bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PPHN treated with sildenafil and inhaled nitric oxide delivered	via nasal continuous positive airway pressure
Authors: Al-Alaiyan Saleh , Smith Dean , Dawoud Magdy , Al-Hazzani Fahad
Published: December 2019

We report the case of a newborn infant who developed persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn and was successfully treated with a combination of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), nasal continous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) and seldinafil. This approach may decrease the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation and subsequently lung injury in similar cases.
An improved method to determine orogastric tube insertion length in extremely low birth weight infants
Authors: Cordero L. , Nankervis C.A. , Coley B.D. , Giannone P.J.
Published: December 2019

Background: Traditionally, orogastric tube (OGt) insertion length is determined by nose-earlobe-xyphoid (NEX) measurement. Minimum insertion lengths have been proposed for prematures but not for extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Objective: To determine minimum OGt insertion length for intragastric placement in ELBW infants using NEX measurements alone and NEX measurements in conjunction with a novel regression formula. Design/Methods: Retrospective phase (83 pts): Correct intragastric placements were identified and a regression formula for predicting insertion length was created. Prospective phase (50 pts): Nurses were instructed to use NEX measurements if they coincided within 1 cm with estimates from the regression formula (birth weight g × 0.004 + 9.44 = cm insertion length). In cases of discrepancy, measurements calculated by the formula were used. Results: Using NEX method alone, the first OGt placements were in the esophagus (6%) straight in the stomach (6%), reversed in the stomach (4%), in the duodenum (1%) and “correctly” placed diagonal in the stomach (83%). Using NEX measurement and the regression formula, OGt placements were diagonal in the stomach (96%), or straight in the stomach (4%), with none in the esophagus, reversed in the stomach or in the duodenum. The difference in correct placements by the two methods was significant. Conclusions: NEX measurements in conjunction with a minimum insertion length estimated from a formula should decrease the number of malpositioned OGt in ELBW infants.
Case-control study of risk factors and outcomes associated with neonatal candidiasis
Authors: Wang M. , Tran Tu , Tran V. , Padilla L. , Le Jennifer
Published: December 2019

Background: Invasive candidiasis is a late-onset sepsis that occurs in infants in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Our study aimed to evaluate the risk factors and outcomes associated with neonatal candidiasis. Methods: A case-control retrospective study was conducted at Miller Children's Hospital from January 1990 to December 2008. Cases were matched to controls by birth weight category, birth date and gestational age. Results: A total of 161 neonates, 103 cases and 58 controls, were included. Demographics such as age, sex, weight and underlying disease were similar between groups. Mean time to infection was 38 days from NICU admission. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that congenital heart disease (odds ratio [OR], 6.35; 95% CI 1.75–23.03, p = 0.005), total parenteral nutrition (OR, 42.97; 95% CI 3.35–550.55, p = 0.004) and abdominal surgery (OR, 6.35; 95% CI 1.75–23.03, p = 0.005) were independently associated with neonatal candidiasis. Mean NICU stay was longer and more patients died in the case group vs. control groups (103 ± 63 vs. 66 ± 27 days, p < 0.001; 13 vs. 2, p = 0.082). Conclusion: The index of suspicion for neonatal candidiasis should be high in those with risk factors, especially if NICU stay exceeds >38 days. Presumptive antifungal therapy should be initiated promptly and antifungal prophylaxis should be considered in these infants.
Hand-disinfectant alcoholic vapors in incubators
Authors: Paccaud C. , Vernez D. , Berode M. , Charrière N. , Moessinger A. , Laubscher B.
Published: December 2019

Objective: To analyze the atmosphere inside incubators regarding alcoholic solvent such as isopropanol or ethanol which are commonly used in hand disinfecting solutions. Design: Observational. Setting: The third level neonatal unit of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland. Patients: Nine neonates with median (range) gestational age of 29 4/7 (25 5/7–39 0/7) weeks and birth weight of 960 (550–3050) grams. All neonates were inside incubators. Interventions: Alcoholic vapors inside incubators were directly and cumulatively measured by photoionisation and gas chromatography respectively after absorption on a charcoal sampling tube. Results: Eleven studies (mean study time: 230 ± 19 minutes) were performed. Highly variable isopropanol/ethanol concentrations profiles were found inside incubators. Peak value for isopropanol was 1982 part per million and for ethanol was 906 part per million. Conclusions: Incubators' inner atmosphere can be highly polluted by alcohol vapors. To reduce them staff should respect long evaporation time between hands disinfection and manipulations inside incubators. The use of an ethanol-based disinfecting solution, because of its short evaporation time, could be favored. As alcohol vapor toxicity for neonate remains largely unknown, further studies could be welcome.
Outcomes of extremely premature infants admitted to a children's hospital depends on referring hospital
Authors: Shepherd E.G. , Calvert T.J. , Martin E.M. , Hitchner J.C. , Welty S.E. , Nelin L.D.
Published: December 2019

Objective: The outcome of premature infants is negatively impacted by transport, and in Central Ohio every effort is made to transport the mother prior to preterm delivery. Our neonatal intensive care unit is an all referral unit, thus all babies are transported and the referral hospitals include those without neonatology coverage, and those with neonatology coverage. We tested the hypothesis that the outcomes of extremely premature infants (<27 weeks gestational age) admitted to our NICU would be better when the infant was referred from a hospital with neonatology coverage. Patients and methods: We collected data from 227 patients admitted from December, 2004 to August, 2008; 192 patients were from hospitals with neonatology coverage. Results: The survival rate was greater for those babies referred from hospitals with neonatology coverage than in those referred from hospitals without neonatology coverage (82% vs. 60%, p = 0.007), as was the combined outcome of survival without Grade 3/4 IVH (68% vs. 43%, p < 0.01). When limited to only those patients admitted at <3 days of life, survival was better for infants referred from hospitals with neonatology coverage than those referred from hospitals without it (77% vs. 63%; p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that for infants born at <27 weeks admitted to an all referral unit delivery in a hospital with neonatology coverage leads to better survival.
Prolonged neonatal-onset hyperinsulinism in the absence of predisposing factors
Authors: Gisslen T. , Nathan B. , Thompson T. , Rao R.
Published: December 2019

This patient series reports on prolonged hyperinsulinism in four newborn infants without characteristic perinatal risk factors. The condition presented with asymptomatic hypoglycemia soon after birth and was accompanied by inappropriately elevated plasma insulin levels and suppressed ketogenesis and lipolysis. Glucose infusion rates between 11 and 20 mg/kg/min were necessary for correction of hypoglycemia. Sustained euglycemia could be achieved only after starting diazoxide. In all infants, diazoxide could be weaned off within weeks without the recurrence of hypoglycemia. This case series illustrates the varied perinatal history and clinical course of prolonged neonatal-onset hyperinsulinism and highlights the importance of considering this condition in infants without typical predisposing factors.
Congenital scalp myofibroma: A case report
Authors: Abujarir R. , Salama H. , Alsulaiti G. , Al-Saied A. , Buraki W.A. , Al-kurdi B. , Soofi M.E.
Published: December 2019

Myofibroma tumors are uncommon benign neoplasms, affecting mainly the early pediatric age group. Infantile myofibromas consist of benign nodules in the skin, muscle, or bone. Less often, they can occur in the lung, heart, gastrointestinal tract, or orbit. Infantile myofibromas exhibit growth in the immediate perinatal period that may continue for the first few months of life, reaching a size approaching several centimeters in diameter. Because this tumor grows rapidly during infancy, capillary hemangioma of the scalp or malignant neoplasia is often suspected. We examine a case of solitary infantile myofibroma in a newborn's scalp, which presented a diagnostic challenge.
Subdural total parenteral nutrition collection: A complication of a peripheral scalp intravenous catheter in a neonate
Authors: Kohn A.Z. , Bloom D.A. , Wilson J.D. , Krishnamurthy S.
Published: December 2019

The inability to feed premature infants can require prolonged intravenous (IV) access, often via a peripheral scalp vein. We report a case of a subdural fluid collection and brain injury following scalp IV placement. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such a complication in a neonate.
A comparison of outcomes of care in an open-bay and single-family room neonatal intensive care facility
Authors: Stevens D.C. , Thompson P.A. , Helseth C.C. , Pottala J.V. , Khan M. Akram , Munson D.P.
Published: December 2019

Objectives: To compare a composite of severe adverse outcomes of care using the open-bay (OPBY) and single-family room (SFR) neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) designs. Study Design: Retrospective cohort analysis of a composite indicator of death, grade III-IV intraventricular hemorrhage, >28 days of supplemental oxygen or the need for retinal laser ablation surgery. Data for 3143 neonates over a five-year period were analyzed. Propensity score was calculated as the predicted probability of a neonate being admitted to the OPBY NICU. This indicated that the two cohorts were comprised of similar subjects. Equivalence testing was also used to compare the two study cohorts with logistic regression modeling the occurrence of the composite endpoint. Results: Logistic regression did not indicate a significant difference in composite adverse outcomes for the OPBY and SFR NICU. Equivalence testing and the use of the propensity scores confirmed the comparability of the two study cohorts. Conclusions: The large sample and the confirmation of equivalence of the two study cohorts provides great confidence that in this investigation there was no difference in composite of serious adverse outcomes of care using either the OPBY or SFR NICU design.
Relationship between free and total cortisol concentrations in the serum of newborn infants
Authors: Bhatt-Mehta V. , Barks J.D.
Published: December 2019

Background: Newborn infants have low serum cortisol concentrations due to immature Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis. Cortisol is highly protein bound. Hypoproteinemia, often present in sick newborns, can alter the measured total serum cortisol (TC) without affecting free cortisol (FC) concentrations. Objective: Evaluate the relationship between baseline FC and TC in sick newborn infants with refractory hypotension. Methods: Simultaneous baseline FC and TC were measured in neonates with refractory hypotension. TC was measured using radioimmunoassay and FC by LC/MS/MS. The correlation between the concentration pairs was determined using regression. Results: Thirty five of 36 pairs with patients serum cortisol concentrations were included. One pair was removed due to being a strong outlier. The mean ± SD gestational age and birth weight were 29.3 ± 5.7 weeks and 1.52 ± 1.28 kg, respectively. FC (0.02 to 42.5 mcg/dL) and TC (0.7 – 33.2 mcg/dL) varied widely. The overall correlation between FC and TC was r = 0.48 (p = 0.003). When analyzed based on TC ≤ or > 10 mcg/dL the correlation weakened (r = 0.38 and r = 0.21, respectively). For infants ≤34 and >34 weeks correlation were similar (r = 0.48 and 0.45, respectively). Conclusions: In sick newborns, correlation between FC and TC is weak. TC measured routinely may not reflect the extent of adrenal insufficiency.
Intrauterine growth restriction after bariatric surgery
Authors: Belcastro M.R. , Neiger R. , Ventolini G.
Published: December 2019

Objective: Studies have suggested that pregnancies in patients with gastric bypass surgery for obesity are uncomplicated if the procedure was performed 6 to 18 months before pregnancy. We aim to examine intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in patients who underwent gastric bypass for at least 18 months before conception and who had no other obstetric risk factors. Material and Methods: We reviewed pregnancy outcome of patients who underwent gastric bypass 18 to 48 months before pregnancy. Results: Total population was 44 patients: 35 had uncomplicated pregnancies and 9 (20.5%) had IUGR and oligohydramnios. Their pregnancies before bypass were uncomplicated. All 9 patients were labor induced at 34 to 35 weeks; seven of them delivered vaginally and two by cesarean. Birth weight ranged from 1728–2041 grams and hospital stay between 9–38 days. Conclusion: In our population, pregnancies in patients with gastric bypass were at increased risk of IUGR. The risk persists beyond 18 months post bypass surgery, therefore fetal growth should be monitored closely.
Interventional nutritional protocol decreases osteopenia of prematurity in extremely low birth weight infants
Authors: Mohamed I.S.I. , Garrison N. , Wynn R.J. , Lakshminrusimha S. , Ryan R.M.
Published: December 2019

Background: Osteopenia of prematurity is common among extremely low birth weight infants (ELBW). There are currently no standard practices regarding screening, prevention or treatment of this condition. Objective: To determine if introduction of a nutritional monitoring and interventional protocol would decrease the incidence and severity of osteopenia of prematurity. Methods: A nutritional protocol to monitor the needs and provide supplementation of calcium and phosphorus has been instituted in our unit. We compared ELBW infants born in the year before (Group 1) vs. after (Group 2) for lowest serum phosphorus, peak alkaline phosphatase and bone fractures. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent effect of gestational age, birth weight, diuretics, postnatal steroids, and the nutritional protocol. Results: Osteopenia-related outcomes improved, including: phosphorus level <3 mg/dL (34% vs. 14%, (P = 0.003)), peak alkaline phosphatase >750 IU/L (18% vs. 7%, (P = 0.018)), and bone fractures (16.4% vs. 5.4%, (P = 0.026)). The use of diuretics increased significantly, while the use of postnatal steroids decreased significantly. Logistic regression analysis confirmed the independent contribution of our nutritional protocol as well as birth weight to osteopenia of prematurity outcomes. Conclusions: This is the first study to report that initiation of a protocol for monitoring and optimizing bone mineralization can decrease the incidence of severe osteopenia of prematurity as manifested by hypophosphatemia, elevated ALP and bone fractures. Implementation of a neonatal intensive care clinical practice guideline will improve this largely preventable medical complication.
Heparin therapy: A potential risk factor for fractures in preterm neonates
Authors: Sehgal A. , Vunnam K. , Veldman A. , Monagle P. , Malhotra A. , Whiteley G.
Published: December 2019

The majority of bone mineralization occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy and preterm infants are likely to have depleted stores. This puts them at greater risk of fractures. Heparin has been shown to cause osteopenia in adults though fractures are uncommon. There are no data that suggest an association between heparin and fractures in preterm neonates. This report presents the case of a preterm infant who was treated with unfractionated heparin for 3 weeks for an arterial thrombus. Post heparin X-rays demonstrated multiple fractures which did not exist prior to therapy. The temporal association between heparin therapy and fractures suggests that the combination of dose and duration of therapy is a potential risk factor. In preterm infants with already depleted bone mineral content, this could be an important therapeutic consideration.
A case of neonatal pulmonary Aspergillosis successfully treated with micafungin
Authors: Niwa F. , Kawai M. , Matsukura T. , Heike T.
Published: December 2019

Preterm infants are susceptible to opportunistic infection because of their immature immune system. With regard to fungal infection, Aspergillosis is second only to Candida infection in these patients. Here we report the case of an extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infant who developed pulmonary Aspergillosis and was successfully treated by micafungin (echinocandins). The infection occurred in the cavity in chronic lung disease and was diagnosed by typical CT imaging and detection of Aspergillus galactmannan antigen in the serum specimen. To our knowledge, this is the first report of pulmonary Aspergillosis treated with micafungin in ELBW infants.
Neonatal encephalopathy, sentinel events, and the placenta
Authors: Chang T. , Reyes C. , Teng J. , Placette J. , Massaro A.N. , Nelson K.B.
Published: December 2019

Objective: To examine the frequency and types of placental pathology observed in encephalopathic newborns presenting for therapeutic hypothermia. Study Design: Between May 2006 and April 2010, 140 term newborns with neonatal encephalopathy were admitted for cooling. The presence or absence of recognized asphyxial (“sentinel”) birth events was noted. Placental pathology was categorized as vascular, inflammatory, or other. Result: Placental surgical pathology reports were available for 100 newborns, of whom 51% had sentinel events. Abnormalities were reported in 51% of placentas, 29% with and 73% without sentinel events (p = 0.0001). Inflammatory pathology was more frequent in infants without sentinel events (43% vs. 14%, p = 0.0016), especially in infants with pH below 7.0 (p = 0.012). Conclusion: Placental pathology was common in infants with neonatal encephalopathy admitted for therapeutic hypothermia, especially in those with no clinically recognized sentinel birth events. Severe acidosis was often observed in infants without sentinel events who had inflammatory placental pathology.
A million little pieces: Parental and physician perspectives on Trisomy 18
Authors: Thiele P.
Published: December 2019

Our lives are full of hopes and expectations; but are these hopes and expectations always understood by those who practice in the healthcare system? What happens when communication breaks down? From my own experience I can tell you that it leads to a lonely journey, a journey that, for the most part, left me feeling abandoned and desperately unhappy. Having kept a journal throughout my pregnancy I was challenged by a neonatologist, Andrew Watkins, to write about the experience and discuss hope, communication, costs and bioethics. The challenge arose after he heard of my journey, particularly as the story resonated strongly with him. Although all topics are relevant, I would need to write a PhD to give full justice to all headings but, albeit briefly, I have included all areas. It is my invitation to you to experience a little of my journey; a journey where I chose not to terminate my son diagnosed with a ‘lethal’ abnormality.
Cerebral oximetry in preterm infants with respiratory disease: The effects of age and weight on cerebral oxygenation
Authors: Niforatos N. , Said M.M. , Rais-Bahrami K.
Published: December 2019

Objective: To evaluate the effects of brief systemic hypoxia on cerebral tissue saturation in premature infants with respiratory disease. We hypothesized that healthy premature infants have a direct relationship between arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) and cerebral oxygen saturation (SctO2) and that the nature of the relationship is associated with demographic markers of maturation. Furthermore, we hypothesized that most infants can maintain adequate cerebral tissue saturation during brief periods of systemic hypoxia. Study design: Twenty-four preterm neonates with respiratory disease were enrolled and monitored for 72 hours using simultaneous pulse oximetry (to detect SpO2) and cerebral tissue oximetry (to detect SctO2). The relationship between SpO2 and SctO2 and demographic markers of maturation were analyzed, using linear and non-parametric regression methods. Result: As expected, SctO2 decreased linearly with decreased SpO2. The drop rate of SctO2 significantly increased in relation to SpO2 with decreasing gestational age, corrected gestational age and weight (both birth weight and weight at time of study) but not post-natal age. Conclusion: Healthy premature infants with isolated respiratory disease can maintain adequate cerebral tissue saturations during periods of brief hypoxemia without requiring additional intervention. Each infant has a unique ability to regulate cerebral oxygenation, which appears to be associated with advancing gestational age and increasing weight.
Calculation of total fluid intake in 32 to 35 week gestational age infants in Canada: Does weight or day of life matter?
Authors: Morinis J. , Butt M. , Latchman A.
Published: December 2019

Background: The daily calculation of an infant's fluid requirements is a necessary and key component of the care of preterm infants in order to ensure physiological stability and adequate caloric and nutritional intake. However, there is little research on this practice to date. Objectives: To describe the total fuid intake (TFI) prescriptions for 32–35 completed weeks gestational age infants in a Level II nursery and neonatal intensive care unit of a single centre and to examine the impact of the different prescription practices on infant weight gain. Method: A retrospective review was conducted of TFI prescriptions on all 32–35 week gestational age infants admitted to a Level II nursery and neonatal intensive care unit. In addition, Canadian pediatricians and neonatologists were surveyed regarding their fuid management practice. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a Mann-Whitney U test. Results: A total of 80.3% of infants had TFI calculated using their current weight before surpassing birthweight. Infants that had TFI calculated on their current weight after birthweight was surpassed gained a significantly greater proportion of weight by day fourteen of life than those switched before birthweight was surpassed (p < 0.001). The clinician survey indicated a wide variation in the approach to TFI prescription. Conclusion: Fluid management practice in late preterm infants is inconsistent and may lead to negative outcomes. Further investigation is warranted.
The impact of RFID technologies on inventory accuracy in the apparel retailing: Evidence from the field
Authors: Bertolini Massimo , Bottani Eleonora , Romagnoli Giovanni , Vignali Giuseppe
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we assess the level of inventory accuracy that can be reached by adopting radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for inventory count operations in the fashion retailing. Thanks to an in-field implementation, we carried out two series of RFID inventory counts and compared the resulting accuracy level with that obtained exploiting the traditional barcode (BC) technology, so as to highlight the main pros and cons of the RFID adoption.

As a general conclusion, the findings from the experimental campaigns and the analyses carried out suggest that RFID inventory counts are more reliable than BC ones. Moreover, under several circumstances, RFID allows detecting out-of-stock situations that are not evident when using either the BC technology or the inventory data stored in the company’ information system. From those findings, a trend of the inventory accuracy as a function of the time required for RFID inventory counts is empirically derived. Such a trend can be exploited in practical cases to estimate the accuracy level achievable with inventory counts depending on the time dedicated to those activities.
The linear vestibulo-ocular reflex, locomotion and falls in	neurological disorders
Authors: Liao Ke , Walker Mark F. , Joshi Anand C. , Reschke Millard , Strupp Michael , Wagner Judith , Leigh R. John
Published: December 2019

Purpose: During locomotion, head perturbations, consisting of rotations and translations (linear movements), occur with predominant frequencies of 0.5–5.0 Hz. The vestibular reflexes act at short latency to safeguard clear vision and stable posture during locomotion. Much is known about the angular vestibulo-ocular reflex (aVOR) in response to head rotations, which depend on the semicircular canals of the vestibular labyrinth. However, the means to test reliably the linear or translational vestibulo-ocular reflex (tVOR), which depends on the otolithic organs, has only become available more recently.

Methods: We used a moving platform to translate normal human subjects vertically at frequencies similar to those occurring during locomotion, under ambient illumination.

Results: Our findings suggested that, whereas aVOR is concerned with stabilizing images of visual targets on the retina to optimize visual acuity, tVOR seems best suited to minimize retinal image motion between objects lying in different depth planes, in order to optimize motion parallax information. We then asked whether the tVOR functioned abnormally in patients with two neurological disorders that often cause falls: progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and cerebellar ataxia. We found that patients with PSP cannot adjust tVOR responses appropriately during viewing of near objects, nor converge their eyes. Vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), an otolith-spinal reflex, are also impaired in PSP patients. Patients with cerebellar ataxia also lack the ability to adjust tVOR for near viewing, even though they may be able to converge.

Conclusions: Taken together, our studies suggest that abnormal otolithic vestibular reflexes contribute to postural instability in PSP and cerebellar ataxia, and deserve further investigation.
Strategies for treatment of gait and posture associated deficits	in movement disorders: The impact of deep brain stimulation
Authors: Bötzel Kai , Kraft Eduard
Published: December 2019

Gait difficulties occur early in the course of Parkinson's disease (PD) as well as in generalized dystonia. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for patients with PD or dystonia. PD-associated slowness of gait improves dramatically after this procedure. Since not all gait problems can be treated with DBS, it is mandatory to assess the patient's symptoms precisely before an operation can be considered. In advanced stages of PD, postural deficits causing frequent falls are a major concern and will necessitate other strategies. In dystonia, walking may become possible only after this surgical intervention.

After the implantation of DBS electrodes, rehabilitative treatment is necessary to (i) to establish new movement patterns, (ii) preserve an appropriate activity level, and (iii) treat specific disability, which resulted from secondary changes of the musculoskeletal system during pathological muscle tension in dystonia. An integrated multimodal approach, which has been adopted in our institution is presented.
Improved behavioral outcomes after progesterone administration in	aged male rats with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Wali Bushra , Sayeed Iqbal , Stein Donald G.
Published: December 2019

Twenty-month-old male Fischer 344 rats with bilateral contusions of the frontal cortex (n=8/group) or sham operations received 16 mg/kg of progesterone or vehicle at 1 and 6 h post-injury, then once every 24 h for the next seven days, with tapering of the dose over the final two treatments. The rats' behavioral recovery was then evaluated on tests of locomotor activity and Morris water maze learning. All rats were sacrificed 21 days post-TBI and brains were perfused and cryoprotected for necrotic cavity measurements. The injury produced significant impairments in activity and spatial learning compared to sham controls. The progesterone-treated rats had better functional outcomes than vehicle-treated rats with similar cortical injuries. The neurosteroid treatment did not affect the size of the necrotic cavity.
Changes of internal stress and microstructure in spontaneous tin whisker growth
Authors: Ueno Hiromi , Tanaka Keisuke , Kimachi Hirohisa
Published: December 2019

Tin thin films with various thicknesses were electrodeposited on Cu substrate with and without Ni undercoat. The changes of the internal stresses in tin films were measured by the X-ray diffractions. For the case of 2.2 μm thick film without Ni undercoat, the initial internal stress was tension and then gradually changed into compression. After 20 h, the internal compressive stress became around −30 MPa and was remained constant afterward. Filament-type whiskers were formed on the surface after the stress changed into compression. For the case of 2.2 μm thick film with Ni undercoat, the stress maintained in tension and no whisker was observed. For the cases of thicker films with and without Ni undercoat, the stress was compression around −30 MPa just after deposition, and remained constant. Nodule-type and Mount-type whiskers were formed on the surface, but no Filament-type whiskers were observed. The compressive stress applied by bending on 2.2 μm thick film with Ni undercoat resulted in the formation of Mount-type whiskers. The postbake process induced the tensile stresses in 2.2 and 16.5 μm thick films. Whisker formation was prevented in thin film and only Mount-type whiskers were formed in thicker films.
Evaluation of creep crack growth properties of Gr. 92 steel weldment
Authors: Tabuchi M. , Yokobori A.T. , Sugiura R. , Yatomi M. , Kobayashi K.
Published: December 2019

High Cr ferritic heat resistant steels are used for boiler components in ultra-super critical thermal power plants. In weld components of these steels, Type-IV creep damages formed in the fine-grained heat-affected zone (HAZ), causing their creep strength to decrease at high temperatures. To assist the standardization of the testing method for creep crack growth in weld components, we conducted round robin tests using ASME Grade 92 steel as part of the VAMAS TWA31 collaboration. The CCG tests were carried out using the CT specimen and the circumferentially notched round bar specimen for both the base metal and weld joint of Gr. 92 steel. The effects of specimen configuration, temperature, load and stress triaxiality conditions on the crack initiation and growth properties were investigated.
On melting phenomenon at nanocontacts of thin metallic wires in comparison with fracture mechanics
Authors: Tohmyoh Hironori
Published: December 2019

In the Joule heat welding of two metallic wires, the melting phenomenon at the nanocontact between the wires is very important. If the current supply is insufficient, the nanocontact does not melt and the phenomenon is similar to the crack problem in linear elastic fracture mechanics where a crack does not propagate if the applied force is too low. From the seeming analogy between the melting phenomenon and the crack problem, a parameter which governs the melting phenomenon at the nanocontact is considered.
Editorial: Krisen der Reproduktion
Authors: Redaktion PROKLA , Dück Julia , Hajek Katharina
Published: December 2019

Das Editorial arbeitet ein Verständnis von sozialer Reproduktion heraus, anhand der Gemeinsamkeiten und Differenzen, Anknüpfungspunkte aber auch Unvereinbarkeiten unterschiedlicher Perspektiven. Die unterschiedlichen Argumentationen und der zentrale Fokus des jeweiligen Ansatzes sollen entlang von drei Fragen deutlich werden: Der Frage nach dem Verständnis des Begriffs, nach der Verortung von sozialer Reproduktion im gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhang bzw. in der Reproduktion von Kapitalismus, sowie nach der Bedeutung von „Geschlecht“ im Zusammenhang von sozialer Reproduktion.
The business elites of the leading countries of the world in 2019
Authors: Rakhmanov Azat B.
Published: December 2019

The article is dedicated to a comparative analysis of business elites (billionaires and millionaires) of the leading countries of the world in 2019. The paper considers the number of rich individuals, their wealth, percentage of self-made businessmen, education, age, sectoral specialization, level of oligarchy’s domination, geographical spread and global mobility. The advantages of Russian business elite are the high level of wealth, young age, the high percentage of self-made businessmen, and the high level of global mobility. The disadvantages of Russian business community are the small number, the highest level of orientation towards the energy and natural resources industries, the highest level of concentration in one city, and the highest level of oligarchy’s domination.
Capital accumulation and economic growth after the Great Recession
Authors: Grigoryev Leonid M. , Makarova Ekaterina A.
Published: December 2019

The Great Recession in 2008—2009 and slow recovery after it became a significant challenge both for economic policy and theory, especially for economic growth studies. New circumstances have revealed new stylized facts, for instance, the decrease in growth rates and capital accumulation in advanced economies. The paper analyzes responses to and outcomes of the Great Recession for countries at different stages of development. The authors consider the investment impact on economic growth varying through seven clusters of countries, determined according to GDP (PPP) level per capita. An attempt has been made to reveal new stylized facts based on current trends and to revise some theoretical approaches to the analysis of economic growth.
HÂKİMLERİN VE BİLİRKİŞİLERİN HUKUKÎ SORUMLULUĞUNA İLİŞKİN VERİLEN MAHKEME KARARLARI İÇİN UYGULANACAK KANUN YOLUNA BAŞVURU SINIRI ÜZERİNE BİR HUKUK GENEL KURULU KARARININ DÜŞÜNDÜRDÜKLERİ
Authors: KONURALP Orhan Emre
Published: December 2019

Hâkimin
hukukî sorumluluğu Hukuk Muhakemeleri Kanunu’nda özel olarak düzenlenmiştir. Bu
kapsamda Devlet aleyhine açılacak olan davalar üst derece mahkemeleri
tarafından ilk derece mahkemesi sıfatıyla görülecektir. Getirilen bu özel
düzenleme kanun yolu sisteminin de farklı bir şekilde uygulanmasını
gerektirmektedir. Bu farklılık ise uygulamada tereddüde yol açmaktadır. Çalışmamızın
amacı hâkimin hukukî sorumluluğuna ilişkin bir Hukuk Genel Kurulu kararını da
dikkate alarak, bu davalarda verilen hükümlerin nasıl kesinleşeceğini
açıklamaktır.
Aptidão fí­sica relacionada à saúde em adolescentes de Itabaiana/SE
Authors: Souza Rafael Luiz Mesquita , Schütz Silvia , Martins Felipe José Aidar , Marçal Anderson Carlos , Soares Nara Michelle Moura
Published: December 2019

Introdução: É amplamente conhecido os efeitos da prática do exercí­cio fí­sico sobre o organismo. De uma forma geral promove melhora do bem-estar fí­sico, mental e social e atenua a incidência de doenças ou enfermidades não transmissí­veis como obesidade, diabetes e doenças cardiovasculares. Além disso, a aptidão fí­sica é reconhecida como importante preditor de doenças hipocinéticas. Todavia, há necessidade de estudos envolvendo adolescentes. Objetivo: Analisar os indicadores de aptidão fí­sica em 77 escolares do ensino médio nas idades de 15-17 anos na cidade de Itabaiana/SE. Métodos: Foi avaliada a força, flexibilidade e resistência cardiovascular correlacionando as variáveis obtidas entre idades e o sexo. Resultados: Na avaliação do Percentual de Gordura e de Flexibilidade (com exceção das meninas com 16 anos) os escolares se mantiveram dentro de uma classificação aceitável, com maioria razoável e muito bom. Já para os testes de Capacidade Cardiorrespiratória e Força/Resistência abdominal, apresentaram resultados insatisfatórios variando entre os indicadores fraco e muito fraco. Conclusão: Os escolares não se encontram dentro de uma Aptidão Fí­sica Relacionada í  Saúde aceitável, sendo necessária uma intervenção juntamente com os pais e a escola, para conscientizar e incentivar a prática de atividade fí­sica por parte desses adolescentes e dos demais escolares.
Diferentes tipos de aquecimento promovem mudanças no desempenho de corredores amadores?
Authors: Alves Micael Deivison de Jesus , Mendes Renata Rebello , Santos Dayane Franciely Conceição , De Souza Raphael Fabrí­cio , Rica Roberta Luksevicius , Pereira Paulo Eduardo , Barbosa Welmo Alcantara , Souza Alana de Sena , Bocalini Danilo Sales , Gomes Joao Henrique
Published: December 2019

Introdução: O interesse de pesquisadores e treinadores de corrida sobre estratégias que visam maximizar o desempenho vem crescendo nos últimos anos. Objetivos: Avaliar o efeito de diferentes modalidades de aquecimento sobre o desempenho de corredores de rua recreacionais. Métodos: Foram avaliados 18 corredores (28 ± 6 anos; 177,9 ± 6,1 cm; 75,8 ± 11,8 kg). Os avaliados foram submetidos a 3 protocolos: exercí­cios educativos de corrida (EE), exercí­cios funcionais (EF) e controle (C), o qual não realizou nenhuma atividade. Foi utilizado o teste de corrida contí­nua de 20 minutos em esforço máximo para avaliar o desempenho. Resultados: A distância total ao final de teste de corrida não apresentou diferença significativa entre os 3 protocolos de atividades prévias. A velocidade média não apresentou diferença significante entre os protocolos de EE, EF e C. Conclusão: O aquecimento com EE e EF realizados por 10 minutos não melhora o desempenho de corredores de rua recreacionais.
Questionário de Prontidão para Atividade Fí­sica (PAR-Q)
Authors: Luz Leonardo Gomes de Oliveira , Farinatti Paulo de Tarso Veras
Published: December 2019

A avaliação do estado de prontidão para realizar exercí­cios fí­sicos é um passo importante para a sua prescrição. Na impossibilidade de realizar avaliações clí­nicas, a utilização de screenings rápidos pode ser alternativa para a detecção daqueles que necessitam de maior atenção antes de se submeterem a um programa regular ou a um aumento da intensidade de trabalho. Para os devidos fins, o Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) é comumente indicado pela literatura. A presente revisão da literatura teve como objetivo identifi car o estado da produção cientí­fica existente a respeito do PAR-Q, principalmente no que diz respeito í  sua aplicação em populações com idade avançada. O estudo evidenciou uma fragilidade do instrumento quanto í  sua acurácia, devido í  falta de estudos que tenham verificado sua sensibilidade (SE) e especificidade (ES). Desde o seu desenvolvimento na década de 70, poucos estudos objetivaram identificar a aplicabilidade do PAR-Q. Os poucos trabalhos encontrados, que procuraram avaliar tais variáveis, obtiveram resultados de SE e de ES influenciados pela forma como compreendiam e calcularam seus valores. No caso das pessoas idosas, as informações disponí­veis sobre a acurácia do instrumento são, francamente, insuficientes.Palavras-chave: questionário, screening e exercí­cio fí­sico.
Ní­vel de desidratação e desempenho fí­sico do árbitro de futebol no Paraná e São Paulo
Authors: Da Silva Alberto Inácio
Published: December 2019

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar e comparar o grau de desidratação no transcorrer de partidas oficiais de futebol em árbitros do estado do Paraná e São Paulo. Foram avaliados 16 árbitros, do sexo masculino, sendo nove da Federação Paranaense e sete pela Federação Paulista de Futebol. A perda total de água no organismo foi determinada a partir da mudança no peso corporal, considerando-se os valores do peso inicial e final, diurese e lí­quido ingerido no iní­cio e intervalo da partida. A distância percorrida durante a partida foi determinada mediante a filmagem dos árbitros. A temperatura ambiente média no Paraná foi de 23,1 ± 2,0 °C, e a umidade relativa do ar de 67,3 ± 21,3%. Já em São Paulofoi de 31,1 ± 7,1 °C, e 56,9 ± 12,8%, respectivamente. A temperatura apresentou diferença estatisticamente significativa (p = 0,029). A perda total de água corporal nos árbitros do Paraná foi de 1,86 ± 0,5 litros, o que equivale a 2,16 ± 0,5% do seu peso corporal inicial. Em São Pauloapresentou desidratação de 2,30 ± 0,6 litros, o que equivaleu a 3,20 ± 0,8% do peso corporal. A porcentagem da perda de peso corporal apresentou diferença estatisticamente significativa (p = 0, 006). A distância total média percorrida pelos árbitros do Paraná foi de 9.131,4 ± 255,8 metros. Já para os árbitros de São Paulo foi de 10.034,1 ± 840,6 metros. A análise estatí­stica demonstrou haver diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre estes valores (p = 0,0083). A diferença na temperatura ambiente observada em cada região foi considerada um fator determinante para a diferença no volume hí­drico perdido pelos árbitros no transcorrer da partida.Palavras-chave: árbitro, futebol, nutrição.
Bioengineering International joins the Family of Platinum Open Access Journals
Authors: Anton Nicolas , Birca Alexandra Catalina , Grumezescu Alexandru Mihai , Hamblin Michael R , Walsh Laurence J. , Wen Cuie
Published: December 2019

We are pleased to announce the launch of a new platinum open access journal entitled Bioengineering International. Bioengineering International is a peer-reviewed journal that encourages worldwide academic and scientific researchers to share their original research work, reviews and commentaries. The journal will provide an extensive platform for this interdisciplinary blend of chemistry, biology and materials science, with their synergistic effects on the progress of biomedicine and bioengineering.
The purpose of Bioengineering International journal is to provide comprehensive and facile access to the latest contributions of academic and scientific researchers and to facilitate their publication completely free of charge including review papers, original research articles, communications and short notes. AMG Transcend Association (Romania) covers all economic costs of the publishing process. Platinum Open Access policy provides permanent free and open access for worldwide readers, both the scientific community and the general public. The Bioengineering International journal will ensure the high visibility of the published papers, by ensuring their appearance in most important scientific databases, such as Scopus (Elsevier), Science Citation Index (Clarivate Analytics), Scilit (MDPI) and Chemical Abstracts (CAS).
Therefore, we encourage all research scientists interested in the field of bioengineering to submit their papers to Bioengineering International.
Five springtail (Collembola) species inhabiting heathlands in Poland
Authors: Furgoł Michał , Piwnik Agata , Wiśniewski Konrad
Published: December 2019

We report the presence of five Collembola species from western Poland, three of which were recorded in this country for the first time – Bourletiella pistillum Gisin, 1964 (Bourletiellidae), Lepidocyrtus tellecheae Arbea & Jordana 1990 (Entomobryidae) and Isotoma caerulea Bourlet, 1839 (Isotomidae). Seira dollfusi Carl, 1899 (Entomobryidae) was earlier known solely from a single, old report. Pachyotoma topsenti (Denis, 1948) (Isotomidae) is generally considered a rare species in the region. Though generally infrequently encountered, all five species occur in very high numbers in our plots and they are among the dominant springtails. The habitats surveyed in the study, i.e. dry Calluna-heathlands and their accompanying habitats are endangered in Central Europe and require active management. In one of the studied plots, a prescribed burn was applied to rejuvenate the heather. We discuss the distribution and habitat preferences of the five species in the European context and their possible significance as indicators of different habitat types.
Тhе incarnation of nostalgia in the piano cycle «Love» by V. Barvinsky
Authors: Semenets Oksana
Published: December 2019

The features of nostalgia in the piano loop «Love» by V. Barvinsky are
considered. Attention is drawn to the peculiarities of the composer's style in
different periods of creativity. In particular, the influence of modernism on
the work of V. Barvinsky stands out. So modernist features have appeared in
many of the works of the composer: Prelude h-moll, Part II from the cycle
«Love», «Prelude» from «Suits to Ukrainian folk themes», «The Frog Waltz»,
«Preludes of the e-moll», «Fis-dur, Cis-dur», «Trio a-moll», solos «In the
forest», romances «Oi luli, luli», «In the evening in the house», Sonnet
«Blessing be», «Pastoral prelude to fis-moll», «Youth Quartet», «F-moll
Piano Concert», romance «Moon-Prince», «In the Forest», «Oh Fields,
Fields», etc. Also available for V. Barvinsky's creative method is the use of
dialogue and polylogue, a kind of semantic game that manifested itself in
allusions to M. Lysenko, R. Wagner, J. Puccini, K. Debussy, M. Ravel, and
others like that. In addition, it refers to nostalgia as one of the characteristic
features of modernism, which was particularly manifested in the art of the
late XIX - early XX centuries. In music, nostalgia can be called appeals to
past styles and epochs, including baroque and classicism. Thus, neo-baroque
and neoclassical features are observed by composers I. Stravinsky,
P. Hindemit, M. Ravel, J. Roger-Dyukas, G. Fore, D. Miyou, A. Onneger, in
Ukrainian music - M. Lysenko, K. Stetsenko. Also, the article focuses on the
special discovery of nostalgia in the era of the turn of the XIX-XX centuries. It turns out that for this period nostalgia was a characteristic feature that
manifested itself as one of the factors of rethinking being. In particular,
nostalgia was expressed in the piano cycle «Love» by V. Barvinsky as anxious
for his homeland, the bride, grief for lost during the First World War, and so
on.
المفاضلة بين الرواة بلفظ "فلان أحبُّ إليَّ" عند نقاد الحديث
Authors: SARMINI Mohamad Anas
Published: December 2019

تتجه هذه الدراسة إلى البحث في وجه
من وجوه المفاصلة بين الرواة الصادرة عن كبار النقاد، ألا وهو المفاضلات النسبية
الواردة بلفظ المحبة، وتهدف إلى شرح هذا الجانب من الأحكام النقدية نظريا عند
النقاد، ومن ثم استقراء هذا اللفظ استقراء تاما في أربعة كتب من مصادر العلل، ومن
ثم تجلية هذا اللفظ وبيان سياقاته وأغراضه ومعانيه الأصيلة والفرعية لدى النقاد، وذلك
لمعرفة فيما إذا تأثر سياق الحكم به بالمعنى اللغوي فظهر فيه ميلٌ شخصيٌّ، أم أنه
مصطلح نقدي يُصرِّح فيه الناقد برأيه في الرواة. ووصلت الدراسة إلى نتائج معينة،
منها شيوع هذا النوع من المفاضلة خصوصا في الترجيح بين الرواة المتقاربين في الضبط
والعدالة، وأنه كان في السياقات الأصيلة مصطلحا نقديا يدل على الترجيح، وغالبا كان
يرافق هذا الترجيح بيان سبب الاختيار ونتيجة الحكم في الراويين. وأنه دخل في
السياقات الفرعية منه العامل الشخصي، فعكست تلك الترجيحات أفكار الناقد واختياراته.
Role of Organic Acids on Phosphorus Fractions in Silty Clay Loam Soil
Authors: S.ALansari Abdulmahdi , M.Yassin Muhammad , W.Seheib Mahdi
Published: December 2019

This study was conducted to evaluation the role of the organic acids in the phosphorus fractions in silty clay loam texture. The laboratoryexperiment was conducted by adding the organic acids (Humic acid ,Citric acid ,Oxalic acid , Malic acid ,Acetic acid and Lactic acid )to the fertilized soil with conc. super phosphate fertilizer with 100 kg h-1 level with concentrations (0,15,30,45 and60)mg L-1,except Humic acid (500,1000,1500 and 2000) mg L-1.The soil was incubated at 30 C for 14,28,42,56 and 70 days period and the keep of field capacity about of incubation period during the daily weight.Amount of available ,mineral ,organic and total phosphorus after each incubated period were measured. The results showed that theaddition of organic acids of Humic acid ,Citric acid ,Oxalic acid and Malic acid were caused to increaseamount of available ,mineral ,organic and constant of total phosphorus in fertilized soil with conc. super phosphate fertilizer and increased its amount with increasing of organic acid concentration and better of Humic acid 2000mg L-1 significanton all the treatments .The results of the study that theaddition of organic acids were caused to increase amount of available and mineral phosphorus with increasing of incubation period and constant amount of total phosphorus and decreasing of organic phosphorus amount and available for only soil and only fertilizer treatment during increasing of incubation period .The organic acids can be arranged according to its ability toincrease the availabilityof the phosphorus as follow :