therapy have reported a high prevalence of renal impairment. However, these studies have utilized creatinine-based glomerular filtration rate (GFR) prediction equations to assess the level of renal function. These equations are known to have some serious limitations in reliably predicting GFR. The aim of the study was to accurately document the state of renal function in treatment-naïve cancer patients and compare them against age-matched healthy controls using a reference "creatinine independent" GFR measurement technique. Age-matched comparison of GFR of 1,373 treatment-naïve cancer patients and 1,089 healthy controls were done retrospectively. There was no difference in GFR between cancer and healthy group when analyzed under various age groups, though the overall mean GFR in healthy controls was significantly higher compared to cancer group (80.14 ± 17.63 mL vs 74.43 ± 20.84, P 0≤ 0.01), whereas the mean age in control arm was significantly lower compared to cancer group (44.24 ± 17.63 years vs. 50.70 ± 20.84 years, P ≤ 0.01). Treatment-naïve cancer patients have identical renal function to their healthy age-matched peers. Malignancy per se does not directly lead to the decline in filtration capacity of the kidneys.
Detection of primary malignancy and metastases with FDG PET/CT in patients with cholangiocarcinomas: Lesion-based comparison with contrast enhanced CT
Authors: Elias Youssef , Mariano Aladin , Lu Yang
Published: October 2015

The current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines consider the role of 2-deoxy-2- 18 F-fluoro-d-glucose positron emission tomography/computer tomography (FDG PET/CT) in the evaluation of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) as "uncertain," and have recommended contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) but not FDG PET/CT as a routine imaging test for CCA workup. We set out to compare the diagnostic performance of FDG PET/CT and CECT in patients with CCA. The retrospective study included patients with CCA who underwent FDG PET/CT and CECT within 2-month interval between 2011 and 2013 in our hospital. Lesion-based comparison was conducted. Final diagnoses were made based on the composite clinical and imaging data with minimal 6-month follow-up. A total of 18 patients with 28-paired tests were included. There is a total of 142 true malignant lesions as revealed by the 6-paired pre-treatment and 22-paired post-treatment tests. On a lesion-based analysis, the sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values (PPVs), negative predictive values (NPVs), and accuracies of PET/CT and CECT for detection of CCA were 96.5%, 55.5%, 97.2%, 50.0%, 94.1% and 62.2%, 66.7%, 96.7%, 10.0%, 62.5%, respectively. FDG PET/CT detected more intrahepatic malignant and extrahepatic metastases; and had significant higher sensitivity, NPV, and accuracy than CECT, while similar in specificity and PPV. No true positive lesion detected on CECT that was missed on PET/CT, and none of the false negative lesions on PET/CT were detected on CECT. Six patients had paired pretreatment tests, and FDG PET/CT results changed planned management in three patients. Our data suggest that FDG PET/CT detect more primary and metastatic lesions and lead to considerable changes in treatment plan in comparison with CECT.
Disseminated skeletal muscle and cardiac metastasis from squamous cell carcinoma of the lung detected with FDG and FLT PET/CT
Authors: Jain Tarun , Rayamajhi Sampanna , Basher Rajender , Gupta Dheeraj , Maturu Venkata , Mittal Bhagwant
Published: October 2015

Lung cancer is one of the leading cancers all over the world. Positron emission tomography (PET) using 18F fluorodeoxyglucose (18F FDG) is useful for staging of the disease and decide the appropriate management. 3Ͳ-deoxy-3Ͳ-18 F-fluorothymidine (18F FLT) is a tracer being extensively evaluated currently and is said to represent tumor proliferation. Common sites of metastases from lung cancer include adrenal glands, bone, and brain. Muscle metastasis and cardiac metastasis are uncommon findings. We report a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung with metastases to multiple skeletal muscles and myocardium detected with both FDG and FLT PET/computed tomography (CT).
Mutant K-RAS Promotes Invasion and Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer through GTPase Signaling Pathways
Authors: Padavano Julianna , Henkhaus Rebecca S. , Chen Hwudaurw , Skovan Bethany A. , Cui Haiyan , Ignatenko Natalia A.
Published: October 2015

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most aggressive malignancies, characterized by the local invasion into surrounding tissues and early metastasis to distant organs. Oncogenic mutations of the K-RAS gene occur in more than 90% of human pancreatic cancers. The goal of this study was to investigate the functional significance and downstream effectors of mutant K-RAS oncogene in the pancreatic cancer invasion and metastasis. We applied the homologous recombination technique to stably disrupt K-RAS oncogene in the human pancreatic cell line MiaPaCa-2, which carries the mutant K-RASG12C oncogene in both alleles. Using in vitro assays, we found that clones with disrupted mutant K-RAS gene exhibited low RAS activity, reduced growth rates, increased sensitivity to the apoptosis inducing agents, and suppressed motility and invasiveness. In vivo assays showed that clones with decreased RAS activity had reduced tumor formation ability in mouse xenograft model and increased survival rates in the mouse orthotopic pancreatic cancer model. We further examined molecular pathways downstream of mutant K-RAS and identified RhoA GTP activating protein 5, caveolin-1, and RAS-like small GTPase A (RalA) as key effector molecules, which control mutant K-RAS-dependent migration and invasion in MiaPaCa-2 cells. Our study provides rational for targeting RhoA and RalA GTPase signaling pathways for inhibition of pancreatic cancer metastasis.
Factores determinantes del rendimiento académico de alumnos hijos de inmigrantes y autóctonos de origen extranjero en contextos de exclusión social
Authors: Escarbajal Frutos Andrés , Sánchez Marta , Guirao Isabel
Published: October 2015

Este artículo analiza, en contextos en riesgo de exclusión, el rendimiento académico en Matemáticas y Lengua de los alumnos inmigrantes y autóctonos de origen extranjero de centros educativos de la Región de Murcia caracterizados por la inmigración y la difícil situación socioeconómica que atraviesan muchas de sus familias. Mediante un cuestionario se han recogido los datos y se han analizado varios indicadores como el nivel de estudios de los progenitores, los ingresos mensuales familiares y la lengua vehicular usada en la familia, para comprobar si esos indicadores afectan al rendimiento académico de los hijos. De las conclusiones se puede destacar que el nivel académico de los padres, sobre todo de las madres, es tan determinante para el rendimiento académico como el nivel socioeconómico de las familias.
Análisis de factores de riesgo de la profesión de educador en diferentes contextos residenciales de la provincia de Alicante
Authors: Heliz Llopis Jorge , Navarro Sória Ignasi , Tortosa Casado Noelia , Jodra Jiménez Pablo
Published: October 2015

Una de las profesiones más importantes en el ámbito de la intervención con menores en situación de riesgo social que son atendidos en diferentes contextos residenciales es, sin lugar a dudas, la de educador social. En este sentido, si bien son diversos los profesionales que intervienen con los citados menores (psicólogos, trabajadores sociales, psiquiatras, profesores, etc.), son los educadores sociales quienes, a través del desempeño de las funciones propias de su profesión, suelen formar la “primera línea” de actuación, siendo los que mayor contacto tienen con los menores y, en consecuencia, los que con mayor probabilidad se vean expuestos a diferentes variables que les sitúen en una situación de riesgo de sufrir problemas de índole psicosocial relacionados con su trabajo. Identificar las variables de riesgo relacionadas con la profesión de educador se convierte, por tanto, en un objetivo fundamental en aras de prevenir la aparición de posibles problemas que menoscaben la salud psicosocial de éstos. Por todo ello, mediante la presente comunicación, pretendemos exponer los resultados obtenidos con una muestra de 50 educadores quienes desempeñan su labor en diferentes rescursos de carácter residencial de la provincia de Alicante.
Perfil psicosocial de los jóvenes en riesgo de exclusión social en la ciudad de León en Nicaragua
Authors: Diaz Rodriguez Maria Mercedes
Published: October 2015

La ciudad de León  ha sido pionera en el desarrollo de programas de salud comunitaria, desarrollándose programas de salud integrales como el proyecto Una Nueva Iniciativa en Salud para las  Américas (UNI), hospital universitario, hospital amigo de la madre, Municipio docente asistencial, entre otros. En los últimos cincos años, un grupo de profesionales de diferentes ramas de la Medicina, Psicología, Trabajo social se han centrado en la tarea de trabajar en conjunto con la comunidad, Policía Nacional, Mi familia, MINED, así como ONGs nacionales e internacionales para estudiar el fenómeno juvenil y su impacto en la sociedad.  Se han realizado cinco encuentros con adolescentes y Jóvenes promovidos por la Junta Departamental de Apoyo a la Niñez y Juventud Leonesa (JDANJUL),  donde la UNAN León está participando activamente. A tenor de estos encuentros, surgió la posibilidad de realizar un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal sobre la caracterización de jóvenes en riesgo de exclusión social del área periférica de la ciudad de León, cuyos resultados son reveladores.
Estudio de la autoestima infantil en función del sexo
Authors: Serrano Muñoz Antonio , Mérida Serrano Rosario , Tabernero Urbieta Carmen
Published: October 2015

El siguiente estudio propone describir los niveles de autoestima de niños y niñas así como analizar si existen diferencias en función del sexo. Para ello, contamos con una muestra constituida por 1.757 niños y niñas de entre 3 y 7 años de edad. Para la evaluación de la autoestima utilizamos el cuestionario EDINA, que presenta un índice de fiabilidad adecuado (0.803).El nivel de autoestima de las niñas y niños estudiados resultó ser elevado. Los análisis estadísticos realizados mostraron: a) puntuaciones significativamente superiores en la autoestima de las niñas; b) una disminución de la misma en los niños y niñas de mayor edad; c) diferencias en función de la variable nivel socioeconómico; y d) un nivel de autoestima más alto en los niños que tienen tutora a cargo del grupo clase. De cara a futuras investigaciones, se sugiere la necesidad de profundizar en la evolución e implicaciones de estas diferencias en relación con la autoestima infantil.
Developing Occupation-Based Preventive Programs for Late-Middle-Aged Latino Patients in Safety-Net Health Systems
Authors: Schepens Niemiec Stacey L. , Carlson Mike , Martínez Jenny , Guzmán Laura , Mahajan Anish , Clark Florence
Published: October 2015

Latino adults between ages 50 and 60 yr are at high risk for developing chronic conditions that can lead to early disability. We conducted a qualitative pilot study with 11 Latinos in this demographic group to develop a foundational schema for the design of health promotion programs that could be implemented by occupational therapy practitioners in primary care settings for this population. One-on-one interviews addressing routines and activities, health management, and health care utilization were conducted, audiotaped, and transcribed. Results of a content analysis of the qualitative data revealed the following six domains of most concern: Weight Management; Disease Management; Mental Health and Well-Being; Personal Finances; Family, Friends, and Community; and Stress Management. A typology of perceived health-actualizing strategies was derived for each domain. This schema can be used by occupational therapy practitioners to inform the development of health-promotion lifestyle interventions designed specifically for late-middle-aged Latinos.
Building Capacity of Occupational Therapy Practitioners to Address the Mental Health Needs of Children and Youth: A Mixed-Methods Study of Knowledge Translation
Authors: Bazyk Susan , Demirjian Louise , LaGuardia Teri , Thompson-Repas Karen , Conway Carol , Michaud Paula
Published: October 2015

PURPOSE. We explored the meaning and outcomes of a 6-mo building capacity process designed to promote knowledge translation of a public health approach to mental health among pediatric occupational therapy practitioners participating in a Community of Practice.

METHOD. A one-group (N = 117) mixed-methods design using a pretest–posttest survey and qualitative analysis of written reflections was used to explore the meaning and outcomes of the building capacity process.

RESULTS. Statistically significant improvements (p < .02) in pretest–posttest scores of knowledge, beliefs, and actions related to a public health approach to mental health were found. Qualitative findings suggest that participation resulted in a renewed commitment to addressing children’s mental health.

CONCLUSION. The building capacity process expanded practitioner knowledge, renewed energy, and promoted confidence, resulting in change leaders empowered to articulate, advocate for, and implement practice changes reflecting occupational therapy’s role in addressing children’s mental health.
Development of the Classroom Sensory Environment Assessment (CSEA)
Authors: Kuhaneck Heather Miller , Kelleher Jaqueline
Published: October 2015

The Classroom Sensory Environment Assessment (CSEA) is a tool that provides a means of understanding the impact of a classroom’s sensory environment on student behavior. The purpose of the CSEA is to promote collaboration between occupational therapists and elementary education teachers. In particular, students with autism spectrum disorder included in general education classrooms may benefit from a suitable match created through this collaborative process between the sensory environment and their unique sensory preferences. The development of the CSEA has occurred in multiple stages over 2 yr. This article reports on descriptive results for 152 classrooms and initial reliability results. Descriptive information suggests that classrooms are environments with an enormous variety of sensory experiences that can be quantified. Visual experiences are most frequent. The tool has adequate internal consistency but requires further investigation of interrater reliability and validity.
Paying It Forward: Honoring Jane Case-Smith for Commitment to Occupational Therapy Education and Research
Authors: Persch Andrew C.
Published: October 2015

This issue of AJOT is dedicated to the life and legacy of Jane Case-Smith, an occupational therapy scholar and servant–leader whose broad and diverse work touched the lives of countless children; families; and occupational therapy students, clinicians, and educators.
The Implicit Association between Pride and Social Status in Japan
Authors: Yu Ye-Yun , Ohtsubo Yohsuke
Published: October 2015

Pride is considered to be an emotion related to the attainment of status. People (at least in Canada and Fiji) implicitly associate the pride expression with high status. In a series of four implicit association test (IAT) studies, we explored the implicit association between the pride expression and high status in Japan. Study 1 showed that Japanese participants readily associate the pride expression with high status, and the shame/embarrassment expression with low status. Study 2a, furthermore, confirmed that the pride-high status association is not driven by the shame-low status association, while Study 2b revealed that the pride-high status association cannot be explained by a simple association of pride with general positivity. Finally, Study 3 demonstrated that Japanese participants readily associate the pride expression with high status jobs, and thus conceptually replicated Study 1. Collectively, these studies provide evidence that East Asian people associate the expression of pride with high status.
Real-time remote detection and measurement for airborne imaging spectroscopy: a case study with methane
Authors: Thompson D. R. , Leifer I. , Bovensmann H. , Eastwood M. , Fladeland M. , Frankenberg C. , Gerilowski K. , Green R. O. , Kratwurst S. , Krings T. , Luna B. , Thorpe A. K.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Localized anthropogenic sources of atmospheric CH4 are highly uncertain and temporally variable. Airborne remote measurement is an effective method to detect and quantify these emissions. In a campaign context, the science yield can be dramatically increased by real-time retrievals that allow operators to coordinate multiple measurements of the most active areas. This can improve science outcomes for both single- and multiple-platform missions. We describe a case study of the NASA/ESA CO2 and MEthane eXperiment (COMEX) campaign in California during June and August/September 2014. COMEX was a multi-platform campaign to measure CH4 plumes released from anthropogenic sources including oil and gas infrastructure. We discuss principles for real-time spectral signature detection and measurement, and report performance on the NASA Next Generation Airborne Visible Infrared Spectrometer (AVIRIS-NG). AVIRIS-NG successfully detected CH4 plumes in real-time at Gb s−1 data rates, characterizing fugitive releases in concert with other in situ and remote instruments. The teams used these real-time CH4 detections to coordinate measurements across multiple platforms, including airborne in situ, airborne non-imaging remote sensing, and ground-based in situ instruments. To our knowledge this is the first reported use of real-time trace-gas signature detection in an airborne science campaign, and presages many future applications. Post-analysis demonstrates matched filter methods providing noise-equivalent (1σ) detection sensitivity for 1.0 % CH4 column enhancements equal to 141 ppm m.
Distribution of tetraether lipids in agricultural soils – differentiation between paddy and upland management
Authors: Mueller-Niggemann C. , Utami S. R. , Marxen A. , Mangelsdorf K. , Bauersachs T. , Schwark L.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Insufficient knowledge of the composition and variation of isoprenoid and branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) in agricultural soils exists, despite of the potential effect of different management types (e.g. soil/water and redox conditions, cultivated plants) on GDGT distribution. Here, we determined the influence of different soil management types on the GDGT composition in paddy (flooded) and adjacent upland (non-flooded) soils, and if available also forest, bushland and marsh soils. To compare the local effects on GDGT distribution patterns, we collected comparable soil samples in various locations from tropical (Indonesia, Vietnam and Philippines) and subtropical (China and Italy) sites. We found that differences in the distribution of isoprenoid GDGTs (iGDGTs) as well as of branched GDGTs (brGDGTs) are predominantly controlled by management type and only secondarily by climatic exposition. In general upland soil had higher crenarchaeol contents than paddy soil, which on the contrary was more enriched in GDGT-0. The GDGT-0 / crenarchaeol ratio was 3–27 times higher in paddy soil and indicates the enhanced presence of methanogenic archaea, which were additionally linked to the number of rice cultivation cycles per year (higher number of cycles was coupled with an increase in the ratio). The TEX86 values were 1.3 times higher in upland, bushland and forest soils than in paddy soils. In all soils brGDGT predominated over iGDGTs, with the relative abundance of brGDGTs increasing from subtropical to tropical soils. Higher BIT values in paddy soils compared to upland soils together with higher BIT values in soil from subtropical climates indicate effects on the amounts of brGDGT through differences in management as well as climatic zones. In acidic soil CBT values correlated well with soil pH. In neutral to alkaline soils, however, no apparent correlation but an offset between paddy and upland managed soils was detected, which may suggest that soil moisture may exert an additional control on the CBT in these soils. Lower MBT' values and calculated temperatures (TMC) in paddy soils compared to upland soils may indicate a management (e.g. enhanced soil moisture through flooding practises) induced effect on mean annual soil temperature (MST).
The inbuilt long-term unfeasibility of environmental flows when disregarding riparian vegetation requirements
Authors: Rivaes R. , Boavida I. , Santos J. M. , Pinheiro A. N. , Ferreira M. T.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Environmental flows remain biased towards the traditional fish biological group and ignore the inter-annual flow variability that rules longer species life cycles, thus disregarding the long-term perspective of the riverine ecosystem. Incorporating riparian vegetation requirements into environmental flows could bring an important contribute to fill in this gap. The long-term after-effects of this shortcoming on the biological communities downstream of dams were never estimated before. We address this concern by evaluating the effects of environmental flow regimes disregarding riparian vegetation in the long-term perspective of the fluvial ecosystem. To achieve that purpose, the riparian vegetation evolution was modeled considering its structural response to a decade of different environmental flows, and the fish habitat availability was assessed for each of the resulting riparian habitat scenarios. We demonstrate that fish habitat availability changes accordingly to the long-term structural adjustments that riparian habitat endure following river regulation. Environmental flow regimes considering only aquatic biota become obsolete in few years due to the change of the habitat premises in which they were based on and, therefore, are unsustainable in the long run. Therefore, considering riparian vegetation requirements on environmental flows is mandatory to assure the effectiveness of those in the long-term perspective of the fluvial ecosystem.