A Study of Radioactive Contamination of <tex> $^{\text{40}}\text{Ca}^{\text{100}}\text{MoO}_{\text{4}}$</tex> Crystals for the AMoRE Experiment

Lee, J. Y.,Alenkov, V.,Ali, L.,Beyer, J.,Bibi, R.,Boiko, R. S.,Boonin, K.,Buzanov, O.,Chanthima, N.,Cheoun, M. K.,Chernyak, D. M.,Choi, J.,Choi, S.,Danevich, F. A.,Djamal, M.,Drung, D.,Enss, C.,Fleisc IEEE 2016 IEEE transactions on nuclear science Vol.63 No.2

<P>A calcium molybdate (CaMoO4) crystal scintillator, with molybdenum enriched in Mo-100 and calcium depleted in Ca-48 ((CaMoO4)-Ca-40-Mo-100), was developed by the Advanced Molybdenum based Rare process Experiment (AMoRE) collaboration to search for a neutrinoless double beta (0 nu beta beta) decay of Mo-100. We are planning to use about 10 kg of (CaMoO4)-Ca-40-Mo-100 crystals as cryogenic bolometers for the first phase of the experiment (AMoRE-I) at the Yang Yang underground laboratory (Y2L) in Korea. This experiment calls for an extremely low level of radioactive contamination in detectors, particularly by thorium, uranium, and radium decay chains. We measured scintillation properties and radioactive contamination of CaMoO4 and (CaMoO4)-Ca-40-Mo-100 crystals at the Y2L. We also estimated the acceptable level of internal radioactive background using Monte Carlo simulation for the AMoRE-I.</P>

Is the Reference Electrode Location Important for the Electromyography Evaluation of the Pelvic Floor in Urodynamic Studies?

Ali Tekin,Murat Pehlivan,Sibel Tiryaki,Ömer Barış Yücel,Uygar Bağcı,Hasan Çayırlı,İlker Zeki Arusoğlu,İbrahim Ulman 대한배뇨장애요실금학회 2022 International Neurourology Journal Vol.26 No.4

Purpose: Perineal electromyography (EMG) is a crucial part of urodynamic studies. Many researchers focused on the standardization of techniques in urodynamics, but no study has yet evaluated the differences with various reference electrode placements. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal placement of the reference electrode for recording pelvic floor activity in urodynamic studies. Methods: Children over 6 years of age without anatomic or neurological abnormalities were invited to participate in the study. Four reference electrodes were placed on the right kneecap, the inner surface of the right inner thigh, the right anterior iliac spine (AIS), and the skin over the left gluteal muscles for simultaneous recording. The EMG signal formed by pelvic contraction during forceful straining was recorded both in the supine and sitting positions. The root mean square (RMS) value of each muscle contraction signal was calculated. Results: Twenty-one participants (10 boys and 11 girls) were included. The mean age was 10.19±3.20 years. The highest RMS values were obtained with the reference electrode on the thigh in the supine position and the AIS in the sitting position. Significant differences were found between the mean RMS values of the knee and other locations of reference electrodes in the supine position, as well as between mean RMS values in all regions except the thigh and gluteus in the sitting position. The minimum mean RMS values in both positions were obtained with the reference electrode on the knee. Conclusions: During urodynamic studies, reference electrodes shall be placed on AIS in the sitting and on the inner thigh in the supine position. The knee is not a suitable option for reference electrode placement. This information may help improve EMG recordings in the evaluation of pelvic floor muscles.

Evaluating the Accuracy of Determining Coordinates of Corners of the Building Surveyed in Tilt Technology

Atınç Pırtı,Mehmet Ali Yücel 대한토목학회 2023 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.27 No.6

Integrated Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and electronic compass; small, sturdy form factor; supports all communications, satellites, and constellations (Revolutionary 9 axis IMU and ultra-compact 3-axis e-Compass). By integrating a 9-axis IMU with a digital compass, the Topcon Hiper Versatile Global Navigation Satellite System (VR GNSS) receiver can correct for up to 15 degrees of pole tilt. It may be now measured all the way to the edge/corner of a building without requiring an offset. The emerging technology makes up for the fact that plum field surveys can be off by up to 15 degrees. The accuracy of measured building corners is investigated in this study using Topcon Inertial Levelling Technology (TILT) in the IMU and e-Compass. The results of a case study of 5, 10, 15 degree tilt angles show that a 3D positioning accuracy of about 10 cm is achievable even when the pole is tilted.

Articular Cartilage Regeneration Utilizing Decellularized Human Placental Scaffold, Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Platelet Rich Plasma

Özdemir Erdi,Emet Abdülsamet,Hashemihesar Ramin,Yürüker Ali Celalettin Sinan,Kılıç Emine,Uçkan Çetinkaya Duygu,Turhan Egemen 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2020 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.17 No.6

Background: Articular cartilage repair has been a challenge in orthopedic practice due to the limited self-regenerative capability. Optimal treatment method for cartilage defects has not been defined. We investigated the effect of decellularized human placental (DHP) scaffold, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on hyaline cartilage regeneration in a rat model. Methods: An osteochondral defect was created in trochlea region of the femur in all groups, bilaterally. No additional procedure was performed in control group (n = 14). Only the DHP scaffold was applied to the P group (n = 14). The DHP scaffold and 1 × 106 MSCs were applied to the PS group (n = 14). The DHP scaffold and PRP were applied to the PP group (n = 14). The DHP scaffold, 1 × 106 MSCs and PRP were applied to the PSP group (n = 14). Outcome measures at 12 weeks included Pineda histology score and qualitative histology. Results: The mean Pineda scores of P, PS, PP, and PSP groups were significantly better than the control group (p = 0.031, p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p < 0001, respectively). There was no statistically difference in mean Pineda scores of P, PS, PP, and PSP groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, the DHP scaffold appears to be a promising scaffold on hyaline cartilage regeneration. The augmentation of DHP scaffold with MSCs and PRP combinations did not enhance its efficacy on articular cartilage regeneration.

Characteristics and timing of mortality in children dying in pediatric intensive care: a 5-year experience

Botan Edin,Gün Emrah,Şden Emine Kübra,Yöndem Cansu,Gurbanov Anar,Balaban Burak,Kahveci Fevzi,Özen Hasan,Uçmak Hacer,Gençay Ali Genco,Kendirli Tanil 대한중환자의학회 2022 Acute and Critical Care Vol.37 No.4

Background: Pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), where children with critical illnesses are treated, require considerable manpower and technological infrastructure in order to keep children alive and free from sequelae. Methods: In this retrospective comparative cohort study, hospital records of patients aged 1 month to 18 years who died in the study PICU between January 2015 and December 2019 were reviewed. Results: A total of 2,781 critically ill children were admitted to the PICU. The mean±standard deviation age of 254 nonsurvivors was 64.34±69.48 months. The mean PICU length of stay was 17 days (range, 1–205 days), with 40 children dying early (<1 day of PICU admission). The majority of nonsurvivors (83.9%) had comorbid illnesses. Children with early mortality were more likely to have neurological findings (62.5%), hypotension (82.5%), oliguria (47.5%), acidosis (92.5%), coagulopathy (30.0%), and cardiac arrest (45.0%) and less likely to have terminal illnesses (52.5%) and chronic illnesses (75.6%). Children who died early had a higher mean age (81.8 months) and Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) III score (37). In children who died early, the first three signs during ICU admission were hypoglycemia in 68.5%, neurological symptoms in 43.5%, and acidosis in 78.3%. Sixty-seven patients needed continuous renal replacement therapy, 51 required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, and 10 underwent extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Conclusions: We found that rates of neurological findings, hypotension, oliguria, acidosis, coagulation disorder, and cardiac arrest and PRISM III scores were higher in children who died early compared to those who died later.

Examination of the Earthquake (Samos Island) in Izmir (30.10.2020) by Using Cors-Tr GNSS Observations and InSAR Data

Atınç Pırtı,Ramazan Gürsel Hoşbaş,Mehmet Ali Yücel 대한토목학회 2023 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.27 No.1

Izmir, which is one of the biggest cities of Turkey and has the extensive tectonic features of the Western Anatolia region, has been struck in recent years due to its high seismic activity. In particular, the south of Izmir is one of the regions that has high seismic activity in the city, which is constrained by major fault zones. The earthquake of magnitude of a Mw 6.9 occurred 8 km north of Samos Island at a depth of 16 km on 30.10.2020, at 11:51:24 UTC (14:51:24 Local Time (LT)). It occurred on a 40-kilometer-long north-dipping normal fault zone in the Mediterranean between Greece's Samos Island and Turkey's Kuşadası Bay. Following the mainschock, a tsunami with a height of more than 1 meter occurred at Sığacık Bay, south of Izmir, and on the north side of Samos Island. This article focuses on the investigation of the Samos earthquake by utilizing both GNSS data and InSAR images, and the obtained results are given in this paper. GNSS data were processed by using CSRS-PPP Software as static and kinematic modes. After processing the GNSS data, the maximum displacements were observed at CESME and IZMIR CORS-TR points located in the north of the fault. Horizontal movements of 12 cm and 6 cm towards the north were obtained at CESME and IZMIR points, respectively. However, the amount of horizontal movements was less at DIDIM and AYDIN CORS-TR locations, which are located to the south of the fault. In addition to GNSS data, ESA Sentinel-1 SAR data was used in the InSAR procedure, and the displacements were clarified using the unwrapped interferogram. The interferogram revealed a 10 cm uplift in the west of the Island of Samos and a 10 cm subsidence in the Izmir region, on the north side of the fault, based on the InSAR data. The most striking feature of this studyis that the earthquake that occurred near the island of Samos was reported by Gansas' study that the 3 GNSS points (SAMO, SAMU, and 093A) on the island of Samos are moving in a south direction and the largest displacement is about 36 centimetres south. However, in our study, the north direction is more prominent as the direction of movement at IZMIR and CESME points. The movement at the DIDIM point supports his work. In other words, the Samos Fault affected the points located in the north and south differently.

Physiology and Gene Expression Analysis of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Exposed to Combined-Virus and Drought Stresses

Samra Mirzayeva,Irada Huseynova,Canan Yüksel Özmen,Ali Ergül 한국식물병리학회 2023 Plant Pathology Journal Vol.39 No.5

Crop productivity can be obstructed by various biotic and abiotic stresses and thus these stresses are a threat to universal food security. The information on the use of viruses providing efficacy to plants facing growth challenges owing to stress is lacking. The role of induction of pathogen-related genes by microbes is also colossal in drought-endurance acquisition. Studies put forward the importance of viruses as sustainable means for defending plants against dual stress. A fundamental part of research focuses on a positive interplay between viruses and plants. Notably, the tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) possess the capacity to safeguard tomato host plants against severe drought conditions. This study aims to explore the combined effects of TYLCV, ToCV, and drought stress on two tomato cultivars, Money Maker (MK, UK) and Shalala (SH, Azerbaijan). The expression of pathogenrelated four cellulose synthase gene families (CesA/Csl) which have been implicated in drought and virus resistance based on gene expression analysis, was assessed using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction method. The molecular tests revealed significant upregulation of Ces-A2, Csl-D3,2, and Csl-D3,1 genes in TYLCV and ToCV-infected tomato plants. CesA/Csl genes, responsible for biosynthesis within the MK and SH tomato cultivars, play a role in defending against TYLCV and ToCV. Additionally, physiological parameters such as “relative water content,” “specific leaf weight,” “leaf area,” and “dry biomass” were measured in dual-stressed tomatoes. Using these features, it might be possible to cultivate TYLCV-resistant plants during seasons characterized by water scarcity.

The effect of mortar type and joint thickness on mechanical properties of conventional masonry walls

Başak Zengin,Burak Toydemir,Serhan Ulukaya,Didem Oktay,Nabi Yüzer,Ali Kocak 국제구조공학회 2018 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.67 No.6

Masonry walls are of a complex (anisotropic) structure in terms of their mechanical properties. The mechanical properties of the walls are affected by the properties of the materials used in wall construction, joint thickness and the type of masonry bond. The carried-out studies, particularly in the seismic zones, have revealed that the most of the conventional masonry walls were constructed without considering any engineering approach. Along with that, large-scale damages were detected on such structural elements after major earthquake(s), and such damages were commonly occurred at the brick-joint interfaces. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of joint thickness and also type of mortar on the mechanical behavior of the masonry walls. For this aim, the brick masonry walls were constructed through examination of both the literature and the conventional masonry walls. In the construction process, a single-type of brick was combined with two different types of mortar: cement mortar and hydraulic lime mortar. Three different joint thicknesses were used for each mortar type; thus, a total of six masonry walls were constructed in the laboratory. The mechanical properties of brick and mortars, and also of the constructed walls were determined. As a conclusion, it can be stated that the failure mechanism of the brick masonry walls differed due to the mechanical properties of the mortars. The use of bed joint thickness not less than 20 mm is recommended in construction of conventional masonry walls in order to maintain the act of brick in conjunction with mortar under load.

Early Outcomes of Sutureless Aortic Valves

Muhammet Onur Hanedan, M.D.,İlker Mataracı, M.D.,Mehmet Ali Yürük, M.D.,Tanıl Özer, M.D.,Ufuk Sayar, M.D.,Ali Kemal Arslan, M.D.,Uğur Ziyrek, M.D.,Murat Yücel, M.D. 대한흉부외과학회 2016 Journal of Chest Surgery (J Chest Surg) Vol.49 No.3

Background: In elderly high-risk surgical patients, sutureless aortic valve replacement (AVR) should be an alternative to standard AVR. The potential advantages of sutureless aortic prostheses include reducing cross-clamping and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time and facilitating minimally invasive surgery and complex cardiac interventions, while maintaining satisfactory hemodynamic outcomes and low rates of paravalvular leakage. The current study reports our single-center experience regarding the early outcomes of sutureless aortic valve implantation. Methods: Between October 2012 and June 2015, 65 patients scheduled for surgical valve replacement with symptomatic aortic valve disease and New York Heart Association function of class II or higher were included to this study. Perceval S (Sorin Biomedica Cardio Srl, Sallugia, Italy) and Edwards Intuity (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) valves were used. Results: The mean age of the patients was 71.15±8.60 years. Forty-four patients (67.7%) were female. The average preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction was 56.9±9.93. The CPB time was 96.51±41.27 minutes and the cross-clamping time was 60.85±27.08 minutes. The intubation time was 8.95±4.19 hours, and the intensive care unit and hospital stays were 2.89±1.42 days and 7.86±1.42 days, respectively. The mean quantity of drainage from chest tubes was 407.69±149.28 mL. The hospital mortality rate was 3.1%. A total of five patients (7.69%) died during follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 687.24±24.76 days. The one-year survival rate was over 90%. Conclusion: In the last few years, several models of valvular sutureless bioprostheses have been developed. The present study evaluating the single-center early outcomes of sutureless aortic valve implantation presents the results of an innovative surgical technique, finding that it resulted in appropriate hemodynamic conditions with acceptable ischemic time.

Inactivation of Propionibacterium acnes and its biofilm by non-thermal plasma

Ali, A.,Kim, Y.H.,Lee, J.Y.,Lee, S.,Uhm, H.S.,Cho, G.,Park, B.J.,Choi, E.H. Elsevier 2014 CURRENT APPLIED PHYSICS Vol.14 No.suppl2

Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is an opportunistic gram positive pathogen which has become an important source of various surgical implant associated infections including artificial joints, shunts, heart valves and catheter's infections. In addition, P. acnes can form biofilm which may enhance the complications even more. Even though it is susceptible to most of the antibiotics but still hard to remove and in severe cases removal of device is suggested. This makes the failure of implants. These problems prompted us to find more efficient method to sterilize these contaminations. Non-thermal plasmas primarily generate reactive species and recently have emerged as an efficient tool for medical applications including sterilization. Therefore, in this study we evaluated the inactivation ability of two different plasma jets, non-thermal annular plasma jet (NAPJ) and non-thermal soft plasma jet (NSPJ) for P. acnes in planktonic state and biofilm state. And, we found that both plasma devices showed considerable inactivation potential in planktonic P. acnes and P. acnes biofilms. Especially, NSPJ showed better inhibitory effect in shorter exposer time than NAPJ which might be because of close exposure to plasma generated reactive species. Moreover, we found that intracellular and extracellular reactive species concentrations are correlated with plasma treatment time, which suggest their critical role in microbial inhibition. In conclusion, our study suggests that plasma technology may also be used to overcome the biofilm contamination problems associated with biomaterials including surgical devices.