bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of hardness and flexural strength of banyan and peepal fibre reinforced hybrid composites
Authors: Durga Prasada Rao V. , Moses Dayan G. , Navya Geethika V.
Published: June 2018

In the present work, Banyan and Peepal fibre reinforced hybrid composites are prepared through hand Lay- up technique..The objective of the work is to investigate the hardness and flexural properties of eight varieties of banyan – peepal hybrid composites. The composites include banyan-peepal-banyan-peepal-banyan fibre composite, peepal-banyan-peepal-banyan-peepal fibre composite, banyan-copper-banyan-copper-banyan fibre composite (F1-Cu-F1-Cu-F1), peepal-copper-peepal-copper-peepal fibre composite, banyan-peepal-copper-peepal-banyan fibre composite, peepal-copper-banyan-copper-peepal fibre composite, peepal-banyan-copper-banyan-peepal fibre composite, and banyan-copper-peepal-copper-banyan fibre composite . Each of these composites is prepared in 00 orientations (i.e., fibres parallel each other), 450 (i.e., fibres at 450 to each other) and 900 orientations (i.e., fibres perpendicular to each other). It is observed from the results that, the hardness of F2-Cu-F1-Cu-F2 composite with 900 orientation is high and that of F1-F2-F1-F2-F1 composite with 450 orientation is low. It is also noticed that, the bending strength of F2-Cu-F1-Cu-F2 composite with 00 orientation is high and that of F2-F1-F2-F1-F2 composite with 450 orientation is low, and as far as the composites with 90⁰ orientations are considered, no results are obtained. Further it is noticed that, the hardness of all the eight composites with 90˚ orientation is found to be high compared to their remaining orientations and also the hardness of all the composites with 45˚ orientation is low compared to their 0˚ and 90˚ orientations
The Transition towards Sustainable Supply Chain Management: An Empirical Study
Authors: Singh Amrita , Agarwal Parul , Dixit Saurav , Singh Sonali , Sahai Sanjai
Published: June 2018

In the last one decade, the concept of SSCM, green and circular economy has been developed we have seen the synchronization of green and sustainable supply chain management practices by the firms to reduce the impact over the environment in developed countries as well as in developing countries. The intent of the author is to identify benefits of the new practices. The methodology used for the study is to analyze the available literature and identify the main attributes and prioritize using relative importance index. The study shall perceive direct and indirect benefits from the community and the surroundings. The study provides insight to the topic and to validate the results of the research same type of study to complete in the other regions of the country to have a clear and better understanding of the topic is suggested.
Effect of Blade Profiles on the performance of Bidirectional Wave Energy Turbine
Authors: Kumar P.Madhan , Samad Abdus
Published: June 2018

To fulfill the ever growing demands of world energy consumption, the wave energy should be extracted economically. The oscillating water column is most commonly used to xtract energy from waves. It consists of a chamber in which waves drives the entrapped air column to rotate the Wells turbine. The Wells turbine is a self-rectifying low-pressure axial reaction turbine with 90ο stagger angle. These turbines consist of symmetrical airfoil profile to achieve unidirectional rotation for the bi-directional airflow. The turbine performance predominantly depends on the aerodynamic characteristics of the airfoil profile used. In this study, the performance of Wells turbine with various symmetrical airfoil profiles was analysed using ANSYS CFX 14.5. The CFD analysis was performed by solving three dimensional steady Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equation with k-ω SST turbulence closure model. The reference geometry has NACA0015 as blade profile and the CFD results were compared with the experimental values. The performance characteristics of the new airfoil profiles were compared with the reference case to analyse the suitability of airfoils in wave energy extraction. The NACA0021 airfoil profile showed better performance in the post-stall regime compared to the NACA0015 and the S1046 airfoil profiles.
Thermal Surface Analysis on Neo-minimalist apartment façades in Penang, Malaysia
Authors: Arab Yasser , Sanusi Hassan Ahmad , Qanaa Bushra
Published: June 2018

The study investigates apartment’s façade thermal performance with neo-minimalist architectural style in Penang, Malaysia. Neo-minimalist style is considered as the most popular style in Malaysia in 2010s. The style is rediscovering from early modern minimalist movement with a design concept “less is more”. It applies minimal and efficient design of architectural character in defining form and space. Penang Island the second most important city in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur. It is located at the north-western part of the country. The first case studies is the Light Linear apartment which has sixteen stories located on the east cost of Penang Island at Pantai Street, Penang. The second case study is BayStar apartment building, the eleven stories building tis located in Bayan Lepas at the seaside facing Jerejak Island. In order to conduct this study Fluke Ti20 thermal imager was used to capture thermal images for the west facades of the selected case study hourly from 12:00 to 6:00 pm on 15th March 2017. The study finds that the recessed wall, balconies and the shading devices were the important elements to provide shades on the façades for good thermal performance.
Benefits and Aura of Rubies and its Local Intelligence among the Malays Community
Authors: Azam Azmi Noor , Xin Tay Kai , Mohamed Badaruddin , Che Lah Salasiah
Published: June 2018

Rubies are associated with aura and nutrients. Many scientifically researches have been carried out for examining the rubies as materials, however, the little-existed literature on beliefs and usefulness of rubies, especially Malay community who have used Rubies for many decades. Therefore, this paper is to critically review the benefits and aura of rubies from Malay local intelligence. This paper found that the Malay community is knowledgeable on the benefits of rubies. Characteristics that exist in the stone itself have been identified that this gem is a class of its own. The beliefs that Malay community has on rubies can be associated with local knowledge that exists about the gem are also discussed
Traditional Kinulung Craft Weaving of the Dusun Tindal of Kota Belud, Sabah
Authors: binti Kindoyop Salbiah , ak Tugang Noria , Jusilin Humin , Kimwah Junior
Published: June 2018

Arts and cultural heritage is a potent reflection of the identity of a community. The art of traditional handicraft weaving in any society is dependent on the resources available in his environment and the needs of the particular community. The Dusun Tindal of Kota Belud is rich in weaving craft traditions with kinulung as one of its distinctive products. Kinulung is unique with its own specific purpose and simple design, and has been able to withstand modernisation and change. However the factors of adaptation, environmental change, and modern technological transformation could pose as threats to the traditional and heritage elements in the production of the kinulung. This study is important as a platform for the promotion of continuity and resilience of the Dusun Tindal heritage. Kinulung documentaton will clarify various aspects of the design and purpose elements of this traditional craft. The study focuses on the design and meaning presented in the kinulung weaving tradition as an object of culture in the community. Material for this study was derived from field work through observations, interviews and notations. The findings of the study indicate that the design and motif of the kinulung reflect the cultural values and local knowledge of the Dusun Tindal.
The Green Management Practice by Local Government
Authors: Muhammad Zikri , Abu Talib Jasmi , Shah Kamarul Md. , Padli Jaharudin , Possumah Bayu Taufiq
Published: June 2018

in developing countries face an unprecedented challenge to cut annual management budget without compromising the services quality. Local government top management has been pressured by politicians and public to cut costs but keep up high level quality services. Therefore this study has been analysed the use of green management practise among local government agencies to cut the annual budget and protect the environment. The online services are the main element for green management practise by local government for this study. This study interviewed 630 residents to test the online services provided by local government in Manjung, Perak. Out of the total samples, 92 percent respondents use the online services. Meanwhile, 90 percent of respondents are satisfied with the online services. More than 81 percent respondents agreed that online services can be a medium to share their local knowledge to the local government to cut budget and protect the environment. Besides that, the study also found that, the support by consumer and the internet speed have a significant relationship with the online services usage. This study suggested that, local government should increase the online services to reduce budget and protect the environment simultaneously.
Local Knowledge, Public Policy and Poverty Reduction: A Review on Indonesia Experiences
Authors: Possumah Bayu Taufiq , Muhammad Zikri , Padli Jaharudin , Abu Talib Jasmi , Shah Kamarul Md.
Published: June 2018

The community based Local knowledge, basically is an adaptation strategies that arise from within the community itself in fixing socially problem related to the life of society itself. Since local knowledge is the result of interaction between the community and the environment, it is needed to help the community living independently. Hence the local knowledge is the core of efforts to reduce poverty that exists and grows in the community and as the big part of from the process of poverty alleviation programs. The complexity of poverty not only can be overcome by purely economic approach, but it is associated with the dynamics of social, political and cultural that inherent in a community. The multidimensional problems requires synergy between government policy, community and local knowledge itself. This paper attempts to describes the frameworks of Indonesian policy to link the three sectors to empower the poor exit from poverty problem
Preserving sense of place at historic waterfronts in malaysia
Authors: Mohamed Badaruddin , Salim Nurbaidura
Published: June 2018

Historical preservation is important to protect significant historic resources from destruction and inappropriate changes. Urban waterfronts are unique cultural resources that have its own identity, represent the lifestyle of surrounding communities. Over the years, the activities along the waterfront have changed along with city development, resulting in the loss of sense of place. In recent years, the agenda of preservation the cultural value of waterfront areas has been a research focus among the civil society and NGOs. However, in the midst of rapid development, this aspect is often overlooked and deteriorates the historical values of the place. At the same time, the quality of life of waterfront communities is also affected. This conceptual paper is a call for a set of actions to ensure that historical values at these places are protected. Through content analysis from previous literature reviews, this paper investigates how regeneration of historic waterfronts can help in preserving sense of place and improve the quality of life among waterfront communities. Findings from the literature revealed that contextual integration is important for successful redevelopment of historic waterfronts in order to preserve their sense of place.
Eurocentrism and the Historical Perception About the Malays
Authors: Arifin Azmi
Published: June 2018

This study examines the effects of Eurocentrism to the view of the character, nature and image of the Malays especially in the period of British colonialism in the 19th century. This research explains why Eurocentrism creates confusing and negative views of the nature, civilisation and wisdom of the indigenous people. Eurocentrism is a form of thoughts that often measures and defines non-European civilisation through historical, cultural, religious, geographical, scientific and progressive perspectives based on Western or European values, which is considered to be supreme. The beliefs transpired in the minds of scholars and European politicians as early as the 16th century, and some were extended in the writings about local history by means of the roles played by the European colonial explorers and administrators. In the process of colonising and exploiting the wealth of the indigenous people, the European explorers and administrators often created records that could explain not only the economic potentials of the area that they intend to colonise, but also depicted the inferior characteristics and civilisations of that society to justify their colonisation attempts. In the process, they produced a record of colonial history which later became key references to historians to understand and explain the traits of the indigenous peoples. The ideas behind that colonial history were not only biased as the result of exaggerating the ignorance and retrogression of the indigenous people; it even sought to undermine the wisdom and civilisation of the indigenous people. This is to highlight their own superiority and noble values when placed side by side with the values of the indigenous people. Despite the prejudice, the Eurocentric colonial history is very influential in Malaysia's historiography until this day. This study explains how the influence of thoughts has blurred the understanding of the actual traits of the indigenous peoples and create an apparent confusion over the history of Malay society.
Preserving and Promoting Malay Folklores and Legends Using Interactive Motion Comic: The Fang King (Raja Bersiong)
Authors: Mohd Bakhir Norfarizah , Omar Bidin Mohamad , Bin Abdul Aziz Ahmad Amirul
Published: June 2018

The Malay folklore is something that our ancestor inherits to us for so long now. Nowadays, Malaysian folklore is beginning to fade from the face of our country due to the western media that’s beginning to dominate the world. Youngsters nowadays prefer to watch western movies and western related stories rather than our own folklore. Not only that, youngsters nowadays is keen towards the western culture due to the innovation of modern technology such as tablets, smartphones, and other devices. There are three important objectives in this research. First is to determine the suitable Malaysian folklore to be converted into an interactive comic. Second is to give a new experience to the audience to enjoy and attract youngsters nowadays. The third is to test the effectiveness of this interactive comic to the young generation from age 13 to 15 years old. This interactive comic is for youngsters who nowadays don’t know about the Malaysian folklore and to prevent it from fading from the eyes of our country. As a conclusion, this research is to help preserve and protect our Malaysian folklore from extinction by using modern technologies.
Arthroskopisch gestützte minimalinvasive Schraubenosteosynthese einer Skapulafraktur Typ D2c nach Euler/Rüdi
Authors: Kornherr Patrick , Konerding Christiane , Kovacevic Mark , Wenda Klaus
Published: June 2018

Skapulafrakturen sind selten und machen 1% aller Frakturen aus. Klassifiziert werden Skapulafrakturen nach Ideberg oder Euler und Rüdi, wobei hier 3 extraartikuläre und 2 intraartikuläre Frakturformen unterschieden werden. Eine OP-Indikation besteht bei dislozierten intraartikulären Frakturen und Schädigung des „superior shoulder suspensory complex“. Wir berichten über den Fall eines 22-jährigen Mannes, der als Fahrradfahrer mit einem Pkw kollidierte und als polytraumatisierter Patient notarztbegleitet über den Schockraum vorgestellt wurde. Dem Damage-Control-Prinzip entsprechend erfolgte noch am Aufnahmetag die Anlage einer Thoraxsaugdrainage bei Hämatopneumothorax und Rippenserienfraktur sowie die Osteosynthese einer Humerusschaftfraktur mittels eines Humerusmarknagels. Die periphere Sensibilität und Durchblutung waren zu jeder Zeit intakt. Nach Stabilisierung des Patienten schloss sich 6 Tage später die Versorgung der Skapulafraktur (Typ D2c nach Euler und Rüdi) und Akromionfraktur an. Die Skapulafraktur wurde arthroskopisch unterstützt als minimalinvasive Schraubenosteosynthese und die zusätzlich bestehende Akromionfraktur mittels Plattenosteosynthese versorgt. Die Nachbehandlung bestand in einer passiven Beübung bis 90° für Anteversion und Abduktion innerhalb der ersten 2 Wochen mit aktiver Beübung bis 90° für die 3. – 6. Woche. Freigabe ab der 6. Woche.

Fazit Gelenkbeteiligende Skapulafrakturen sind seltene Frakturen und betreffen meist den Glenoidrand. OP-Indikationen bestehen bei dislozierten intraartikulären Frakturen sowie Verletzungen des „superior shoulder suspensory complex“. Intraartikuläre Frakturen Typ D2c nach Euler und Rüdi können erfolgreich arthroskopisch gestützt als minimalinvasive Schraubenosteosynthesen durchgeführt werden.
Diarrhoen und Muskelschwäche
Authors: Dafotakis Manuel , Sucker Christoph , Litmathe Jens
Published: June 2018

Die notfallmäßige Vorstellung der 39-jährigen Altenpflegerin in unserer Notaufnahme erfolgte aufgrund einer nach dem Aufwachen am Vorabend aufgefallenen Schwäche an Armen und Beinen. Bereits einen Tag zuvor habe sie am Abend für eine Stunde die Beine kaum bewegen können. Ferner gab die Patientin an, dass sie seit einiger Zeit an Durchfall leide. Schmerzen, Infektsymptome, transiente Seh- oder Sprachstörungen wurden verneint. An Medikation erhielt sie lediglich Bisoprolol 2,5 mg, welches vor kurzem aufgrund von intermittierenden Palpitationen eindosiert wurde.
Sonografie peripherer Nerven: Allgemeine Methodik und Untersuchungstechnik
Authors: Schminke Ulf
Published: June 2018

Die Sonografie peripherer Nerven hat sich in den vergangenen Jahren zu einem wichtigen Baustein der Diagnostik von Erkrankungen des peripheren Nervensystems entwickelt. Kenntnisse über morphologische Veränderungen peripherer Nerven und deren umgebendes Gewebe ergänzen die mittels Elektrophysiologie gewonnen Information über eine gestörte Funktion der Nerven, wodurch sich die Sicherheit einer Diagnosestellung erhöht. Der Artikel gibt eine Übersicht über die allgemeine Methodik inklusive der Anforderungen an Hardware und Software der Ultraschallgeräte. Er gewährt außerdem eine detaillierte Einführung in die Untersuchungstechnik und gibt Empfehlungen zur Dokumentation und Auswertung der Untersuchung.
Versorgungssituation der rheumatoiden Arthritis in Deutschland
Authors: Albrecht Katinka , Zink Angela
Published: June 2018

Hintergrund Die Versorgung der rheumatoiden Arthritis (RA) in Deutschland hat sich in den letzten Jahrzehnten deutlich verändert. Anhand unterschiedlicher Datenquellen wurde der Zugang zu internistisch-rheumatologischen Fachärzten, zur Versorgung mit antirheumatischen Therapien und Impfungen, die Auswirkung von Komorbidität auf die Versorgung und die Krankheitslast der Patienten untersucht.

Methoden In dieser Übersichtsarbeit werden aktuelle, publizierte Daten aus der Kerndokumentation der Rheumazentren und dem PROCLAIR Projekt zur Versorgungssituation der RA vorgestellt und verglichen.

Ergebnisse Die Behandlungsergebnisse bei rheumatologisch betreuten Patienten mit RA haben sich in den letzten 20 Jahren eindrucksvoll verbessert. Dies zeigt sich in einem deutlichen Rückgang der Krankheitsaktivität, einer Verbesserung des Funktionsstatus und einem Anstieg der Erwerbstätigkeit. Bundesweit werden ungefähr zwei Drittel der RA-Patienten internistisch-rheumatologisch (mit-)betreut. Ein geringerer Erreichungsgrad wurde bei älteren Menschen, bei seronegativer RA und bei Patienten mit gleichzeitig bestehenden Komorbiditäten beobachtet. Die Verordnungshäufigkeit von disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) ist abhängig vom Zugang zu einer internistisch-rheumatologischen Betreuung und reicht von 20% bei ausschließlich hausärztlich Versorgten bis zu 90% bei RA-Patienten, die in der Kerndokumentation erfasst werden. Die patientenberichtete Krankheitslast ist, unabhängig von der Spezialisierung der Versorger, hoch.

Fazit Die fortlaufende Entwicklung neuer Therapiestrategien zur Behandlung der RA hat zu einer erheblichen Verbesserung der Krankheitssituation rheumatologisch betreuter RA-Betroffener geführt. Auf Bevölkerungsebene bestehen weiterhin Versorgungsdefizite bei ausschließlich hausärztlich betreuten Patienten und bei einzelnen Bevölkerungsgruppen. Die bei einem Teil der Patienten immer noch hohe Krankheitslast sollte Ansporn sein, die Versorgung weiter zu optimieren.
Wirksamkeit und Durchführbarkeit von Graphästhesie-Training bei Patienten mit chronisch unspezifischen Rückenschmerzen
Authors: van Baal Katharina , Schwarz Fiona , Ehrenbrusthoff Katja , Grüneberg Christian
Published: June 2018

Hintergrund Chronisch unspezifischer Rückenschmerz (CURS) stellt ein erhebliches Gesundheitsproblem dar. Aktuelle Studien weisen darauf hin, dass kortikale Veränderungen bei den betroffenen Patienten ein beitragender Faktor für die Persistenz von Schmerzen sein können. Bei anderen Patienten mit chronischen Schmerzen und nachgewiesenen kortikalen Veränderungen konnte die Wirksamkeit sensorischer Trainingsansätze gezeigt werden. Unklar ist, ob diese Ansätze auch bei Patienten mit CURS wirksam sind.

Ziel Das Ziel dieser Pilotstudie war es, die Größenordnung möglicher Effekte des Graphästhesie-Trainings einzuschätzen und dessen Durchführbarkeit zu überprüfen.

Methoden 9 Probanden wurden randomisiert in 2 Gruppen eingeteilt. In der 3-wöchigen Interventionsphase erhielt die Kontrollgruppe physiotherapeutische „Usual Care“, während die Interventionsgruppe zusätzlich 2-mal wöchentlich ein 20-minütiges Graphästhesie-Training absolvierte.

Ergebnisse Im Vergleich der beiden Messzeitpunkte innerhalb sowie zwischen den Gruppen zum Messzeitpunkt 2 fanden sich keine signifikanten Unterschiede. Deskriptiv zeigte sich die Tendenz einer verbesserten Graphästhesie-Fehlerrate und Zweipunktdiskriminationsschwelle sowie von Schmerzintensität, -interferenz und körperlicher Funktion in der Interventionsgruppe.

Schlussfolgerung Das Graphästhesie-Training ist im klinischen physiotherapeutischen Kontext durchführbar und führt nicht zu unerwünschten Nebenwirkungen. Bezüglich der Wirksamkeit bestehen lediglich Tendenzen. Aufgrund des Pilotcharakters der Arbeit sind die Ergebnisse mit Vorsicht zu interpretieren. Es bedarf Folgestudien mit größeren Studienpopulationen zu kombinierten sensomotorischen Trainingsprogrammen bei CURS, insbesondere erweitert um den Aspekt einer vorangehenden Klassifizierung der Patienten in Subgruppen.
Das Modellvorhaben Physiotherapie der BIG direkt gesund und des IFK e. V.: Welche Heilmittel wählen Physiotherapeuten bei Unabhängigkeit von der ärztlichen Verordnung?
Authors: Nast Irina , Mischker Andrea , Repschläger Ute , Heine Michael , Scheermesser Mandy , Wirz Markus , Schämann Astrid
Published: June 2018

Hintergrund In Ländern mit Direktzugang zur Physiotherapie wählen Physiotherapeuten autonom das bevorzugte Heilmittel zur Behandlung ihrer Patienten. Anders gestaltet sich die Situation in Deutschland: Hier verordnen die Ärzte das zu verwendende Heilmittel.

Ziel Im Rahmen des Modellvorhabens Physiotherapie gemäß § 63 Abs. 3b SGB V wird (unter anderem) evaluiert, welche Heilmittel bei Behandlungsautonomie in welcher Frequenz und Dauer angewendet werden und welche Auswirkungen diese Wahl auf die Behandlungsergebnisse der Patienten hat.

Methode Eine randomisierte kontrollierte Studie vergleicht die herkömmliche Behandlung nach ärztlicher Verordnung mit der Behandlung im neuen Versorgungsmodell hinsichtlich Wahl der Heilmittel, Behandlungsdauer und -frequenz sowie den Behandlungsergebnissen Patientenzufriedenheit (Fragebogen ZUF-8), Schmerz (visuelle Analogskala, VAS), gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität (Fragebogen EuroQol) und Funktion (Back Performance Scale [BPS], Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire [RMDQ], Lower Extremity Functional Scale [LEFS]).

Ergebnisse Am Modellvorhaben nahmen 630 Patienten teil, davon 296 in der Kontroll- (KG) und 334 in der Modellgruppe (MG). In der MG wendeten die Physiotherapeuten häufiger (in 33 % der Fälle) Allgemeine Krankengymnastik (AKG) und/oder Manuelle Therapie (MT) zusammen mit einem ergänzenden Heilmittel (z. B. Wärmetherapie-Fango) an (vs. 10 % in der KG; x2 = 51,525, p < 0,001) sowie häufiger eine Kombination aus AKG mit MT (in 32 % der Fälle vs. 3 % in der KG, x2 = 100,455, p < 0,001). Die Behandlungsdauer war in der MG mit 9,7 Wochen (Standardabweichung [SD] = 13,2) kürzer als in der KG mit 11,8 Wochen (SD = 5,4; T = 2,542, p < 0,05). Weitgehend unabhängig von ihrer Zugehörigkeit zur KG oder MG, berichteten die Patienten eine hohe Zufriedenheit und signifikante Verbesserungen hinsichtlich Schmerz, Lebensqualität und Funktion (Back Performance Scale [BPS], Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire [RMDQ], Lower Extremity Functional Scale [LEFS]).

Schlussfolgerung Bei Behandlungsfreiheit entschieden sich Physiotherapeuten vermehrt für eine Kombination von aktiven und passiven Behandlungstechniken, ohne die Behandlungsdauer auszudehnen. Dieses Vorgehen ist mit international anerkannten Behandlungsleitlinien konform.
Interleukin-34 in the Serum and Synovial Fluid of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Relation to Disease Activity and Radiographic Damage
Authors: Selim Zahraa , Rashad Sonya , Abdelaziz Marwa , Salah Shaimaa , Fouad Doaa , Hetta Helal
Published: June 2018

Background Interleukin 34 (IL-34) is a recently discovered proinflammatory cytokine that can promote inflammation and osteoclastogenesis in arthritic joints. In this study, we tried to assess the serum and synovial fluid (SF) levels of IL-34 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and to determine its relationship with disease activity and radiographic damage.

Patients and methods ELISA was used to evaluate IL-34 levels in the serum of RA patients (n=50), osteoarthritis (OA) patients (n=28), and healthy control subjects (n=20) and in SF isolated from RA and OA patients. Disease activity in RA patients was assessed using the disease activity score-28 (DAS 28). The extent of radiographic joint damage, narrowing, and erosions was assessed.

Results Serum IL-34 level was significantly elevated in RA patients compared to that in OA patients and healthy controls (P<0.0001). Synovial IL-34 level was also significantly elevated in RA patients compared to that in OA patients (P=0.0004). Serum and synovial IL-34 levels were significantly higher in cases that were rheumatoid factor (RF) positive (n=28) compared to the levels in RF-negative RA cases (n=22) (P=0.03 and P=0.04, respectively). Serum and synovial IL-34 levels were positively correlated with RF (r=0.43, P=0.02 and r=0.39, P=0.03, respectively), and with the extent of radiological damage (SENS) (P=0.0002 and P<0.0001, respectively). However, no significant correlation between IL-34 levels and disease activity was found.

Conclusion IL-34 appears to play a key role in the pathogenesis of RA and contribute to bone destruction, making it a potential therapeutic target in the management armamentarium of the disease.
Rezidivierende Hornhauterosion bei epithelialen Hornhautdystrophien
Authors: Geerling Gerd , Lisch Walter , Finis David
Published: June 2018

Das Hornhautepithel stellt die wesentliche abbildende Struktur des optischen Systems dar. Rezidivierende Hornhauterosionen können durch Entzündung, Trauma, Degenerationen und Dystrophien verursacht werden. Die epitheliale Basalmembrandystrophie (EBMD), die epitheliale rezidivierende Erosionsdystrophie (ERED) nach Francheschetti und die Meesmannʼsche epitheliale Hornhautdystrophie (MECD) führen jenseits unterschiedlicher Symptome und klinischer Zeichen – bedingt durch verschiedene Pathomechanismen – mehr oder weniger häufig zu einer Erosio corneae. Diese treten bei der EBMD fakultativ auf, wobei jedoch das Krankheitsbild der EBMD sehr versteckt sein kann. Die histologische Ursache der Erosion sind häufig aberrante Basalmembranen, die zu einer umschriebenen Verdünnung des Epithels führen können und klinisch als „Maps“ oder „Fingerprints“ imponieren. Bei der ERED sind rezidivierende Erosionen obligat, vor allem in den ersten Lebensdekaden und auf Störungen der Hemidesmosomen durch das COL17A1-Gen zurückzuführen. Fakultative, seltene, punktförmige Erosionen im Rahmen der MECD entstehen histologisch durch Öffnen der Mikrozysten an der Hornhautepitheloberfläche. Die Therapie der rezidivierenden Erosio bei allen spezifischen Dystrophien überschreitet selten die Therapietrias aus Benetzungsmitteln, therapeutischen Kontaktlinsen und ggf. Abrasio und phototherapeutischer Keratektomie.
Relation of RANKL and OPG Levels with Bone Resorption in Patients with Acromegaly and Prolactinoma
Authors: Ozer Firuzan , Dagdelen Selcuk , Erbas Tomris
Published: June 2018

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of hyperprolactinemia and high levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) on bone resorption and their relation with receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in patients with prolactinoma and acromegaly. Thirty-one patients with acromegaly, 28 patients with prolactinoma, and 33 healthy individuals were included in the study. Serum concentrations of RANKL, OPG, bone alkaline phosphatase (bone ALP), osteocalcin (OC), C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX), procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) and urine deoxypyridinoline (DPD) levels were detected and bone mineral density (BMD) was measured. Groups were not statistically different from each other with regard to serum levels of RANKL and OPG. The RANKL/OPG ratio was higher in the prolactinoma group than in the control group (p=0.046). A positive correlation between OPG and increasing age was detected in both the prolactinoma and control groups (r=0.524, p=0.004 and r=0.380, p=0.029, respectively). An inverse correlation was observed between IGF-I and OPG after excluding age in the prolactinoma group (r=–0.412, p=0.046). OC and bone ALP were negatively associated with RANKL in the acromegaly group (r=–0.384, p=0.036 and r=–0.528, p=0.003, respectively). There was an inverse correlation between OPG and BMD at the femoral neck in the acromegaly group (r=–0.422, p=0.02). The effect of IGF-I on bone remodeling may be partly mediated by RANKL and OPG. The RANKL/OPG ratio plays an important role in prolactinoma. A positive correlation of OPG with age and an inverse correlation with IGF-I favor the compensatory response of OPG against bone loss in the aging skeleton.
Psychopharmakaverordnungen mit potentiell freiheitseinschränkender Wirkung – eine Auswertung von Pflegebegutachtungsdaten des MDK Bayern
Authors: Ezzat Nadja , Müller-Barna Peter , Krüger Cornelia , Randzio Ottilie
Published: June 2018

Ziel Freiheitseinschränkende Maßnahmen in der Pflege in Form von mechanischen Fixierungen konnten in den letzten Jahren deutlich reduziert werden. Nun rückt die Verbreitung von Psychopharmaka mit sedierender und damit potentiell freiheitseinschränkender Wirkung in den Fokus. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es daher, die Verordnungshäufigkeit von Psychopharmaka und die Einflussfaktoren bei pflegebedürftigen Menschen zu beschreiben.

Methodik Am „Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day“ wurde im Rahmen der Pflegebegutachtung durch den Medizinischen Dienst der Krankenversicherung in Bayern eine Stichtagsanalyse durchgeführt, um die Verbreitung von Psychopharmaka in Abhängigkeit pflegerelevanter Aspekte betrachten zu können. Zudem wurden die Medikamente gemäß der Priscus-Liste bezüglich ihrer (Un-)Geeignetheit für ältere Menschen eingestuft.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt konnten Daten von 706 Versicherten analysiert werden. 43% dieser Versicherten haben mindestens ein Psychopharmakon als Regelmedikation erhalten, 22% mindestens ein potentiell sedierendes Medikament. Entsprechend der Priscus-Liste wurden 16% der verordneten Regelmedikamente als potentiell ungeeignet identifiziert. Signifikante Zusammenhänge konnten zwischen der Verordnung von Psychopharmaka und dem Untersuchungsort, der Pflegestufe, der Diagnosen und der eingeschränkten Alltagskompetenz gezeigt werden.

Schlussfolgerung Die vorliegende Arbeit unterstützt die Ergebnisse aus der Literatur und verdeutlicht die Diskrepanz zwischen der von Expertenseite angemahnten Zurückhaltung einerseits und der Verbreitung der Psychopharmaka andererseits. Wünschenswert sind weitere Untersuchungen zur Verordnungsqualität auf Patientenebene unter Einbeziehung der individuellen Umstände.
Regio- and Stereoselective Nickel-Catalyzed Coupling of Boronic Acids with Allenoates
Authors: Bandini Marco , Liu Yang , Daka Mario
Published: June 2018

The Ni(II)-catalyzed cross-coupling of arylboronic acids with allenoates is documented. The high regio- and stereoselectivity of the process enables a wide range of β-aryl β,γ-unsaturated esters to be prepared in good to excellent yields (up to 95%) and high E/Z-selectivity. Additionally, [3+2]-cascade sequence was observed when 2-formylphenylboronic acid was employed.
An Alkene-Forming Cascade Reaction En Route to 2,2'-Bi(glycerol)
Authors: Chen Jianjun , Li Xiaoxun , Livant Peter
Published: June 2018

Synthesis of 2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)butane-1,2,3,4-tetraol is of great interest because of its utility as a potential precursor to new dendrimers, in the preparation of unnatural lipids, and in the synthesis of open-framework coordination polymers. Synthesis of this new six-­hydroxyl compound is achieved in four steps from commercially available starting materials. In this process, a new olefin-forming cascade ­reaction was discovered.
Influence of Organ Extracts on Blood Clotting Factors
Authors: Fantl P , Ward H. A
Published: June 2018

Brain and lung suspensions incubated with blood or serum produce sera which are deficient in factor IX and factor VII.

Suspensions prepared from acetone-dehydrated brain are effective substitutes for free phospholipids in the formation of blood thromboplastin.

The fraction which inactivates the clotting factors is connected with a readily sedimentable portion of the brain suspension.

It is heat stable, and destroyed by ethanol-ether extraction.

The extracted lipid is inactive.
Hydrolysis of Tosylarginine Methyl Ester by Russell’s Viper Venom
Authors: Wagner Robert H. , Farrell Robert A.
Published: June 2018

Russell’s viper venom (RVV) is capable of hydrolyzing TAME slowly. It is readily adsorbed by glass from weak solutions. The pH optimum for the hydrolysis was 8.7 to 9.0. Under the conditions specified, Km was found to be 1.05 × 10–2 M and Vmax was 0.62 μM per min. per mg RVV. On a weight basis, RVV has a greater clot-accelerating activity than trypsin but less TAME hydrolyzing activity. It is suggested that there is a correlation between the clot-accelerating action of RVV and the hydrolysis of specific arginyl peptide bonds.
Prothrombin Utilization Following Addition of Platelet Cofactor I Concentrates to Hemophilic Plasma
Authors: Frederic Johnson J , Mammen Eberhard F. , Seegers Walter H.
Published: June 2018

Prothrombin is utilized in hemophilia B blood when a platelet cofactor I concentrate is added. It is not well utilized when the same preparation is added to hemophilia B plasma, hemophilia A plasma, or hemophilia A blood. Platelet factor 3 concentrates did not promote prothrombin utilization. Mixtures of platelet cofactor I and platelet factor 3 (threone) give prothrombin utilization under all conditions tested in hemophilia A and B.
Factor VIII Antihemophilic Globulin
Authors: Pavlovsky Alfredo
Published: June 2018

After an historical introduction the author reviews to properties of Factor VIII, its origin and metabolism, methods for its isolation and determination, its rôle in hemostasis and its therapeutic use in cases of hemophilia A and vascular hemophilia A.
Bildgebung: elektrische EEG-Quellenanalyse
Authors: Carboni Margherita , Toscano Gianpaolo , Seeck Margitta
Published: June 2018

Quellenanalyse auf der Basis von Skalp-EEG, idealerweise von hochauflösendem EEG, hat sich etabliert als ein bildgebendes Medium, welches bestehende Verfahren ergänzt. Im Gegensatz zu anderen Techniken kann EEG-basierte Bildgebung die Quelle der neuronalen Aktivität millisekundengenau zu diesem Zeitpunkt abbilden, d.h es handelt sich nicht um indirekte Korrelate der elektrischen Aktivität wie Blutfluss oder Glucosekonsum. Prospektive Studien konnten zeigen, dass Quellenanalyse in einer Mehrheit der Patienten, die sich einer epilepsiechirugischen Therapie unterzogen, den Fokus korrekt im strukturellen MRI des Patienten lokalisiert. Bis dato konnte dies in mehreren Hundert Patienten gezeigt werden: die Wahrscheinlichkeit, nach einer resektiven Intervention anfallsfrei zu sein, ist 10 x höher wenn die elektrische Quelle zusammen mit der strukturellen Anomalie reseziert wurde als wenn dies nicht der Fall war. Studien in operierten Patienten und/oder mit intrakraniellem EEG konnten zeigen, dass es eine hohe Konkordanz zwischen der errechneten Quelle und dem intrakraniellem Fokus gibt. Weitere Anwendungen finden sich in der Lokalisierung von vitalem Kortex mithilfe von evozierten Potenzialen. Insgesamt ist die EEG-basierte Bildgebung relativ einfach zu akquirieren, kann auch bei Kindern und anderen Personen mit begrenzter Kollaboration durchgeführt werden, kann mit fMRI kombiniert werden und ist, vergleichen mit anderen Bildgebungsverfahren, relativ billig. Mögliche zukünftige Anwendungen betreffen die Ermittelung von epileptogener Aktivität bei vermeindlich normalem EEG und Netzwerkanalysen sowie die Netzwerk-Dysfunktionen in anderen neurologischen und psychiatrischen Erkrankungen.
Centrality in earthquake multiplex networks
Authors: Lotfi Nastaran , Darooneh Amir Hossein , Rodrigues Francisco A.
Published: June 2018

Seismic time series has been mapped as a complex network, where a geographical region is divided into square cells that represent the nodes and connections are defined according to the sequence of earthquakes. In this paper, we map a seismic time series to a temporal network, described by a multiplex network, and characterize the evolution of the network structure in terms of the eigenvector centrality measure. We generalize previous works that considered the single layer representation of earthquake networks. Our results suggest that the multiplex representation captures better earthquake activity than methods based on single layer networks. We also verify that the regions with highest seismological activities in Iran and California can be identified from the network centrality analysis. The temporal modeling of seismic data provided here may open new possibilities for a better comprehension of the physics of earthquakes.
Magnetic domain imaging of a very rough fractured surface of Sr ferrite magnet without topographic crosstalk by alternating magnetic force microscopy with a sensitive FeCo-GdOx superparamagnetic tip
Authors: Cao Yongze , Zhao Yue , Kumar Pawan , Yoshimura Satoru , Saito Hitoshi
Published: June 2018

We imaged the magnetic domain of an extremely rough surface (with a roughness of ∼1 μm) of the anisotropic Sr ferrite sintered magnet without any topographic crosstalk by alternating magnetic force microscopy (A-MFM) using a sensitive FeCo-GdOx superparamagnetic tip. The magnetic moment of the FeCo-GdOx superparamagnetic tip is driven by an external AC magnetic field applied out of the plane direction to the magnetic sample. The static magnetic field is from the rough fractured ferrite sample parallel to the direction of the external AC magnetic field and is imaged by modulating the magnetic moment of the superparamagnetic tip. By using the frequency demodulation phenomena, A-MFM can extract the magnetic signal without any topography crosstalk versus the conventional MFM method. The intensity and the polarity of the static magnetic field originate from highly rough fractured hard magnetic Sr ferrite samples, and these were successfully detected and identified. This technique with the as-fabricated FeCo-GdOx superparamagnetic tips gives information about the intensity as well as polarity of magnetic fields from the magnetic domain structure of very rough fractured magnetic materials without any topographic crosstalk. This is crucial for the development of high performance hard magnets and magnetic devices.
Development of a radiative heating facility for studying flow and heat transfer in hydrocarbon-cooled structures
Authors: Dong Da , Lu Yang , Yuan Yueming , Fan Xuejun
Published: June 2018

An experimental facility was designed to simulate the heat exchange between the hot gas and the fuel-cooled wall in a scramjet combustor. Thermal radiation from an electrically heated graphite plate is employed to unilaterally heat up a multi-channeled cooling plate. A maximum heat flux of over 0.8 MW/m2 was achieved for an effective heating area up to 1000 mm × 40 mm. Precise control of the back pressure of a coolant (up to 5 MPa) in a unique way was also demonstrated. With this facility, studies of flow and heat transfer in hydrocarbon-cooled structures can be performed under a well-controlled manner.
The software-defined fast post-processing for GEM soft x-ray diagnostics in the Tungsten Environment in Steady-state Tokamak thermal fusion reactor
Authors: Krawczyk Rafał Dominik , Czarski Tomasz , Linczuk Paweł , Wojeński Andrzej , Kolasiński Piotr , Gąska Michał , Chernyshova Maryna , Mazon Didier , Jardin Axel , Malard Philippe , Poźniak Krzysztof , Kasprowicz Grzegorz , Zabołotny Wojciech , Kowalska-Strzęciwilk Ewa , Malinowski Karol
Published: June 2018

This article presents a novel software-defined server-based solutions that were introduced in the fast, real-time computation systems for soft X-ray diagnostics for the WEST (Tungsten Environment in Steady-state Tokamak) reactor in Cadarache, France. The objective of the research was to provide a fast processing of data at high throughput and with low latencies for investigating the interplay between the particle transport and magnetohydrodynamic activity. The long-term objective is to implement in the future a fast feedback signal in the reactor control mechanisms to sustain the fusion reaction. The implemented electronic measurement device is anticipated to be deployed in the WEST. A standalone software-defined computation engine was designed to handle data collected at high rates in the server back-end of the system. Signals are obtained from the front-end field-programmable gate array mezzanine cards that acquire and perform a selection from the gas electron multiplier detector. A fast, authorial library for plasma diagnostics was written in C++. It originated from reference offline MATLAB implementations. They were redesigned for runtime analysis during the experiment in the novel online modes of operation. The implementation allowed the benchmarking, evaluation, and optimization of plasma processing algorithms with the possibility to check the consistency with reference computations written in MATLAB. The back-end software and hardware architecture are presented with data evaluation mechanisms. The online modes of operation for the WEST are discussed. The results concerning the performance of the processing and the introduced functionality are presented.
Compressible liquid flow in nano- or micro-sized circular tubes considering wall–liquid Lifshitz–van der Waals interaction
Authors: Zhang Xueling , Zhu Weiyao , Cai Qiang , Shi Yutao , Wu Xuehong , Jin Tingxiang , Yang Lianzhi , Song Hongqing
Published: June 2018

Although nano- and micro-scale phenomena for fluid flows are ubiquitous in tight oil reservoirs or in nano- or micro-sized channels, the mechanisms behind them remain unclear. In this study, we consider the wall–liquid interaction to investigate the flow mechanisms behind a compressible liquid flow in nano- or micro-sized circular tubes. We assume that the liquid is attracted by the wall surface primarily by the Lifshitz–van der Waals (LW) force, whereas electrostatic forces are negligible. The long-range LW force is thus introduced into the Navier–Stokes equations. The nonlinear equations of motion are decoupled by using the hydrodynamic vorticity-stream functions, from which an approximate analytical perturbation solution is obtained. The proposed model considers the LW force and liquid compressibility to obtain the velocity and pressure fields, which are consistent with experimentally observed micro-size effects. A smaller tube radius implies smaller dimensionless velocity, and when the tube radius decreases to a certain radius Rm, a fluid no longer flows, where Rm is the lower limit of the movable-fluid radius. The radius Rm is calculated, and the results are consistent with previous experimental results. These results reveal that micro-size effects are caused by liquid compressibility and wall–liquid interactions, such as the LW force, for a liquid flowing in nano- or micro-sized channels or pores. The attractive LW force enhances the flow’s radial resistance, and the liquid compressibility transmits the radial resistance to the streaming direction via volume deformation, thereby decreasing the streaming velocity.
Tuning the magnetodynamic properties of all-perpendicular spin valves using He+ irradiation
Authors: Jiang Sheng , Chung Sunjae , Herrera Diez Liza , Le Tuan Quang , Magnusson Fredrik , Ravelosona Dafiné , Åkerman Johan
Published: June 2018

Using He+ ion irradiation, we demonstrate how the magnetodynamic properties of both ferromagnetic layers in all-perpendicular [Co/Pd]/Cu/[Co/Ni] spin valves can be tuned by varying the He+ ion fluence. As the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of both layers is gradually reduced by the irradiation, different magnetic configurations can be achieved from all-perpendicular (↑↑), through orthogonal (→↑), to all in-plane (⇉). In addition, both the magnetic damping (α) and the inhomogeneous broadening (ΔH0) of the Co/Ni layer improve substantially with increasing fluence. While the GMR of the spin valve is negatively affected, decreasing linearly from an original value of 1.14% to 0.4% at the maximum fluence of 50×1014 He+/cm2, most of the Co/Ni layer improvement is achieved already at a fluence of 10×1014 He+/cm2, for which GMR only reduces to 0.9%.
Fabrication and characterization of ZnS/ZnO core shell nanostructures on silver wires
Authors: Kao Chyuan Haur , Su Wei Ming , Li Cheng Yuan , Weng Wei Chih , Weng Chen Yuan , Cheng Chin-Chi , Lin Yung-Sen , Lin Chia Feng , Chen Hsiang
Published: June 2018

In this research, ZnS nanoparticles were synthesized on ZnO/silver wires to form ZnS/ZnO core shell structures. Various outward appearance and colors could be observed by different ZnO growth and sulfurization conditions. To evaluate the properties of these nanostructures, optical properties and chemical bindings were analyzed by photoluminescence, Raman analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Furthermore, material characterizations including transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction confirmed that cubic ZnS (311)/ZnO nanostructures were grown on silver wires for the first time. ZnS/ZnO core shell structures on silver wires are promising for future optoelectronic and biomedical applications.
Hypersonic absorption and light scattering in a solution with a special line
Authors: Zaytsev G. I. , Kovalenko K. V. , Krivokhizha S. V.
Published: June 2018

The concentration dependence of the hypersonic absorption was at first investigated in a solution with a “special line”. Anomalous hypersonic absorption was detected at the same concentration of components. The experimental results were compared with results received by the calculation using the formulas of the general theory of sound propagation and light scattering in solutions with strongly concentration fluctuations.