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Multiple discriminant functions that estimate sex from the dimensions of the basal occipital have been published. However, as there is limited exploration of basal dimension variation between groups, the accuracy of these functions when applied to archaeological material is unknown. This study compares basal dimensions between four known sex-at-death post-medieval European samples and explores how metric differences impact on the accuracy of sex assessment discriminant functions. Published data from St Bride’s, London (n = 146) and the Georges Olivier collection, Paris (n = 68) were compared with new data from the eighteenth to nineteenth century Dutch Middenbeemster sample (n = 74) and the early twentieth century Rainer sample, Romania (n = 282) using independent t tests. The Middenbeemster and Rainer data were substituted into six published discriminant functions derived from the St Bride’s and the Georges Olivier samples, and the results were compared to their known sex. Multiple statistically significant differences were found between the four groups. Of the six discriminant functions tested, five failed to reach the published accuracy and fell below chance. In addition, even where the samples were statistically comparable in means, trends for difference also impacted the accuracy of discriminant functions. Enough variation in basal occipital dimensions existed in the European groups to decrease the accuracy of sex estimation discriminant functions to unusable. Possible inter-observer error, varying genetic, socioeconomic, and geographical factors are likely causes of dimension variation. This research further highlights the dangers of using sex estimation discriminant functions on samples that differ to the original derivative population and demonstrates the need for more rigorous testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three phase change paraffinic materials (PCMs) were thermophysically (phase-transition temperatures, latent heat, heat capacity at constant pressure, density, and thermal conductivity) investigated in order to be used as latent heat storage media in a pilot plant developed in Plovdiv Bulgaria. Raman structural investigation probes aliphatic character of the E53 sample, while the E46 and ECP samples contain also unsaturated components due to their Raman features within 1,500-1,700 cm range. Orthorhombic structure of the three PCMs was evidenced by the Raman modes at the 1,417 cm. The highest latent heat value, Δ H, of phase transitions among the three materials was represented by summation of a solid order-disorder, and melting latent heat was encountered by the E53 paraffin, i.e., 194.32 J g during a μ-DSC scan of 1 °C min. Conversely, the ECP composite containing ceresin component shows the lowest latent heat value of 143.89 J g and the highest thermal conductivity of 0.46 W m K among the three phase change materials (PCMs). More facile melt-disordered solid transition with the activation energy of 525.45 kJ mol than the lower temperature transition of disorder-order ( E of 631.73 kJ mol) during the two-step process of solidification for the E53 melt are discussed in terms of structural and molecular motion changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IM: The evaluation of the oropharyngeal and facial modifications made by cephalometry represents a complementary method of analysis of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The anatomical modifications frequently associated with the sleeping respiratory pathology can be evaluated with satisfactory results through the correlation of the clinical data made by flexible pharyngoscopy with the results of the cephalometric examinations. During the cephalometric examinations the screening of the following parameters is being made: the posterior airways space (PAS), uvula size PM-PU, distance between the inferior border of the mandibula and hyoid (MPH = maximum palate height). The literature demonstrates in the case of the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome at least two of these parameters must be modified. RESULTS: Thirty (30) patients with sleep respiratory disfunctions like snoring and obstructive sleep apnea have been included in this prospective study, following the cephalometric investigations with all its parameters mentioned earlier. The obtained data were correlated to the diurnal sleepiness/daytime somnolence grade ESS and the value of the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). It can be claimed as a fact, the anatomical modifications frequently associated with the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome evidenced on cephalometry, these are in relationship with the AHI value and can be correlated to the diurnal sleepiness/daytime somnolence grade measured on the Epworth scale – ESS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiochemical neutron activation analysis has been applied to investigate the microelements in gold samples with archaeological importance. Chemical separation has allowed the determination of traces of Ir, Os, Sb, Zn, Co, Fe, Ni. Instrumental neutron activation analysis has been used for the determination of Cu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The short-lived isotopes of W and their descendants have been separated from nuclear reaction products arising in the bombardment of samarium target with24Mg ions at the U-400 cyclotron of JINR-Dubna. Chemical separations were performed using previously elaborated fast and continuous ion exchange. In similar way products of235U fission, obtained at the microtron MT-25 during irradiation of235U target with photoneutrons were separated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hair samples were collected from 20 metallurgical workers (10 males and 10 females) and from 59 control subjects (32 males and 27 females), whose jobs do not indicate a specific occupational exposure. The concentrations of ten minor and trace elements (Al, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Sb, Se, V and Zn) were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The statistical data distributions, the sex and age influences in these elemental concentrations and the average values obtained for the control group were compared with published data. The effect of occupational exposure to the metallic elements was reflected in elemental composition of hair by significant higher concentration levels of Al, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Sb, V and Zn in the hair of the exposed group, when compared with the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been suggested that pericardial fluid functions as a lubricant rather than a means of transmitting pericardial pressure from one region of the heart to another. Since the functional behavior of pericardial fluid depends on fluid thickness, we measured pericardial volume and fluid distribution. In seven animals, we found that the normal canine pericardium contains 0.25±0.15 ml of pericardial fluid per kg of body weight, resulting in an average pericardial fluid thickness of only 0.34±0.27 mm. We next determined the pericardial fluid distribution in eight anesthetized mongrel dogs (17-29 kg). Color video images were recorded, while green dye (0.1 ml) was injected into the pericardial space overlying the ventricular apex to allow visualization of the pericardial fluid distribution. Within 26±17 s (range 15-53 s), dye reached the base of the heart. After 15 min of equilibration, the dye distribution appeared very nonuniform with dye accumulation over the interventricular and atrioventricular grooves. Little or no dye was present over the right and left ventricular free walls. We conclude that pericardial fluid thickness over the interventricular and atrio-ventricular grooves is sufficient to allow fluid motion in these regions. In contrast, pericardial fluid thickness overlying the ventricular free walls is very thin. Thus, in these regions the pericardial fluid functions primarily as a lubricant: and regional variations in pericardial pressure may occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influences of presure and volume changes in one ventricle on the other ventricle may be determined from the relative compliances of the ventricular free walls and the interventricular septum. If this is correct, then disease states which alter regional compliances should influence the diastolic mechanical coupling between the ventricles. To examine this hypothesis, the hearts of 15 canine dogs were removed and placed in cool cardioplegic solution. Balloons were inserted into each ventricle and the right and left ventricular pressure (ΔP, ΔP) and volume (ΔV, ΔV) changes caused by changing the pressure and volume of the other ventricle were recorded. Acute changes in right ventricular free wall (N=5), septal (N=5), and left ventricular free wall (N=5) compliances were induced by glutaraldehyde injections. After injecting glutaraldehyde into the right coronary artery, ΔP/ΔV, ΔV/ΔV, ΔP/ΔP, and ΔP/ΔV increased significantly (P<0.05). After septal artery injection, pressure and volume transfer between the ventricles was significantly depressed. After left coronary artery injection, ΔP/ΔP, ΔP/ΔV, ΔP/ΔV, and ΔV/ΔV increased significantly (P<0.05). Thus, selective alterations in the mechanical coupling between the ventricles occurred following changes in right ventricular, septal, and left ventricular free wall compliances. Such changes may be important in diseases which primarily affect one side of the heart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 178m2Hf with its long-lived (T1/2=31 y), high-spin Iπ = 16+, isomeric state, is a challenge for new and exotic nuclear physics studies. The 178m2Hf isomer has been produced in microweight quantities using the 176Yb(α,2n) nuclear reaction, by irradiation with a high-intensity beam using the U-200 cyclotron in Dubna. Radiochemistry and mass separation methods have been developed, with the aim to separate and purify the produced Hf material. Thin targets of isomeric hafnium-178 on carbon backings have been prepared and used in experiments with neutron, proton and deuteron beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes is, generally speaking, a contraindication for conservative treatment concerning caries with pulp exposure. In certain situations, we can successfully use the pulp capping if we assure some conditions (asepsis, young patients). I) This study shows the advantages and disadvantages of this kind of treatment. We studied 60 patients (34 female and 26 male) aged between 25 and 35 years old, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and who are under control through treatment. We undertook 68 pulps capping on teeth with caries that were exposing the pulp chamber during the conservative treatment. Of the 68 cases 26 cases (38.2%) were successful, part of patients 17 cases (65.38%) aged between 25 and 30 years and 9 cases (34.6%) aged between 30 and 35 years. II) 31 cases (45.5%) unsuccessful part of them 10 cases (32.2%) aged 25–30 years and 21 cases (67.74%) aged 30–35 years. III) 11 uncertain outcome cases (16.3) aged 30–35. IV) Pulp capping can be successfully made in young patients 25–35 years with insulin-dependent diabetes, if we can obtain some conditions: optimal time for intervention, patient under adequate medication, patient with good oral hygiene, direct access to the teeth, the teeth is not good a candidate for prosthetic reconstruction, the patient is aware that the therapy may be unsuccessful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]