bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value of total thyroidectomy for Graves' disease in eliminating the risk of recurrence and malignancy: retrospective database analysis of 574 Saudi Arabian patients in 10 years with 2 years follow up
Authors: Shirah Bader Hamza , Shirah Hamza Assad
Published: January 2016

Background: Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland and frequently results in hyperthyroidism and an enlarged thyroid. Treatment of Graves' disease includes antithyroid drugs, radioiodine (radioactive iodine I-131), and thyroidectomy, either total, or subtotal excision. In this paper, we aim to analyse the outcome of thyroidectomy performed on patients affected by Graves' disease in Medina – Saudi Arabia, and evaluate if thyroidectomy should be considered the first treatment option for all patients with Graves' disease.

Methods: A retrospective database analysis of the surgical treatment outcome of 574 Saudi Arabian patients who were affected with Graves' disease between January 2003 and December 2012 was done. The computerized database medical records were reviewed and analysed for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors.  

Results: 194 (33.8%) patients were males, and 380 (66.2%) were females. The average age of patients was 44 ± 2 years. 154 (26.8%) had subtotal thyroidectomy, and 420 (73.2%) had total thyroidectomy performed. There was (0%) recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and (0%) intraoperative complication were recorded. With a follow up time of 2 years, 7 (1.22%) patients developed recurrent disease (all in subtotal thyroidectomy group). There were no recurrences in the total thyroidectomy patients, and 11 (1.9%) patients were found in histopathology to have papillary thyroid cancer (all in total thyroidectomy group).

Conclusions: We conclude that total thyroidectomy is a safe and effective treatment modality for Graves' disease that offers rapid and long-lasting results, in addition to eliminating the risk of recurrence and malignancy. It should be offered to all confirmed Graves' disease patients during counselling.
Incidence of ear, nose and throat disorders in children: a study in a teaching hospital in Telangana
Authors: Surapaneni Harika , Sisodia Shalini Singh
Published: January 2016

Background: ENT problems are very common among the children, especially diseases such as acute suppurative otitis media, acute tonsillitis, acute epiglottis, laryngotracheobronchitis, and rhinitis etc. Poor hygienic conditions, malnourishment, different socio-economic levels are also said to play a role in the prevalence of ENT disorders.

Methods: 417 children between the ages of 0-15, attending the ENT department in our hospital were included in the study. General demographic details such as age, sex, socio-economic status, clinical history, and examination for common ENT complaints and disorders was taken for all patients. Otoscopy for ear examination for diseases such as otitis media, ear perforation and ear discharge anterior rhinoscopy for nasal discharge, airway obstruction and infection were performed Presence of any adenoid hypertrophy was looked for. Throat examination was performed for any sign of tonsillitis or pharyngitis. Appropriate investigations such as X-rays, culture and sensitivity, etc were performed where necessary.  

Results: 258 (61.9%) patients were females while there were 159 (38.1%) males. More than 45% cases who had disorders were concentrated in the 6-15 years age group. Almost 75% of the children were from lower socio-economic status. Otitis media among the ear diseases, rhinitis in the nasal diseases and pharyngitis followed by tonsillitis in the diseases of the throat was found to be the most common.
Conclusions: Our study provides basic information of the prevalent disorders in ENT in our area, based on which we can take the relevant step towards development of the medical setup and treatment.
Activity of upper limb and trunk muscles during power walking
Authors: Kuhtz-Buschbeck Johann Peter , Frendel Antonia
Published: January 2016

Background: Arm swing is deliberately emphasized during power walking, a popular aerobic fitness exercise. Electromyographic (EMG) activation curves of arm and shoulder muscles during power walking have not yet been examined. Aim: To describe the amount and pattern of EMG activity of upper limb muscles during power walking. Data are compared to normal walking and jogging. Method:  Twenty volunteers were examined on a treadmill at 6 km/h during (a) normal walking, (b) power walking, (c) jogging. EMG data were collected for the trapezius (TRAP), anterior (AD) and posterior deltoid (PD), biceps (BIC), triceps (TRI), latissimus dorsi (LD) and erector spinae (ES) muscles. Results:  Activity of four muscles (AD, BIC, PD, TRAP) was three- to fivefold stronger during power walking than normal walking. Smaller significant increases involved the TRI, LD and ES. Two muscles (AD, TRAP) were more active during power walking than running. Normal walking and power walking involved similar EMG patterns of PD, LD, ES, while EMG patterns of running and walking differed. Interpretation: Emphasizing arm swing during power walking triples the EMG activity of upper limb muscles, compared to normal walking. Similar basic temporal muscle activation patterns in both modes of walking indicate a common underlying motor program. 
Similarity, difference and correlation of meteorological and hydrological drought indices in a humid climate region – the Poyang Lake catchment in China
Authors: Ye Xuchun , Li Xianghu , Xu Chong-Yu , Zhang Qi
Published: January 2016

Based on the estimation of standardized precipitation–evapotranspiration index (SPEI) and standardized runoff index (SRI), this study investigated the variability and correlation of hydrological drought and meteorological drought in a humid climate region – the Poyang Lake catchment in China. Results indicate that the occurrences of hydrological droughts in the catchment are different from those of meteorological drought on both a seasonal and annual basis. However, annual variability of both indices showed the same periodic variation characteristics during the study period. With comparison of the performance of SPEI and SRI time series at different timescales, our observation reveals that the two drought indices show a higher degree of similarity and correlation as timescales increased. In addition, SRI is found to be less variable than SPEI at shorter timescales and it shows an obvious hydrologic delay of about 1–2 months in response to SPEI at timescales >12 months. Due to hydrologic detention of subsurface soil moisture, shallow groundwater and perhaps reservoir storage, a 2-month timescale of SPEI is found to be more appropriate for river discharge monitoring, especially for those rivers with similar drainage area, climate and geographical conditions as in this study region.
Surface-to-surface biofilm transfer: a quick and reliable startup strategy for mixed culture microbial fuel cells
Authors: Vogl Andreas , Bischof Franz , Wichern Marc
Published: January 2016

The startup of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is known to be prone to failure or result in erratic performance impeding the research. The aim of this study was to advise a quick launch strategy for laboratory-scale MFCs that ensures steady operation performance in a short period of time. Different startup strategies were investigated and compared with membraneless single chamber MFCs. A direct surface-to-surface biofilm transfer (BFT) in an operating MFC proved to be the most efficient method. It provided steady power densities of 163 ± 13 mWm−2 4 days after inoculation compared to 58 ± 15 mWm−2 after 30 days following a conventional inoculation approach. The in situ BFT eliminates the need for microbial acclimation during startup and reduces performance fluctuations caused by shifts in microbial biodiversity. Anaerobic pretreatment of the substrate and addition of suspended enzymes from an operating MFC into the new MFC proved to have a beneficial effect on startup and subsequent operation. Polarization methods were applied to characterize the startup phase and the steady state operation in terms of power densities, internal resistance and power overshoot during biofilm maturation. Applying this method a well-working MFC can be multiplied into an array of identically performing MFCs.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity of nanocomposites of TiO2 doped with Zr, Y or Ce polyoxometalates for degradation of methyl orange dye
Authors: Khoshnavazi Roushan , Fereydouni Shler , Bahrami Leila
Published: January 2016

The synergistic effect of polyoxometalate (POM) and metal-doped TiO2 (metal = Zr, Y and Ce) was examined, to fabricate nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic activities toward the degradation of methyl orange (MO), as a model textile dye. A series of new nanocomposites, containing different loading amounts of H9Na3[WZn3(H2O)2(ZnW9O34)2].24H2O (HZnW) (10–30%) on each of the metal-doped TiO2 nanoparticles, were synthesized using impregnation method. The morphology and crystal phase of the as-prepared nanocomposites were investigated by various characterization techniques: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, indicating that the HZnW and metal-doped TiO2 had been successfully incorporated into the nanocomposite structure. The effects of parameters such as loading amount of HZnW, catalyst dose, pH and initial concentration of dye solution were investigated on the degradation kinetics and it was interestingly found that the prepared nanocomposites could efficiently degrade the MO dye in 5–7 min under UV light irradiation. The best results were obtained for the HZnW-Zr-TiO2 among the different nanocomposites. Also, control studies showed the superior photocatalytic properties of composites compared to that of the individual components. The facile preparation and their improved photocatalytic activities suggest that these materials can have a promising future for water and wastewater purifications.
Efficacy and Safety of Liraglutide Versus Placebo as Add-on to Glucose-Lowering Therapy in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Moderate Renal Impairment (LIRA-RENAL): A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Davies Melanie J. , Bain Stephen C. , Atkin Stephen L. , Rossing Peter , Scott David , Shamkhalova Minara S. , Bosch-Traberg Heidrun , Syrén Annika , Umpierrez Guillermo E.
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

Renal impairment in type 2 diabetes limits available glucose-lowering treatment options. This trial was conducted to establish the efficacy and safety of liraglutide as an add-on to existing glucose-lowering medications in patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes and moderate renal impairment.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this 26-week, double-blind trial, 279 patients with HbA1c 7–10%, BMI 20–45 kg/m2, and moderate renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] 30–59 mL/min/1.73 m2; MDRD) were randomized (1:1) to once-daily liraglutide 1.8 mg (n = 140) or placebo (n = 139).

RESULTS

The estimated treatment difference in HbA1c from baseline to week 26 was −0.66% (−7.25 mmol/mol) (95% CI −0.90 to −0.43 [−9.82 to −4.69]), P < 0.0001). Fasting plasma glucose decreased more with liraglutide (−1.22 mmol/L [−22.0 mg/dL]) than with placebo (−0.57 mmol/L [−10.3 mg/dL], P = 0.036). There was a greater reduction in body weight with liraglutide (−2.41 kg) than with placebo (−1.09 kg, P = 0.0052). No changes in renal function were observed (eGFR relative ratio to baseline: −1% liraglutide, +1% placebo; estimated treatment ratio [ETR] 0.98, P = 0.36). The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal (GI) adverse effects (liraglutide, 35.7%; placebo, 17.5%). No difference in hypoglycemic episodes was observed between treatment groups (event rate/100 patient-years of exposure: liraglutide, 30.47; placebo, 40.08; P = 0.54). The estimated ratio to baseline for lipase was 1.33 for liraglutide and 0.97 for placebo (ETR 1.37, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Liraglutide did not affect renal function and demonstrated better glycemic control, with no increase in hypoglycemia risk but with higher withdrawals due to GI adverse events than placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate renal impairment.
Type 2 Diabetes as a Risk Factor for Dementia in Women Compared With Men: A Pooled Analysis of 2.3 Million People Comprising More Than 100,000 Cases of Dementia
Authors: Chatterjee Saion , Peters Sanne A.E. , Woodward Mark , Mejia Arango Silvia , Batty G. David , Beckett Nigel , Beiser Alexa , Borenstein Amy R. , Crane Paul K. , Haan Mary , Hassing Linda B. , Hayden Kathleen M. , Kiyohara Yutaka , Larson Eric B. , Li Chung-Yi , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Ohara Tomoyuki , Peters Ruth , Russ Tom C. , Seshadri Sudha , Strand Bjørn H. , Walker Rod , Xu Weili , Huxley Rachel R.
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes confers a greater excess risk of cardiovascular disease in women than in men. Diabetes is also a risk factor for dementia, but whether the association is similar in women and men remains unknown. We performed a meta-analysis of unpublished data to estimate the sex-specific relationship between women and men with diabetes with incident dementia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A systematic search identified studies published prior to November 2014 that had reported on the prospective association between diabetes and dementia. Study authors contributed unpublished sex-specific relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs on the association between diabetes and all dementia and its subtypes. Sex-specific RRs and the women-to-men ratio of RRs (RRRs) were pooled using random-effects meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Study-level data from 14 studies, 2,310,330 individuals, and 102,174 dementia case patients were included. In multiple-adjusted analyses, diabetes was associated with a 60% increased risk of any dementia in both sexes (women: pooled RR 1.62 [95% CI 1.45–1.80]; men: pooled RR 1.58 [95% CI 1.38–1.81]). The diabetes-associated RRs for vascular dementia were 2.34 (95% CI 1.86–2.94) in women and 1.73 (95% CI 1.61–1.85) in men, and for nonvascular dementia, the RRs were 1.53 (95% CI 1.35–1.73) in women and 1.49 (95% CI 1.31–1.69) in men. Overall, women with diabetes had a 19% greater risk for the development of vascular dementia than men (multiple-adjusted RRR 1.19 [95% CI 1.08–1.30]; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with type 2 diabetes are at ∼60% greater risk for the development of dementia compared with those without diabetes. For vascular dementia, but not for nonvascular dementia, the additional risk is greater in women.
Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of the Glucagon Receptor Antagonist LY2409021 in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: 12- and 24-Week Phase 2 Studies
Authors: Kazda Christof M. , Ding Ying , Kelly Ronan P. , Garhyan Parag , Shi Chunxue , Lim Chay Ngee , Fu Haoda , Watson David E. , Lewin Andrew J. , Landschulz William H. , Deeg Mark A. , Moller David E. , Hardy Thomas A.
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes pathophysiology is characterized by dysregulated glucagon secretion. LY2409021, a potent, selective small-molecule glucagon receptor antagonist that lowers glucose was evaluated for efficacy and safety in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The efficacy (HbA1c and glucose) and safety (serum aminotransferase) of once-daily oral administration of LY2409021 was assessed in two double-blind studies. Phase 2a study patients were randomized to 10, 30, or 60 mg of LY2409021 or placebo for 12 weeks. Phase 2b study patients were randomized to 2.5, 10, or 20 mg LY2409021 or placebo for 24 weeks.

RESULTS

LY2409021 produced reductions in HbA1c that were significantly different from placebo over both 12 and 24 weeks. After 12 weeks, least squares (LS) mean change from baseline in HbA1c was –0.83% (10 mg), –0.65% (30 mg), and –0.66% (60 mg) (all P < 0.05) vs. placebo, 0.11%. After 24 weeks, LS mean change from baseline in HbA1c was –0.45% (2.5 mg), –0.78% (10 mg, P < 0.05), –0.92% (20 mg, P < 0.05), and –0.15% with placebo. Increases in serum aminotransferase, fasting glucagon, and total fasting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) were observed; levels returned to baseline after drug washout. Fasting glucose was also lowered with LY2409021 at doses associated with only modest increases in aminotransferases (mean increase in alanine aminotransferase [ALT] ≤10 units/L). The incidence of hypoglycemia in the LY2409021 groups was not statistically different from placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with type 2 diabetes, glucagon receptor antagonist treatment significantly lowered HbA1c and glucose levels with good overall tolerability and a low risk for hypoglycemia. Modest, reversible increases in serum aminotransferases were observed.
A1C Combined With Glycated Albumin Improves Detection of Prediabetes in Africans: The Africans in America Study
Authors: Sumner Anne E. , Duong Michelle T. , Aldana Paola C. , Ricks Madia , Tulloch-Reid Marshall K. , Lozier Jay N. , Chung Stephanie T. , Sacks David B.
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

Slowing the diabetes epidemic in Africa requires improved detection of prediabetes. A1C, a form of glycated hemoglobin A, is recommended for diagnosing prediabetes. The glycated proteins, fructosamine and glycated albumin (GA), are hemoglobin-independent alternatives to A1C, but their efficacy in Africans is unknown. Our goals were to determine the ability of A1C, fructosamine, and GA to detect prediabetes in U.S.-based Africans and the value of combining A1C with either fructosamine or GA.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were performed in 217 self-identified healthy African immigrants (69% male, age 39 ± 10 years [mean ± SD], BMI 27.6 ± 4.5 kg/m2). A1C, fructosamine, and GA were measured. Prediabetes was diagnosed by American Diabetes Association criteria for glucose obtained from a 2-h OGTT. The thresholds to diagnose prediabetes by A1C, fructosamine, and GA were the cutoff at the upper tertile for each variable: ≥5.7% (39 mmol/mol) (range 4.2–6.6% [22.4–48.6 mmol/mol]), ≥230 µmol/L (range 161–269 µmol/L), and ≥13.35% (range 10.20–16.07%), respectively.

RESULTS

Prediabetes occurred in 34% (74 of 217). The diagnostic sensitivities of A1C, fructosamine, and GA were 50%, 41%, and 42%, respectively. The P values for comparison with A1C were both >0.3. Combining A1C with either fructosamine or GA increased sensitivities. However, the sensitivity of A1C combined with fructosamine was not better than for A1C alone (72% vs. 50%, P = 0.172). In contrast, the sensitivity of A1C combined with GA was higher than for A1C alone (78% vs. 50%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

As individual tests, A1C, fructosamine, and GA detected ≤50% of Africans with prediabetes. However, combining A1C with GA made it possible to identify nearly 80% of Africans with prediabetes.
Natriuretic Peptide and High-Sensitivity Troponin for Cardiovascular Risk Prediction in Diabetes: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study
Authors: Gori Mauro , Gupta Deepak K. , Claggett Brian , Selvin Elizabeth , Folsom Aaron R. , Matsushita Kunihiro , Bello Natalie A. , Cheng Susan , Shah Amil , Skali Hicham , Vardeny Orly , Ni Hanyu , Ballantyne Christie M. , Astor Brad C. , Klein Barbara E. , Aguilar David , Solomon Scott D.
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetes; yet, heterogeneity in CVD risk has been suggested in diabetes, providing a compelling rationale for improving diabetes risk stratification. We hypothesized that N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) and high-sensitivity troponin T may enhance CVD risk stratification beyond commonly used markers of risk and that CVD risk is heterogeneous in diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Among 8,402 participants without prevalent CVD at visit 4 (1996–1998) of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study there were 1,510 subjects with diabetes (mean age 63 years, 52% women, 31% African American, and 60% hypertensive).

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 13.1 years, there were 540 incident fatal/nonfatal CVD events (coronary heart disease, heart failure, and stroke). Both troponin T ≥14 ng/L (hazard ratio [HR] 1.96 [95% CI 1.57–2.46]) and NTproBNP >125 pg/mL (1.61 [1.29–1.99]) were independent predictors of incident CVD events at multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. Addition of circulating cardiac biomarkers to traditional risk factors, abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), and conventional markers of diabetes complications including retinopathy, nephropathy, and peripheral arterial disease significantly improved CVD risk prediction (net reclassification index 0.16 [95% CI 0.07–0.22]). Compared with individuals without diabetes, subjects with diabetes had 1.6-fold higher adjusted risk of incident CVD. However, participants with diabetes with normal cardiac biomarkers and no conventional complications/abnormal ECG (n = 725 [48%]) were at low risk (HR 1.12 [95% CI 0.95–1.31]), while those with abnormal cardiac biomarkers, alone (n = 186 [12%]) or in combination with conventional complications/abnormal ECG (n = 243 [16%]), were at greater risk (1.99 [1.59–2.50] and 2.80 [2.34–3.35], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal levels of NTproBNP and troponin T may help to distinguish individuals with high diabetes risk from those with low diabetes risk, providing incremental risk prediction beyond commonly used markers of risk.
Effect of Long-Acting Insulin Analogs on the Risk of Cancer: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies
Authors: Wu Jennifer W. , Filion Kristian B. , Azoulay Laurent , Doll Margaret K. , Suissa Samy
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

Observational studies examining the association between long-acting insulin analogs and cancer incidence have produced inconsistent results. We conducted a systematic review of these studies, focusing on their methodological strengths and weaknesses.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We systematically searched MEDLINE and EMBASE from 2000 to 2014 to identify all observational studies evaluating the relationship between the long-acting insulin analogs and the risk of any and site-specific cancers (breast, colorectal, prostate). We included cohort and case-control studies published in English on insulin glargine and detemir and any cancer incidence among patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes. The methodological assessment involved the inclusion of prevalent users, inclusion of lag periods, time-related biases, and duration of follow-up between insulin initiation and cancer incidence.

RESULTS

A total of 16 cohort and 3 case-control studies met our inclusion criteria. All studies evaluated insulin glargine, and four studies also examined insulin detemir. Follow-up ranged from 0.9 to 7.0 years. Thirteen of 15 studies reported no association between insulin glargine and detemir and any cancer. Four of 13 studies reported an increased risk of breast cancer with insulin glargine. In the quality assessment, 7 studies included prevalent users, 11 did not consider a lag period, 6 had time-related biases, and 16 had short (<5 years) follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The observational studies examining the risk of cancer associated with long-acting insulin analogs have important methodological shortcomings that limit the conclusions that can be drawn. Thus, uncertainty remains, particularly for breast cancer risk.
Quantification of vanadium precipitates in HSLA steel by synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS)
Authors: Suwanpinij Piyada , Dickert Hans Henning , Thammajak Nirawat , Srichareonchai Prasonk
Published: January 2016

This study demonstrates how the synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy can be applied for the quantification of precipitation in high strength low alloyed steel. The fraction of vanadium in different forms of compounds, as well as in the solid solution, was measured using a linear combination fit of the spectral weights. The technique confirms substantial enhancement of precipitation by lowering the cooling rate. A significant fraction of vanadium atoms of over 0.6 remained in the solid solution when the cooling rate was as high as 60 K × s−1. In contrast, the precipitation of vanadium was almost completed by decreasing the cooling rate to 0.1 K × s−1. The results corresponded to the proof by scanning transmission electron microscopy.
Optimization of the wear behavior of uncoated, TiN and AlTiN coated cold work tool steel 1.2379 using response surface methodology
Authors: Bülbül Ali Emrah , Dilipak Hakan , Sarıkaya Murat , Yılmaz Volkan
Published: January 2016

In this study, the wear behavior of uncoated, TiN and AlTiN coated cold work tool steel 1.2379 which is widely used in the mold industry was investigated experimentally. Heat treatment was applied to the specimens, then TiN and AlTiN PVD coating process was performed. The wear tests were carried out at 0.5 m × s−1 sliding speed, 5, 10 and 15 N loads and 120 m sliding distance by using reciprocating abrasion device. The microhardness was measured and metallographic tests of the samples were investigated by SEM and EDS analysis. In order to examine the effect of process parameters on wear results, a statistical method such as analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed. A mathematical model was created by using regression analysis based on both linear model and quadratic model for predicted wear value. Process parameters were optimized using response surface methodology with desirability function analysis. It is observed that the uncoated specimens worn approximately two times more than AlTiN coated and one time more than TiN coated. In the SEM images and EDS analysis, it is seen that the coating is spread uniformly on the materials.
Structural design of vehicle components using gravitational search and charged system search algorithms
Authors: Yildiz Betul Sultan , Lekesiz Huseyin , Yildiz Ali Riza
Published: January 2016

The fuel and cost efficiency in automotive industry is related to the designing of light-weight vehicle components. Main aim of this paper is to show effectiveness of two new optimization algorithms in solving structural design optimization problems. The gravitational search algorithm (GSA) and charged system search algorithm (CSS) are applied to the optimum design of a vehicle component. The results show that both GSA and CSS have a better search capability than the genetic algorithms to find optimum solutions.
Deep micro-hole drilling of Hardox 500 by electro-discharge machining
Authors: Yılmaz Volkan
Published: January 2016

In this study, micro-size drillability of Hardox 500 was investigated by the electro-discharge machining (EDM) method. For this purpose, holes were drilled by using different machining parameters (discharge current, electrode rotational speed, dielectric spray pressure) and the effect of these parameters on machining performance and hole profile was specified. At the end of the tests, it was detected that discharge current and electrode rotational speed increased material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR) and hole dimensional error (DE) whereas dielectric spray pressure increased the MRR values and decreased the EWR and DE values.
Experimental study of FLD0 for aluminum alloy using digital image correlation with modified ISO method
Authors: Li Junrui , Xu Wan , Xie Xin , Siebert Thorsten , Yang Lianxiang
Published: January 2016

A new material's forming limit diagram (FLD) must be obtained before it can be used for stampings. Compared to conventional methods, the ISO method with a digital image correlation system provides an efficient way to conduct these tests. However the ISO method is position dependent, so the evaluation procedure for aluminum alloy will be seriously affected by the multiple necking strain distribution, resulting in much error. In this paper, a modified ISO method, which can be used for the evaluation of the aluminum alloy FLD, is proposed, and errors resulting from multiple necking were eliminated through detection of the major necking area. An FLD evaluation software was also programmed. An FLD0 punch test was conducted to verify the new modified ISO method. Through comparison of the results with the accepted value, the FLD0 value evaluated from the modified method was determined to be much more accurate than the standard method.
Fe–N and Fe–N–C phase equilibria above 853 K studied by nitriding/nitrocarburising and secondary annealing
Authors: Woehrle Thomas , Cinaroglu Havva , Leineweber Andreas , Mittemeijer Eric Jan
Published: January 2016

Compound-layer microstructures obtained by gaseous nitriding and nitrocarburising treatments of α-Fe and Fe–N alloy and by subsequent treatments were analysed to obtain new information on the metastable Fe–N and Fe–N–C systems above 853 K at 1 atm. In the case of the binary Fe–N system, invariant temperatures and phase boundaries agree well with the literature data, only the γ/γ + γ' and the γ/γ + ∊ boundaries as determined in the present work by means of electron probe microanalysis are located at N contents up to 1 at.% lower than reported in previous works. In the case of the ternary Fe–N–C system, the invariant eutectoid reaction was found to occur in the range 853 K – 863 K, whereas the invariant transition reaction was found to occur in the range 868 K – 873 K. The obtained data were used to draw isothermal sections of the Fe–N–C system for 853 K and 893 K. The determined temperatures for the invariant eutectoid and transition reactions as well as the extent of the ternary ∊-phase field were compared with phase diagrams calculated on the basis of different thermodynamic descriptions of the Fe–N–C system.
Effect of deposition parameters on the crystal orientation and growth of Ag nanowires
Authors: Mehmood Tahir , Mukhtar Aiman , Wang Honghong , Khan Babar Shahzad
Published: January 2016

Ag nanowires deposited at –0.1 V to –0.6 V are single-crystals along [110] direction, and are polycrystalline when deposited at –1.0 V. The large critical nucleus and slow nucleation rate at low potentials could be responsible for the growth of single-crystal. The polycrystalline growth can be related to the small critical nuclei and fast nucleation rate at high potentials. At –0.2 V and different temperatures (15 °C to 60 °C), the preferred growth plane is (220).
Power spectral analysis of heart rate variability in Bangladeshi healthy male and female
Authors: Akhter Qazi Farzana , Akhter Qazi Shamima , Rahman Farhana , Ferdousi Sybilla , Sinha Susmita
Published: January 2016

Heart rate variability (HRV) has been considered as an indicator of autonomic nerve function status. We aimed to find out the reference values of heart rate variability by power spectral analysis in our healthy population of both sex. This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from the period of July 2012 to June 2013. For this, 180 subjects were selected with the age ranging from 15-60 years. All the study subjects were divided into 3 different groups according to age (Group A: 15-30 years; Group B: 31-45 years; Group C: 46-60 years). Each group contained 60 subjects of which 30 were male and 30 were female. Analysis of HRV parameters were done in Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, low frequency normalized unit, low frequency / high frequency ratio were significantly higher in male than female. Again high frequency power, high frequency normalized unit were significantly higher in female than male of same age group. This study concludes that male showed higher cardiac sympathetic activities while female showed higher cardiac parasympathetic activities in different age groups.Bangladesh Med J. 2014 Sep; 43 (3): 146-150
Kikuchis lymphadenitis: A case report of recurrent Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease
Authors: Sarwar Md Golam , Ahmed Farooque
Published: January 2016

Abstract not availableBangladesh Med J. 2014 Sep; 43 (3): 168-169
Effects of Dark Brooders on Behavior and Fearfulness in Layers
Authors: Riber Anja , Guzman Diego
Published: January 2016

Chicks require heat to maintain body temperature during the first weeks after hatch. This may be provided by dark brooders; i.e. , horizontal heating elements equipped with curtains. The objective was to test effects of rearing layer chicks with dark brooders on time budget and fearfulness. Behavioral observations were performed during the first six weeks of age. Three different fear tests were conducted when the birds were age 3–6, 14–15 and 26–28 weeks. During the first four days, brooder chicks rested more than control chicks whereas they spent less time drinking, feather pecking and on locomotion ( p ≤ 0.009). On days 16, 23, 30 and 42, brooder chicks spent less time on feather pecking, locomotion and fleeing ( p ≤ 0.01) whereas foraging and dust bathing occurred more often on day 42 ( p ≤ 0.032). Brooder birds had shorter durations of tonic immobility at all ages ( p = 0.0032), moved closer to the novel object at age 15 weeks ( p < 0.0001), and had shorter latencies to initiate locomotion in the open-field test at age 28 weeks ( p < 0.0001). Results support the suggestion that dark brooders can be a successful method of reducing or preventing fear and feather pecking in layers.
A Synchrophasor Based Optimal Voltage Control Scheme with Successive Voltage Stability Margin Improvement
Authors: Su Heng-Yi , Chen Yi-Chung , Hsu Yu-Liang
Published: January 2016

This paper proposes an optimal control scheme based on a synchronized phasor (synchrophasor) for power system secondary voltage control. The framework covers voltage stability monitoring and control. Specifically, a voltage stability margin estimation algorithm is developed and built in the newly designed adaptive secondary voltage control (ASVC) method to achieve more reliable and efficient voltage regulation in power systems. This new approach is applied to improve voltage profile across the entire power grid by an optimized plan for VAR (reactive power) sources allocation; therefore, voltage stability margin of a power system can be increased to reduce the risk of voltage collapse. An extensive simulation study on the IEEE 30-bus test system is carried out to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Neuropeptide Substance-P-Conjugated Chitosan Nanofibers as an Active Modulator of Stem Cell Recruiting
Authors: Kim Min , Park Sang , Cho Wheemoon , Gu Bon , Kim Chun-Ho
Published: January 2016

The goal to successful wound healing is essentially to immobilize and recruit appropriate numbers of host stem or progenitor cells to the wound area. In this study, we developed a chitosan nanofiber-immobilized neuropeptide substance-P (SP), which mediates stem cell mobilization and migration, onto the surfaces of nanofibers using a peptide-coupling agent, and evaluated its biological effects on stem cells. The amount of immobilized SP on chitosan nanofibers was modulated over the range of 5.89 ± 3.27 to 75.29 ± 24.31 ng when reacted with 10 to 500 ng SP. In vitro migration assays showed that SP-incorporated nanofibers induced more rapid migration of human mesenchymal stem cells on nanofibers compared to pristine samples. Finally, the conjugated SP evoked a minimal foreign body reaction and recruited a larger number of CD29- and CD44-positive stem cells into nanofibers in a mouse subcutaneous pocket model.
Training the Future Leaders in Personalized Medicine
Authors: Mason-Suares Heather , Sweetser David , Lindeman Neal , Morton Cynthia
Published: January 2016

The era of personalized medicine has arrived, and with it a need for leaders in this discipline. This generation of trainees requires a cadre of new skill sets to lead the implementation of personalized medicine into mainstream healthcare. Traditional training programs no longer provide trainees with all the skills they will need to optimize implementation of this revolution now underway in medicine. Today’s trainees must manage clinical teams, act as clinical and molecular diagnostic consultants, train other healthcare professionals, teach future generations, and be knowledgeable about clinical trials to facilitate genomic-based therapies. To prepare trainees for the transition to junior faculty positions, contemporary genomic training programs must emphasize the development of these management, teaching, and clinical skills.
Ageing Is Associated with Decreases in Appetite and Energy Intake—A Meta-Analysis in Healthy Adults
Authors: Giezenaar Caroline , Chapman Ian , Luscombe-Marsh Natalie , Feinle-Bisset Christine , Horowitz Michael , Soenen Stijn
Published: January 2016

It is not well recognized that in the elderly weight loss is more common than weight gain. The aim of this analysis was to determine the effect of ageing on appetite (hunger/fullness) and energy intake, after overnight fasting and in a postprandial state, by meta-analyses of trials that included at least two age groups (>18 years). We hypothesized that appetite and energy intake would be less in healthy older compared with younger adults. Following a PubMed-database systematic search up to 30 June 2015, 59 studies were included in the random-effects-model meta-analyses. Energy intake was 16%–20% lower in older (n = 3574/~70 years/~71 kg/~25 kg/m2) than younger (n = 4111/~26 years/~69 kg/~23 kg/m2) adults (standardized mean difference: −0.77 (95% confidence interval −0.90 to −0.64)). Hunger was 25% (after overnight fasting; weighted mean difference (WMD): −17 (−22 to −13) mm) to 39% (in a postprandial state; WMD: −14 (−19 to −9) mm) lower, and fullness 37% (after overnight fasting; WMD: 6 mm (95% CI: 1 to 11 mm)) greater in older than younger adults. In conclusion, appetite and energy intake are less in healthy older than younger adults, suggesting that ageing per se affects food intake.
The Possible Origins of the Jade Stem Beaker in China
Authors: Hau-ling Lam Eileen
Published: January 2016

Among jade artifacts created in early imperial times, vessels are especially noteworthy in that a large quantity of raw material and extraordinary craftsmanship is required to create them. Indeed, fewer than twenty jade vessels have been excavated to date. Discovered in tombs dated primarily to Western Han, these finds include three distinct vessel types : the ear-cup (erbei 耳 杯 ), goblet (zhi 卮 ), and stem beaker. Substantial archaeological evidence suggests that the first two were adopted from lacquerware. The origin of the jade stem beaker, however, remains uncertain and invites further research. Focusing on that distinctive form, which seems to have existed for a brief period primarily within the Han period, this paper seeks to investigate its sources as well as its relationship to other finds within and beyond the Han Empire. By examining substantial data from widespread sites, this paper attempts to bring to light the incentives for patrons to select jade as a medium for these vessels. More broadly, it will also examine the contemporary status of jade.
Modern Views on Old Histories: Zhang Yu’s and Huang Gongwang’s Encounter with Qian Xuan
Authors: Augustin Birgitta
Published: January 2016

The aim of this paper is best introduced by listing the names of the men of letters and their works under discussion, bridging the early and later chapters of Yuan dynasty art : Zhang Yu’s poem (and commentary) on Qian Xuan’s painting Dwelling in the Floating Jade Mountains, and Huang Gongwang’s colophon to the same painting and his late works Nine Mountain Peaks after Snowfall and Visiting Dai Kui at Shan Creek (both dated 1349). While Qian’s work was discussed by Shih Shou-chien (1984), Huang’s two vertical paintings have achieved little attention. The main argument of this paper will be that Zhang Yu’s colophon, a poem and commentary, may be understood as a pivotal link between Qian’s archaistic yet modern work and Huang’s two late paintings. Zhang Yu, prominent in his times but rather unstudied today, may have been the first to point with his colophon to the fundamental art historical relevance of Qian’s work. From a broader perspective, this essay proposes what may be called like-mindedness among the protagonists visible in visual and literary references to the Six Dynasties and before.
La forêt dans la vallée montagnarde du Ger (Pyrénées de la Haute-Garonne)
Authors: Touzet Guy
Published: January 2016

La vallée montagnarde du Ger possède une belle forêt dé châtaigniers, hêtres et sapins étagée sur le Front pyrénéen et la Zone axiale et divisée entre l'État, les communes et les particuliers. Mais, par suite de l'importance les coupes, qui excède les, moyens locaux, et du découpage administratif de la vallée, l'exploitation se fait surtout de l'extérieur. Seule celle des bois particuliers a fait naître une petite industrie locale : douze scieries et fabriques de pinces à linge font vivre 1,7% de la population. Elle n'a pas suffi à retenir les hommes : en un siècle, la vallée à perdu les trois quarts de ses habitants.
Les conséquences géographiques d'une implantation industrielle en montagne : la population de Sabiñanigo (Province de Huesca)
Authors: Daumas Max
Published: January 2016

L'implantation d'industries électrochimiques et électrométallurgiques a fait sextupler en un demi-siècle la population de Sabiñanigo, simple village en 1910. Ce sont les Vallées pyrénéennes du Haut Aragon occidental qui ont fourni les plus gros contingents d'immigrants, jeunes ruraux sans formation professionnelle quittant leur village entre 20 et 35 ans. Malgré la forte proportion de célibataires, la jeunesse de la population se traduit par une faible mortalité (6,5%), une forte natalité (22%), d'où l'importance accrue aujourd'hui de l'excédent naturel sur le développement de la ville.
Le déclin d'une vallée des Pyrénées ariégeoises : la Barguillère
Authors: Lagasquie Jean-Jacques
Published: January 2016

Vallée de la dépression prépyrénéenne, entre 450 et 500 m, la Barguillère subit aussi les effets du dépeuplement. La forêt progresse au détriment des terres de culture et des pacages. Les estives sont peu utilisées, et en grande partie par des troupeaux étrangers à la vallée. Les systèmes de culture restent archaïques et laissent trop de place aux cultures de céréales pour la vente. Les essais de spécialisation (pommes de terre, lait), ont plus ou moins échoué faute d'une organisation commerciale efficace. Seules les communes d'aval gardent quelque vitalité, grâce à la proximité de Foix.
L'élevage et le commerce des bovins dans la région de Saint-Gaudens
Authors: Henry Daniel
Published: January 2016

Riche d'un cheptel de 70 000 bovins, le Comminges est un pays naisseur, spécialisé dans l'élevage des « veaux blancs ». Ces animaux, dont la production nécessite l'emploi de techniques très délicates, et dont le prix moyen dépasse de moitié celui des veaux communs, sont vendus sur les marchés hebdomadaires de Saint-Gaudens et de Montréjeau. Ceux-ci conservent une grande activité puisque, en 1961, on y a négocié 40 000 bovins. Ils ne sont pourtant que la forme la plus apparente d'un réseau extrêmement complexe de trafics plus ou moins occultes, dont vit une foule de bouchers, maquignons et rabatteurs. Les abattoirs ont livré, en 1961, 6 200 t de viande, expédiées dans toute la France (1 200 t à Paris).
Les chemins de fer dans la région toulousaine : leur situation actuelle et leur évolution récente
Authors: Bienfait M.
Published: January 2016

Depuis une quinzaine d'années, le réseau ferroviaire de la région toulousaine tend à se contracter par déclassement de quelques lignes de rentabilité insuffisante. La longueur des itinéraires électrifies n'a pas augmenté, mais sur les autres lignes la traction Diesel a presque entièrement éliminé la traction à vapeur. La primauté du carrefour toulousain s'affirme mais les relations qui s'y croisent restent de valeur très inégale. La fréquentation du réseau par les voyageurs a quelque peu diminué, mais cette réduction n'est sensible qu'au niveau des relations régionales ou locales. Au contraire, le trafic des marchandises a considérablement progressé, sauf sur les lignes qui desservent le. bassin houiller aveyronnais. L'augmentation la plus sensible a résulté de la mise en exploitation des gisements de Lacq et de l'installation, à proximité, d'un complexe industriel nouveau.
Caractérisation des nappes quaternaires des Pyrénées de la Bigorre et du Béarn par leurs minéraux argileux et essai d'interprétation climatique
Authors: Alimen Henriette , Caillère Simone
Published: January 2016

Les minéraux argileux du Pliocène et des nappes alluviales quaternaires de la Bigorre et du Béarn ont été étudiés dans la partie fine, sauf exception très réduite, de ces alluvions. On a pu mettre en évidence que la kaolinite est liée non à la sédimentation, mais aux altérations pédologiques, génératrices de sols rouges, des divers interglaciaires, jusqu'au Mindel-Riss compris. La chlorite, indicatrice de climat froid ou tempéré, ne caractérise pas les nappes récentes, issues de moraines conservées (Riss et Würm), car elle n'est pas absente des nappes anciennes, dans leur partie non touchée par la pédogenèse.
Essai sur les structures foncières en Lot-et-Garonne
Authors: Lepagnot Lucette
Published: January 2016

Une enquête statistique, portant sur le fichier de la Caisse Mutuelle d'Allocations familiales agricoles d'Agen, permet l'examen du dessin foncier, des structures du faire-valoir, des apports de l'immigration dans une région du Lot-et-Garonne choisie comme représentative de l'Agenais et s'étendant sur dix communes, de part et d'autre de la basse vallée du Lot. Les principales conclusions auxquelles aboutit cette étude, pour des campagnes où la tradition pèse lourdement sur une indéniable volonté de progrès, soulignent la très grande mobilité des exploitants agricoles non-propriétaires, une certaine régression de l'exploitation moyenne, de 5 à 30 ha, au profit des très petites surfaces et des grands domaines regroupés, le net rajeunissement, enfin, des titulaires d'exploitations.
Les unités morphologiques des basses plaines de la Garonne
Authors: Cavaillé Albert
Published: January 2016

L'étude des alluvions de la Garonne et de ses affluents, de l'Ariège au Lot, montre que la construction des plaines actuelles est polygénique et que les différents secteurs de la basse plaine du fleuve sont actuellement à des stades différents de leur mise en place. Il en a été ainsi au Würmien et depuis cette période. Pendant tout ce temps, des paliers étages de plaines alluviales, présentant la même disposition de la masse des alluvions que les basses plaines actuelles, se sont succédé à des altitudes relatives extrêmement diverses. L'étude de ces altitudes ne permet pas d'établir des correspondances topographiques générales, mais une succession de paliers qui peuvent se raccorder les uns aux autres longitudinalement.