bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Model of Road Traffic Noise on Heterogeneous Traffic Situation
Authors: Hustim Muralia , Ramli Isran M.
Published: September 2018

The motorcycle domination on heterogeneous traffic situation in many cities in developing countries including Indonesia leads to the decreasing of environment qualities such noise pollution. Regarding the road traffic noise (RTN) pollution, this paper attempts to develop an empirical model for a RTN prediction model. The model based on a motorcycle unit as reference unit to consider flow rate of the road traffic which dominated by motorcycles. The study collected the RTN data such volume of each vehicle types, i.e., motorcycle; light vehicle; and high vehicle, and the noise level on the forty arterial roads in Makassar, Indonesia. The survey methods based on the traffic count method and the measurement noise level using a video camera and a sound level meter, respectively. We collected data during ten minutes of each one-hour period of each road. The empirical relationship models between the noise level and the traffic volume based on the motorcycle unit were developed using various types of regression models. The results showed that the polynomial model is more significant than the other models. We expected that the model provides a basic RTN prediction model in order to simulate some measures of the traffic management system in reducing the RTN level in Makassar City.
Dynamic Simulation of Petrochemical Wastewater Treatment Using Wastewater Plant Simulation Software
Authors: Ariff Idzham Fauzi Mohd , Bakir Mardhiyah
Published: September 2018

A dynamic simulation model was developed, calibrated and validated for a petrochemical plant in Terengganu, Malaysia. Calibration and validation of the model was conducted based on plant monitoring data spanning 3 years resulting in a model accuracy (RMSD) for effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) and total suspended solids (TSS) of ±11.7 mg/L, ±0.52 mg/L and ± 3.27 mg/L respectively. The simulation model has since been used for troubleshooting during plant upsets, planning of plant turnarounds and developing upgrade options. A case study is presented where the simulation model was used to assist in troubleshooting and rectification of a plant upset where ingress of a surfactant compound resulted in high effluent TSS and COD. The model was successfully used in the incident troubleshooting activities and provided critical insights that assisted the plant operators to quickly respond and bring back the system to normal, stable condition.
Copper Metal Removal using Sludge Activated Carbon Derived from Wastewater Treatment Sludge
Authors: Salihi Ibrahim Umar , Kutty Shamsul Rahman Mohamed , Ismail Hisyam Hussin Mohd
Published: September 2018

In Malaysia, according to perspective sludge production factor (SPF), wastewater treatment plants produces about 5.3 million m3 of sewage sludge annually, most of this sludge are being wasted (unused) in the landfills. This study employed the use of dry activated sludge as low-cost adsorbent for the removal of copper Cu (II) from wastewater. Adsorption of Cu (II) by sludge activated carbon (SAC) was conducted using batch tests. The effect of contact time and adsorbent dosage on the removal of Cu (II)) from wastewater were investigated. Initial metal concentration was maintained at 100 mg/L. The removal efficiency was found to have relations with the initial Cu (II) concentration, contact time as well as the SAC dosage. The adsorption kinetics of the Cu (II) by SAC was found to follow pseudo-second-order kinetic model, indicating chemisorption process. The adsorption isotherms studies indicated that the adsorption of Cu (II) by SAC adsorbent was well described by Langmuir isotherm model having correlation of determination (R2) value of 0.9985 at 12hrs equilibrium period. Optimum conditions for Cu (II) removal was achieved at SAC dosages of 10 g/L, contact time 12 hours and at initial Cu (II) concentration of 100 mg/L, respectively. The study indicated that sludge activated carbon can be used as an adsorbent for the removal of Cu (II) from aqueous solution.
Geotechnical and Minerology Properties of Marine Clay at the Northeast of Penang Island
Authors: Hassan Nik Mohd Kamel Nik , Wahid Suhaizan , Wahab Mohd Taha Abd
Published: September 2018

A series of subsurface investigation including in-situ and laboratory tests has been carefully planned and executed for a proposed residential and commercial development over soft marine clay at Tg Tokong, Penang Island. This paper presents the approach taken in determining and developing fundamental geotechnical engineering design parameters of the soft clay. The subsurface investigation was carried out in two phases to suit the overall development implementation plan namely subsurface investigation done near-shore with about 70 nos of boreholes, 50 nos of cone penetration tests (CPT) and 100 nos of Mackintosh probes and those that were carried out off-shore with 72 Nos of boreholes. The samples extracted from the field work were subjected to grain size analyses, Atterberg limits, oedometer test and consolidated undrained compression. Subsequently, correlations were established between physical soil properties with undrained shear strength from field vane and laboratory tests. The subsurface investigation has suggested that the soft marine clay at the northeast of Penang island comprises of a very soft upper marine clay layer overlying a stiffer lower marine clay. An intermediate stiff clay is sandwiched between these two marine clay layers. The soft clay was also subjected to x-ray diffraction to observe the minerology make up. The primary clay mineral was kaolinite/chlorite followed by smectite. The clay is anticipated to pose minimum effect onto the swelling and compression behaviour.
Numerical Evaluation of Settlement trough Width Parameter
Authors: Khoo Chee Min , Idris Nur Illia Shuhadah Idza , Mohamad Hisham , Rashid Ahmad Shukri Abdul
Published: September 2018

Construction of tunnel results in ground movements with a settlement trough which is well described by a Gaussian distribution curve. For near surface settlements, it was established that the trough width i is an approximately linear function of the tunnel depth zo in relation to a trough width parameter K and broadly independent of tunnel construction method and tunnel diameter (except for very shallow tunnels where the cover to diameter ratio is less than one). The choice of an appropriate value of K may require some judgement, since it depends on whether the ground is primarily cohesive or frictional. Published literatures recommended that for practical purposes K could be taken as 0.5 for tunnels in clays and 0.25 for tunnels in sands and gravels. This paper discusses the evaluation of trough width parameter which has not been studied much for typical soil types encountered in the Klang Valley of Malaysia (e.g. Kenny Hill formation weathered materials, granitic soil, alluvium, etc.) of which are commonly in cohesive-frictional nature. The main objective of study is to investigate, using numerical method, the arbitrary relationship of the trough width parameter for different soil types in terms of its effective shear strength parameters and stiffness parameter. A parametric study was carried out to identify parameter(s) which have a significant influence on the settlement trough width and simple equation is presented subsequently for estimating appropriate K values for empirical calculation. This study has excluded two-layered system of different geology where, for example, a tunnel in Kenny Hill formation is overlain by significant thickness of alluvium deposits. Preliminary findings based on numerical analysis showed some promising results. Effort to continually build up the field database to further refine the deduced relationship for the surface settlement trough width parameter is in progress over the course of construction for Klang Valley MRT tunnels.
Comparison of Induced Deflection and Forces in Piles Adjacent to Tunnelling and Deep Excavation in 2D and 3D Problems
Authors: Hoe Ong Yin , Mohamad Hisham
Published: September 2018

There is a trend in Malaysia and Singapore, engineers tend to model the effect of TBM tunneling or deep excavation to the adjacent piles in 2D model. In the 2D model, the pile is modelled using embedded row pile element which is a 1-D element. The user is allowed to input the pile spacing in out-of-plane direction. This gives an impression to engineers the embedded pile row element is able to model the pile which virtually is a 3D problem. It is reported by Sluis (2014) that the application of embedded pile row element is limited to 8D of pile length. It is also reported that the 2D model overestimates the axial load in pile and the shear force and bending moment at pile top and it is not realistic in comparison to 3D model. In this paper, the centrifuge results of single pile and 6-pile group - tunneling problem carried out in NUS (National University of Singapore) are back-analysed with Midas GTS 3D and a 2D program. In a separate case study, pile groups adjacent to a deep excavation is modelled by 3D and 2D program. This paper compares the deflection and forces in piles in 2D and 3D models.
Characteristics of Ride-Sourcing usage for Shopping Trips in Bandung, Indonesia
Authors: Kumar Jeeten , Joewono Tri Basuki
Published: September 2018

Shopping activities are an integral part of daily activities for people, and the growing existence of application-based transport mode, well known as ride-sourcing, gives an additional options. Ride-sourcing is believed to change travel behaviors of travelers especially for non-mandatory trips. As a relatively new mode, it is necessary to learn more about the ride-sourcing usage characteristics for shopping trips from experience in developing countries. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of ride-sourcing for shopping activities including the users. Data was collected using questionnaire distributed to households in Bandung City, West Java, Indonesia, and analyzed by employing binary logistic regression. Data shows that even ride-sourcing is famous, ride-sourcing is used as additional mode only and not as the primary mode for travel. Estimated model shows that the number of applications owned by users provide an ability for users to select shorter waiting time. Model also shows that travel charges become the most important reason in deciding the usage of ride-sourcing. This study reveals the fact that this application based service do not change fully the travelers’ behavior.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Test on the Burst Pressure of ASME A106 Steel Pipe
Authors: Akram Ali , Mustaffa Zahiraniza , Albarody Thar
Published: September 2018

A thermosetting infield liner (IFL) was developed using glass epoxy in response of the need for an optimized cost repair method. A burst test was conducted using ASME 106 steel pipes to measure their burst pressure which will later be used to measure the performance of the thermosetting IFL. Three specimens were prepared for the burst test using a custom made burst rig. The burst pressure obtained was on average 245 bar of pressure. A numerical simulation was also conducted using ANSYS to create a validated model for future use in developing the thermosetting IFL. The results of the simulation show a 7% difference with the experiment results.
Behaviour of Superelastic Nickel Titanium Shape Memory Alloy Material under Uniaxial Testing and its Potential in Civil Engineering
Authors: Hassan Azmi Mohammad , Rashid Raizal Saifulnaz Muhammad , Ahmad Nazirah , Alam Shahria , Hejazi Farzad , Safiee Nor Azizi
Published: September 2018

Smart structures are defined as structures that able to adapt and maintain structural characteristics in dealing with changes of external disturbance, environment and unexpected severe loadings. This ability will lead to improve structural safety, serviceability and structural life extension. Shape memory alloys is one of the smart materials which has potential to be integrated in structural system to provide functions such as sensing, actuation, self-adapting and healing of the structures. The unique characteristic of shape memory alloys material is the ability to ‘remember’ its original shape after deformation. Nickel Titanium superelastic shape memory alloy wire is popular and widely used in many engineering fields and owned fully recovery of maximum strain of 6%-13.5% which is among the best shape recovery limit in alloy materials. The austenite finish temperature plays important role in stress-strain behaviour of superelastic shape memory alloys where higher stress required to complete martensite transformation with the increase of austenite finish temperature. The similar behaviour also is observed in the case of higher strain rate. The behaviour of superelastic shape memory alloys need to be studied before implementing in the structural system, so the targeted improvement for the structural system can be achieved.
Seismic Effects on a Horizontally Unsymmetrical Building using Response Spectrum Analysis
Authors: Nizamani Zafarullah , Seng Seah Kay , Nakayama Akihiko , Khan Mohamad Shariff Bin Omar , Bilal Haider
Published: September 2018

Most of the residential buildings in Malaysia are not designed to withstand the seismic forces, while the high-rise buildings. However, since the Sumatra 2004 earthquake, there had been increasing concerns about the structure vulnerability in our country to earthquakes. Several recent studies had also revealed that Malaysia had the possibility to be influenced by both local and far field earthquakes. This study is conducted to analyze the vulnerability of a high rise building to local and far field earthquakes using Scia Engineer. Modal Response Spectrum method of Scia Engineer is used. The model is a 12 story hotel building from Ipoh, Perak. The designing code is the Eurocode with Malaysia Annex. Different Peak Ground Accelerations (PGA) that represents the local and far field earthquakes is acted on the model to obtain the seismic performance. The deformation of the building by the seismic combinations is compared to the ASCE-7 design to evaluate the vulnerability. Research of seismic performance of the flat slab system is also conducted along with beam frame system. The result shows that the building is in a safe condition in terms of deformation and the seismic performance of the flat slab system is advantageous.
Numerical Study of the Flow Fields in the Vegetated Baihe Lake
Authors: Zhu Zhexian , Liu Haifei
Published: September 2018

Wetland is a multifunctional and biodiversity ecosystem on the earth, and it is also one of the most important living environments for human beings. Large shallow lakes play an important role in providing water and maintaining ecosystem diversity in wetlands. Vegetation growing in lakes and could affect the water flow by drag force. In the paper, a two-dimensional hydrodynamic model is developed and is applied to a large shallow lake, Baihe Lake in North China and the lattice Boltzmann method is selected as the simulation approach. The water velocity field of the lake is produced by the model and the distribution of the study area is investigated. Then, the hydrodynamic characteristics of lakes under different vegetation density are studied to find its influence on the water flow. This study provides a theoretical basis through a numerical tool for the administration of local hydraulic and ecological engineering.
Modeling of Flow Around Vegetated Meandering River Reaches
Authors: Nakayama Akihiko , Goh Huan Tao , Nizamani Zafarullah
Published: September 2018

Models required in a large eddy simulation of natural river flows which are influenced by the complex bed geometry and the vegetation are proposed. First the model and the calculation method have been applied to a laboratory flow in a curved channel with artificial vegetation. The effects of vegetation on the secondary flow are confirmed to be reproduced correctly. The method is then used to simulate the flow around a real meandering river with vegetation along the banks and on the bars. The results appear reasonable and important characteristics around the bends such as varying flow velocity and the bed shear are also reproduced.
LPTK contribution in development of sustainable teachers professionalism in semarang district
Authors: Sukirman  , Utanto Yuli , Maretta Yoris Adi
Published: September 2018

This study aims to portray the condition of teachers’ competencies and problems as well as the ongoing implementation of teacher professional development in Semarang district, Central Java. Based on the problem mapping found, the solution was obtained by involving the Education Institution of Education Personnel. This study used a survey approach in Semarang District which was carried out throughout 2016. Data collection was done by giving open questions to respondents and followed up with in-depth interviews. Respondents consisted of teachers, principals, and school supervisors. The results of the study showed that, in terms of the shortage of Civil Servant class teachers, the role of non Civil Servant class teachers was very large, namely 17% of the total class teacher needs. It means that if there is no non Civil Servant class teacher available then 17% of the study group does not get optimal learning services. 130 public elementary schools have a ratio of <= 16 students per study group. In those small schools the required class teachers are 757 teachers, the Civil Servant teachers available are 563 teachers. Those schools require 194 more teachers, meanwhile the non-Civil Servant teachers available are only 165 teachers. The other findings have not been analysed for its training needs, the performance evaluations have not been objective, there is some difficulty in finding the training funds and resource persons, the training activities are still sporadic, and monitoring and evaluation have not been done. It is recommended to do regrouping especially to be focused on the small schools. Small school is a school with a ratio of <= 16 students per study group. Implementing multigrade learning models in small schools is necessary because doing regrouping is not possible due to the geographical conditions. It is also necessary for the District Education Office and the Education Institution of Education Personnel to establish close cooperation, the lecturers can be consultants in the district, and the implementation of ongoing teacher professional development is carried out seriously in accordance with established guidelines and regulations.
An Improved N-Acylation of 1H-Benzotriazole Using 2,2′-Dipyridyl­di­sulfide and Triphenylphosphine
Authors: Tiwari Vinod , Singh Anoop , Agrahari Anand , Mishra Nidhi , Singh Mala
Published: September 2018

A novel path has been developed for the conversion of carboxylic acids into the corresponding N-acylbenzotriazoles by using 2,2′-dipyridyl disulfide/PPh3 in anhydrous dichloromethane in the presence of 1H-benzotriazole. Mild reaction conditions, short reaction time, easy in handling, wide substrate scope, availability of reagents involved, and moreover avoiding the use of base makes this protocol quite useful for the laboratory practices for N-acylbenzotriazole synthesis.
Visible-Light Photoredox-Catalyzed Cascade Reaction for the
Synthesis of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline-Substituted Phosphonates
Authors: Shi Deqing , Wang Lingna , Ma Tiancong , Qiao Mingming , Wu Qiangxian , Xiao Wenjing
Published: September 2018

A visible-light photoredox-catalyzed oxidation/[3+2] cycloaddition/oxidative aromatization cascade reaction of [(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)methyl]phosphonates and activated olefins or alkynes for the efficient synthesis of potentially biological active pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline-substituted phosphonates was developed. This transformation features mild reaction conditions (i.e., visible light irradiation, room temperature), molecular oxygen (O2) as a green oxidant, simple ‘one-pot’ operation.
Institution of a Surgical Curriculum for Trabecular Microbypass Stent Placement
Authors: Hakim Farida , Malhotra Varun , Colby Kathryn , Riaz Kamran
Published: September 2018

Purpose This article evaluates whether a targeted, stepwise curriculum for microbypass stent placement leads to successful insertion of the iStent (Glaukos, Laguna Hills, CA) by resident surgeons.

Participants Senior (postgraduate year 4) ophthalmology residents (9 residents) from three classes during the 2015 to 2016, 2016 to 2017, and 2017 to 2018 academic years.

Design Residents participated in a three-stage surgical curriculum. First, a wet laboratory was held for residents to gain familiarity with the device and develop bimanual surgical proficiency. The wet laboratory involved several stations, with each station requiring increased dexterity for successful completion. Next, residents practiced bimanual intraoperative gonioscopy after routine phacoemulsification procedures. Finally, residents performed combined phacoemulsification and iStent insertion under the supervision of an experienced attending surgeon. Primary success was determined by correct anatomical placement of the device confirmed via subsequent intraoperative gonioscopy by the supervising surgeon. Secondary success was measured by change in intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of topical hypotensive medications used after surgery. Residents provided feedback about the effectiveness of the curriculum via an online survey.

Results There were a total of 43 cases. There were no significant intraoperative complications, including hyphema. The iStent location was confirmed during both intraoperative and postoperative gonioscopy and was noted to be in appropriate position for the duration of the follow-up period (6–12 months) for all patients. Average preoperative IOP in our subjects was 17.5 ± 4.0 mm Hg and mean number of preoperative medications was 1.4 ± 1.0. At 6 months' postoperative, average IOP was 14.5 ± 2.2 mm Hg (13% reduction from baseline [±15%]). At 12 months' postoperative, average IOP was 14.4 ± 3.5 mm Hg, with a reduction of 14% (±18%). The mean number of medications at follow-up was 1.2 ± 1.1. Mean postoperative IOP at 6 and 12 months was significantly lower compared with baseline (p = 0.0002, p = 0.0001). Residents agreed that the curriculum prepared them to perform iStent insertion during residency and most residents felt prepared after residency.

Conclusion This stepwise surgical curriculum for trabecular microbypass stent placement leads to successful performance of the procedure by residents and is a useful model for other residency programs.
Sexualmedizin in der Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik, Psychotherapie und Nervenheilkunde
Authors: Berner M.M.
Published: September 2018

Sexuelle Probleme sind in der Allgemeinbevölkerung wie auch in der psychiatrisch-psychotherapeutischen Praxis häufig. Die ICD-10 listet die Mehrzahl der sexuellen Störungen im F-Kapitel der psychischen Störungen auf. In der psychiatrisch-psychotherapeutischen Aus-, Fort- und Weiterbindung nehmen sie jedoch keinen großen Raum ein. Viele Ärzte setzen sich nur wenig mit der Sexualanamnese der Patienten auseinander. Der Artikel erläutert an drei Beispielen die Relevanz der Sexualmedizin für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie: Sexuelle Funktionsstörungen als häufigste Problemstellungen, Paraphilien als forensisch relevante Symptomatik mit großen Vorurteilen in der Bevölkerung und Transsexualität, deren Behandlung konsequent interdisziplinäre Ansätze erfordert und lebensverändernde Konsequenzen für die Betroffenen hat. Aus diesen Beispielen wird die Wichtigkeit der vertieften Beschäftigung mit der Thematik und der Auseinandersetzung mit diesem Aspekt der Psychosomatik für den Praktiker ersichtlich. Das gilt jedoch auch für das gesamte Fach mit seinen entsprechenden Curricula.
Evidence-based psychopharmacotherapy. A valid and reliable approach?
Authors: Möller H.-J.
Published: September 2018

Objective: Psychopharmacotherapy should now be regulated in the sense of evidence-based medicine (EBM), as is the case in other areas of clinical treatment in medicine.

Methods: Descriptive overview of limitations and problems of EBM in pharmacopsychiatry.

Results: In general this is a meaningful development, which principally will have a positive impact on routine health care in psychiatry. But several related problems should not be ignored. So far consensus on an internationally accepted evidence graduation could not be reached, due to several difficulties related to this. For example, to focus on the results of meta-analyses instead of considering relevant single studies results in a decision-making logic which is in conflict with the rationale applied by drug authorities in the licensing process. Attempts to regulate psychopharmacotherapy in the sense of EBM come closer to their limits the more complex the clinical situation and the respective decision-making logic are.

Conclusion: EBM has severe problems and limitations. Even in times of EBM a large part of complex clinical decision-making in psychopharmacotherapy still relies more on clinical experience and a consensus about clinical experience, traditions and belief systems than on results of efficacy oriented phase-III and effectiveness-oriented phase-IV clinical studies.
Immunologische Aspekte psychischer Störungen bei rheumatischen Erkrankungen
Authors: Straub R. H. , Zielasek J.
Published: September 2018

Es gibt vielfältige Wechselwirkungen zwischen entzündlichen Erkrankungen und psychischen Störungen. Nicht nur sind post- oder periinfektiöse Depressionen oder „Fatigue“- Symptome sehr häufig, zunehmend wird auch entschlüsselt, auf welche Weise Immunsystem und Psyche einander beeinflussen. Auf der Grundlage solcher Erkenntnisfortschritte ergeben sich neue therapeutische Möglichkeiten, die erst ansatzweise untersucht sind. In diesem Übersichtsartikel werden zunächst die grundlegenden Mechanismen der Interaktionen zwischen psychischen Störungen beschrieben. Am Beispiel der rheumatologischen Erkrankungen werden diese konkretisiert und die therapeutischen Erfahrungen mit psychischen Störungen bei entzündlichen Erkrankungen im Allgemeinen thematisiert.
A translational medicine approach to molecular psychiatry
Authors: Honer W. G.
Published: September 2018

The place of molecular medicine in psychiatry is rapidly evolving. Research findings appear with great frequency, but the integration and impact of molecular research into the clinical practice of psychiatry is negligible. The present paper uses a translational medicine framework to provide a critical review of the possibilities for molecular medicine in psychiatry, focused on schizophrenia as an example illness.
Psychosomatik – quo vadis?
Authors: Bohus M.
Published: September 2018

Das Fachgebiet der Psychosomatischen Medizin und Psychotherapie steht vor einem massiven Überalterungs- und Nachwuchsproblem. Schon heute kann die Versorgung in psychosomatischen Kliniken nur durch Rekrutierung von anderen Fachärzten bzw. Psychologen gewährleistet werden. Die Ursachen dieser bedauerlichen Entwicklung sind vielfältig. Zum einen hat sich unser Verständnis über die Bedeutung somatischer Parameter in der Entwicklung psychischer und somato-psychischer Erkrankungen erweitert und sich in der Etablierung fachgebundener Psychotherapie niedergeschlagen. Zum anderen ist durch die Etablierung der Psychologischen Psychotherapie eine hochkompetente Konkurrenz für die ärztliche Psychotherapie erwachsen, die sicherlich Einfluss nimmt auf die Karriere-Planung junger Kollegen. Wenn psychosomatisches Wissen und Handeln weiter Bestandteil der ärztlichen Kernkompetenz bleiben soll, sind tiefgreifende Veränderungen der Facharztstruktur notwendig.
Doppler ultrasound surveillance of TIPS-patency in the era of covered stents – retrospective analysis of a large single-center cohort
Authors: Klinger Christoph , Riecken Bettina , Müller Johannes , Westphal Anja , Löffler Joachim , Froehlich Eckhart , Caca Karel
Published: September 2018

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine accuracy and necessity of long-term Doppler ultrasound (DU) surveillance of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) patency after implantation of an ePTFE-covered stent-graft (Viatorr).

Methods This single-center retrospective study includes 228 consecutive cirrhotic patients with TIPS implantation due to portal hypertensive complications. Standardized DU surveillance was scheduled 3 – 5 days, 3 months, and 6 months after TIPS implantation and every 6 months thereafter. Portal venography was performed in case of DU findings suspicious of TIPS dysfunction, clinical signs of recurrent portal hypertension, or refractory hepatic encephalopathy.

Results During a mean follow-up of 16.6 ± 23.4 months, 866 DU examinations were performed. Twenty-two cases of TIPS dysfunction were observed in 16 patients with no first dysfunction more than 4 years after implantation. Routine DU in asymptomatic patients had little therapeutic impact (0.75 %). DU and venography were concordant in 39/46 (84.8 %) paired examinations, and 1-, 2-, and 5-year primary TIPS patency was 87.4 %, 83.7 %, and 79.97 %, respectively. Patients with TIPS dysfunction and subsequent successful revision during the first 2 years of follow-up had a significantly higher risk (p = 0.001) of new dysfunction compared to those without TIPS dysfunction. Cumulative 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival was 68.7 %, 61.3 %, and 42.7 %, respectively.

Conclusions Despite acceptable accuracy, scheduled DU surveillance proved to have minor therapeutic impact. Thus, detailed DU surveillance is not useful in asymptomatic patients after 2 years of unremarkable follow-up. In contrast, long-term DU surveilleance should be performed in patients after successful revision of TIPS dysfunction and patients with prothrombotic states (e. g., portal vein thrombosis, Budd-Chiari syndrome).
Investigating the relationship between noise transfer inside the x-ray framing cameras and their imaging ability
Authors: Trosseille C. A. , Benedetti L. R. , Beach M. S. , Boyle D. T. , Hargrove D. R. , Holder J. P. , Lumbard A. A. , Ruchonnet G. W. , Bradley D. K.
Published: September 2018

We apply a cascaded linear model analysis to a micro-channel plate x-ray framing camera. We establish a theoretical expression of the Noise Power Spectrum (NPS) at the detector’s output and assess its accuracy by comparing it to the NPS of Monte Carlo simulations of the detector’s response to a uniform illumination. We also demonstrate that fitting the NPS of experimental data against a parametric model based on this expression can yield valuable information on the imaging ability of framing cameras, offering an alternative approach to the usual method employed to measure their modulation transfer functions.
Effect of Merino sheep age on consumer sensory scores, carcass and instrumental meat quality measurements
Authors: Pannier L. , Gardner G. E. , Pethick D. W.
Published: September 2018

Slower growing Merino sheep often miss the lamb category and become yearlings. Yet, they may still produce meat of acceptable eating quality, thus opening the opportunity to develop high quality yearling products. Consumer sensory differences (tenderness, overall liking, juiciness, liking of flavour and liking of odour) of grilled wet-aged (5 days) steaks from the M. longissimus lumborum (LL) and M. semimembranosus (SM) derived from wether lamb (n = 185; average age 355 days) and wether yearling (n = 206; average age 685 days) Merinos were tested. Additionally, the age effect on carcass and instrumental meat quality traits was analysed. Lambs were born in 2009 and 2010 at two research sites (Kirby, Katanning), and yearlings were born in 2009 at five research sites (Kirby, Cowra, Rutherglen, Struan, Katanning). On average within each muscle, yearlings had lower scores for all sensory attributes (P < 0.01) compared to lambs. Lambs versus yearlings born in the same year and reared at the same research site had greater sensory differences within the SM (P < 0.01), up to 10.0 eating quality scores more for tenderness. In contrast, the LL samples had almost no significant differences between the two age groups. A portion of the differences in overall liking and liking of flavour scores was explained by intramuscular fat. Yearlings were slightly heavier (P < 0.01) but leaner (P < 0.01), compared to lambs, and yearling meat colour was darker (P < 0.01). While the results generally supported the better eating quality of lamb, they demonstrated a very acceptable yearling LL eating quality, and showed the smaller impact of age on the LL muscle in Merinos. Hence, the development of a high quality yearling product for the LL muscle is possible.
Effect of dietary niacin supplementation on performance, total tract nutrient retention, carcass yield and meat lipid profile of growing turkeys
Authors: Adebowale Tolulope Oluwadamilare , Liu Hongnan , Oso Abimbola Oladele , Oke Oyegunle Emmanuel , Hussain Tarique , Bamgbose Adeyemi Mustapha , Yao Kang , Yulong Yin
Published: September 2018

A study was conducted to investigate the influence of dietary high or recommended nicotinic acid (niacin) supplementation on growth performance, total tract nutrient digestibility, hematology, serum chemistry, and lipoprotein concentrations in the serum and meat of growing turkeys. Turkeys were assigned to three treatments on weight equalisation basis with five replicates of eight turkeys in each group. Experimental diets were: no supplemental niacin (Control), a diet supplemented with 60 mg/kg niacin termed as recommended niacin supplementation and a diet supplemented with 180 mg/kg niacin termed as high niacin supplementation (HNS). The experiment lasted for the grower (Day 56–84) and finisher phases (Day 84–112) of the birds. Dietary inclusion of HNS increased (P < 0.01) bodyweight gain, metabolisable energy (Days 84 and 112), dressing percentage and retail cut parts of turkeys (Day 112) in relation to the Control-fed turkeys. Furthermore, least white blood cell count and higher concentrations of packed cell volume, red blood cells and hemoglobin (P < 0.01) were found in turkeys fed HNS on Days 84 and 112. Similarly, turkeys in the HNS group had improved serum constituents including serum protein, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphate. The blood and meat lipid profile analysis showed that low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol were least (P < 0.05) in turkeys fed HNS. Collectively, dietary high supplementation of niacin (180 mg/kg) improves production performances, reduces serum and meat fat content and improve indicators of stress resistance ability in growing turkeys.
Text messaging between clinicians and patients – Hve we got thngs unda cntrl?
Authors: Muller Mark D. , Moyes Simon A. , Fulcher Mark L.
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Patients are interested in receiving text messages (texts) related to their health care. However, anecdotes are emerging of associated problems and it is possible that many of the potential pitfalls are not recognised. AIM To assess clinicians’ attitudes and behaviours towards text messaging (texting) with patients. METHODS A voluntary, anonymous, online survey was created and distributed to general practitioners and physiotherapists in New Zealand and to Sports Medicine Fellows and Sports Medicine Registrars in New Zealand and Australia. RESULTS In total, 322 clinicians completed the survey. Texting behaviours relating to accuracy, privacy and security were identified. A range of sensitive and important medical information was frequently conveyed and at times forwarded to third parties. The clinicians generally felt uneasy communicating this way and some felt pressured into it. Most thought that guidelines are insufficient and that they had not received sufficient education on the issues. Most were interested in further education. CONCLUSION This study has demonstrated frequent texting between clinicians and patients. It has highlighted potential risks to the privacy, accuracy and security of medical information. Current guidelines and education may be insufficient. Clinicians were interested in receiving readily available best practice guidelines and education regarding texting.
Partner notification and retesting for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae: a case-note review in New Zealand primary care
Authors: Rose Sally B. , Garrett Susan M. , Kennedy Jane , Lund Kim , Hutchings Deborah , Boyle Caroline , Pullon Susan R. H.
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION
Bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) contribute to a significant burden of ill-health despite being easy to diagnose and treat. STI management guidelines provide clinicians with evidence-based guidance on best-practice case management.

AIM
To determine the extent of adherence to STI management guidelines for partner notification, follow up and testing for reinfection following diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

METHODS
Retrospective review of electronic patient records for individuals diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhoea in eight primary care clinics in Wellington, New Zealand. At each clinic, 40 clinical records were reviewed (320 in total). Outcome measures were: overall numbers (%) of cases with documented evidence of reason for testing, sexual history, treatment, advice, partner notification and follow up. Partner notification outcomes were: n (%) with evidence of partner notification discussion and n (%) with partners advised, tested and treated. Proportions retested between 6 weeks and 6 months and n (%) positive on retesting were also determined.

RESULTS
Presenting features and treatment were generally well documented. Recent sexual history including number of partners was documented for half of cases reviewed (159/320). Partner notification discussion was documented for 74% (237/320) of cases, but only 24.4% (78/320) had documentation on numbers of partners notified and 17% (54/320) on numbers of partners treated. Testing for reinfection between 6 weeks and 6 months occurred for 24.7% (79/320), of whom 19% (15/79) re-tested positive.

CONCLUSIONS
This research suggests there are gaps in important aspects of patient care following bacterial STI diagnosis – a factor that may be perpetuating our high rates of infection. A more systematic approach will be needed to ensure people diagnosed with an STI receive the full cycle of care in line with best practice guidelines.
Hyponatremia associated with long-term medication use in the elderly: an analysis in general practice
Authors: Grattagliano Ignazio , Mastronuzzi Tecla , D’Ambrosio Gaetano
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION
The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of hyponatremia, its association with long-term medication use and underlying chronic conditions, the rate of hospitalisation and death within 3 months from its discovery and its management in community-dwelling older people.

METHODS
One year of data for ~5635 patients aged >65 years was extracted from the databases of 19 general practitioners (GPs); 2569 (45.6%) were checked for hyponatremia.

RESULTS
Hyponatremia occurred in 205 (8.0%) of 2569 checked individuals: 78.5% (161/205) had hypertension, 31.2% (64/205) diabetes, 23.9% (49/205) chronic renal failure; 38.0% (78/205) received diuretics, 36.6% (75/205) renin-angiotensin system antagonists (ACE-I/ARB) and 9.8% (20/205) serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Drug consumption was higher in hyponatremic patients, although only diuretics, ACE-I/ARB, anti-arrhythmics and opioids were significantly associated with hyponatremia. The likelihood of hyponatremia trebled when four drugs were taken, and it was seven-fold higher with the use of six drugs. Hyponatremia was associated with a higher prevalence of chronic illnesses and higher rate of hospitalisation (13.7% vs 7.7%, P = 0.005) and death (3.9% vs 1.8%, P < 0.035). The use of at least one long-term medication was associated with hospitalisation or death in hyponatremic patients (10% vs 6.3%, P = 0.010). Less than 20% of hyponatremic patients had their sodium level checked again after 1 month.

DISCUSSION
Hyponatremia is not uncommon among community-living older patients, especially in patients taking medications potentially causing hyponatremia. Hyponatremic patients are likely to encounter more serious events, including hospitalisation and death. Targeted training of GPs is desirable to improve their practice.
Incidental hip fracture in an outpatient clinic: the importance of patient-centred assessment
Authors: Hughes Lloyd David , Love Gavin
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACT
Although many patients presenting with hip fractures have classic symptoms, other patients may present atypically with referred knee pain and reasonably unremarkable clinical examination following initial presentation. Older patients commonly have comorbid conditions such as arthritis, stroke and dementia that can complicate history and examination, making the diagnosis of subtle fractures difficult. Multimorbidity represents an important diagnostic challenge to both primary and secondary care. This case study discusses a 90-year-old lady who was found to have an old right neck of femur fracture after attendance at an geriatric outpatient clinic for a discussion about anticoagulation, after GP referral.
Synchronization of energy consumption by human societies throughout the Holocene
Authors: Freeman Jacob , Baggio Jacopo A. , Robinson Erick , Byers David A. , Gayo Eugenia , Finley Judson Byrd , Meyer Jack A. , Kelly Robert L. , Anderies John M.
Published: September 2018

We conduct a global comparison of the consumption of energy by human populations throughout the Holocene and statistically quantify coincident changes in the consumption of energy over space and time—an ecological phenomenon known as synchrony. When populations synchronize, adverse changes in ecosystems and social systems may cascade from society to society. Thus, to develop policies that favor the sustained use of resources, we must understand the processes that cause the synchrony of human populations. To date, it is not clear whether human societies display long-term synchrony or, if they do, the potential causes. Our analysis begins to fill this knowledge gap by quantifying the long-term synchrony of human societies, and we hypothesize that the synchrony of human populations results from (i) the creation of social ties that couple populations over smaller scales and (ii) much larger scale, globally convergent trajectories of cultural evolution toward more energy-consuming political economies with higher carrying capacities. Our results suggest that the process of globalization is a natural consequence of evolutionary trajectories that increase the carrying capacities of human societies.
cTAGE5/MEA6 plays a critical role in neuronal cellular components trafficking and brain development
Authors: Zhang Feng , Wang Yaqing , Wang Tao , Yao Li , Lam Sin Man , Huang Xiahe , Fan Junwan , Wang Qin , Liu Liang , Jiang Yisheng , Zhang Hongsheng , Shi Lei , Yu Mei , Shui Guanghou , Wang Yingchun , Gao Fei , Zhang Xiaohui , Xu Zhiheng
Published: September 2018

Normal neural development is essential for the formation of neuronal networks and brain function. Cutaneous T cell lymphoma-associated antigen 5 (cTAGE5)/meningioma expressed antigen 6 (MEA6) plays a critical role in the secretion of proteins. However, its roles in the transport of nonsecretory cellular components and in brain development remain unknown. Here, we show that cTAGE5/MEA6 is important for brain development and function. Conditional knockout ofcTAGE5/MEA6in the brain leads to severe defects in neural development, including deficits in dendrite outgrowth and branching, spine formation and maintenance, astrocyte activation, and abnormal behaviors. We reveal that loss of cTAGE5/MEA6 affects the interaction between the coat protein complex II (COPII) components, SAR1 and SEC23, leading to persistent activation of SAR1 and defects in COPII vesicle formation and transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi, as well as disturbed trafficking of membrane components in neurons. These defects affect not only the transport of materials required for the development of dendrites and spines but also the signaling pathways required for neuronal development. Because mutations in cTAGE5/MEA6 have been found in patients with Fahr’s disease, our study potentially also provides insight into the pathogenesis of this disorder.
Regulatory γ1 subunits defy symmetry in functional modulation of BK channels
Authors: Gonzalez-Perez Vivian , Ben Johny Manu , Xia Xiao-Ming , Lingle Christopher J.
Published: September 2018

Significance

Non–pore-forming regulatory subunits (β and γ) define many cell-specific functional properties of Ca
2+
and voltage-regulated K
+
channels (termed BK channels). For β subunits, the tetramerically symmetric core of pore-forming α subunits can be decorated with one to four β subunits, each conferring an energetically incremental effect on channel gating. Here we define the stoichiometric basis of the all-or-none regulatory effect of the γ1 subunit on BK gating. Using a Forster resonance energy transfer-based optical approach and a functional reporter in single-channel recordings, the results show that although BK channels can contain up to four γ1 subunits, asymmetric assembly of a single γ1 subunit in the BK tetramer produces a concerted effect on channel function to mediate the all-or-none effect.
Leak potassium channels regulate sleep duration
Authors: Yoshida Kensuke , Shi Shoi , Ukai-Tadenuma Maki , Fujishima Hiroshi , Ohno Rei-ichiro , Ueda Hiroki R.
Published: September 2018

Significance

To address molecular mechanisms regulating sleep duration, a simple computational model of a cortical neuron [simplified averaged neuron (SAN) model], which recapitulates the electrophysiological characteristics of slow-wave sleep (SWS) and wakefulness, is developed in this study. Comprehensive bifurcation and detailed mathematical analyses predicted that leak K
+
channels play a role in generating the cortical electrophysiological characteristics of SWS, leading to a hypothesis that leak K
+
channels play a role in the regulation of sleep duration. We comprehensively generated and analyzed 14 knockout mice of the leak K
+
channel family, which demonstrated that impairment of the leak K
+
channel (
Kcnk9
) decreases sleep duration. The results confirm the validity of the SAN model and suggest a molecular mechanism regulating sleep duration.
Influenza hemagglutinin membrane anchor
Authors: Benton Donald J. , Nans Andrea , Calder Lesley J. , Turner Jack , Neu Ursula , Lin Yi Pu , Ketelaars Esther , Kallewaard Nicole L. , Corti Davide , Lanzavecchia Antonio , Gamblin Steven J. , Rosenthal Peter B. , Skehel John J.
Published: September 2018

Viruses with membranes fuse them with cellular membranes, to transfer their genomes into cells at the beginning of infection. For Influenza virus, the membrane glycoprotein involved in fusion is the hemagglutinin (HA), the 3D structure of which is known from X-ray crystallographic studies. The soluble ectodomain fragments used in these studies lacked the “membrane anchor” portion of the molecule. Since this region has a role in membrane fusion, we have determined its structure by analyzing the intact, full-length molecule in a detergent micelle, using cryo-EM. We have also compared the structures of full-length HA−detergent micelles with full-length HA−Fab complex detergent micelles, to describe an infectivity-neutralizing monoclonal Fab that binds near the ectodomain membrane anchor junction. We determine a high-resolution HA structure which compares favorably in detail with the structure of the ectodomain seen by X-ray crystallography; we detect, clearly, all five carbohydrate side chains of HA; and we find that the ectodomain is joined to the membrane anchor by flexible, eight-residue-long, linkers. The linkers extend into the detergent micelle to join a central triple-helical structure that is a major component of the membrane anchor.