bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure and Phase Transformation in Ni-Co-Mn-In Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Reclik Katarzyna , Prusik Krystian , Goryczka Tomasz , Kubisztal Marian , Stróż Danuta
Published: June 2013

In the present study the series of the Ni46.2Co5.0Mn36.1In12.6, Ni48.7Co5.2Mn34.4In11.6 and Ni45.6Co4.8Mn36.4In13.2 alloys (at. %) were studied. The influence of the indium addition on structure and phase transitions was studied. All alloys were annealed at 900°C for 24 hours and then slowly cooled in the furnace. After annealing all of the studied alloys showed the macrostructure of radially oriented columnar grains, which lied in the direction perpendicular to the casting axis. For the alloy containing about 13 at. % of indium the monoclinic 14M modulated martensite was stated at room temperature. Apart from the modulated martensite in a1_133 alloy the gamma phase was also observed. For alloy with higher indium content the mixture of cubic L21 parent phase and cubic gamma phase was identified. All studied alloys showed one-step martensitic transformation.
The Influence of High-Temperature Heat Treatment on the Microstructure of Mg-5Al-3Ca-0.7Sr-0.2Mn Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Rzychoń Tomasz
Published: June 2013

The paper presents results of microstructural investigations of Mg-5Al-3Ca-0.7Sr-0.2Mn (ACJM53) magnesium alloys in the as-cast condition and after heat treatment at 450°C for 4.5 hours. Two kinds of transformation were observed in ACJM53 alloy after heat treatment: (Mg,Al)2Ca (C36) → Al2Ca (C15) and Al3Mg13(Sr,Ca) → Mg17(Sr,Ca)2 transformations without the change in morphology of output compounds. Morphology of Mg2Ca (C14) have been changed from fine lamellar to globular and precipitation process of Al2Ca (C15) phase inside the grains of solid solution was found.
Effect of Ball Milling on Structure and Magnetic Properties of Fe-Nb-B-Tb Bulk Nanocrystalline Alloys
Authors: Chrobak Artur , Klimontko Joanna , Kubisztal Marian , Haneczok Grzegorz , Ziółkowski Grzegorz , Kachel Adam
Published: June 2013

It was shown that pulverization of the examined alloys cause a decrease of mean diameters of nanocrystallites, a change of the phase composition and affects magnetic properties. For the alloy with x=0.08 magnetization remanence at T=300 K increases about two times with remaining constant Hc while for x=0.12 Hc decreases from 1.16 t to 0.36 T. The observed effects were attributed to the phase structure changes and breaking of direct magnetic intergrain coupling
Hot Extrusion of Ni-Based Polycrystalline Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Prusik Krystian , Reclik Katarzyna , Stróż Danuta , Goryczka Tomasz , Lelątko Józef , Gurdziel Wojciech
Published: June 2013

Two Ni-based (Ni-Mn-Ga and Ni-Mn-Co-In) ferromagnetic nonstoichiometric shape memory alloys were studied in order to determine the influence of hot extrusion process on macro, microstructure and texture of the studied alloys. The microstructure of the alloys in the as cast state and after extrusion was analyzed by electron backscatter diffraction technique. Typical microstructure of the as cast alloys consisted of radially oriented columnar grains elongated perpendicularly to the casting axis. For the alloys Ni-Mn-Ga and Ni-Mn-Co-In alloys the 10M and 14M modulated martensite were observed, respectively. After extrusion Ni-Mn-Ga samples revealed high density of fibre texture parallel to the extrusion axis. In spite of applying different extrusion parameters it was not possible to avoid cracks and overcome the brittleness of the Ni-Mn-Co-In alloys.
Rietveld Analysis of Aurivillius-Type Structure Ceramics Synthesized from Precursors Prepared by Classical and HEBM Methods
Authors: Dercz Jolanta , Dercz Grzegorz , Prusik Krystian , Babilas Rafał
Published: June 2013

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the method of preparing the substrates in the form of simple oxides for the structure of the final Bi5Ti3FeO15ceramics. Milling of the substrates was carried out by two methods: the classical one by hand mixing in a porcelain mortar, and by high-energy. Structure studies were performed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. XRD patterns were analyzed with the Rietveld method using the DBWS 9807a program. It was found out that the slightest deviation of the network parameters from the catalog data occurs for the sample obtained from simple oxides by free sintering (BTFs). Furthermore, it was also determined that the optimal high-energy time of the substrates is 5 hours. When compared to the ICDD catalog data, the resulting ceramics is a single phase one and has the lowest network parameters deviation among all samples which were subject to high-energy.
Microstructure and Electrical Properties of Nano- and Micro-Sized Powders of Y2O3 Type
Authors: Moskal Grzegorz , Mikuśkiewicz Marta , Starczewska Anna , Tomczykiewicz Gabriela
Published: June 2013

Results of morphology and electrical properties evaluation of Y2O3 powders were presented in this article. The tests were made on the two different types of powders. First of them was a powder of the "microsize" type with the particle sizes not crossing10 µm, however the size of particles of the second powder was located in range 30 - 50 nm. Totally different was a morphology of both powders as well. In the first case the form of dense polyhedrons about the smooth surface was observed. However the powder of the type nano was characterized by spongy conglomeration of nano particles type of morphology. The range of investigations included the evaluation of the phase composition of powders (X-ray and electrons diffraction), characteristics of their morphology (SEM, STEM) and evaluation of electric properties by impedance spectroscopy. The obtained results showed that nano powders of oxide Y2O3 is different in the morphology of individual particles, but he is also better ionic conductor in the temperature of 20°C comparing to powder the micro type.
Sigma Phase Precipitations in Duplex Steel SAF 2205
Authors: Witkowska Małgorzata , Ratuszek Wiktoria , Kowalska Joanna , Chruściel Krzysztof
Published: June 2013

The present work concerns the precipitation process of the sigma phase in the ferritic-austenitic stainless steel of duplex type SAF 2205. After the preliminary thermo-mechanical treatment, the steel was subjected to cold rolling up to 85% of reduction and subsequent annealing in the temperature range 650÷950°C for various times. Significant structural changes were observed in the course of annealing treatment affecting the formation of the ferrite and austenite texture. The development of annealing textures resulted from recovery and recrystallization processes in both component phases and the precipitation of the sigma phase. X-ray investigations included the phase analysis, measurements of pole figures for case of each phase, austenite and ferrite. Microstructure of analysis was conducted by means of optical microscopy. The microstructure and texture of duplex type steel after annealing result from the precipitation process of sigma phase, depend on the temperatures and time of annealing.
The Microstructure of Quasicrystalline Al-Cu-Fe Alloys Doped with Tungsten
Authors: Gurdziel Wojciech , Krawczyk Jacek , Bogdanowicz Włodzimierz
Published: June 2013

The microstructure of Al65Cu20Fe14 (numbers indicate at.%) alloy doped with 1 at.% of W was studied. The selected alloy composition should allow to obtain the quasicrystalline icosahedral phase after solidification process. The bulk samples were obtained in two stages. At first, the synthesis of alloy through premelting of component elements in induction furnace and then, the directional solidification by the Bridgman method were performed. The morphology of selected areas of the samples were studied using Scanning Electron Microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope, which was used to examine chemical compositions of each analysed areas. Additionally the X-ray powder diffraction was used to identify the phases present in the alloys. It was stated that the filaments of tungsten were present in the alloys. The filaments have thickness ranged from 0.01 to 2.5 μm. As a result of investigation, the arrangement of filaments in the material was determined.
The Studies of Texture in Cold Rolled and Annealed Sheets of Mn-Al Steel
Authors: Krztoń Hanna J. , Kuc Dariusz , Kania Zofia
Published: June 2013

The effect of cold rolling and annealing treatments in two temperatures, 800°C and 900°C on texture formation in duplex steel (X60MnAl30-9) was examined. Texture measurements were carried out using X-ray diffraction and Schulz reflection technique. The mechanical properties i. e. 0.2% proof stress, ultimate tensile strength and elongation were measured for each experimental conditions. It was found that ferrite was characterized by the orientations of a fibre which could be found in cold rolling state and also after the annealing in both temperatures. The weak orientations close to g fibre were observed after the annealing. The cold rolling texture of austenite was a typical texture of cold rolled fcc metals. No significant changes in texture of austenite after the annealing treatments were found.
Changes in the Structure of Palladium Nanograins in the Carbon Film (C-nPd) under the Influence of Hydrogen
Authors: Diduszko Ryszard , Kozłowski Mirosław , Czerwosz Elzbieta , Kamińska Anna , Nietubyć Robert
Published: June 2013

Carbonaceous – nanopalladium (C-nPd) films on insulating substrates, obtained by PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) followed by the annealing method, are used for hydrogen sensors. In this paper we present the results of XRD, SEM and electrical measurements of C-nPd films grown by PVD and then either annealed in an inert atmosphere or modified by CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition). The structure of palladium grains were measured in a H2/N2gas mixture atmosphere containing H2in the concentration range 0-4%. Our measurements showed that C-nPd films prepared by PVD and annealing method were flat and they consisted of sphere-like palladium nano-particles, uniformly distributed in the low-ordered carbon matrix. Effect of hydrogen partial pressure on the crystal structure was studied in situ in GIXD measurements, using a specially designed measuring holder cell. It was observed that at low partial pressure of hydrogen, palladium fcc metal particles transformed into solid solution Pd(H) (α-phase), which occurs in the fcc structure as well. Lattice constant of that solid solution increases with increasing hydrogen partial pressure in the gas atmosphere. After exceeding the critical value of the partial pressure of hydrogen, palladium transforms into the structure of palladium hydride PdHx(β-phase), which has significantly larger lattice constant. This critical value of hydrogen partial pressure depends on the initial structure of C-nPd film, and consequently on the parameters of PVD process and annealing. This value usually corresponds to a few percent hydrogen content in gas mixture.
Stability of Thermally Processed LaNi5-Based Alloys for Hydrogen Storage
Authors: Wrona Adriana , Sierczyńska Agnieszka , Bilewska Katarzyna , Kamińska Małgorzata , Staszewski Mariusz
Published: June 2013

Hydrogen-absorbing compounds of AB5-type are widely studied in view of their application not only as anode material in fuel cells but also in high-energy Ni-MH cells. Within this work nanocrystalline MmNi3.55Al0.3Mn0.4Co0.75 compounds, where Mm is La–rich mixture of rare earth elements, synthesized by High-Energy Ball Milling (HEBM) of arc-melted alloy and AB5-type alloy/carbon composites prepared by CVD method were studied. As the compounds subjected to high temperature during preparation their thermal stability has been established after annealing at various temperatures. X-ray phase analysis has unambiguously proven that over 400°C single-phase MmNi3.55Al0.3Mn0.4Co0.75 starts to decompose into a multi-phase mixture with Ni-based solid solution as a main phase. Similar behaviour has been observed for composite material. Moreover, carbon distribution on surface of alloy particles is inhomogeneous as seen in microanalysis. Nevertheless, a substantial increase of hydrogen capacity has been observed for composite material in comparison with pure intermetallic compound, when used as anode material in direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC).
Solidification Rate Influence on Microstructure of Composites with Quasicrystal Phase Fraction
Authors: Krawczyk Jacek , Bogdanowicz Włodzimierz
Published: June 2013

The composites of Al61Cu27Fe12alloys containing quasicrystalline and crystalline phases (CQ composites) were obtained by the Bridgman method. The morphology of composites crystallized with different solidification rates was studied. The solidification rate influence on fibrous reinforcement morphology was analyzed. The microsections for analysis were prepared parallel and perpendicular to the direction of crystallization. The optical and the scanning electron microscope were used for metallographic observation. Obtained composites were examined by X-ray powder diffraction and reflective X-ray topography. The Laue method enabled to conclude that the matrix is singlecrystalline. The different level of structural perfection of reinforcement fibres was presented at various solidification rates.
Study of Alloys IrxRe1-x (x = 0.65, 0.75 and 0.85)
Authors: Panchenko Anton , Dyachkova Tatyana , Gromilov Sergey , Zaynulin Yuriy
Published: June 2013

Ir-Re alloys were synthesized from nanocrystalline iridium and rhenium powders under high pressure (4 GPa) und temperature (2000° C). They were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.
Sportmen’s experiences at a somatology clinic receiving a sport message
Authors: Jooste Karien , Khumalo Valencia , Maritz Jeanette
Published: June 2013

Sportsmen are increasingly visiting somatology clinics for massages prior to an aerobic sports event. Massage is frequently utilised prior to an athletic activity, as a means of enhancing performance. Massage is known to have both calming and stimulating properties, thereby possessing the potential to benefit performance in numerous different circumstances. In the context of sportsmen visiting somatology clinics, it is unclear how men experienced the benefits of a massage by a therapist in the somatology environment, prior to participating in an aerobic sports event. The purpose of this qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual study was to explore and describe the experiences of men regarding sports massage in a somatology clinic prior to an aerobic sports event. Purposive sampling was used to select eight (8) men, aged between 25 and 50 years, who received two massages within two weeks prior to participating in an aerobic sports event. The data were collected through in-depth, unstructured, individual interviews and field notes until saturation of data was achieved. Trustworthiness was ensured by utilising the principles of Lincoln and Guba’s model. The men experienced the sports massage as relaxing and giving perceived holistic beneficial effects. They described their experience during the massage and during and after participation in an aerobic sports event. A sports massage brings about psychological, physical, and spiritual effects during and after participation in an aerobic sports event.Sportsmanne besoek toenemend somatologieklinieke vir masserings voor ’n aërobiese sportsbyeenkoms as ’n manier om prestasie te bevorder. Massering is bekend vir beide die kalmerende en stimulerende eienskappe daarvan, en daarom beskik dit oor potensiële voordele vir prestasie in verskeie omstandighede. In die konteks van sportsmanne wat somatologieklinieke besoek, is dit steeds onduidelik hoe mans die voordele van ’n massering by ’n somatologieterapeut voor hul deelname aan ’n aërobiese sportsbyeenkoms ervaar. Die doel van hierdie kwalitatiewe, ondersoekende, beskrywende en kontekstuele studie was om die ervaringe van mans ten opsigte van ’n sportsmassering in ’n somatologiekliniek voor ’n aërobiese sportsbyeenkoms te ontdek en te beskryf. Doelbewuste steekproefneming is gebruik om agt mans, tussen 25 en 50 jaar oud, wie twee masserings binne twee weke voor deelname aan ’n aërobiese sportsbyeenkoms ontvang het, te selekteer. Die data is deur in diepte, ongestruktureerde onderhoude en veldnotas ingesamel totdat dataversadiging bereik is. Vertrouenswaardigheid is deur die gebruik van die beginsels van Lincoln en Guba se model verseker. Die mans het hul ervaring tydens die massering, asook tydens en na hul deelname aan die aërobiese sportsbyeenkoms, beskryf. Hulle het die sportsmassering as ontspannend ervaar wat holisties voordelige effekte meebring. Die massering het psigologiese, fisiese en geestelike voordele teweeggebring.
Developing measures for the evaluation of information flow efficiency in supply chains
Authors: Badenhorst Johanna A. , Maurer Claus , Brevis-Landsberg Tersia
Published: June 2013

Member organisations in a supply chain are dependent on each other to provide material, services and information to perform optimally in the supply chain. Efficient, unrestricted information flow is needed in supply chains to function properly. Information flow is thus an element of supply chain management that needs to be managed. Yet, no indication could be found in supply chain management literature of the measurement of information flow efficiency. Hence, the aim of this article is to explore the measurement of information flow efficiency in supply chain management (SCM) and exploratively develop possible measures (indicators and associated metrics) to measure the efficiency of information flow.In this research the theory of information and related concepts, the basic notions of information systems and the models of business performance measurement were explored. Based on information flow theory and information flow characteristics a research instrument was developed. It was used in a survey to seek inputs from supply chain managers as to the usefulness of characteristics as indicators and metrics for the measurement of information flow efficiency in a supply chain. The main contribution of the study is the development of a conceptual framework of indicators and metrics that may be used to evaluate the efficiency of information flows in supply chains. The results of this study can be used as a basis for further studies to validate the instrument for measuring information flow efficiency and to develop scales to actually measure information flow efficiency.
Perforated Tuberculosis Lymphadenitis
Authors: Cataño Juan , Cardeño John
Published: June 2013

A 26-year-old man (human immunodeficiency virus-positive and not taking highly active antiretroviral treatment [HAART]) presented to the emergency room with 2 months of malaise, 20 kg weight loss, high spiking fevers, generalized lymph nodes, night sweats, dry cough, and chest pain when swallowing. On physical examination, he had multiple cervical lymphadenopathies. Suspecting a systemic opportunistic infection, a contrasted chest computed tomography (CT) was done, showing an esophageal to mediastinum fistulae. Two days after admission, a fluoroscopic contrasted endoscopy was done that showed two esophageal fistulae from scrofula to esophagus and then, to mediastinum. A bronchoalveolar lavage and a cervical lymphadenopathy biopsy were done, both showing multiple acid-fast bacillae, where cultures grew Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Prognostic and Predictive Impact of Ki-67 in Premalignant and Malignant Squamous Cell Lesions of Oral Cavity
Authors: Sharma SC , Maheshwari Veena , Narula Varsha , Verma Sachin , Jain Anshu , Alam Kiran
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Oral squamous cell carcinoma, the fifth most common cancer worldwide, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in India. It most commonly occurs in middle-aged and older individuals. Typically, they tend to be preceded by a premalignant state for a long time. The present study evaluates the clinicopathological profile of patients with oral lesions and the role of malpractices that promote carcinogenesis in the oral mucosa and the use of Ki-67 as an important predictor of the same.

Materials and methods

The expression of Ki-67 was studied in paraffin-embedded tissue sections of oral lesions of all the cases after taking a detailed history and examination.

Results

The study was conducted on 65 patients with 25 dysplastic and 40 malignant lesions. Males were affected more frequently than females. The most common age group affected was 31 to 60 years with mean age of 45.4 years. Anterior twothird of tongue (41%) was the most commonly affected site. 95% of the patients had a history of addiction in form of smoking, tobacco chewing and betel nut. Out of 25 cases of dysplasia, 11 showed low expression while out of 40 cases of squamous cell carcinoma only three showed low and 29 showed high expression of Ki-67.

Conclusion

The expression of Ki-67 correlates well with the disease progression from dysplasia to carcinoma of the oral cavity. It is therefore a marker of malignant transformation and carcinogenesis in oral premalignant lesions and in future it may serve as a prognostic tool in the early detection of malignancy.

How to cite this article

Maheshwari V, Sharma SC, Narula V, Verma S, Jain A, Alam K. Prognostic and Predictive Impact of Ki-67 in Premalignant and Malignant Squamous Cell Lesions of Oral Cavity. Int J Head Neck Surg 2013;4(2):61-65.
Clinicopathological Study of Nonsquamous Cell Malignancies of the Head and Neck
Authors: Ekhar Vipin Ram , Mahore Devendra M , Kapre Gauri M , Bokare Bhagyashree D , Gawarle Surendra H
Published: June 2013

There is a tendency among the head and neck surgeons to classify head and neck tumors as squamous and nonsquamous. The latter is a miscellaneous collection of less common, but certainly no less significant neoplasms. The rarity of these tumors is evident from the limited data available on clinical characteristics and outcomes. This study is thus an attempt to meet the need and fill the void by providing practical information regarding different pathological subtypes, their treatment and prognosis. In our study, we documented a total of 48 cases of nonsquamous cell cancers of the head and neck region including all sites like nose and paranasal sinuses, oral cavity and oropharynx, neck and larynx and documented important clinical, pathological and treatment features of these.

How to cite this article

Ekhar VR, Mahore DM, Kapre GM, Bokare BD, Gawarle SH. Clinicopathological Study of Nonsquamous Cell Malignancies of the Head and Neck. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2013;4(2):70-73.
An Insight to Oral Epithelial Dysplasia
Authors: Rastogi Varun , Puri Naveen , Mishra Satyaranjan , Arora Swati , Kaur Geetpriya , Yadav Lalita
Published: June 2013

Oral dysplasia is a potentially precancerous lesion diagnosed histologically. While the risk of progression is associated with histological grade, it is currently impossible to predict accurately which lesions will progress. Although most oral pathologists recognize and accept the criteria for grading epithelial dysplasia based on architectural and cytological changes, there can be considerable interexaminer and intraexaminer variation in the assessment of the presence or absence and the grade of oral epithelial dysplasia. This article reviews the alterations, criteria, different grading systems and the markers used for assessing the malignant transformation of epithelial dysplasia.

How to cite this article

Rastogi V, Puri N, Mishra S, Arora S, Kaur G, Yadav L. An Insight to Oral Epithelial Dysplasia. Int J Head Neck Surg 2013;4(2):74-82.
Retained Metallic Foreign Body in Cheek: A Diagnostic and Surgical Challenge
Authors: Manekar Varsha Sunil , Chavan Ankush
Published: June 2013

Foreign body lodged in the soft tissue is fairly common in the vehicular or industrial accidents. Traumatic injuries in orofacial region often drive foreign bodies in the soft tissues. The immediate closure of the soft tissue wounds become the emergency treatment for the control of bleeding. The foreign body may sometimes remain unnoticed. The purpose of reporting this unusual case of metallic foreign object in the cheek is to highlight the difficulties in detection of foreign bodies and discuss its clinical management. We also discuss the usefulness of various imaging modalities for assessment of its nature, location, size, shape and relation to vital structures.

How to cite this article

Manekar VS, Chavan A. Retained Metallic Foreign Body in Cheek: A Diagnostic and Surgical Challenge. Int J Head Neck Surg 2013;4(2):107-109.
Can We reduce Fetal Loss with Second Trimester Miscarriages and very Preterm Births due to Cervical Incompetence in Women with Repeated Failed Vaginal Cerclages and/or Inaccessible Cervices?
Authors: Gundabattula Sirisha Rao , Marakani Lakshmi Rathna , Dasari Shashikala
Published: June 2013

Objective

To assess the reduction in fetal loss following transabdominal cervicoisthmic cerclage done for repeated failed vaginal cerclages and/or inaccessible cervices.

Study design

An observational study of 113 pregnancies in 90 women after transabdominal cervicoisthmic cerclage from January 1999 to December 2010 at Fernandez Hospital, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Results

Mean gestational age at the time of elective transabdominal cervicoisthmic cerclage was 11.6 weeks. Patients were delivered by lower segment cesarean section (LSCS) with a mean gestational age of 36 weeks. Live birth rate was 90.5%. Incidence of mid-trimester miscarriages was 8.6% after cerclage compared with 62.9% before cerclage. Before cerclage, only 13.1% pregnancies continued beyond 28 weeks whereas after cerclage, 88.6% crossed the period of viability. Prior to cerclage, preterm delivery rate was 7.0% (as majority of the pregnancies were lost prior to period of clinical viability) and only 13.6% of these preterm babies survived. Although the incidence of preterm deliveries was 23.8% after cerclage, 80% of these preterm babies survived. Excluding first-trimester miscarriages, fetal loss was 93.3% prior to cerclage and 13.7% postcerclage. In effect, the take home baby rate among pregnancies was only 5.8% before cerclage compared with 86.7% after cerclage. Mean birth weight after cerclage was 2.5 kg.

Conclusion

Transabdominal cerclage reduces fetal loss and improves pregnancy outcome in women who had failed vaginal cerclages and in those with inaccessible cervices.

How to cite this article

Marakani LR, Dasari S, Gundabattula SR, Joseph E. Can We reduce Fetal Loss with Second Trimester Miscarriages and very Preterm Births due to Cervical Incompetence in Women with Repeated Failed Vaginal Cerclages and/or Inaccessible Cervices? Int J Infertility Fetal Med 2013;4(1):1-5.
Anovulatory Infertility: A Prospective Study
Authors: Bhandoria Geetu , Rudra Samar
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Anovulation is a common cause of infertility with poly cystic ovarian disease being the commonest.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of various causes of anovulation in patients younger than 35 years of age attending infertility clinics and to ascertain the nature and extent of metabolic abnormalities and efficacy of therapy.

Materials and methods

Sixty cases of anovulatory infertility diagnosed by standard method were recruited for the study. Transvaginal sonography and hormonal profile like LH, FSH, Prolactin and Thyroid profile evaluated to establish the cause of anovulation. Menstrual history, Body Mass Index, Waist Hip ratio and presence of hirsutism, acanthosis nigricans were recorded. Metabolic parameters like lipid profile, OGTT and Glucose insulin ratio were also assessed. All parameters were reevaluated at 3 and 6 months of treatment and were statistically analyzed. Response to treatment in terms ovulation and pregnancy achieved was also analyzed.

Conclusion

Women with anovulatory infertility has shown good improvement to appropriate treatment.

How to cite this article

Bhandoria G, Rudra S. Anovulatory Infertility: A Prospective Study. Int J Infertility Fetal Med 2013; 4(1):18-23.
Strength constraints of shallow crustal strata from analyses of mining induced seismicity
Authors: Alber M. , Fritschen R. , Bischoff M.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Stress redistributions around large underground excavations such as coal mines may lead to failure of the surrounding rock mass. Some of these failure processes were recorded as seismic events. In this paper the different failure processes such as rock mass failure or the reactivation of faults are delineated from the seismic records. These are substantiated by rock mechanical analyses including laboratory strength tests on coal measure rocks obtained from underground drilling. Additionally, shear tests on discontinuities in coal measure rocks (slickensides in shale and rough sandstone joints) were conducted to grasp the possible variation of strength properties of faults. Numerical modeling was employed to evaluate the state of stress at the locations where seismic events did occur.
Effect of external events on newcomer participation in open source online communities
Authors: Mitra Raktim , Johri Aditya , Nov Oded
Published: June 2013

Newcomer participation is a strong determinant of the success of online communities, particularly of open source software (OSS) development communities. Most research on newcomer participation in online communities so far has been limited to understanding the socialization experiences of participants once they join a community. No study we are aware of has looked at the role of factors external to a community itself in determining participation levels. We argue that it is important to understand external factors to delineate accurate reasons for decline or growth of participation in a community. In this study, we investigate the effect of company announcements made by OSS steward firms, events which are external to a community, on participation in newcomer communities associated with the OSS. We studied activity in two communities, a Java newcomer forum and a MySQL newcomer forum, around two announcements that affected each community. We found evidence that company announcements had a substantial effect and participation either increased or decreased. Through analysis of secondary sources we conjecture that announcements indirect shape participation by influencing newcomer motivation. Announcements perceived as hostile to open source values have a significant negative effect on participation, whereas announcements perceived as friendly either significantly increase participation or have no significant effect.
"He’s still a child right now, so he has a long way to go to try to keep his health up there": Caregiver Strategies to Promote the Nutritional Health of Low-income, African American Children
Authors: Jarrett Robin L. , McPherson Ezella M. , Bahar Ozge Sensoy
Published: June 2013

Little research examines how families respond to the neighborhood food environment and family poverty barriers to children’s nutritional health. Informed by a family strengths perspective that emphasizes agency, this exploratory study used qualitative data from twelve low-income African American female caregivers to explore strategies that women used to promote the nutritional health of their preschool-age children. We identified multiple restrictive and promotional strategies that caregivers utilized in the face of limited family resources and the poor quality of the neighborhood food environment. Monitoring was used as the key restrictive strategy to counter children’s unhealthy eating practices. Six promotional strategies, which included selective food availability, cooking techniques, creative meal preparation and presentation, positive role-modeling, teaching and instruction, and media reinforcement, were used to enhance healthy nutritional patterns. These findings fill a substantive gap in our understanding of health-promoting practices in low-income African American households, and provide direction for family, neighborhood, and institutional efforts to promote healthy child nutrition.
Latina Sexuality: De(re)constructing Gender and Cultural Expectations in Midlife
Authors: Flores Yvette G.
Published: June 2013

The lives of Latinas are influenced in large measure by grand narratives nuanced by gender, race, and class. These narratives privilege their roles as nurturers and offers scripts for living and loving. In midlife, or the third stage of life, Latinas may experience loss of meaning, health challenges, disappointment, and loss. Midlife also presents an opportunity to challenge, question, and contest cultural and political narratives that constrain women’s sexuality and sexual identity, and, in turn, affect their physical and psychological well-being. Through psychotherapy case vignettes, this paper examines the ways in which some Latinas may deconstruct dominant narratives about sexuality and create alternative or preferred stories that are health promoting and provide healing legacies for future generations.
Do Antidepressants Lower the Prevalence of Lithium-Associated Hypernatremia and Symptomatic Polyuria in the Elderly?
Authors: Rej Soham , Looper Karl , Segal Marilyn
Published: June 2013

BackgroundClinically important measures of lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) such as hypernatremia have not been well-studied. This is especially relevant for the elderly who, in comparison to younger adults, may become symptomatic and require hospitalization with relatively small elevations in sodium levels. We hypothesized that antidepressant use, which has been associated with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, has a protective effect against lithium-associated hypernatremia in the elderly.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of 55 geriatric psychiatry outpatients followed at tertiary-care hospitals. Patients using lithium and antidepressants were compared with those using lithium alone for prevalence rates of hypernatremia during a 15-year observational period.ResultsThe prevalence of hypernatremia was less in patients who had concurrent use of lithium and antidepressants, as compared to lithium alone 3/35 (8.6%) vs. 8/20 (40%), OR 0.14, p = .011.ConclusionsOur results suggest that elderly lithium patients are less likely to develop hypernatremia if they are taking antidepressants concurrently. Whether antidepressants may be useful in the prevention of lithium-associated hypernatremia should be assessed in future prospective observational or treatment studies.
Evaluation of Older Adults Hospitalized with a Diagnosis of Failure to Thrive
Authors: Kumeliauskas Linas , Fruetel Karen , Holroyd-Leduc Jayna M.
Published: June 2013

BackgroundOlder adults are sometimes hospitalized with the admission diagnosis of failure to thrive (FTT), often because they are not felt safe to be discharged back to their current living arrangement. It is unclear if this diagnosis indicates primarily a social admission or suggests an acute medical deterioration. The objective of this study was to explore the level of acuity and medical investigations commonly conducted among older hospitalized adults with a diagnosis of FTT.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study at three hospitalsin Calgary, Alberta. Data were extracted from the electronic medical records of the 603 admissions of patients 65 years or older with a diagnosis of FTT between January 2010 and January 2011. Markers of medical acuity were evaluated.ResultsThe vast majority of patients had short hospital stays. Specialist physicians were consulted for 323 cases (54%). Allied health-care professionals were consulted in 151 cases (25%). While in hospital, patients underwent extensive investigations, including CT scans, ultrasounds, and echocardiograms. Many patients received IV fluids (71%) and IV antibiotics (35%).ConclusionsThe data suggest that acute illnesses, and not social factors, were the primary reason for admission among those given a diagnosis of FTT.
Pulmonary Large Cell Carcinoma Lacking Squamous Differentiation Is Clinicopathologically Indistinguishable From Solid-Subtype Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hwang David H. , Szeto David P. , Perry Anthony S. , Bruce Jacqueline L. , Sholl Lynette M.
Published: June 2013

Context

Pulmonary large cell carcinoma (LCC) includes tumors not readily diagnosed as adenocarcinoma (ADC) or squamous cell carcinoma on morphologic grounds, without regard to immunophenotype, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This ambiguous designation may cause confusion over selection of mutation testing and directed therapies. Several groups have proposed the use of immunohistochemistry (IHC) to recategorize LCC as ADC or squamous cell carcinoma; however, it remains unclear if strictly defined LCCs are a clinicopathologically distinct lung tumor subset.

Objective

—To compare the pathologic, molecular, and clinical features of 2 morphologically similar tumors: solid-subtype ADC and LCC.

Design

Tumors were included on the basis of solid growth pattern; tumors with squamous or neuroendocrine differentiation were excluded. Solid ADC (n = 42) and LCC (n = 57) were diagnosed by using WHO criteria (5 intracellular mucin droplets in ≥2 high-power fields for solid ADC) and tested for KRAS, EGFR, and ALK alterations.

Results

—Both solid ADC and LCC groups were dominated by tumors with “undifferentiated”-type morphology and both had a high frequency of thyroid transcription factor 1 expression. KRAS was mutated in 38% of solid ADCs versus 43% of LCCs (P = .62). One ALK-rearranged and 1 EGFR-mutated tumor were detected in the solid ADC and LCC groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in clinical features or outcomes; the prevalence of smoking in both groups was greater than 95%.

Conclusions

Other than a paucity of intracellular mucin, LCC lacking squamous or neuroendocrine differentiation is indistinguishable from solid-subtype ADC. We propose the reclassification of these tumors as mucin-poor solid adenocarcinomas.
First-line HIV treatment: evaluation of backbone choice and its budget impact
Authors: Zaniolo Orietta , Povero Massimiliano , Bonfanti Paolo , Borderi Marco , Medaglia Massimo
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE: The gradual increase of persons living with HIV, mainly due to the reduced mortality achieved with effective antiretroviral therapies, calls for increased rationality and awareness in health resources consumption also during the early illness phases. Aim of this work is the estimation of the budget impact related to the variation in backbone prescribing trends in naïve patients.METHODS: Target population is the number of patients starting antiretroviral therapy each year, according to the Italian HIV surveillance registry, excluding patients receiving non-authorized or non-recommended regimens. We modeled 3-year mortality and durability rates on a dynamic cohort, basing on international literature. A prevalent patients analysis has also been conducted, for which the model is fed by a closed cohort consisting of all the patients without experience of virologic failure. The aim of this collateral analysis is to estimate the difference in current annual expenditures if the past prescription trends for patients starting therapy would have led to the evaluated hypothetical scenarios. Current Italian market shares of triple regimens containing first-choice or alternative backbones (tenofovir/emtricitabine, abacavir/lamivudine, tenofovir/lamivudine and zidovudine/lamivudine) are compared to three hypothetical scenarios (base-case, minimum and maximum) in which increasing shares of patients eligible to abacavir/lamivudine start first line treatment with this backbone. Annual cost for each regimen comprises drugs acquisition under hospital pricing rules, monitoring exams and preventive tests, valued basing on regional reimbursement tariffs.RESULTS: According to current prescribing trends, in the next three years about 13,000 patients starting HIV therapy will receive tenofovir/emtricitabine (83% of the target population), and minor portions other regimens (9% abacavir/lamivudine, 8% zidovudine/lamivudine). Patients that would be eligible to abacavir/lamivudine are 1.5, 4.5 and 6 thousand more than those presently treated according to the three hypothetical scenarios, leading to a cumulative saving of 850 thousand, 2.4 million and 3.3 million euro, respectively. If in the past the same modification of first line prescription trend was adopted, the annual current cost saving would vary from 922 thousands to 7.3 million euro. Most of this amount is due to reduced acquisition costs and, secondarily, to lower monitoring needs.CONCLUSION: Where patient features don’t force the choice of the backbone, abacavir/lamivudine prescription may induce substantial savings, allowing the release of resources needed to manage more complicated/advanced cases.
Dispersion récente de la tanche au Québec
Authors: Masson Stéphane , de Lafontaine Yves , Pelletier Anne-Marie , Verreault Guy , Brodeur Philippe , Vachon Nathalie , Massé Huguette
Published: June 2013

La tanche (Tinca tinca) est une des nombreuses espèces exotiques envahissantes qui font maintenant partie intégrante de l’écosystème fluvial du Saint-Laurent. Importée au Québec en 1986, cette espèce a par la suite colonisé divers secteurs de la rivière Richelieu et du fleuve Saint-Laurent. Depuis 2011, les observations de tanche sont de plus en plus nombreuses dans le corridor fluvial du Saint-Laurent, particulièrement au lac Saint-Pierre, et l’espèce a même atteint les régions de Montréal et de Québec. La tanche est décrite comme une espèce opportuniste ayant une capacité d’adaptation à des conditions environnementales extrêmes. Cette caractéristique soulève plusieurs inquiétudes quant à son éventuel impact sur les communautés ichtyologiques et benthiques du lac Saint-Pierre, du Richelieu et du fleuve Saint-Laurent. Dans cet article, nous présentons en détail la progression de cette espèce depuis son introduction dans la rivière Richelieu jusqu’à ses plus récentes observations dans le corridor fluvial du Saint-Laurent et discutons de l’impact que cette espèce pourrait avoir sur le chevalier cuivré, espèce unique au Québec, et sur la population de perchaude au lac Saint-Pierre.
Two‐Photon Excitation Microscopy for the Study of Living Cells and Tissues
Authors: Benninger Richard K.P. , Piston David W.
Published: June 2013

Two‐photon excitation microscopy is an alternative to confocal microscopy that provides advantages for three‐dimensional and deep tissue imaging. This unit will describe the basic physical principles behind two‐photon excitation and discuss the advantages and limitations of its use in laser‐scanning microscopy. The principal advantages of two‐photon microscopy are reduced phototoxicity, increased imaging depth, and the ability to initiate highly localized photochemistry in thick samples. Practical considerations for the application of two‐photon microscopy will then be discussed, including recent technological advances. This unit will conclude with some recent applications of two‐photon microscopy that highlight the key advantages over confocal microscopy and the types of experiments which would benefit most from its application. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 59:4.11.1‐4.11.24. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Image Correlation Spectroscopy for Measurements of Particle Densities and Colocalization
Authors: Rappaz Benjamin , Wiseman Paul W.
Published: June 2013

Cells interact with their environment through receptor proteins expressed at their plasma membrane, and protein‐protein interactions govern the transduction of signals across the membrane into the cell. Therefore, the ability to measure receptor densities and protein colocalization within the membrane of intact cells is of paramount importance. This unit describes a technique to extract these parameters from fluorescence microscopy images obtained using a commercial confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and other similar types of microscopes. It is based on the analysis of spatial fluorescence intensity fluctuations in the images, which can then be related to particle density and aggregation state via calculation of a spatial autocorrelation function, or used to measure particle colocalization via calculation of a spatial cross‐correlation function from dual‐color images of proteins tagged with two different fluorophores and imaged in two detection channels. These parameters offer key insights on the interaction of the cell with its environment. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 59:4.27.1‐4.27.15. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Stimuli‐Responsive Materials with Self‐Healing Antifouling Surface via 3D Polymer Grafting
Authors: Kuroki Hidenori , Tokarev Ihor , Nykypanchuk Dmytro , Zhulina Ekaterina , Minko Sergiy
Published: June 2013

A novel stimuli‐responsive material is reported with the self‐healing antifouling surface via 3D polymer grafting. The self‐healing surface is generated from a polymer network and polymeric chains grafted both to the surface of the network and inside the host network material. In the conventional approach to an antifouling surface via grafting of polymer brushes, the degradation and detachment of grafted polymeric chains would expose the underlying layer, leading to a loss of the antifouling effect. If a substantial fraction of the grafted polymers is degraded and detached, the proposed material with 3D polymer grafting retains its antifouling property due to the spontaneous (driven by an emerging gradient in a chemical potential) replacement of detached or damaged polymeric chains with segments of the chains stored inside the film in proximity to the interface. The pH‐responsive poly(2‐vinylpyridine) films with the 3D grafting of poly(ethylene oxide) in physiological conditions (pH 7.4 and 37 °C) demonstrate a 4‐fold increase in longevity of antifouling behavior than the material with the surface grafted polymer. At the same time, the 3D grafted responsive films retain their pH‐responsive properties. The proposed 3D polymer‐grafting can be carried out on various surfaces (polymers, nanofiber mats, nanoporous inorganic materials, etc.) and, hence, can aid in the design of advanced biointerfaces for biomedical and biotechnological applications.
Bio‐inspirierte kinetische Fassade für den Themenpavillon “One Ocean” EXPO 2012 in Yeosu, Korea
Authors: Knippers Jan , Jungjohann Hauke , Scheible Florian , Oppe Matthias
Published: June 2013

Der von SOMA Architecture aus Wien, Österreich entworfene Themenpavillon “One Ocean” ist eines der wichtigsten Gebäude der Expo 2012 in Yeosu, Korea. Die dem Expo‐Gelände und dem Haupteingang zugewandte Seite ist von einer kiemenartigen, mit LED bestückten beweglichen Medienfassade geprägt. Sie stellt einen gestalterischen Bezug zum Meer her und ermöglicht die Lichtsteuerung des Gebäudes.

Grundlage der Entwicklung der kinetischen Fassade war die Analyse natürlicher Bewegungsprinzipien. Die Verwendung von glasfaserverstärkten Kunststoffen (GfK) erlaubt große reversible elastische Verformungen und ermöglicht somit eine komplett neue Interpretation wandelbarer Strukturen.

Bio‐inspired kinetic façade for the thematic pavilion “One Ocean” EXPO 2012 in Yeosu, Korea

The Thematic Pavilion “One Ocean”, designed by SOMA Architecture, Vienna, is a major and permanent building for the Expo 2012 in Yeosu, Korea. The façade facing the expo area and the main entrance is conducted as kinetic media façade symbolizing the gills of a fish. The façade therefore illustrates the theme of the Expo “The living ocean and coast” very well.

Development of the kinetic media façade was inspired by flexible deformation principles found in plant movements. The project is a role model for a novel application of glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP) for deployable structures as well as for advanced biomimetic research and design.