bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Results of bone regenerate study after osteosynthesis with bioinert and calcium phosphate-coated bioactive implants in experimental femoral neck fractures (experimental study)
Authors: Kazanin K. S. , Basov A. V. , Shpakovsky M. S. , Gribanov N. I. , Ardashev I. P. , Nikitenko E. V.
Published: June 2017

Objective - to analyze the results of X-ray, cytomorphometric and immunohistochemistry experimental studies of bone regenerates after osteosynthesis with bioinert and calcium phosphate-coated bioactive implants. Material and methods. The study was conducted on experimental femoral neck fractures in rabbit males. Reparative osteogenesis processes were studied in groups of bioinert titanium implant osteosynthesis and calcium phosphate-coated bioactive titanium implant osteosynthesis. The animals were clinically followed-up during the postoperative period. X-ray, cytomorphometric and immunohistochemistry studies of samples extracted from femoral bones were conducted over time on days 1, 7, 14, 30 and 60. The animal experiments were kept and treated according to recommendations of international standards, Helsinki Declaration on animal welfare and approved by the local ethics committee. All surgeries were performed under anesthesia, and all efforts were made to minimize the suffering of the animals. Results. In the animal group without femoral neck fracture osteosynthesis, femoral neck pseudoarthrosis was observed at the end of the experiment. The results of cytomorphometric and immunohistochemistry studies conducted on day 60 of the experiment confirmed that the cellular composition of the bone regenerate in the group of calcium phosphate-coated bioactive titanium implants corresponded to a more mature bone tissue than in the group of bioinert titanium implants. Conclusion. The results of the statistical analysis of cytomorphometric and immunohistochemistry data show that the use of calcium phosphate-coated bioactive titanium implants allows to achieve significantly earlier bone tissue regeneration.
Complications after use of extracortical clamp device in combined and consecutive external and internal fixation of femoral bone
Authors: Solomin L. N. , Sabirov F. K.
Published: June 2017

Introduction. Extracortical Clamp Device (ECD) is a tool that, unlike conventional wires and pins, does not perforate long bone cortex. Therefore, its use simplifies methods of combined and consequtive use of internal and external fixation, osteosynthesis in periprosthetic fractures and deformities. Purpose of the study - to compare the rate of complications and their structure depending on extracortical clamp device application and conventional transosseous elements in combined external fixation of femur. Materials and methods. We analyzed the complications arising in treatment of 66 patients with frames where ECD were used (group «ECD»). The results were compared with the results of treatment 29 patients, when utilizing combination of external and internal fixation, external fixation device included conventional transosseous elements only (group «W-P»). Results. In the group «ECD» inflammation of the soft tissues around fixing elements was identified in 14.8% of cases. In these patients complication arisen at 45.5% of the all used fixing elements; of them - 18.2% around ECD. In the group «W-P» pin-tract infection occurred in 29.2% cases. ECD breaking was in one case (3.7%) breaking of wires or pins in «W-P» group was diagnosed in 3 cases (13.6%). In the treatment of periprosthetic fractures and deformities with ECD soft tissues around fixing elements was in 16.7% of cases. In the treatment of similar fractures and deformities without prosthesis pin-tract infection were diagnosed in 21.5% cases. All of these complications did not affect the outcome. Other complications (neuropathy, contracture of the knee) were not depending on the application of ECD.
Adaptive bone remodeling around cementless femoral stems with two different designs: fitmore and Alloclassic
Authors: Karagodina M. P. , Shubnyakov I. I. , Tikhilov R. M. , Pliev D. G. , Denisov A. O.
Published: June 2017

Introduction. We hypothesized that a short stem preserves periprosthetic bone mass in the proximal femur after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We performed a comparative analysis of clinical efficiency and X-ray results of the BMD around two cementless femoral stems with two different designs. Purpose. To compare the clinical and radiographic results of the study of adaptive bone remodeling in the proximal femur in patients after implantation of the femoral component and Alloclassic Fitmore Material and methods. We evaluated two groups of patients (mean age 58,3): 26 patients with a short femoral stem Fitmore (Zimmer) and 20 patients with a standard stem Alloclassic (Zimmer). Clinical assessment of the hip condition was made according to Harris scale, supplemented by the evaluation of the pain level for femur by a visual analog scale at three levels. The radiological result was studied according to radiogrammetry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Results. Independently from design of the femoral component in both groups of patients was observed a significant clinical improvement. The BMD on the surgery side was measured using of analysis in Gruen zones. The first postoperative measurement was performed after surgery and further in 3, 6 and 12 months. DXA after 3 mo showed progressive loss BMD in all Gruen zones, but more significant in Gruen zones 2, 7 for Fitmore stem group, in Gruen zones 6, 7 for Alloclasic stem group. At 6 mo after THA in all Gruen zones of Fitmore vs Alloclasic femoral stems there were the phase of moderate stabilization. At 12 mo we observed decreased periprosthetic BMD in Gruen zone 1 and 7, however that there are no clinically relevant changes around two different designs of cementless femoral stems. Discussion. It isn’t dependent on design of a metal stem we showed progressive remodeling periprosthetic BMD in the proximal parts of hip (Gruen zone 1, 7) and we observed а slighter hypertrophy in the distal parts of femoral stem (stress-shielding). We conclude that using short stems have not benefit in preservation bone of proximal femur.
Clinical diagnosis of rigid flatfооt in children
Authors: Sapogovsky A. V. , Kenis V. M.
Published: June 2017

Flatfeet are divided into rigid and mobile forms. Rigid flatfeet usually lead to the development of pain. The most common reason of rigid flatfeet is a tarsal coalition. Mobility of the tarsal joints is checked by specific clinical tests. The study investigated the sensitivity and specificity of foot mobility tests - the “tip toes test”, Jack test, manual examination of passive and eversion and inversion. The study found the following parameters: the sensitivity of the “tip toes test”, Jack test was 87% and 85%, specificity - 65% and 64%. The sensitivity of the manual examination of passive and eversion and inversion was - 80%, specificity - 88%. The last test has a high specificity compared to the “tip toes test” and Jack test. Detection limits the mobility of the tarsal joints can be an indication for radiography for the detection of tarsal coalitions.
A new technique of closed intramedullary nailing in fractures of the proximal humerus with varus deformity
Authors: Chelnokov A. N. , Lavrukova E. A.
Published: June 2017

Introduction. Varus displacement is common in fractures of the proximal humerus. Development of new low invasive surgical modalities providing anatomy restoration and non-traumatic fracture fixation is actual. Purpose of the study was development of the low invasive technique of closed interlocking nailing providing reduction of the typical varus displacement in fractures and posttraumatic deformities of the proximal humerus. Material and methods. A new technique of correction of the proximal humerus in fractures and posttraumatic deformities was applied in 12 patients - 7 with two-part fractures and 5 with posttraumatic varus deformities. The surgical technique includes application of a small wire circular external frame. Its proximal part is secured to the humeral head to reduce varus displacement along with connection to the distal part of the frame, and the reached alignment is fixed by an intramedullary nail. Results. In all 12 cases we succeeded to reduce the varus deformity. At 1 year follow-up healing was reached in 11 patients, and in one patient exchange compression nailing was performed. Constant score in 1 year was 76±17 after fracture treament, and 70±16 in posttraumatic deformities, which corresponeded to good results. Conclusion. The presented technique allows to reach 40-50° angular correction without open approach and significant soft tissue damage. The obtained results confirm efficacy of the new technique and pertinence of its use in patients with fractures and posttraumatic deformities of this localization. The introduced technique of closed nailing appears to be a promising approach in reconstructive surgery of the proximal humerus.
Immediate results of treatment periprosthetic femoral fractures after hip replacement
Authors: Khominets V. V. , Metlenko P. A. , Bogdanov A. N. , Kudyashev A. L. , Miroevsky F. V.
Published: June 2017

Periprosthetic fractures are one of the most serious complications after hip replacement. Nineteen periprosthetic femoral fractures operated on during the period 2011-2015 were followed-up retrospectively. Periprosthetic fractures were classified according to the Vancouver classification. The functional results were evaluated using Harrison scale. Bone healing and implant stability were evaluated clinically, on plain radiographs and computed tomography. The periprosthetic fractures in all patients occurred in the postoperative period. Time from operation until fracture varied from 2 weeks to 11 years. A wedge-shaped cemented or cementless stems were implanted during the first surgery: Versys ET, Spotorno, CPT (Zimmer, США): cementless fixation was performed in 16 (84,2%) patients, hybrid -in 2 (10,5%) and cemented fixation - in 1 (5,3%) patient. The fractures of greater trochanter were diagnosed in all patients with type A periprosthetic fractures. In type B1 periprosthetic fracture (8 patients) open reduction, cerclage wiring and internal plate osteosynthesis were applied. Loosening stems in 3 patients with type B2 fractures were replaced with Wagner cementless revision component (Wagner SL Revision Stem). Angle-stable plate osteosynthesis and cerclage wiring were also performed. Closed reduction and internal minimal invasive plate osteosynthesis were performed in patients with type C periprosthetic fractures. Bone consolidation was achieved in 18 (94,7%) patients, the average term was 14,3±5,2 weeks. The average Harris hip score in all patients 3 months after treatment was 64,9±16,7 points, and in 12 patients (63,2%) after a year - 86,5±15,9. Femoral periprosthetic fractures require a specialized approach to choosing the treatment tactic depending on the fracture type and quality of bone tissue. It is necessary to evaluate the femoral component stability, especially in differential diagnosis of type B1 and B2 periprosthetic fractures. Computed tomography is one of the necessary methods of diagnosis.
ВНУТРИКОСТНЫЙ ОСТЕОСИНТЕЗ КАК НОВАЯ ОПЦИЯ В ЛЕЧЕНИИ ПЕРЕЛОМОВ ПЯТОЧНОЙ КОСТИ
Authors: Kalensky V. O. , Kononova K. Y. , Glukhov D. A. , Ivanov P. A. , Berdyugin K. A. , Chelnokov A.
Published: June 2017

Проведен ретроспективный анализ результатов лечения 36 пациентов (42 операции), которым был выполнен внутрикостный остеосинтез пяточной кости штифтом: на базе УНИИТО - 30 пациентов, на базе НИИСП -6 пациентов. Средний возраст пациентов составил 40,4 года. Билатеральные переломы диагностированы у 8 пациентов. У 4 пациентов имела место сочетанная травма. У всех пациентов переломы были закрытыми. В обоих лечебных учреждениях применялись сходные диагностический и лечебный алгоритмы. Предоперационное обследование включало рентгенографию и КТ. Оперативное вмешательство включало два этапа. Первым этапом выполнялась предварительная репозиция с помощью дистракционного аппарата и восстановление формы суставной поверхности через мини-доступы. Вторым этапом в пяточную кость вводили штифт и производили его блокирование. В послеоперационном периоде проводилась активная разработка движений в суставах стопы, пациенты обучались ходьбе при помощи костылей без нагрузки на поврежденную стопу. Сращение оценивали по контрольным рентгенограммам. Репозиция и элевация суставной площадки у всех пациентов, кроме одного, признана удовлетворительной. Средний срок наблюдения в серии УНИИТО составил 5,3 месяцев, в серии НИИСП - 9,8 месяцев. Ни у одного из пациентов в двух описанных сериях не наблюдалось гнойно-воспалительных осложнений и вторичного смещения отломков. В серии УНИИТО имел место один случай миграции винта. Консолидация наступила в срок от 2 до 3 месяцев после операции у всех пациентов. Внутрикостный остеосинтез пяточной кости штифтом характеризуется сочетанием минимальной травматизации мягких тканей стопы, сохранением кровоснабжения латеральной кортикальной пластинки и стабильной фиксации, что значительно снижает риск инфекционных осложнений и расширяет показания к оперативному лечению. Применение данного метода возможно не только в условиях посттравматических местных нарушений трофики тканей, но и при наличии таких факторов риска, как сахарных диабет и курение. Для оценки функциональных исходов требуется продолжение исследования.
PENGARUH LITERASI DIGITAL TERHADAP PSIKOLOGIS ANAK DAN REMAJA
Authors: Pratiwi Nani , Pritanova Nola
Published: June 2017

Penelitian ini bertujuan memaparkan pengaruh literasi yang buruk terhadap psikologis anak dan remaja dalam pengungkapan diri melalui media sosial. Objek dalam penelitian ini adalah komentar-komentar yang dimuat pada situs jejaring sosial facebookdengan fokus masalah Awkarin dan siswa sekolah dasar yang mengunggah foto mesra di facebook. Rumusan masalah dalam penelitian ini adalah (1) apa saja jenis-jenis komentar yang ada pada ungguhan Awkarin dan siswa sekolah dasar yang mengunggah foto mesranya dalam bentuk Meme. (2) Bagaimana dampak psikologis anak maupun remaja terhadap komentar-komentar tersebut? Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian kualitatif.Jenis-jenis komentar yang tampak dalam subjek penelitian ini adalah ingratiation, intimidation, dan supplication. Dampak psikologi dari komentar-komentar tersebut terhadap anak dan remaja adalah kecenderungan anak dan remaja terbiasa dengan sikap menghina orang lain, menimbulkan sikap iri terhadap orang lain, mengakibatkan depresi, terbawa arus suasana hati terhadap komentar negatif, serta terbiasa berbicara dengan bahasa kurang sopan.
Are Your Campus Eco ? A Perception Students About Environmental Education, Jember Indonesia
Authors: Moelyaningrum Anita Dewi , (Page 72-83) Prehatin Tri Rahayu Ningrum
Published: June 2017

Global warming is the global issue. Eco campus or green campus is the concepts to resolve the environment probems. The aim of this research is to analysis how eco your campus from knowledge and perception student on environmental sustainability education. This method of the research is cross sectional study and analytic observasional. Total responden are 160 students which random. Respondents were interview about perspectives environmental sustainability education espesially eco campus concepts. The result of this research showed that 134 respondents (83,75%) already knowed about information of the eco campus. There were 77 respondents (48,1%) have negatif attitude, 43 respondents (26.9%) have positif attitude and 40 respondents (25%) have netral attitude about the eco campus. The data showed that 91 respondents have poor behavioral in eco campus concepts (56,9%), 65 respondents good enough (40,6%) and 4 respondents very good (2,5%). Developing sustainable environment should be educated continously to the higher students to reach the eco campus sustainability for reduce the global warming.
Responsabilidad social en la Universidad del Tolima: una mirada desde la comunidad vecina
Authors: Uribe Macías Mario Enrique
Published: June 2017

El objetivo del artículo es analizar la percepción que la comunidad vecina tiene con respecto al actuar de la Universidad del Tolima, enmarcado en el eje campus responsable de la responsabilidad social universitaria (RSU). En el contexto de una investigación descriptiva, se aplicó un cuestionario a 341 personas de la comunidad vecina, en el cual se plantearon quince afirmaciones para que se contestara su nivel de acuerdo o desacuerdo con ellas; a sus resultados se les realizó el análisis descriptivo y el análisis factorial, que arrojó dos componentes principales. Se encontró que es baja la percepción de esta comunidad con respecto a las variables indagadas, porque se califica parcialmente en desacuerdo, en desacuerdo y totalmente en desacuerdo; dependiendo de la variable, el consolidado de los tres niveles de desacuerdo presenta frecuencias que fluctúan entre 43% y 86%. Se concluye que la Universidad del Tolima está muy distante de realizar una gestión socialmente responsable con la comunidad vecina, lo cual la sitúa en la segunda etapa de la RSU: universidad con proyección social. Se le recomienda formular la política institucional y diseñar los procedimientos para iniciar cuanto antes las actividades orientadas a entender los requerimientos de esta población y, por consiguiente, acometer las respuestas necesarias.
Biosynthesis, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Using Vigna unguiculata Seeds
Authors: Chatterjee Ankita , Ajantha M. , Talekar Aishwarya , Revathyr N. , Abraham Jayanthi
Published: June 2017

Background: Physical and chemical methods of synthesizing metal nanoparticles have been on the focus for the last decade
as it has been broadly exploited by researchers. Biological synthesis of metal nanoparticles was found to be easy and
economical. The wide applications of titanium dioxide in various fields have drawn attention for biosynthesis of titanium
dioxide nanoparticles. Cowpea seeds are easily available and rich in protein as well as high in antioxidant which enhances
the good characteristics of the nanoparticles synthesized using it. Methods: In the present investigation the nanoparticles
are synthesized using Vigna unguiculata (cowpea) seeds extract. 0.1 mM titanium dioxide was mixed with cowpea seeds
extract for the preparation of the nanoparticles. The characterization of nanoparticles was done by Fourier Transform
Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Antibacterial activity of the titanium dioxide
nanoparticles was checked against clinical pathogens followed by antioxidant study and cytotoxicity assay by 2, 2-
diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) assay and [3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide]
(MTT) assay respectively. Results: The oval shaped biologically synthesized nanoparticles were effective against most of
the clinical pathogens. The observance of peak at 418 cm-1
confirms the synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The titanium nanoparticles were highly antioxidant in nature and cytotoxic on MG63 osteosarcoma cell lines. Conclusion: The biological method of preparation of nanoparticles proved to be easy and cost effective. The nanoparticles synthesized can
be further used in research for anticancer treatments
Chemical Variability and Antifungal Activity of Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters Woods and Leaves Essential Oils Against Wood Decaying Fungi
Authors: A Fidah , N. Salhi , M. Rahouti , B. Kabouchi , R. Ismaili  M. , M. Ziani , M. Aberchane
Published: June 2017

The coniferous tree, Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters, commonly known as Barbary thuya is endemic to the western
Mediterranean areas. Its woods, mainly root burl, were very appreciated by artisans for their natural beauty, homogeneity
and good quality destined for marquetry and furniture. Use of essential oils (EOs) of this species opens a second way for
valorization in many fields as bioactive agents. EOs were extracted, by hydrodistillation from sawdust and leaves samples
originated from two thuya populations, and analyzed by GC-MS. Yields of EOs varied greatly depending on biomass type
and samples origin. EOs of leaves are dominated by monoterpens, and contain α-pinene, camphor, and bornyl acetate as
major compounds. Those of woods are however rich in sesquiterpens, and contain 3-tera-butyl-4-methoxyphenol, thymol,
cedrol, and α-cedrene as major compounds. Antifungal bioassay, by direct contact in malt-agar medium, of these EOs
conducted on four wood decaying fungi, showed that root burl wood EOs possess the best antifungal inhibitory power
related to their richness in phenols (above 64%), followed by those of trunk wood; while leaves EOs showed, however a
less antifungal activity. Such antifungal potency of wood thuya EOs allows us to recommend the use of these oils extracted
from sawdust as preservative agents for less durable woods.
Investigation of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of Leaf, Root, Fruit and Stem Extracts of Trichopus zeylanicus from South India
Authors: C Sindhu , Jose Beena
Published: June 2017

Objective: To investigate the total phenols, flavonoids and carotenoids content, antioxidant and antibacterial potential
profile of leaf, root, fruit and stem extracts of the Trichopus zeylanicus with five major solvents, that is, water, methanol,
chloroform, ethyl acetate, and petroleum ether. Results: The total phenols, flavonoids and carotenoids contents of fruit
methanol extract of T.zeylanicus was found to be 85.15±0.223 mg catechol equivalent per gram, 165.5622±1.236 mg
quercetin equivalent per gram and 84.47273 ±0.531 mg β-Carotein equivalent per gram respectively which are higher than
the activity of other extracts. The methanol extracts showed more reducing power, metal chelating activity, hydrogen
peroxide scavenging and phosphomolybdenum assays than other extracts and their activity increased with increasing
concentration of extracts. The hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of fruit methanol extract is quite comparable to the
standard mannitol of the assay and its antibacterial potential is the best way to cope with infectious action of bacteria.
Conclusion: The remarkable activity showed by the plant extracts could be attributed to the synergic effect of the active
compounds present in it. Among the extracts, methanol was found to be the better solvent to extract natural products to get
maximum medicinal benefits.
Histological Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Size 10 Nm in Mice Testes
Authors: Abdulla Imad T.
Published: June 2017

In the present study, the histological effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TDN) on testicular tissue of mature Mus musculus mice was investigated. The animals were divided into six groups, control group treated with TDN free saline and five groups treated with TDN as follow 5, 10, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg B.W. The results showed that TDN has histological effects on testicular tissue like sever congestion, mild edema between seminiferous tubules (STs) and decrease the thickness of germinal epithelium at low concentrations, While, the histological changes at high concentrations involved disturbance in STs diameters, sever edema between STs, sever vaculation in the germinal epithelium and necrosis in spermatogonia, germinal epithelium and Sertoli cells.
Jump-Starting a Geotechnical Asset Management Program with Existing Data
Authors: Beckstrand Darren , Mines Aine
Published: June 2017

The benefits of transportation asset management principles have been proved for bridges and pavements. Some geotechnical section managers have recognized the value of applying these principles to a range of geotechnical assets. Current FHWA asset management requirements extend to bridges and pavements with optional recommendations for proactive asset management for all asset types, including geotechnical assets. Because the recommendations are optional, agency management may not be prompted to institute a state-level geotechnical asset management (GAM) program. A section-led approach can help such managers jump-start a GAM program with existing inventory data. This approach ensures that the developed program meets section needs and purposes, and the results may be used to influence future agency-level funding for GAM program implementation. The five-step process outlined in this paper walks interested section leaders through starting a GAM program in the absence of a top-down directive, focusing on unstable slope assets as examples and test cases. Existing data can be analyzed and used to develop decision support tools similar to those used in bridge and pavement asset management programs. The results will help the section identify high-risk locations or corridors and data gaps and guide improvements in collecting and integrating existing data sets. The results also will allow the section to develop and program risk-reduction measures and share these results with interested parties. Long term, a GAM program that is begun at the section level will guide agency-level development of best management practices that incorporate geotechnical assets.
Effects of Structural Parameters on Seismic Behaviour of Historical Masonry Minaret
Authors: Erdil Barış , Tapan Mücip , Akkaya İsmail , Korkut Fuat
Published: June 2017

The October 23, 2011 (Mw = 7.2) and November 9, 2011 (Mw = 5.6) earthquakes increased the damage in the minaret of Van Ulu Mosque, an important historical masonry structure built with solid bricks in Eastern Turkey, resulting in significant shear cracks. It was found that since the door and window openings are not symmetrically placed, they result in unsymmetrical stiffness distribution. The contribution of staircase and the core on stiffness is ignorable but its effect on the mass is significant. The pulpit with chamfered corner results in unsymmetrical transverse displacements. Brace wall improves the stiffness however contributes to the unsymmetrical behaviour considerably. The reason for the diagonal cracks can be attributed to the unsymmetrical brace wall and the chamfered pulpit but the effect of brace wall is more pronounced. After introducing the cracks, a new model was created and calibrated according to the results of Operational Modal Analysis. Diagonal cracks were found to be likely to develop under earthquake loading. Drifts are observed to increase significantly upon the introduction of the cracks.
Normobaric Hypoxia and Submaximal Exercise Effects on Running Memory and Mood State in Women
Authors: Seo Yongsuk , Gerhart Hayden D. , Stavres Jon , Fennell Curtis , Draper Shane , Glickman Ellen L.
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND: An acute bout of exercise can improve cognitive function in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. However, limited research supports the improvement of cognitive function and mood state in women. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of hypoxia and exercise
on working memory and mood state in women.METHODS: There were 15 healthy women (age = 22 ± 2 yr) who completed the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics-4th Edition (ANAM), including the Running Memory Continuous Performance Task (RMCPT) and Total Mood
Disturbance (TMD) in normoxia (21% O2), at rest in normoxia and hypoxia (12.5% O2), and during cycling exercise at 60% and 40% Vo2max in hypoxia.RESULTS: RMCPT was not significantly impaired at 30 (100.3 ± 17.2) and 60 (96.6 ± 17.3)
min rest in hypoxia compared to baseline in normoxia (97.0 ± 17.0). However, RMCPT was significantly improved during exercise (106.7 ± 20.8) at 60% Vo2max compared to 60 min rest in hypoxia. Following 30 (−89.4 ± 48.3) and 60 min of exposure to hypoxia
(−79.8 ± 55.9) at rest, TMD was impaired compared with baseline (−107.1 ± 46.2). TMD was significantly improved during exercise (−108.5 ± 42.7) at 40% Vo2max compared with 30 min rest in hypoxia. Also, RMCPT was significantly improved during
exercise (104.0 ± 19.1) at 60% Vo2max compared to 60 min rest in hypoxia (96.6 ± 17.3).DISCUSSION: Hypoxia and an acute bout of exercise partially influence RMCPT and TMD. Furthermore, a moderate-intensity bout of exercise (60%) may be a more potent stimulant
for improving cognitive function than low-intensity (40%) exercise. The present data should be considered by aeromedical personnel performing cognitive tasks in hypoxia.Seo Y, Gerhart HD, Stavres J, Fennell C, Draper S, Glickman EL. Normobaric hypoxia and submaximal exercise effects
on running memory and mood state in women. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(7):627–632.
Physical Forces May Cause the HoxD Gene Cluster Elongation
Authors: Papageorgiou Spyros
Published: June 2017

Hox gene collinearity was discovered be Edward B. Lewis in 1978. It consists of the Hox1, Hox2, Hox3 ordering of the Hox genes in the chromosome from the telomeric to the centromeric side of the chromosome. Surprisingly, the spatial activation of the Hox genes in the ontogenetic units of the embryo follows the same ordering along the anterior-posterior embryonic axis. The chromosome microscale differs from the embryo macroscale by 3 to 4 orders of magnitude. The traditional biomolecular mechanisms are not adequate to comprise phenomena at so divergent spatial domains. A Biophysical Model of physical forces was proposed which can bridge the intermediate space and explain the results of genetic engineering experiments. Recent progress in constructing instruments and achieving high resolution imaging (e.g., 3D DNA FISH, STORM etc.) enable the assessment of the geometric structure of the chromatin during the different phases of Hox gene activation. It is found that the mouse HoxD gene cluster is elongated up to 5–6 times during Hox gene transcription. These unexpected findings agree with the BM predictions. It is now possible to measure several physical quantities inside the nucleus during Hox gene activation. New experiments are proposed to test further this model.
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) Characterization of Water/Sodium Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) Sulfosuccinate-HDEHP/n-Dodecane Reverse Micelles for Electroextraction of Neodymium
Authors: Anderson Shannon , Nilsson Mikael , Kalu Egwu
Published: June 2017

The extraction and separation of metal ions in the lanthanide series using the liquid-liquid extraction (LLX) technique poses a major challenge due to the chemical similarities of the metals and hence interest exists in devising a technique to improve the separation factor. In this work, sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) is explored for improved organic phase conductivity to aid the use of an imposed external field to improve the LLX. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique was used to determine the effect of molar water content, AOT and HDEHP (bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid) concentration, and the temperature on the reverse micelle solution conductivity. Results showed that as AOT concentration and water content increases, conductivity increases until the reverse micelles collapse. The addition of HDEHP caused a significant drop in solution conductivity. For a mixed AOT and HDEHP system and at a small applied external field range of 0–1.4 kV m−1 and 60 rpm stir rate, a significant improvement in Nd extraction was observed relative to the traditional LLX using HDEHP only. With AOT only, a 40% improvement in extraction was observed with applied field relative to the absence of field. Cost consideration favors the use of mixed AOT and HDEHP at a slow stir rate for improved Nd extraction.
Preliminary Study on Integration of Fiber Optic Bragg Grating Sensors in Li-Ion Batteries and In Situ Strain and Temperature Monitoring of Battery Cells
Authors: Fortier Aleksandra , Tsao Max , Williard Nick , Xing Yinjiao , Pecht Michael
Published: June 2017

Current commercial battery management systems (BMSs) do not provide adequate information in real time to mitigate issues of battery cells such as thermal runway. This paper explores and evaluates the integration of fiber optic Bragg grating (FBG) sensors inside lithium-ion battery (LiB) coin cells. Strain and internal and external temperatures were recorded using FBG sensors, and the battery cells were evaluated at a cycling C/20 rate. The preliminary results present scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of electrode degradation upon sensor integration and the systematic process of sensor integration to eliminate degradation in electrodes during cell charge/discharge cycles. Recommendation for successful FBG sensor integration is given, and the strain and temperature data is presented. The FBG sensor was placed on the inside of the coin cell between the electrodes and the separator layers towards the most electrochemically active area. On the outside, the temperature of the coin cell casing as well as the ambient temperature was recorded. Results show stable strain behavior within the cell and about 10 °C difference between the inside of the coin cell and the ambient environment over time during charging/discharging cycles. This study is intended to contribute to the safe integration of FBG sensors inside hermetically sealed batteries and to detection of real-time temperature and strain gradient inside a cell, ultimately improving reliability of current BMSs.
An Improved Droop Control Method for Multi-Terminal VSC-HVDC Converter Stations
Authors: Wang Hao , Wang Yue , Duan Guozhao , Hu Weihao , Wang Wenti , Chen Zhe
Published: June 2017

Multi-terminal high voltage direct current transmission based on voltage source converter (VSC-HVDC) grids can connect non-synchronous alternating current (AC) grids to a hybrid alternating current and direct current (AC/DC) power system, which is one of the key technologies in the construction of smart grids. However, it is still a problem to control the converter to achieve the function of each AC system sharing the reserve capacity of the entire network. This paper proposes an improved control strategy based on the slope control of the DC voltage and AC frequency (V–f slope control), in which the virtual inertia is introduced. This method can ensure that each AC sub-system shares the primary frequency control function. Additionally, with the new control method, it is easy to apply the secondary frequency control method of traditional AC systems to AC/DC hybrid systems to achieve the steady control of the DC voltage and AC frequency of the whole system. Most importantly, the new control method is better than the traditional control method in terms of dynamic performance. In this paper, a new control method is proposed, and the simulation model has been established in Matlab/Simulink to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Mercury Exposure and Health Problems in Urban Artisanal Gold Mining (UAGM) in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Abbas Hasriwiani , Sakakibara Masayuki , Sera Koichiro , Arma Lukmanul
Published: June 2017

Urban artisanal gold mining (UAGM) in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, has been run by a number of urban gold workers with gold jewelry manufacture as its core activity. The wastes generated from goldsmiths’ activities were further processed by the gold smelters to recover fine gold particles. Smelting gold doré, amalgamation, and burning out the amalgam were the mercury-based gold process usually applied in their work. While working the gold workers are, therefore, potentially exposed to a source of mercury pollution that may cause health problems because of working without proper protection. The aims of this research are to characterize the process of urban artisanal gold mining with the potential mercury exposures during the process, and to assess the health of the gold workers. The results showed that the gold workers had a low educational background, but a relatively high income. The total mercury concentration of gold workers was higher than the control group. They were exposed to intoxicatingly high levels of mercury with the average total mercury concentrations of 6.6 and 10.8 µg/g in the hair of indirect and direct exposed workers, respectively. The health assessment showed that 85% of the gold workers suffered neurological symptoms, such as tremors, and 44%–56% of them experienced restricted fields of vision, slow reflexes, sensory disturbances, unbalanced rigidity, and ataxia. The results also showed that the working years have reasonable correlation with the sum of the positive findings in the 10 neurological symptoms.
Evaluation of Sources and Patterns of Elemental Composition of PM2.5 at Three Low-Income Neighborhood Schools and Residences in Quito, Ecuador
Authors: Raysoni Amit , Armijos Rodrigo , Weigel M. , Echanique Patricia , Racines Marcia , Pingitore Nicholas , Li Wen-Whai
Published: June 2017

Elemental characterization of fine particulate matter was undertaken at schools and residences in three low income neighborhoods in Quito, Ecuador. The three zones were located in the northern (Cotocollao), south central (El Camal), and south east (Los Chillos) neighborhoods and were classified as zones 1–3, respectively. Forty elements were quantified via ICP-MS analysis. Amongst the geogenic elements, the concentration of Si was the most abundant followed by S, Al, and Ca. Elements with predominantly anthropogenic sources such as Zn, V, and Ni were higher in zone 3 school followed by zone 2 and zone 1 schools. Enrichment factors were calculated to study the role of crustal sources in the elemental concentrations. Geogenic elements, except K, all had values <10 and anthropogenic elements such as Ni, V, Zn, Pb, As, Cr had >10. Principal Component Analysis suggested that Ni and V concentrations were strongly attributable to pet coke and heavy oil combustion. Strong associations between As and Pb could be attributed to traffic and other industrial emissions. Resuspended dust, soil erosion, vehicular emissions (tailpipe, brake and tire wear, and engine abrasion), pet coke, heavy oil combustion, and heavy industrial operations were major contributors to air pollution.
Metal Ion-Loaded Nanofibre Matrices for Calcification Inhibition in Polyurethane Implants
Authors: Singh Charanpreet , Wang Xungai
Published: June 2017

Pathologic calcification leads to structural deterioration of implant materials via stiffening, stress cracking, and other structural disintegration mechanisms, and the effect can be critical for implants intended for long-term or permanent implantation. This study demonstrates the potential of using specific metal ions (MI)s for inhibiting pathological calcification in polyurethane (PU) implants. The hypothesis of using MIs as anti-calcification agents was based on the natural calcium-antagonist role of Mg2+ ions in human body, and the anti-calcification effect of Fe3+ ions in bio-prosthetic heart valves has previously been confirmed. In vitro calcification results indicated that a protective covering mesh of MI-doped PU can prevent calcification by preventing hydroxyapatite crystal growth. However, microstructure and mechanical characterisation revealed oxidative degradation effects from Fe3+ ions on the mechanical properties of the PU matrix. Therefore, from both a mechanical and anti-calcification effects point of view, Mg2+ ions are more promising candidates than Fe3+ ions. The in vitro MI release experiments demonstrated that PU microphase separation and the structural design of PU-MI matrices were important determinants of release kinetics. Increased phase separation in doped PU assisted in consistent long-term release of dissolved MIs from both hard and soft segments of the PU. The use of a composite-sandwich mesh design prevented an initial burst release which improved the late (>20 days) release rate of MIs from the matrix.
Synergistic Effect of MoS2 and SiO2 Nanoparticles as Lubricant Additives for Magnesium Alloy–Steel Contacts
Authors: Xie Hongmei , Jiang Bin , Hu Xingyu , Peng Cheng , Guo Hongli , Pan Fusheng
Published: June 2017

The tribological performances of the SiO2/MoS2 hybrids as lubricant additives were explored by a reciprocating ball-on-flat tribometer for AZ31 magnesium alloy/AISI 52100 bearing steel pairs. The results demonstrated that the introduction of SiO2/MoS2 hybrids into the base oil exhibited a significant reduction in the friction coefficient and wear volume as well as an increase in load bearing capacity, which was better than the testing results of the SiO2 or MoS2 nanolubricants. Specifically, the addition of 0.1 wt % nano-SiO2 mixed with 1.0 wt % nano-MoS2 into the base oil reduced the friction coefficient by 21.8% and the wear volume by 8.6% compared to the 1.0 wt % MoS2 nanolubricants. The excellent lubrication behaviors of the SiO2/MoS2 hybrid nanolubricants can be explained by the micro-cooperation of different nanoparticles with disparate morphology and lubrication mechanisms.
Circular Regression Applied to GNSS-R Phase Altimetry
Authors: Kucwaj Jean-Christophe , Reboul Serge , Stienne Georges , Choquel Jean-Bernard , Benjelloun Mohammed
Published: June 2017

This article is dedicated to the design of a linear-circular regression technique and to its application to ground-based GNSS-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) altimetry. The altimetric estimation is based on the observation of the phase delay between a GNSS signal sensed directly and after a reflection off of the Earth’s surface. This delay evolves linearly with the sine of the emitting satellite elevation, with a slope proportional to the height between the reflecting surface and the receiving antenna. However, GNSS-R phase delay observations are angular and affected by a noise assumed to follow the von Mises distribution. In order to estimate the phase delay slope, a linear-circular regression estimator is thus defined in the maximum likelihood sense. The proposed estimator is able to fuse phase observations obtained from several satellite signals. Moreover, unlike the usual unwrapping approach, the proposed estimator allows the sea-surface height to be estimated from datasets with large data gaps. The proposed regression technique and altimeter performances are studied theoretically, with further assessment on both synthetic and real data.
Adenosine Triphosphate-Encapsulated Liposomes with Plasmonic Nanoparticles for Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering-Based Immunoassays
Authors: Pham Xuan-Hung , Hahm Eunil , Kim Tae , Kim Hyung-Mo , Lee Sang , Lee Yoon-Sik , Jeong Dae , Jun Bong-Hyun
Published: June 2017

In this study, we prepared adenosine triphosphate (ATP) encapsulated liposomes, and assessed their applicability for the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based assays with gold-silver alloy (Au@Ag)-assembled silica nanoparticles (NPs; SiO2@Au@Ag). The liposomes were prepared by the thin film hydration method from a mixture of l-α-phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and PE-PEG2000 in chloroform; evaporating the solvent, followed by hydration of the resulting thin film with ATP in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Upon lysis of the liposome, the SERS intensity of the SiO2@Au@Ag NPs increased with the logarithm of number of ATP-encapsulated liposomes after lysis in the range of 8 × 106 to 8 × 1010. The detection limit of liposome was calculated to be 1.3 × 10−17 mol. The successful application of ATP-encapsulated liposomes to SiO2@Au@Ag NPs based SERS analysis has opened a new avenue for Raman label chemical (RCL)-encapsulated liposome-enhanced SERS-based immunoassays.
Context Relevant Prediction Model for COPD Domain Using Bayesian Belief Network
Authors: Mcheick Hamid , Saleh Lokman , Ajami Hicham , Mili Hafedh
Published: June 2017

In the last three decades, researchers have examined extensively how context-aware systems can assist people, specifically those suffering from incurable diseases, to help them cope with their medical illness. Over the years, a huge number of studies on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) have been published. However, how to derive relevant attributes and early detection of COPD exacerbations remains a challenge. In this research work, we will use an efficient algorithm to select relevant attributes where there is no proper approach in this domain. Such algorithm predicts exacerbations with high accuracy by adding discretization process, and organizes the pertinent attributes in priority order based on their impact to facilitate the emergency medical treatment. In this paper, we propose an extension of our existing Helper Context-Aware Engine System (HCES) for COPD. This project uses Bayesian network algorithm to depict the dependency between the COPD symptoms (attributes) in order to overcome the insufficiency and the independency hypothesis of naïve Bayesian. In addition, the dependency in Bayesian network is realized using TAN algorithm rather than consulting pneumologists. All these combined algorithms (discretization, selection, dependency, and the ordering of the relevant attributes) constitute an effective prediction model, comparing to effective ones. Moreover, an investigation and comparison of different scenarios of these algorithms are also done to verify which sequence of steps of prediction model gives more accurate results. Finally, we designed and validated a computer-aided support application to integrate different steps of this model. The findings of our system HCES has shown promising results using Area Under Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUC = 81.5%).
Energy Efficiency for Airtightness and Exterior Wall Insulation of Passive Houses in Hot Summer and Cold Winter Zone of China
Authors: Fu Xin , Qian Xiaoqian , Wang Lina
Published: June 2017

There exists huge differences in climatic conditions and occupant energy-consuming behavior between Berlin and the “hot summer and cold winter zone of China” (HSCW), which implies that the building energy consumption compositions of two regions are completely different. In this paper, dynamic energy consumption simulation for passive houses with Design Builder software was performed. The results indicated that the improvement of building airtightness and exterior wall insulation can reduce annual heating and cooling load effectively, and more importantly the effect is much stronger on heating load than cooling load. Because of this, the paper proposed that the ratio of heating and cooling electricity consumption (r) should be adopted as an important index in energy efficiency evaluation of passive houses. It would contribute to the reasonable selection of ventilation modes and the exterior wall heat transfer coefficient, and benefit the healthy development of passive houses in HSCW.
Assessing Uncertainties of Well-To-Tank Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Hydrogen Supply Chains
Authors: Ozawa Akito , Inoue Mai , Kitagawa Naomi , Muramatsu Ryoji , Anzai Yurie , Genchi Yutaka , Kudoh Yuki
Published: June 2017

Hydrogen is a promising energy carrier in the clean energy systems currently being developed. However, its effectiveness in mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions requires conducting a lifecycle analysis of the process by which hydrogen is produced and supplied. This study focuses on the hydrogen for the transport sector, in particular renewable hydrogen that is produced from wind- or solar PV-powered electrolysis. A life cycle inventory analysis is conducted to evaluate the Well-to-Tank (WtT) GHG emissions from various renewable hydrogen supply chains. The stages of the supply chains include hydrogen being produced overseas, converted into a transportable hydrogen carrier (liquid hydrogen or methylcyclohexane), imported to Japan by sea, distributed to hydrogen filling stations, restored from the hydrogen carrier to hydrogen and filled into fuel cell vehicles. For comparison, an analysis is also carried out with hydrogen produced by steam reforming of natural gas. Foreground data related to the hydrogen supply chains are collected by literature surveys and the Japanese life cycle inventory database is used as the background data. The analysis results indicate that some of renewable hydrogen supply chains using liquid hydrogen exhibited significantly lower WtT GHG emissions than those of a supply chain of hydrogen produced by reforming of natural gas. A significant piece of the work is to consider the impacts of variations in the energy and material inputs by performing a probabilistic uncertainty analysis. This suggests that the production of renewable hydrogen, its liquefaction, the dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane and the compression of hydrogen at the filling station are the GHG-intensive stages in the target supply chains.