Assessment of the mean-value of 17-hydroxypregnenolone in the umbilical blood of newborns by the exploratory analysis of biochemical data

The main aim of data analysis in biochemical metrology is the extraction of relevant information from biochemical data measurements. A system of extended exploratory data analysis (EDA) based on the concept of graphical tools for sample data summarization and exploration is proposed and the original EDA algorithm in S-Plus is available on the Internet at http://www.trilobyte.cz/EDA. To check basic assumptions about biochemical and medical data is to examine the independence of sample elements, sample normality and homogeneity. The exact assessment of the mean-value and the variance of steroid levels in controls is necessary for the correct assessment of the samples from patients. Data examination procedures are illustrated by a determination of the mean-value of 17-hydroxypregnenolone in the umbilical blood of newborns. For an asymmetric, strongly skewed sample distribution corrupted with outliers the best estimate of location seems to be the median. The Box–Cox transformation improves a sample symmetry. The proposed procedure gives reliable estimates of a mean-value for an asymmetric distribution of 17-hydroxypregnenolone when the arithmetic mean can not be used.     

Quasicrystal–crystal structural transformation in Al–5 wt.% Mn alloy

The atomic structure of Al–5 wt.%Mn (Al–5Mn) alloy, prepared by rapid solidification, and pre-annealed at 623 and 773 K for 5 and 1 h, respectively, were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) techniques. The sample in as-quenched stage was found crystalline, consisting of metastable α-Al (Al–Mn solid solution) and icosahedral quasicrystalline I-Al₆Mn phases. Five hours annealing at 623 K proved thermal stability of both the phases. Pre-annealing at 773 K/1 h on the other hand leads to α-Al phase decomposition and structural transformation of metastable I-Al₆Mn to stable orthorhombic Al₆Mn phase. The EXAFS results indicate that Mn atoms are located preferably on the outer shell of icosahedrons. During the I-Al₆Mn→o-Al₆Mn transformation the total Al atoms coordinating one Mn were found to be constant (∼10). Based on the results, only distance/symmetry changes in atomic arrangement around Mn atoms were suggested.     

New system theory and its impact on control theory

Real systems can include two types of state variables – dynamic and static. While dynamic state variables are a common part of each system, static variables are not and their presence in a system may cause some problems if standard system theories are used. In this paper, it is shown that, due to a new system theory (NST), it is possible to work correctly with systems and subsystems which include not only dynamic state variables, but also static state variables. If standard system theories are used, static variables in the real system cause not only problems in describing systems but also some challenges in control theory. These challenges involve, for example, some questions of controllability, reachability, or observability of a plant that includes static variables or the optimal control design of a plant that includes statical state variables. Some of the challenges mentioned are addressed in this paper after a brief introduction of the NST.     

What stimulates teachers to integrate ICT in their pedagogical practices? The use of digital learning materials in education

The question ‘What stimulates teachers to integrate Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in their pedagogical practices?’ was addressed in the context of teachers’ usage of digital learning materials (DLMs). We adopted Fishbein’s Integrative Model of Behavior Prediction (IMBP), to investigate the various relationships between distal and proximal variables and intention. Mediation analysis revealed that the proximal variables attitude, subjective norm, and self-efficacy towards DLMs were significant predictors of teachers’ intention to use DLMs. The contribution of subjective norm, however, was modest. Attitude, subjective norm and self-efficacy mediated the effects of the following three distal variables on intention: previous use of DLMs, perceived knowledge and skills to use DLMs, and colleagues’ usage of DLMs. Persuasive communication and skills based training seem, therefore, appropriate interventions to promote a positive attitude towards DLMs and improve self-efficacy in using DLMs.     

Supercritical fluid extraction and characterization of lipids from algae Scenedesmus obliquus

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extractions (with and without ethanol as an entrainer) were carried out to remove lipids and pigments from protein concentrate of green algae (Scenedesmus obliquus) cultivated under controlled conditions. The content and fatty acid composition of algal lipids using column, thin-layer (TLC) and gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) were determined. Absorption spectra of extracted fractions showed the predominance of chlorophyll A (lambda max at 410 nm). Single step supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction resulted mostly in removal of neutral lipids and a part of glycolipids, but phospholipids were not extracted. Addition of ethanol to SC-CO2 increased the amount of glycolipids and phospholipids in the extract. TLC pattern of algal lipids showed that the main part of neutral lipids consisted of diglycerides, triglycerides, hydrocarbons, free sterols, and sterol esters. The glycolipids were mostly monogalactosyl diglyceride, digalactosyl diglyceride, esterified sterol glycoside, and sterol glycoside. In phospholipids, phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl glycerol, and phosphatidyl ethanolamine were the main compounds. Fatty acid composition patterns indicated the main fatty acids to be 16:0, 16:1, 16:2, 16:3, 16:4, 18:1, 18:2, and 18:3(a). Relatively high recovery of polyunsaturated fatty acids and essential fatty acids in supercritical fluid extracted algal lipids and proteins isolates were observed.     

Characterization of a near-infrared laparoscopic hyperspectral imaging system for minimally invasive surgery

We developed and characterized a new imaging platform for minimally invasive surgical venues, specifically a system to help guide laparoscopic surgeons to visualize biliary anatomy. This platform is a novel combination of a near-infrared hyperspectral imaging system coupled with a conventional surgical laparoscope. Intraoperative tissues are illuminated by optical fibers arranged in a ring around a center-mounted relay lens collecting back-reflected light from tissues to the hyperspectral imaging system. The system consists of a focal plane array (FPA) and a liquid crystal tunable filter, which is continuously tunable in the near-infrared spectral range of 650-1100 nm with the capability of passing light with a mean bandwidth of 6.95 nm, and the FPA is a high-sensitivity back-illuminated, deep depleted charge-coupled device. Placing a standard resolution target 5.1 cm from the distal end of the laparoscope, a typical intraoperative working distance, produced a 7.6-cm-diameter field of view with an optimal spatial resolution of 0.24 mm. In addition, the system's spatial and spectral resolution and its wavelength tuning accuracy are characterized. The spectroscopic images are formatted into a three-dimensional hyperspectral image cube and processed using principle component analysis. The processed images provide contrast based on measured spectra associated with chemically different anatomical structures helping identify the main molecular chromophores inherent to each tissue. The principal component images were found to image swine gallbladder and biliary structures from surrounding tissues, in real time, during cholecystectomy surgery. Furthermore, it is shown that surgeons can interrogate selected image subregions for their molecular composition identifying biliary anatomy during surgery and before any invasive action is undertaken.     

Crystallization of Pd40Cu30Ni10P20 bulk metallic glass with and without pressure

The glass-transition behavior of Pd40Cu30Ni10P20 bulk metallic glass was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry （DSC） and X-ray powder diffraction （XRD）. The effect of pressure on the crystallization behavior of Pd40Cu30Ni10P20 bulk glass was studied by in situ high-pressure and high-temperature X-ray powder diffraction using synchrotron radiation. Phase analyses show at least six crystalline phases in the crystallized sample, namely, monoclinic, tetragonal CuaPd-like, rhombohedral, fcc-Ni2Pd2P, fcc-（Ni, Pd） solid solution, and body-centered tetragonal （bct） NiaP-like phases. The onset crystallization temperature increases with pressure having a slope of 1 1 K/GPa in the range of 0 to 4 GPa. The results are attributed to the competing process between the thermodynamic potential barrier and the diffusion activation energy under pressure.     

Evolution of physicochemical and electrocatalytic properties of NiCo2O4 (AB2O4) spinel oxide with the effect of Fe substitution at the A site leading to efficient anodic O2 evolution in an alkaline environment

Within the framework of this work, spinel-type ternary transition metal oxides of nickel, cobalt and iron with the composition Fe_xNi_1−xCo₂O₄ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) were prepared and tested as promising electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline water electrolysis. The hydroxide precipitation method was used for the synthesis. The morphology, structure and specific surface area of the prepared electrocatalysts were determined by means of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, the Brunauer Emmet Teller method and X-ray photo electron spectroscopy. The electrochemical properties were tested by thin-film technique on a rotating disk electrode and in a single-cell laboratory water electrolyzer coupled with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The OER studies indicate that substitution of Ni by Fe increases the electrocatalytic activity of the resulting material significantly. The highest activity was achieved for x = 0.1. Whereas the current density obtained using a pure nickel anode in the water electrolysis test was 54 mA cm⁻² at a cell voltage of 1.85 V, in the case of the anode modified with NiCo₂O₄ catalyst the value was 87 mA cm⁻². Using ternary transition metal oxides in the water electrolysis test and under identical conditions, the catalyst with the highest activity displayed a current density of 115 mA cm⁻².     

Polymerization of monomers initiated by silyl centers in SiO deposits prepared by pulsed laser ablation

Deposits from silicon monoxide prepared by pulsed laser ablation were allowed to react with acrylic and vinyl monomers—styrene, methyl methacrylate and 1,2 ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. It was revealed by means of FTIR, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and NMR spectroscopies that silyl ?Si· reacts with monomer molecules and initiates the consecutive polymerization. Crosslinking is proved by the occurrence of bending δ(? CH₂) absorption peak at about 750 cm^?1 in FTIR spectra. Because of very low concentration of the propagating radical for styrene we used a radical scavenger N‐phenyl‐t‐butylnitrone for trapping. The measured EPR parameters were compared with the calculated ones. In case of styrene, NMR analysis manifested the presence of Si? C bonds in SiC_xO_y (x + y = 2) units, which can be taken as direct evidence of the reaction between silyl centers and monomer molecules. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4488–4492, 2006     

Changes in precipitation and corrosion characteristics of 18/10Ti austenitic stainless steel exposed to prolonged annealing at 750–850 °C

This investigation deals with the analysis of intergranular acicular precipitations by X-ray diffraction techniques and SEM. Results obtained during analysing acicular precipitate in 18/10Ti steel, isothermally annealed at 750–850 °C, can be summarised as follows: Intergranular needles are constituted by a complex phosphide of M₂P type whose chemical composition can be written as (Ti,Cr,Fe,Ni)₂P. Crystal growth direction of intergranular acicular M₂P particles in austenite is 〈 100 〉_γ. The following orientation relationship was determined between the complex phosphide of M₂P type and austenite: . Corrosion testing in boiling 65% HNO₃ revealed that there was a relationship between the occurrence of acicular precipitate and a reduction in corrosion rate to a level below 0.5 g m^?2h^?1.