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The aim of this paper is to introduce and obtain some characterizations of weakly e-irresolute functions by means of e-open sets defined by Ekici [6]. Also, we look into further properties relationships between weak e-irresoluteness and separation axioms and completely e-closed graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of lycopene and ß-carotene from tomato-processing wastes were investigated. Hexane:acetone:ethanol (2:1:1 v/v/v) including 0.05% (w/v) butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT) was used as a solvent, with 1:35 w/v solid liquid ratio at 15±5°C. Ultrasonic power (50, 65, 90W) was applied in UAE for 1-30 min. Conventional organic solvent extraction (COSE) was applied under the same solvent and temperature conditions for 10-40 min. UAE was more effective and required a shorter time than COSE. Maximum lycopene and ß-carotene yields were obtained using 90W ultrasonic power for 30 and 15 min, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:During an endoscopic arytenoidectomy, an intubation tube must be elevated anteriorly with the laryngoscope to ensure an adequate surgical field. This paper describes a new laryngoscope that has a canal along the outer wall of the body and a ridge which runs along the canal.Method:Ten patients underwent endoscopic total arytenoidectomy using this new laryngoscope and 10 patients underwent the same operation using a regular laryngoscope.Results:The duration of all operations ranged between 25 and 65 minutes, with a median duration of 42.5 minutes. The median duration with the new laryngoscope was 39 minutes, and that with the regular laryngoscope was 49 minutes; this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05).Conclusion:This new laryngoscope shortened the duration of the endoscopic arytenoidectomy and facilitated the procedure by enlarging the surgical field. This new laryngoscope may be a beneficial surgical instrument for posterior endoscopic laryngeal operations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Proximity-induced superconductivity in a 3D topological insulator represents a new avenue for observing zero-energy Majorana fermions inside vortex cores. Relatively small gaps and low transition temperatures of conventional s-wave superconductors put hard constraints on these experiments. Significantly larger gaps and higher transition temperatures in cuprate superconductors might be an attractive alternative to considerably relax these constraints, but it is not clear whether the proximity effect would be effective in heterostructures involving cuprates and topological insulators. Here, we present angle-resolved photoemission studies of thin Bi2Se3 films grown in situ on optimally doped Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8δd substrates that show the absence of proximity-induced gaps on the surfaces of Bi2Se3 films as thin as a 1.5 quintuple layer. These results suggest that the superconducting proximity effect between a cuprate superconductor and a topological insulator is strongly suppressed, likely due to a very short coherence length along the c axis, incompatible crystal and pairing symmetries at the interface, small size of the topological surface state's Fermi surface, and adverse effects of a strong spin-orbit coupling in the topological material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The technical performance requirements from wireless communication networks are continuously rising. One method to satisfy the demands is increasing the carrier frequency to the millimetre wave or low terahertz band spectrum to utilise wider operation bandwidth. In order to facilitate the studies in this frequency range, the corresponding electromagnetic (EM) wave properties, channel attributes and material characteristics need to be analytically formulated. In line with these, this Letter initially presents the theoretical expressions governing the EM wave transmission across a conducting medium. Then, by using the relative S21 parameter quantities in the proposed attenuation constant (α)computation technique, the α results of the measurements performed between 260 and 350 GHz for the clear window glass samples of different thicknesses are given. This Letter concludes with the evaluation of the outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the effectiveness of ketorolac vs control for prevention of acute pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (CME). The following databases were searched: Medline (1950-June 11, 2011), The Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2011), and the TRIP Database (up to 11 June 2011), using no language or other limits. Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were included that consisted of patients with acute pseudophakic cystoid macular edema, those comparing ketorolac with control, and those having at least a minimum follow-up of 28 days. In the four RCTs evaluating ketorolac vs control, treatment with ketorolac significantly reduced the risk of CME development at the end of treatment (∼4 weeks) compared to control (P=0.008; 95% confidence interval (0.03-0.58)). When analyzed individually, each individual study was statistically nonsignificant in its findings with the exception of one study. When the pooled relative risk was calculated, the large sample size of this systematic review led to overall statistical significance, which is attributable to the review's large sample size and not to the individual studies themselves. In this systematic review of four RCTs, two of which compared ketorolac with no treatment and two of which evaluated ketorolac vs placebo drops, treatment with ketorolac significantly reduced the risk of developing CME at the end of ∼4 weeks of treatment compared with controls. These results, however, should be interpreted with caution considering the paucity of large randomized clinical trials in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although surgery and radiotherapy have been the standard treatment modalities for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the integration of cisplatin (CDDP)-based therapy has led to improvements in local and regional control of disease for patients. However, many trials show that only 10-20% of patients benefit from this treatment intensification, which can result in profound treatment-associated morbidity and mortality. Moreover, the marginal survival improvement suggests that CDDP resistance is an innate characteristic of HNSCC. To elucidate the biological mechanisms underpinning CDDP resistance in HNSCC, we utilized an experimental model of CDDP resistance in this disease. We first observed significant enhancements in local tumor growth and metastasis, as well as adverse survival, in CDDP-resistant (CR) tumors compared with sensitive tumors. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of this phenotype, we undertook a systems biology-based approach utilizing high-throughput PCR arrays, and we identified a significant suppression of KiSS1 mRNA and protein expression in the CR cells, but no significant regions of genomic loss with array comparative genomic hybridization. Genetic suppression of KiSS1 in CDDP-sensitive cell lines rendered them CR, an observation that was mechanistically linked to alterations in glutathione S-transferase-π expression and function. We next confirmed that, in human HNSCC tumors, loss of KiSS1 expression was associated with metastatic human HNSCC tumors compared with non-metastatic tumors. Genetic reconstitution of KiSS1 in CR cells abrogated cellular migration and induced CDDP sensitivity. To confirm these findings in a murine model, either CR or KiSS1-transfected CR cells were studied in an orthotopic model of HNSCC, or survival studies revealed significant improvement in survival of the mice bearing CR-KiSS1 tumors. Mechanistically, alterations in apoptotic pathways and CDDP metabolism contributed to KiSS1-associated chemotherapy sensitization. These studies provided further direct evidence for the role of KiSS1 loss in biologically aggressive HNSCC and suggest potential targets for therapy in CR cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We use two different dye injection approaches, in two different water tunnels, to visualize the formation and subsequent evolution of leading-edge vortices and related separated structures, for a pitching low aspect ratio plate. The motion is a smoothed linear pitch ramp from 0° to 40° incidence, brief hold, and return to 0°, executed at reduced pitch rates ranging from 0.1 to 0.35 and about various pivot locations. All cases evince a leading edge vortex with pronounced axial flow, which leads to formation of large-scale, three-dimensional flow structures, culminating in a large vortical structure centered at the wing symmetry plane. Pitch is also compared to plunge, where the plunge-induced angle of attack is taken as the geometric pitch incidence angle, ignoring pitch-rate effects. At successively increasing values of convective time C/U, the three-dimensional patterns of the flow structure are remarkably similar for the pitching and plunging motions. The similarity of these patterns persists, though they are shifted in time, for variation of either the location of the pitching axis or the dimensionless pitch rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Water, methanol and ethyl acetate extracts from stems with leaves and flowers of Amaranthus lividus L., one of the most popular leafy vegetable consumed in the west Black Sea region of Turkey, were tested in vitro for their ability to inhibit peroxidation of phosphatidylcholine liposomes induced with Fe3+/ascorbate, to scavenge ABTS +, DPPH and hydroxyl radicals, to reduce Fe (III) to Fe (II) and to chelate Fe (II) ions. The results showed that amaranth vegetable contained naturally occuring antioxidant components and possessed antioxidant activity which may be attributed to its lipid peroxidation inhibitory, radical scavenging and metal chelating activities. The antioxidant activities of the water and ethyl acetate extracts were not concomitant with the development of their reducing power. It was concluded that A. lividus might be a potential source of antioxidants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: To describe the different retinal morphological characteristics that can present on optical coherence topography (OCT) in a spectrum of uveitic diseases. Methods: We reviewed the literature and our own OCT image archive for characteristic features that may be suggestive of a particular disease process. Results: OCT demonstrates a variety of characteristic morphological changes, some that may point towards a specific disease process. We describe the various forms of macular oedema found in uveitis as well as OCT features typically found in multifocal choroiditis, serpiginous chorioretinitis, toxoplasma chorioretinitis, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada, sympathetic ophthalmia and the vitreomacular traction syndrome. Conclusion: Ophthalmologists should be aware of the variety of retinal morphological characteristics that can present on OCT in uveitic disease. Recognition may aid in the diagnostic process, which is complementary to conventional fundal photography and fluorescein angiography. This can facilitate earlier diagnosis and, more importantly, the initiation of specific treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiology: The proximal humerus fractures are the third-leading fractures in humans. It occurs mostly in the elderly. Therapy: There are operative and non-operative options for the treatment of those fractures. The treatment options are based upon degree of dislocation and morphology of the fracture. The long-term results of two- and three-part humerus head fractures treated with intramedullary nail or locking plates shows no difference. However the standard surgical treatment of four-part humerus head fractures, which could not be treated non-operatively, should be the locking plate. Avoiding complications: Regardless of the surgical procedure, both the anatomic reposition and good reconstruction of the calcar are essential to avoid postoperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an experiment which examined the electrical properties in metal polyimide silicon (MIS). What polyimides are; Materials and synthesis of the experiment; Results of the experiment; Discussion on the findings; Conclusions on the experiment.

The use of mobile phones is becoming widespread with the development of technology, and as a result, its effects on human health are becoming more and more important every day. Studies have reported that the electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted by mobile phones may have adverse effects on the biological systems. In order to evaluate the effect of zinc (Zn) on C3H cancer fibroblast cells exposed to 2100 MHz EMF, we analyzed cell viability%, nuclear factor kappa b (NF-κB) and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activities. Cells were divided to following groups: Control, sham control, 2100 MHz EMF, 50 µM Zn + 2100 MHz EMF, 100 µM Zn + 2100 MHz EMF, and 200 µM Zn + 2100 MHz EMF for 2 h. We measurement cell viability, NF-κB and DNMT activities. There was increased cell viability % in the 2100 MHz EMF group compared to the control group, while the cell viability % was decreased in the 50, 100 and 200 µM Zn + 2100 MHz EMF groups compared to 2100 MHz EMF. NF-κB and DNMT activities were a significant increase in the 2100 MHz EMF group compared to the control group, although were statistically decreased in the 50, 100 and 200 µM Zn + 2100 MHz EMF groups compared to the 2100 MHz EMF group. Our results demonstrate that 2100 MHz EMF exposure in cancer fibroblast cells induce NF-κB and DNMT activities, whereas zinc supplementation reduce NF-κB and DNMT activities-induced 2100 MHz EMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) molecules on the surface of Natural Killer cells HLA class I by interacting directly with their molecules, they cause inhibition or triggering of cytokine synthesis. The KIR gene family, plays an important role in the regulation of the immune response, is located in the 19q13.4 region in humans and consists of 15 homologous genes. Inhibitory KIR (iKIR) genes are 2DL1, 2DL2, 2DL3, 2DL4, 2DL5, 3DL1, 3DL2, 3DL3, activating KIR (aKIR) genes are KIR2DS1, KIR2DS2, KIR2DS3, KIR2DS4, KIR2DS5, KIR3DS1; two KIR pseudogenes are KIR2DP1 and KIR3DP1. There is not enough data on the KIR gene profile of the Turkish population. It was aimed to determine the genotype distrubition of KIR2DS1, KIR2DS2, KIR2DS3, KIR2DS4, KIR2DS5, KIR3DS1, KIR2DL1-5, KIR3DL1-3) genes in the Southeastern Anatolia Region (SAR). In the present study 200 unrelated healthy individuals were included. Polymerase-chain reaction with sequence-specific primers method (PCR-SSP) were performed. 3DL3 had the highest (99.5%) frequency and the lowest frequency among the inhibitory KIR genes was obtained for 2DL2 (56.5%). The highest frequency among the activator KIR genes was obtained for 2DS4 (93.5%) and the lowest was for 2DS5 (28%). It can be concluded that the SAR population has similar KIR gene features to the Caucasians. But studies with more extensive sample groups are needed to understand the relationship between KIR gene distribution and similarities between populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Background: To compare the results of diode laser (810 nm) photocoagulation (DLPC) versus Nd:YAG (532 nm green) laser photocoagulation (LPC) in treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods: The 80 eyes of 41 ROP patients treated with DLPC (group 1) and 37 eyes of 20 ROP patients (group 2) treated with Nd:YAG LPC that were referred to our hospital or already hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Units between June 2012- December 2015 were investigated. The patients in each group were examined in term of birth weights, gestational weeks, stage of retinopathy, number of laser spots, laser parameters and complications of LPC. Also the refractive outcomes and presence of strabismus in each group were evaluated. Results: The mean birth weeks of group 1 patients were postmenstrual 27.75 ± 2.55 while the mean birth weights were 1007.31 ± 339.11 grams. The mean birth weeks of group 2 patients were postmenstrual 26.25 ± 1.65 while the mean birth weights were 932.45 ± 306.05 grams. The mean numbers of laser spots were 1043.47 ± 504.29 in group 1 for per eye; while the mean numbers of laser spots were 1207.1 ± 541 in group 2 for per eye. Four eyes (5%) in group 1 and three eyes (8.1%) in group 2 were performed additional laser application. In three eyes (3.7%) applied DLPC was developed retinal detachment while in two eyes of a patient (5.4%) applied Nd:YAG LPC were developed cataract. The mean spherical equivalent was - 0.01 ± 3.3 D in group 1, and - 0.29 ± 3.3 D in group 2. Strabismus was seen in three patients in group 1, and two patients in group 2. Conclusions: Our study suggests which 532 nm green laser as an alternative 810 nm diode laser may be used effectively in treatment of ROP. Short-term refractive and strabismus outcomes in eyes treated with 810 nm diode or 532 nm green laser were similar. Acknowledgements: We would like to acknowledge the Ýnönü University Turgut Özal Medical Center Ophthalmology and Neonatology departments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) is one of the high-performance engineering polymers and it exhibits superior behavior, such as electrical insulation, dimensional and thermal stability, chemical resistance for various industrial applications. In addition to this, PPS has a high degree of crystallinity and it maintains these properties at high temperatures. These advantageous properties of PPS can be dependent on its chemical structure, composed of phenyl groups linked by a sulfur atom, which gives rigidity to the polymer chains. Owing to these properties, PPS is widely used in electrical and electronic components, automobile industry and mechanical applications. On the other hand, brittleness of PPS restricts its further applications. For this reason, ethylene-acrylic esterglycidyl methacrylate terpolymer (Lotader®-AX8900) was used to overcome the brittleness of PPS. The effects of terpolymer addition on the thermal and thermomechanical properties of blends were investigated in this study. PPS/Lotader (0, 2, 5, 10 wt.% Lotader®) blends of various compositions were prepared. The blends were prepared by using laboratory scale micro compounder and injection molding machine. Thermomechanical and thermal properties of blends were investigated by means of dynamic mechanic analysis and differential scanning calorimeter test methods. As a result of this study, it was found that increasing loading level of Lotader® significantly decreased the crystallinity and increased glass transition temperature of PPS. On the other hand, Lotader® addition did not affect the melting temperature of PPS considerably. Results of dynamic mechanic analysis test revealed that while damping factor peak and loss modulus values of blends increased with the addition of Lotader®, storage modulus of blends decreased with the increasing loading level of Lotader®. When all test results are considered, it can be concluded that Lotader addition changes the brittle nature of PPS to ductile nature. In addition to this, 2 wt.% Lotader addition to PPS enables the optimum ductility for PPS without deteriorating its other properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, solid particle erosive wear behavior of randomly oriented short glass fiber and carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composites was investigated. The solid particle erosion experiments were carried out at six different contact angles (15—90°) and at low particle speed using brown fused aluminum oxide (Al2O3) particles (500—710 µm) as an erodent. The PEEK composites showed semi-ductile erosion behavior, with a maximum wear amount at a contact angle of 45°. The fiber type and the contact angle had a significant influence on erosion behavior. Glass fiber-reinforced PEEK composites showed better erosive wear resistance than carbon fibre-reinforced composites. Scanning electron microscopy studies were conducted to understand the wear mechanisms involved during the erosive wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, power and efficiency analysis of irreversible Brayton cycle, which is one of the well-known heat engine cycles by the undergraduates, are carried out based on alternative criteria. Power, power density, and efficient power optimizations are also realized and the thermal efficiencies of the cycle are determined at maximum power and efficiency outputs. The efficient power is relatively new criterion and defined as the multiplication of power by efficiency. Therefore, this criterion considers not only the power output but also the cycle efficiency. Maximizing the efficient power function gives a compromise between power and efficiency. The effects of the external irreversibilities on the performances are investigated for various cycle parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been suggested that salivary flow rate decreases with age. As is known, the presence of a thin salivary film layer is essential for the comfort of the mucosa beneath a denture base and for denture retention. The purpose of this study was to determine the flow rates, viscosity and the pH of resting and stimulated whole saliva before and after prosthetic treatment in complete denture wearing patients. Saliva was collected under clinical conditions between 08·00 and 10·00 hours. The flow rates of whole saliva were measured at three stages: (i) resting and stimulated saliva before prosthetic treatment; (ii) immediately after the first wearing of the complete denture; and (iii) resting and stimulated saliva after 2 or 3 months of wearing the complete denture. Saliva production was stimulated by chewing paraffin wax. Flow rate was calculated as collected volume/collection time. It was found that there was a significant difference between resting and stimulated whole salivary flow rates before and after complete denture wearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Surtseyan eruptions are shallow to emergent subaqueous explosive eruptions that owe much of their characteristic behavior to the interaction of magma with water. The difference in thermal properties between water and air affects the cooling and postfragmentation vesiculation processes in magma erupted into the water column. Here we study the vesiculation and cooling processes during the 2009 and 2014–2015 Surtseyan eruptions of Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai volcano by combining 2‐D and 3‐D vesicle‐scale analyses of lapilli and bombs and numerical thermal modeling. Most of the lapilli and bombs show gradual textural variations from rim to core. The vesicle connectivity in the lapilli and bombs increases with vesicularity from fully isolated to completely connected and also increases from rim to core in transitional clasts. We interpret the gradual textural variations and the connectivity‐vesicularity relationships as the result of postfragmentation bubble growth and coalescence interrupted at different stages by quenching in water. The measured vesicle size distributions are bimodal with a population of small and large vesicles. We interpret this bimodality as the result of two nucleation events, one prefragmentation with the nucleation and growth of large bubbles and one postfragmentation with nucleation of small vesicles. We link the thermal model with the textural variations in the clasts—showing a dependence on particle size, Leidenfrost effect, and initial melt temperature. In particular, the cooling profiles in the bombs are consistent with the gradual textural variations from rim to core in the clasts, likely caused by variations in time available for vesiculation before quenching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate outpatient follow-up after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) by various medical specialists, for both hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients, and to study guideline adherence regarding hospital admission.Methods: Patients (n= 1151) with mTBI recruited from the emergency department received questionnaires 2 weeks (n= 879), 3 months (n= 780) and 6 months (n= 668) after injury comprising outpatient follow-up by various health care providers, and outcome defined by the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOS-E) after 6 months.Results: Hospitalized patients (60%) were older (46.6 ± 19.9 vs. 40.6 ± 18.5 years), more severely injured (GCS <15, 50% vs. 13%) with more Computed Tomography (CT) abnormalities on admission (21% vs. 2%) compared to non-hospitalized patients (p< 0.01) . Almost half of the patients visited a neurologist at the outpatient clinic within six months (60% of the hospitalized and 25% of the non-hospitalized patients (χ2= 67.10,p< 0.01)), and approximately ten per cent consulted a psychiatrist/psychologist. Outcome was unfavourable (GOS-E <7) in 34% of hospitalized and 21% of non-hospitalized patients (χ2= 11.89,p< 0.01).Conclusion: Two-thirds of all mTBI patients consult one or more specialists within six months after injury, with 30% having an unfavourable outcome. A quarter of non-hospitalized patients was seen at the outpatient neurology clinic, underling the importance of regular follow-up of mTBI patients irrespective of hospital admittance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction/Background: The comparison of 0.5 mg and 0.625 mg bevacizumab doses in the treatment of aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (AP-ROP). Methods: The medical records of patients with AP-ROP who were administered intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) as primary treatment at Ýnönü University Ophthalmology clinic were evaluated retrospectively. The 5 eyes of 3 cases (Group 1) received 0.625 mg/0.025 ml intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) and the 10 eyes of the other 5 cases (Group 2) received 0.5 mg/0.02 ml. Laser photocoagulation was used as additional treatment for relapsing cases. Anatomic results and complications were evaluated in both groups. Results: We included the 15 eyes of 8 patients with a flat demarcation line at posterior zone 2 and plus disease in the study. The mean gestational age of the 3 babies in Group 1 was 26 ± 1 week and the mean birth weight was 835.33 ± 48.01 g while these figures were 25.2 ± 1.6 weeks and 724 ± 139.03 g respectively for the 5 babies in Group 2. Retinal vascularization was completed at a mean postmenstrual duration of 53.6 ± 1.5 weeks without additional treatment in the 5 eyes in Group 1. Laser photocoagulation was administered due to relapse to the 5 of the 10 eyes in Group 2. Retinal vascularization was completed at a mean postmenstrual duration of 47.6 ± 1.5 weeks in the remaining 5 eyes. None of the cases developed complications such as cataract, glaucoma, retinal tear or detachment and systemic side effects. Conclusions: ROP treatment with IVB suffers from some uncertainties such as what the dose should be due to the lack of knowledge on the ocular and systemic side effects in this condition. Although lower doses are safer in terms of local and systemic side effects in premature infants, these patients may need treatment with higher doses or other methods such as laser photocoagulation. Acknowledgements: We would like to acknowledge the Ýnönü University Ophthalmology and Neonatology Departments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) is a high-performance thermoplastic engineering polymer, which exhibits outstanding properties such as electrical insulation, dimensional and thermal stability, chemical resistance, etc. In addition to this, PPS has a high degree of crystallinity and it exhibits good physical properties at elevated temperatures. Owing to these properties, PPS is widely used in electrical and electronic components, automobile industry and mechanical applications. These outstanding properties of PPS can be attributed to its chemical structure, composed of phenyl groups linked by a sulfur atom, which gives rigidity to the chain. On the other hand, the brittleness with low elongation strain, toughness and crack propagation resistance also restricts its further applications. Several methods are used to overcome these undesirable properties of PPS. Blending of PPS with other polymers is one of these methods. In this study, Ethylene-Acrylic Ester-Glycidyl Methacrylate terpolymer (Lotader®-AX8900) was used to improve the toughness and crack propagation resistance properties of PPS. For this purpose, PPS/Lotader (0, 2, 5, 10 wt.% Lotader) blends were prepared at various compositions. The blends were manufactured using laboratory scale twin screw extruder and injection molding machine. Mechanical properties of blends were investigated by using tensile test method. In addition to this, crack propagation and toughness of samples were investigated by using essential work of fracture (EWF) method. As a result of this study, it was found that Lotader addition significantly increases the toughness and crack propagation resistance of PPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional topological insulators and topological crystalline insulators represent new quantum states of matter, which are predicted to have insulating bulk states and spin-momentum-locked gapless surface states. Experimentally, it has proven difficult to achieve the high bulk resistivity that would allow surface states to dominate the transport properties over a substantial temperature range. Here we report a series of indium-doped Pb1-xSnx vTe compounds that manifest huge bulk resistivities together with evidence consistent with the topological character of the surface states for x ≳ 0.35, based on thickness-dependent transport studies and magnetoresistance measurements. For these bulk-insulating materials, the surface states determine the resistivity for temperatures beyond 20 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propineb is a fungicide with a propylene-bisdithiocarbamate structure. Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to 400 ppm propineb concentrations in 5 ml distilled water, 5 days per week until the end of pregnancy. The rats were treated with propineb for 16 days and the brains of litter rats were sacrificed at first day of birth after which their brains were collected. Ultrastructural examination of the brains of the fetuses and propineb-treated pregnant females revealed a variety of histopathological effects. We suggest that mitochondrial damage may be an effective factor for neuron necrosis. These results supported the proposal that the exposure to fungicides such as propineb and to other naturally occurring compounds which inhibit mitochondrial function, may contribute to Parkinson's disease development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: : Poor workflow associated with physician rounding can produce inefficiencies that decrease time for essential activities, delay clinical decisions, and reduce staff and patient satisfaction. Workflow and provider resources were not optimized when a pediatric intensive care unit increased by 22,000 square feet (to 33,000) and by nine beds (to 30). Lean methods (focusing on essential processes) and scenario analysis were used to develop and implement a patient-centric standardized rounding process, which we hypothesize would lead to improved rounding efficiency, decrease required physician resources, improve satisfaction, and enhance throughput. DESIGN: : Human factors techniques and statistical tools were used to collect and analyze observational data for 11 rounding events before and 12 rounding events after process redesign. Actions included: 1) recording rounding events, times, and patient interactions and classifying them as essential, nonessential, or nonvalue added; 2) comparing rounding duration and time per patient to determine the impact on efficiency; 3) analyzing discharge orders for timeliness; 4) conducting staff surveys to assess improvements in communication and care coordination; and 5) analyzing customer satisfaction data to evaluate impact on patient experience. SETTING: : Thirty-bed pediatric intensive care unit in a children's hospital with academic affiliation. PATIENTS/SUBJECTS: : Eight attending pediatric intensivists and their physician rounding teams. INTERVENTIONS: : Eight attending physician-led teams were observed for 11 rounding events before and 12 rounding events after implementation of a standardized lean rounding process focusing on essential processes. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: : Total rounding time decreased significantly (157 ± 35 mins before vs. 121 ± 20 mins after), through a reduction in time spent on nonessential (53 ± 30 vs. 9 ± 6 mins) activities. The previous process required three attending physicians for an average of 157 mins (7.55 attending physician man-hours), while the new process required two attending physicians for an average of 121 mins (4.03 attending physician man-hours). Cumulative distribution of completed patient rounds by hour of day showed an improvement from 40% to 80% of patients rounded by 9:30 AM. Discharge data showed pediatric intensive care unit patients were discharged an average of 58.05 mins sooner (p < .05). Staff surveys showed a significant increase in satisfaction with the new process (including increased efficiency, improved physician identification, and clearer understanding of process). Customer satisfaction scores showed improvement after implementing the new process. CONCLUSIONS: : Implementation of a lean-focused, patient-centric rounding structure stressing essential processes was associated with increased timeliness and efficiency of rounds, improved staff and customer satisfaction, improved throughput, and reduced attending physician man-hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains a significant public health problem, accounting for over 5% of all cancer-related deaths, and these deaths primarily result from metastatic disease. The molecular processes involved in HNSCC pathogenesis and progression are poorly understood, and here we present experimental evidence for a direct role of the cell surface receptor tyrosine kinase, TrkB, in HNSCC tumor progression. Using immunohistochemical analysis and transcriptional profiling of archival HNSCC tumor specimens, we found that TrkB and its secreted ligand, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), are expresses in greater than 50% of human HNSCC tumors, but not in normal upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) epithelia. Studies with HNSCC cell lines reveal that in vitro stimulation with BDNF, the ligand for TrkB, upregulates the migration and invasion of HNSCC cells, and both transient and stable suppressions of TrkB result in significant abrogation of constitutive and ligand-mediated migration and invasion. Furthermore, enforced overexpression of TrkB results in altered expression of molecular mediators of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), including downregulation of E-cadherin and upregulation of Twist. Using an in vivo mouse model of HNSCC, we were able to show that downregulation of TrkB suppresses tumor growth. These results directly implicate TrkB in EMT and the invasive behavior of HNSCC, and correlate with the in vivo overexpression of TrkB in human HNSCC. Taken together, these data suggest that the TrkB receptor may be a critical component in the multi-step tumor progression of HNSCC, and may be an attractive target for much needed new therapies for this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo explore the utility of a specific immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosisin a population of immunosuppressed idiopathic chronic posterior uveitis patients, by means of a tuberculosis-specific interferon-γrelease assay.DesignProspective, interventional case series.MethodsA total of 31 referred patients with severe idiopathic chronic uveitis or panuveitis and 52 controls were screened for a specific immune response to tuberculosis. After ruling-out specific uveitis entities, presumed tuberculosis-related uveitis was initially considered when ophthalmologic findings were consistent with tubercular uveitis, and a specific immune response to M. tuberculosisconfirmed by QuantiFERON, despite inability to detect M. tuberculosis. Clinical responses to antitubercular treatment were recorded.Results:The prevalence of an immune response to M. tuberculosiswas 15.38% in controls and 32.25% in uveitis patients (OR=2.619, P=0.07). Two patients were QuantiFERON indeterminate (6.4%). After excluding seven specific uveitis entities (OR=3.66, P=0.03), eight QuantiFERON-positive and one QuanTIFERON-negative uveitis patients were initially treated for presumed tuberculosis-related uveitis. All but one had no evidence of active systemic involvement. None had been previously diagnosed with tuberculosis, but unsuccessfully treated with immunosuppressors. After a 9-month tuberculostatic treatment, seven QuantiFERON -positive and one QuantiFERON-negative patients exhibited decreased intraocular inflammation, visual acuity improvement, and no relapses. Estimated QuantiFERON sensitivity and specificity were 82 and 100%, respectively, with a PPV=100% and an NPV=86%.Conclusions:QuantiFERON was useful for antituberculous treatment decision-making in chronic posterior uveitis immunosuppressed patients from areas with an intermediate-high prevalence of tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preoperative radiotherapy (RT) is an increasingly popular form of adjunct therapy for rectal cancer; however, little is known about its effects on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression in colonic anastomotic healing. Methods: Wistar rats were irradiated to a total dose of 25 or 40 Gy. Four days after the end of RT, an end-to-end colorectal anastomosis was performed. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 3, and 7 days after the anastomosis. A control group was studied similarly, but was not irradiated. Results: No significant differences were found in peritonitis rate and anastomotic complications. The average bursting pressure and breaking strength were only reduced significantly in the rats irradiated with 40 Gy. However, the concentration and the content of hydroxyproline in anastomotic tissues were unchanged. In irradiated rats, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly increased at 40 Gy, but not at 25 Gy. On the other hand, 25-Gy irradiation induced a smaller increase in the levels of the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 compared with the controls. Conclusion: Anastomotic strength is adversely affected by high-dose fractionated preoperative RT. In contrast, preoperative RT at 25 Gy in five fractions over 5 days is safe with regard to the maintenance of wound strength in colorectal anastomosis. Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injuries associated with hepatic resections are unresolved problems in the clinical practice. The aim of this study is to elucidate the effect of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on the energy charge (EC) and related mechanisms at the late phase of hepatic IR injury. Methods: 30 Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham, IR and IPC groups. The model of partial hepatic IR was used. The rats were subjected to 60 min hepatic ischemia, pretreated by IPC (10/15 min) or not. After 24 h of reperfusion, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), nitrite/nitrate (NOx), malondialdehyde (MDA), hepatic tissue arginase activity, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and EC of the liver were measured. Results: Liver injury reduced by IPC is measured by liver tissue arginase activity and serum ALT. Tissue NOx levels in rats pretreated with IPC were significantly higher than levels in the IR group (p < 0.001). Tissue levels of MDA in the liver of the IPC group were found to be significantly lower than the levels in the IR group (p < 0.001). ATP and EC levels 24 h after hepatic ischemia in rats pretreated with IPC were higher than the levels in the IR (p < 0.05). All groups had similar ADP and AMP levels in the liver tissues. The IPC procedure significantly reduced the hepatic necrosis (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that pretreatment with IPC improved tissue ATP, EC, and hepatic necrosis at late stages of ischemia reperfusion injury of the liver. Increased nitric oxide, reduced MDA and arginase activity seemed to play a regulatory role in this delayed protective effect of IPC. Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective:: Strict metabolic control during the 1st year of type 1 diabetes is thought to be a key factor for achieving clinical remission. The aims of this study were two-fold: (i) to evaluate the frequency and duration of spontaneous remission (defined according to the parameters issued by the International Diabetic Immunotherapy Group (IDIG)) in a European population of consecutive recent onset type 1 diabetes patients (aged 5–35 years), followed-up for a period of 36 months with a common protocol of intensive insulin therapy and without adjunct immune-intervention; and (ii) to identify the predictive factors for clinical remission. Research design and method:: A total of 189 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes according to ADA criteria were recruited in participating centres (Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Sweden and Turkey) and followed-up for a period of up to 36 months. In all patients, intensive insulin therapy was implemented consisting of three or four injections of regular insulin daily with NPH insulin at bedtime. Adjustment of insulin dose was made according to a common protocol. Various clinical characteristics (age, gender, severity of presentation, etc.), history (presence of diabetic siblings in the family, etc.) and integrated parameters of metabolic control (HbA1c, blood glucose, the total insulin dose at hospital discharge adjusted for body weight) were collected. Results:: Twenty-two patients (11.6%) experienced remission. The median duration of remission was 9.6 months and the range was 31 months. There was a wide variation among centres. Logistic regression analysis focused on the centre as the main variable in achieving remission. Conclusion:: Remission was shown to be very heterogeneous between centres depending on ‘other factors’ such as patient care and family awareness of the disease rather than on ‘measurable factors’ such as sex, age, HbA1c and severity of presentation at diagnosis. Using intensive insulin therapy and optimisation of metabolic control, remission occurred in nearly one out of eight patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To examine the influence of diabetes education on well-being, 255 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited according to whether they attended a diabetes education program (n=126) or not (n=129). In patients who had participated in the program, the mean anxiety score was significantly lower, whereas positive well-being and general well-being scores were significantly higher than for patients who had not participated. Factors related to lower well-being included: being female, taking insulin, not attending a diabetes education program and having HbA(1c) level greater than 8%. The odds of having better well-being were two-fold higher in patients participating the diabetes education program compared with those who had not. Diabetes education has a crucial role in improving the well-being of patients with type 2 diabetes. All patients with diabetes should be encouraged to attend a diabetes education program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Without including the middle hepatic vein (MHV) into right-lobe grafts, venous drainage of the anterior segment (AS) has always been a concern. The efficacy and the necessity of additional venous reconstruction in the AS for graft viability and function are still controversial. Methods: Since February 2002, 57 right-lobe grafts were implanted into adult recipients. The mean graft to ideal recipient weight ratio (GRWR) was 1.3% (minimum: 0.8%, maximum 2.1%). All minor venous tributaries to the MHV less than 5 mm in diameter were ligated. The management of MHV tributaries was categorized into three groups: (A) no major tributaries (n = 33); (B) major tributaries ligated (n = 11); and (C) major tributaries reconstructed (n = 13). Reconstructions were established using vascular grafts (PTF, n = 8; cadaveric, n = 2) or joining with right hepatic vein orifice (n = 6). The groups were homogenous in age, gender, MELD (17 ± 6, 16 ± 4, 18 ± 7), graft weight (817 ± 181, 838 ± 152, and 855 ± 159 g), and graft/ideal liver weight ratio (0.54 ± 0.12, 0.57 ± 0.13, and 0.57 ± 0.1, respectively). We investigated the volume of ascites, serum bilirubin, albumin, and liver enzyme levels and INR on postoperative day 4 (POD4) and POD21. Results: Two patients died of MRSA sepsis on POD18 and POD23 (MELD: 24 and 28) after initial graft function. Their graft weights were 800 g and 980 g, and their volumes were 47% (group B) and 62% (group A) of the ideal liver mass of the recipients, respectively. One PTF and another cadaveric vascular graft were found occluded 4 and 7 days after implantation without any negative consequence. At 6-month follow-up, the remaining 55 patients were alive with primary liver grafts. Vascular reconstructions were patent except for 2 early occlusions. Among the 3 groups, no significant difference was found on POD4. Three weeks after transplantation, the mean AST level in the major ligation group (46.7 ± 8.14) was significantly higher than in the minor ligatation group (29.6 ± 8.6) but not in the major reconstruction group (33.7 ± 3.7; P = .03 and P = .29). The mean albumin level was highest after minor ligation (3.2 ± 0.18), which was significantly better than the major reconstruction (2.7 ± 0.1) but not the major ligation (3.1 ± 0.14) cohorts (P = .02 and P = .13). Conclusions: In this study of a limited number of cases, right-lobe liver grafts with GRWR of ≥1.1% displayed optimal graft function without additional venous reconstruction to the AS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the gustatory function in postmenopausal women. Subjects and methods Whole mouth taste test and spatial taste test were administered to 20 postmenopausal women (Group 1) and 20 age-matched male subjects (Group 2). Further investigations were carried out for subjective assessment of taste alteration and nutritional differences between premenopausal and postmenopausal periods. Results There was a significant reduction in sucrose perception and in palatal sensitivity in postmenopausal women (p <0.05). Only 7 (35%) of the female patients noticed alteration in taste perception during the postmenopausal period. Alteration in dietary habits after menopause was reported by 9 (45%) patients. Conclusion This study demonstrates that taste perception of the tongue does not change, but that there is a disorder in palatal perception in postmenopausal women. Furthermore, there is tendency to preference of sweeter foods during menopause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY DESIGN.: Case reports. OBJECTIVE.: A novel spinopelvic instrumentation system is introduced. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA.: Spinopelvic stabilization is a problematic area of the spine. A mobile segment (spine) is fixed onto a stabile construction (pelvis). Another problem is the spinal anatomy because L5 vertebrae are affected by shear forces due to lomber lordosis so that stabilization needs extra power and 360° fusion of L5-S1 level. Long instrumentation is preferred to decrease the stress on the screws and the rods. We designed iliac plates to support lumbopelvic instrumentation laterally. Four cases of spinopelvic pathology were treated in this way manner. The short-term results are good. METHODS.: Four adult cases that had spinopelvic instability were treated with a novel spinopelvic instrument. All cases were evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry and radiologic studies pre- and postsurgery at 6 and 12 months. RESULTS.: All the patients benefited from the stabilization. Preoperative mean VAS scores of all patients decreased from 7.75 to 1.75 and preoperative Oswestry disability index scores decreased from 83.50 to 24.50 at the 12 months postoperative evaluation. CONCLUSION.: In this study, we define four cases and report that iliac wings can be used to augment stabilization. We review the literature and discuss our knowledge and experiences in these cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]