bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tunable and Wireless Photoimpedance Light Sensor
Authors: Saxena Tanuj , Rumyantsev Sergey , Dutta Partha , Shur Michael 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTWe report on the effects of the frequency dispersion in light sensitive materials used in photoimpedance wireless sensors. An example of such a sensor is a gated semiconductor connecting two or more fixed capacitances. The impedance of the device under illumination is changed by the change in the photoresistance of the semiconductor layer and the change in the gate-semiconductor capacitance. We report on the design and simulation of the frequency dispersion of the impedance of this device in silicon and discuss the physics and device performance. We also evaluate the dynamic range and sensitivity of the wireless photoimpedance sensors and show their advantages for wireless sensing applications compared to more conventional light sensors.
Influence of substrate temperature and post annealing on morphology and magnetic properties of pulsed laser deposited Fe50-Ni50 films.
Authors: Ibrahim Sally A. , Fialkova Svitlana , Mensah-Darkwa Kwadwo , Yarmolenko Sergey , Kumar Dhananjay 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTAs the need for smaller data storage devices in the market continues to grow, the study of new combinations of self-assembled magnetic nanoparticles/films is greatly needed. In this research, Fe50-Ni50 films were synthesized using a Pulsed Laser Deposition technique. The films were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and physical properties measurement system (PPMS). Films were deposited from Fe-Ni alloy target (50%-50% composition), deposition was conducted in vacuum, at substrate temperatures varying from liquid nitrogen temperature -196°C to 600°C. The films were annealed in a vacuum chamber at 600°C for 1 hour. The study reveals that the substrate temperature has significant effect on the structure of the films and their magnetic properties. It was shown that additional thermal treatment improved the quality of films in terms of narrow grain size distribution. Magnetic properties were also found to improve significantly after post annealing process.
Assembly and Characterization of Protein Resistant Planar Bilayers in PDMS Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Phillips K. Scott , Cheng Quan 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWe report a method using vesicle fusion techniques that result in long-standing hydrophilic and protein-resistant PDMS surfaces. The PDMS was oxidized in plasma followed by treatment with various concentrations of phospholipid vesicles to form planar bilayer membranes in the microchannels. Contact angle measurements showed that a freshly oxidized hydrophilic surface began hydrophobic recovery immediately, but PC (phosphatidylcholine) treated surfaces exhibited prolonged hydrophilic properties up to two hours after bilayer modification, and cationic DOPC+ treated surfaces had a contact angle of ∼70. FRAP experiments confirmed fusion of vesicles to form bilayers with lateral mobility. Protein adsorption studies in microchannels showed 2-3 orders of magnitude decrease in fluorescence from non-specific adsorption of dye-conjugated avidin and BSA. Coulombic interaction was found to play an important role in determining the amount of non-specific adsorption. Dehydration of the membranes resulted in increased protein adsorption after rehydration for PC but not for the synthetic lipid DOPC+, which has a positively charged headgroup.
Hydrogen Storage in Magnesium-Based Alloys
Authors: Schwarz R.B. 
Published: October 2014

Magnesium can reversibly store about 7.7 wt% hydrogen, equivalent to more than twice the density of liquid hydrogen. This high storage capacity, coupled with a low price, suggests that magnesium and magnesium alloys could be advantageous for use in battery electrodes and gaseous-hydrogen storage systems. The use of a hydrogen-storage medium based on magnesium, combined with a fuel cell to convert the hydrogen into electrical energy, is an attractive proposition for a clean transportation system. However, the advent of such a system will require further research into magnesium-based alloys that form less stable hydrides and proton-conducting membranes that can raise the operating temperature of the current fuel cells.Following the U.S. oil crisis of 1974, research into alternative energy-storage and distribution systems was vigorously pursued. The controlled oxidation of hydrogen to form water was proposed as a clean energy system, creating a need for light and safe hydrogen-storage media. Extensive research was done on inter-metallic alloys, which can store hydrogen at densities of about 1500 cm3-H2 gas/ cm3-hydride, higher than the storage density achieved in liquid hydrogen (784 cm3/cm3 at –273°C) or in pressure tanks (˜200 cm3/cm3 at 200 atm). The interest in metal hydrides accelerated following the development of portable electronic devices (video cameras, cellular phones, laptop computers, tools, etc.), which created a consumer market for compact, rechargeable batteries. Initially, nickel-cadmium batteries fulfilled this need, but their relatively low energy density and the toxicity of cadmium helped to drive the development of higher-energy-density, less toxic, rechargeable batteries.
Intraobserver and Interobserver Reproducibility for Radial, Circumferential and Longitudinal Strain Echocardiography
Authors: R Leischik , B Dworrak , K Hensel 
Published: October 2014

Objectives:Strain echocardiography (StE) promises to be a new tool for quantitative assessment of cardiac function. Analysis of intra- and interobserver reliability is an important aspect in the process of developing these novel techniques from theory to the implementation into daily routine diagnostics.The purpose of the study was to estimate reliability of the segmental StE.Methods:Left ventricular strain analysis for radial strain (RS), circumferential strain (CS) and longitudinal strain (LS) was performed in 21 healthy volunteers. RS and CS values were obtained in the parasternal short axis at the level of the papillary muscles. LS values were determined in the apical 2-, 3- and 4-chamber views. Cine-loops were recorded and quantitative analyses were conducted on an off-line workstation.Results:Intraobserver reproducibility was highest using LS in the 4-chamber view (9 ± 13.6 % mean deviation, rho = 0.624, p = 0.003), followed by CS (13.3 ± 8.3 %, rho = 0.406, p = 0.068) and lowest in RS (26.3 ± 30.1 %, rho = 0.391, p = 0.080). Interobserver analyses of LS derived from 3-chamber view showed lowest deviation (11.9 ± 9.5 %, rho = 0.513, p = 0.017), followed by CS (15.2 ± 12.0 %, 0.263, p = 0.249) and the least consistent measurements in RS (35.9 ± 46.3 %, rho 0.382, p = 0.088).Conclusion:This study shows that the clinical utility of StE depends on the regional differences of LV wall motion and image quality. LS-values showed promising intra- and interobserver reproducibility values. For quantitative follow-up studies LS should be preferred.
The Effect of Root Canal Irrigation with Combination of Sodium Hypo-chlorite and Chlorhexidine Gluconate on the Sealing Ability of Obturation Materials
Authors: Homayouni Hamed , Majd Nima Moradi , Zohrehei Heidar , Mosavari Behrad , Adel Mamak , Dajmar Reyhaneh , Homayouni Ali 
Published: October 2014

Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the precipitate that was formed by combining Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) and Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHX) on the sealing ability of root canal obturation materials.Materials and Methods:The fluid filtration method was conducted on a total of 100 roots. Samples were randomly divided into two control (n=5) and three experimental groups (n=30). The samples in group 1 were irrigated with 1.5 mL of 2.5% NaOCl, and then the smear layers of the teeth were removed by 17% EDTA, while the specimens of group 2 were irrigated by 1.5 mL of 2.5% NaOCl and 1.5 mL of 2% CHX; after the smear layer removal, a final flush with 1.5 mL of 2.5% NaOCl was performed. The samples of group 3 were irrigated the same as group 1 but after the smear layer removal canals were irrigated again with 1.5 mL of 2.5% NaOCl and then a final flush with 1.5 mL of 2% CHX was performed. Teeth were obturated with gutta-percha and AH26 sealer and after seven days, microleakage was evaluated by the fluid filtration technique. The results were analyzed by the ANOVA and Tukey's test.Results:The samples in group 3 had significantly greater microleakage compared to teeth in group 1, 2 (p<0.05), and the specimens in group 1 showed significantly less amount of microleakage than samples in group 2, 3 (p<0.05).Conclusion:The presence of the precipitate that is formed due to interaction between NaOCl and CHX has negative effect on the sealing ability of gutta-percha and AH26 sealer.
The Reliability and Validity of the Computerized Double Inclinometer in Measuring Lumbar Mobility
Authors: MacDermid Joy Christine , Arumugam Vanitha , Vincent Joshua Israel , Carroll Krista L 
Published: October 2014

Study Design :Repeated measures reliability/validity study.Objectives :To determine the concurrent validity, test-retest, inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of lumbar flexion and extension measurements using the Tracker M.E. computerized dual inclinometer (CDI) in comparison to the modified-modified Schober (MMS)Summary of Background :Numerous studies have evaluated the reliability and validity of the various methods of measuring spinal motion, but the results are inconsistent. Differences in equipment and techniques make it difficult to correlate results.Methods :Twenty subjects with back pain and twenty without back pain were selected through convenience sampling. Two examiners measured sagittal plane lumbar range of motion for each subject. Two separate tests with the CDI and one test with the MMS were conducted. Each test consisted of three trials. Instrument and examiner order was randomly assigned. Intra-class correlations (ICCs 2, 2 and 2, 2) and Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were used to calculate reliability and concurrent validity respectively.Results :Intra-trial reliability was high to very high for both the CDI (ICCs 0.85 - 0.96) and MMS (ICCs 0.84 - 0.98). However, the reliability was poor to moderate, when the CDI unit had to be repositioned either by the same rate (ICCs 0.16 - 0.59) or a different rater (ICCs 0.45 - 0.52). Inter-rater reliability for the MMS was moderate to high (ICCs 0.75 - 0.82) which bettered the moderate correlation obtained for the CDI (ICCs 0.45 - 0.52). Correlations between the CDI and MMS were poor for flexion (0.32; p<0.05) and poor to moderate (-0.42 - -0.51; p<0.05) for extension measurements.Conclusion :When using the CDI, an average of subsequent tests is required to obtain moderate reliability. The MMS was highly reliable than the CDI. The MMS and the CDI measure lumbar movement on a different metric that are not highly related to each other.
Five-Year Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes After Minimally Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Using Triangular Implants
Authors: Rudolf Leonard , Capobianco Robyn 
Published: October 2014

Object :
Previous reports of minimally invasive (MIS) sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion for low back, SI joint, and buttock pain secondary to SI joint disorders have shown favorable short- and mid-term outcomes. Herein we present 5-year clinical and radiographic outcomes after MIS SI joint fusion using a series of triangular porous titanium plasma spray (TPS) coated implants.

Methods :
Consecutive patients treated with MIS SI joint fusion for degenerative sacroiliitis and/or sacroiliac joint disruptions between October 2007 and March 2009 were evaluated. Pain on VAS, an SI joint specific survey and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were administered. X-ray and CT scans were obtained to assess the implants.

Results :
Of 21 patients treated, 17 were available for the study. Mean age was 58 years (range 36-85), 77% were female and 47% had prior lumbar spinal fusion. Pain on VAS improved from 8.3 at baseline to 2.4 at 5 years; 88% of patients reached Substantial Clinical Benefit. Mean ODI score at 5 years was 21.5 (SD 22.7). Patient satisfaction achieved at 12 months was maintained for 5 years (82%). A qualitative review of x-ray and CT imaging showed increased bone density immediately adjacent to all implants, intra-articular osseous bridging in 87% of patients and no evidence of implant loosening or migration.

Conclusion :
Long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes after MIS SIJ fusion are favorable. Clinical improvements observed at 12 months postoperatively were maintained at 5 years. There was no evidence of long-term complications, implant loosening or migration. Patients who did not achieve large improvements were affected by multiple severe concomitant degenerative conditions of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and/or hip.
The Use of Megaprostheses for Reconstruction of Large Skeletal Defects in the Extremities: A Critical Review
Authors: Gkavardina Anthippi , Tsagozis Panagiotis 
Published: October 2014

In the case of primary malignant tumors, extensive metastatic disease, major trauma or end-stage revision arthroplasty, the orthopaedic surgeon often has to deal with the need to reconstruct large skeletal defects, or replace bone of low quality. In the past years this was frequently impossible, and the only solution was amputation of the extremity. Later, the introduction of custom-made endoprostheses capable of reconstructing large skeletal defects, also known as megaprostheses, allowed for sparing of the extremity. This was especially valuable in the case of oncologic orthopaedic surgery, as advances in the medical treatment of sarcoma patients improved prognosis and limb-preserving surgery proved to have comparable patient survival rates to amputation. However, custom-made designs were implicated in frequent mechanical failures. Furthermore, they were extremely difficult to revise.The introduction of modular endoprostheses in the 1980s marked a new era in orthopaedic oncologic surgery. Modular megaprostheses consist of a number of different components in readily available sets, which can be assembled in various combinations to best address the specific bone defect. Moreover, they proved to have considerably lower rate of mechanical failures, which were also much easier to address during revision surgery by replacing only the parts that failed. The functional outcome after reconstruction with megasprostheses is often very satisfactory and the patient can enjoy a good quality of life. Nowadays, the major challenge is to eliminate the rate of non-mechanical complications associated with surgery of that magnitude, namely the risk for wound dehiscence and necrosis, deep infection, as well as local recurrence of the tumor.In our present mini-review, we attempt to make a critical approach of the available literature, focusing on the multiple aspects of reconstructive surgery using megaprostheses. We present the evolution of megasprosthetic implants, the indications for their use, and describe the outcome of surgery, so that the non-specialized orthopedic surgeon also becomes familiar with that kind of surgery which is usually performed in tertiary centers. A special interest lays in the recent developments that promise for even better results and fewer complications.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Patients towards Orthodontic Treatment: A Multi-centric Study
Authors: Shrestha Rabindra Man , Bhattarai Prakash , Dhakal Jyoti , Shrestha Sujita 
Published: October 2014

Introduction: Patient’s perspective and cooperation on treatment procedure and service is very important to evaluate the management system and success of the orthodontic treatment. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice of Nepalese patients towards orthodontic treatment and to find the difference of perception between female and male patients. Materials & Method: A structured questionnaire comprising of fifteen questions in three sections was used among 536 orthodontic patients at eight orthodontic treatment centers. The knowledge, attitude and practice were assessed on Likert scale. The data were rescored based on positive, neutral or negative perceptions and depicted for a level. The difference in perception between female and male patients was tested using Mann-Whitney U test. Result: 85% of orthodontic patients possess good knowledge about ongoing orthodontic treatment; however about half of the patients are unaware about retainers. About 35% patients think that people wearing braces do not look good, 59% experience long waiting time, 25% feel time spent for procedure is inadequate and 68% believe orthodontic treatment is expensive; still 82% are happy about treatment outcome. Most of the patients brush and rinse more carefully, however 28.9% patients are careless about braces and 12.7% forget appointment dates. Conclusion: Nepalese orthodontic patients possess good knowledge about orthodontic treatment, however lack adequate attitude and practice towards the treatment. The practitioners should inform patients about retainers and be concerned about waiting time, procedure duration and cost of the treatment.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v4i1.11304 Orthodontic Journal of Nepal Vol.4(1) 2014; 6-11
Assessment of Validity of Pont’s Index and Establishment of Regression Equation to Predict Arch Width in Nepalese Sample
Authors: Dhakal Jyoti , Shrestha Rabindra Man , Pyakurel Ujjwal 
Published: October 2014

Objective: To evaluate the validity of Pont’s index in Nepalese population and establish the regression equation to predictprobable arch width from sum of the maxillary incisors.Materials & Method: The sample comprised of 50 female and 50 male subjects of the age ranging 17-24 years. Sum of themesio-distal widths of the maxillary incisors were measured. Descriptive statistics, Coefficient of regression, and regressionequation were calculated to predict the arch width in premolar and molar regions. Independent t-test was performed to findthe difference between mean values of male and female subjects. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 17.0.Result: Mean value of Pont’s index ratio was 0.80 and 0.63 for premolar and molar respectively for Nepalese sample. Statisticalanalysis showed no significant difference between male and female in Pont’s premolar and molar index. The correlation ofcoefficient for Sum of Incisors/Premolar width and Sum of Incisors/Molar width were 0.39 and 0.46 respectively.Conclusion: Pont’s analysis can be applied in Nepalese samples. There is no significant difference in values between male andfemale samples.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v4i1.11305 Orthodontic Journal of Nepal Vol.4(1) 2014; 12-16
Comparative Cephalometric Analysis of Angle Class II Division 1 Malocclusion Between Nepalese and Chinese Subjects
Authors: Sharma Bishnu Prasad , Xin Chang 
Published: October 2014

Objective: To identify the craniofacial features of Nepalese and Chinese subjects with Angle Class II division 1 malocclusion; andto compare between Nepalese and Chinese samples and Nepalese gender groups.Materials & Method: The cephalometric radiographs were obtained from 96 Nepalese (mean ages16.34 ± 5.4 years) and 39Chinese (mean age 17.18 ± 7.1 years) subjects with Angle Cass II division 1 malocclusion. Ten skeletal, nine dental and three softtissue variables were investigated.Result: The craniofacial features between Nepalese and Chinese samples showed significant differences among fifteen of thetwenty-two variables studied; whereas in comparison between gender groups, six parameters were significantly different.Conclusion: Both samples showed well positioned maxilla, retrusive mandible and Class II skeletal tendency. In comparison,maxilla was more protrusive, mandible was more retrusive and overjet was more increased in Chinese. The Nepalese showedmore prominent nose and chin.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v4i1.11306 Orthodontic Journal of Nepal Vol.4(1) 2014; 17-
Malocclusion Traits of Yemeni Female School Children
Authors: Al-Zubair Nabil Muhsen , Almulla Aussama 
Published: October 2014

Objective: To provide detailed information concerning clinically relevant occlusal traits and prevalence of occlusal anomaliesin orthodontically relevant period of dental development.Materials & Method: 1501 Yemeni female school children aged 12 years were clinically examined. Overjet was measured to thenearest of 0.5 mm, and sagittal molar relationship were measured. In addition, missing permanent teeth, crowding, spacing,anterior maxillary and mandibular irregularities and anterior open bite were evaluated. Descriptive analysis was carried out toassess the frequency.Result: 9.1% female presented with at least one missing permanent tooth. The mean overjet was 2.8 mm, an increased overjetgreater than 6 mm was affecting around 4 per cent of the children. Similarly, spacing and crowding were present in 25.8% and30.4% respectively. Anterior open bite was affected in every tenth child. Molar relations other than Class I were reported in 29.5%of the sample.Conclusion: Wide range of orthodontically relevant occlusal traits found in the present study underlines the need for orthodonticscreening of children at the age of 12 years or earlier.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v4i1.11310 Orthodontic Journal of Nepal Vol.4(1) 2014; 41-44
Correction of Crowding using Conservative Treatment Approach
Authors: Shah Tapan , Shyagali Tarulatha , Trivedi Kalyani 
Published: October 2014

Crowding being the most common chief complaint of the patients seeking orthodontic treatment has multiple treatmentoptions. Thus the orthodontist has to choose wisely amongst the options according to the individual patient need. The presentcase report is about the correction of crowding using the combination of extraction and non-extraction modality. The upperarch was treated by expansion and the lower arch was treated using extraction of a single incisor.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v4i1.11314 Orthodontic Journal of Nepal Vol.4(1) 2014; 57-62
Reduction of bladder activity on FDG PET/CT scan in patients with urinary bladder carcinoma
Authors: Tsai S.-C. , Ou Y.-C. , Cheng C.-L. , Li J.-R. , Lin Y.-C. , Ho H.-C. , Chiu K.-Y. , Su C.-K. , Lin W.-Y. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryOral hydration with large volume of fluid, high dose of diuretics and maximum bladder distension are frequently required to achieve an adequate urinary FDG clearance in an FDG PET/CT protocol for bladder cancer or pelvic tumour evaluation. Although most patients tolerated these procedures for eliminating urinary FDG activity, these procedures may be still unpleasant. Aim: Is there a more patient-friendly protocol which is less burdensome and yet provides a satisfactory FDG clearance in urine? In this study, we established a patient-friendly FDG PET/CT protocol without compromising urinary FDG clearance. Patients, methods: 23 patients with biopsy-proven urinary bladder cancers were recruited to evaluate the effectiveness of this patient-friendly protocol on reducing urinary bladder FDG activity. The patient-friendly protocol includes encouraging patients to take a tolerable amount of fluid, delaying the administration of low dose diuretic, shortening the urine holding time and using delayed imaging. Results: All of the patients tolerated this patient-friendly procedure well. In addition, the patient-friendly protocol was effective in reducing FDG activity in the urine. One hundred percent of primary bladder cancer were visualized on the FDG PET/CT images using this patient-friendly protocol. Conclusions: This patient-friendly FDG PET/CT protocol is less intrusive yet effective in reducing urinary FDG activity.