Profiles Of Various Types Research Articles

Diagnostic methods for dental caries used by private dental practitioners in Ankara.

This study aimed to investigate the preference profiles of various types of diagnostic tools and methods used by private dental practitioners in Ankara for detecting dental caries. Private dental practitioners, in five districts of Ankara, were provided with questionnaires comprising demographic characteristics, possession of dental imaging systems, and methods used for caries diagnosis. The questionnaires were retrieved after 1-3 visits. Of 722 questionnaires, 371 were returned. Data were analyzed using frequency analysis and Chi-square tests. The completed questionnaires were obtained from 160 women and 168 men, the response rate was 51.4% aged 25-69 years; 28.4% of them were specialists. Most participants possessed a dental radiography (RG) device. Air drying and sharp explorers were the most commonly preferred methods used for caries diagnosis. There was no significant association between using a sharp explorer and sex or being a specialist (P = 0.110, 0.226, respectively). Almost one-third of the dentists with an experience of <11 years, never used an RG device to detect occlusal caries (P = 0.003). Only three participants reported the use of DIAGNOdent, while two participants used fiber-optic transillumination (FOTI). It was observed that visual-tactile examination using sharp explorer accompanied with radiographs were among the main instruments used for detecting carious lesions. Usage of magnification tools, FOTI, and DIAGNOdent were low.

Existence of Chapman--Jouguet Detonation and Deflagration Waves

We study the existence of profiles for Chapman--Jouguet detonation and deflagration waves in the Navier--Stokes equations for a reacting gas. In the limit of small viscosity, heat conductivity, and diffusion, the profiles correspond to heteroclinic orbits of a system of singularly perturbed ordinary differential equations. The burned end state of the waves, however, is a nonhyperbolic equilibrium of the associated, purely gas dynamic layer problem, and hence standard methods from geometric singular perturbation theory fail. We show how to resolve this degeneracy by combining a center manifold reduction with the blow-up method. The main result is the existence of viscous profiles for various types of Chapman--Jouguet processes. In addition, we obtain results on the spatial decay rates of these waves which are expected to be relevant for the stability analysis of the waves.

Design and Simulation of 100 kHz and 200 kHz Tri-Phasic PZT Piezoelectric Transducers

This work reports the simulation and measurements results of Tri-Phase piezoelectric transducers unprecedented geometries composed of PZT-5H rods surrounded by hexagonal polymer walls in a vacuum ambient. The electrical and mechanical characteristics of these transducers are simulated, predicted and compared to that of physical design. The measured piezoelectric properties of the 100 kHz and 200 kHz fabricated transducer are found to be very much in agreement with those of the physical design. The simulation of the designed transducer was expected to have acoustic energy channeled in the d33 mode at resonance, with weak or no shear mode cross talk behavior from the other modes. The mechanical displacements measured were large and highly aligned along d33 mode. Transducer resonance behavior was measured, compared and in agreement to that of simulation. This implies that Tri-Phasic piezoelectric transducers model perform as a finite tool to design single device transducers with improved mechanical and electrical response. Such designed transducers can be highly useful for the noncontact Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) with high resolution and greater depth profile of various types of material studies. Thus using several design parameters variables new transducers with desirable features can be produced for wide range of applications.

Design of a quartz crystal with transparent electrode used for both QCM-D and LSPR technology

This article presents an efficient method for the design of a sensor combining localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensing with quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). The sensor uses a quartz crystal coated with 7 mm radium transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) top electrode and 6 mm radium gold bottom electrode. An array of gold nanorings is fabricated on the surface of ITO electrode. The gold nanoring arrays cause 12.11 Hz frequency shift which is very small compared with 5 MHz resonance frequency. The mass sensitivity profiles of various types of “n-m” electrode sensors are compared using MATLAB and the results show that the “7-6” is more sensitive than others. Finite element modeling in ANSYS shows good sensitivity to low relative permittivity in range from 1 to 10.

Simulation and Experimental Studies on Tri-Phasic PZT Piezoelectric Transducer

This paper reports the simulation results of a tri-phase piezoelectric transducer composed of PZT-5H rods surrounded by hexagonal polymer walls in a vacuum ambient. The electrical and mechanical characteristics of these transducers are simulated and predicted. The measured piezoelectric properties of the fabricated transducer at 100 kHz are found to be very much in agreement with those of the predicted design. The simulation of the designed transducer was expected to have acoustic energy channeled in the d33 mode at resonance, with weak or no shear mode cross talk behavior from the other modes. The mechanical displacements measured were large and highly aligned along d33 mode. This implies that tri-phasic piezoelectric transducer performs as a single device with improved mechanical and electrical response. Such designed transducers can be highly useful for the noncontact non-destructive evaluation (NDE) and non-destructive testing (NDT) with high resolution and greater depth profile of various types of material studies. Thus using several design parameters variables new transducers with desirable features can be produced for wide range of applications.

Occurrence of sulfonamide-, tetracycline-, plasmid-mediated quinolone- and macrolide-resistance genes in livestock feedlots in Northern China.

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in livestock feedlots deserve attention because they are prone to transfer to human pathogens and thus pose threats to human health. In this study, the occurrence of 21 ARGs, including tetracycline (tet)-, sulfonamide (sul)-, plasmid-mediated quinolone (PMQR)- and macrolide-resistance (erm) genes were investigated in feces and adjacent soils from chicken, swine, and cattle feedlots in Northern China. PMQR and sul ARGs were the most prevalent and account for over 90.0 % of the total ARGs in fecal samples. Specifically, PMQR genes were the most prevalent, accounting for 59.6 % of the total ARGs, followed by sul ARGs (34.2 %). The percentage of tet ARGs was 3.4 %, and erm ARGs accounted for only 1.9 %. Prevalence of PMQR and sul ARGs was also found in swine and cattle feces. The overall trend of ARG concentrations in feces of different feeding animals was chicken > swine > beef cattle in the studied area. In soils, sul ARGs had the highest concentration and account for 71.1 to 80.2 % of the total ARGs, which is possibly due to the widely distributed molecular carriers (i.e., class one integrons), facilitating sul ARG propagation. Overall, this study provides integrated profiles of various types of ARGs in livestock feedlots and thus provides a reference for the management of antibiotic use in livestock farming.

Clinical profile of children with pulmonary Tuberculosis

ObjectiveTo study the clinical profile of pulmonary TB in children at various ages. MethodsForty-five children with pulmonary TB who were referred over a period of 12 months were included in the study. Clinical profile of various types of pulmonary TB and factors associated with them were compared. ResultsMean age of presentation was 5.4 ± 3.7 years. Male:female ratio was 32:13. Common clinical features were fever in 36 (80%), cough in 30 (66.7%), loss of appetite and malnutrition in 18 (40%) patients each. Raised ESR was seen in 28 out of 35 (80%) patients. Forty-two (93.3%) children had received BCG vaccination and 22 out of 37 (59.5%) were tuberculin skin test (TST) positive. Primary complex was seen in 22 (48.9%) patients, primary progressive TB in 17 (37.8%) and cavitatory TB in 4 (8.9%) patients. Anemia (p = 0.006) and thrombocytosis (p = 0.024) was in patients with cavitatory lesions. Children ≤5 years had primary complex followed by primary progressive and then by cavitatory lesion (Odd's ratio: between primary complex vs primary progressive = 1.56; primary complex vs cavitatory = 15.35; primary progressive vs cavitatory = 10.06). In children >5 years of age, it was found that cavitatory lesions was more commonly seen followed by primary progressive and then by primary complex (Odd's ratio between cavitatory and primary progressive = 10.06; cavitatory vs primary complex = 15.35; primary progressive vs primary complex = 1.56). ConclusionPrimary complex is the commonest presentation of pulmonary TB. Primary complex is seen more commonly in children <5 years of age while cavitatory lesions are more commonly seen in children >5 years of age.

Risk of Late-Onset Adhesions and Incisional Hernia Repairs after Surgery

Long-term adhesion-related complications and incisional hernias after abdominal surgery are common and costly. There are few data on the risk of these complications after different abdominal operations. We identified Medicare beneficiaries who underwent endovascular repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm from 2001-2008 who presumably are not at risk for laparotomy-related complications. We identified all laparoscopic and open operations involving the abdomen, pelvis, or retroperitoneum and categorized them into 5 groups according to invasiveness. We then identified laparotomy-related complications for up to 5 years after the index operation and compared these with the baseline rate of complications in a control group of patients who did not undergo an abdominal operation. We studied 85,663 patients, 7,513 (8.8%) of which underwent a laparotomy, including 2,783 major abdominal operations, 709 minor abdominal operations, 963 ventral hernia repairs, 493 retroperitoneal/pelvic operations, and 2,565 laparoscopic operations. Mean age was 76.7 years and 82.0% were male. Major abdominal operations carried the highest risk for adhesion-related complications (14.3% and 25.0% at 2 and 5 years compared with 4.0% and 7.8% for the control group; p < 0.001) and incisional hernias (7.8% and 12.0% compared with 0.6% and 1.2% for the control group; p < 0.001). Laparoscopic operations (4.6% and 10.7% for adhesions, 1.9% and 3.2% for incisional hernias) carried the lowest risk. Late-onset laparotomy-related complications are frequent and their risk extends through 5 years beyond the perioperative period. With the advancement and expansion of laparoscopic techniques and its attendant lower risk for long-term complications, these results can alter the risk-to-benefit profile of various types of abdominal operations and can also strengthen the rationale for additional development of laparoscopic approaches to abdominal operations.

Financial planning and risk-return profiles

The importance of funded private or occupational old age provision will increase due to demographic changes and the resulting challenges for government-run pay-as-you-go systems. Clients and advisors therefore need reliable methodologies to match offered products and clients’ needs and risk appetite. In this paper, we show that the information provided by existing approaches such as sample illustrations and historical backtesting that are often used for comparing and explaining products is often insufficient or even misleading. We introduce an alternative methodology based on risk-return profiles, i.e. the (forward-looking) probability distribution of benefits. In a model with stochastic interest rates and equity returns including stochastic equity volatility, we derive risk-return profiles for various types of existing unit-linked/equity-linked products with and without embedded guarantees. In contrast to previous work, we particularly take into account charges, effects resulting from regular premium payments and typical practical restrictions like borrowing constraints, hence providing applicable models adding insights to current political discussions on transparency regulations in several countries. We highlight the differences between actual product characteristics and the impression generated by existing approaches and explain the resulting misleading incentives for product developers and financial advisors.

Novel perspectives on the role of immune biomarkers in exercise and depression

[Extract] Dear Sir, The letter to the editor by Mohan and Das raises important suggestions for a more detailed understanding of (1) the unique immunomodulatory profile of various types of physical activity (PA), (2) the clinical utility of PA in different stages and subtypes of depression, and (3) neuroimmunological factors as measured in the treatment of depression.

Single nonfouling hydrogels with mechanical and chemical functionality gradients

Hydrogels are widely studied as tissue engineering scaffolds, but the biological tissues they are designed to mimic are often complex tissues with non-uniform chemical and mechanical profiles. This work reports a new strategy to create hydrogels composed of a continuous sheet of a single nonfouling but functionalizable material with mechanical and/or chemical functionality gradients. By using different combinations of functionalizable or nonfunctionalizable versions of nonfouling carboxybetaine methacrylate (CBMA) and carboxybetaine dimethacrylate crosslinker (CBMAX), various hydrogels with gradients of crosslinking densities and/or functionalizable groups can be created. In this work, we demonstrate this concept with two nonfouling hydrogels, both with a mechanical gradient: one with uniform functionalizability and the other with a gradient in chemical functionalizability. With this versatile system, hydrogels with built-in gradient profiles of various types can be controlled at will for a given application.

Laser flare photometry: why is it going to be the gold standard for the assessment of intraocular inflammation

AbstractPurpose Laser flare photometry is a noninvasive, objective and quantitative method to measure intraocular inflammation.Methods The reproducibility and accuracy of flare measurements was proven by laboratory tests and by clinical studies showing low inter‐ and intra‐observer variability. Laser flare photometry values correlate with clinical grades of flare based on slit lamp examination. However, this technique provides a wide range of values for each clinical grade and there are overlapping ranges between grades. Besides,it allows the detection of subclinical blood aqueous barrier disruption.Results Laser flare photometry has many clinical applications : 1‐Uveitis Laser flare photometry shows better sensitivity than the slit lamp grading of cells and flare in monitoring anterior chamber inflammation, in both acute and chronic inflammation. It helps to define the inflammatory profiles of various types of anterior and posterior uveitis. It allows the assessement of the response to treatment and the prediction of the disease relapse. Relationships of laser flare photometry with complications permit to determine the prognosis of uveitis. 2‐Post‐surgical inflammation An objective evaluation of the blood aqueous barrier disruption after different surgical procedures is provided. The effects of different molecules on the post‐surgical inflammation can be evaluated and compared. 3‐Several other conditions associated with some degree of blood‐aqueous barrier disruption such as diabetic retinopathyConclusion Laser flare photometry is an objective and precise technique. It should be the gold standard for the assessment of intraocular inflammation.

Experimental Study of Heat Flux Distribution of Arc Driven by AC Magnetic Field

The authors earlier developed a model to predict the heat flux distribution in an arc driven by an AC magnetic field. That theoretical model implied that the heat flux distribution depended on waveforms of the imposed AC magnetic field. Experiments were conducted in this study to validate that theoretical prediction. Theoretical calculations of heat flux distribution in the arc driven by AC magnetic field were conducted using the heat flux profile in the arc root obtained from the measurement under no magnetic field. The heat flux distributions in arcs driven by AC magnetic fields were measured by imposing two AC magnetic fields with sinusoidal and rectangular waveforms. Agreement between experimental and theoretical heat flux distributions was good. Results confirm that heat flux profiles of various types are producible by controlling the imposed magnetic flux density and its waveform.

Four Cases of Ossifying Fibromas: A Rural Medical College Hospital Experience

ABSTRACT Background Ossifying fibroma is an uncommon tumor of the craniofacial skeleton presenting in several variant histopathological subtypes. Ossifying fibroma is a benign fibro-osseous lesion that commonly involves the maxilla.1 Ossifying fibromas occur predominantly in women, frequently during the 3rd and 4th decades of life.1 The overlapping clinical and histopathological features of these subtypes have led to diagnostic dilemma and confusion.1 Complete excision of this tumor has become a necessity since it is notorious for recurrence.1 Aims To study and compare the clinical profiles of various types of ossifying fibroma and also the surgical approaches to the tumor. To discuss the diagnostic difficulties and controversies associated with the tumor. Setting Medical college referral hospital. Design Case reports of 4 patients presenting to our medical college OPD. Methods Planned surgical excision based on criteria. Results Four cases of different types of ossifying fibroma were successfully treated by various surgical approaches. 42 papers related to diagnostic and treatment aspects of ossifying fibroma were studied. Conclusion The diagnostic dilemma of ossifying fibroma can be overcome with a combination of clinical, radiological and pathological criteria. Complete surgical excision of the tumor is possible when surgery is based on preplanned criteria. Combination of 2 or more surgical approaches may be necessary in many cases in order to ensure complete clearance and prevent recurrence of the tumor.

Impulsive donation decisions during online browsing of charity websites

Abstract Although online fundraising by charitable organisations is now commonplace, many aspects of effective online fundraising remain unexamined. In particular, little is known about the nature and determinants of impulsive donation decisions taken by browsers of charity websites. This empirical study attempted to help fill this important gap in current knowledge about online fundraising via an investigation of the antecedents of impulsive online giving to a hospice organisation in the south of England. Two hundred and thirty‐nine donors who stated that their gifts had been made impulsively and 223 donors whose online gifts were reported as having been pre‐planned completed a questionnaire that explored, inter alia, a person's socio‐demographic characteristics, level of impulsiveness and attitude towards impulsive behaviour, charity donation history, prior knowledge of hospice issues, subjective norms and personal involvement with charity giving. The main determinants of impulsive donations were identified and the profiles of various types of impulsive giver were established. Relevant matters were investigated in the contexts of two types of web page design: emotive and informative. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

キャピラリー電気泳動―飛行時間型質量分析計を用いた大腸がん組織のメタボローム解析

Capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry based metabolomics exhibits unlimited potentials to elucidate global metabolic profiles of various types of samples including clinical tissues. In addition, non-targeted metabolome analysis by this method holds the promise of discovering novel biomarker candidates. In this commentary, we introduce our strategies for studying cancer-specific metabolism by analyzing metabolome of surgically excised tumor tissues.

Nursing home care: whodunit?

(1) To analyse and compare (changes and differences in) activity profiles of various types of nursing home care. (2) To assess the impact of integrated care on these activity profiles. Because of an ongoing introduction of integrated nursing home care, caregivers increasingly have to co-ordinate their activities, engage into interprofessional relationships and take over each other's tasks. Consequently, activity profiles [i.e. combinations of (contributions to) care activities and the roles that perform them] are expected to change. At three measurement points in the period 1999-2003, caregivers (in 18 different roles) recorded and listed direct and indirect care activities. A total of 41,335 lists were analysed to derive activity profiles of traditional, transitional and integrated nursing home care in the Netherlands. Traditional, transitional and integrated care shared some comparable activity profiles. Integrated care differed from the other types with respect to the contribution of the geriatric nurse, recreational activities supervisor, nutrition assistant, household assistant and nursing assistant to activities such as extra care, handling food and club activities. Contrary to the other roles, the licensed practical nurse contributed to (almost) all activities in all types of care. Nursing home care has several recurring activity profiles. These profiles are the same in all types of nursing home care. The introduction of integrated care implies that particular profiles have to be added to these profiles. As a generalist, the licensed practical nurse seems to play a key role in all activity profiles. Because of demographic and financial pressures, integrated care for older people becomes increasingly important. By addressing the impact of integrated care on activity profiles, this paper provides information on how new types of care can be delivered in the most effective manner.

Sinonasal Ossifying Fibroma: A Study of Six Cases and Review of Literature

Background: Ossifying fibroma is an uncommon tumor of the craniofacial skeleton presenting in several variant histopathological subtypes. The overlapping clinical and histopathological features of these subtypes have led to diagnostic dilemma and confusion. Complete excision of this tumor has become a necessity since it is notorious for recurrence. Aims: To study and compare the clinical profiles of various types of ossifying fibroma and also the surgical approaches to the tumor. To discuss the diagnostic difficulties and controversies associated with the tumor. Setting: Medical college referral hospital. Design: Prospective descriptive study of 2 years duration. Methods: Planned surgical excision based on criteria. Literature review with Medline search. Results: Six cases of different types of ossifying fibroma were successfully treated by various surgical approaches. Thirty papers related to diagnostic and treatment aspects of ossifying fibroma were studied. Eight papers were found to be associated with some or the other controversy. Conclusion: The diagnostic dilemma of ossifying fibroma can be overcome with a combination of clinical, radiological and pathological criteria. Complete surgical excision of the tumor is possible when surgery is based on preplanned criteria. Combination of 2 or more surgical approaches may be necessary in many cases in order to ensure complete clearance and prevent recurrence of the tumor. To avoid controversies, there should be a consensus on nomenclature and classification of this uncommon tumor.

Design thermal loading for composite bridges in tropical region

In the design of bridges, it is important to consider the thermal stresses induced by the non-linear temperature distribution as well as the variation of effective temperature in the bridge deck. To cope with this, design temperature profiles are provided by design codes, which are normally based on extensive research work. This paper presents the results of a comprehensive investigation on the thermal behaviour of bridges in Hong Kong with special emphasis on composite bridges. The temperature distribution in bridges depends primarily on the solar radiation, ambient air temperature and wind speed in the vicinity. Apart from data of the meteorological factors, good estimates of the thermal properties of material and the film coefficients are necessary for the prediction of temperature distribution. The design temperature profiles for various types of composite bridge deck with bituminous surfacing and concrete slab of different thicknesses are proposed. The factors affecting the design effective temperature are also reviewed and suitable values for Hong Kong are proposed. Results are compared with recommendations of the current local code. The method facilitates the development of site-specific temperature profiles for code documents, and it can also be applied to create zoning maps for temperature loading for large countries where there are great climatic differences.

Extreme Thermal Loading on Steel Bridges in Tropical Region

In the design of highway bridges, it is important to consider the thermal stresses induced by the nonlinear temperature distribution in the bridge deck irrespective of their spans. To cope with this, design temperature profiles are provided by many bridge design codes, which are normally based on extensive research on the thermal behavior of bridges. This paper presents the results of a comprehensive investigation on the thermal behavior of steel bridges carried out in Hong Kong. A method for predicting bridge temperatures from given meteorological conditions is briefly discussed. The theoretical results have been validated by temperature measurements on experimental models mounted on the roof of a building as well as on an existing steel bridge. Both the theoretical and field results confirm the validity of the one-dimensional heat transfer model on which most design codes are based. Values of design thermal loading for a 50-year return period are determined from the statistics of extremes over 40 years of meteorological information in Hong Kong. The design temperature profiles for various types of steel bridge deck with different thickness of bituminous surfacing are developed.