bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Novel Adopters for Acute Rib Fixation in Critical Chest Trauma, Undertaken by Orthopaedic Surgeons: an Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Jermin Paul J. , Perry James , Kalra Sanjay , Flockton Elizabeth , Rourke Henry K.
Published: August 2015

Background: Surgical stabilisation of acute rib fractures has recently undergone rapid change in the UK with respect to what type of injury is surgically stabilised and who undertakes the operation. This paper presents a review of the literature on surgical fixation and presents our early clinical experience using a recently introduced stabilising system.

Methods: Data was prospectively collected from the first 10 patients undergoing surgical stabilisation of acute rib fractures using the Synthes Matrix RIB plating system. The data included demographics, Injury Severity Score, length of stay in Intensive Care, length of time on a ventilator, analgesic requirements, pneumonia rates and mortality. Patients were followed up until they were discharged from hospital.

Results: Patients had an average Injury Severity Score of 26 (16-57), the average number of ribs fractured was 8.2 (4-14), nine patients had flail chest and one had multiple fractures, mean time from injury to fixation was 2.8 days. In the reported cohort, there were no deaths, two pneumonias (one had pneumonia on presentation). The average length of stay on a ventilator was three days and the average length of stay in Intensive Care was ten days.

Conclusion: The early results of this procedure are encouraging. We feel that the modern implants will provide superior results to the highly variable implants that have previously been used. Our results support the literature, showing that with this system, there is a decrease in mortality and morbidity and a decrease in the length of time on a ventilator and stay in Intensive Care.
The Effect of the Antioxidant Drug “U-74389G” on Haemoglobin Levels Following a Hypoxemia/ Re-oxygenation Protocol in Rats
Authors: Tsompos Constantinos , Panoulis Constantinos , Toutouzas Konstantinos , Zografos George , Papalois Apostolos
Published: August 2015

Critically ill patients usually present with circulatory hypoxemia and this is associated with a poorer prognosis. The aim of this experimental study was to examine the effect of U-74389G with specific regard to a hypoxemia/re-oxygenation protocol, on mean blood haemoglobin (Hgb) levels in rats.

Materials and methods: Forty rats (mean weight 231.9 g) were used in the study. Hgb levels were measured at sixty minutes (groups A and C) and at 120 minutes (groups B and D) of re-oxygenation. U-74389G was administered only in groups C and D.

Results: U-74389G administration non-significantly increased the Hgb levels by 3.95+2.10% (p=0.0604). Re-oxygenation time non-significantly increased the Hgb levels by 3.39+2.12% (p=0.1285). U-74389G administration and reoxygenation time together, significantly increased the Hgb levels by 2.55%+1.25% (p=0.0423).

Conclusions: Results of this study indicate that U-74389G administration, re-oxygenation time, but mainly their interaction significantly increase the Hgb levels within the studied time limits.
Koroze a porucha na vozidle jako příčina dopravní nehody
Authors: Řehák M. , Drahotský I.
Published: August 2015

Článek se zabývá skupinou dopravních nehod, u kterých byla nebo mohla být příčinou porucha některého z dílů vozidla v důsledku korozního napadení. Je popsán současný stav poruch jako příčin dopravních nehod v České republice a v zahraničí, dále pak problematika jejich hodnocení. V příspěvku jsou popsány dvě varianty, kde se analytik dopravních nehod setká s korozí. Jednak s korozí jako poruchou, která byla příčinou nehodového děje, jednak s korozí jako následným poškozením, které znemožní vyhodnocení možné poruchy. U obou jmenovaných oblastí jsou uvedeny příklady z reálných dopravních nehod, kdy v případě poruchy brzdového systému vozidla, kde příčinou byla koroze, je proveden experiment pro objasnění závislosti tloušťky stěny potrubí a jejího vnějšího průměru pokrytého korozní zplodinou, tedy zda je možné odhadnout skrze vrstvy korozních produktů na povrchu potrubí bezpečnou tloušťku stěn.
Zhodnocení vlivu koroze žárově zinkované oceli na soudržnost hladkých prutů s betonem třídy „NSC“
Authors: Pokorný P. , Dobiáš D. , Vokáč M. , Kouřil M. , Kubásek J.
Published: August 2015

Článek shrnuje aspekty zkoušení a ovlivňování soudržnosti výztuží s betonem. Úzce se zaměřuje na hodnocení míry vlivu nevyhnutelné koroze povlaku žárového zinku v čerstvém betonu na samotnou soudržnost. Ovlivnění soudržnosti vlivem vývoje vodíku a expanzních korozních produktů zinku je ověřováno na hladkých ocelových prutech. Povlak žárového zinku byl vytvořen konvenční ponorovou technologií. Realizováno bylo normované zkoušení soudržnosti výztuže s betonem na krychlích („vytahovací zkouška“) dle ČSN 73 1328. V závěrech jsou diskutovány i jiné vlivy, které mohou mít dopad na vývoj soudržnosti, především pak vliv obsahu chromanů v použitém cementu a samotná skladba vyloučeného povlaku.
Determination of the fraction of paramagnetic centers not-fulfilling the Curie law in coal macerals by the two-temperature EPR measurement method
Authors: Słowik Grzegorz P. , Więckowski Andrzej B.
Published: August 2015

Two-temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements, applied to determine the relative contributions of paramagnetic centers – fulfilling and not-fulfilling the Curie law, were carried out. The measurements were made on the macerals – exinite and vitrinite, separated from clarain of the Polish medium-rank coal (85.6 wt% C). The two-temperature EPR measurements, presented in this work, were performed respectively, at temperatures: T
1 = 293 K and T
2 = 173 K for exinite, and T
1 = 293 K and T
2 = 153 K for vitrinite. The relative contributions X of spins not-fulfilling the Curie law present in the studied macerals were calculated. A comparison of different methods of calculating the relative contributions of paramagnetic centers – fulfilling and not-fulfilling the Curie law, present in exinite and vitrinite studied by EPR was made.
Growth and EPR properties of ErVO4 single crystals
Authors: Leniec Grzegorz , Kaczmarek Sławomir M. , Berkowski Marek , Głowacki Michał , Skibiński Tomasz , Bojanowski Bohdan
Published: August 2015

Single crystals of ErVO4 were grown by the Czochralski method under ambient pressure in a nitrogen atmosphere. Obtained crystals were transparent with strong pink coloring. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra were recorded as a function of the applied magnetic field. Temperature and angular dependences of the EPR spectra of the samples in the 3–300 K temperature range were analyzed applying both Lorentzian––Gauss approximation for diluted medium and Dyson for dense magnetic medium. EPR-NMR program was done to find local symmetry and spin Hamiltonian parameters of erbium ions.
Magnetic resonance study of co-modified (Co,N)-TiO2 nanocomposites
Authors: Guskos Niko , Zolnierkiewicz Grzegorz , Guskos Aleksander , Typek Janusz , Berczynski Pawel , Dolat Diana , Mozia Sylwia , Aidinis Constantinos , Morawski Antoni W.
Published: August 2015

Three nCo,N-TiO2 nanocomposites (where cobalt concentration index n = 1, 5 and 10 wt %) were prepared and investigated by magnetic resonance spectroscopy at room temperature. Ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) lines of magnetic cobalt agglomerated nanoparticle were dominant in all registered spectra. The relaxation processes and magnetic anisotropy of the investigated spin system essentially depended on the concentration of cobalt ions. It is suggested that the samples contained two magnetic types of sublattices forming a strongly correlated spin system. It is suggested that the existence of strongly correlated magnetic system has an essential influence of the photocatalytic properties of the studied nanocomposites.
EPR examination of free radicals thermally formed in vaselinum flavum
Authors: Ramos Paweł , Pilawa Barbara
Published: August 2015

The popular pharmaceutical base used in pharmacy – vaselinum flavum – was studied by an X-band (9.3 GHz) EPR spectrometer in the range of microwave power of 2.2–70 mW. The samples were sterilized in hot air oven at temperatures: 160°C (120 min), 170°C (60 min), and 180°C (30 min). The aim of this work was to determine properties and free radical concentrations in vaselinum flavum thermally sterilized at different conditions. The changes in free radical system in vaselinum flavum during storage were analyzed. Free radicals were found in all the heated samples. The lowest free radical concentration was obtained for vaselinum flavum heated at 180°C for 30 min; so these parameters are proposed for the thermal sterilization of this pharmaceutical base. Interactions with oxygen decreased free radical concentration in vaselinum flavum during storage. Strong quenching of free radicals in vaselinum flavum was observed after 2 days for the samples sterilized at temperatures 160 and 180°C. Such an effect for vaselinum flavum heated at temperature 170°C was observed later, 13 days after sterilization. Fast spin-lattice relaxation processes exist in thermally sterilized vaselinum flavum. The EPR lines of heated vaselinum flavum were homogeneously broadened. EPR spectroscopy and its use for examining the thermal sterilization process in pharmacy was confirmed.
Effect of microwave power on EPR spectra of natural and synthetic dental biocompatible materials
Authors: Adamczyk Jakub , Ramos Paweł , Pilawa Barbara
Published: August 2015

Paramagnetic centers in the two exemplary synthetic and natural dental biocompatible materials applied in implantology were examined by the use of an X-band (9.3 GHz) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The EPR spectra were measured in the range of microwave power 2.2–70 mW. The aims of this work were to compare paramagnetic centers concentrations in different dental biocompatible materials and to determine the effect of microwave power on parameters of their EPR spectra. It is the very first and innovatory examination of paramagnetic centers in these materials. It was pointed out that paramagnetic centers existed in both natural (~1018 spin/g) and synthetic (~1019 spin/g) dental biocompatible materials, but the lower free radical concentration characterized the natural sample. Continuous microwave saturation of EPR spectra indicated that faster spin-lattice relaxation processes existed in synthetic dental biocompatible materials than in natural material. Linewidths (ΔB
pp) of the EPR spectra of the natural dental material slightly increased for the higher microwave powers. Such effect was not observed for the synthetic material. The broad EPR lines (ΔB
pp): 2.4 mT, 3.9 mT, were measured for the natural and synthetic dental materials, respectively. Probably strong dipolar interactions between paramagnetic centers in the studied samples may be responsible for their line broadening. EPR spectroscopy is the useful experimental method in the examination of paramagnetic centers in dental biocompatible materials.
Cumulative Impact Evaluation in Central Part of Liepaja with Comulative Pollution Index Method and Air Pollution Dispersion Modelling
Authors: Kalniņš Viesturs
Published: August 2015

Cumulative impact evaluation is one of the most actual problems in air quality monitoring. At the same time, it is also the most problematic factor to evaluate due to lack of appropriate methodology. The aim of this study was to assess the opportunity to use a new method – Cumulative Pollution Index (CPI) in cumulative impact calculation from two different sets of data – bioindication survey with Index of Atmospheric Purity method and air pollution dispersion modelling. Results show that the usage of modelling data, instead of measurements, in cumulative impact evaluation can be quite difficult due to the fact that dispersion models not always give sufficiently accurate data. Despite the issues with modelling specifics, the use of dispersion modelling in CPI calculation shows that the use of this approach not only gives plausible data – obtained values correlate with pollution level and forming strong clustering in spatial distribution, but also reveals new facts about cumulative impact – demonstrates the city microclimate importance in forming of cumulative effect due to geometry of street canyons.
The tip of the iceberg? Reply to responses
Authors: Anderson-Whymark Hugo , Garrow Duncan , Sturt Fraser
Published: August 2015

We would like to thank all four authors for their thoughtful responses to our paper and the assemblage it describes. In some cases those comments confirmed things we had thought already, but in others they surprised us, confronting us with ideas that we had never previously considered. Collectively this has made us think hard about future research possibilities.
KIM‐1‐/TIM‐1‐mediated phagocytosis links ATG5‐/ULK1‐dependent clearance of apoptotic cells to antigen presentation
Authors: Brooks Craig R , Yeung Melissa Y , Brooks Yang S , Chen Hui , Ichimura Takaharu , Henderson Joel M , Bonventre Joseph V
Published: August 2015

Phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by both professional and semi‐professional phagocytes is required for resolution of organ damage and maintenance of immune tolerance. KIM‐1/TIM‐1 is a phosphatidylserine receptor that is expressed on epithelial cells and can transform the cells into phagocytes. Here, we demonstrate that KIM‐1 phosphorylation and association with p85 results in encapsulation of phagosomes by lipidated LC3 in multi‐membrane organelles. KIM‐1‐mediated phagocytosis is not associated with increased ROS production, and NOX inhibition does not block LC3 lipidation. Autophagy gene expression is required for efficient clearance of apoptotic cells and phagosome maturation. KIM‐1‐mediated phagocytosis leads to pro‐tolerogenic antigen presentation, which suppresses CD4 T‐cell proliferation and increases the percentage of regulatory T cells in an autophagy gene‐dependent manner. Taken together, these data reveal a novel mechanism of epithelial biology linking phagocytosis, autophagy and antigen presentation to regulation of the inflammatory response.
Stress cardiomyopathy (Takotsubo) following radioactive iodine therapy
Authors: Dimakopoulou Anastasia , Vithian Karunakaran , Gannon David , Harkness Allan
Published: August 2015

A 55-year-old female patient presented to the endocrine clinic with Grave's disease. She was initially treated with carbimazole. After an early relapse, a decision was made to proceed with radioactive iodine therapy. Four days after radioiodine administration, she presented to the emergency department with chest tightness and dyspnea due to heart failure. Biochemistry revealed thyrotoxicosis and significantly elevated Troponin-T. There was ST segment elevation on electrocardiography. However, coronary angiography was normal. Ventricular function was fully restored after 6 weeks of supportive medical management. A diagnosis of stress cardiomyopathy following radioactive iodine therapy was made. This is the second case reported in the literature so far to the best of our knowledge.

Learning points

Stress cardiomyopathy in the context of radiation thyroiditis is a rare complication following radioiodine therapy.

A degree of awareness is essential because the approach is multidisciplinary. Management is mainly supportive and cardiac dysfunction is completely reversible in most cases.

The pathogenesis of this condition remains unclear. Post-menopausal women and susceptible individuals appear to be pre-disposed.
Unmet Health Care Need in US Adolescents and Adult Health Outcomes
Authors: Hargreaves Dougal S. , Elliott Marc N. , Viner Russell M. , Richmond Tracy K. , Schuster Mark A.
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND:

Adolescence is a formative period when health care services have a unique opportunity to influence later health outcomes. Unmet health care need in adolescence is known to be associated with poor contemporaneous health outcomes; it is unknown whether it predicts poor adult health outcomes.

METHODS:

We used nationally representative data from 14 800 subjects who participated in Wave I (mean age: 15.9 years [1994/1995]) and Wave IV (mean age: 29.6 years [2008]) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between unmet health care need in adolescence and 5 self-reported measures of adult health (fair/poor general health, functional impairment, time off work/school, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation). Models were adjusted for baseline health, insurance category, age, gender, race/ethnicity, household income, and parental education.

RESULTS:

Unmet health care need was reported by 19.2% of adolescents and predicted worse adult health: fair/poor general health (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.27 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00–1.60]); functional impairment (aOR: 1.52 [95% CI: 1.23–1.87]); depressive symptoms (aOR: 1.36 [95% CI: 1.13–1.64]); and suicidal ideation (aOR: 1.30 [95% CI: 1.03–1.68]). There was no significant association between unmet health care need and time off work/school (aOR: 1.13 [95% CI: 0.93–1.36]). Cost barriers accounted for only 14.8% of unmet health care need. The reason for unmet need was not significantly related to the likelihood of poor adult health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Reported unmet health care need in adolescence is common and is an independent predictor of poor adult health. Strategies to reduce unmet adolescent need should address health engagement and care quality, as well as cost barriers to accessing services.
Congenital Heart Defects and Receipt of Special Education Services
Authors: Riehle-Colarusso Tiffany , Autry Andrew , Razzaghi Hilda , Boyle Coleen A. , Mahle William T. , Van Naarden Braun Kim , Correa Adolfo
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND:

We investigated the prevalence of receipt of special education services among children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) compared with children without birth defects.

METHODS:

Children born from 1982 to 2004 in metropolitan Atlanta with CHDs (n = 3744) were identified from a population-based birth defect surveillance program; children without birth defects (n = 860 715) were identified from birth certificates. Cohorts were linked to special education files for the 1992–2012 school years to identify special education services. Children with noncardiac defects or genetic syndromes were excluded; children with CHDs were classified by presence or absence of critical CHDs (ie, CHDs requiring intervention by age one year). We evaluated the prevalence of receipt of special education services and prevalence rate ratios using children without birth defects as a reference.

RESULTS:

Compared with children without birth defects, children with CHDs were 50% more likely to receive special education services overall (adjusted prevalence rate ratio [aPRR] = 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4–1.7). Specifically, they had higher prevalence of several special education categories including: intellectual disability (aPRR = 3.8; 95% CI: 2.8–5.1), sensory impairment (aPRR = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.8–5.0), other health impairment (aPRR = 2.8; 95% CI: 2.2–3.5), significant developmental delay (aPRR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.3–2.8), and specific learning disability (aPRR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1–1.7). For most special education services, the excess prevalence did not vary by presence of critical CHDs.

CONCLUSIONS:

Children with CHDs received special education services more often than children without birth defects. These findings highlight the need for special education services and the importance of developmental screening for all children with CHDs.
A mellkasi aorta tompa sérülése – kezelési taktika, eredmények
Authors: Dzsinich Csaba , Zsíros Lajos , Vallus Gábor , Berek Péter , Nyiri Gabriella , Pellek Sándor , Görög János , Szentpétery László , Pataki Tibor
Published: August 2015

Absztrakt

A mellkasi aorta sérülése a traumatológia egyik legsúlyosabb fejezetét alkotja. A
nyílt és transmuralis aortasérülés helyszíni halált okoz, a mellkasi aorta tompa
sérülése azonban gyors szállítással, diagnosztikával és megfelelő kezelési
taktikával az esetek egy részében eredményesen kezelhető. Az aorta tompa
sérülése politrauma része, a beteg sorsát az aorta sérülésének súlyossága a
társsérülésekkel együtt jelentősen befolyásolja. A prioritások meghatározása
alapján dönthetünk a kezelés mikéntjéről és ütemezéséről. Az azonnali, a
szubakut és a konzervatív kezelés lehetőségei változatosak, alkalmazásuk
kiválasztása nagy tapasztalatot és megfelelő, egyénre szabott terápiás terv
követését teszi szükségessé. A kórkép változatossága egységes vezérfonal
kialakítását nehezíti, ezért fontosnak tartjuk saját tapasztalataink
összefoglalását és a vonatkozó irodalom áttekintését.
A nagyméretű retrosternalis strumák műtéti megoldása – fej-nyak sebész és mellkassebész sikeres együttműködése
Authors: Lévay Bernadett , Boér András , Kocsis Ákos , Agócs László
Published: August 2015

Absztrakt

Bevezetés: A megnagyobbodott, akár a tracheát is komprimáló
pajzsmirigy műtéti kezelése legtöbb esetben a totális thyreoidectomia, amely
mind a fej-nyak sebészek, mind az általános sebészek körében ismert eljárás. A
megnagyobbodott pajzsmirigy az esetek körülbelül 1–10%-ában a szegycsont mögé
ér, ezáltal eltérő műtéti technikát igényel az eltávolítása. Betegek és
módszerek: Munkacsoportunk 2000–2014-ig 182 substernalis struma
miatt végzett műtétet. Substernalisnak azon pajzsmirigylebenyeket tekintettük,
amelyek legalább a jugulum szintje alá értek. Retrospektíve vizsgáltuk a 182
esetet, amelyek substernalisan elhelyezkedő pajzsmirigylebenyek miatt kerültek
műtétre az elmúlt 14évben. Eredmények: Minden beteg panaszokkal
érkezett, amelyek közül a fulladás és nehézlégzés volt a leggyakoribb. A műtétet
minden esetben megelőzte képalkotó vizsgálat. 31 esetben praeoperativ nyaki
ultrahang készült, 13 esetben MR- és 138 esetben CT-vizsgálat jelentette a
képalkotó eljárást. 15 beteg esetében történt korábban részleges vagy teljes
pajzsmirigylebeny-eltávolítás. Nyaki metszésből 175 esetben sikerült
eltávolítani a megnagyobbodott lebenyeket, median sternotomiára hét esetben
kényszerültünk. Átmeneti nervus laryngeus recurrens bénulás egy esetben,
végleges pedig három esetben fordult elő. Kilenc esetben igazolódott
rosszindulatú pajzsmirigy-megbetegedés a specimenből, 173 esetben benignus
megnagyobbodásról volt szó. Következtetés: Fulladás és
nehézlégzés a leggyakoribb panasz a nagymértékben megnövekedett, sternum mögé is
érő, úgynevezett substernalis vagy retrosternalis struma kórképében. A
CT-vizsgálat alapvető a diagnosztikában, hiszen a pontos kiterjedés
meghatározása egyik alapfeltétele a megfelelő sebészi kezelésnek, illetve az
operáló team összeállításának. A megfelelő kezelés a műtét, azonban sok esetben
a műtét során más technika alkalmazása válik szükségessé, mint a hagyományos,
nyakról is könnyen kivehető kisebb méretű pajzsmirigylebenyek eltávolításakor.
Ezért fontos a mellkassebészeti háttér vagy aktív részvétel ezen
beavatkozásokban. A hazai irodalmat áttekintve nem találtunk ekkora
betegcsoportot vizsgáló összefoglaló közleményt.
Utilization of patient resources in physiotherapy interventions: Analysis of the interaction concerning non-specific low back pain
Authors: Josephson Iréne , Bülow Pia
Published: August 2015

This paper reports on an empirical study in Sweden of how patient resources come into play in physiotherapy interventions. A qualitative analysis was conducted of five videorecorded first encounters between patients with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) and physiotherapists in primary care, using Conservation of Resource Theory (COR) to identify and focus on how physiotherapists made use of patients’ resources (objects, conditions, personal characteristics and energies). The findings reveal variations in how these resources are utilized during the intervention. Resources with implications for what happens in the examination room during the ongoing encounter and resources characterized by professional familiarity were both employed in the intervention. However, underutilized resources were featured in the broader lifeworld perspective of laypeople and of other professional frames. The findings raise questions about professional challenges that go beyond professional skills. This implies that professionals need to improve skills in understanding and integrating patient resources into interventions.
Engaging death: Narrative and constructed dialogue in Advance Care Planning discussions
Authors: Modan Gabriella , Bose Brill Seuli
Published: August 2015

Advance Care Planning (ACP) remains extremely low in the US, due to numerous institutional and cultural barriers and discomfort in discussing death. There is a need for guidance about how patient and healthcare providers can effectively engage in ACP discussion. Here we analyze the linguistic strategies that focus-group participants use when discussing ACP in detailed ways. Prevalent linguistic structures in effective ACP discussions were loved ones’ end-of-life narratives, hypothetical narratives, and constructed dialogue. In elucidating spontaneous, unprompted approaches to effective discussion of end-of-life issues, such research can help to dislodge communicative barriers to ACP so that more people are prepared to engage the process.
Sunkios ir retos streptokokinio tonzilito komplikacijos
Authors: Martinkienė Rasa , Černiauskienė Vilija , Praninskienė Rūta , Drižienė Žaneta
Published: August 2015

Reikšminiai žodžiai: streptokokinis tonzilitas, ūminis reumatas, ūminis glomerulonefritas, prieryklinis pūlinys, pediatrinis autoimuninis neuropsichiatrinis sutrikimas, susijęs su streptokokine infekcija (PANDAS). Darbo tikslas. Gydytojų budrumas streptokokinių komplikacijų atžvilgiu yra sumažėjęs. Be to, išsiaiškinta naujų komplikacijų, kurios anksčiau buvo nežinomos. Šio straipsnio tikslas – priminti senas ir aprašyti naujas streptokokinės infekcijos komplikacijas, remiantis Vaikų ligoninėje, VšĮ Vilniaus universiteto ligoninės Santariškių klinikų filiale gydytų ligonių atvejais. Tyrimo medžiaga ir metodai. Klinikinių atvejų aprašymas ir literatūros apžvalga. Rezultatai. Aprašomi trys Vaikų ligoninėje gydyti vaikai, kuriems diagnozuotos itin sunkios streptokokinės kilmės sisteminės ir vietinės komplikacijos. Pirmuoju atveju berniukui praėjus 2 savaitėms po ūminio tonzilito diagnozuotas parafaringinis abscesas ir glomerulonefritas. Antruoju atveju mergaitei, kuriai anksčiau buvo diagnozuotas febrilinis artritas, pakartotinai sukarščiavus, aptiktas sunkus reumatinės kilmės širdies pažeidimas, kuriam prireikė chirurginio gydymo. Trečiasis aprašytasis atvejis – mergaitės, kuriai nustatyta mažai žinoma, naujai aprašyta komplikacija PANDAS sindromas. Išvados. Ūminis tonzilitas vaikams yra dažna ir daugeliu atvejų nesunki liga, tačiau A grupės beta hemolizinio streptokoko sukeltas tonzilitas privalo būti gydomas antibiotikais, nes tik tokiu būdu galima išvengti daugelio vietinių ir sisteminių komplikacijų. Komplikacijos šiais laikais retos, tačiau pasitaiko, o kai kuriais atvejais – ir kelios vienu metu. Todėl gydytojai privalo neprarasti budrumo jas diagnozuodami ir laiku pradėti gydyti.
The Accuracy of Forecasts Prepared for the Federal Open Market Committee
Authors: Chang Andrew C. , Hanson Tyler J.
Published: August 2015

We analyze forecasts of consumption, nonresidential investment, residential investment, government spending, exports, imports, inventories, gross domestic product, inflation, and unemployment prepared by the staff of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for meetings of the Federal Open Market Committee from 1997 to 2008, called the Greenbooks. We compare the root mean squared error, mean absolute error, and the proportion of directional errors of Greenbook forecasts of these macroeconomic indicators to the errors from three forecasting benchmarks: a random walk, a first-order autoregressive model, and a Bayesian model averaged forecast from a suite of univariate time-series models commonly taught to first-year economics graduate students. We estimate our forecasting benchmarks both on end-of-sample vintage and real-time vintage data. We find that Greenbook forecasts significantly outperform our benchmark forecasts for horizons less than one quarter ahead. However, by the one-year forecast horizon, typically at least one of our forecasting benchmarks performs as well as Greenbook forecasts. Greenbook forecasts of the personal consumption expenditures and unemployment tend to do relatively well, while Greenbook forecasts of inventory investment, government expenditures, and inflation tend to do poorly.
RESI: Thermal neutron single crystal diffractometer
Authors: Pedersen Bjørn
Published: August 2015

The diffractometer RESI, which is operated by the Department für Geo- und Umweltwissenschaften Sektion Kristallographie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and the Technische Universität München, is designed for high q-resolution, low background and best flux usage allowing optimum measurements of weak diffraction phenomena in a large portion of the reciprocal space on single crystalline samples.
SPODI: High resolution powder diffractometer
Authors: Hoelzel Markus , Senyshyn Anatoliy , Dolotko Oleksandr
Published: August 2015

The high resolution powder diffractometer SPODI (jointly operated by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and the Technische Universität München) is designed for structure solution and Rietveld refinement of crystal and magnetic structural parameters on polycrystalline powders. Instrumental specification (design, flexibility, peak shape, resolution etc.) as well as a variety of specialized sample environment equipment implemented for in-situ materials characterisation make the instrument attractive for studies of complex ordering phenomena.
General Aspects Regarding the Phenomenon of Alcoholism in Literature
Authors: Ciobica Irina , Ciobica Alin , Timofte Daniel , Colibaba Stefan
Published: August 2015

In this paper we followed the links that are established between alcohol consumption and writing, and especially on how creativity and alcohol consumption are related. Thus, we will discuss the effects of drinking, as demonstrated until now, on the creative flow, and we will try to provide a substantial number of case examples of brilliant creative minds, that had been either diagnosed as being alcoholics or just known to be heavy drinkers. Our article will also comment on the general and particular theories that refer to this much discussed and somewhat controversial subject.
The Man-Shell
Authors: Stamenković Gordana
Published: August 2015

The author tends to analyze the main characteristics of the media today and the consequences of relevant media activity to the society and the man. A special place in the article is reserved for the consideration of the phenomenon referred to as the man-shell, that is, the way of online life that is becoming more frequent in modern time, and as such, more and more recognized. A part of the article is dedicated to the imperative of “continuous present” the modern media forces upon us, that is, the consequences of imperative Now to man's identity and authenticity, as well as his willingness to get socially and politically engaged. The final part of the article considers renewed awareness, the process that could be one of the means of escape from the world of illusions the modern media successfully create and a path of return to the natural, primary reality.
Nanotechnology Markets in Global Competition: A Review
Authors: Ghasemi Iman , Abdi Ehsan , Yaghmaei Omid , Nemati Ruhollah
Published: August 2015

Nowadays, nanotechnology is as a main way of in international competitiveness that is due to science and technology. Hence, nanotechnology is known as a new industry or science in the global market competition topics. Also, developed or developing countries would trend to acquire portions for future markets through the investment in nanotechnology (R&D) because of profitable products and services in the future which are consistency environmentally and green. The products or services of nanocan be supplied in different markets e.g. energy, industry, medicine, and so on. Moreover, each of them depends upon innovation in producing new features or materials for the future that can be considered as important factors for different solutions for problems of life and humanity. Most of big companies pursue nanotechnology business in the global market from different products and services through the intensive competitions especially energy sector in the future. Although it can be accounted as new business in the future, there are some weakness of the firms in competitiveness i.e. weakness in strategies, capabilities, assets and knowledge. Hence, the aim of this study is to understand variety of issues in the literature of nanotechnology and strategies from managerial views.
Psychometric Testing of a Comprehensive Patient Satisfaction Survey in Arabic
Authors: Kouatly Iman Al , Hassan Maha Mohamad Al , Yazbik-Doumit Nuhad , Soubra Maher , Malak Sandy , Badr Lina Kurdahi
Published: August 2015

Background and Purpose: Although patient satisfaction is an important indicator of the quality of care received in hospitals, no reliable and valid Arabic comprehensive inpatient satisfaction survey has been published. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of an Arabic patient satisfaction survey. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used where 1,339 randomly selected patients were interviewed by phone. The questionnaire was adopted and from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey, refined and tested over a 4-year period. Results: Item–item correlations for the 22 items on the survey ranged from .52 to .92, and the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was .87. Construct and predictive validity were also adequate. Conclusion: The survey is recommended for use in hospitals in Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries to facilitate benchmarking and quality improvement.
Density and Viscosity of Athabasca Bitumen Samples at Temperatures Up to 200°C and Pressures Up to 10 MPa
Authors: Nourozieh Hossein , Kariznovi Mohammad , Abedi Jalal
Published: August 2015

This paper presents the measurements of bitumen thermophysical properties (density and viscosity) over a wide range of temperatures (ambient to 200°C) and pressures (atmospheric to 14 MPa). The measurements have been conducted on three Athabasca bitumen samples taken from different locations. A new method was proposed to correlate the density data as a function of temperature and pressure, with a maximum absolute deviation of 1.7 kg/m3. The viscosity data were also correlated with two correlations available in literature considering the effect of pressure and temperature on viscosity of bitumen, with an average absolute relative deviation of 9.2%. The measured data and correlations are applicable for the prediction and optimization of oil recovery in the solvent- and thermal-based bitumen-recovery processes such as expanding- solvent steam assisted gravity drainage (ES-SAGD) and heated vapor extraction (VAPEX).
A Robustness Comparison of Two Algorithms Used for EEG Spike Detection
Authors: Chaibi Sahbi , Lajnef Tarek , Ghrob Abdelbacet , Samet Mounir , Kachouri Abdennaceur
Published: August 2015

Spikes and sharp waves recorded on scalp EEG may play an important role in identifying the epileptogenic network as well as in understanding the central nervous system. Therefore, several automatic and semi-automatic methods have been implemented to detect these two neural transients. A consistent gold standard associated with a high degree of agreement among neuroscientists is required to measure relevant performance of different methods. In fact, scalp EEG data can often be corrupted by a set of artifacts and are not always served as data of gold standard. For this reason, the use of intracerebral EEG data mixed with gaussian noise seems to best resemble the output of scalp EEG brain and serves as a consistent gold standard. In the present framework, we test the robustness of two important methods that have been previously used for the automatic detection of epileptiform transients (spikes and sharp waves). These methods are based respectively on Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) and Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT). Our purpose is to elaborate a comparative study in terms of sensitivity and selectivity changes via the decrease of Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), which is ranged from 10 dB up to -10 dB. The results demonstrate that, DWT approach turns to be more stable in terms of sensitivity, and it successfully follows the detection of relevant spikes with the decrease of SNR. However, CWT-based approach remains more stable in terms of selectivity, so that, it performs well in terms of rejecting false spikes compared to DWT approach.
Regulation of Voltage and Reactive Power Based on the Control of Leading Phase Operation of Generator
Authors: Yan-fang Wei , Zheng Zheng , Yan-zhou Sun , Tao Zhang , Ji-ka Si , Xiao-wei Wang
Published: August 2015

Leading phase operation of generator is an effective method for the control and regulation of voltage and reactive
power of power system. The ability of voltage regulation for key buses by control of generator is presented in this
paper. The PSD-BPA software - Power System Analysis Software Package (PSD-BPA) is introduced firstly. The management
database for leading phase operation of generator is discussed. From the lagging phase operation to leading phase
operation of generator, the change curves of voltage for main 500kV bus and 220kV bus are analyzed. The sensitivity on
voltage regulation of each generator of leading phase operation is given. Based on the analysis of short circuit fault of
power plant, the limit output power of leading phase operation of multi-generators is proposed. The leading phase operation
of generator has many advantages, such as easy to operate, simple and feasible implement, and the actual operation is
safe and reliable. The technique was worthy to be widely used.
Transmitting Systems Dynamics in SCADA using Uneven Sampling/ Cubic Spline Interpolation based Data Compression
Authors: Qiangqiang Sun , Huijun Qiu , Meng Cai
Published: August 2015

Grasping power system dynamic information is helpful for dispatcher in the control center to take correct control
action in time under emergency condition. Traditionally, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) cannot
transmit power system dynamics information since it updates system information once every several seconds. Based on
the development of substation automation system, a data compression based approach is proposed in this paper to transmit
power system dynamics information in existing SCADA. An uneven sampling is utilized to extract the feature points that
determine the profile of system dynamics. Thereafter, these feature points contain dynamic information is transmitted
from Remote Terminal Units to the control center. The system dynamics can thus be reconstructed with cubic spline interpolation.
Numerical simulation on a 36 nodes system suggests that the system dynamics could be transmitted with high
fidelity in existing SCADA using the proposed approach. Moreover, the proposed approach can be implemented in
SCADA with limited software update.
Decomposition of Target Coverage Graph in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Zhao Fang
Published: August 2015

In order to reduce the algorithm complexity of the target coverage problem in Wireless Sensor Network, three
kinds of approaches are designed to decrease the network scale, that is, one is deleting the redundant sensor nodes, another
is removing the redundant targets, and the third is decomposing the target coverage graph into multiple independent sub
graphs. This paper proves that the three approaches are correct, and presents the Construct Independent Sub Graph Algorithm(
CISGA) to divide target coverage graph. Experiment results show that CISGA can reduce 30% of network scale
and greatly reduce the algorithm complexity of target coverage problem.
Design of a Bifocal Single Reflectarray Antenna with Improving Beam Scanning Performance
Authors: Qu Yan , Guo Chenjiang , Peng Wencan , Ding Jun , Gao Yuteng , Song Yichuan
Published: August 2015

A novel scheme is introduced to design the high gain beam scanning reflectarray antennas for limited scan
range application. At first, various existing schemes for beam scanning reflectarray antennas design are reviewed and it is
concluded that as a convenient design scheme, the feed displacement technique is preferred for limited scan range applications.
In order to improve the scan range, a bifocal single reflector aperture phase is introduced for reflectarray aperture
phase design, and in order to further improve the performance, a circular path for feed displacement is introduced to take
the place of the conventional lateral path. Based on the introduced scheme, a Ku band bifocal single reflectarray antenna
is designed for limited scan range application. The scan performances of the designed reflectarray are analyzed numerically
and compared with conventional parabolic design. Numerical results show that the bifocal design shows significant improved
scan performance with less 0.8 dB gain loss and lower than -13 dB side lobe level over entire scan range -30° to
+30°, which illustrates that the bifocal design for limited field of view beam scanning reflectarray is a promising attempt.
Failure Modes Analysis of Stone Arch Bridges
Authors: Jun Song , Fumin Wang , Kang Shi
Published: August 2015

A destruction test based on the bridge safety appraisal is one way to verify the failure law of an actual bridge. In this paper, a stone arch bridge in a 1:10 scale model and with a span of 60 m (namely, an arch bar of the same length as the object of test) has been tested, methods of its whole test and loading process introduced, and ultimate bearing capacity, deflection and development rules of cracks in the loading process figured out. With the clarification of destruction mechanism, the ultimate forms of disease and remaining height of section have been acquired and, finally, the destruction theory of stone arch bridges has been verified and optimized.
The Supporting Technology Research in Large Section Inclined Shaft with Fracture and Soft Surrounding Rock
Authors: Wen-qing Peng , Xin-min Wang , Wei-jun Wang
Published: August 2015

This paper is based on the large section inclined shaft crossing goaf of Pingdingshan No.6 Mine as engineering background, and aimed at solving the difficult supporting problem of fractured surrounding rock. After establishing and calculating the mechanical models of U-steel and inverted arch, the support’s vertical reaction force (N1) and horizontal counterforce (X1) are determined as 180.96 KN and 48.12 KN, while the maximum bending stress (σmax) and ultimate bearing capacity of the inverted arch are obtained as 375.59 Mpa and 0.27 Mpa. It shows that the deformation of surrounding rock is well controlled by the supporting structure. The numerical simulation model is built by using the software FLAC3D to analyze the stability of surrounding rock after supporting. The results suggest that the deformation of roof, floor and sides is reduced by 17%, 23% and 71% respectively after supporting with U-steel in the inclined shaft, and the accuracy of results has been verified by a field experiment. Therefore, the “U-steel+ pouring concrete + inverted arch + backwall grouting” technology can effectively control the damage of surrounding rock and improve the stability of surrounding rock.
Impact Analysis of Support Structure of Unsymmetrical Loading Deep Foundation Pit Adjoining Highway
Authors: Wang Donglin , Wang Lei
Published: August 2015

The air shaft deep foundation pit 6 is influenced by subgrade unbalance loading of highway 312, specifically its deep horizontal displacement of supporting piles and subgrade settlement of expressway 312 under unsymmetrical load effect. This paper carries out construction monitoring and numerical simulation analysis and gives a detailed study on the influenced factors of support structure deformation. Calculation results show that subgrade unsymmetrical load has a great influence on deep horizontal deformation of supporting piles. The maximum horizontal displacement at the bias side is about three times more than non-bias side’s; when the distance of subgrade to foundation pit is the same as the depth of excavation, the influence of subgrade on pit can be ignored; as the cohesion and internal friction angle increases, the horizontal displacement of fender piles decreases. However, enlarging the embedded depth of supporting piles has no significant influence on the stability of foundation pit.
Seismic Damage Study of Asymmetric Continuous Rigid Frame Bridge Based on Nonlinear Time History Analysis
Authors: Tong Wu , Quansheng Sun
Published: August 2015

Continuous rigid frame bridge is a common type of bridge in California, where is a seismically active areas. Main structural features of the bridge, including asymmetry, hinge structure, concretion of girder and piers affect the seismic response of the bridge significantly. In order to evaluate the safety of the bridge under earthquake, the nonlinear models of girder, limiting steels in hinge, abutment backfill, abutment bearing, pier are simulated in great detail, and a numerical dynamic overall model, composed of the above components, is made through OpenSees program. On the basis of nonlinear time history analysis with Northridge earthquake load, seismic damage of this kind of bridge is monitored. The research results acquire the accurate damage area of the bridge. Under earthquake, asymmetric continuous rigid frame bridge with curved girder tends to move to the external rim of curve. Asymmetry is detrimental to coinstantaneous vibration of frames, which can cause the large nonlinear damage of limiting steels in hinge. Due to large longitudinal relative seismic response between girder and abutment, the damage of abutment bearing and backfill could be severe. The area on the top and bottom of shorter piers in both sides of bridge is vulnerable because longitudinal steel bars in these areas are liable to yield under repeating shaking of earthquake.
Generalised Reliability On Hydro-Geo Objects
Authors: Ya-jun Wang , Jun Wang
Published: August 2015

This study established the fuzzy logic modeling of the stochastic finite element method based on the first-order approximation theorem. Fuzzy mathematical models of safety repertories were incorporated into the stochastic finite element method to analyze the stability of embankments and foundations in order to describe the fuzzy failure procedure for the random safety performance function. The fuzzy models were developed with membership functions with half depressed gamma distribution, half depressed normal distribution, and half depressed echelon distribution. The result shows that the middle region of the dike is the principal zone of concentrated failure due to local fractures. There is also some local shear failure on the dike crust. This study provides a referential method for solving complex multi-uncertainty problems in engineering safety analysis.