Parent grain reconstruction from partially or fully transformed microstructures in MTEX

A versatile generic framework for parent grain reconstruction from fully or partially transformed child microstructures has been integrated into the open-source crystallographic toolbox MTEX. The framework extends traditional parent grain reconstruction, phase transformation and variant analysis to all parent-child crystal symmetry combinations. The inherent versatility of the universally applicable parent grain reconstruction methods and the ability to conduct in-depth variant analysis are showcased via example workflows that can be programmatically modified by users to suit their specific applications. This is highlighted by three applications, namely α'-to-γ reconstruction in a lath martensitic steel, α-to-β reconstruction in a Ti alloy, and a two-step reconstruction from α' to ɛ to γ in a twinning and transformation-induced plasticity steel. Advanced orientation relationship discovery and analysis options, including variant analysis, are demonstrated via the add-on function library ORTools.

Diversity of TiO2: Controlling the Molecular and Electronic Structure of Atomic-Layer-Deposited Black TiO2

Visually black, electrically leaky, amorphous titania (am-TiO₂) thin films were grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) for photocatalytic applications. Broad spectral absorbance in the visible range and exceptional conductivity are attributed to trapped Ti³⁺ in the film. Oxidation of Ti³⁺ upon heat treatment leads to a drop in conductivity, a color change from black to white, and crystallization of am-TiO₂. ALD-grown black TiO₂, without any heat treatment, is subject to dissolution in alkaline photoelectrochemical conditions. The best photocatalytic activity for solar water splitting is obtained for completely crystalline white TiO₂.

Septicaemic listeriosis in reindeer calves – a case report

Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from 4 reindeer calves as a nearly pure growth from several internal organs, pointing to a septicaemic form of listeriosis. The calves were born in a calving corral. Silage feeding was considered the most probable source of the infection.Abstract in Finnish / Tiivistelmä:Listeria monocytogenes -bakteerin aiheuttama verenmyrkytys poronvasoilla – tapausselostus Toukokuussa 2005 Suomen poronhoitoalueen kaakkoisosassa sijaitsevassa vasotustarhassa kuoli neljä poronvasaa pian syntymän jälkeen 5-11 päivän ikäisinä. Kaikkien vasojen kuolinsyyksi todettiin Listeria monocytogenes -bakteerin aiheuttama verenmyrkytys. Tartunnan todennäköisin lähde oli vaatimien lisäruokinnassa käytetty säilörehu. Kyseessä on ensimmäinen poronvasoilla todettu Listeria monocytogenes -bakteerin aiheuttama verenmyrkytys Suomessa. Abstract in Norwegian / Sammendrag: Tilfelle av sjukdomsfremkallende Listeriabakterie i reinkalver Listeria monocytogenes ble isolert fra 4 reinkalver som en nesten ren vekst fra flere indre organer, noe som antyder en sykdomsfremkallende form av listeriose. Kalvene nedkom i en kalveinnhegning, og man antok at dårlig silofôr var smittekilden.

The increasing incidence and difference in sex distribution of Achilles tendon rupture in Finland in 1987-1999

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

There have been reports about the increasing number of Achilles tendon ruptures. The most of the reports are based on records in a few hospitals only. We wanted to verify the increasing trend by investigating the epidemiology of Achilles tendon rupture in a very large population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The retrospective data was collected from 1987 to 1999 in Finnish National Hospital Discharge Register. The study includes 7 375 tendon rupture patients. We recorded their age, gender, home district and the date of admission in a hospital.

RESULTS

The incidence of operatively treated Achilles tendon rupture was 11.2/105. The number of the patients was increasing particularly in the old age-groups. The change during the study period was statistically significant (p = 0.015). The females with a tendon rupture were on average 2-3 years older than men (p < 0.01). The urban areas around the capital city had a higher occurrence of tendon ruptures than the rural areas (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The number of Achilles tendon ruptures is increasing, but the reasons for this remain unknown. The geographical variations in rupture rate might indicate the role of the urban life-style as a risk factor. One reason for the differences between the men and the women might be the different level of the sport activities, especially ball-games.

Effects of Protostrongylus sp. and Pneumocystis sp. on the pulmonary tissue and the condition of mountain and brown hares from Finland

Mountain hares (Lepus timidus) and brown hares (Lepus europaeus) shot by hunters in several game management districts in southern and central Finland during the hunting season from September to the end of February 1998-2001 were examined for Protostrongylus sp. and Pneumocystis sp. Of the mountain hares, 96.5% (194/201) were infected with the lungworm Protostrongylus sp. and 16.9% (32/189) had cyst forms of the fungus Pneumocystis sp. in the lungs. The prevalence of the lungworm and fungus in brown hares was 60% (18/30) and 20.0% (6/30), respectively. The tissue changes associated with the lungworms were macroscopically and microscopically well demarcated. The majority and most severe histopathologic changes were seen at the distal part of the caudal lobes. Inflammatory cells, mainly eosinophils and macrophages, and in lesser degree neutrophils, lymphocytes, and plasma cells were typical findings in the worm-infected tissue. The condition and weight of the hare did not show any significant association with the intensity of the lungworm infection. All Pneumocystis-infected mountain hares were young, and their condition and weight correlated negatively with the intensity of the infection. The intensity of the Pneumocystis infection did not correlate with that of the lungworm infection. Within a tissue section, a slight but significant positive correlation was observed between presence of cysts and inflammatory cells.

Achilles tendon ruptures in South-East Finland between 1986-1996, with special reference to epidemiology, complications of surgery and hospital costs

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The incidence of achilles tendon (AT) ruptures is increasing. The aim of the present study was to evaluate annual incidence, aetiology, operative complications and direct hospital costs of AT ruptures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study of 93 consecutive patients operated on for AT rupture from January 1986 to December 1996 at Kuusankoski District Hospital (area with 92,500 inhabitants) was performed. During the observation period no patient with an AT rupture was treated conservatively.

RESULTS

95 AT ruptures were treated including one rerupture (1%) and one patient with two ruptures. There were 7 (7%) patients with an open AT rupture. The total annual incidence in the hospital area was 8.6 (+/- 4.3) and for closed AT ruptures 8.0 (+/- 3.8). The total incidence was 9.3 (+/- 4.6)/10(5) and for closed AT ruptures 8.6 (+/- 4.1)/10(5) inhabitants per year. Most of the injuries were sport related, the most frequent sport being volleyball. Patients operated for closed AT rupture had major surgical complications in 4.5% of the cases and the total complication rate was 11%. The average direct hospital costs per patient was USD 1375.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of AT ruptures is increasing in South-East Finland. The rate of major surgical complication was low (4.5%) and comparable with earlier studies.