bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First‐trimester ductus venosus velocity ratio as a marker of major cardiac defects
Authors: Wagner P. , Eberle K. , Sonek J. , Berg C. , Gembruch U. , Hoopmann M. , Prodan N. , Kagan K. O.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To examine ductus venosus (DV) flow in fetuses with and those without a cardiac defect and to evaluate different phases of DV flow in addition to the standard assessment of DV pulsatility index for veins (PIV) and the a‐wave.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of singleton pregnancies that underwent first‐trimester ultrasound screening, which included DV flow assessment, at the University of Tübingen (between 2010 and 2017) or the University of Cologne (between 2013 and 2016). The study population comprised normal fetuses and fetuses with major cardiac defects at a ratio of 10:1. For each fetus, the following parameters of the DV waveform were evaluated: qualitative assessment of the a‐wave, PIV measurement and ratios of flow velocities during the S‐wave (S) or D‐wave (D) and the a‐wave (a) or v‐wave (v). Reproducibility of DV‐PIV and DV flow ratios was evaluated in 30 fetuses in which the DV flow was assessed twice.

Results

Our study population included 480 anatomically normal fetuses and 48 with a cardiac defect. Median fetal nuchal translucency (NT) in the normal and in the affected group was 1.9 mm and 2.6 mm, respectively. In five (1.0%) of the normal and 18 (37.5%) of the affected cases, fetal NT thickness was above the 99th centile. In the normal group, the DV a‐wave was reversed in 15 (3.1%) cases and the DV‐PIV was above the 95th centile in 25 (5.2%). In the cases with cardiac defects, the a‐wave was reversed and the DV‐PIV measurement was above the 95th centile in 26 (54.2%). The reproducibility of measurement of the ratios of DV flow velocities was similar to that of the DV‐PIV. Most cardiac defects were associated with an abnormal a/S or a/D ratio. If the cut‐off for these two ratios was set at the 5th centile of the normal distribution, the detection rate of fetal cardiac anomalies would be 62.5%. This compares favorably with the DV‐PIV, which detects 26 (54.2%) of the affected fetuses for the same threshold.

Conclusion

In the first trimester, the a/S ratio has the potential to detect approximately 60% of congenital cardiac defects for a false‐positive rate of 5%. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Ostomy Usage for Colorectal Trauma in Combat Casualties
Authors: Johnston Luke R. , Bradley Matthew J. , Rodriguez Carlos J. , Mcnally Michael P. , Elster Eric A. , Duncan James E.
Published: August 2018

Introduction

The role for diverting ostomy as a method to help reduce morbidity and mortality has been well established in the combat trauma population. However, factors that influence the type of ostomy used and which ostomies become permanent are poorly studied. We examine patterns of ostomy usage and reversal in a large series of combat trauma patients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of combat casualties treated at our continental U.S. military treatment facility from 2003 to 2015. All patients who underwent ostomy formation were included. Clinical and demographic factors were collected for all patients including the type of ostomy and whether or not ostomy reversal took place. Patients were grouped and analyzed based on ostomy type and by ostomy reversal.

Results

We identified 202 patients who had ostomies created. End colostomies were most common (N = 149) followed by loop colostomies (N = 34) and end ileostomies (N = 19). Casualties that underwent damage control laparotomy (DCL) were less likely to have a loop colostomy created (p < 0.001). Ostomy reversal occurred in 89.9% of patients. There was no difference in ostomy reversal rates by ostomy type (p = 0.080). Presence of a pelvic fracture was associated with permanent ostomy (OR = 3.28, p = 0.019), but no factor independently predicted a permanent ostomy on multivariate analysis.

Discussion

DCL and a severe perineal injury most strongly influence ostomy type selection. Most patients undergo colostomy reversal, and no factor independently predicted an ostomy being permanent. These findings provide a framework for understanding the issue of fecal diversion in the combat trauma population and inform military surgeons about injury patterns and treatment options.
The Situation of Safe Surgery and Anaesthesia in Tanzania: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nyberger Karolina , Jumbam Desmond T. , Dahm James , Maongezi Sarah , Makuwani Ahmed , Kapologwe Ntuli A. , Nguhuni Boniface , Mukhopadhay Swagoto , Iverson Katherine R. , Maina Erastus , Kisakye Steve , Mwai Patrick , Hellar Augustino , Barash David , Reynolds Cheri , Meara John G. , Citron Isabelle
Published: August 2018

Background

Improvement in the surgical system requires intersectoral coordination. To achieve this, the development of National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anaesthesia Plans (NSOAPS) has been recommended. One of the first steps of NSOAP development is situational analysis. On the ground situational analyses can be resource intensive and often duplicative. In 2016, the Ministry of Health of Tanzania issued a directive for the creation of an NSOAP. This systematic review aimed to assess if a comprehensive situational analysis could be achieved with existing data. These data would be used for evidence‐based priority setting for NSOAP development and streamline any additional data collection needed.

Methods

A systematic literature review of scientific literature, grey literature, and policy documents was performed as per PRISMA. Extraction was performed for all articles relating to the five NSOAPS domains: infrastructure, service delivery, workforce, information management, and financing.

Results

1819 unique articles were generated. Full‐text screening produced 135 eligible articles; 46 were relevant to surgical infrastructure, 53 to workforce, 81 to service delivery, 11 to finance, and 15 to information management. Rich qualitative and quantitative data were available for each domain.

Conclusions

Despite little systematic data collection around SOA, a thorough literature review provides significant evidence which often have a broader scope, longer timeline and better coverage than can be achieved through snapshot‐stratified samples of directed on the ground assessments. Evidence from the review was used during stakeholder discussion to directly inform the NSOAP priorities in Tanzania.
60 years of Rabinowicz’ criterion for adhesive wear
Authors: Popova Elena , Popov Valentin L. , Kim Dae-Eun
Published: August 2018

60 years ago, in 1958, Ernest Rabinowicz published a 5 page paper titled “The effect of size on the looseness of wear fragments” where he suggested a criterion determining the minimum size of wear particles. The criterion of Rabinowicz is based on the consideration of the interplay of elastic energy stored in “asperities” and the work of separation needed for detaching a wear particle. He was probably the first researcher who explicitly emphasized the role of adhesion in friction and wear. In a recent paper in Nature Communications, Aghababaei, Warner and Molinari confirmed the criterion of Rabinowicz by means of quasi-molecular dynamics and illustrated the exact mechanism of the transition from plastic smoothing to formation of wear debris. This latter paper promoted the criterion of Rabinowicz to a new paradigm for current studies of adhesive wear. The size arguments of Rabinowicz can be applied in the same form also to many other problems, such as brittle-ductile transition during indentation, cutting of materials or ultimate strength of nano-composites.
Development Status and Global Competition Trends Analysis of Maglev Transportation Technology Based on Patent Data
Authors: Gou Jinsong
Published: August 2018

This study investigates magnetic levitation (maglev) transportation technology’s development status and global competition trends by mining patent data related to maglev transportation technology from five perspectives. It uses information collected from the Innography patent database: the number of annually registered patents throughout maglev’s development history, the key patent-contributing countries and their global distribution, the top 20 innovative organizations in maglev transportation technology, their organization type, and the technology distribution classifications of their patents, core patents, and their holders and registered regions. A comparison and analysis are carried out based on patent data. The study summarizes the development and main trends of maglev technology, the countries with strong competition, the markets with the most potential for maglev technology application, the focuses of technological research and development, and the future research directions of major innovative organizations and their core patents. The study offers suggestions and recommendations from both national/governmental (macro) and organizational (micro) perspectives.
Niche Parties and Social Movements: Mechanisms of Programmatic Alignment and Party Success
Authors: Blings Steffen
Published: August 2018

Niche parties often originate in social movements, yet the latter’s role in shaping these parties has received scant attention. I argue that movement roots can help niche parties achieve both vote- and policy-seeking goals by keeping core issues salient, bolstering issue ownership and securing allies in civil society. Employing interviews with movement, as well as Green and Pirate party leaders in Sweden and Germany, I identify three mechanisms (electoral pressure, grassroots linkage, elite orientation) that lead to programmatic alignment. This article extends an emerging research agenda that highlights how social movements shape party politics and offers evidence that niche party–movement interactions open new avenues for political representation counterbalancing mainstream parties’ increasing detachment from civil society.
Implementation of a Faraday rotation diagnostic at the OMEGA laser facility
Authors: Rigby A. , Katz J. , Bott A. F. A. , White T. G. , Tzeferacos P. , Lamb D. Q. , Froula D. H. , Gregori G.
Published: August 2018

Magnetic field measurements in turbulent plasmas are often difficult to perform. Here we show that for ${\geqslant}$kG magnetic fields, a time-resolved Faraday rotation measurement can be made at the OMEGA laser facility. This diagnostic has been implemented using the Thomson scattering probe beam and the resultant path-integrated magnetic field has been compared with that of proton radiography. Accurate measurement of magnetic fields is essential for satisfying the scientific goals of many current laser–plasma experiments.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a critique of the concept
Authors: Timimi S.
Published: August 2018

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a fact of culture rather than a fact of nature. For a diagnosis like ADHD to be scientifically useful you need to show that the concept leads to advancement of knowledge around causes. For it to be clinically useful, you need to show that use of the concept leads to improved clinical outcomes. As neither can be convincingly demonstrated, ADHD is unlikely to be either scientifically or clinically useful and the concept is well past its use-by date.
Investigating the Relationship Between Perceived Community Safety and the Public's Attitudes Towards the Treatment of Youth Offenders in New Zealand
Authors: McArdle Sean , Lambie Ian , Miers Sarah
Published: August 2018

While opinions on what should be done with youth offenders vary from person to person, perceived levels of safety and fear of crime have been linked to more punitive attitudes towards crime and punishment. Qualitative methods were employed to explore the attitudes and opinions of members of the New Zealand public with varying levels of community safety in respect to the treatment of youth offenders. Results indicate those who identified as lowest in levels of safety were more punitive in their opinions, though they also expressed a firm desire for progressive treatment options such as rehabilitation and taking preventative action. Those who felt the safest in their community were less likely to be punitive in their opinions towards youth offenders.
On the Integral Degree of Integral Ring Extensions
Authors: Giral José M. , O'Carroll Liam , Planas-Vilanova Francesc , Plans Bernat
Published: August 2018

Let A ⊂ B be an integral ring extension of integral domains with fields of fractions K and L, respectively. The integral degree of A ⊂ B, denoted by dA(B), is defined as the supremum of the degrees of minimal integral equations of elements of B over A. It is an invariant that lies in between dK(L) and μA(B), the minimal number of generators of the A-module B. Our purpose is to study this invariant. We prove that it is sub-multiplicative and upper-semicontinuous in the following three cases: if A ⊂ B is simple; if A ⊂ B is projective and finite and K ⊂ L is a simple algebraic field extension; or if A is integrally closed. Furthermore, d is upper-semicontinuous if A is noetherian of dimension 1 and with finite integral closure. In general, however, d is neither sub-multiplicative nor upper-semicontinuous.
The Crisis of Liberal Reform in India: Public opinion, pyrotechnics, and the Charter Act of 1833
Authors: EHRLICH JOSHUA
Published: August 2018

This article reveals the Charter Act of 1833 as a turning point in the history of British-Indian political thought, which foreclosed, for a generation, liberal efforts to reform Britain's avowedly despotic regime in India. Anticipating a victory in their transmarine campaign to make the state accountable to an Indian ‘public’, reformers were disillusioned to find instead that the new Act was founded on enlightened despotism. Attempting to gather popular support for the authoritarian vision of reform espoused by Thomas Babington Macaulay and the other framers of the Act, Governor-General William Bentinck organized a grand fireworks display in Calcutta. The failure of this event, however, compounded the initial backlash against the Act, widening the rift between state and ‘public’, and precipitating the latter's decline as an effective political formation.
Kinetostatic analysis and solution classification of a class of planar tensegrity mechanisms
Authors: Wenger P. , Chablat D.
Published: August 2018

Tensegrity mechanisms are composed of rigid and tensile parts that are in equilibrium. They are interesting alternative designs for some applications, such as modeling musculo-skeleton systems. Tensegrity mechanisms are more difficult to analyze than classical mechanisms as the static equilibrium conditions that must be satisfied generally result in complex equations. A class of planar one-degree-of-freedom tensegrity mechanisms with three linear springs is analyzed in detail for the sake of systematic solution classifications. The kinetostatic equations are derived and solved under several loading and geometric conditions. It is shown that these mechanisms exhibit up to six equilibrium configurations, of which one or two are stable, depending on the geometric and loading conditions. Discriminant varieties and cylindrical algebraic decomposition combined with Groebner base elimination are used to classify solutions as a function of the geometric, loading, and actuator input parameters.
The Role of Topographically Induced Form Drag on the Channel Flows Through the East/Japan Sea
Authors: Han Sooyeon , Hirose Naoki , Kida Shinichiro
Published: August 2018

The dynamics responsible for the East/Japan Sea throughflow are examined using the Finite Volume Coastal Ocean Model. Existing ocean data assimilation models (Δx ~10 km) present overestimates of the volume transport through the Tsugaru Strait, and the outflow partitioning between the Tsugaru and Soya/La Perouse Straits also differs depending on the models. We find that this overestimate occurs when the form drag that is induced by detailed bottom topographic features in the Tsugaru Strait is not adequately resolved. A range of experiments with different horizontal resolutions in the Korea/Tsushima, Tsugaru, and Soya/La Perouse Straits were conducted to examine how detailed bottom topographic features in these three straits may affect the throughflow. We find that the volume transport is highly sensitive to the spatial resolution at the Tsugaru Strait but not at the Korea/Tsushima and Soya/La Perouse Straits. The high‐resolution experiment showed a decreased outflow through the Tsugaru Strait and a reduction in the model bias. The outflow through the Soya/La Perouse Strait increased, while the inflow through the Korea/Tsushima Strait remained relatively unchanged. Additional experiments with modified topography further indicated that the abrupt change of the topography located at the upstream side of the Tsugaru Strait plays an important role in the outflow partitioning of the East/Japan Sea throughflow.
Tight Junction barriers in human hair follicles – role of claudin-1
Authors: Zorn-Kruppa Michaela , Vidal-y-Sy Sabine , Houdek Pia , Wladykowski Ewa , Grzybowski Stephan , Gruber Robert , Gorzelanny Christian , Harcup Jason , Schneider Stefan W. , Majumdar Amitabha , Brandner Johanna M.
Published: August 2018

Barrier function of hair follicles (HFs) is of great interest because they might be an entry port for allergens/pathogens, but could on the other hand be used for drug delivery or vaccination. Therefore we investigated tight junction (TJ) barrier function in human HFs. We show that there is a TJ barrier in the outermost living layer bordering to the environment from the infundibulum to the lower central part and between Henle’s and Huxles layer of anagen HFs. In club hair typical for catagen and telogen HFs a TJ barrier is found surrounding the club. This demonstrates that there is a continuous TJ barrier along interfollicular epidermis and HFs in different phases of HF cycle. However, interestingly, in cell culture experiments we can show that barrier is less tight in HF keratinocytes compared to interfollicular keratinocytes. Knock-down of the TJ protein claudin-1, which we demonstrate here to be less expressed in HFs of lesional atopic dermatitis skin, results in impaired barrier function, decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of hair keratinocytes. This is in line with a hair growth phenotype in claudin-1 deficient patients (NISCH syndrome) and corresponding knock-out mice and indicates an important role of claudin-1 in HF barrier function and growth.
Sound transmission in a bamboo forest and its implications for information transfer in giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) bleats
Authors: Charlton Benjamin D. , Owen Megan A. , Keating Jennifer L. , Martin-Wintle Meghan S. , Zhang Hemin , Swaisgood Ronald R.
Published: August 2018

Although mammal vocalisations signal attributes about the caller that are important in a range of contexts, relatively few studies have investigated the transmission of specific types of information encoded in mammal calls. In this study we broadcast and re-recorded giant panda bleats in a bamboo plantation, to assess the stability of individuality and sex differences in these calls over distance, and determine how the acoustic structure of giant panda bleats degrades in this species’ typical environment. Our results indicate that vocal recognition of the caller’s identity and sex is not likely to be possible when the distance between the vocaliser and receiver exceeds 20 m and 10 m, respectively. Further analysis revealed that the F0 contour of bleats was subject to high structural degradation as it propagated through the bamboo canopy, making the measurement of mean F0 and F0 modulation characteristics highly unreliable at distances exceeding 10 m. The most stable acoustic features of bleats in the bamboo forest environment (lowest % variation) were the upper formants and overall formant spacing. The analysis of amplitude attenuation revealed that the fifth and sixth formant are more prone to decay than the other frequency components of bleats, however, the fifth formant still remained the most prominent and persistent frequency component over distance. Paired with previous studies, these results show that giant panda bleats have the potential to signal the caller’s identity at distances of up to 20 m and reliably transmit sex differences up to 10 m from the caller, and suggest that information encoded by F0 modulation in bleats could only be functionally relevant during close-range interactions in this species’ natural environment.
Developmental trajectory of rule management system in children
Authors: Harada Taeko , Tsuruno Motoharu , Shirokawa Tetsuya
Published: August 2018

The ability to apply rules for environmental adaptation is crucial for human life. This capacity may require high-order cognitive control, such as when managing personal behavior by selecting among context-dependent internal rules. This process is poorly understood in children, especially in terms of the age at which multiple-rules processing becomes possible. We created a child-appropriate “rule management paradigm” to elucidate developmental changes in rule processing, and used it to investigate the trajectory of the rule management system in 322 children aged 4 to 6 years, with comparison to 57 adults. We found age-specific capacities in multiple-rules processing, with the majority of 4-year-olds failing at concurrent management of multiple-rules processing, a capacity that became well developed by age 6. Task performance in multiple-rules processing improved steeply with age and approached the adult level by late age 6. By contrast, single-rule processing on single-feature stimuli approached the adult level by age 5. Our main findings suggest that the critical period for the development of the multiple-rules processing system occurs before age 7, and is associated with the developmental period of the rule management system and other cognitive resources.
The double solid solution (Zr, Nb)2(Al, Sn)C MAX phase: a steric stability approach
Authors: Lapauw Thomas , Tunca Bensu , Potashnikov Daniel , Pesach Asaf , Ozeri Offir , Vleugels Jozef , Lambrinou Konstantina
Published: August 2018

The addition of Nb and Sn to Zr2AlC is investigated, targeting the synthesis of a Zr-rich bulk MAX phase free of ZrC. The 211 phase formation in the two quaternary Zr-Nb-Al-C and Zr-Al-Sn-C systems is evaluated. Solubility over the entire compositional range in (Zr, Nb)2AlC and Zr2(Al, Sn)C is observed. In terms of effectiveness, the addition of Sn is preferred over the addition of Nb, as the former is selectively incorporated into the 211 structure. A combinatorial approach results in the formation of phase-pure (Zr0.8, Nb0.2)2(Al0.5, Sn0.5)C. The effect of the added solutes on the microstructure and crystallographic parameters is investigated. The addition of Nb and Sn reduces the distortion parameter of the trigonal prism compared to pure Zr2AlC. Therefore, an attempt is made to establish a more general stability criterion for the M2AC structure based on the steric relationship between the atoms in the M6A trigonal prism. Inspired by the Hume-Rothery rules, it is suggested that comparable atomic radii of the M- and A-atoms provide a good starting point to obtain a stable 211 MAX phase.
Nucleation of quartz under ambient conditions
Authors: Buckley Phil , Hargreaves Natasha , Cooper Sharon
Published: August 2018

Quartz nucleation normally requires harsh conditions; for instance, hydrothermal processes at 200–300 °C and 15–100 bar, where the high growth rate precludes selective formation of nanometer-sized quartz. Under ambient conditions, even quartz growth is considered to occur exceedingly slowly, requiring yearly timescales. Here we show that nanoquartz of size 1–5 nm can be nucleated from microemulsions under ambient conditions within 2 days. The nanoquartz particles are grown and annealed under mild hydrothermal conditions of 175 °C and autogenic pressure. This enables nanoquartz of size <10 nm and controllable structure to be obtained exclusively. Surface defects play a key role in determining the catalytic properties of the nanoquartz. Consequently, a similar two-stage microemulsion-hydrothermal synthesis strategy could provide significant benefits in optimizing nanocrystal catalysts.
A reusable cyanide sensor via activation of C–H group: trifluoromethylcarbinol-directed meta-C–H cyanomethylation of naphthalimide
Authors: Chen Yayun , Hu Xiaoxue , Rao Caihui , Li Zheyao , Chen Lu , Fu Chao , Liu Chuanxiang
Published: August 2018

A fluorescent and colorimetric anion sensor based on the activated C–H group has been developed, and its reusability and ability to selectively detect cyanides have been demonstrated.
Highly sensitive fluorescent detection of glutathione and histidine based on the Cu(ii)-thiamine system
Authors: Ni Pengjuan , Jiang Dafeng , Chen Chuanxia , Jiang Yuanyuan , Lu Yizhong , Zhao Zhenlu
Published: August 2018

A novel fluorescence method for the simultaneous detection of glutathione and histidine based on their inhibitory effects on the oxidation of thiamine by Cu(ii) is proposed.
Enantioselective acyl-transfer catalysis by fluoride ions
Authors: Craig Ryan , Litvajova Mili , Cronin Sarah A. , Connon Stephen J.
Published: August 2018

The asymmetric nucleophilic catalysis by fluoride ions at a carbon-based electrophile has been demonstrated for the first time.
Finite-temperature Wigner phase-space sampling and temperature effects on the excited-state dynamics of 2-nitronaphthalene
Authors: Zobel J. Patrick , Nogueira Juan J. , González Leticia
Published: August 2018

The concept of finite temperature Wigner phase-space sampling allowing the population of vibrationally excited states is introduced and employed to study temperature effects on the absorption spectrum of 2-nitronaphtalene (2NN) and its relaxation dynamics.
Charge-assisted non-volatile magnetoelectric effects in NiFe2O4/PMN-PT heterostructures
Authors: Pang Xin , Jin Chao , Gao Guoqin , Li Dong , Zheng Dongxing , Bai Haili
Published: August 2018

The NFO/Pt/PMN-PT heterostructure can suppress the depolarization field, which enhances the polarization-dependent charge effect.
Ab initio paramagnetic NMR shifts via point-dipole approximation in a large magnetic-anisotropy Co(ii) complex
Authors: Mareš Jiří , Vaara Juha
Published: August 2018

Point-dipole approximation provides accurate reproduction of full quantum-chemical results for paramagnetic NMR chemical shifts and allows extensive configurational sampling at low computational cost.
Ion size effect on electrostatic and electroosmotic properties in soft nanochannels with pH-dependent charge density
Authors: Sin Jun-Sik , Kim Un-Hyok
Published: August 2018

We report a theoretical study of the ion size effect on various properties in a soft nanochannel with pH-dependent charge density.
Sandwich membranes through a two-dimensional confinement strategy for gas separation
Authors: Kang Zixi , Wang Sasa , Wang Rongming , Guo Hailing , Xu Ben , Feng Shou , Fan Lili , Zhu Liangkui , Kang Wenpei , Pang Jia , Sun Hanyi , Du Xinxin , Zhang Minghui , Sun Daofeng
Published: August 2018

The sandwich membranes assembled by GO and MOFs were fabricated through a two-dimensional confinement strategy for highly improved H2/CO2separation.
Aromaticity control via modifications of a macrocyclic frame: 5,6-dimethoxyphenanthriporphyrin and 5,6-dioxophenanthriporphyrin
Authors: Kupietz Kamil , Białek Michał J. , Białońska Agata , Szyszko Bartosz , Latos-Grażyński Lechosław
Published: August 2018

Antiaromatic phenanthriporphyrin and nonaromatic 5,6-dioxophenanthriporphyrin reveal specific reactivity toward protic and Lewis acids yielding respectively nonaromatic and aromatic macrocycles.
Differential receptor selectivity of the FGF15/FGF19 orthologues determines distinct metabolic activities in db/db mice
Authors: Hansen Ann Maria K. , Vienberg Sara G. , Lykkegaard Kirsten , Zhao Xin , Tingqing Guo , Han Dan , Zhang Xujia , Thøgersen Henning , Sass-Ørum Kristian , Tagmose Tina , Raun Kirsten , Andersen Birgitte
Published: August 2018

Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) 19, 21 and 23 are characterized by being endocrinely secreted and require co-receptor α-klotho or β-klotho (BKL) for binding and activation of the FGF receptors (FGFR). FGF15 is the rodent orthologue of human FGF19, but the two proteins share only 52% amino acid identity. Despite the physiological role of FGF21 and FGF19 being quite different, both lower blood glucose (BG) when administered to diabetic mice. The present study was designed to clarify why two human proteins with distinct physiological functions both lower BG in db/db mice and if the mouse orthologue FGF15 has similar effect to FGF19 and FGF21. Recombinant human FGF19, -21 and a mouse FGF15 variant (C110S) were expressed and purified from Escherichia coli. While rhFGF19 (recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 19) and rhFGF21 (recombinant human fibroblast growth factor) bound FGFRs in complex with both human and mouse BKL, rmFGF15CS (recombinant mouse fibroblast growth factor 15 C110S) only bound the FGFRs when combined with mouse BKL. Recombinant hFGF21 and rhFGF19, but not rmFGF15CS, increased glucose uptake in mouse adipocytes, while rhFGF19 and rmFGF15CS potently decreased Cyp7a1 expression in rat hepatocytes. The lack of effect of rmFGF15CS on glucose uptake in adipocytes was associated with rmFGF15CS's inability to signal through the FGFR1c/mouse BKL complex. In db/db mice, only rhFGF19 and rhFGF21 decreased BG while rmFGF15CS and rhFGF19, but not rhFGF21, increased total cholesterol. These data demonstrate receptor- and species-specific differential activity of FGF15 and FGF19 which should be taken into consideration when FGF19 is used as a substitute for FGF15.
Biological characteristics of sperm in European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis)
Authors: Suquet Marc , Pouvreau Stéphane , Queau Isabelle , Boulais Myrina , Le Grand Jacqueline , Ratiskol Dominique , Cosson Jacky
Published: August 2018

In brooding mollusc species that incubate larvae before their release in seawater, the biology of gametes remains poorly explored. The present study describes some biological characteristics of sperm of the European flat oyster, a native species that has been over-exploited in the past and is nowadays classified as an endangered species in Europe. Flat oysters were collected by divers in the Rade de Brest (Finistère, France), during its natural reproduction period. Gonadal pH is acidic (6.31 ± 0.10). Spermatozoa are clustered in spermatozeugmata, an acellular structure in which the sperm heads are embedded. After their transfer in seawater, spermatozeugmata have a mean diameter of 64 ± 3 μm and they release free spermatozoa for a mean duration of 21 ± 3 min. Immediately after their release, the mean percentage of motile spermatozoa was 48.5 ± 12.6%. At 10 min after dilution in seawater, movement of spermatozoa was no more observed. Biological characteristics of European flat oyster sperm are compared to those observed in the Pacific oyster, regarding the unique reproductive behaviour of the former species and the role of spermatozoa transfer played by spermatozeugmata. The present results aim to improve the knowledge of reproduction and natural recruitment processes, support conservation and restoration measures and favour the establishment of management protocols of gametes and larvae in this endangered species.
Method to mix tea with honey and use of transient light attenuation as an indicator of homogeneity
Authors: Ferreira Henrique , Gitti Ricardo R. , Ferreira-Martins Andre J. , Pessoa Matheus , Sardelich Pedro R. , Bijotti Isabela S.
Published: August 2018

We built a magnetic stirrer to mix tea and honey and developed a method to determine the homogeneity of the mixture based on the variation of light intensity of a laser beam with time due to its scattering by the mixture. The addressed problem was that of mixing tea and honey as fast as possible with a power limitation of one single 1.5 V battery, following the statement of Problem 15 of the 9th International Physicists’ Tournament. The influence of temperature and honey concentration on the total time of mixing was studied through the performance of several experiments reported here. In the best configuration of parameters, the total mixture occurs in less than 2 s, while in the worst configuration, the time necessary reaches 10 s. Results validate the magnetic stirrer as a proper device for mixing tea with honey and light attenuation as an excellent physical property for investigating the homogeneity of the mixture of the honey in tea. Supplementary investigations were made exploring the influence of adding sugar and or a slice of lemon to the tea.
Design for design - design by community
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hanh Nguyen
Published: August 2018

Like many other countries in the world, Vietnam is facing the problem of housing for the poor. Though, a lot of money and effort have been poured into these projects, but often it falls into a very bad situation, which is unstable: the community rapidly come back to poverty, people cannot self-recover and develop on their own after withdrawal of project teams, ect. In the field of Architecture and Planning, there is a fairly common method, which is "participatory methods". But by failing to understand the essence and not knowing how to operate the method in practice, the projects for the poor have little success. This paper introduces the following two areas: The Community "Participation Design" concept we have just implemented in a poor neighborhood of Tam Ky, Vietnam. Through the lessons of Tam Ky, the shift of participation concept is summarized: from passive to active community. In this way, the Community initiates and implements its initiative to change its habitat, make it better and more sustainable.
The main factors affecting the character of housing construction in Iran
Authors: Kazarnovskiy Valeriy , Kazem Hadavi Mohammad
Published: August 2018

The article examines the main objective factors affecting the development of housing construction in Iran. In terms of population per unit area, Iran ranks 21st in the world. However, the density of the population varies by territory, this is because only 30% of the territory has a relatively sufficient amount of water to provide the population. The population is unevenly distributed. It is characteristic that in different regions of Iran the urban population is different in its specific weight. So, in the Tehran region is 27.2%, and in Chakharmakhal and Bakhtiari - 0.87% of the total population. Population growth stimulates the development of cities and will require an increase in the number of dwellings, as well as improving their quality. As you know, the climate of Iran has a pronounced change of seasons, and different geographical regions of Iran differ in their climatic conditions. Particular attention should be given to architectural and construction recommendations that affect the design of medium-height houses in seismically hazardous areas, especially in Central Iran. At present, the state policy of Iran in the field of housing construction is carried out in three directions - three types of construction: free housing, mixed construction, social housing.
Eco-city or “steady city” as the way of improvement of living conditions for urban population
Authors: Vasilyeva Elena
Published: August 2018

The article is devoted to the creation and development of eco-cities, also known as "steady cities". Experience of creation of the eco-cities in the countries of the world is analyzed during the research. Classification of the eco-cities is offered. The basic principles of eco-cities functioning are considered; Special attention is paid to the formation of the closed production cycle with the maximum return to technological processes and the use of energy saving technologies. According to the author, creation and development of such settlements will make a great contribution to the solution of environmental problems of modern Europe. Improvement of the environment, quality of living conditions of humans, improvement of the population health and providing a healthy lifestyle are possible within the eco-cities. The author believes, that creation of eco-cities is possible in Russia (some examples of the first projects are given). But the author emphasizes, that in our country this tendency is just being started and besides it has no legislative regulation and state support.
Urban planning of the resort infrastructure in modern conditions
Authors: Baranova Alla , Kegeyan Svetlana
Published: August 2018

In tsarist Russia during the Soviet period and till now the resort is recognized as a locality with curative factors. However, in recent years, tourists visit resorts more for the purpose of rest than for recovery. The number of health resorts is decreasing but the number of hotels is increasing. Due to neglect of the medical component in the resort the epidemiological and infectious tension is increasing. In this article on the example of the resort city of Sochi the characteristics of urban planning of the resort infrastructure are given taking into account the customer focus and the need for the development of medicine in the resort. Keywords: urban planning, resort infrastructure, customer focus
Participation of citizens in sustainable development of big cities
Authors: Kalyazina Sofia , Borremans Aleksandra , Dubgorn Alissa
Published: August 2018

The modern world is too densely populated, which prevents the lack of energy, the consequences of greenhouse gas emissions, the accumulation of hazardous waste, the use of toxic production methods. Without involving interested citizens, business representatives, and local authorities in solving these problems, it is not possible to solve the emerging problems. The article provides an overview of the existing ways of citizens' participation in solving environmental problems and ensuring sustainable development in large cities. In addition, some examples of real work being done in this direction are considered.
Analysis of modern approaches to the organization of parking areas in major cities
Authors: Manukhina Lyubov
Published: August 2018

This article is devoted to the study of the most urgent problem of large megacities such as acute shortage of free areas and an acute shortage of parking spaces. Modern methods of solving this problem are considered, foreign experience is learned and practical examples of mechanized multi-level parking in different countries. Currently, most of the residential property, as well as hotels and business centers are being built with standard parking spaces. During the operation of such parking lots, the developer understands that the number of parking spaces provided is significantly less than the number of cars that want to leave their car in the parking lot. The shortage of free parking spaces and parking spaces for parking lots significantly increases the importance of building and arranging multi-level parking lots. The system of high-altitude automatic parking lots offers a serious alternative to the generally accepted ideas about parking of vehicles.
Crushed concrete as concrete aggregate in the manufacture of reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Fachratov Myhammet
Published: August 2018

The methods of waste recycled usage, especially, usage of secondary crushed stone made of crushed concrete scrap are becoming ever more relevant with every passing year. Imported concrete aggregate volumes can be reduced by 15-30% due to usage of secondary crushed stone. Consideration of industrial waste problem and methods of solving this problem by using waste in construction industry including secondary crushed stone made of crushed concrete scrap. Annually, about 11.5 million tons of construction waste is generated in Moscow, in the near future concrete scrap volumes are expected to rise to 13-15 million tons per year because of building demolition, reconstruction, overhaul and piling of reject structures.
Ecologically safe composite building materials based on cellulose-containing solid household waste
Authors: Bruyako Mikhail , Grigoryeva Larisa
Published: August 2018

In the article, three technological methods for obtaining a high-filled construction composite on the basis of gypsum binders and cellulose-containing solid household waste are considered. The results of a study on the effect of changing the ratio of cardboard/gypsum binder, the specific pressing pressure, the sequence of combining the components on the properties of the final product are presented and presented. The strength of the material was determined from the final values of the flexural and compressive strengths until the specimen completely destroyed and at its 10% deformation. Studies have been carried out on the possibility of giving the building composite water resistance. The results of the research showed that the most optimal way of combining is the 2 way. The increase in water resistance of the resulting composites is significantly increased when using silicone hydrophobisers.
Shear stresses in rectangular panels of ship structures in the calculations according to Reissner theory
Authors: Sukhoterin Mikhail , Baryshnikov Sergey , Rasputina Elena , Pizhurina Natalia
Published: August 2018

This study calculates and analyzes torsion moments of a rectangular panel with clamped edges as an element of ship structures under the action of uniform pressure with allowance for transverse shear deformation and examines the contribution of the corresponding shear stresses to the general stress state. In order to solve this problem, the method of infinite superposition of corrective functions of bending and stresses is applied. It involves an iterative process of mutually correcting the discrepancies from the said functions while meeting all boundary conditions. A particular solution for the bending function in the form of a quadratic polynomial is chosen as the initial approximation. It is established that torsion moment series diverge at the corner points of the plate going into infinity, which yields infinite values for the shear stresses at these points as well. Results of torsion moment calculation for square plates with different width ratios are provided. A 3D distribution diagram of moments is obtained. The computational experiment confirms the correctness of theoretical conclusions about infinite torsion moments at the corner points of the plate. Comparison with bending moments shows that torsion moments cannot be ignored during the assessment of the stress-strain state. The behavior of torsion moments near the corner points is qualitatively different from the simplified Kirchhoff theory, where they turn into zero.
The regularities of resistance and flow in pipes and wide channels
Authors: Bryansky Ilya , Bryanskaya Yuliya , Оstyakova Аleksandra
Published: August 2018

The data of hydraulic characteristics of flow are required to be more accurate to increase reliability and accident-free work of water conducting systems and hydraulic structures. One of the problems in hydraulic calculations is the determination of friction loss that is associated with the distribution of velocities over the cross section of the flow. The article presents a comparative analysis of the regularities of velocity distribution based on the logarithmic velocity profile and hydraulic resistance in pipes and open channels. It is revealed that the Karman parameter is associated with the second turbulence constant and depend on the hydraulic resistance coefficient. The research showed that the behavior of the second turbulence constant in the velocity profile is determined mainly by the Karman parameter. The attached illustrations picture the dependence of logarithmic velocity profile parameters based on different values of the hydraulic resistance coefficient. The results of the calculations were compared to the experimental-based Nikuradze formulas for smooth and rough pipes.
Effect of natural pozzolan on strength and temperature distribution of heavyweight concrete at early ages
Authors: Van Lam Tang , Chuc Nguyen Trong , Xuan Hung Ngo , Van Phi Dang , Bulgakov Boris , Bazhenova Sophia
Published: August 2018

The benefits of using mineral additive as a partial replacement for cement in heavyweight concrete are discussed. This paper presents the strength development and temperature distribution of concrete using Class F of natural pozzolan (PU) sourced from Northern part of Vietnam. Based on the results of conducted studies, strengths of the natural pozzolan concrete at different ages were generally lower than those of control concrete. The 7-day compressive strengths of concrete with 20% PU decreases mostly by 30.1% and least by 12.3% at the age of 28 days in comparison with control concrete. However, natural pozzolan increases the workability of fresh concrete up to 16.67% in comparison with control concrete. By using the computer program Midas Civil, the maximum temperatures at the center of concrete block with 100% cement and of concrete block with 80% cement + 20% PU are 65.7600C and 52.4400C, respectively, after 48 hours from the beginning of pouring. In addition, temperature difference between the central point and the environmental temperature of the control concrete are higher than heavyweight concrete using 20% PU. Meaningfully, the risk of through thermal cracking of heavyweight concrete without pozzolan are higher than heavyweight concrete PU to replace 20% of mass cement.
Development of composite ceramic material using cullet
Authors: Shakhova Valeria , Vitkalova Irina , Torlova Anastasiya , Pikalov Evgeniy , Selivanov Oleg
Published: August 2018

The research presents the results of the charge development for producing ceramic composite material, where ceramic particles of the crystalline structure serve as filler, and vitreous amorphous phase obtained by the introduction of the cullet and the flux into the charge at different firing temperatures serve as a binder. Herewith the cullet is used as a flux-strengthening additive, which is a source of vitreous phase, and the flux reduces the amount of the formed vitreous phase. Boric acid, feldspar, and dolomite separately have been used as fluxes in the current research. In the conducted experiments, the charge basic component was low-plasticity clay, which can be used for producing high quality products only with the introduction of functional additives. Basing on the obtained data, it has been stated that higher values of strength and lower values of water absorption for the developed material can be achieved at the introduction of 30 wt. % of the cullet and 2.5 wt.% of boric acid as a flux at the highest firing temperature of 1050oC. The developed charge composition facilitates broadening the construction materials production resource base due to the usage of low-demand low-plasticity clay and glass works waste. The material produced on the basis of this charge corresponds to the requirements for the construction materials used for indoor and outdoor facing of facades, socles of the buildings and facilities.
Silica sol properties for construction
Authors: Svatovskaya Larisa , Sychova Anastasia , Sychov Maxim
Published: August 2018

The article deals with a number of topical issues connected with transport construction and environmental pollution, such as heavy metal ion pollutions of soils, preservation of natural resources, technical properties of transport construction system, and building materials’ improvement. The main aim of the study is to present new problem solutions and technologies for transport construction concerning pure substance use for lithosphere. Silica sol solution was chosen as this substance. The choice was made because of silica sol nature. Having important properties, it is the purest substance for the environment. Experimental methods were carried out. The study introduces new technologies of silica sol solution use in transport construction systems: silica sol detoxication technology (SDT) for soils, silica sol absorption technology (SAT), soil strengthening technology (SST), silica sol blocking action technology (SBT). The article shows the examples of these technologies’ application and examines new main properties of construction systems.