bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing barriers to improve biocrust colonization and establishment in dryland restoration
Authors: Antoninka Anita , Bowker Matthew A. , Barger Nichole N. , Belnap Jayne , Giraldo‐Silva Ana , Reed Sasha C. , Garcia‐Pichel Ferran , Duniway Michael C.
Published: October 2019

Methods to reduce soil loss and associated loss of ecosystem functions due to land degradation are of particular importance in dryland ecosystems. Biocrusts are communities of cyanobacteria, lichens, and bryophytes that are vulnerable to soil disturbance, but provide vital ecosystem functions when present. Biocrusts stabilize soil, improve hydrologic function, and increase nutrient and carbon inputs. Methods to reestablish biocrust rapidly, when lost from ecosystems, have the potential to restore important dryland ecosystem functions and thereby increase probability of successful rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to identify habitat ameliorations to enhance the success of biocrust inoculation by: (1) reducing physiological stress on biocrusts and increasing resource availability (using shade, soil surface roughening, and watering), and (2) stabilizing mobile soils (using straw borders, three soil tackifiers [soil stabilizers], and a combination of shade, water, roughening, and tackifier). In the Great Basin Desert on the Utah Test and Training Range near Salt Lake City, we applied field‐harvested biocrust material to experimental plots on coarse‐ and fine‐textured soils with the top 2 cm of soil and biocrust removed. Habitat ameliorations were applied with and without biocrust addition. Shade provision increased biocrust cover 50% over controls. Biocrust cover and soil stability were 65% lower in straw border plots relative to controls. Soil tackifiers, alone and in combination with resource augmentation and stress reduction, did not improve cover and stabilization over inoculated controls. We found variability in recovery by time and between soil types. These results suggest plausible strategies to improve success of biocrust inoculation.
The financial costs of political uncertainty: Evidence from the 2016 US presidential elections
Authors: Selmi Refk , Bouoiyour Jamal
Published: October 2019

The victory of Mr. Donald Trump came as a surprise to a wide range of market participants. Some of the elements of his economic plan were envisaged to affect all US sectors. This paper assesses the reactions of disaggregated US stock market to the 2016 US presidential election results, and possible deregulation that is to follow after his inauguration. We find that the different US sectors were significantly and varyingly influenced by the election result, and were greatly reactive during the days after the inauguration. This underscores that uncertainty tends to persist and even rises since the President‐elect took office.
Recognition of HLA‐C*03:36 allele in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: October 2019

Nucleotide substitutions in codons 152 and 276 of HLA‐C*03:02:01 result in a novel allele, HLA‐C*03:36.
Low‐dose anti‐hepatitis B immunoglobulin regimen as prophylaxis for hepatitis B recurrence after liver transplantation
Authors: Lee Wei‐Chen , Chou Hong‐Shiue , Wu Tsung‐Han , Cheng Chih‐Hsien , Lee Chen‐Fang , Wang Yu‐Chao , Wu Ting‐Jung , Chan Kun‐Ming
Published: October 2019

Background

Combination of anti‐hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIg) and antiviral nucleotide/nucleoside is the most common regimen for prophylaxis against hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence. However, what the optimal regimen is for HBIg administration remains subject to debate.

Methods

Two hundred and thirty‐two HBV patients who had liver transplantation were included in this study. According to the decline rate of HBIg, the patients were divided into quick (group Q, n = 95) and slow decline groups (group S, n = 137). Quick HBIg decline was defined as anti‐HBs titer <200 IU/mL at postoperative month (POM) 1, when 24 000 IU of HBIg was given perioperatively. HBV recurrence was defined as reappearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).

Results

After a mean (range) follow‐up of 42.2 (24.1‐76.8) months, the HBV recurrence rate was 12.1% for all 232 patients. The median (interquartile) HBIg titer was 96.2 (41.0‐158.0) IU in group Q patients, compared to 418.0 (298.8‐692.8) IU in group S patients at POM 1 (P < .001). For the patients in group Q, 18 patients (18.9%) had HBV recurrence; this was higher than the 10 (7.3%) patients in group S (P = .013). Multivariate analysis showed that quick HBIg decline and hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence were the risk factors for HBV recurrence.

Conclusion

Perioperative low‐dose HBIg and antiviral nucleotide/nucleoside can effectively prevent HBV recurrence in patients with slow HBIg decline. For patients with quick HBIg decline, the idealized HBIg and antiviral agent regimen should be adjusted to establish an effective regimen as prophylaxis against HBV recurrence.
Rumors of Our Death…
Authors: Broude Gwen J. , Livingston Kenneth R. , de Leeuw Joshua R. , Andrews Janet K. , Long John H.
Published: October 2019

Núñez and colleagues (2019) question whether cognitive science still exists “as a coherent academic field with a well‐defined and cohesive interdisciplinary research program.” This worry may be premature on two grounds. First, we are not convinced that the Lakatosian criterion of coalescence around a core framework is the best standard for judging whether a field is well‐defined and productive. Second, although we acknowledge that cognitive science is not as visible as we would like, we doubt that this low profile accurately reflects the state of actual research and teaching programs based on the cognitive science approach.
Blood transfusion‐related immunomodulation in patients with major obstetric haemorrhage
Authors: Jiao Ce , Zheng Lili
Published: October 2019

Background

Blood transfusion is suggested to be immunosuppressive in surgical patients. However, the immunomodulatory effect of blood transfusion in obstetric patients with massive haemorrhage remains unknown.

Methods

Three hundred and fifty‐five patients at active labour in the obstetric department were enrolled, and clinical characteristics were extracted from electrical medical records, inpatient notes, anaesthesia notes and discharge summaries. The transfused blood products included RBC, FFP and PLTs. RT‐PCR was used to quantify gene expression in the blood samples, and the Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to test correlation.

Results

Among the 355 patients, 138 received a diagnosis of obstetric haemorrhage and were treated with blood transfusion. The risk factors for blood transfusion included maternal age, gestational age, preterm labour and instrumental delivery. The infants delivered by the transfusion group had significantly lower birthweight and 1‐ and 5‐min Apgar scores. Most importantly, blood transfusion is associated with a broad suppression of Th cells and an increased IL‐10 response.

Conclusions

Our results show that blood transfusion is associated with immunomodulation in obstetric haemorrhage patients, suggesting more stringent criteria for blood transfusion should be taken into account in the obstetric haemorrhage patients.
Characterization of RHD alleles present in serologically RHD‐negative donors determined by a sensitive microplate technique
Authors: de Paula Vendrame Tatiane Aparecida , Prisco Arnoni Carine , Guilhem Muniz Janaína , de Medeiros Person Rosangela , Pereira Cortez Afonso José , Roche Moreira Latini Flavia , Castilho Lilian
Published: October 2019

Background and objectives

Weak D phenotypes with very low antigen densities and DEL phenotype may not be detected in RhD typing routine and could be typed as D‐negative, leading to D alloimmunization of D‐negative recipients. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of RHD‐positive genotypes in blood donors typed as D‐negative by an automated system using the solid‐phase methodology as a confirmatory test.

Methods

Two screenings were performed in different selected donor populations. For the first screening, we selected 1403 blood donor samples typed as D‐negative regardless of the CE status, and in the second screening, we selected 517 donor samples typed as D‐negative C+ and/or E+. RhD typing was performed by microplate in an automated equipment (Neo‐Immucor®), and the confirmatory test was performed by solid‐phase technique using Capture R® technology. A multiplex PCR specific to RHD and RHDψ was performed in a pool of 6 DNA samples. Sequencing of RHD exons was performed in all RHD‐positive samples, and a specific PCR was used to identify the D‐CE(4‐7)‐D hybrid gene.

Results and conclusion

No weak D type was found in either screening populations. Additionally, 353 (18·4%) D‐negative samples presented previously reported non‐functional RHD genes, 2 samples had a DEL allele, and 6 samples demonstrated new alleles, including one novel DEL allele. Our study identified six new RHD alleles and showed that the inclusion of a confirmatory test using serological methodology with high sensitivity can reduce the frequency of weak D samples typed as D‐negative.
Anti‐platelet agents: past, present and future
Authors: Cox Dermot
Published: October 2019

The discovery of the role of platelets in cardiovascular disease led to the introduction of aspirin as a therapeutic agent for heart disease. Aspirin has proven to be effective in preventing cardiovascular events but the fact that not all patients benefit from aspirin has led to the search for more effective agents. Numerous agents have been discovered including thromboxane synthase inhibitors, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, GPIIb/IIIa antagonists, P2Y12 antagonists and PAR‐1 antagonists. However, all faced two challenges – their cost‐benefit relationship in comparison with aspirin and the risk of bleeding that is often associated with greater efficacy. In this paper, I review the performances of these different classes of anti‐platelet agent and discuss the potential future for novel anti‐thrombotics. I also highlight the role of platelets in immunology and discuss the potential for targeting the immune properties of platelets.
Matched‐cohort study comparing bioactive human split‐thickness skin allograft plus standard of care to standard of care alone in the treatment of diabetic ulcers: A retrospective analysis across 470 institutions
Authors: Barbul Adrian , Gurtner Geoffrey C. , Gordon Hanna , Bakewell Katie , Carter Marissa J.
Published: October 2019

This retrospective, matched‐cohort study analyzed 1,556 patients with diabetic ulcers treated at 470 wound centers throughout the United States to determine the effectiveness of a cryopreserved bioactive split‐thickness skin allograft plus standard of care when compared to standard of care alone. There were 778 patients treated with the graft in the treatment cohort, who were paired with 778 patients drawn from a pool of 126,864 candidates treated with standard of care alone (controls), by using propensity matching to create nearly identical cohorts. Both cohorts received standard wound care, including surgical debridement, moist wound care, and offloading. Logistic regression analysis of healing rates according to wound size, wound location, wound duration, volume reduction, exposed deep structures, and Wagner grade was performed. Amputation rates and recidivism at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after wound closure were analyzed. Diabetic ulcers were 59% more likely to close in the treatment cohort compared to the control cohort (p = 0.0045). The healing rate with the graft was better than standard of care across multiple subsets, but the most significant improvement was noted in the worst wounds that had a duration of 90‐179 days prior to treatment (p = 0.0073), exposed deep structures (p = 0.036), and/or Wagner Grade 4 ulcers (p = 0.04). Furthermore, the decrease in recidivism was statistically significant at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, with and without initially exposed deep structures (p < 0.05). The amputation rate in the treatment cohort was 41.7% less than that of the control cohort at 20 weeks (0.9% vs. 1.5%, respectively). This study demonstrated that diabetic ulcers treated with a cryopreserved bioactive split‐thickness skin allograft were more likely to heal and remain closed compared to ulcers treated with standard of care alone.
Stability of Non-Axisymmetric Rotor and Bearing Systems Modeled With Three-Dimensional-Solid Finite Elements
Authors: Oh Joseph , Palazzolo Alan , Hu Lingnan
Published: October 2019

Although rotors are simplified to be axisymmetric in rotordynamic models, many rotors in the industry are actually non-axisymmetric. Several authors have proposed methods using 3D finite element, rotordynamic models, but more efficient approaches for handling a large number of degrees-of-freedom (DOF) are needed. This task becomes particularly acute when considering parametric excitation that results from asymmetry in the rotating frame. This paper presents an efficient rotordynamic stability approach for non-axisymmetric rotor-bearing systems with complex shapes using three-dimensional solid finite elements. The 10-node quadratic tetrahedron element is used for the finite element formulation of the rotor. A rotor-bearing system, matrix differential equation is derived in the rotor-fixed coordinate system. The system matrices are reduced by using Guyan reduction. The current study utilizes the Floquet theory to determine the stability of solutions for parametrically excited rotor-bearing systems. Computational efficiency is improved by discretization and parallelization, taking advantage of the discretized monodromy matrix of Hsu's method. The method is verified by an analytical model with the Routh–Hurwitz stability criteria, and by direct time-transient, numerical integration for large order models. The proposed and Hill's methods are compared with respect to accuracy and computational efficiency, and the results indicate the limitations of Hill's method when applied to 3D solid rotor-bearing systems. A parametric investigation is performed for an asymmetric Root's blower type shaft, varying bearing asymmetry and bearing damping.
Predatory developmental environments shape loser behaviour in animal contests
Authors: Meuthen Denis , Bakker Theo C.M. , Thünken Timo
Published: October 2019

High predation risk during development induces phenotypic changes in animals. However, little is known about how these plastic responses affect signalling and competitiveness during contests. Herein, we have studied the consequences of anti-predator plasticity during the intra-sexual competition of Pelvicachromis taeniatus, a cichlid fish with mutual mate choice. We staged contests between adult size-matched siblings of the same sex derived from different environments: one fish was regularly exposed to conspecific alarm cues since the larval stage (simulating predator presence), the other fish to control conditions. Rearing environment did not affect the winner of contests or total aggression within a fight. However, contest behaviour differed between treatments. The effects were especially pronounced in alarm cue-exposed fish that lost a contest: they generally displayed lower aggression than winners but also lower aggression than losers of the control treatment. Thus, perceived predator presence modulates intra-sexual competition behaviour by increasing the costs associated with fighting.
Evaluating the potential impact of targeted vaccination strategies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreaks in the healthcare setting
Authors: Abdirizak Fatima , Lewis Rayleen , Chowell Gerardo
Published: October 2019

Background

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) are two coronaviruses with demonstrated potential to generate significant nosocomial outbreaks. In particular, MERS continues to pose a significant threat in the Middle East since 2012. Currently, no licensed vaccine or drug treatment is available to treat patients infected with either coronavirus. However, there are some MERS vaccines in the preclinical stage of development. We sought to evaluate the potential impact of targeted vaccination strategies for mitigating SARS and MERS outbreaks in healthcare settings using simple mathematical models and detailed historic transmission trees describing the progression of past nosocomial outbreaks of SARS and MERS.

Results

Our findings suggest that vaccination strategies targeting patients and healthcare workers, which have been disproportionately affected during past outbreaks, and assuming two vaccination coverage levels at 50 and 75% have the potential to avert nearly 50% or more of MERS or SARS cases.

Conclusion

Our modeling results informed by historic outbreak data for SARS and MERS suggest that vaccination strategies targeting patients could be an effective measure to mitigate and prevent outbreaks in the healthcare setting.
Bone Histomorphometry in Young Patients With Type 2 Diabetes is Affected by Disease Control and Chronic Complications
Authors: Andrade Vicente F C , Chula Domingos C , Sabbag Fábio P , Cavalheiro Daniel D da S , Bavia Lorena , Ambrósio Altair Rogério , da Costa Cleber Rafael V , dos Reis Luciene M , Borba Victória Z C , Aguiar Moreira Carolina
Published: October 2019

Context

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of fractures. No study has evaluated the correlation of bone histomorphometry (BH) parameters with glycemic control and presence of chronic complications (CCs) in premenopausal women with T2DM.

Objectives

To evaluate BH and correlate them with the degree of glycemic control and presence of CCs.

Design, settings, and patients

This was a cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary medical center. Twenty-six premenopausal women with T2DM were divided into groups with glycated hemoglobin HbA1c < 7% (good control, GC; n = 10) and HbA1c > 7% (poor control, PC; n = 16), and further subdivided into groups with (n = 9) and without (n = 17) CCs. BH parameters (bone volume [bone volume per total volume, BV/TV], trabecular thickness [Tb.Th], trabecular number [Tb.N], trabecular separation [Tb.Sp], osteoid thickness [O.Th], osteoid surface [osteoid surface per bone surface, OS/BS]), mineralizing surface [MS/BS], bone formation rate [BFR]), mineral apposition rate [MAR]) as well as serum pentosidine (PEN) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 were measured. The BH data were compared among the groups and with a BH control group (control group, CG, n = 15) matched by age, sex, and race.

Results

BV/TV was increased in GC (P < .001) and PC (P = .05) groups and O.th (P = .03) was smaller in the PC group than in the CG. A comparison of the groups with and without CCs with the CG showed in the group with CCs, O.Th was smaller(P = .01) and BV/TV similar to the CG (P = .11). HbA1c correlated negatively with O.Th (P = .02) and OS/BS (P = .01). There was no correlation of BH to PEN and IGF-1.

Conclusion

BH in premenopausal patients with T2DM is affected by disease control and chronic complications.
Comparison of open and endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery regarding clinical outcomes, complication and return to daily life: A prospective comparative study
Authors: Gürpınar Tahsin , Polat Barış , Polat Ayşe Esin , Carkçı Engin , Kalyenci Ahmet Sinan , Oztürkmen Yusuf
Published: October 2019

Objective: This study aimed to compare the clinical results and complications as well as patient satisfaction in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome operated with open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) or endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) techniques.

Methods: This study conducted in Istanbul Training and Research Hospital between August 2016 and January 2018. A total of 54 patients were operated with the ECTR technique and 50 patients were operated with the OCTR technique after failing nonsurgical treatment. Patients functional scores are assessed with the carpal tunnel syndrome-functional status score (CTS-FSS) and carpal tunnel syndrome-symptom severity score (CTS-SSS). Operation time, incision length and complications of the two techniques were noted and compared.

Results: The age, sex distribution, distribution of sides, and complaint period were not significant (p > 0.05) between the groups. The preoperative or postoperative CTS-SSS and CTS-FSS values did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Incision length, time to return to work and return to daily life in the OCTR group was significantly higher than the ECTR group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: ECTR has similar results in terms of symptom relief, severity, functional status, pillar pain and complication rates compared to OCTR. However, it has the advantages of early return to daily life, early return to work and less incision length.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.6.967

How to cite this:Gurpinar T, Polat B, Polat AE, Carkci E, Kalyenci AS, Ozturkmen Y. Comparison of open and endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery regarding clinical outcomes, complication and return to daily life: A prospective comparative study. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(6):1532-1537. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.6.967

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
THE IMPACT OF THE INDONESIAN TAX ADMINISTRATION REFORM ON TAX COMPLIANCE AND TAX REVENUE
Authors: Eka I Wayan Agus
Published: October 2019

This study investigated the impact of the Indonesian tax administration reform on tax compliance and tax revenue. I used merged provincial-level data obtained from two main sources: Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) and Indonesia Statistic, and I applied multiple regressions with a fixed-effect model. I find that individual taxpayer compliance was positively affected by the tax administration reform. Tax revenue, however, was negatively affected by the tax administration reform due to DGT’s productivity problem meaning that tax potency variables did not affect tax revenue after the tax administration reform was completed. The findings identify several areas for improvements and suggest several policy implications. First, improving administration in Small Taxpayer Office (STO) especially for individual taxpayers is needed. Second, tax revenue strategy focusing on individual taxpayers is needed to materialize improvement in individual taxpayer compliance into tax revenue. Third, problem in productivity suggests that DGT should improve its input side by improving law enforcement, widening delegated authority, and increasing budget allocation.
Adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis in patients with ovarian polycystosis during buserelin test
Authors: Goncharov N. P. , Dobracheva A. L. , Pishchulin A. A. , Todua T. N. , Shlykova V. G.
Published: October 2019

Relationships between the secretion of gonadotropic hormones of the pituitary gland, the androgenic and glucocorticoidal functions of the adrenals and the steroidogenic function of the ovaries were studied in 21 patients with the ovarian polycystic syndrome (OPS) and in 7 healthy women in test with buserelin, a gonadotropin-releasing agonist. When stimulated with corti- sole, the secretion remained unchanged. Depending on the baseline level of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHAS), a change was found in the secretion of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) and its precursor 17-OH-pregnenolone. With the nor­mal baseline level of DHAS, the content of hormones increases while with its high level, their content does not change. The stimulation of gonadotropic secretion results in a higher disso­ciation in the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and folli­cle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in patients with OPS, by in­creasing the LH/FSH ratio that is most significant in patients with the normal level of DHAS. Under stimulation, aromatase activity becomes higher in patients with high DHAS levels and remains unchanged in the other group of patients. The findings may lead to the conclusion that buserelin-induced stimulation of gonadotropic secretion may be accompanied by the activated synthesis of adrenal androgens in some patients with OPS. De­pending on the baseline androgenic activity of the adrenals, buserelin-induced stimulation of gonadotropic secretion is at­tended by a higher aromatase activity.
Comparative characteristics of learning processes and behavior in conditions of elevated levels of sex hormones
Authors: Fedotova Yu. O.
Published: October 2019

Relationship between increased level of sex hormones during systemic injection of hormones and the training capacity and trace memory and behavior is studied in rats of both sexes. Active and passive avoidance and open field tests were carried out. Increase in testosterone or estradiol levels did not affect passive training. Increase of testosterone level in male rats disturbed active training and did not change the behavior. Increase of estradiol level in female rats accelerated active training and stimulated behavioral activity of animals.
Autoimmune polyglandular syndromes
Authors: Fadeev V. V. , Shevchenko I. V. , Melnichenko G. A.
Published: October 2019

Autoimmune polyglandular syndromes (APS) are the primary defeat of the autoimmune process of 2 peripheral endocrine glands and more, leading, as a rule, to their insufficiency, often combined with various organ-specific non-endocrine autoimmune diseases.
Specific features of leptin secretion in children and adolescents with obesity
Authors: Borodina O. V. , Odud Ye. A. , Timofeyev A. V. , Kasatkina E. P.
Published: October 2019

The purpose of the study was to examine baseline leptin secretion and its association with insulin secretion in children and adolescents with obesity and in those having normal body weight. Sixty- six children and adolescents aged 11-16years, including 48 individuals with obesity, were examined. Anthropometric indices, fasting serum leptin concentrations, and the time course of changes during a three-hour oral glucose test were assessed. In obese children and adolescents, the baseline level of leptin was significantly higher than in normally weighing children and adolescents of the same age. Abdominovisceral obesity showed a higher level of leptin than gluteofemoral obesity. Age- and gender-specific features of leptin production were revealed in obese children and adolescents. There was an association of leptin production with anthropometric indices. Children and adolescents with obesity showed a positive correlation of the baseline level of leptin with overall insulin secretion during the oral test and a negative correlation of the baseline level of leptin with the insulin sensitivity index.
Role of a follow-up in puberty children with diffuse euthyroid goiter
Authors: Kiyaev A. V. , Zaikova I. O. , Fadeev V. V.
Published: October 2019

То identify patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) in a random sample of children, a stepwise clinical examination was conducted among 427 ninth-form pupils (aged 14-15 years) from 4 Yekaterinburg districts. Among 58 children with goiter as shown by ultrasonography, 18 were initially diagnosed as having hypertrophic AIT; 38patients had diffuse euthyroid goiter; one patient had diffuse toxic goiter; and mixed euthyroid goiter was detected in one case. At one-year follow-up, re-examination rejected the diagnosis of AIT in 13 of the 18 patients. It was concluded that: (1) the follow-up of children with a presumptive diagnosis of AIT suggests that the latter plays a much less role in the etiological pattern of diffuse euthyroid goiter as compared with the data of the primary examination; (2) most changes originally interpreted as manifestations of AIT are reversible, which suggests that it is preferable to follow-up children with a presumptive diagnosis of AIT in the phase of euthyrosis under active therapeutic intervention.
L-thyroxine in the treatment of solitary nodular non-toxic goiter in concomitant coronary heart disease
Authors: Troshina E. A. , Alexandrov A. A. , Gerasimov G. A. , Dedov I. I. , Martynov A. I. , Panchenkova L. A. , Martyanova I. I.
Published: October 2019

Endocrinological and cardiological parameters were assessed in coronary patients with nodular euthyroid goiter before and during treatment in order to define the optimal protocols of L-thyroxin therapy. Ultrasonic examination of the thyroid, fine needle puncture biopsy and cytological analysis of biopsy specimens, measurements of thyrotropic hormone, electrocardiography, and high resolution electrocardiography were carried out. The results helped distinguish the cardiological criteria for decreasing the dose of L-thyroxin or its discontinuation in coronary patients with nodular goiter and define the indications for such therapy in this patient population. Therapy with L-thyroxin is justified in the above patient population only on condition of monitoring the cardiovascular status. Therefore, the presence of coronary disease or its risk factors in a patient with nodular colloid proliferating goiter is not a contraindication preventing thyroxin therapy in adequate doses.
The effect of mercazolil and thyroid parathyroidectomy on the properties of the Ca2 + -ATPase of the sarcoplasmic skeletal muscle reticulum
Authors: Bagel I. M.
Published: October 2019

The kinetic and thermodynamic properties of Ca2+-ATPase of the skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) are studied in rats subjected to thyroparathyroidectomy and in rats with thyroid hypofunction induced by mercazolyl (10 mg/kg). The studies included measurements of the blood serum calcitonin and thyroxin.

Removal of the thyroid and parathyroid glands led to an early (in 3 days) significant decrease of Vmax and a drop of Ca by the end of experiment (30 days) and altered the thermodynamic characteristics of Ca2^-ATPase, which indicated changes in the SR membrane protein phase. Mercazolyl induced an increase of Vmax in 3 days and a decrease in Ca in 30 days and changed the thermodynamic properties of the enzyme. Thyroid hypofunction was associated with a drop of thyroxin and calcitonin levels in the serum.

Thyroid and parathyroid dysfunctions involved changes in the structure and function of Ca2+-ATPase of SR.
Racializing the problem of and solution to foreign accent in business
Authors: Ramjattan Vijay A.
Published: October 2019

Given the desire to attract skilled immigrants to English-speaking countries in the Global North, business environments in these nations may see the increased presence of workers who speak English with a foreign accent. While organizations may tout this linguistic diversity, there is a concern that a foreign accent interferes with successful business communication. This apparent issue can result in a lack of employment opportunities for foreign-accented professionals and has also created a rise in private accent reduction programs that seek to improve the employability of these professionals. What is understated or even omitted in the discussion of these trends is the impact of racialization. First, the (lack of) employability of foreign-accented workers may be determined by a set of racial hierarchies in which some bodies are perceived as better for work than others. Furthermore, the notion that simply reducing an accent increases one’s employability ignores racialized power structures that truly prevent the employment of certain immigrants. Through the lens of raciolinguistic ideologies, which look at the intermingling of language and race, this article explores the above issues by arguing that foreign accent discrimination and accent reduction are indeed racialized and thus perpetuate the inequality experienced by immigrant professionals in business.
Evaluation the effect of lime on the plastic and hardened properties of cement mortar and quantified using Vipulanandan model
Authors: Qadir Warzer , Ghafor Kawan , Mohammed Ahmed
Published: October 2019

In this study, the effect of lime content (L %) on the plastic properties such as water-cement ratio (w/c), setting times, flowability, compressive, flexural and bond strengths of cement mortar were investigated. Based on the information in the literature the amount of lime varied between 0 to 45% (by weight of cement). The experimental results were compared with the data collected from different research studies and quantified using two different models. The plastic and hardened properties of the cement mortar modified with different percentage of lime were conducted according to the ASTM and BS standards. Based on the literature data the water to cement ratio (w/c) ranged between 0.3-0.74 percent, the w/c of 0.5 was selected in this study. The compressive and flexural strengths of cement mortar modified with lime up to 28 days of curing were ranged between 3 MPa to 65 MPa and 2 MPa to 12 MPa respectively. The compressive, flexural and bond strengths of the cement mortar decreased with increasing lime content. Vipulanandan correlation model was used to correlate the relationship between lime with consistency, setting times, flowability and compressive strength of cement mortar. Compressive and flexural strengths of cement mortar modified with lime were quantified very well as a function of w/c, lime content and curing time using nonlinear relationship.
Operational rules and generalized special polynomials
Authors: Ali Mahvish
Published: October 2019

In this work, the generalized family of Hermite–Sheffer polynomials is introduced by using Euler’s integral and operational rules. Furthermore, some properties are established. In particular, generating function and determinant definition for the generalized Hermite–Sheffer polynomials are obtained. Some examples are also considered and their corresponding results are established.
On an extension of Ozaki’s condition
Authors: Nunokawa Mamoru , Sokół Janusz
Published: October 2019

It is known that if

f
⁢

(
z
)

=

z
p

+

∑

n
=

p
+
1

∞

a
n

⁢

z
n

{f(z)=z^{p}+\sum_{n=p+1}^{\infty}a_{n}z^{n}}

and it is analytic in a convex domain

D
⊂
ℂ

{D\subset\mathbb{C}}

and, for some real α, we have

ℜ
⁢
𝔢

⁡

{

exp
⁡

(

i
⁢
α

)

⁢

f

(
p
)

⁢

(
z
)

}

>
0

{\operatorname{\mathfrak{Re}}\{\exp(i\alpha)f^{(p)}(z)\}>0}

,

z
∈
D

{z\in D}

,
then

f
⁢

(
z
)

{f(z)}

is at most p-valent in D.
This Ozaki condition is a generalization of the well-known Noshiro–Warschawski univalence condition.
In this paper, we consider the radius of univalence of functions

g
⁢

(
z
)

=

z
+

∑

n
=
1

∞

b
n

⁢

z
n

{g(z)=z+\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}b_{n}z^{n}}

such that

g
′

⁢

(
z
)

≺

[

(

1
+
z

)

2

/

(

1
-
z

)

2

]

{g^{\prime}(z)\prec[(1+z)^{2}/(1-z)^{2}]}

and some related problems.
Does an association exist between socio-economic status and subjective physical, mental and social well-being among early adolescents?
Authors: Steinvoord Katrin , Junge Astrid
Published: October 2019

Background

It is well known that the socio-economic status (SES) has a great impact on adult and childhood well-being. Comparatively little research has been conducted on the relationship of adolescents’ subjective well-being to SES. Recent studies though, display a tendency for a strong relationship between adolescences’ subjective physical, mental and social well-being to SES. We therefore wanted to find out whether an association exists between SES and subjective physical, mental and social well-being among adolescents as well as between SES and individual school marks.

Methods

The cross-sectional data of 450 German adolescent students (average age 11 years old) were analysed. The data included socio-demographic variables, school marks and selected subscales of three well-established questionnaires [KIDSCREEN, Kid-Kindl® and the German version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-deu)]. The Hamburg Social School Index (HSSI) was used as an indicator of SES.

Results

Significant differences between SES and physical (T = −2.04; p < 0.05) as well as social well-being (‘Social Support and Peers’ with T = −2.04; p < 0.05) of adolescents were found. Generally, no relations between SES and mental well-being were found. School marks also differed between low and high school SES [German (T = 3.13; p < 0.05), English (T = 5.38; p < 0.01), Mathematics (T = 3.16; p < 0.05) and Sports (T = 2.10; p < 0.05)].

Conclusion

As health in adolescence is a predictor for health in adulthood, health promotion and prevention need to start early (primary school) to improve physical and social well-being in low SES families and schools.
MHD and Slip Effect on Two-immiscible Third Grade Fluid on Thin Film Flow over a Vertical Moving Belt
Authors: Khan Zeeshan , Tairan Nasser , Mashwani Wali Khan , Rasheed Haroon Ur , Shah Habib , Khan Waris
Published: October 2019

The present paper related to thin film flows of two immiscible third grade fluids past a vertical moving belt with slip conditions in the presence of uniform magnetic field. Immiscible fluids we mean superposed fluids of different densities and viscosities. The basic governing equations of continuity, momentum and energy are incorporated. The modeled coupled equations are solved analytically by using Adomian Decomposition Method (ADM) along with Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM). The residual errors show the authentication of the present work. For comparison, numerical method (ND-Solve) is also applied and good agreement is found. The effects of model parameters on velocity, skin friction and temperature variation have been studied. At the end, the present study is also compared with single layer flow and revealed in close agreement with the result available in the literature.
Synthesis and properties of isotopes of the transactinides
Authors: Hofmann Sigurd
Published: October 2019

Isotopes of transactinide elements have to be synthesized in nuclear reactions with light or heavy beam particles. The efficient production by neutron capture and subsequent β
− decay as it is used for the production of isotopes of actinide elements up to fermium is no longer possible due to the lack of suitable target material. The content of this article is about the synthesis and the study of the decay properties of nuclei to which atomic, respectively proton numbers from Z = 104 to 118 could be unambiguously assigned by physical means. The results identified the reaction products as isotopes of new elements beyond the actinides, the transactinides. As such the elements received names given by the discovers ranging from rutherfordium for element 104 to oganesson for element 118 which completes the 7th row of the Periodic Table of the Elements. Intensive heavy ion beams, sophisticated target technology, efficient electromagnetic ion separators, and sensitive detector arrays were the prerequisites for discovery of the elements from Z = 107 to 118 during the years from 1981 to 2013. The results and the techniques are described. Also given is a historical introduction into early experiments and the theoretical predictions for a possible existence of an island of stability located at the crossing of the next closed shells for the protons and neutrons beyond the doubly magic nucleus 208Pb. The experimental results are compared with recent theoretical calculations on cross-sections and decay modes of these superheavy nuclei, respectively isotopes of superheavy elements. An outlook is given on further improvement of experimental facilities which will be needed for exploration of the extension and structure of the island of superheavy nuclei, in particular for searching for isotopes with longer half-lives predicted to be located in the south east and for isotopes of further new elements expected in the north-east direction of the island at the upper end of the chart of nuclei.
The Static-Dynamic Efficiency Trade-off in the US Rail Freight Industry: Assessment of an Open Access Policy
Authors: Coublucq Daniel , Ivaldi Marc , McCullough Gerard
Published: October 2019

Considering the US railroad industry, which is characterized by seven integrated firms that provide freight services on tracks they own and maintain, this paper provides a structural model that allows to evaluate the potential effects of opening the rail network to new firms on prices and investment incentives. In particular, we propose a framework for analyzing the tension between static efficiency (pricing behavior) and dynamic efficiency (investment behavior). The investment behavior is rendered endogenous by means of a dynamic model where the current investment depends on the expected future profits. We then use a forward simulation procedure to analyze the effect of an open-access market structure where a new firm uses the network of one of the biggest railroad firm. Under a simple access charge equaled to the marginal cost of access, investment in network infrastructure decreases by 10% per year, leading to a significant decrease in network quality over time. Under this setting, despite the increase of price competition, the decrease in network quality leads to a fall in consumer welfare. Other types of (more evolved) access charges might even allow to relax the tension between static efficiency and dynamic efficiency, allowing more price competition while preserving investment incentives. This topic deserves further research and is beyond the scope of this paper.
Proposal for a New Quantum Theory of Gravity III: Equations for Quantum Gravity, and the Origin of Spontaneous Localisation
Authors: Palemkota Maithresh , Singh Tejinder P.
Published: October 2019

We present a new, falsifiable quantum theory of gravity, which we name non-commutative matter-gravity. The commutative limit of the theory is classical general relativity. In the first two papers of this series, we have introduced the concept of an atom of space-time-matter (STM), which is described by the spectral action in non-commutative geometry, corresponding to a classical theory of gravity. We used the Connes time parameter, along with the spectral action, to incorporate gravity into trace dynamics. We then derived the spectral equation of motion for the gravity part of the STM atom, which turns out to be the Dirac equation on a non-commutative space. In the present work, we propose how to include the matter (fermionic) part and give a simple action principle for the STM atom. This leads to the equations for a quantum theory of gravity, and also to an explanation for the origin of spontaneous localisation from quantum gravity. We use spontaneous localisation to arrive at the action for classical general relativity (including matter source) from the action for STM atoms.
High-temperature superconductors: underlying physics and applications
Authors: Bussmann-Holder Annette , Keller Hugo
Published: October 2019

Superconductivity was discovered in 1911 by Kamerlingh Onnes and Holst in mercury at the temperature of liquid helium (4.2 K). It took almost 50 years until in 1957 a microscopic theory of superconductivity, the so-called BCS theory, was developed. Since the discovery a number of superconducting materials were found with transition temperatures up to 23 K. A breakthrough in the field happened in 1986 when Bednorz and Müller discovered a new class of superconductors, the so-called cuprate high-temperature superconductors with transition temperatures as high as 135 K. This surprising discovery initiated new efforts with respect to fundamental physics, material science, and technological applications. In this brief review the basic physics of the conventional low-temperature superconductors as well as of the high-temperature superconductors are presented with a brief introduction to applications exemplified from high-power to low-power electronic devices. Finally, a short outlook and future challenges are presented, finished with possible imaginations for applications of room-temperature superconductivity.
Spectrofluorimetric Determination of Atenolol and Carvedilol in Pharmaceutical Preparations after Optimization of Parameters using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Bavili Tabrizi Ahad , Yousefzadeh Faezeh
Published: October 2019

Background: The present work is aimed to study the effect of different parameters on the fluorescence intensity of atenolol (ATE) and carvedilol (CAR) and optimization by response surface methodology (RSM) to provide a simple analytical method for their quantification in pharmaceutical formulations. Methods: Various parameters affecting the fluorescence intensity, i.e., sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) concentration, pH, volume fraction of solvents were optimized using RSM. Then, the optimized parameters were applied to the validation of a method for fluorimetric determination of β-blockers in their pharmaceutical preparations. Results: It is obtained that under the optimum conditions for determination of ATE, the method provided a linear range between 130 to 750 ng/mL with a coefficient of correlation (r) of 0.9996. Also, the limit of detection and limit of quantification (LOD and LOQ) were 40 ng/mL and 130 ng/mL, respectively. Moreover, it is observed that, the linearity of method for determination of CAR was between 0.37 to 4.0 ng/mL and LOD and LOQ of method were 0.11 ng/mL and 0.37 ng/mL, respectively. Conclusion: An accurate, sensitive and reliable spectrofluorimetric method was developed anf successfully used to determine the (ATE) and carvedilol (CAR) in their pharmaceutical preparations.
Protective Effects of Propolis and Probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Oumeddour Abdelkader , Zaroure Djahida , Haroune Raziqua , Zaimeche Rima , Riane Karima , Sifour Mohamed , Tahraoui Abdelkrim
Published: October 2019

Background: Propolis (PRS) and probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus are natural products used as dietary supplement for their therapeutic benefits. This study was performed to examine the possible hepatoprotective effect of PRS and probiotics (PRCs) against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury. Methods: Experimentally, intoxicated rats received 0.5 ml/kg CCl4 (i.p.) daily for six days, pretreated rats received per os PRS 100 mg/kg or PRCs 109 CFU for six days followed by a single dose of 0.5 ml/kg CCl4. Control groups received either PRS, PRCs or olive oil for six days. Then, serum biochemistry (total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides and albumin) and oxidative stress parameters were measured. Results: We showed that CCl4 treatment was associated with an increase of the serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cholesterol and triglycerides levels. In parallel, serum total protein, albumin and blood sugar levels were significantly decreased. Regarding the oxidative stress parameters, catalase and glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels were lower, conversely to the lipid peroxidation (MDA). Conclusion: Our results strongly support that administration of PRS and PRCs may significantly protect liver against CCl4-induced toxicity by enhancing antioxidative stress pathway and preventing lipid peroxidation.