bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computed tomography colonography: a new threat to the spleen?
Authors: Sehgal R , Whitehead-Clarke T , Tudyka V , Evans S
Published: October 2018

We present a rare and previously undocumented potential complication of computed tomography (CT) colonography. CT colonography is a commonly performed investigation with a relatively low risk of complications. While splenic injury is a well-documented complication after colonoscopy, it has never been reported following CT colonography. A 64-year-old man presented with severe abdominal pain four hours after CT colonography. CT of his abdomen and pelvis revealed appearances consistent with intra-abdominal bleeding secondary to splenic injury. The patient immediately underwent an emergency laparotomy and splenectomy, revealing a grade III splenic capsular tear. Histological evaluation of splenic tissue showed normal morphology with no evidence of malignancy. While the aetiology of the patient's splenic injury remains uncertain, normal histopathology and the chronology of events represents an almost certain link to CT colonography.
Suture choice to reduce occurrence of surgical site infection, hernia, wound dehiscence and sinus/fistula: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Zucker BE , Simillis C , Tekkis P , Kontovounisios C
Published: October 2018

Background

There are many options and little guiding evidence when choosing suture types with which to close the abdominal wall fascia. This network meta-analysis investigated the effect of suture materials on surgical site infection, hernia, wound dehiscence and sinus/fistula occurrence after abdominal surgery. The aim was to provide clarity on whether previous recommendations on suture choice could be followed with confidence.

Methods and methods

In February 2017, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, EMBASE and Science Citation Index Expanded were searched for randomised controlled trials investigating the effect of suture choice on these four complications in closing the abdomen. A reference search of identified trials was performed. Prisma guidelines and the Cochrane risk of bias tool were followed in the data extraction and synthesis. Two review authors screened titles and abstracts of trials identified. A random effect model was used for the surgical site infection network based on the deviance information criterion statistics.

Results

Thirty-one trials were included (11,533 participants). No suture material reached the predetermined 90% probability threshold for determination of ‘best treatment’ for any outcome. Pairwise comparisons largely showed no differences between suture types for all outcomes measured. However, nylon demonstrated a reduction in the occurrence of incisional hernias with respect to two commonly used absorbable sutures: polyglycolic acid (odds ratio, OR 1.91; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.01–3.63) and polyglyconate (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.17–4.07).

Conclusions

No suture type can be considered the ‘best treatment’ for the prevention of surgical site infection, hernia, wound dehiscence and sinus/fistula occurrence.
Public Health Insurance and Prescription Medications for Mental Illness
Authors: Maclean Johanna Catherine , Cook Benjamin , Carson Nicholas , Pesko Michael F
Published: October 2018

Mental illnesses are prevalent in the United States and globally. Cost is a critical barrier to treatment receipt. We study the effects of the Affordable Care Act's recent expansion of Medicaid, a public insurance system for the poor in the U.S., on psychotropic prescription medications for mental illness. We estimate differences-in-differences models using administrative data on medications for which Medicaid was a third-party payer over the period 2011–2017. Our findings suggest that these expansions increased psychotropic prescriptions by 21.0%. We show that Medicaid, and not patients, financed these prescriptions. For states expanding Medicaid, the total cost of these prescriptions was $28.0 M by the second quarter of 2017. Expansion effects were experienced across most major mental illness categories and across states with different levels of patient need, system capacity, and expansion scope. We find no statistically significant evidence that Medicaid expansion reduced mental illness.
Bayesian Prediction Bounds for the Exponential-type Distribution Based on Generalized Progressive Hybrid Censoring Scheme
Authors: Kotb Mohammed S.
Published: October 2018

This paper deals with predicting censored data in a general form for the underlying distribution based on generalized progressive hybrid censoring scheme. A conjugate prior is used and the predictive reliability function is obtained in the one-sample case. The special case of linear exponential distributed observations is considered and completed with numerical results.
Nondestructive Extraction of Parameters of Multilayered Media Using Terahertz Pulse Technique
Authors: Singh Surya Prakash , Tiwari Nilesh K. , Akhtar M. Jaleel
Published: October 2018

In this work, an efficient non-invasive terahertz pulse technique is proposed and investigated to determine the thickness and refractive index of each layer in an optically thick stratified media. A closed form formulations are derived for simultaneous extraction of the thickness and complex refractive index of each layer with the help of primary reflected signals from the multilayered structure. The proposed technique is numerically tested using a full wave electromagnetic simulator and is experimental verified in the millimeter wave frequency range by utilizing the power peaks corresponding to the primary reflected signals. The numerical and measured results of multilayered samples under test are in good agreement with the reference data. The proposed terahertz pulse technique can be used for non-destructive testing of the multilayered system existing in various industries.
Pressure-Leaching Behavior of Nickel from Ni–Mo Ore in Aqueous Oxygenated Media
Authors: Zhigan Deng , Jiuyuan Bai , Chang Wei , Gang Fan , Xingbin LI , Minting Li , Cunxiong LI
Published: October 2018

Ni–Mo ore is a multi-metal complex and unique mineral resource that exists as a black shale. This ore contains more than 4 wt% Mo and at least 2 wt% Ni. Economic value is associated with deriving products from Ni–Mo ore that contains amorphous colloidal sulfides and that is highly active. Under low-temperature hydrothermal conditions (water at 120 °C or more) and in excess oxygen, amorphous sulfides are oxidized easily to metal-sulfate forms, which leads to nickel and molybdenum dissolution. In this study, the effects of agitation speed, temperature, oxygen partial pressure and particle size on the rate of nickel leaching were investigated. The leaching rate was nearly independent of agitation speed above 400 rpm and increased with a decrease in particle size. A temperature increase to 150 °C contributed significantly to the nickel leaching rate. Oxygen pressure influences nickel leaching, with an oxygen pressure of between 0.5 MPa and 0.7 MPa providing the greatest effect. The pressure-leaching behavior of nickel was fitted to a shrinking-core kinetic model. The mathematical analyses indicates that the dissolution process is chemical-reaction controlled during early dissolution, with an activation energy of 42.68 kJ/mol, and the reaction order with respect to the oxygen partial pressure was 0.79. Up to nearly 70 % nickel was dissolved into solution, and product layers of molybdenum and iron oxide were formed on the surface of the Ni–Mo ore particles, which prevented further nickel dissolution. Thereafter, nickel leaching was controlled by liquid-film diffusion, with an activation energy of 11.01 kJ/mol.
Effect of Natural and Artificial Light on Fe(III) Organic Complexes Photolysis: Case of Fe (III)-Malonate and Fe(III)-Malate
Authors: Dekkiche Besma Anfal , Seraghni Nassira , Debbache Nadra , Ghoul Imane , Sehili Tahar
Published: October 2018

The photolysis of iron(III) organic complexes in the presence of natural and simulated light was a concern for the role it plays within the environment in terms of producing hydroxyl radicals able to degrade organic products. In the present work, the study focused on two iron(III) organic complexes. The characterization of these complexes by spectrometry allowed to show their stability in environment with a stability constant equal to Log β = 13.13 for the complex Fe(III)-malonate, and Log β = 20.85 for the Fe(III)-malate complex. Photolysis of these complexes was carried out using a lamp at 365 nm at different pHs, and followed by several assay Fe(II), H2O2 and •OH. The complexes present different photo-reactivities, in the case of Fe(III)-malate, the photolysis is favored by the Fenton process and generates hydroxyl radicals, contrarily to Fe(III)-malonate photolysis which generates an oxidizing •CH2COOH radical without formation of H2O2 nor of •OH. The presence of oxygen and the addition of isopropanol and chloroform show different effects on the complex photolysis. Complexes mineralization at natural irradiation was also studied using chemical oxygen demand (COD).
Finite-Sample Theory and Bias Correction of Maximum Likelihood Estimators in the EGARCH Model
Authors: Demos Antonis , Kyriakopoulou Dimitra
Published: October 2018

We derive the analytical expressions of bias approximations for maximum likelihood (ML) and quasi-maximum likelihood (QML) estimators of the EGARCH (1,1) parameters that enable us to correct after the bias of all estimators. The bias-correction mechanism is constructed under the specification of two methods that are analytically described. We also evaluate the residual bootstrapped estimator as a measure of performance. Monte Carlo simulations indicate that, for given sets of parameters values, the bias corrections work satisfactory for all parameters. The proposed full-step estimator performs better than the classical one and is also faster than the bootstrap. The results can be also used to formulate the approximate Edgeworth distribution of the estimators.
Complexity of Knee Extensor Torque: Effect of Aging and Contraction Intensity
Authors: Fiogbé Elie , Vassimon-Barroso Verena , Catai Aparecida Maria , de Melo Ruth Caldeira , Quitério Robison José , Porta Alberto , Takahashi Anielle Cristhine de Medeiros
Published: October 2018

Fiogbé, E, Vassimon-Barroso, V, Catai, AM, de Melo, RC, Quitério, RJ, Porta, A, and Takahashi, ACdM. Complexity of knee extensor torque: effect of aging and contraction intensity. J Strength Cond Res 35(4): 1050–1057, 2021—Assessing the knee extensors' torque complexity in older adults is relevant because these muscles are among the most involved in functional daily activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aging and isometric contraction intensity on knee extensor torque complexity. Eight young (24 ± 2.8 years) and 13 old adults (63 ± 2.8 years) performed 3 maximal (maximum voluntary contraction [MVC], duration = 10 seconds) and submaximal isometric contractions (SICs, targeted at 15, 30, and 40% of MVC, respectively) of knee extensors. Torque signals were sampled continuously, and the metrics of variability and complexity were calculated basing on the SIC torque data. The coefficient of variation (CV) was used to quantify the torque variability. The torque complexity was determined by calculating the corrected approximate entropy (CApEn) and sample entropy (SampEn) and its normalized versions (NCApEn and NSampEn). Young subjects produced greater isometric torque than older adults, and the CV was similar between both groups except at the highest force level (40% MVC) where young subjects' value was higher. The major novel finding of this investigation was that although the knee extensor torque complexity is reduced in older adults, its relationship with contraction intensity is similar to young subjects. This means that despite the age-related decrease of the interactions between the components of the neuromuscular system, the organization of force control remains preserved in older adults, at least up to just below the force midrange.
A Hollow Cylinder Radial-Seepage Apparatus for Evaluating Permeability of Sheared Compacted Clay
Authors: Wang Gang , Wei Xing , Zou Ting
Published: October 2018

Compacted clay is widely used to control seepage in earth and rock-fill dams in favor of its low permeability. The clay at certain locations of dams often experience large shear strain due to differential settlement, which may lead to changes in seepage resistance. A new apparatus was developed to examine the permeability evolution of compacted clay during shearing. The apparatus tests a hollow cylindrical specimen holding by a set of inner and outer laminar rings. The specimen can thus be compressed in the height direction and sheared in the circumferential direction. The permeability is measured by radial seepage from the inner side to the outer side of the hollow cylinder. A series of tests on heavily compacted specimens of a core-wall clay were conducted to demonstrate the performance of the new apparatus. The permeability of unsheared specimens under different surcharge pressures and hydraulic gradients was investigated firstly, and the observed phenomenon agreed well with those in conventional permeameters. Then the permeability evolution during shearing was investigated under constant surcharge pressures. It was found that the compacted specimens deformed non-uniformly with a well-developed shear band, and the permeability of the shear band determines the overall seepage resistance. The permeability of the shear band increases during shearing under low surcharge pressure, whereas under high surcharge pressure, it varies insignificantly. Such behavior is related to different structural changes of shear bands under low and high surcharge pressures. The preliminary test results highlighted an important fact, that the heavy-compacted clay under low surcharge pressure could generate low seepage resistance shear bands when subjected to a large shear, leading to a high risk of concentrated leakage and erosion. The new apparatus could prove useful for clarifying stress conditions triggering low seepage resistance shear bands in compacted clays.
A Tensile Strength Apparatus with the Facility to Monitor Negative Pore-Water Pressure
Authors: Murray Ian , Tarantino Alessandro , Francescon Fernando
Published: October 2018

This article presents a new testing method for investigating the behavior of clayey geomaterials subjected to a tensile (negative) total stress. The method includes the use of high-capacity tensiometers to measure the pore–water pressure of the test specimen, an aspect which has not been demonstrated in any other direct tensile testing method. This addition allows interpretation of failure data in terms of effective stress rather than total stress, which is the approach that should be pursued in the saturated range. The test specimen shape and loading method have been modified from those commonly seen in existing literature to ensure that the direction of the major principal stress in the failure zone coincides with the direction of the externally applied tensile force, allowing for a more accurate analysis of tensile failure. Results are shown for saturated specimens and compared to results obtained for the same soil in uniaxial compression, using a modified version of the presented uniaxial tensile method, and a triaxial compression test. It is demonstrated that crack initiation occurs by shear failure if the data are interpreted in terms of effective stress rather than total stress and that the failure mechanisms under tension do not differ from compression.
A Simple Measurement of Membrane Penetration in Gravel Triaxial Tests Based on Eliminating Soil Skeleton Plastic Deformation with Cyclic Confining Pressure Loading
Authors: Liu Jingmao , Zou Degao , Kong Xianjing , Ning Fanwei , Han Jianhua
Published: October 2018

Previous investigations of membrane penetration mainly focused on uniform sandy soils, and few studied gravelly soils. A common problem in most previous investigations was that unverified assumptions were made to evaluate or mitigate the membrane penetration of a cylindrical specimen in triaxial test. In this study, a simple measurement of the membrane penetration of gravelly soils was proposed, based on small-amplitude cyclic confining pressure Δσ3 loading, in which the cyclic membrane penetration amplitude ΔVm is recoverable, and the cyclic soil skeleton volume deformation amplitude ΔVk gradually decreases with increasing number of cycles and becomes elastic. The accuracy in the proposed method is related to the accuracy in measuring ΔVk. Because of the natural limitations in measurements of the radial strain of a cylindrical specimen, ΔVk is calculated based on the isotropic assumption. The proposed method provides sufficiently accurate ΔVm values for gravelly soils because of the small portion of ΔVk in the total cyclic volume change amplitude ΔVc (=ΔVm+ΔVk), and the accuracy increases as the coarse fraction increases. Furthermore, the method can be easily implemented for individual specimens to remove inconsistences in specimen preparation. The test results indicate that ΔVm values corresponding to the same Δσ3 exponentially decrease with the confining pressure σ3. Membrane penetration increases with increases in the void ratio and coarse fraction, but the trend is becoming weak with decreasing coarse fraction and void ratio, respectively. It also demonstrated that there exists a clear difference between the results of Nicholson’s empirical formula and the test results.
Weighted Modified Weibull Distribution
Authors: Khan Muhammad Nauman , Saeed Anwaar , Alzaatreh Ayman
Published: October 2018

A profusion of new classes of distributions has recently showed its usefulness to applied statisticians working in various areas of studies. Generalizing existing distributions by adding extra parameters to an existing family of distribution functions leads to more flexible models. In this article, we define a new three-parameter lifetime model called the weighted modified Weibull distribution. Various statistical properties of the distribution are derived. The estimation of parameters is discussed by using the method of maximum likelihood. Finally, the superiority of the proposed distribution is shown by analyzing four well-known lifetime datasets.
Experimental Study of Nonpolar Surfactant Mixed with Dielectric Fluid on Die-Sinking EDM of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Kolli Murahari , Kumar Adepu
Published: October 2018

This article deals with the study of the effect of nonpolar surfactant on the performance characteristics of Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The selected process parameters, like pulse on-time, pulse off-time, discharge current, and nonpolar surfactant concentration, and their effect on machining performance characteristics, like Thermal Conductivity (TC), Material Removal Rate (MRR), Surface Roughness (SR), Tool Wear Rate (TWR), and Recast Layer Thickness (RLT), were studied. In this article, the one-factor-at-a-time approach and Taguchi technique were used to determine the machining process parameters. Nonpolar surfactant is mixed into dielectric fluid, which increases the TC and suspends the debris particles in EDM oil to reduce the discontinued discharge conditions during machining. It was observed from the results that RLT, SR, and TWR are reduced, while MRR and TC are increased, compared to machining without nonpolar surfactant. Furthermore, the experimental results indicated that the surfactant was decomposed in EDM oil and that a small recast layer, which could be seen on migrated elements in EDX analysis peaks, formed on the machined surface.
Centrifuge Tests on the Lateral Behavior of Offshore Monopile in Saturated Dense Sand under Cyclic Loading
Authors: Lee Myungjae , Yoo Mintaek , Bae Kyungtae , Kim Youseok , Nam Boo Hyun , Youn Heejung
Published: October 2018

In this study, the cyclic lateral behaviors of an offshore monopile in saturated dense sand under cyclic loading was investigated using centrifuge model tests. The soil used for testing was Jumunjin sand, which was deposited with a relative density of 80 %. A static loading test was carried out to obtain the static lateral capacity of the monopile, from which the magnitudes of cyclic load were determined at 30 %, 50 %, 80 %, and 120 % of the lateral capacity. A hundred cycles were applied to the pile head with the frequency of 0.125 Hz. Experimental cyclic p-y curves were obtained at 2, 5, and 7-m depths, from which equations for cyclic p-y curves for saturated dense sand were proposed. The proposed p-y curve was compared with the conventional p-y curves; it was found that the proposed equations overestimate the ultimate soil resistance compared with the conventional ones, whereas the initial modulus of subgrade reaction was only 35 % the conventional ones.
A Novel Dynamic Detection Method of Impact Factor Considering Deterioration of Pavement Roughness
Authors: Liu Chen Guang , Wang Zong Lin , Gao Qing Fei , Sun Yong
Published: October 2018

The influence mechanism between the impact factor of bridge and pavement roughness was analyzed and a novel bridge dynamic detection method was presented in this article. Based on the vehicle-bridge vibration theory, the effect of both the spatial and frequency domain characters of pavement roughness on the impact factor were analyzed. Then, derived from the probability distribution model of the impact factor data, a new index for the dynamic increment that was excited by the pavement roughness was introduced. The new index can indicate the impact factors caused by the pavement roughness of different Power Spectral Density grades with selected assurance factors. Lastly, together with the new index, a novel dynamic detection method, which was developed from the obstacle moving truck testing method, was proposed. With a new equivalent design method, the dynamic increment excited by the artificial obstacles could be set similar to that which was caused by different degrees of pavement deterioration. The future dynamic response of the bridge could be predicted.
Finite Element Model Updating and Dynamic Analysis of a Restored Historical Timber Mosque Based on Ambient Vibration Tests
Authors: Altunişik Ahmet Can , Karahasan Olguhan Şevket , Okur Fatih Yesevi , Kalkan Ebru , Ozgan Korhan
Published: October 2018

The use of timber as a construction material is based on much older dates than concrete and steel. Therefore, the preservation of historical timber structures such as bridges, monuments, towers, mosques, etc. is very important for cultural heritage. The perspective of preservation for this kind of structures has been developed and has gained more importance in the last two decades. However, there are some issues that need to be addressed. Timber is an anisotropic material and is not fire resistant. Also, moisture causes significant swelling. So, structural behavior should be carefully evaluated by experimental techniques before and after restoration and verified numerically using finite element models. This article presents a detailed study on the structural condition assessment of a restored historical timber mosque: its finite element analysis (FEA), ambient vibration tests, model updating to minimize the differences and reflect the current situation, and dynamic analyses before and after updating procedure. The Kuşluca historical timber mosque located in the Sürmene District of Trabzon, Turkey was selected as an application. The mosque was built in the early 20th century and includes two floors. Significant timber decorative elements are available in the entrance door, minbar, and mihrab. The restoration projects began in 2008, and the restored mosque was opened in 2011. Finite element modeling of the mosque was accomplished using SAP2000 software (Computers and Structures, Inc., Walnut Creek, California), considering the restoration project drawings. Modal analysis was performed using orthotropic material properties, considering literature review, to determine the initial dynamic characteristics. Nondestructive experimental measurements were conducted after construction to validate the numerical results using in situ testing. Ambient vibration-based system identification was employed using the Enhanced Frequency Domain Decomposition method in the frequency domain and Stochastic Subspace Identification method in the time domain. The first three natural frequencies were obtained between 5.160 Hz to 7.153 Hz and 3.960 Hz to 5.873 Hz numerically and experimentally, respectively. There is close agreement between mode shapes, but 30.0 % differences in natural frequencies. To minimize the differences, the finite element model of the timber mosque is updated using the manual model updating procedures, with a changing of material properties to reflect the real structural behavior. The maximum differences are reduced to below the acceptable limits as 5 %. To evaluate the structural behavior and determine the model updating effect, linear dynamic-time history analyses are performed, and displacements with internal forces are compared to each other.
Evolution from Cooling Modeling to Cooling Engineering of the Steel Quenching Process: A Technology Overview
Authors: Luo Xinmin , Totten George E.
Published: October 2018

The type of heat treatment process used is mainly determined by its cooling mode. Hardening is a metal heat treatment during which the most critical operation is cooling. Most quenchants used for steel hardening are vaporizable liquids, such as water, petroleum oils, emulsions, aqueous polymer solutions, or brines. Testing methodologies that include ISO 9950, Industrial Quenching Oils-determination of Cooling Characteristics-Nickel-alloy Probe Test Method, and ASTM Standards: D6200, Standard Test Method for Determination of Cooling Characteristics of Quench Oils by Cooling Curve Analysis, D6482, Standard Test Method for Determination of Cooling Characteristics of Aqueous Polymer Quenchants by Cooling Curve Analysis with Agitation (Tensi Method), D6549, Standard Test Method for Determination of Cooling Characteristics of Quenchants by Cooling Curve Analysis with Agitation (Drayton Unit), and D7646, Standard Test Method for Determination of Cooling Characteristics of Aqueous Polymer Quenchants for Aluminum Alloys by Cooling Curve Analysis, are typically used to evaluate the cooling characteristics of these quenchants or processes. The cooling time–temperature curves obtained by these methodologies traditionally involve three stages of cooling. However, the relationship between this model and heat treatment, especially between hardening theory and practice, has not been satisfactory. Therefore, it is necessary to better understand the relationship between cooling theory and metallurgical behavior to create a new cooling model that achieves zero distortion, zero dispersion of quality, and zero pollution, which are concepts proposed in the “Heat Treating Industry Vision 2020 “and the “Heat Treating Technology Roadmap 2004” by the ASM Heat Treating Society and Materials Treating Institute. The relationship between the physical metallurgical phenomenon of phase transformation of a steel workpiece during quenching after being austenitized and the actual cooling conditions in engineering practice were analyzed and discussed in this report. Additionally, the development of advanced cooling technologies and related quenching equipment are discussed. The evolution from cooling model research to cooling engineering construction represents important progress in heat treatment practice.
Mathematical Modeling of the Thermal Response of Laboratory-Scale Probes
Authors: Hernández-Morales B. , Cruces-Reséndez R. , Vergara-Hernández H. J.
Published: October 2018

Experiments for cooling curve analysis of laboratory-scale quenched probes produce a wetting front that advances at a finite velocity along the longitudinal axis of the probe as cooling progresses. The wetting front velocity depends on probe material and geometry as well as the type of quenchant, its temperature, and agitation. Because of the wetting front, the mathematical model of the direct heat conduction problem to compute the evolution of the thermal field within the probe may be characterized as a moving front boundary problem. In this work, cooling curves at three subsurface locations along the length of conical-end cylindrical probes, fabricated with AISI 304 stainless steel, during quenching from 850°C with water at 60°C flowing parallel to the probe’s longitudinal axis were measured. A fourth thermocouple located at the geometrical center of the probe was used to validate the model. Two values of free-stream water velocity (0.2 and 0.6 m/s) were studied. As a first approximation, the measured cooling curves were used to estimate the corresponding surface heat flux histories by solving three separate 1-D inverse heat conduction problems. Then, the thermal field evolution within the probe was computed by solving a 2-D axis-symmetrical heat transfer model. The boundary condition at the probe surface was modeled with a composite mapping of the surface heat flux histories. The surface heat flux history estimated for the lower section of the cylindrical part of the probe was applied as a boundary condition for the probe tip. It was found that the cooling curve at the lowest thermocouple position was overestimated; thus, the surface heat flux history for the probe tip was divided by 1.2 to correctly model the thermal response. The model was successfully validated by comparing measured and computed cooling curves for the thermocouple located at the probe’s geometrical center.
Analysis on the pathogenic genes of 60 Chinese children with congenital hyperinsulinemia
Authors: Xu Zi-Di , Zhang Wei , Liu Min , Wang Huan-Min , Hui Pei-Pei , Liang Xue-Jun , Yan Jie , Wu Yu-Jun , Sang Yan-Mei , Zhu Cheng , Ni Gui-Chen
Published: October 2018

This study aims to summarize and analyze the clinical manifestations, genetic characteristics, treatment modalities and long-term prognosis of congenital hyperinsulinemia (CHI) in Chinese children. Sixty children with CHI, who were treated at Beijing Children’s Hospital from January 2014 to August 2017, and their families, were selected as subjects. The CHI-related causative genes in children were sequenced and analyzed using second-generation sequencing technology. Furthermore, the genetic pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of Chinese children with CHI were explored. Among the 60 CHI children, 27 children (27/60, 45%) carried known CHI-related gene mutations: 16 children (26.7%) carried ABCC8 gene mutations, seven children (11.7%) carried GLUD1 gene mutations, one child carried GCK gene mutations, two children carried HNF4α gene mutations and one child carried HADH gene mutations. In these 60 patients, eight patients underwent 18F-L-DOPA PET scan for the pancreas, and five children were found to be focal type. The treatment of diazoxide was ineffective in these five patients, and hypoglycemia could be controlled after receiving partial pancreatectomy. In conclusion, ABCC8 gene mutation is the most common cause of CHI in Chinese children. The early genetic analysis of children’s families has an important guiding significance for treatment planning and prognosis assessment.
Papillary thyroid carcinoma with tall cell features is as aggressive as tall cell variant: a meta-analysis
Authors: Vuong Huy Gia , Long Nguyen Phuoc , Anh Nguyen Hoang , Nghi Tran Diem , Hieu Mai Van , Hung Le Phi , Nakazawa Tadao , Katoh Ryohei , Kondo Tetsuo
Published: October 2018

There are still ongoing debates as to which cut-off percentage of tall cell (TC) should be used to define tall cell variant (TCV) papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). In this meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the clinicopathological significance of PTC with tall cell features (PTC-TCF, PTC with 10–50% of TCs) in comparison with classical PTC and TCVPTC (PTC with more than 50% of TCs) to clarify the controversial issue. Four electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Virtual Health Library were accessed to search for relevant articles. We extracted data from published studies and pooled into odds ratio (OR) and its corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random-effect modeling. Nine studies comprising 403 TCVPTCs, 325 PTC-TCFs and 3552 classical PTCs were included for meta-analyses. Overall, the clinicopathological profiles of PTC-TCF including multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and patient mortality were not statistically different from those of TCVPTC. Additionally, PTC-TCF and TCVPTC were both associated with an increased risk for aggressive clinical courses as compared to classical PTC. The prevalence of BRAF mutation in PTC-TCF and TCVPTC was comparable and both were significantly higher than that in classical PTC. The present meta-analysis demonstrated that even a PTC comprising only 10% of TCs might be associated with a poor clinical outcome. Therefore, the proportions of PTC in PTC should be carefully estimated and reported even when the TC component is as little as 10%.
Elevation of autophagy rescues spermatogenesis by inhibiting apoptosis of mouse spermatocytes
Authors: Yin Jun , Ni Bing , Yang Yi-dong , Tang Zhong-wei , Gao Zhi-qi , Feng Lan , Liao Wei-gong , Gao Yuqi
Published: October 2018

Autophagy and apoptosis are interlocked in an extensive crosstalk. Our previous study demonstrated that hypotonic hypoxia induced marked apoptosis of a spermatocyte-derived cell line (GC-2). However, whether hypoxia-induced apoptosis is mediated by inhibition of autophagy under hypoxic conditions remains unclear. In this study, GC-2 cells were cultured in 1% O2 and harvested at different time points. Autophagy was determined by acridine orange staining, cyto-ID staining, mCherry-GFP-LC3B adenovirus transfection and Western blotting for various autophagy markers. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining, flow cytometry, JC-1 staining and Western blotting of apoptosis-related proteins. We found that hypoxia induced apoptosis of GC-2 cells through mitochondrial and death receptor pathways and inhibited autophagic flux in GC-2 cells in a time-dependent manner. However, while marked autolysosome formation was observed in GC-2 cells before 24 h culture in hypoxic conditions, apparent apoptosis was observed only after 24 h culture in hypoxic conditions. Caspase-8 siRNA treatment induced cell survival, accompanied by induction of the mature autophagosome, acidic vesicular organelle formation and autophagic flux. Furthermore, Beclin-1 overexpression markedly attenuated the impairment of spermatogenesis in mice by inhibiting apoptosis of spermatocytes. The results of this study demonstrate that hypoxia inhibits autophagy, which further enhances hypoxia-induced apoptosis of mouse spermatocytes by promoting caspase-8 activation in a time-dependent manner, suggesting that combined application of apoptosis inhibition and autophagy activation might be a therapeutic strategy for treating hypoxia-induced male infertility.
A indústria cultural e suas vicissitudes: entre o conceito e a realidade
Authors: Camargo Sílvio
Published: October 2018

Eu busco neste artigo mostrar alguns aspectos relativos a diferentes pesquisas e reflexões que empreendi em anos recentes sobre o conceito de indústria cultural. A questão central é o pensamento de Theodor W. Adorno com especial atenção para a atualidade de sua dialética negativa. Minha intervenção acerca da atualidade do conceito de indústria cultural possui três passos argumentativos: o entrelaçamento entre racionalidade e dominação como a base de uma teoria da sociedade em Adorno; algumas mudanças no capitalismo contemporâneo e suas implicações para um conceito de indústria cultural no século XXI e; a posição da indústria cultural no contexto da Sociologia brasileira. O objetivo central do artigo, produzido na forma de ensaio, é enfatizar a atualidade da teoria crítica da sociedade de Theodor Adorno mediante argumentos específicos ao campo da Sociologia.
Establishment of methodology for non-invasive electrocardiographic measurements in turtles and tortoises
Authors: Nógrádi Anna Linda , Balogh Márton
Published: October 2018

The lack of knowledge on how to perform species-specific electrocardiographic (ECG) measurements in chelonians makes ECG evaluations difficult. The aim of this study was to establish non-invasive methods for ECG sample collection in different species of non-anaesthetised chelonians, focusing on adhesive and clamp electrodes. A total of 72 turtles and tortoises from 20 species and various sizes were used for the study. Body weight ranged from 32 g to 65 kg. From the aspect of specimen fixation, dorsal recumbency proved to be the most useful. Both adhesive and clamp electrodes yielded results when applied to the plastron and skin folds. Pre-emptive results suggest an indirect correlation with plastron thickness, the presence of a hinge, habitat and measurable ECG wave amplitude. ECG wave recordings are more likely in aquatic chelonians and species with a hinge. With size the plastron also thickens, making wave detection impossible. ECG waves were detected in 41 of the 72 specimens, complete PQRST complexes in 19 animals, with the rest showing absent P waves in all leads. ECG amplitudes were below 1 mV, with an average of 0.15 mV R wave amplitude.
Fumonisin B1 exposure increases Hsp70 expression in the lung and kidney of rats without inducing significant oxidative stress
Authors: Kócsó Dániel J. , Szabó-Fodor Judit , Mézes Miklós , Balogh Krisztián , Ferenczi Szilamér , Szabó András , Bóta Brigitta , Kovács Melinda
Published: October 2018

The objective of this experiment was to determine whether fumonisin B1 (FB1) added to the diet of rats in a dose of 50 mg/kg changes the production of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) in the lungs and kidney of rats. We also studied the effect of this mycotoxin on the antioxidant system of the body. Mature (8 weeks old) male Wistar Crl:WI BR rats (n = 6/group) were fed the toxin-containing diet for 5 days. FB1 resulted in a 7% body weight reduction without significantly changing the feed intake. Western blot analysis of the lungs and kidney demonstrated a substantial (1.4-fold and 1.8-fold, respectively) increase in Hsp70 expression. Alterations could not be detected in the clinical chemical parameters (total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, glucose, creatinine and urea concentrations, and aspartate aminotransferase activity). There was no statistically significant change in malondialdehyde concentrations and the measured antioxidant parameters (the amount of reduced glutathione, GSH and glutathione peroxidase activity, GPx) in the blood plasma, lung and kidney tissue. Thus, it can be concluded that FB1 did not induce oxidative stress in the lungs and kidney, but increased Hsp70 production.
First detection of efrAB, an ABC multidrug efflux pump in Enterococcus faecalis in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Shiadeh Seyedeh Marzieh Jabbari , Hashemi Ali , Fallah Fatemeh , Lak Parnian , Azimi Leila , Rashidan Marjan
Published: October 2018

Enterococcus faecalis is one of the most significant pathogen in both nosocomial and community-acquired infections. Reduced susceptibility to antibiotics is in part due to efflux pumps. This study was conducted on 80 isolates of E. faecalis isolated from outpatients with urinary tract infection during a period of 1 year from April 2014 to April 2015. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns of isolates were determined by the disk diffusion method and presence of efrA and efrB genes was detected by PCR and sequencing. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to ciprofloxacin (CIP) were measured with and without carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) by broth microdilution. The highest resistance rate was observed to erythromycin (83.3%) and the prevalence of efrA and efrB genes in all E. faecalis isolates was 100%. This study showed that 9 out of 13 (69.2%) ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates became less resistant at least fourfolds to CIP in the presence of efflux pump inhibitor. Our result showed that CCCP as an efflux inhibitor can increase effect of CIP as an efficient antibiotic and it is suggested that efrAB efflux pumps are involved in resistance to fluoroquinolone.
Pioneer lichen communities of the Teteriv River Basin (Ukraine)
Authors: Kapets N. V. , Barsukov O. O. , Vynokurov D. S. , Khomyak I. V.
Published: October 2018

The results of phytosociological studies of pioneer lichen communities of siliceous outcrops carried out in 2014–2016 in Teteriv River basin (Ukraine) are provided. The dataset of 302 relevés was analysed, 6 associations and 1 subassociation from 3 classes were distinguished as a result of the phytosociological survey in the Teteriv River basin. Four associations, i.e.: Aspicilietum contortae Kaiser ex Klement 1955, Cladonietum mitis Krieger 1937, Parmelietum conspersae Hilitzer 1925, Parmelietum somloensis Wirth 1995 and the alliance Aspicilion calcareae Albertson ex Roux 1978 are new for Ukraine, and one new association Aspicilio cinerei-Ramalinetum pollinariae Kapets et Khomyak, ass. nova is described here.
Germination capacity of 75 herbaceous species of the pannonian flora and implications for restoration
Authors: Kiss R. , Sonkoly J. , Török P. , Tóthmérész B. , Deák B. , Tóth K. , Lukács K. , Godó L. , Kelemen A. , Miglécz T. , Radócz Sz. , Tóth E. , Balogh N. , Valkó O.
Published: October 2018

Seeds ensure the survival and dispersal of the majority of vascular plant species. Seeds require species-specific germination conditions and display very different germination capacities using different germination methods. Despite the importance of plant generative reproduction, little is known about the germination capacity of the seeds of the Pannonian flora, particularly under field conditions. Our aim was to reduce this knowledge gap by providing original data on the germination capacity of 75 herbaceous species. We reported the germination capacity of 8 species for the first time. We also highlighted the year-to-year differences in the germination capacity of 11 species which could be highly variable between years. The data regarding the germination capacity of target species, as well as weeds and invasive species, can be informative for nature conservation and restoration projects. Our findings support the composition of proper seed mixtures for ecological restoration and also highlight the importance of testing seed germination capacity before sowing.
Fabrication of Turkic böz ‘fabric’ in Japan and Korea
Authors: Vovin Alexander
Published: October 2018

This paper represents a long-needed criticism of Miller (2005) which carried over the famous discussion of Turkic böz ‘fabric’ in the micro-‘Altaic’ context even further East to Japan and Korea. I demonstrate that Miller’s arguments fail on historical linguistics and philological grounds for all five putative ‘Altaic’ families due in large extent to the faulty nature of either his argumentation or data, or both.
An Old Uyghur text written on a wooden plate recently discovered in the Tuyoq Grottoes in Turfan
Authors: Yakup Abdurishid , Li Xiao
Published: October 2018

This paper presents results of a primary investigation of an Old Uyghur text written on a wooden plate discovered in the fourth layer of the cave NK 9 in the Tuyoq Grottoes in Turfan during the excavations carried out by a joint team of Chinese archaeologists between the autumn of 2010 and early summer of 2011. The text on Side A of the wooden plate is from the Old Uyghur translation of the Viśeṣa-cinti-brahma-paripṛcchā ‘Scripture of the inquiry of the Deity of Thinking’ and closely matches the Siyi fantian suowen jing 思益梵天所問經, translated into Chinese by Kumārajīva. The text on Side B of the wooden plate is also of Buddhist content and seems to be by the same scribe. Presumably, it is also from the Old Uyghur translation of the Viśeṣa-cinti-brahma-paripṛcchā, but it still needs a definite identification.
Effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on antioxidant potential of three prickly pear variety extracts
Authors: Chaalal M. , Ydjedd S. , Harkat A. , Namoune H. , Kati D.E.
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the phenolic amounts and their antioxidant potential of three prickly pear variety extracts. The total phenolic compounds (phenolic, flavonoid, and proanthocyanidin) contents were assessed as well as their antioxidant activities (total antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing power, and DPPH free radical scavenging activity) were evaluated before and after digestion. Our results showed that before digestion, the yellow variety possesses high phenolic and proanthocyanidin contents with values of 3176±18 mg GAE/100 g and 90.3±9.8 mg CE/100 g, respectively. However, the red variety has high flavonoids content with a value of 1638±6 mg QE/100 g. Antioxidant activities showed similar trend that phenolic compounds. During the digestion, the antioxidant potential of digested extracts decreased significantly (P<0.001) compared to undigested ones. Hence, this potential increased significantly (P<0.01) from the oral to the intestinal phases. The statistical analysis revealed a moderate correlation between phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Hence, IVGID affects the antioxidant potential of extracts, but pH and enzymatic changes do not affect their gut bioaccessibility.
Determination of metaldehyde in different commercial pesticide formulations using green analytical procedure and gas chromatography flame ionization detection
Authors: Płonka Marlena , Miszczyk Marek , Marczewska Patrycja , Sajewicz Mieczysław
Published: October 2018

Metaldehyde is a molluscicide allowed for use in the control of slugs and snails in agriculture and horticulture in many countries. A simple, fast, and precise gas chromatography method was developed and single-laboratory validated for determination of metaldehyde in different formulations of plant protection products. The proposed method involves extraction of active substance from samples by sonication with acetone and analysis using gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC–FID). The suggested analytical procedure is accurate, precise, and repeatable. Moreover, it is environmentally friendly and useful for laboratories as it uses a no time- and no solvent-consuming reference chromatography technique for quality control of commercially available pesticide formulations. Advantages of the proposed method are consistent with the ideas of sustainable development, which are in accordance with the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry. Analysis of real samples of commercial pesticide formulations confirmed that the proposed method is fit for its purpose.