bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural Aging Behavior Of Friction Stir Welded Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Kalemba I. , Kopyściański M. , Hamilton C. , Dymek S.
Published: August 2015

The long term natural aging behavior of friction stir welded aluminum 7136-T76 and 7042 T6 extrusions was investigated. The microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties in the as-welded and six years naturally aged conditions were studied and correlated to a coupled thermal/material flow model of the joining process. Hardness profiles for the 7136 alloy taken along the mid-plane thickness of the workpiece displayed the characteristic W-shape. With natural aging, hardness recovery occurred on both sides of the weld, but the position of the hardness minima, particularly on the advancing side, shifted away from the weld centerline. The hardness profile for the 7042 alloy displayed U-shape in the as-welded condition and W-shape after natural aging. The hardness behavior upon natural aging correlated to the temperature profile developed during welding and the degree to which phase dissolution occurred in the regions adjacent to the stir zone.
The Prospects In Designing New Generation Of High Temperature Coatings In Automobile Engines
Authors: Dulińska D. , Pawlak W. , Grzesik Z.
Published: August 2015

The influence of the chromium layer with the thickness of 1 micrometer sputter-deposited on the X33CrNiMn23-8 and X50CrMnNiNbN21-9 steel surfaces on the oxidation behavior of these steels has been studied at 1173 K in air, using the microthermogravimetric technique. It has been found that coated materials show very good oxidation resistance under isothermal conditions, comparable with that of chromia formers, due to the formation of Cr2O3scales on their surfaces. It has been also demonstrated that the positive effect of chromium addition on the oxidation resistance of investigated steels is observed during a much longer period of time than the life-time of the chromium coating.
Density Functional Theory Study Of The Interaction Of Hydroxyl Groups With Iron Surface
Authors: Nunomura N. , Sunada S.
Published: August 2015

The electronic interaction of hydroxyl groups with Fe(100) surface is modelled using a density functional theory (DFT) approach. The adsorption energies and structures of possible adsorption sites are calculated. According to our calculations of the adsorption energies, the interaction between oxygen atom of OH species and surface iron atom is shown to be strong. It is likely to be due to the interaction of the lone-pair electrons of oxygen and the 3dorbital electrons of iron atom. At low coverage (0.25ML), the most favorable adsorption sites are found to be two-fold bridge sites, and the orientation of the O-H bond is tilted to the surface normal. Further, the adsorption energy is found to be decreasing with the increasing OH group coverage.
Ion-Exchange Reaction Of A-Site In A2Ta2O6 Pyrochlore Crystal Structure
Authors: Matsunami M. , Hashizume T. , Saiki A.
Published: August 2015

Na+ or K+ ion rechargeable battery is started to garner attention recently in Place of Li+ ion cell. It is important that A+ site ion can move in and out the positive-electrode materials. When K2Ta2O6 powder had a pyrochlore structure was only dipped into NaOH aqueous solution at room temperature, Na2Ta2O6 was obtained. K2Ta2O6 was fabricated from a tantalum sheet by a hydrothermal synthesize with KOH aqueous solution. When Na2Ta2O6 was dipped into KOH aqueous solution, K2Ta2O6 was obtained again. If KTaO3 had a perovskite structure was dipped, Ion-exchange was not observed by XRD. Because a lattice constant of pyrochlore structure of K-Ta-O system is bigger than perovskite, K+ or Na+ ion could shinny through and exchange between Ta5+ and O2− ion site in a pyrochlore structure. K+ or Na+ ion exchange of A2Ta2O6 pyrochlore had reversibility. Therefore, A2Ta2O6 had a pyrochlore structure can be expected such as Na+ ion rechargeable battery element.
Structural And Optical Properties Of VOx Thin Films
Authors: Schneider K.
Published: August 2015

VOx thin films were deposited on Corning glass, fused silica and Ti foils by means of rf reactive sputtering from a metallic vanadium target. Argon-oxygen gas mixtures of different compositions controlled by the flow rates were used for sputtering. Influence of the oxygen partial pressure in the sputtering chamber on the structural and optical properties of thin films has been investigated.

Structural properties of as-sputtered thin films were studied by X-ray diffraction at glancing incidence, GIXD. Optical transmittance and reflectance spectra were recordedwith a Lambda 19 Perkin-Elmer double spectrophotometer. Thickness of the films was determined from the profilometry. It has been confirmed by XRD that the deposited films are composed mainly of V2O5 phase. The estimated optical band gap of 2.5 eV corresponds to V2O5.
The Analysis Of Structure For The Multi-Layered Of Ge/TiO2 Films Prepared By The Differential Prressure Co-Sputtering
Authors: Adachi Y. , Abe S. , Matsuda K. , Nose M.
Published: August 2015

We tried to fabricate the Ge/TiO2 composite films with the differential pressure (pumping) co-sputtering (DPCS) apparatus in order to improve the optical properties. In the study, the micro structure of these thin films has been evaluated. TEM image revealed that the thin film was alternately layered with TiO2 and Ge, lattice fringes were observed both of Ge layer and TiO2 layer. There were portions that lattice fringe of Ge was disturbed near the interface of Ge and TiO2. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy elucidated that there were few germanium oxides and a part with the thin film after annealed.
Crystal Structure And Optical Properties Of TiO2 Thin Films Prepared By Reactive RF Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Goto S. , Adachi Y. , Matsuda K. , Nose M.
Published: August 2015

In sputtering deposition process of TiO2, metal Ti or sintered TiO2 target is used as deposition source. In this study, we have compared the characteristic of target materials. When TiO2 target was used, stoichiometric TiO2 films was deposited under the Ar atmosphere containing 1.0% of oxygen. The highest sputtering rate under this atmosphere was 3.9nm/min at 3.4W/cm2. But, sintered TiO2 target is fragile and cannot endure higher density of input power than 3.4W/cm2. On the other hand, Ti target needs higher oxygen concentration (8%) in sputtering gas atmosphere for obtaining rutile/anatase. Even though Ti target can be input twice power density of 7.9W/cm2, the highest deposition rate for Ti target was 1.4/nm, which was ~35% of the highest rate for TiO2 target. Then we have study out the composite target consisting of Ti plate and TiO2 chips. Using the composite target, stoichiometric TiO2 films were prepared in the rate of 9.6nm/min at 6.8 W/cm2 under the atmosphere of Ar/2.5%O2. Furthermore, we have found that the TiO2 films obtained from the composite target consisted of about 100% anatase, whereas TiO2 films obtained from other target have rutile dominant structure. The optical band gap energy of the film is determined by using the Tauc plot. The calculated band gap energies for the films deposited by Ti target and composite target were 2.95 and 3.24eV, which are equivalent to that of rutile and anatase structure, respectively.
The Age-Precipitations Structure Of Al-Mg-Ge Alloy Aged At 473K
Authors: Kawai A. , Watanabe K. , Matsuda K. , Ikeno S.
Published: August 2015

The Al-Mg-Ge alloy is one of the age-hardening aluminum alloy after solution heat treatment. It has been proposed that the age-precipitation behavior of Al-Mg-Ge alloy is different from that of Al-Mg-Si alloy according to our previous works about the microstructure on Al-Mg-Ge alloy over-aged at 523K. For example, The hardness of peak aged Al-1.0mass%Mg2Ge alloy is higher than that of Al-1.0mass%Mg2Si alloy. The precipitates in the over-aged samples have been classified as some metastable phases, such as the β’-phase and Type-A precipitates and equilibrium phase of β-Mg2Ge by TEM observation. There a few reports about microstructure on Al-Mg-Ge alloys observed by TEM for different aging times. The age-precipitations structure of Al-Mg-Ge alloy has not been became clear. In this work, TEM observation was investigated the microstructure on Al-1.0mass%Mg2Ge alloy for difference aging times aged at 473K.
Tem Observation Of Age-Hardening Precipitation In Mg-Gd-Y Alloys As Different Gd/Y Ratio
Authors: Matsuoka Y. , Watanabe K. , Nakamura J. , Lefebvre W. , Saikawa S. , Ikeno S. , Matsuda K.
Published: August 2015

In this study, the early stage of aging in Mg-Gd-Y alloys has been observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high angle annular dark field – scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and calculations of images and electron density and bond overlap population (BOP) by first principal to understand the origin of precipitation in this alloy. The small hexagon of 0.37 nm is the first precipitate in this alloy, and this is the evidence of short range ordering of D019 structure. This is referred as the pre β”-phase. In the peak aged condition, β’ phase with bco structure was mainly observed.
Tem Observation Of Precipitate Structures In Al-Zn-Mg Alloys With Additions Of Cu/Ag
Authors: Watanabe K. , Matsuda K. , Ikeno S. , Yoshida T. , Murakami S.
Published: August 2015

Al-Zn-Mg alloy has been known as one of the aluminum alloys with the good age-hardening ability and the high strength among commercial aluminum alloys. The mechanical property of the limited ductility, however, is required to further improvement. In this work, three alloys, which were added Cu or Ag into the Al-Zn-Mg alloy, were prepared to compare the effect of the additional elements on the aging behavior. The content of Ag and Cu were 0.2at.% and the same as, respectively. Ag or Cu added alloy showed higher maximum hardness than base alloy. The particle shape and rod shape precipitates were observed in all alloys peak-aged at 423K. According to addition of Ag or Cu, the number density of the precipitates increased higher than that of base alloy.
Microstructure And Mechanical Properties Of Crofer 22 APU Ferritic Stainless Steel
Authors: Stygar M. , Durda E.
Published: August 2015

The objective of this work was to expand the knowledge on mechanical properties of the oxidized Crofer 22 APU Ferritic Stainless Steel. To examine adhesion of oxide scale formed on steel the scratch test was performed. Scratch test as an appropriate method for qualitative evaluation of the film adhesion to substrate has been used in many studies. Scratch properties were investigated before and after oxidation at 800°C for 500 hours in laboratory air.
Electrical Properties Of Indium And Yttrium-Doped Barium Cerate-Based Compounds For Use As Ceramic Fuel Cell Electrolytes
Authors: Gawel R. , Przybylski K.
Published: August 2015

The aim of this work is to compare the electrical properties of BaCe0.85Y0.15O3−δ (BCY15), BaCe0.70In0.30O3−δ (BCI30) and a composite material consisting of 30%vol. BCY15 and 70%vol. Ce0.85Y0.15O2−δ (YDC15). BCY15 and YDC15 were synthesized by co-precipitation, whereas BCI30 was obtained using the solid-state reaction method. Pellets were initially formed from powders at 5 MPa, after which they were isostatically pressed at 250 MPa and sintered at 1500°C. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to determine the electrical properties of the samples in both air (pO2 = 0.021 MPa) and Ar-5%H2 atmospheres. In the temperature range 200-400°C in air atmosphere the highest conductivity values were determined for BCY15 (5,22·10−5 − 2.74·10−3 S/cm). On the other hand, the electrical conductivity values obtained for Y70B30 in both atmospheres between 200 and 550°C are in the order of magnitude of 10−7 − 10−3 S/cm. Consequently, it can be concluded that the compounds exhibit significant H+ and O2− electrical conductivity at temperatures above 500°C, which indicates the possibility for their potential use as ceramic fuel cell electrolytes.
Effects Of Anodic Protection On SCC Behavior Of X80 Pipeline Steel In High-pH Carbonate-Bicarbonate Solution
Authors: Zhao W. , Zou Y. , Xia D.X. , Zou Z.D.
Published: August 2015

The potentiodynamic polarization test and slow strain rate tensile tests of X80 pipeline steel were performed in 0.5M Na2CO3-1M NaHCO3solution to study the electrochemical and stress corrosion cracking properties. The results of potentiodynamic polarization test show that there is an obvious stable passive region, about from 0v to 0.8V (SCE), indicating that anodic protection is feasible. The results of slow strain rate tensile tests show that the stress corrosion cracking sensibility is high and cathodic protection effect is restricted due to the hydrogen permeation. However, the elongation, yielding strength and tensile strength all increase with anodic protection. The higher anodic protection potential in the stable passive region is benefit to improve tensile strength and yielding strength. However, the higher elongation is obtained at 0.5V (SCE) anodic protection potential.
Studies On An Aerobic Oxidation Of Dibenzothiophene And Related Compounds Using Ruthenium Catalyst
Authors: Morishita Y. , Murata S. , Sunada S.
Published: August 2015

An aerobic oxidation of dibenzothiophene and related compounds using a catalytic amount of ruthenium chloride in hydrocarbon solvents at 80°C for 20 h gave the corresponding sulfones in almost quantitative yields. The reaction might proceed via autoxidation of solvents to hydroperoxides and the reaction of sulfur compounds with the resulting hydroperoxides.
Composite Layers “MgAl Intermetalic Layer / PVD Coating” Obtained On The AZ91D Magnesium Alloy By Different Hybrid Surface Treatment Methods
Authors: Smolik J. , Mazurkiewicz A. , Kacprzyńska-Gołacka J. , Rydzewski M. , Szota M. , Mizera J.
Published: August 2015

Magnesium alloys have very interesting physical properties which make them ‘materials of the future’ for tools and machine components in many industry areas. However, very low corrosion and tribological resistance of magnesium alloys hampers the implementation of this material in the industry. One of the methods to improve the properties of magnesium alloys is the application of the solutions of surface engineering like hybrid technologies. In this paper, the authors compare the tribological and corrosion properties of two types of “MgAlitermetalic / PVD coating” composite layers obtained by two different hybrid surface treatment technologies. In the first configuration, the “MgAlitermetalic / PVD coating” composite layer was obtained by multisource hybrid surface treatment technology combining magnetron sputtering (MS), arc evaporation (AE) and vacuum heating methods. The second type of a composite layer was prepared using a hybrid technology combined with a diffusion treatment process in Al-powder and the electron beam evaporation (EB) method. The authors conclude, that even though the application of „MgAlitermetalic / PVD coating” composite layers can be an effective solution to increase the abrasive wear resistance of magnesium alloys, it is not a good solution to increase its corrosion resistance.
Photoinduced Optical Properties Of Tl1−xIn1−xSixSe2 Single Crystals
Authors: Myronchuk G.L. , Zamurueva O.V. , Oźga K. , Szota M. , El-Naggar A.M. , Alzayed N.S. , Piskach L.V. , Parasyuk O.V. , Albassam A.A. , Fedorchuk A.O. , Kityk I.V.
Published: August 2015

The influence of temperature on electroconductivity and photoinduced changes of the absorption at 0.15 eV under influence of the second harmonic generation of CO2 laser for the two type of single crystals were investigated. The single crystals Tl1−xIn1−xSixSe2 (x=0.1 and 0.2) have been grown by the two-zone Bridgaman-Stockbarger method. The temperature studies of electroconductivity were done in cryostat with thermoregulation in the temperature 77 - 300 K, with stabilization ±0.1 K. Photoinduced treatment of the investigated single crystals were performed using the 180 ns pulses second harmonic generation of the CO2 laser operating at 5.3 μm. Experimental studies have shown that for the Tl1−xIn1−xSixSe2 single crystals with decreasing temperature from 300 up to 240 K and from 315 up to 270 K the conductivity is realized by thermally excited impurities with activation energies equal to about 0.24 eV and 0.22 eV for x= 0.1 and 0.2, respectively. Photoinduced absorption achieves its maximum at a power density below 100 mJ/cm2. Has been shown that the samples with x=0.2 demonstrated higher changes of the photoinduced absorption with respect to the x=0.1. With further decreasing temperature is observed monotonic decrease in the activation energy of conductivity. The origin of these effects is caused by the excitations of both the electronic as well as phonon subsystem. At some power densities the anharmonic excitations become dominant and as a consequence the photoinduced absorption dependence is saturated what were observed. Additionally, we were evaluated at given temperature the average jump length of R for localized states near Fermi level.
Microstructure And Magnetic Properties Of The FeZr(Y)NbCuB Amorphous Alloys
Authors: Gondro J. , Błoch K. , Nabiałek M. , Waltters K. , Szota M.
Published: August 2015

In this paper, the results of investigations are presented, into the microstructure and magnetic properties of the following amorphous alloys in the as-quenched state: Fe82Zr7Nb2Cu1B8 and Fe86Zr4Y3Nb1Cu1B5. The studied material was produced in the form of thin ribbons of 3 mm width and 20 μm thickness. The structure and microstructure of the samples have been investigated by means of Mössbauer spectrometry and X-ray diffractometry. In addition, the magnetic properties of these materials have been determined, i.e. the low-field magnetic susceptibility, and the magnetisation as a function of temperature and magnetising field.

On the basis of the performed investigations, it has been found that a minor change in the quantities of elements favouring amorphisation, such as: Zr and Y, has an influence on the value of the Curie temperature and the magnetic properties of the resulting alloys. It should be noticed that the changes, introduced in the chemical composition of the alloys, don’t change the combined volume of these elements, i.e. Zr7 and Zr4Y3.
Hilbert-Twin – A Novel Hilbert Transform-Based Method To Compute Envelope Of Free Decaying Oscillations Embedded In Noise, And The Logarithmic Decrement In High-Resolution Mechanical Spectroscopy HRMS
Authors: Magalas L.B. , Majewski M.
Published: August 2015

In this work, we present a novel Hilbert-twin method to compute an envelope and the logarithmic decrement, δ, from exponentially damped time-invariant harmonic strain signals embedded in noise. The results obtained from five computing methods: (1) the parametric OMI (Optimization in Multiple Intervals) method, two interpolated discrete Fourier transform-based (IpDFT) methods: (2) the Yoshida-Magalas (YM) method and (3) the classic Yoshida (Y) method, (4) the novel Hilbert-twin (H-twin) method based on the Hilbert transform, and (5) the conventional Hilbert transform (HT) method are analyzed and compared. The fundamental feature of the Hilbert-twin method is the efficient elimination of intrinsic asymmetrical oscillations of the envelope, aHT (t), obtained from the discrete Hilbert transform of analyzed signals. Excellent performance in estimation of the logarithmic decrement from the Hilbert-twin method is comparable to that of the OMI and YM for the low- and high-damping levels. The Hilbert-twin method proved to be robust and effective in computing the logarithmic decrement and the resonant frequency of exponentially damped free decaying signals embedded in experimental noise. The Hilbert-twin method is also appropriate to detect nonlinearities in mechanical loss measurements of metals and alloys.
Hilbert-Twin – A Novel Hilbert Transform-Based Method To Compute The Elastic Modulus In High-Resolution Mechanical Spectroscopy HRMS
Authors: Majewski M. , Magalas L.B.
Published: August 2015

A novel Hilbert-twin (H-twin) method is introduced as an alternative method for the computation of the resonant frequency for exponentially damped free decays embedded in noise. We also present the comparison among the following methods used to compute the dynamic elastic modulus in solids: the parametric OMI (Optimization in Multiple Intervals), the Yoshida-Magalas (YM) interpolated discrete Fourier transform, the Hilbert-twin (H-twin), and discrete Fourier transform (DFT) methods. It is concluded that the OMI and YM methods are the best methods to compute the elastic modulus from discrete exponentially damped free-elastic decays embedded in unavoidable noise.
Experimental Investigation Of Segregation Of Carbon Atoms Due To Sub-Zero Cryogenic Treatment In Cold Work Tool Steel By Mechanical Spectroscopy And Atom Probe Tomography
Authors: Min N. , Li H.M. , Xie CH. , Wu X.C.
Published: August 2015

In this work, we present mechanical spectroscopy of cold work tool steel subjected to sub-zero cryogenic soaking treatment to reveal the carbon segregation and the subsequent carbides refinement. The maximum of Snoek-Köster (SK) peak height was obtained in the sample subjected to soaking 1h at −130°C cryogenic treatment. The SK peak height is reduced with prolonging the soaking time. The results indicate that an increase in the height of SK peak is connected with an increase in dislocation density and the number of segregated carbon atoms in the vicinity of dislocations or twin planes after martensite transformation at −130°C which is confirmed by corresponding TEM and atom probe tomography measurement. Hence, it is suggested that the isothermal martensite, formed during the cryogenic soaking treatment decreases (APT) the height of SK peak.
Model Research On Deposition Of Pure Aluminium Oxide Layers By MOCVD Method
Authors: Sawka A. , Kwatera A.
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this research is to develop an optimal method for synthesizing of nanocrystalline Al2O3 monolayers at high growth rates on cemented carbides coated with an intermediate layer of pre-Al2O3-C (composite layers Al2O3-C/Al2O3). The use of quartz glass substrate allows for obtaining information about the quality of the layers such the thickness and density, because of its high transparency. The Al2O3 layers that do not containing carbon were synthesized on quartz glass by MOCVD using aluminum acetylacetonate and air as the reactants at temperatures of 700-1000°C. Argon was also a carrier gas. The resulting layers were transparent, as homogeneous nucleation did not occur during the synthesis process. The layers synthesized at lower temperatures were subjected to a crystallization process at temperatures above 900°C. The crystallization process was studied as a function of time and temperature. The obtained layers were characterized by their nanocrystalline microstructure.
Effects Of Environmental Factors On The Dispersion Behavior Of Iron Oxide In Aqueous Solutions With Poly Acrylic Acid
Authors: Lee E.-H. , Kim K.-M. , Maeng W.-Y. , Hur D.-H.
Published: August 2015

After preparing aqueous suspensions from magnetite particles with a poly-acrylic acid, we investigated the effects of several experimental parameters. We characterized the stability of the suspensions using visual inspection, sedimentation, adsorption, and thermal stability of the dispersant. The dispersion stability is affected by the solution pH, the concentrations of magnetite particles, the molecular weight, the concentration of the dispersants, and the temperature. The stability of the suspensions increased as the concentration of the dispersant and the temperature increased. In terms of the molecular weights of the dispersant, the suspensions with dispersant of low-molecular weight (1800) were more stable than those of high-molecular weight (250000) at room temperature. However, at high temperature the suspensions with high-molecular weight showed stability. The adsorption efficiency of the dispersant was very low. The dispersant of high-molecular weight showed a higher thermal integrity than that of low-molecular weight. From this work, we obtained the optimum conditions for stable aqueous suspensions of magnetite particles.
Epidemiological Characteristics and Prospective 6-Months Follow-up of Children with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Carmen Şuteu , Cristina Blesneac , Rodica Togănel , Theodora Benedek
Published: August 2015

Introduction: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Pediatric patients often present with mixted aetiologies.

Objectives: To characterize the epidemiology, management and outcome of pediatric PAH.

Methods: Children with PAH were included and followed prospectively for six months. WHO functional class, 6-minute walk test, biomarkers, electrocardiogram, spirometers and echocardiographic parameters were evaluated in progressive PAH group.

Results: Two hundred and four children were included in the study from July 2012 until July 2013, with a mean age of 6.13 years. Transient PAH patients (n=170, 83.33%) included newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension (n=8, 3.92%) and children with congenital heart defects with systemic-to-pulmonary shuntflow PAH (n=162, 79.41%) in whom PAH resolved after successful surgery correction. Progressive PAH (n=34, 16.66%) included patients with idiopathic PAH (n=5, 2.45%), Eisenmenger syndrome (n=17, 8.33%) and post-operative PAH (n= 6, 2.94%). Patients with progressive PAH remained stable in regards to clinical status, WHO functional class, 6-minute walk distance, biomarkers, spirometers parameters and echocardiographic parameters with prognostic value.

Conclusions: Pediatric PAH is characterized by various age-specific diagnoses, the majority of which comprise transient forms of PAH. Pediatric PAH associated with congenital heart defects represents a heterogeneous group with highly variable clinical courses. PAH specific therapies may have contributed to disease stability and favorable outcomes.
Comparison Between Clinical and Echocardiographic Findings in Infants and Children Diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cristina Blesneac , Carmen Şuteu , Rodica Togănel , Theodora Benedek , Benedek I
Published: August 2015

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a rather common hereditary disease with an autozomal dominant character, caused by mutations of genes that code for proteins of the cardiac sarcomere. The observed prevalence of this disease is much lower in pediatric patients compared to adults, because it’s late gene expression. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy presenting in infancy has been shown to have a very high mortality.

Methods: Thirty-nine patients diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the IIIrd Pediatric Cardiology Department from Tîrgu Mureş were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 – patients diagnosed during infancy, group 2 – patients diagnosed after 1 year of age. Data regarding familial and personal history, and echocardiographic findings were compared between these two groups.

Results: Group 1 included 17 patients and group 2 - 22 patients. Positive familial history was found in both groups (group 1 – 6 cases, group 2 – 3 cases), all of them in obstructive forms. Syncope was found in four cases, all of them in group 1 (p=0.02; odds ratio 15; 95% CI, 0.7473 to 301.1). While in group 1, asymmetric septal hypertrophy was predominant (64.7%), in group 2 – concentric left ventricular hypertrophy predominated (54.5%). Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was found in 14 patients in group 1 (82.4%) compared to 13 patients in group 2 (59.1%). Diastolic function was impaired more predominantly in group 1 (p=0.0274; odds ratio 11.67; 95% CI, 1.526 to 89.17).

Conclusions: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has an extensive clinical variability with regard to age of onset, severity and progression of disease.
Association Between Increased Waist Circumference and Depression and Anxiety Trend
Authors: Elena Bocicor Andreea , Gabriela Buicu , Andreea Varga , Tatar R , Daniela Sabau , Tilea I , Gabos-Grecu I
Published: August 2015

Introduction: Abdominal adiposity assessed by increased waist circumference and depression have both a high incidence and prevalence and are associated with increased general mortality and cardiovascular risk. Several studies showed a significant association between abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome and depression. Early detection of these associations is important for for prevention and treatment of this disease.

Material and method: Eighty patients were enrolled in a cross-sectional descriptive study. Waist circumference was measured in all patients and an increased waist circumference was considered for subjects with values higher than 80 cm in women and higher than 94 cm in men as. Patients completed standardized questionnaires HADS for assessment of depression and anxiety. A depression (D) score higher than 10 points showed a trend to depression while an anxiety (A) score higher than 10 indicated a tendency to anxiety. The association between increased waist circumference, depression and anxiety was studied.

Results: We interviewed 80 patients, 34 (43%) men (mean age 62+/−6.43) and 46 (57%) women (mean age 59+/−5.16). Increased waist circumference was recorded in 22 men, and in 30 women. We noticed a good association between increased waist circumference and both depression (p=0.0006, RR=2.007, 95%CI 1.24-3.24) and anxiety (p=0.017, RR=2.046, 95%CI 1.21-3.45). We found both anxiety and depression risks rather equal in men, while in women we observed a higher depression risk.

Conclusions: Increased waist circumference is associated to depression and anxiety tendency in both genders. Depression trend is more powerful in women, while in men both depression and anxiety seen to have an equal frequency. Psychotherapy should be added to lifestyle changes in patients with abdominal adiposity.
Office Assessed Blood Pressure and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Versus Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Tarta DI , Denise Căldăraru Carmen , Cristina Tarta , Frigy A , Caraşca E , Otilia Carlan , Dogaru AG
Published: August 2015

How reliable is office assessed blood pressure (BP) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and kidney transplant (KTx) recipients is yet to be determined, although the diagnosis of arterial hypertension has been based on these measurements. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential differences between office assessed BP and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in CKD patients and KTx recipients. We conducted a prospective study which enrolled 45 patients. Morning and evening seated office BPs were assessed using a sphygmomanometer at 5 consecutive outpatient visits. A mean systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) was calculated. Ambulatory blood pressure was measured over 24 hours using a Meditech ABPM-05 device. Office SBP was statistically significant higher in CKD patients than KTx recipients both in the morning and evening (p=0.0433 and p=0.0066 respectively). ABPM showed higher night-time SBPs (p=0.0445) and higher overall, day-time and night-time DBPs in KTX recipients (p=0.0001, p=0.0006, p<0.0001 respectively). In CKD patients, office SBPs and DBPs are significantly higher than overall SBPs and DBPs as assessed by 24hr ABPM. Office BP monitoring as assessed by clinician is acceptable but tends to overestimate BP in both CKD and KTx study groups.
Surgical Risk Factors of Patients with Operable Gist
Authors: Gabriella Gabos , Adina Friciu , Raluca Diac , Annamaria Magdas , Crăciun C , Coroş M , Daniela Dobru
Published: August 2015

Introduction: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most frequently mezenchimale tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. This study aims to analyze the results after surgical treatment of GIST and identify key risk factors influencing postoperative course of these patients in order to discover the most effective therapeutic methods to significantly improve postoperative course of these patients.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent surgical removal of GISTs from 2004-2014. Patient demographics, criterion for admission, surgery, complications, secondary dissemination, histopathological data and clinical course were analized following patient survival at 12, 24, 36 and to 60 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed using the MedCalc software program, and survival analysis was done by Kaplan Meyer.

Results: During this period we analyzed a total of 28 cases, including 13 males and 15 females with age from 33 to 80 years (median, 61). The tumor was located in the stomach (15 cases; 53%), small intestine in ten cases (36%) and other sites in three patients (11%). Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size (P <0,05), criterion for admission (P<0,05) and secondary dissemination (P<0,05) are independed prognostic factors.

Conclusions: Factors like: age and sex of patients, size and tumor site, presence or absence of metastasis, are prognostic risk factors with significant differences in the evolution of patients with operable GIST. The small number of patients and retrospective nature of the study have created difficulties in the estimation where we concluded the need of a prospective multicentric study.
Comparative Study Regarding Activity of Emergency Dental Offices in Tirgu Mures and Oradea
Authors: Kinga Dörner , Boeriu C , Hajnal Vass , Melinda Nagy , Zsuzsa Koszta , Raluca Iurcov , Melinda Székely
Published: August 2015

Objective: The purpose of the study was to assess the activity of the Emergency Dental Office of UPU SMURD in Tîrgu Mures since its establishment and also to compare it with the similar unit from Oradea.

Methods: The two-year retrospective and comparative study is a statistical processing of non-personal data regarding the emergency dental services in the UPU SMURD Tîrgu Mures and UPU SMURD Oradea, involving the data collected in the same period at both emergency dental offices. Data based on the records analysis of the patients who were consulted and treated at the Emergency Dental Office in UPU SMURD Tîrgu Mure between February 1, 2012 – February 1, 2014 compared with similar data from Oradea.

Results: Assessing the number of patients presented each month – first and second year – we can see that since the establishment of the Emergency Dental Office in Tîrgu Mure (no=12780), the number of patients showed a linear increase in the first year, and in the second year the constant number of patients present in the studied unit was higher than in the other center from Oradea (no=4886).

Conclusions: The large number of patients and the nature of the cases that were present in the Emergency Dental Office in the UPU SMURD Tîrgu Mure show how necessary the set-up of this unit was.
Assesing the Knowledge, Attitudes and Eating Habits of Dietary Fibers in Tîrgu-Mureş Population
Authors: Victoria Stere , Monica Tarcea , Florina Ruta
Published: August 2015

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and eating habits upon consumption of dietary fibers in a group of people from Tirgu-Mures area.

Material and Method: We used a transversal descriptive study conducted on a group of 251 subjects from the urban area (76.4%), as well as from the rural area (23.6%), aged between 18 and 62 years, obtained using an online questionnaire consisting of 40 questions related to knowledge and attitude towards dietary fibers and estimated consumption of fiber from whole foods.

Results: In the study group, we observed that 21.28% consumed whole cereals once per week and 18% did not consume cereals at all; regarding fruit consumption 17.44% consumed 6-8 pieces/week, and 3.4% consumed over 18 pieces/week. Frequency of fast food –meals consuming: 67.68% did not consume fast-food meals, 25.25% ate fast food once/week, and 1.1% consumed fast food between 8-10 times/week. Concerning the statement that fibers can prevent and/or treat colon cancer and obesity, 40% fully accepted the statement, 40% agreed, 14.29% were indifferent and 4.7% were against. From the total group of subjects, approximately 37.6% knew the meaning and classification of dietary fiber, 26.8% knew the recommended amount of fiber to be consumed daily, and 5.9% did not check the fiber content of foods ever.

Conclusions: The inclusion of cereals and whole foods in diet is recommended in all nutrition guidelines worldwide, because of their association with a high health status, and prevention of chronic diseases. Consumers need to understand the benefits of whole foods, also to recognize and read the information about it on food labels.
Low Molecular Weight Heparin versus Coumadin-Induced Skin Cecrosis in a Patient with Superficial Vein Thrombosis - A Case Report
Authors: Nicoleta Sala , Oana-Cristiana Burdun , Maria Botoman , Andrea Rab , Ariana Bancu Ligia , Corina Ureche
Published: August 2015

Introduction: Coumadin and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) induced skin necrosis are rare clinical conditions.

Case presentation: A 63-years-old female patient, known with hypertension and right-sided hemiparesis, had presented to the emergency departement with pain and erythema of her internal right thigh. Venous Doppler-echography showed internal safenous vein thrombosis, thus she was started on anticoagulant treatment with Dalteparin and Acenocoumarol. On the 5th day of treatment she developed plantar hematoma on her left leg, followed by the appearance of hematomas, on the lower third of her right calf and on coxofemoral regions. Therefore, we raised the suspicion of heparin or coumadin-induced cutaneous necrosis, we stopped the anticoagulation for 5 days and restarted it with the administration of Rivaroxaban, fresh frozen plasma, antibiotics and local, sterile, saline dressings. After four days the patient presented deep vein thrombosis on her left calf.

Results and Discussion: Coagulation abnormalities were suspected, but infirmed by normal values of specific laboratory tests, such as Protein C (472.2%), protein S (77.10%), lupus anticoagulant (LA1-screening 53, 5s, LA-confirmation 38,0s). Hemogram showed normal platelet values. To exclude a malignancy, abdominal CT scan was performed, which revealed a right adnexal inomogenic cystic lesion, CA-125 (6,5U/ml), requiring further gynecological investigations. For the treatment of skin lesions, the patient required necrectomy and skin graft application.

Conclusion: Particularly, considering that the patient was initially anticoagulated with LMWH and coumadins simultaneously, the etiology of her cutaneous lesions remains uncertain.
Analysis of Genetic Variability in Farmed and Wild Populations of Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes Procyonoides) Using Microsatellite Sequences
Authors: Kasperek Kornel , Horecka Beata , Jakubczak Andrzej , Ślaska Brygida , Gryzińska Magdalena , Bugno-Poniewierska Monika , Piórkowska Małgorzata , Jeżewska-Witkowska Grażyna
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study was to detect possible differences between farmed and wild-living raccoon dogs. Analysis of polymorphism in 15 microsatellite sequences led to the conclusion that raccoon dogs raised on Polish farms and wild raccoon dogs living in Poland are two genetically distinct groups of animals. Wild Polish raccoon dogs are genetically more similar to the population of wild animals from the Kaliningrad Region than to farmed animals. The analysis of microsatellite loci showed clear genetic differences between farmed and wild-living populations of raccoon dog, despite only 50 years of isolation of the two groups of animals. The farmed population was characterized by higher genetic variation than the wild-living population. On the basis of the analyses three microsatellite loci (INU014, Ren13J22 and Ren41D20) were proposed for determination of the origin of animals that have escaped from farms.
Can Releasing Racehorses to Paddocks be Beneficial? Heart Rate Analysis – Preliminary Study
Authors: Janczarek Iwona , Kędzierski Witold , Stachurska Anna , Wilk Izabela
Published: August 2015

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of allowing racehorses to use paddocks, on the heart rate (HR). HR was used as a measure of horses’ psychosomatic response to environment effect. The study involved 90 Purebred Arabian horses divided into three groups of equal numbers of stallions and mares. The control group (C) was trained at the racetrack. The other two groups were trained in an off-the-racetrack centre and therefore, they were regularly transported to the races. One of those groups (T) was maintained in the same manner as horses at the racetrack, without access to paddocks. Horses from the other group (TP) were additionally released into a paddock every day. Each horse was examined within five three-week measuring periods, during one training season. HR was registered at rest, during saddling, and while walking with a rider. A multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA, GLM) was used to compare HR. The significance of differences between means was determined using Tukey’s test. HR registered from 2nd to 5th measuring periods during saddling and walking was generally lower in TP than in C. For example, in stallions during saddling, HR amounted to: 54.4±14.7 vs 65.3±12.1, 53.2±13.5 vs 64.4±13.1, 55.4±12.2 vs 65.0±11.0 and 53.4±14.0 vs 66.5±13.8 beats/min, respectively. In T stallions and mares, HR tended to increase when the transportation began which was particularly pronounced at rest. The study revealed that the possibility of turnout into paddocks reduced HR in racehorses, in comparison to horses trained at racetrack. Training for horse racing in an off-the-racetrack centre with the use of paddocks was assessed as beneficial, provided the horses were used to being transported.
Location On Natural Valuable Areas As A Condition For The Development Of Enterprises Based On The Use Of Natural Resources – The Lublin Voivodeship (Poland)
Authors: Zwolińska-Ligaj Magdalena
Published: August 2015

The aim of the study is to identify opportunities and constraints of the development of companies whose business is based on the exploitation of natural resources resulting from their location in areas of natural value. The study area consisted of 40 municipalities. Five companies were selected for the study in each municipality. The study used the method of diagnostic survey using a questionnaire interview. The results obtained give rise to a finding that economic activity based on the use of local natural resources, taking into account the need to protect the natural environment, is a legitimate direction and an opportunity for the development of local economies of areas of natural value. However, given the limitations of economic activities in natural valuable areas, it requires support, mainly with information and finance. The most important limitations of economic activities in natural valuable areas include the lack of preferential financial instruments, difficulties of the investment process and the lack of financial compensation for profits lost due to the location.
Financial Literacy: Empirical Sociological Approaches
Authors: Henye Livia Kovacsne , Kulcsar Laszlo
Published: August 2015

The recent financial crises that started in the USA and spread all over Europe highlighted the importance of research in the field of financial culture. A variety of research projects pointed out that the general population’s financial literacy is lacking basic knowledge. The ever changing economic climate, demographic changes, tendencies in the financial processing sector and the acceleration in product innovation put considerable pressure on the everyday decision making process of a household. The overview of the international and national research on the subject proves that the improving of the population’s, especially the young people’s financial literacy is a priority both in leading economic countries and in Hungary, too. The idea of financial culture is as complex as the variety of research into the topic proves it. This article aims to point out the complicated nature of the notion and the variety of research that has been inserted into it.
Comparative evaluation of the Aptima HIV-1 Quant Dx assay and COBAS TaqMan HIV-1 v2.0 assay using the Roche High Pure System for the quantification of HIV-1 RNA in plasma
Authors: Schalasta Gunnar , Börner Anna , Speicher Andrea , Enders Martin
Published: August 2015

Quantification of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA in plasma has become the standard of care in the management of HIV-infected patients. There are several commercially available assays that have been implemented for the detection of HIV-1 RNA in plasma. Here, the new Hologic Aptima

The performance characteristics of the assays were assessed using commercially available HIV reference panels, dilution of the WHO 3rd International HIV-1 RNA International Standard (WHO-IS) and plasma from clinical specimens. Assay performance was determined by linear regression, Deming correlation analysis and Bland-Altman analysis.

Testing of HIV-1 reference panels revealed excellent agreement. The 61 clinical specimens quantified in both assays were linearly associated and strongly correlated.

The Aptima HIV assay offers performance comparable to that of the HPS/CTM assay and, as it is run on a fully automated platform, a significantly improved workflow.
Electrospun acetaminophen-loaded cellulose acetate nanofibers fabricated using an epoxy-coated spinneret
Authors: Wang Xia , Li Xiao-Yan , Li Ying , Zou Hua , Yu Deng Guang , Cai Jin-Shuai
Published: August 2015

This paper reports the investigation about the usage of an epoxy (EP)-coated spinneret for the preparation of medicated electrospun nanofibers. Cellulose acetate (CA) and acetaminophen (APAP) were used as the polymeric carrier and model drug, respectively. The electrospinning was undertaken using both EP-coated spinneret and traditional stainless steel capillary as spinnerets. According to the images from scanning electron microscopy, it is obvious that the nanofibers produced using the EP-coated spinneret had a finer diameter and a narrower size distribution (450±90 nm) than nanofibers fabricated using stainless steel equivalent (660±180 nm). In vitro dissolution tests revealed that the sustained-release profiles of nanofibers from the EP-coated spinneret were superior to those of their stainless steel equivalents, although APAP existed in a similar amorphous state in both nanofibers. Because the EP-coated material can exploit the electrical forces more effectively than its steel analogue, it can enhance the electrospinning technique for producing polymeric functional nanofibers.
Stand der Vermittlung von Informations­kompetenz an deutschen Bibliotheken – Eine exemplarische Untersuchung
Authors: Yurt Murat , Simon Patrick
Published: August 2015

Der Begriff Informationskompetenz definiert Techniken und Methoden der Recherche, Beurteilung und Nutzung von Informationen und gilt in der modernen Informa­tionsgesellschaft als Schlüsselkompetenz. Die deutsche Übersetzung des aus dem angloamerikanischen Raum stammenden „Information Literacy“ hat sich in den vergangenen Jahren auch in Deutschland etabliert. Auf Basis einer exemplarischen Untersuchung wird der Stand der Vermittlung von Informationskompetenz an Bibliotheken in vier deutschen Millionenstädten beschrieben. Für die Untersuchung wurden nach vorangegangenen Online-Recherchen Kriterien festgelegt, nach denen die Auswahl der untersuchten Bibliotheken erfolgte. Die Untersuchung erfolgte mit einem Fragebogen, dessen Fragen die Bereiche „Allgemein“, „Personal“, „Bildungsan­gebot“ und „Methodik“ hinsichtlich der Vermittlung von Informationskompetenz durch Bibliotheken abdecken. Die Sondierung erfolgte im September und Oktober 2014 durch die schriftliche Beantwortung der Fragebögen durch die zuständigen Bibliothekare. Die Ergebnisse dieser exemplarischen Befragung offenbaren, dass Informationskompetenz an allen fünf untersuchten Bibliotheken aktiv in Form von Schulungen bzw. Kursen vermittelt wird und dabei unterschiedliche Schwerpunkte gesetzt werden. Auffällige Gemeinsamkeit der Befragung sind die fehlende einheitliche Definition von Informationskompetenz und das Fehlen von Standards zur Vermittlung von Informationskompetenz.