Three-Dimensional Seismic Velocity Structure of the Aegean Region of Turkey from Local Earthquake Tomography

This study brings new insights to elucidate the 3-D seismic velocity structure of the Aegean region of Turkey by using Local Earthquake Tomography (LET). The study area has remarkable potential for geothermal resources. To provide the subsurface geological structure of seismogenic layers and geothermal areas, we develop new high-resolution depth-cross sections through Buyuk Menderes, Kucuk Menderes and Gediz grabens. Travel times of almost 265.000 readings (14.963 P-phase and 11.969 S-phase picks) from 2.085 well-located events recorded between 2007 and 2016 by a permanent seismic network of 75 broad-band seismometers were used to precisely interpret the 3-D Vp (lithological) and Vp/Vs (petrological) models of the study area. We detected four main layers down to 35-40 km depths with different Vp velocities ranging from 3.5 to 8.5 km/s. Mid-crustal interface (Conrad discontinuity) is discovered at 15 km depth in nearly all depth-cross-sections. Our results suggest an average of 25 km Moho depth in the Aegean region of Turkey. The depths range from around 18 km beneath SE of Aydin to 29 km beneath Aliaga, and approximate values of 19, 25 and 31 km beneath the Doganbey, Kutahya and Selendi-Demirci regions, respectively. The geothermal areas of the studied region are imaged by Vp and Vp/Vs anomalies. We propose the Aliaga, Denizli, Doganbey and Kosk areas as low Vp, low Vp/Vs anomalies which are an indicator of steam, CO2 or a mixture of both. Low Vp, high Vp/Vs models, suggesting geothermal fluids, are clearly visible near the Buharkent, Gumuskol, Guzelhisar, Kosk, Kuyucak, Saraykoy and Suzbeyli regions. We also report that the Bademler, Candarli, Kalekoy, Karahalli, Merdivenli, Ortakoy, Saruhanli, Yelki and Yuntdagikoseler regions might be good candidates for new potential geothermal resources

Mechanical and Physical Properties of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Reinforced Using Carbon Fibre of Different Lengths

In this study, series of tests have been conducted to indicate the mechanical and physical properties (compressive strength, flexural strength, dry density, thermal conductivity and shrinkage) of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) reinforced with carbon fibres of different lengths. AG2/350 AAC block specimens without carbon fibre were prepared as a control specimen. The mixtures were prepared by replacing 0.5% weight of cement in the AAC with 4 mm, 6 mm, 12 mm length carbon fibres and these mixtures were poured into moulds and subjected to 58 °C for 4 hours to expand until reaching workable hardness. After preliminary curing, the produced AAC specimens were subjected to 180 °C and pressure of 11 bar for 6 hours in a steam cure until required hardness. The mechanical and physical properties of the reference and the fibre reinforced AAC specimens were determined and compared to each other. As a result, the use of 12 mm fibre reinforcement in AAC gave the best performance in comparison to the other fibre reinforcements of different lengths by increasing compressive strength for 10.63%, flexural strength of 31.48% and thermal conductivity up to 4.23% while reducing the shrinkage ratio to 51.47%. Herein for the specimen using 0.5% replacement of the AAC in weight with 12 mm carbon fibre is recommended

An Evaluation of the Protective Effects of Thymoquinone on Amikacin-Induced Ototoxicity in Rats

ObjectivesIn this study we investigated the probable protective effects of thymoquinone on amikacin-induced ototoxicity in rats.MethodsThirty-two healthy rats were divided into four groups (amikacin, amikacin+thymoquinone, thymoquinone, and no treatment). Thymoquinone was fed to the rats via oral gavage in a dose of 40 mg/kg/day throughout the study period of 14 days. Amikacin was given by the intramuscular route in a dose of 600 mg/kg/day. Audiological assessment was conducted by the distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) tests, administered to all rats at the beginning of the study, and also on days 7 and 15. Biochemical parameters were calculated at the termination of the study to evaluate the oxidative status.ResultsThere were significant decreases in DPOAE values and significant increases in ABR thresholds of the amikacin group on days 7 and 15, as compared to the amikacin+thymoquinone group. While ABR thresholds of the amikacin group increased significantly on days 7 and 15 as compared to their initial values, there were no significant differences between the initial and the 7th and 15th day values of ABR thresholds in the amikacin+thymoquinone group. Total oxidant status and oxidative stress index values of the amikacin+thymoquinone group were significantly lower than those of the amikacin group. Total antioxidant status values of the amikacin+thymoquinone group were significantly higher than those of the amikacin group.ConclusionOur study has demonstrated that the ototoxic effect brought forth by amikacin could be overcome with the concurrent use of thymoquinone

Management and Outcome of Cardiac and Endovascular Cystic Echinococcosis

Cardiac and vascular involvement are infrequent in classical cystic echinococcosis (CE), but when they occur they tend to present earlier and are associated with complications that may be life threatening. Cardiovascular CE usually requires complex surgery, so in low-income countries the outcome is frequently fatal. This case series describes the characteristics of cardiovascular CE in patients diagnosed and treated at a Tropical Medicine & Clinical Parasitology Center in Spain. A retrospective case series of 11 patients with cardiac and/or endovascular CE, followed-up over a period of 15 years (1995–2009) is reported. The main clinical manifestations included thoracic pain or dyspnea, although 2 patients were asymptomatic. The clinical picture and complications vary according to cyst location. Isolated cardiac CE may be cured after surgery, while endovascular extracardiac involvement is associated with severe chronic complications. CE should be included in the differential diagnosis of cardiovascular disease in patients from endemic areas. CE is a neglected disease and further studies are necessary in order to make more definite management recommendations for this rare and severe form of the disease. The authors propose a general approach based on cyst location: exclusively cardiac, endovascular or both

Temporary anterior cervical plating in a child with traumatic cervical ligamentous instability

Application of anterior cervical plates in children is problematic because of the growing spine, and thus has been reported only rarely in the medical literature. In this case report, a 7-year-old with traumatic C2-3 and C3-4 ligamentous instability was treated surgically by limited-duration anterior cervical plating. The plate was removed in a second operation, as the osseous union occurred 1 year after the primary operation. Limited-duration anterior cervical plating is an alternative for stabilization operations of the growing cervical spine in children. Copyright (c) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel

Angiogram miesiąca Skuteczna angioplastyka krytycznego zwężenia podwójnej prawej tętnicy wieńcowej

Anomalies of the coronary arteries are uncommon and often asymptomatic. Double right coronary artery (RCA) is a very rare coronary anomaly. So far, the number of reported cases of double RCA is low. We describe a case of a 50-year-old female patient hospitalised with the diagnosis of unstable angina pectoris. RCA injection showed filling of two separately originating RCA, coursing towards the right atrioventricular groove. Coronary angioplasty was successful