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A switchable Nd:YAG laser generating at two wavelengths of 1064 nm or 1444 nm is useful for the selective removal of dental caries as well as the reduction of Streptococcus mutans, one of the most important causes of carious lesions. The investigation of both possible applications was documented experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ternary alkali lead halides doped by rare-earth ions are considered to be suitable materials for solid-state lasers operating in the broad spectral range from ultraviolet to mid-infrared (IR) wavelengths. This contribution is focused mainly on the luminescence study of the low-phonon energy rubidium lead chloride RbPb2Cl5 (RPC) materials doped with a low concentration of trivalent neodymium (5 mol%), praseodymium (5 mol%), and dysprosium (0.1 mol%) ions. Broad emission bands with maxima around 4.70 m, 5.25 m, and 5.15 m were observed in Pr:RPC, Nd:RPC, and Dy:RPC samples, respectively, which makes these materials promising for future mid-IR laser development, especially in terms of their broad tunability and/or ultrashort pulse generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this work was to prove Er:YAlO3 laser generation at 1623 nm wavelength pumped by fiber coupled 1453 nm or 1461 nm laser diodes. The investigation concerned the influence of temperature ranging from 80 K to 300 K on the spectroscopic and laser properties of an Er:YAlO3 crystal in the eye-safe spectral region. For Er:YAlO3 active medium doped with 1.0% of Er/Y, laser emission was obtained in the temperature range from 80 K to 200 K. A maximal output peak power of 0.9 W and slope efficiency up to 27.4% with respect to the absorbed peak pump power were reached at a temperature of 80 K for resonant pumping at 1453 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hard dental tissue removal by laser radiation is an alternative treatment to conventional dental-drilling procedures. The advantages of this therapy are fast and localized treatment of hard dental tissue and painlessness. The most effective systems for those purposes are Er-lasers generating radiation at wavelengths of around 3 μm. The aim of this study was qualitative and quantitative examination of human dentin and ivory tissue removal by pulsed free-running (FR) and Q-switched (QSW) Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG laser radiations. From the obtained results it follows that generally Er:YAG laser has lower threshold for the tissue removal in both FR and QSW regimes. Furthermore, the FR Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG radiation can be effective for both dentin and ivory ablation and can prepare smooth cavities without side effects. The QSW regime is useful preferably for precise ablation of a starting tooth defect and for the part of the tooth very close to the gum. This regime is excellent for micro-preparation or for tooth treatment of children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Er:YAG crystal was investigated as the gain medium in a diode (1452 nm) pumped tunable laser. The tunability was reached in an eye-safe region by an intracavity birefringent filter. The four tuning bands were obtained peaking at wavelengths 1616, 1632, 1645, and 1656 nm. The broadest continuous tunability was 6 nm wide peaking at 1616 nm. The laser was operating in a pulsed regime (10 ms pulse length, 10 Hz repetition rate). The maximum mean output power was 26.5 mW at 1645 nm. The constructed system demonstrated the tunability of a resonantly diode-pumped Er:YAG laser which could be useful in the development of compact diode-pumped lasers for spectroscopic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the quality of life of women with endometriosis before treatment and 3 months after the start of surgical and/or conservative treatment., Sample and Methodology: The sample comprised of 38 patients, of whom 26 underwent surgical treatment, 6 had pharmacological treatment, and 6 had both surgical and pharmacological treatment. The Endometriosis Health Profile (EHP-30) questionnaire in the Czech version and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) were used to assess quality of life. The questionnaires were completed before treatment and 3 months into the treatment., Results and Discussion: When comparing quality of life with the EHP-30 questionnaire, 3 months after the start of treatment, significantly better quality of life scores were found in all domains except the domain "Infertility." Statistically significant improvement was observed in the domains of "Control and powerlessness," "Emotional well-being," and "Pain" (P < 0.0001). Pain assessment using NRS showed subjective improvement in pain during menstruation, outside menstruation, during intercourse, micturition, and defecation. Statistically significant improvement was reported in pain during menstruation and outside menstruation (P < 0.0001)., Conclusion: Treatment of endometriosis improves the quality of life and also leads to a subjective reduction of pain intensity as one of the main symptoms of the disease.

Despite its undeniable advantages, the operation of a CT scanner also carries risks to human health. The CT scanner is a source of ionizing radiation, which also affects people in its surroundings. The aim of this paper is to quantify the radiation exposure of workers at a 3D CT wood scanning workplace and to determine a monitoring program based on measurements of ionizing radiation levels during the operation of a CT log scanner. The workplace is located in the Biotechnology Park of the National Forestry Centre. The ionizing radiation source is located in a protective cabin as a MICROTEC 3D CT machine with an X-ray lamp as X-ray source. The CT scanner is part of the 3D CT scanning line and its function is continuous quality scanning or detection of internal defects of the examined wood. The measurement of leakage radiation during scanning is performed with a metrologically verified meter. The measured quantity is the ambient dose equivalent rate H˙*10. The results of the measurements at the selected measurement sites have shown that, after installation of additional safety barriers, the CT scanner for the logs complies with the most strict criteria in terms of radiation protection. Workers present at the workplace during the operation of the CT scanner are not exposed to radiation higher than the background radiation level.

The first accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) laboratory in the Czech Republic has been established and put into routine operation in February 2022. Here we briefly describe the facilities available, namely a 300 kV multi-isotope low-energy AMS system (MILEA) capable of determination 10 Be, 14 C, 26 Al, 41 Ca, 129 I, isotopes of U, especially 236 U, Pu and other actinoids, and accessories for 14 C measurements, which include a gas interface system, a preparative gas chromatography system for compound-specific radiocarbon dating analysis, and an isotope-ratio mass spectrometer. The first results achieved for separation and measurement of the above radionuclides (except for 41 Ca) are also reported, with the main focus on 14 C measurements. A specimen breakdown of 729 graphitised samples analysed for 14 C so far is presented, as well as a proof of measurement stability of the MILEA system obtained by analysis of radiocarbon standards and analytical blanks. For the other radionuclides, well proven or novel procedures for sample preparation and measurement are presented., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare no competing interests., (© The Author(s) 2023.)

In this study, high-pressure laminates (HPL) impregnated with phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resins enriched with kraft lignin were developed. Pulverised kraft lignin was added to the commercial PF resin in the amounts of 1% and 5% (solid to solid). Laminates were manufactured using pressure impregnation of the resins into the papers and using hot pressing of HPL in a laboratory press. Laminates with a lignin content of 1% (L-LPF-1) showed the highest bending strength (72.42 MPa) and Brinell hardness (9.41); they also exhibited the best moisture uptake (9.61) and thickness swelling after immersion in water (3.32%). Except for impact bending, laminates with a lignin content of 5% (L-LPF-5) had worse properties. However, the differences between the variants are mostly not statistically significant and are comparable with the results of commercial PF resin. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the homogenous structure of produced laminates and the occurrence of cohesive failures in ruptured L-LPF-1 laminates, whereas in ruptured L-LPF-5 laminates adhesive failures were also observed. Based on the conducted research it can be said that the utilisation of kraft lignin as an additive to PF resin (in the amount of 1%) has a positive effect on the produced HPL.

Two different mid-infrared (mid-IR) solid-state crystalline laser active media of Cr2+, Fe2+:Zn1-xMnxSe and Cr2+, Fe2+:Zn1-xMgxSe with similar amounts of manganese or magnesium ions of x ≈ 0.3 were investigated at cryogenic temperatures for three different excitation wavelengths: Q-switched Er:YLF laser at the wavelength of 1.73 μm, Q-switched Er:YAG laser at 2.94 μm, and the gain-switched Fe:ZnSe laser operated at a liquid nitrogen temperature of 78 K at ∼4.05 μm. The temperature dependence of spectral and laser characteristics was measured. Depending on the excitation wavelength and the selected output coupler, both laser systems were able to generate radiation by Cr2+ or by Fe2+ ions under direct excitation or indirectly by the Cr2+→ Fe2+ energy transfer mechanism. Laser generation of Fe2+ ions in Cr2+, Fe2+:Zn1-xMnxSe and Cr2+, Fe2+:Zn1-xMgxSe (x ≈ 0.3) crystals at the wavelengths of ∼4.4 and ∼4.8 μm at a temperature of 78 K was achieved, respectively. The excitation of Fe2+ ions in both samples by direct 2.94 μm as well as ∼4.05 μm radiation or indirectly via the Cr2+→ Fe2+ ions' energy transfer-based mechanism by 1.73 μm radiation was demonstrated. Based on the obtained results, the possibility of developing novel coherent laser systems in mid-IR regions (∼2.3-2.5 and ∼4.4-4.9 μm) based on AIIBVI matrices was presented.

There is a long history of uranium mining and milling in what is now the Czech Republic, with the main exploitation beginning in the second half of the 19th century. The greatest expansion was during the Cold War, which was then reduced after political changes in eastern Europe in the 1990s. Thereafter, almost all uranium work was stopped, the mines and mills were closed, and plans for decommissioning and remediation of sites and facilities were initiated. The paper describes the application of the regulatory framework for the decommissioning and remediation of the uranium waste sites and facilities in the Czech Republic, illustrated by examples of deep and surface mining, in-situ leaching sites, and ore processing facilities. It builds on information provided as a case study for the Nuclear Energy Agency's Expert Group on Legacy Management. Some practical experience and lessons learned are presented. The sharing of the lessons and experience is noted as an important mechanism for avoiding the creation of future legacies., (Creative Commons Attribution license.)

Birds are strongly motivated to recognize various predators to secure survival and reproductive success. Thus, predator recognition provides a useful tool for the investigation of the process of discrimination and categorization in non-trained animals. The most important role in this process is usually attributed to the prominent unique features shared by all members within the wider category of predators (sharp teeth or beaks, claws, talons and conspicuous eyes). However, birds are also able to discriminate between particular predator species according to their species-specific features (based mainly on colouration). We manipulated general raptor salient features (hooked beak, talons with claws and eyes with supraorbital ridges) and/or species-specific plumage colouration on the dummy of a Eurasian kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) to investigate their importance in the recognition process of the red-backed shrikes (Lanius collurio) during nest defence. We showed that the presence of general raptor salient features is necessary for the recognition of a predator. The kestrel dummy with natural species-specific colouration with altered raptor salient features was treated by shrikes as a harmless bird. Nevertheless, pronounced changes in colouration also prevented successful recognition of the dummy as a kestrel, even when raptor salient features of a raptor were present., (© 2021. Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

This article presents the results of an investigation of acoustic and thermophysical properties of insulation panels made from recycled technical textiles originating from the automotive industry. Measurements were performed on the samples of insulation panels (Senizol AT XX2 TL60), which were modified with liquid flame retardants (ISONEM ® ANTI-FIRE SOLUTION, ECOGARD ® B45, HR Prof). Another method of treatment was carried out by surface application of non-flammable facing (woven carbon fibre, nonwoven carbon fibre). Retardants were applied to the samples by surface spraying and soaking. The results showed a high ability of material to absorb sound in the frequency range 350 Hz-2 kHz. The sound absorption coefficient ranged from 0.82 to 0.9 in the frequency range 500 Hz-2 kHz. The noise reduction coefficient is 0.75. After material modification with the flame retardants, there was no significant change of sound absorption. The thermal conductivity coefficient of material before modification was 0.038 W⋅m -1 ⋅K -1 . After application of the flame retardants, the thermal conductivity coefficient increased depending on type and method of retardant application in the range of 2.6-105.3%. The smallest change was detected after modification of material with ECOGARD ® B45.

Rail transport is the second most important way of transporting people and freights by land in the European Union. Rail noise affects around 12 million people in the European Union during the day and around 9 million at night. There are two possible ways to assess environmental noise: noise measurement in situ and prediction using mathematical models. The aim of the work is based on the performed measurements and selected noise predictions to evaluate the accuracy of the prediction models and assess their sensitivity to various aspects. Two measuring points in the Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region, within Slovakia, were selected for measurement, which is characterized by increased mobility of the population. For prediction, the two methodologies were selected (Schall 03 and Methodical instructions for the calculation of sound pressure level from transport). The results show that the Schall 03 method is sensitive to the measurement location (the value reaches half of the significance level) and to the location-period interaction. The second prediction method is sensitive to systematic error (absolute term) and, such as Schall 03, to the location-period interaction. This method systematically overestimates the results. Results showed greater accuracy of both prediction models compared to the measured noise values than the results of the authors in other countries and conditions.

Objective: To describe a case of coincidental finding of splenosis during gynecological laparoscopic surgery., Design: Case report., Setting: Department of gynecology and obstetrics, Hospital of Frýdek-Místek., Case Report: We describe the case of coincidental perioperative finding of pelvic tumorous mass that was later histologicaly verified as accsessory spleen or splenosis., Conclusion: Ectopic spleen is mostly random finding with no symptoms observed. Rarely it can cause pelvic pain or mimick adnexal malignity or endometriosis. It is neccesery to keep this rare diagnosis in mind, mainly at patients with splenic trauma or splenectomy in their medical history to preserve immunological function of this splenic tissue.

Objective: To describe a case history of a patient after two caesarean sections, planning another pregnancy. Due to the dehiscent lower uterine segment, surgical correction of the defect was performed. Performance followed by an unplanned pregnancy five weeks after the operation., Design: Case report., Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital in Frýdek-Místek., Case Report: We present a case of a 31-year-old third-graders, anamnestically after two caesarean sections, which were performed laparoscopical correction of isthmocoele in our department. Our patient was diagnosed with six weeks old intrauterine pregnancy only eleven weeks after surgery. The gravidity was successfully completed in the 38th week of pregnancy by the planned caesarean section with finding of a solid lower uterine segment. Whole duration of the pregnancy was uncomplicated., Conclusion: Women, after previous surgery of the uterus, are exposed to complications such as nidation disorders, placental disorders, risk of uterine rupture etc. during future pregnancy and childbirth. We want to show possible advantage of laparoscopic isthmocoele resection in combination with ventrosuspension of uterus.

The paper deals with comparing the measurement of noise from the railroads in the residential zone of the town of Zvolen with the results calculated using the prediction methods "Schall 03" (Deutsche Bundesbahn, 1990) and "Methodical instructions for the calculation of sound pressure level from transport" (MPVHD). The first is used in the Slovakia and second in the Czech Republic. The measurement results and the results obtained from the prediction methods for both measurement locations were evaluated graphically and statistically. The evaluation of the conformity of the measurement with the prediction showed that the results obtained using the method "Schall 03" are in better agreement with the measurement.

Objective: The aim of the rewiew is to provide complex new informations about anatomy and biomechanics features of the musculus levator ani. Described are risk factors leading to it´s injury and options of imaging the muscle complex (ultrasound, magnetic imaging resonance and 3D modeling)., Design: Review., Settings: Departement of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital in Frýdek-Místek, GONA Co. Ltd , Institute for Mother and Child Prague., Results: Musculus levator ani (MLA) has a complex structure composed mainly of striated muscles. Minority of smooth muscle fibres are also found. Particular parts of the MLA hold together different angles. Inervation is provided through somatic and visceral nerve fibres. During delivery, more there three times stretching of the muscle was observed. Less strenght is needed do the same stretching of the muscle in repeating stress situations. In the MRI studies, two types of injury of the MLA, were found. Predisponed to the injury is medial part of the MLA known as pubovisceral muscle (PVM). PVM has three insertions. The most fragile is it´s medial insertion to the pubic bone described as enthesis. During experimental delivery studies was found, that the pressure in this part of the muscle reach almost 36MPa., Conclusion: MLA is a difficult muscle. Because of the ethical reasons we don´t have, and probably never will have informations, how structuraly and elasticaly differs muscle, that was damaged during the delivery, compared to muscle without any damage. Promising are computer delivery simulations. In future, they would give us an answer, how risky is vaginal delivery in concrete expectant mother.

In this Letter, for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, a pulse and CW laser based on an Er-doped Gd 3 Ga 2.7 Al 2.3 O 12 (Er:GGAG) active medium emitting laser radiation at 2.8 μm are presented. With the longitudinal diode pumping, the maximal output energy of 4.9 mJ and slope efficiency of 13.5% in the pulse regime were reached. Using the birefringent MgF 2 plate, the line tunability of Er:GGAG at several spectral bands of 2800-2822 nm, 2829-2891 nm, and 2917-2942 nm were obtained.

Objective: The aim of the study is to analyse the musculo-fascial component of the pelvic floor in symptomatic group of woman with pelvic organ prolapse before planned vaginal reconstruction using synthetic vaginal mesh., Design: Observational cohort study., Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital in Frýdek-Místek; GONA Ltd, Prague; Institute for Care of Mother and Child, Prague; 3rd Faculty of Medicine CHU Prague., Methodology: The study involved 285 female volunteers (6 nulliparous, all other patients gave birth vaginally at least once) that in the period 2008-2015 before the planned reconstructive vaginal operations have undergone a comprehensive urogynaecology examination supplemented by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvic floor. Assessed was musculofascial component of the pelvic floor containing -musculus levator ani (MLA), endopelvic fascia (EF) and sacrouterine ligaments (SUL). MLA and EF were evaluated at two levels. The first level corresponds to the puborectalis muscle (evaluation of MRI trauma stage and avulsion), the second level correspondes to the iliococcygeus muscule (evaluation only avulsion injury to the muscle)., Results: Normal appereance of musculus puborectalis (level 1) was captured only in 25 (8.8) women. In 117 (41.1%) of women were present MRI minor trauma, 143 (50,2%) women were present with MRI major trauma. Avulsion of the muscle was captured in 85 cases (29.8%) at level 1 and in 165 cases (57.9%) in level 2. Preserved architecture of the EF was caught only 99 (34.7%) of the cases in level 1 and in 47 cases (16.5%) in level 2. Sacrouterine ligaments showed normal morphology in 100 cases (35.1%).Conslusion: Defects of musculofascial component of the pelvic floor is found frequently in women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse. Often a combination of defects MLA, EF and SUL are found. These comprehensive pelvic floor defects require careful urogynecological examination and planing operating methods with a view to minimizing the likelihood of recurrence of the descent. In indicated cases the use of the synthetic vaginal mesh is as a method of first choice.

Strain P4487AT was isolated during investigation of cultivable bacterial populations of environmental materials sampled at James Ross Island, Antarctica. It revealed Gram-stain-negative short rod-shaped cells producing a pink pigment. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences allocated strain P4487AT to the genus Pedobacter but showed that the strain represents a distinct intrageneric phylogenetic lineage clearly separated from remaining Pedobacter species. Phylogenetically, strain P4487AT formed a common branch with the Pedobacter arcticus and Pedobacter lignilitoris cluster while the highest value of 94.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity suggested that Pedobacter lentus is the most closely related species. Biochemical and physiological test results enabled the differentiation of strain P4487AT from all phylogenetically closely related species. Chemotaxonomic analyses of strain P4487AT showed MK-7 as the respiratory menaquinone, sym-homospermidine as the major polyamine, phosphatidylethanolamine and two unidentified lipids as the major polar lipids, presence of sphingolipids, and C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c (summed feature 3), iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids, all of which corresponded with characteristics of the genus Pedobacter. The results showed that strain P4487AT represents a novel species within the genus Pedobacter, for which the name Pedobacter psychrophilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is P4487AT (=CCM 8644T=LMG 29436T).

Four rod-shaped and Gram-stain-negative bacterial strains, CCM 8647, CCM 8649T, CCM 8643T and CCM 8648T, were isolated from rock samples collected on James Ross Island, Antarctica. Extensive biotyping, fatty acid profiling, chemotaxonomy, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and whole-genome sequencing was applied to isolates to clarify their taxonomic position. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that all four isolates belonged to the genus Hymenobacter. Strains CCM 8649T and CCM 8647 were most closely related to Hymenobacter arizonensis OR362-8T (94.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), strain CCM 8643T to Hymenobacter terrae DG7AT (96.3 %) and strain CCM 8648T to Hymenobacter glaciei VUG-A130T (96.3 %). The predominant fatty acids of CCM 8649T and CCM 8647 were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c), C16 : 1ω5c and iso-C15 : 0, whereas those of CCM 8643T and CCM 8648T were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c) and C16 : 1ω5c. The quinone systems contained exclusively menaquinone MK-7. The major polyamine was sym-homospermidine. All four strains contained the major polar lipid phosphatidylethanolamine. The G+C content of genomic DNA ranged from 60-63 mol%. Whole-genome sequencing data supported the finding that isolates represented distinct species of the genus Hymenobacter. On the basis of the results obtained, three novel species are proposed for which the names Hymenobacter coccineus sp. nov., Hymenobacter lapidarius sp. nov. and Hymenobacter glacialis sp. nov. are suggested, with the type strains CCM 8649T (=LMG 29441T=P5239T), CCM 8643T (=LMG 29435T=P3150T) and CCM 8648T (=LMG 29440T=P5086T), respectively.

The paper reports the first room-temperature operation of the in-band pumped Ho:CaF 2 laser. A set of Ho:CaF 2 crystals varying in holmium concentrations (from 0.1 up to 2.5 mol. % of HoF 2 ), synthesized using the Bridgeman technique, was used for lasing and related spectroscopy investigation. A pulsed 1.94 μm thulium fiber laser system was used for Ho:CaF 2 longitudinal pumping. For 1.5 mol. % of Ho:CaF 2 , the maximal wavelength tunability (from 2073 to 2114 nm) and output energy (1.6 mJ at 2113 nm) were obtained for absorbed pumping energy 34 mJ. Without the tuning element, the slope efficiency up to 30% in respect to absorbed power was obtained using this sample.

Background and Purpose: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has previously been used as a biomarker of myelopathy in patients with degenerative cervical cord compression (DCCC). However, many factors may affect the diffusion properties of the spinal cord. This prospective study seeks to identify sources of variability in spinal cord DTI parameters in both DCCC patients and healthy subjects., Methods: The study group included 130 patients with DCCC confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and 71 control subjects without signs of DCCC. DTI data of the cervical spine were acquired in all subjects. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured at different levels of the spinal cord (SCLs). Statistical data analysis was then used to determine diffusion parameters in terms of age, sex, SCL, and spinal cord compression., Results: Significant variations in FA and ADC values emerged when several spinal cord levels were mutually compared in the control group. FA values correlated significantly with age in the DCCC group and sex had a significant influence on ADC values in both groups. The two diffusion parameters in the DCCC group differed significantly between patients with clinical signs of mild-to-moderate myelopathy compared with asymptomatic patients, and correlated with measurements of spinal canal morphology., Conclusions: Diffusion parameters of the cervical spinal cord were thus shown to respond significantly to spinal cord compression, but were subject to interaction with several other factors including sex, age, and SCL. These findings may be important to the interpretation of DTI measurements in individual patients., (Copyright © 2016 by the American Society of Neuroimaging.)

Introduction: The development augmented reality devices allow physicians to incorporate data visualization into diagnostic and treatment procedures to improve work efficiency, safety, and cost and to enhance surgical training. However, the awareness of possibilities of augmented reality is generally low. This review evaluates whether augmented reality can presently improve the results of surgical procedures., Methods: We performed a review of available literature dating from 2010 to November 2016 by searching PubMed and Scopus using the terms "augmented reality" and "surgery." Results . The initial search yielded 808 studies. After removing duplicates and including only journal articles, a total of 417 studies were identified. By reading of abstracts, 91 relevant studies were chosen to be included. 11 references were gathered by cross-referencing. A total of 102 studies were included in this review., Conclusions: The present literature suggest an increasing interest of surgeons regarding employing augmented reality into surgery leading to improved safety and efficacy of surgical procedures. Many studies showed that the performance of newly devised augmented reality systems is comparable to traditional techniques. However, several problems need to be addressed before augmented reality is implemented into the routine practice.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of Er:YAG laser irradiation on the debonding of metal and ceramic brackets and enamel damage ex vivo., Background Data: The principle of safe bracket debonding is to degrade the adhesive resin strength connecting the tooth and bracket. Removal of adhesive resin from tooth surfaces without iatrogenic damage (enamel loss) is generally the main problem of the otherwise very successful method of aesthetic straightening of teeth., Methods: Forty ceramic and metal brackets (Clarity™ Advanced and Victory Series™; 3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA) were standardly bonded to buccal polished enamel surfaces of 30 caries-free human third molars. Two types of adhesive resins (Transbond™ XT Light Cure Adhesive; 3M Unitek, and Variolink II Professional Set; Ivoclar Vivadent AG) were used. Before debonding, the brackets in the laser group were irradiated with the Er:YAG laser (FJFI CVUT) 280 mJ, 250 μs long, repetition rate 6 Hz, spot focus 1 mm, and 140 sec. The control group was debonded without the laser irradiation. During the bracket irradiation, temperature changes inside the tooth were monitored using a thermal image infrared camera. The enamel surface was investigated by SEM., Results: It has been observed that bracket removal was easier after the Er:YAG laser irradiation, and temperature rise was limited (from 2.0°C to 3.2°C) also for metal brackets. As against the nonirradiated samples, SEM investigation has confirmed no damage to enamel., Conclusions: Irradiation with Er:YAG laser radiation before debonding of ceramic brackets significantly decreases the bonding failure and amount of remaining adhesive.

The Fe:Zn(1-x)Mg(x)Se (x = 0.19, 0.27, and 0.38) solid solutions spectroscopic properties were investigated and laser oscillations were achieved for the first time. The increase of the magnesium concentration in the Fe:ZnMgSe crystal was shown to result in an almost similar long wavelength shift of both absorption and fluorescence spectra of about 60 nm per each 10% of magnesium. With the Fe:ZnMgSe crystal temperature decrease, the fluorescence spectrum maximum shifts towards shorter wavelength resulting mainly from strong narrowing of the longest wavelength fluorescence line. Laser radiation wavelength dependence on the magnesium concentration as well as on temperature was observed. The Fe:ZnMgSe x = 0.38 laser oscillation wavelength increased from 4780 nm at 80 K to 4920 nm at 240 K using the optical resonator without any intracavity spectrally-selective element. In comparison with the Fe:ZnSe laser operating in similar conditions, these wavelengths at both temperatures were shifted by about 500 nm towards mid-IR region.

Red-backed shrikes (Lanius collurio) behave quite differently towards two common nest predators. While the European jay (Garrulus glandarius) is commonly attacked, in the presence of the Eurasian magpie (Pica pica), shrikes stay fully passive. We tested the hypotheses that this passive response to the magpie is an alternative defense strategy. Nesting shrikes were exposed to the commonly attacked European kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in a situation in which i) a harmless domestic pigeon, ii) a commonly attacked European jay, and iii) a non-attacked black-billed magpie are (separately) presented nearby. The kestrel dummy presented together with the magpie dummy was attacked with a significantly lower intensity than when it was presented with the other intruders (pigeon, jay) or alone. This means that the presence of the magpie inhibited the shrike's defense response towards the other intruder. These results support our previous hypotheses that shrikes use an alternative defense strategy in the magpie's presence. We hypothesize that the magpie is able to associate the active defense of the shrikes with the close proximity of a nest and that shrikes try not to draw the magpie's attention to the nest. The reason why this strategy is not used against the jay remains unanswered as jays as well as magpies show very similar cognitive and foraging skills enabling them to individuate the nest presence according to active parental defense.

Aims: Brewing yeasts are classified into two species-Saccharomyces pastorianus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Most of the brewing yeast strains are natural interspecies hybrids typically polyploids and their identification is thus often difficult giving heterogenous results according to the method used. We performed genetic characterization of a set of the brewing yeast strains coming from several yeast culture collections by combination of various DNA-based techniques. The aim of this study was to select a method for species-specific identification of yeast and discrimination of yeast strains according to their technological classification., Methods and Results: A group of 40 yeast strains were characterized using PCR-RFLP analysis of ITS-5·8S, NTS, HIS4 and COX2 genes, multiplex PCR, RAPD-PCR of genomic DNA, mtDNA-RFLP and electrophoretic karyotyping. Reliable differentiation of yeast to the species level was achieved by PCR-RFLP of HIS4 gene. Numerical analysis of the obtained RAPD-fingerprints and karyotype revealed species-specific clustering corresponding with the technological classification of the strains. Taxonomic position and partial hybrid nature of strains were verified by multiplex PCR. Differentiation among species using the PCR-RFLP of ITS-5·8S and NTS region was shown to be unreliable. Karyotyping and RFLP of mitochondrial DNA evinced small inaccuracies in strain categorization., Conclusions: PCR-RFLP of HIS4 gene and RAPD-PCR of genomic DNA are reliable and suitable methods for fast identification of yeast strains. RAPD-PCR with primer 21 is a fast and reliable method applicable for differentiation of brewing yeasts with only 35% similarity of fingerprint profile between the two main technological groups (ale and lager) of brewing strains., Significance and Impact of the Study: It was proved that PCR-RFLP method of HIS4 gene enables precise discrimination among three technologically important Saccharomyces species. Differentiation of brewing yeast to the strain level can be achieved using the RAPD-PCR technique., (© 2016 The Society for Applied Microbiology.)

An automated processing of convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED) patterns is presented. The proposed methods are used in an automated tool for estimating the thickness of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) samples by matching an experimental zone-axis CBED pattern with a series of patterns simulated for known thicknesses. The proposed tool detects CBED disks, localizes a pattern in detected disks and unifies the coordinate system of the experimental pattern with the simulated one. The experimental pattern is then compared disk-by-disk with a series of simulated patterns each corresponding to different known thicknesses. The thickness of the most similar simulated pattern is then taken as the thickness estimate. The tool was tested on [0 1 1] Si, [0 1 0] α-Ti and [0 1 1] α-Ti samples prepared using different techniques. Results of the presented approach were compared with thickness estimates based on analysis of CBED patterns in two beam conditions. The mean difference between these two methods was 4.1% for the FIB-prepared silicon samples, 5.2% for the electro-chemically polished titanium and 7.9% for Ar(+) ion-polished titanium. The proposed techniques can also be employed in other established CBED analyses. Apart from the thickness estimation, it can potentially be used to quantify lattice deformation, structure factors, symmetry, defects or extinction distance., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We compared the responses of the nesting red-backed shrikes (Lanius collurio) to three dummies of a common nest predator, the Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius), each made from a different material (stuffed, plush, and silicone). The shrikes performed defensive behaviour including attacks on all three dummies. Nevertheless, the number of attacks significantly decreased from the stuffed dummy through the plush dummy and finally to the silicone dummy. Our results show that wild birds use not only colours but also other surface features as important cues for recognition and categorization of other bird species. Moreover, the silicone dummy was attacked only when presented after the stuffed or plush dummy. Thus, we concluded that the shrikes recognized the jay only the stuffed (with feathered surface) and plush (with hairy surface) dummies during the first encounter. Recognition of the silicon dummy (with glossy surface) was facilitated by previous encounters with the more accurate model. This process resembles the effect of perceptual priming, which is widely described in the literature on humans.

Spectroscopic and laser properties of a newly developed high optical quality Er:CaF2 hot-formed ceramic were investigated. Under pulsed 968 nm laser diode pumping, the mid-infrared (2.7 μm) radiation was obtained with a slope efficiency of 3%. Laser tunability was reached using a birefringent filter and the laser tuning range of 118 nm, from 2687 up to 2805 nm, was demonstrated. The maximal output energy reached was 0.48 mJ at 2730 nm for the absorbed pumping energy 34 mJ.

The aim of the study was to analyse the risk of symptomatic myelopathy after minor trauma in patients with asymptomatic spondylotic cervical spinal cord encroachment (ASCCE). In a cohort of 199 patients with ASCCE, previously followed prospectively in a study investigating progression into symptomatic myelopathy, the authors looked retrospectively for traumatic episodes that may have involved injury to the cervical spine. A questionnaire and data file analysis were employed to highlight whatever hypothetical relationship might emerge with the development of symptomatic myelopathy. Fourteen traumatic episodes in the course of a follow-up of 44 months (median) were recorded in our group (who had been instructed to avoid risky activities), with no significant association with the development of symptomatic myelopathy (found in 45 cases). Only three minor traumatic events without fracture of the cervical spine were found among the symptomatic myelopathy cases, with no chronological relationship between trauma and myelopathy. Furthermore, 56 traumatic spinal cord events were found before the diagnosis of cervical cord encroachment was established, with no correlation to either type of compression (discogenic vs osteophytic). In conclusion, the risk of spinal cord injury after minor trauma of the cervical spine in patients with ASCCE appeared to be low in our cohort provided risky activities in these individuals are restricted. Implementation of preventive surgical decompression surgery into clinical practice in these individuals should be postponed until better-designed studies provide proof enough for it to take precedence over a conservative approach.

Three bacterial isolates from soil, capable of degradation or transformation of nitroaromatic compounds and displaying a rod-coccus growth cycle, were studied by a polyphasic approach. On the basis of 16S rRNA sequence analysis and of chemotaxonomic characteristics, such as type A3alpha peptidoglycan with an interpeptide bridge Ala-Thr-Ala, the major menaquinone MK-9(H(2)) and fatty acid composition, the isolates were assigned to the genus Arthrobacter. DNA-DNA hybridization, riboprinting and phenotypic studies revealed that the three strains constitute a single species, distinct from phylogenetically neighbouring Arthrobacter aurescens and Arthrobacter ilicis. A novel species, Arthrobacter nitroguajacolicus sp. nov., with the type strain G2-1(T) (=CCM 4924(T)=DSM 15232(T)) is proposed.