bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moderate Amounts of Fructose Consumption Impair Insulin Sensitivity in Healthy Young Men
Authors: Aeberli Isabelle , Hochuli Michel , Gerber Philip A. , Sze Lisa , Murer Stefanie B. , Tappy Luc , Spinas Giatgen A. , Berneis Kaspar
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE

Adverse effects of hypercaloric, high-fructose diets on insulin sensitivity and lipids in human subjects have been shown repeatedly. The implications of fructose in amounts close to usual daily consumption, however, have not been well studied. This study assessed the effect of moderate amounts of fructose and sucrose compared with glucose on glucose and lipid metabolism.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Nine healthy, normal-weight male volunteers (aged 21–25 years) were studied in this double-blind, randomized, cross-over trial. All subjects consumed four different sweetened beverages (600 mL/day) for 3 weeks each: medium fructose (MF) at 40 g/day, and high fructose (HF), high glucose (HG), and high sucrose (HS) each at 80 g/day. Euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps with [6,6]-2H2 glucose labeling were used to measure endogenous glucose production. Lipid profile, glucose, and insulin were measured in fasting samples.

RESULTS

Hepatic suppression of glucose production during the clamp was significantly lower after HF (59.4 ± 11.0%) than HG (70.3 ± 10.5%, P < 0.05), whereas fasting glucose, insulin, and C-peptide did not differ between the interventions. Compared with HG, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol were significantly higher after MF, HF, and HS, and free fatty acids were significantly increased after MF, but not after the two other interventions (P < 0.05). Subjects’ energy intake during the interventions did not differ significantly from baseline intake.

CONCLUSIONS

This study clearly shows that moderate amounts of fructose and sucrose significantly alter hepatic insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism compared with similar amounts of glucose.
Influence of Type 2 Diabetes on Brain Volumes and Changes in Brain Volumes
Authors: Espeland Mark A. , Bryan R. Nick , Goveas Joseph S. , Robinson Jennifer G. , Siddiqui Mustafa S. , Liu Simin , Hogan Patricia E. , Casanova Ramon , Coker Laura H. , Yaffe Kristine , Masaki Kamal , Rossom Rebecca , Resnick Susan M. ,   for the WHIMS-MRI Study Group
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE

To study how type 2 diabetes adversely affects brain volumes, changes in volume, and cognitive function.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Regional brain volumes and ischemic lesion volumes in 1,366 women, aged 72–89 years, were measured with structural brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Repeat scans were collected an average of 4.7 years later in 698 women. Cross-sectional differences and changes with time between women with and without diabetes were compared. Relationships that cognitive function test scores had with these measures and diabetes were examined.

RESULTS

The 145 women with diabetes (10.6%) at the first MRI had smaller total brain volumes (0.6% less; P = 0.05) and smaller gray matter volumes (1.5% less; P = 0.01) but not white matter volumes, both overall and within major lobes. They also had larger ischemic lesion volumes (21.8% greater; P = 0.02), both overall and in gray matter (27.5% greater; P = 0.06), in white matter (18.8% greater; P = 0.02), and across major lobes. Overall, women with diabetes had slightly (nonsignificant) greater loss of total brain volumes (3.02 cc; P = 0.11) and significant increases in total ischemic lesion volumes (9.7% more; P = 0.05) with time relative to those without diabetes. Diabetes was associated with lower scores in global cognitive function and its subdomains. These relative deficits were only partially accounted for by brain volumes and risk factors for cognitive deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes is associated with smaller brain volumes in gray but not white matter and increasing ischemic lesion volumes throughout the brain. These markers are associated with but do not fully account for diabetes-related deficits in cognitive function.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Predicts the Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes in Caucasians
Authors: Bobbert Thomas , Schwarz Franziska , Fischer-Rosinsky Antje , Pfeiffer Andreas F.H. , Möhlig Matthias , Mai Knut , Spranger Joachim
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is rising worldwide. Liver-derived fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 affects glucose and lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to analyze the predictive value of FGF-21 on the incidence of T2DM and the metabolic syndrome.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Metabolic Syndrome Berlin Potsdam (MeSyBePo) recall study includes 440 individuals. Glucose metabolism was analyzed using an oral glucose tolerance test, including insulin measurements. FGF-21 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Primary study outcome was diabetes and the metabolic syndrome incidence and change of glucose subtraits.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 5.30 ± 0.1 years, 54 individuals developed the metabolic syndrome, 35 developed T2DM, and 69 with normal glucose tolerance at baseline progressed to impaired glucose metabolism, defined as impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, or T2DM. FGF-21 predicted incident metabolic syndrome (lnFGF-21 odds ratio [OR] 2.6 [95% CI 1.5 – 4.5]; P = 0.001), T2DM (2.4 [1.2–4.7]; P = 0.01), and progression to impaired glucose metabolism (2.2 [1.3 – 3.6]; P = 0.002) after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, and follow-up time. Additional adjustment for waist-to-hip ratio, systolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting glucose did not substantially modify the predictive value of FGF-21.

CONCLUSIONS

FGF-21 is an independent predictor of the metabolic syndrome and T2DM in apparently healthy Caucasians. These results may indicate FGF-21 resistance precedes the onset of the metabolic syndrome and T2DM.
Cost-Effectiveness of Hepatitis B Vaccination in Adults With Diagnosed Diabetes
Authors: Hoerger Thomas J. , Schillie Sarah , Wittenborn John S. , Bradley Christina L. , Zhou Fangjun , Byrd Kathy , Murphy Trudy V.
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE

To examine the cost-effectiveness of a hepatitis B vaccination program for unvaccinated adults with diagnosed diabetes in the U.S.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used a cost-effectiveness simulation model to estimate the cost-effectiveness of vaccinating adults 20–59 years of age with diagnosed diabetes not previously vaccinated for or infected by hepatitis B virus (HBV). The model estimated acute and chronic HBV infections, complications, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Data sources included surveillance data, epidemiological studies, and vaccine prices.

RESULTS

With a 10% uptake rate, the intervention will vaccinate 528,047 people and prevent 4,271 acute and 256 chronic hepatitis B infections. Net health care costs will increase by $91.4 million, and 1,218 QALYs will be gained, producing a cost-effectiveness ratio of $75,094 per QALY gained. Results are most sensitive to age, the discount rate, the hepatitis B incidence ratio for people with diabetes, and hepatitis B infection rates. Cost-effectiveness ratios rise with age at vaccination; an alternative intervention that vaccinates adults with diabetes 60 years of age or older had a cost-effectiveness ratio of $2.7 million per QALY.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatitis B vaccination for adults with diabetes 20–59 years of age is modestly cost-effective. Vaccinating older adults with diabetes is not cost-effective. The study did not consider hepatitis outbreak investigation costs, and limited information exists on hepatitis progression among older adults with diabetes. Partly based on these results, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recently recommended hepatitis B vaccination for people 20–59 years of age with diagnosed diabetes.
Effect of 10% and 15% Carbamide Peroxide on Fracture Toughness of Human Dentin In Situ
Authors: Tam LE , Bahrami P , Oguienko O , Limeback H
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Although damage to the structural integrity of the tooth is not usually considered a significant problem associated with tooth bleaching, there have been some reported negative effects of bleaching on dental hard tissues in vitro. More studies are needed to determine whether the observed in vitro effects have practical clinical implications regarding tooth structural durability.

Objectives

This in situ study evaluated the effect of 10% and 15% carbamide peroxide (CP) dental bleach, applied using conventional whitening trays by participants at home, on the fracture toughness of dentin.

Methods

Ninety-one adult volunteers were recruited (n ≈ 30/group). Compact fracture toughness specimens (approximately 4.5 × 4.6 × 1.7 mm) were prepared from the coronal dentin of recently extracted human molars and gamma-radiated. One specimen was fitted into a prepared slot, adjacent to a maxillary premolar, within a custom-made bleaching tray that was made for each adult participant. The participants were instructed to wear the tray containing the dentin specimen with placebo, 10% CP, or 15% CP treatment gel overnight for 14 nights and to store it in artificial saliva when not in use. Pre-bleach and post-bleach tooth color and tooth sensitivity were also evaluated using ranked shade tab values and visual analogue scales (VASs), respectively. Within 24–48 hours after the last bleach session, the dentin specimens were tested for fracture toughness using tensile loading at 10 mm/min. Analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, χ2, Tukey's, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis. The level of significance was set at p<0.05 for all tests, except for the Mann-Whitney U tests, which used a Bonferroni correction for post hoc analyses of the nonparametric data (p<0.017).

Results

The placebo, 10% CP, and 15% CP groups contained 30, 31, and 30 participants, respectively. Mean fracture toughness (+ standard deviation) for the placebo, 10% CP, and 15% CP groups were 2.3 ± 0.9, 2.2 ± 0.7, and 2.0 ± 0.5 MPa*m1/2 respectively. There were no significant differences in mean fracture toughness results among the groups (p=0.241).

The tooth sensitivity VAS scores indicated a significantly greater incidence (p=0.000) and degree of tooth sensitivity (p=0.049 for VAS change and p=0.003 for max VAS) in the bleach groups than in the placebo group. The color change results showed generally greater color change in the bleach groups than in the placebo group (p=0.008 for shade guide determination and p=0.000 for colorimeter determination).

Conclusions

There were no significant differences in in situ dentin fracture toughness results among the groups. The results of this study provide some reassurance that dentin is not overtly weakened by the bleaching protocol used in this study. However, the lack of a statistically significant difference cannot be used to state that there is no effect of bleach on dentin fracture toughness.
Resonant ATR (Attenuated Total Reflectance) Spectroscopy and Semiconductor Technology
Authors: Bosacchi Bruno
Published: August 2012

We review the resonant ATR spectroscopy as an effective way to enhance the sensitivity of the optical measurements in semiconductor technology. After a short introduction of the basic principles, we consider its application to the non-destructive characterization of the multilayer structures used in the manufacture of electronics and optoelectronics devices (Resonant ATR technique).
Measurement of Concentration of DHE in Tissue
Authors: Profio A. Edward , Khoury T. F. , Lam Stephen
Published: August 2012

The effective absorbed dose in photodynamic therapy is proportional to the concentration of the photosensitizer, as well as to the radiant energy fluence and concentration of oxygen. The concentration of dihematoporphyrin ether/ester (DHE) has been measured in tissue specimens by chemical extraction followed by spectrofluorimetry against a standard solution, and by an in vivo fluorometer probe calibrated against the extraction method. The emission at 690 nm is measured when excited by either a helium neon laser at 633 nm, or an argon-dye laser at 630 nm. Background from autofluorescence is subtracted. Because different tissues have different absorption, the probe has to be calibrated for each tissue of interest. An experiment in a phantom indicated that fluorescence is detected from a fairly large volume, hence the average concentration is measured.
A Study in Surface Alloying of Titanium Alloys
Authors: Bharti A. , Sivakumar R. , Goel D. B.
Published: August 2012

A 5 KW CW CO2 laser has been used to alloy the surface of Ti6Al4V alloy with carbon. As a result the average microhardness was increased from 365 to 600 kg/mm.2 Compositional inhomogeneity was observed on the alloyed surface, however the compositional inhomogeneity index reduced considerably by cross scanning with defocused laser beam. Surface roughness of the alloyed surface was also studied and the roughness index was also found to decrease with repetitive cross scanning of the alloyed surface.
Optical Detection of Ultrasonic Disturbances
Authors: Wagner James W.
Published: August 2012

Optical methods for detection of ultrasonic signals offer the potential for performing noncontact and remote sensing for ultrasonic inspection and acoustic emission testing of materials and structures. These capabilities are of particular advantage for sensing applications at elevated temperatures or in hostile environments. While a number of optical detection methods have been employed in the past, most efforts have involved the development of interferometric techniques of one form or another. Technological advances in conventional and holographic methods of optical interferometry have greatly improved the potential for noncontact and full field detection of ultrasonic signals. Through proper design, displacement sensitivities of 10−5 Angstroms per square root Hertz of system bandwidth (A/[Hz]½) have been achieved. With somewhat lower sensitivity, holographic methods have been shown to provide full field displays of acoustic displacements “frozen” in place on the surface test materials. These methods have no direct counterpart in conventional ultrasonic testing. Nevertheless, materials parameters such as ply orientation in composite materials and effective elastic modulus may be determined directly from the observed displacement pattern. Likewise, thickness variations and near surface defects can be detected as well. These optical methods have been demonstrated in the laboratory and are under development for industrial application. At the same time, new technological advances in the areas of fiber-optics, electronic (filmless) holography, and optical phase conjugation hold promise for improved applicability and sensitivity of optical methods for ultrasonic inspection.
Performance of a Broadband Free-Electron Laser and Preliminary Studies on Its Application to Biology and Medicine
Authors: Benson Stephen , Madey John , Straight Richard , Hooper Brett
Published: August 2012

Recent performance improvements in the free-electron laser (FEL) have allowed it to operate at a level suitable for most applications in laser medicine. A brief description of the operation of a free-electron laser will be presented. The performance desired in a medical FEL will be described and the performance to date of the Mark III mid-infrared to visible FEL at Stanford University will be summarized. A series of experiments, accessing over 400 hours of FEL beam time, have been performed at Stanford as part of the University of Utah Laser Institute medical FEL program using the Mark III for both in vitro and in vivo studies of laser tissue interactions and materials science studies in semiconductor materials. Future improvements to the laser with the purpose of making it suitable for biomedical research and applications will be described.
Recent Developments in Laser Melt/Particle Injection Processing
Authors: Cooper K. P. , Slebodnick P.
Published: August 2012

Investigations into crack formation in particle injected surfaces and into microstructural evolution during cladding were some of the recent developments in laser melt/particle injection processing. Both surface modification techniques involved blowing powder particles into a melt pool formed by a laser beam. When the particulate materials were metal carbides composite surface layers were formed and the thermal stresses that developed during cooling of the carbide injected layer resulted in the formation of microcracks. It was found that modest levels of preheating were sufficient to prevent cracking and that cracking was eliminated mainly by the reduction in thermal stresses and not by modifications in microstructure. With lower melting alloy powders clad overlays were formed. It was found that the limited mixing between the clad material and the substrate resulted in complex macrostructures containing fluid-flow driven segregation bands. The degree of microstructural in-homogeneity depended upon the type of substrate material and had a direct influence on the soundness of the cladding.
Laser Cutting of Thin Plates
Authors: Bozzo M.
Published: August 2012

The technical problems which need to be solved when starting the study of a laser machining operation are not in the difficulty of reaching an adequate energy density, but in the correct evaluation of the behaviour of the material on which one needs to operate. The mechanism of laser energy interaction with matter has been extensively studied and is not the scope of this note. Particular emphasis will however be put on understanding and minimizing the effects of the heat energy remaining in the workpiece after the passage of the laser beam. It will be shown how in certain cases radiative cooling becomes one of the key factors in solving the delicate technical problems encountered. The definition of a procedure to cut with a laser a thin stainless steel grid of large dimensions is then discussed in the second section. No assumption will be made about the laser beam in general, apart from assuming that it has been optimized to cut the part of interest.
On Laser Vibrometry of Rotating Targets: Effects of Torsional and In-Plane Vibration
Authors: Rothberg S. J. , Baker J. R. , Halliwell N. A.
Published: August 2012

Vibration measurements on rotating surfaces are often referred to in the commercial literature as a major application of laser Doppler vibration transducers. This paper examines such use of these instruments and shows how the presence of a velocity component due to the rotation itself leads to spurious measurement dependence on both torsional vibration and motion perpendicular to the line of incidence of the laser beam. In addition, the scale of this dependence increases with both rotation speed and perpendicular distance between the line of incidence and a parallel line through the centre of rotation. These phenomena are investigated theoretically and excellent agreement is found when compared with experimental data. Two solutions are suggested; the first involves careful alignment of the laser beam whereas the second requires two simultaneous, orthogonal measurements to be made. If neither method is adopted it is entirely conceivable that the intended solid body vibration measurement may be masked at many frequencies of interest.
Novel Speckle Velocimeter Using the Double Clipping Cross-Correlation Method
Authors: Kitajima H. , Yoshida T. , Nakatsuka N. , Yamashita T.
Published: August 2012

A new speckle velocimeter using the cross-correlation method was developed. Its optical system achieved wide working distance range of ±5mm and small measuring errors for various materials. Furthermore the realtime correlation processor for the clipped signals makes the cross-correlation method applicable to in-line measurement in factories.
Spray Characterization of a NASA MOD-1 Nozzle
Authors: Alexander Dennis R. , Gutierrez Diego F. F.
Published: August 2012

An aerometrics Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer with Frequency Shifting (PDPA/FS) and a Laser Imaging and Video Processing System (LI/VPS) were used to perform a detailed analysis of the spray characteristics of a NASA MOD-1 air assist nozzle. These results were compared to the results obtained using an earlier version of a Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer (P/DPA). The spray plume was analyzed under two sets of operating conditions. For Case I, a water pressure of 105 psia (723.95 kPa) and air pressure of 65 psia (448.16 kPa), and for Case II, a water pressure of 115 psia (792.90 kPa) and air pressure of 45 psia (310.27 kPa) were used. Results for Case I indicated a deviation in arithmetic mean diameter (AMD) ranging from 0.1 to 2.8 μm deviation in Sauter mean diameter (SMD). For Case II, the deviation in AMD ranged from 0.4 to 7.1 μm, and for SMD from 0.2 to 8.2 μm. Results of the particle size comparisons between the light scattering instrument and the laser imaging system compared quite closely.
The Segmented Aperture Integrator in Material Processing
Authors: Pierce Richard L.
Published: August 2012

A patented segmented mirror[1] transforms light beams into flat top intensity profiles for uniform effects in materials processing and testing.
Laser Induced Photochromic Flow Visualization
Authors: McWaid Thomas , Marschall Ekkehard
Published: August 2012

The photochromic flow visualization technique has been utilized to study several different liquid flows. The technique utilizes radiachromic dyes that can be dissolved in a number of liquids. The resulting dye-solvent solutions remain colorless in the absence of ultraviolet radiation; however, the solutions turn dark blue when exposed to ultraviolet light. A nitrogen pulse laser has been constructed for use as source of ultraviolet radiation. When sharply focused, the emitted beam of ultraviolet light produces a very narrow, well defined line in a solvent-dye solution. The subsequent motion of the “activated trace” can then be recorded with high-speed photography. Digitization of the resulting movies allows one to quantify the flow field of interest. Several interesting flows have been studied using the photochromic flow visualization technique. This paper begins with a brief summary of several of these past studies. The remainder of the text concerns a set of experiments that were conducted to ascertain the rigidity of liquid-liquid interfaces. The experimental apparatus used to obtain high-speed movies will first be described. Next, the quantitative evaluation of these movies will be explained. Finally, typical results of the quantitative analysis will be presented.
A Relationship between Laser Power, Penetration Depth and Welding Speed in the Laser Welding of Steels
Authors: Mannik L. , Brown S. K.
Published: August 2012

Experimental data have been generated for the bead-on-plate keyhole welding of mild steel using the TEM00 beam from a 1.5 kW CO2 laser and a range of material thickness from 0.64 to 2.6 mm. For each thickness, the maximum welding speed was measured for laser powers from 600 to 1500 W, using the criterion of full penetration along a 5 cm length. Analysis of the data has yielded a simple correlation between laser power (P,kW), penetration depth (d,cm) and welding speed (v,cm/s). When the specific welding energy per unit thickness (Pd−1v−1) is plotted against welding speed (v), the data are observed to lie on a single curve. An analytical expression of this relationship has been derived for speeds above 1 cm/s: P=3.83d + 0.69dv (1≤v<10) and P = 1.072dv(10≤v<16). Stainless steel samples yield similar results. This correlation is interpreted in terms of the minimum energy envelope or range for laser welding as proposed by other workers and also in terms of the Swift-Hook and Gick theory of laser welding. The latter predicts that the width of the melted zone has the same welding speed dependence as the parameter Pd−1V−1 for speeds above 1 cm/s. This was confirmed by measurements of the melt width for the mild steel samples.
Current State-of-the-Art of Contouring Techniques in Manufacturing
Authors: Harding Kevin G.
Published: August 2012

A manager with a major automobile manufacturer once made the comment that “the best thing we ever did to improve quality was give the guys on the floor a caliper to measure the parts”. As the tolerances on manufacturing become tighter, the need for accurate measurement has also increased. Hand fitting of parts to each other does not work in modern automated factories. Gauges in the past have been built to provide a fixed set of measurements of a known part. This practice too has been changing due to the trend toward flexible manufacturing. Now the gages themselves must be flexible to accommodate the variety of parts made on a single line. This need has spurred a flurry of activity in the development of new three-dimensional (3-D) measurement tools. This paper will review the current state of the new optical based 3-D tools, and discuss some of the applications being addressed.
The Role of Oxidation in Laser Cutting Stainless and Mild Steel
Authors: Ivarson A. , Powell J. , Magnusson C.
Published: August 2012

This paper gives the results of a detailed examination of the particles ejected from the cut zone during CO2 laser cutting of mild and stainless steels. Cuts were carried out over a range of material thickness at the optimum speed for each at a laser power of 900 Watts. Particles ejected from the cut zone were collected and analyzed to establish their chemical and physical characteristics. Analysis techniques included Scanning Electron Microscopy, wet chemical analysis, optical microscopy, metallography and particle sizing. The results from this extensive analysis have enabled the authors to estimate the heat generated by the oxidation process during cutting of both mild and stainless steels.
Cooperative R&D Project: Laser Biomedical Subsurface Imaging
Authors: Goldman Leon , Kerr J. H.
Published: August 2012

With the experience of the U.S. Navy in photon transmission through turbid media, a cooperative research and development project has been initiated for laser subsurface imaging. This concerns laser expertise, laser institutes, and consultants. The initial technologies considered at present are laser transmission with chromophores, including photodynamic therapy, spectroscopy, biomedical optical phase conjugation, pulsed thermal radiometry of Nelson, digital ultrasound with hopeful laser additive imagery, and MRI with holography and radiowaves. Laser transillumination gave diffuse imagery with no specific details except for PDT with specific chromophores. For optical phase conjugation, a basic diagnostic laboratory has been set up at NOSC (Navy Oceans Service Center) for testing biomedical samples. Studies are continuing by Nelson (J. Stuart) with pulsed thermal radiometry. Spectroscopy has been started for the cardiovascular phase. Imagery of the cardiovascular tissues is to include the endothelium of the superficial fragile vessels of the elderly, and the electrical conducting bundle of the heart below the translucent lining of the heart. Other tissues for the initial studies include cancer of the skin and soft tissues; also for diagnosis and treatment and early changes of the cartilage of joints before x-ray changes are evident.
Laser Surfacing of High Density Polyethylene for Reduction in Fuel Permeability
Authors: Duley W. W. , Ogmen M. , Steel T. , Mihailov S.
Published: August 2012

The effect of UV and CO2 laser radiation on the surface of HDPE gas tank material in relation to the permeability of this surface to unleaded gasoline has been investigated. It is found that while excimer (UV) laser radiation has no effect on permeability, CO2 laser radiation at low intensity modifies the surface so as to reduce permeability over timescales of 1 – 2 days. A possible origin for this modification is suggested.
A Systematic Method for the Design of a Multivariable Controller Actuating Power and Speed during a CO2 Laser Surface Treatment
Authors: Bataille F. , Cerez J. M. , Kechemair D.
Published: August 2012

Temperature control systems actuating laser power and scanning velocity during laser surface hardening have already been presented. This paper exposes a systematic method for the design of a multivariable Linear Quadratic Gaussian controller adapted to this laser treatment. The preliminary identification step and the controller design are included. This corrector insures a better regulation and the generality of the method hopefully allows an easier adaptation to other laser treatments, materials or absorbing coatings.
Probing Plume Protection Problems in the Health Care Environment
Authors: Kokosa John M. , Benedetto Marcus D.
Published: August 2012

This paper presents pragmatic particulars pertaining to plume protection problems with special emphasis on the health care environment. Practical approaches to optimizing protection are discussed with an eye toward facilitating the safety of personnel and the general health care environment from particulates, parasites, viruses and other undesirable entities, elements and compounds.
Determining the Spot Size and Gaussian Distribution Coefficient of Pulsed Laser Beams Using KAPTON Films
Authors: Wang Z. Y. , Liu J. T. , Hirak D. M. , Weckman D. C. , Kerr H. W.
Published: August 2012

The laser beam spot size at the focal point of a pulsed laser is a critical parameter in laser materials processing, but accurate determination of the spot size is very difficult, particularly for high power pulsed lasers. In this study, effective methods were developed for such determination, by interpretation of measured hole diameters produced in Kapton film using pulsed laser beams with multimode or Gaussian-like mode structures. Analysis of the hole-making process for multimode distributed laser beams showed that the measured hole diameter, Dh, varied linearly with the inverse of pulse energy, 1/Ep. By plotting experimental data on graphs of Dh versus 1/Ep, inexpensive but reliable estimates of the spot size of multimode pulsed laser beams were obtained. Further analysis showed that plots of Dh2 versus ln(Ep) could provide estimates of the distribution coefficient of Gaussian-distributed laser beams. These values were found to be in good agreement with focussed beam dimensions of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser determined with a rotating-wire type laser beam analyzer (LBA).
Heat Flow in Laser Die Blank Welding
Authors: Yang Y.-S. , Hsu C. R. , Albright C. E. , Kuroda Y.
Published: August 2012

Laser welded die blanks are finding increased usage in many industrial applications. This investigation was undertaken to establish a simplified means of calculating thermal cycles experienced in the fusion and heat affected zones on laser welds typically used in die blank welding. A planar solution domain perpendicular to the direction of travel was selected to simplify the finite element calculations. The resulting calculation technique provided reasonably accurate prediction of the thermal cycles measured by Moon and Metzbower, and the size of fusion zones and heat affected zones observed in industrial die blank welds.
Intercomparison between a C-Series Reference Calorimeter and Two Commercially Available Laser Power/Energy Meters
Authors: Leszczynski Kirsti , Faaland Robert W.
Published: August 2012

An intercomparison between a C-series reference calorimeter and two commercially available laser power/energy meters has been undertaken. The intercomparison has been performed at three visible laser wavelengths (488.0 nm, 514.5 nm, and 632.8 nm) and one near infrared laser wavelength (1064.0 nm). Power and energy levels presented to the instruments ranged from approximately 0.1 mW to 20 W and from 0.9 mJ to 16 J. One of the power/energy meters has a volume absorbing disc calorimeter as the detector head; the other power/energy meter was evaluated using three of the available detector heads (silicon, pyroelectric, and thermal disc). The results show linear response for all four of the detectors. Agreement was obtained within experimental uncertainties for the volume absorbing disc calorimeter and the silicon detector. The average correction factors obtained for the thermal disc detector agree to within the accuracy stated by the manufacturer combined with the estimated experimental uncertainties. The average correction factors obtained for the pyroelectric detector exceed, by approximately 2 percent, the accuracy stated by the manufacturer combined with the estimated experimental uncertainties. In addition, the volume absorbing disc calorimeter, and the silicon and pyroelectric detectors have other limitations in their operation that should be taken into account prior to the instruments' use.
Experimental Method for Determining the Coherence Length of CW Lasers Using a Michelson Interferometer
Authors: Alaruri Sami
Published: August 2012

Theoretical analysis of the relationship between coherence length and the resonant-longitudinal modes in an optical cavity is given. A Michelson interferometer is used to measure the coherence lengths of two CW He-Ne laser cavities. Analysis of the experimental measurements shows good agreement with the theoretically predicted values.
Heterogeneous oligomerization catalysts: properties and efficiency
Authors: Nykulyshyn Irena , Voronchak Taras , Pikh Zorian , Rypka Anna
Published: August 2012

A number of heterogeneous acid type catalysts of silica-alumina nature, which are proposed to be used for petrochemistry by-product oligomerization, have been investigated. Particularly, such key indicators as active site concentration and strength have been determined. These parameters have been determined by the method based on potentiometric titration that is relatively seldom used in heterogeneous catalysis. The number of active site types present in investigated catalysts, as well as concentrations of each type of site, has been determined by mathematical processing of potentiometric titration data. The sequence of mathematical processing of titration data is described. The relationship between the properties of the investigated catalysts and their effectiveness in heterogeneous catalytic cooligomerization of the C9 fraction of liquid products of diesel fuel pyrolysis has been analyzed. The relationships between yields achieved in the presence of various catalysts and the properties of these catalysts have been defined. Namely, it was determined that the product yield is almost proportional to the active site’s concentration of the catalysts (activated clay materials). The relationship between the strength of active sites and average molecular weight of the cooligomers has been found. The causes of obtained regularities have been analyzed and explained.
The radioactivity and the chemical nature of additives as factors determining the photocatalytic activity of TiO2
Authors: Milanova Maria , Kovacheva Petya , Kralchevska Radina , Kolev Jovo , Zaharieva Joana , Todorovsky Dimitar
Published: August 2012

Microcomposites consisting of TiO2 and ThF4 or UO3 (0.5–2% of the TiO2 mass) are produced by sol-gel synthesis of TiO2 in presence of the respective additives. X-ray diffraction study reveals small effect of the latter on TiO2 phase composition and cell parameters and significant influence on the crystallite size and UV/Vis reflectance spectra. The photocatalytic tests in presence of TiO2-ThF4 microcomposites under UV and solar irradiation show a non-monotonic increase of the Malachite Green degradation rate constant with the increase of ThF4-content. No changes in the photocatalytic activity are observed in the presence of UO3 but the latter composites exhibit activity in darkness. The results are compared with previously reported data on the performance of TiO2-ThO2 photocatalyst with the same radioactivity and suggest that both radioactivity and the chemical nature of the dopants are responsible for the photocatalytic performance of TiO2-based composites containing radioactive substances.
A simple and precise conductometric method for the determination of losartan in pharmaceutical products
Authors: Oliveira Rossini Pamela , Felix Fabiana , Angnes Lúcio
Published: August 2012

Losartan is an antihypertensive agent that lost its patent protection in 2010, and, consequently, it has been available in generic form. The latter motivated the search for a rapid and precise alternative method. Here, a simple conductometric titration in aqueous medium is described for the losartan analysis in pharmaceutical formulations. The first step of the titration occurs with the protonation of losartan producing a white precipitate and resulting in a slow increase in conductivity. When the protonation stage is complete, a sharp increase in conductivity occurs which was determined to be due to the presence of excess of acid. The titrimetric method was applied to the determination of losartan in pharmaceutical products and the results are comparable with values obtained using a chromatographic method recommended by the United States Pharmacopoeia. The relative standard deviation for successive measurements of a 125 mg L−1 (2.71×10−4 mol L−1) losartan solution was approximately 2%. Recovery study in tablet samples ranged between 99 and 102.4%. The procedure is fast, simple, and represents an attractive alternative for losartan quantification in routine analysis. In addition, it avoids organic solvents, minimizes the risk of exposure to the operator, and the waste treatment is easier compared to classical chromatographic methods.
Characterisation of the surface structure and bioactivity of glass and glass ceramics using surface topography
Authors: Lutišanová Gabriela , Palou Martin , Mikula Milan , Kozánková Jana
Published: August 2012

The present paper reports the results of the relationship between the surface topography, microstructure and the in vitro bioactivity of samples with and without fluorapatite content in simulated body fluid. Glasses and glass ceramics belonging to the Li2O-SiO2-CaO-P2O5-CaF2 system were prepared by using conventional melting technique following by heat treatment to obtain glass ceramics. This current study demonstrates the benefits of combining two microscopic methods for better investigation of the surface structure. The formation of apatite layer on the surface and the increase in surface roughness proved that the glasses and glass ceramics with bioactive fluorapatite content could satisfy to the requirements for biomaterial applications. The results also showed that the roughness of apatite layer formed after immersion in body fluid on the surface of glasses with fluorapatite was more pronounced than that of equivalent glass ceramic samples cured under the same conditions.
Aminohydroxylation of divinylcarbinol and its application to the synthesis of bicyclic hydroxypyrrolidine and aminotetrahydrofuran building blocks
Authors: Caletková Oľga , Ďurišová Diana , Prónayová Naďa , Gracza Tibor
Published: August 2012

Aminohydroxylation of prochiral divinylcarbinol and subsequent Pd(II)-catalysed oxy-/amidocarbonylation of aminopentenediols is reported. The method was applied to the preparation of useful building blocks for syntheses of cytotoxic jaspines and glycosidase inhibitor DLX-homologues. The key intermediates, tetrahydrofuranolactones (l-arabino-II) and pyrrolidinolactones (l-arabino-IX and l-xylo-IX), were prepared in a short 2-step sequence from divinylcarbinol.
Product liability system in healthcare
Authors: Marn Mitja
Published: August 2012

Sistem produktne odgovornosti v zdravstvu

Članek obravnava problematiko odgovornosti za škodo, ki nastane kot posledica napake izdelka in povzroči smrt, telesno poškodbo ali okvari bolnikovo zdravje. Hiter razvoj znanosti je tudi v medicini omogočil razvoj novih izdelkov in tehnologij, ki vzbujajo pri bolnikih velika pričakovanja po bolj učinkovitem zdravljenju. Vendar pa nove tehnologije s seboj prinašajo tudi tveganje za nastanek poškodb zaradi morebitnih napak. Standardi kakovosti in varnosti izdelkom slabe kakovosti sicer preprečujejo dostop na trg, vendar pa t. i. varnostne norme ne morejo preprečiti napak in nevarnosti, ki jih zaradi omejenosti znanja ne moremo predvideti. Zato do poškodb in z njimi povezanih stroškov kljub vsemu prihaja. V prispevku natančno opredeljujemo, kdo naj nosi nepredvidljive stroške: bolnišnica, proizvajalec, bolnik ali preko socializacije tveganja družba kot celota. Gre za zapleten sistem ekonomske razporeditve tveganja poškodb, ki skuša uravnovesiti željo po učinkovitosti ob upoštevanju nepredvidljivih nevarnosti izdelka. Opredeljujemo pojme, ki so ključni za razumevanje problematike: proizvajalec, potrošnik, bolnik, izdelek in napaka. Največ pozornosti namenjamo sistemu odgovornosti za škodo, ki ga uvaja Direktiva Sveta Evropske Unije 85/374 o odgovornosti za brezhibnost izdelka. Direktiva uvaja sistem, ki ob sprejemu pravil v nacionalno zakonodajo dopušča pravnopolitične prilagoditve. V prispevku analiziramo sistem razporeditve škode in ga skušamo orisati s ključnimi primeri iz prakse sodišč Evropske unije.
The Slipperiness of Literary Maps: Critical Cartography and Literary Cartography
Authors: Bushell Sally
Published: August 2012

How we read and interpret a map when it is presented alongside the text in a work of fiction is the central issue with which this paper is concerned. Although “literary maps” can be found across a range of genres in literary studies, they are often treated as illustrative rather than being understood as integral to the meaning of the literary work. This article seeks to challenge such assumptions. The first half of the article is interdisciplinary, engaging with the work of J.B. Harley, Mark Monmonier, Franco Moretti, Christina Ljungberg, and Andrew Thacker in order to open up responses to literary maps in more complex ways. It draws on critical cartography to define core concerns for an emerging literary cartography, such as the nature of the analogy between map and text; the complexity of correspondence when a map and text occur alongside each other and the author is also the map-maker; and the difficulties created by naïve users of the literary map. The second half of the article grounds the prior discussion in analysis of Agatha Christie's house plans in The Mysterious Affair at Styles and The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.
Neuroanatomical correlation of the House-Brackmann grading system in the microsurgical treatment of vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Sun Matthew Z. , Oh Michael C. , Safaee Michael , Kaur Gurvinder , Parsa Andrew T.
Published: September 2012

Avoidance of facial nerve injury is one of the major goals of vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery because functional deficits of the facial nerve can lead to physical, cosmetic, and psychological consequences for patients. Clinically, facial nerve function is assessed using the House-Brackmann grading scale, which also allows physicians to track the progress of a patient's facial nerve recovery. Because the facial nerve is a peripheral nerve, it has the ability to regenerate, and the extent of its functional recovery depends largely on the location and nature of its injury. In this report, the authors first describe the facial nerve anatomy, the House-Brackmann grading system, and factors known to be predictors of postoperative facial nerve outcome. The mechanisms and pathophysiology of facial nerve injury during VS surgery are then discussed, as well as factors affecting facial nerve regeneration after surgery.
Diffuse brainstem glioma: prognostic factors
Authors: Dellaretti Marcos , Reyns Nicolas , Touzet Gustavo , Dubois François , Gusmão Sebastião , Barbosa Pereira Júlio Leonardo , Blond Serge
Published: September 2012

Object

Brainstem gliomas were regarded as a single entity prior to the advent of MRI; however, several studies investigating MRI have recognized that these lesions are a heterogeneous group, and certain subgroups have a better prognosis for long-term survival. The aim of this study was to conduct a retrospective analysis of prognostic factors of patients with brainstem gliomas confirmed by histopathological diagnosis, particularly regarding assessment of whether histological grade, age, and MRI findings are prognostic factors for patient survival.

Methods

The study evaluated 100 patients diagnosed with brainstem glioma. There were 63 adults (40 men and 23 women; age range 18–75 years, mean 41 years) and 37 children (19 boys and 18 girls; age range 2–12 years, mean 6.9 years).

Results

The mean overall survival of this population, measured from the date of biopsy, was 57 months for diffuse low-grade glioma and 13.8 months for diffuse high-grade glioma (p < 0.001). The mean survival among patients with nonenhancing contrast lesions on MRI was 54.2 months, whereas for patients with enhancing lesions, it was 21.7 months (p < 0.001). Comparisons between the Kaplan-Meier survival curves of adults and children revealed similar median survival periods of 25 and 16 months, respectively (p > 0.05). The multivariate analysis (Cox proportional hazards regression) revealed that only histological grade was a significant prognostic factor (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The study revealed that histological grade and MRI features were significant prognostic factors for survival in these patients, but in multivariate analysis, only histological grade remained a significant factor.
Analysis of Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Some Bangladeshi Rice Landraces and HYV
Authors: Hassan M. M. , Shamsuddin A. K. M. , Islam M. M. , Khatun K. , Halder J.
Published: September 2012

Information on the patterns of genetic variation and population structure is essential for rational use and efficient management of germplasms. It helps in monitoring germplasm and can also be used to predict potential genetic gains. Therefore, in the present study genetic diversity of 59 rice genotypes were assessed using 8 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers. By the DNA profiling, a total of 114 alleles were detected. Allele number per/locus ranged from 9 to 27, with an average of 14.25. Average polymorphism information content (PIC) value was 0.857 with lowest 0.767 to highest 0.857. Mean gene diversity over all SSR loci was 0.870 with a range from 0.792 to 0.948. Fst values for each locus varied from 0.071 to 0.262. Genetic distance between the variety pair ranged from 0.33 to 1.0. The lowest genetic distance was found between Rajashili and Kumragori (2). Cluster and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) analysis revealed similar pattern of variation. Marker RM11300 was found most polymorphic and robust among the accessions and can be widely used for rice germplasm characterization. The exclusive variability and unique feature of germplasm found in this study can be a gateway for both domestic and global rice improvement.© 2012 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v4i3.10416 J. Sci. Res. 4 (3), 757-767 (2012)
Si Interlayer Thickness Dependence of Hysteresis Loop in Co/Si/Co/GaAs(001)
Authors: Islam J. , Yamamoto Y. , Shikoh E. , Fujiwara A. , Hori H.
Published: September 2012

Magnetic hysteresis loop changes from two-phase to single-phase with decreasing Si interlayer thickness in Co/Si/Co/GaAs. Coercive field of 50 nm Co deposited on Si layer decreases with the increase of Si interlayer thickness. Deposition of Au layer between Co and Si changes the magnetic hysteresis loop. We propose that the formation of cobalt silicides at the interface of Co and Si modulate magnetic properties of the trilayer without Au buffer layer.© 2012 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v4i3.10852 J. Sci. Res. 4 (3), 561-567 (2012)