Structural Evolution and Microstructural Features of the Hydrodynamically Penetrating Copper Jet of a Shaped Charge

Shaped charges are unique and very effective warhead technology mostly applied to the rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) along with other applications (e.g. perforation of rocky formations in mining, rock drilling and other geological technics etc.). RPG's armour piercing and perforation performances originate from an explosively induced formation of a stretching metallic jet with very high velocities (hypervelocity). The hydrodynamic penetration mechanism of the stretching quasi-solid metallic jet is extremely complex and has not been fully understood. Both the jet with spout-like form and the target (i.e. RHA armour steel) behave hydrodynamically (i.e. incompressible fluid) and yet both solid strangely. The present study, as part of a large-scale customized R&D project, is stopping the penetration of the stretching jet of a RPG rocket within an "add-on" armour system. A series of experimental detonations and explosion of shaped charge munitions was conducted to elucidate the microstructural evolution and microstructural features of the metallic copper jet. Penetrating metallic spout-like jet forms were stopped and apprehended/caught within the inner layers of highly succesful composite based "add-on" armour designs. Structural evolution and microstructural analysis of the penetrating metallic jet were investigated to understand this extraordinary "solid-but behaving like fluid (quasi-solid)" metallic copper jet material. The findings obtained in this study suggest that the effective way of stopping the lethal effects of this weapon could be managed by diverting and/or twisting its linear stretching and penetration pathway.State Planning Organization of Turkish RepublicAuthors would like to thank to the State Planning Organization of Turkish Republic for the support of the Project. Authors would like to thank to the Tetra for their support for the SEM microstructural analysis and EDS studies. Authors would also thank to the researchers and technicians of the Materials Institute of TUBITAK Marmara Research Center for their support and work during the detonation-explosion experiments

Sodium hyaluronate dry powder inhalation in combination with sodium cromoglycate prepared using optimized spray drying conditions

Sodium hyaluronate (SHA) is an anti-inflammatory and protective agent against bronchoconstriction, and sodium cromoglicate (SCG) prevents exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and inflammation. Based on the pharmacological properties of both substances, this study aimed to develop a dry powder inhaler (DPI) of SHA alone and in combination with SCG. The target of the study was to develop flowable formulations without any surfactants by using the spray drying method. To obtain respirable SHA and SCG:SHA particles, variables of the spray dryer, such as inlet temperature, atomized air flow, and feed solution, were changed. The particles 1-8 mu m in size were produced with high yield by spray drying and increasing the ethanol percentage of the feed solution (60%), which is the most remarkable parameter. After that, physicochemical characterizations were performed. The aerosol performance of DPI formulations prepared using lactose was evaluated using Handihaler (R) DPI. The fine particle fraction (FPF) was 36% for the SHA formulation, whereas it was 52 and 53% for SCG and SHA, respectively, in the SCG:SHA formulation. Consequently, both particles were produced reproducibly by spray drying, and inhaled SHA and SCG:SHA dry powder formulations were developed due to their high FPF and flowability with lactose.The authors acknowledge the support of NEUTEC ILAC SAN. TIC.A.S. (NEUTEC) for providing insight into the study, financial sup-port, advice, and assistance on the use of the inhaler quality control laboratory. We are grateful to Ege University Planning and Monitoring Coordination of Organizational Development and Directorate of Library and Documentation for their support in editing and proofreading service of this studyNEUTEC ILAC SAN; TIC.A.S. (NEUTEC

Factors affecting the attitudes and opinions of ICU physicians regarding end-of-life decisions for their patients and themselves: A survey study from Turkey.

INTRODUCTION:Turkey is constitutionally secular with a Muslim majority. There is no legal basis for limiting life-support at the end-of-life (EOL) in Turkey. We aimed to investigate the opinions and attitudes of intensive care unit (ICU) physicians regarding EOL decisions, for both their patients and themselves, and to evaluate if the physicians' demographic and professional variables predicted the attitudes of physicians toward EOL decisions. METHODS:An online survey was distributed to national critical care societies' members. Physicians' opinions were sought concerning legalization of EOL decisions for terminally ill patients or by patient-request regardless of prognosis. Participants physicians' views on who should make EOL decisions and when they should occur were determined. Participants were also asked if they would prefer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and/or intubation/mechanical ventilation (MV) personally if they had terminal cancer. RESULTS:A total of 613 physicians responded. Religious beliefs had no effect on the physicians' acceptance of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) / do-not-intubate (DNI) orders for terminally ill patients, but atheism, was found to be an independent predictor of approval of DNR/DNI in cases of patient request (p50%) terminally ill patient ratio (p<0.05). CONCLUSION:Most ICU physicians did not want legalization of DNR and DNI orders, based solely on patient request. Even if EOL decision-making were legal in Turkey, this attitude may conflict with patient autonomy. The proportion of terminally ill patients in the ICU appears to affect physicians' attitudes to EOL decisions, both for their patients and by personal preference, an association which has not been previously reported

The Factor V Leiden 1691G>A and Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase 677C>T Gene Mutations in Recurrent Fetal Loss: A Case and Review of the Literature Tekrarlayan gebelik kayiplarinda faktor v leiden 1691g>a ve metilentetrahidrofolat reduktaz 677c>t gen mutasyonlari: olgu sunumu ve literaturun gozden gecirilmesi

Thrombophilia can be defined as a predisposition to form clots inappropriately. Throm bophilia is usually categorized into two types, acquired and genetic. The factor V Leiden (F VL) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutations are genetic conditions which asso ciated with the recurrent fetal loss. In this case, the patient who has heterozigot F VL 1691G>A and MTHFR 677C>T gene mutations with the recurrent fetal loss is presented. The present of both F VL and MTHFR gene mutations increase the risk of thrombosis seriously. In conclusion, the preg nant who has two gene mutations must be observed carefully for recurrent fetal loss and thrombosis. Moreover, they should be investigated for the purposes of the antiagregan and anticoagulant (low molecular weight heparin) theraphy. In similar cases, the cardiologist, internal medicine specialist and gynecologist should be work in cooperation. Copyright © 2013 by Türkiye Klinik leri

Understanding Vascular Age: Are Clinical scoring systems useful for Early Vascular Aging Syndrome Prediction ?

Introduction Early vascular aging syndrome (EVAS) is defined as increased arterial stiffness compared to age and sex matched patients, EVAS is measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV). Aim In our study we aim to identify in patients with high risk of EVAS using the CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and CHA2DS2-VASc-HS scores. Methods The CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc-HS and CHADS2VASC scoring systems are advised to determine management strategies in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. As they contain similar risk factors for the development or presence of EVAS, we believed that this risk scoring system could also be used to predict EVAS. This study was designed as a retrospective observational study. 2108 consecutive patients who had undergone 24-h blood pressure monitoring and measured PWV levels were included in the study. The patients were divided into the two groups according to corrected Pwv values. Results CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and CHA2DS2-VASc-HS scores were positively correlated with PWV values (r =0.251, p = 1.5 with a sensitivity of 49% and a specificity of 50 % (AUC 0.605; 95% [CI] 0.58-0.63) in the ROC curve analyses. Conclusions The CHA2DS2-VASc-HS scoring system might be used in daily clinical practice to calculate the total risk assessment of EVAS. This score is relatively simple to use and time-saving technique

Evaluation Of The Orthopaedics And Traumatology Resident Education In Turkey: A Descriptive Study

Objective The objective of this study is to describe the current situation regarding the training, working conditions, future plans, fields of interest and satisfaction of orthopaedics and traumatology residents in Turkey. Methods A descriptive survey questionnaire consisting of 24 questions was designed to identify the problems and solution suggestions concerning training of orthopaedic residents. All orthopaedics and traumatology residents who took the 2013 Progress Testing for Speciality in Medicine (UEGS) held by Turkish Orthopaedics and Traumatology Education Council (TOTEK) were surveyed in the class at the end thereof as well as the young orthopaedic surgeons who were reached through the email groups of Turkish Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology – Residents and Young Attendings Council (TOTBID-AGUH). Results A total of 725 residents and 132 young attendings were surveyed. The most outstanding answers are as follows: 62,7% of the respondents replied to the question “Is there a training program/Is it being applied” as “yes/yes”. It was found out that 94,3% of the respondents wanted to be involved in a rotation abroad. The “patient care” was the most common answer, with a ratio of 36,9%, to the question “What's the priority of the department you are studying in?”. Regarding work conditions, “many emergency on-calls” was found to be the most important parameter affecting life conditions (p < 0.05). Conclusion Aiming to identify the challenges that orthopaedics and traumatology residents in Turkey face as regards their training, this survey stands as a pioneering study with a high participation rate. Analysis of survey data highlights the importance of several key factors such as the development of training programs and increasing the time spent with academicians as well as spreading and promotion of log book application.PubMedWoSScopu