bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical properties of kenaf fibrous pulverized fuel ash concrete
Authors: Mizal Azzmi Norazura , Mohamad Yatim Jamaludin , Abdul Hamid Hazlan , Abdul Aziz Azmahani , Adole Adole Michael
Published: December 2018

The main objective of the experimental work is to identify the mechanical properties of Kenaf Fiber incorporate with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA) in the mix proportions of concrete. Kenaf Fibrous Concrete (KFC) and Kenaf Fibrous Pulverised Fuel Ash Concrete (KFPC) will be measured on physical and mechanical properties in order to investigate the suitability of this natural fiber as a composite material. A comparison of properties between these two composites will determine the density, workability, compressive, tensile, and flexural strength of the concrete. Eight different mixes with varying percentage of Kenaf fiber were prepared with 30N/mm2 strength at 28days ,56 days and 90 days. Short fiber with 25mm and 50mm length were randomly distribute in composite to enhance the tensile and durability. PFA was obtained by the process of burning in the Power Station Coal Ash at Tanjung Bin, Johor. The unburning powder from the process is called as a PFA generally suitable for cement replacement in the concrete mix. The pozzolanic reaction will improve the adhesion of cement gel, hence increased the properties of concrete in a long-term strength development. The result shows that the inclusion of Kenaf fiber improve tensile strength of composite, furthermore the 25% PFA mix increase the durability of concrete.
Sorptive behaviour of chromium on polyethylene microbeads in artificial seawater
Authors: Zon Nur Farhan , Iskendar Ammar , Azman Shamila , Sarijan Shazani , Ismail Razali
Published: December 2018

This study investigates the interactions between chromium (Cr) and microplastic under controlled laboratory conditions using low density polyethylene microbeads as plastic particles. Chromium was added to suspensions of in artificial seawater to investigate heavy metal adsorption on microbeads surface. Polyethylene microbeads proved to have affinity in providing surface area for chromium. It served as an effective sorption surface thus lowering amounts of chromium in seawater through adsorption process. The best percentage of heavy metals adsorbed to microbeads and adsorption capacity was 1.7 µg/g and 8.5 % at 1.0 µg/mL respectively. The maximum adsorption was monitored for 180 hours. Kinetic study was performed and fitted well in pseudo-first-order kinetic. In term of isotherm, dataset was in good agreement with both Langmuir and Freundlich with correlation at 0.977 and 0.9606 respectively. Adsorption of chromium to polyethylene microbeads had important implications for the potential role of microplastics, in this case microbeadschromium contaminated act as a quantified link in aquatic food webs.
Total suspended solids removal by high gradient magnetic separation using steel wool at different location
Authors: Supian Nur Sumaiyyah , Sohaili Johan , Muniyandi Shantha Kumari , Othman Athirah , Kamsano Nur Suraya
Published: December 2018

Growing of mankind, society, science and technology in our world is reaching to higher level of human civilization. Therefore, a sustainable treatment procedures are required in order to prevent the consequences of growing civilized situation to the environment. Magnetism has been used as physical treatment for particles or contaminants removal from wastewater. In this experiment, comparison between locations of steel wool has been carried out in order to determine the highest suspended solid removal. Variables has been set such as magnetic strength was 1.4Tesla, flow rate was 1mL/s, 80 gram of steel wool and experiment took 24 hours of circulation time and data recorded for 24 hours. Data were recorded involving control, non-inverted magnet and inverted magnet structure. Non-inverted magnets consists of magnets on same poles while inverted magnet on different poles. As a result, steel wool located inside of pipe was exhibited the highest removal (88.2%) compared to outside of the pipe (83.3%) and both occurred in inverted magnet structure. Therefore, it was indicated that longer exposure time to magnet resulted in greater improvement in removing pollutant. The results obtained and suggests that steel wool located inside of tube with inverted magnet position can be successfully treat wastewater effectively.
Addition of composite coagulant (polyaluminium chloride and tapioca flour) into electrocoagulation (aluminium and ferum electrodes) for treatment of stabilized leachate
Authors: Mohd Amdan Nur Syahirah , Mohd Zin Nur Shaylinda , Mohd Salleh Siti Nor Aishah , Mohamad Zailani Laila Wahidah
Published: December 2018

Physical-chemical method such as electrocoagulation (EC) and coagulation-flocculation processes work well for the treatment of stabilized leachate. This study investigated the efficiency of combined treatment (electrocoagulation and conventional coagulation) in removing colour and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) from stabilized leachate. For this combined treatment, the Fe and Al electrodes with the addition of composite coagulant (PAC and TF) were used. The considered factors were pH, current density, and duration of current flow. It was observed that, the highest removal of colour and NH3N were 96% and 13% at applied current density of 100 A/m2 that equal to 0.5 A and 20 minutes respectively. For single EC treatment, the highest removal was 88% for colour and 25% for NH3N at 60 minutes by 150 A/m2 that equal to 1.3A. Thus, it showed that the combined treatment performed better than single treatment in removing colour while reducing the current, and shorten the duration of current flow.
Assessing the efficiency of green roof technology: A case study of Masjid Kota Iskandar, Nusajaya, Johor
Authors: Rahmat Muhamad Hanafi , Mohkatar Muhd Hariz , Abd Wahab Izudinshah , Abd Salam Nur Nasuha , Abdul Aziz Hazri , Abas Nor Haslinda
Published: December 2018

Green roof is a system that had been identified as a medium that is able to reduce the thermal temperature of a building. It is an efficient way of reducing heat especially for hot climate countries like Malaysia. This study was conducted to assess the ability and the effectiveness of green roof in controlling the temperature of a building and also to make a comparison of its performance with the conventional roof. The study was conducted at the Masjid Kota Iskandar, Nusajaya, Johor. For this case study, Infrared Thermometer and 4 in 1 Meter Kit were used to record the temperature (maximum and minimum) during the day on the surface of the green roof and conventional roof as well as its relative humidity. The experiments were conducted during sunny days from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm at an interval of two hours on two different dates which were 18th March 2017 and 4th April 2017. Few locations for the data to be collected were plotted on the surface of both roofs and the readings of maximum and minimum surface roof temperatures were recorded for comparison. Based on the research that had been carried out, it can be concluded that the usage of green roof was able to reduce the average surface temperature in the range of 3.6°C –11.1°C as compared to the conventional roof. This result had proven that there was a decrease in temperature for the green roof as compared to the conventional roof. It had shown that the usage of the green roof in a building was an efficient way of reducing building temperature and also an effective way to achieve sustainability in architecture and engineering design.
Analysis of leachate from solidified peat soil
Authors: Hauashdh Ali , Radin Mohamed Radin Maya Saphira , Abd Rahman Junita , Jailani Junaidah
Published: December 2018

Peat soil is very compressible where this characteristic is lead to an excessive settlement. Solidification of peat soil is a method to improve engineering properties of peat soil. Currently, solidification of peat soil is increasing, wherefore it is a critical need to study the environmental effects from solidified peat soil leachate due to solidification peat mixtures usually used materials of generation wastes from coal-fired electric power. The effect of leachate from solidified peat to the environment is one of the most important criteria that should be investigated. This study aims to investigate the environmental impacts of leachate from solidified peat affected by rainwater. In this study, solidification of hemic peat soil was done by mixing hemic peat soil with ordinary Portland cement (OPC), fly ash (FA) and bottom ash (BA). Leachate is the liquid that has percolated through a soil column outlets. Therefore, this study was to analysis the leachate from solidified hemic peat when it is saturated by rainwater in two different conditions, which are a dry and wet season by using physical model (soil column). The leachate samples were analyzed by using Ionic Chromatography (IC) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (IC-MS). The anions concentration of leachate from solidified peat has increased for Cl-SO42-in wet condition as result rainwater inflow was increased during the wet condition, and the chemical composition of rainwater contains Cl-and SO42-. The concentration of cations on the leachate from solidified peat has increased at Fe+2 and Al+3 in wet condition, which proven solidified peat has an effect on the leachate In comparison with leachate of non-solidified peat. The concentration of anions for Cl-and SO42-the leachate still consider in the normal range of groundwater concentration that classified as freshwater, but in case FA, BA, and OPC are used excessively in the mixture for solidifying peat in a wetland, leachate from solidified peat will effect on elements concentration of groundwater and land properties.
Prototype development for real-time epilepsy seizures detector using three parameters
Authors: Sia Joyce S. Y. , Huan Lai Z. , Kit Lam S. , Ling Liong C. , Effiyana Ghazali N.
Published: December 2018

This paper proposes a prototype for real-time epilepsy seizures detection using skin conductance, temperature and sense movement. This proposed work is expected to help epilepsy patients to receive immediate help from the people around when seizures happen. This prototype is wearable and developed using Arduino Nano, Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) sensor, accelerometer, temperature sensor and pulse sensor. Epilepsy patients can wear this prototype just like a watch. The prototype is connected to the mobile application via Bluetooth and can alert the people around by buzzing alarm as well as sending text message to the doctor or family member. Details development and results are discussed in this paper.
An infrared spectroscopic study of non-metallic portion of Linz-Donawitz slag fines generated at Tata Steel, Jamshedpur
Authors: Ashrit Shrenivas , Chatti Ravikrishna V. , Sarkar S. , Venugopal Rayasam , Nair Udayabhanu G.
Published: December 2018

The main constituents of LD Slag fines in the size range of 0–6 mm after recovering the metallic iron in a waste recycling plant (WRP) mainly contains calcium bearing mineral phases such as mono, di and tricalcium silicates along with free lime. The chemical constituents are CaO, SiO2, FeO and Al2O3 with traces of chromium, manganese, etc., as oxides. The WRP waste, i.e., LD Slag fines of 0–6 mm is further subjected to sieving mainly into three different size fractions viz. + 10 mesh (−6.0 + 2.0 mm), + 60 mesh (−2.0 + 0.25 mm), −60 mesh (−0.25 mm) for studying its possible application economically in different sectors such as agriculture, construction and chemical industries. Chemical and XRD analysis indicate high lime content along with some compounds like calcite, silicates of calcium, brownmillerite and dicalcium diferrate, etc., in these slag samples. FTIR analysis of these size fractions also indicates the presence of hydrated silicates, calcite and anhydrous calcium silicate. In this study, the authors have attempted to correlate the chemical analysis and XRD studies with FTIR technique of characterisation for better understanding of the parent material. This was done to get a deeper insight of the fines which can be useful for development of suitable calcium-based value added materials for different industrial, chemical and agricultural applications.
Ski Mountaineering – Evaluation of a Sports Specific Performance Diagnosis
Authors: Schöffl Volker , Pöppelmeier Olaf , Emmler Julia , Schöffl Isabelle , Küpper Thomas , Lutter Christoph
Published: December 2018

Ski mountaineering (skimo) has recently gained popularity and established itself as a competition sport. It requires a specific training with a high hypoxic load. Although a variety of sport specific performance test protocols have been developed, a specific method for ski mountaineering (skimo) is pending. After the development of a sport specific ergometric protocol with recreational athletes in pre-tests a standard sport specific protocol was defined, concerning treadmill speed, slope and step test variables. This protocol was evaluated for its effectivity with members of the German national skimo team (6 male, 2 female). All athletes performed two spiroergometry test protocols, a standard bike test profile followed by sport specific spiroergometry. This skimo-specific test involved an incremental step test with skis on a treadmill, using a standard incline of 20° with an stepwise speed increase. Spiroergometry and blood lactate (BL) data were recorded and the first and second ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2) were determined. All athletes could complete the test without any technical problems and reached cardiopulmonary exhaustion. The mean test break off BL was 9.98 ± 2.0 mmol/L for the bike test, and 9.28 ± 2.3 mmol/L for the skimo test. The heart rate at VT1 as a percentage of the maximum heart rate did not differ significantly between protocols. Heart rates at VT2 did not significantly differ between both protocols, but varied in both directions. In three athletes, VO2max was higher in the skimo tests than in the bike tests, while the remaining five athletes exhibited the opposite situation. VO2max did not differ significantly between skimo and bike tests (p = 0.35), but it varied in both directions. Motion analysis revealed motoric deficits in two cases. The study indicates that skimo and bike tests are not fully comparable. The skimo and bike test results vary with respect to the majority of test parameters and statistical findings, nevertheless these findings were not statistically significant. These differences were furthermore found to be inconsistent, which is the most valuable finding of the study. It can thus be concluded that a sport specific test is important for both optimal exercise testing and the development of training recommendations for skimo athletes.
Post-polypectomy surveillance interval based on flexible spectral color imaging enhancement (FICE) with magnifying zoom imaging for optical biopsy
Authors: Zago Rodrigo de Rezende , Popoutchi Pedro , Santana Nova da Costa Lucas , Averbach Marcelo
Published: December 2018

Background and study aims Post-polypectomy surveillance interval (SI) is determined based on the number, size, and histology of colorectal polyps. Electronic chromoendoscopy in association with magnifying imaging colonoscopy allows “in vivo” polyp histology prediction. Colorectal polyps ≤ 5 mm can be resected and discarded without pathologic assessment if the endoscopic technology when used with high confidence provides ≥ 90 % agreement between the post-polypectomy SI and the SI based on pathological assessment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement between the post-polypectomy SI based on flexible spectral color imaging enhancement (FICE) chromoendoscopy in association with magnified imaging and the pathology-based SI.

Patients and methods Each diagnosed colorectal polyp received a histology prediction (neoplastic or non-neoplastic) based on the FICE capillary-vessel pattern classification. Each prediction was classified as high or low confidence. SI based on the FICE prediction was compared to the pathology-based SI recommendation according to the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer guideline. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of FICE in diagnosing neoplastic lesions were compared with the pathology assessment. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement for FICE-based SI predictions was evaluated using the kappa coefficient.

Results A total of 267 polyps had histology prediction assessed with high confidence in 136 patients. Sensitivity of FICE was 98.7 % (95 % CI: 93.5 – 99.3) and specificity was 62.5 % (95 % CI: 43.6 – 78.9). Prediction accuracy was 94.4 % (95 % CI: 88.6 – 96 – 1) in differentiating between neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions. Therefore, magnifying FICE colonoscopy-based SI recommendation was consistent with pathological assessment in 88.3 % of general cases (95 % CI: 82.1 – 92.6) and in 89.7 % (95 % CI: 83 – 94.5) of the high-confidence evaluation cases. The intraobserver agreement value for FICE-based SI predictions was 0.87 (high-confidence evaluations), and the interobserver agreement values were 0.78 (high- and low-confidence evaluations) and 0.82 (high-confidence evaluations) (95 % CI: 0.79 – 0.95).

Conclusions FICE-based SI demonstrated 89.7 % concordance with the pathology-based SI.
Feasibility of endoscopic mucosa-submucosa clip closure method (with video)
Authors: Nishizawa Toshihiro , Banno Shigeo , Kinoshita Satoshi , Mori Hideki , Nakazato Yoshihiro , Hirai Yuichiro , Kubosawa Yoko , Sunata Yukie , Matsushita Misako , Uraoka Toshio
Published: December 2018

Background and study aims We developed a new endoscopic closure technique using just conventional endoclips. The feasibility of endoscopic mucosa-submucosa clip closure method was evaluated in this clinical pilot study.

Patients and methods This study involved consecutive 25 patients who underwent colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection. Endoclips were placed at the edge of the mucosal defect. Each arm of the endoclip gripped the mucosa and submucosa, respectively. The direction in which the endoclip grips were placed was parallel to the short axis of the defect. Several endoclips were applied in this way. As a result, the mucosal defect was significantly reduced in size. Additional clips were placed to achieve complete closure.

Results Mean size of resected specimen was 31.2 ± 11 mm. The success rate was 96 % (24/25). Mean procedure time was 9.6 ± 4.4 minutes. Mean number of endoclips was 9.3 ± 3.7. No complications were observed in any of the patients after the procedure.

Conclusion Endoscopic mucosa-submucosa clip closure method could close mucosal defect of size around 2 – 4 cm completely using just conventional endoclips, and it seems easy, simple and low cost.
Prähospitales Notfallmanagement bei Schwangeren
Authors: Strauss Alexander , Gräsner Jan-Thorsten
Published: December 2018

Gesundheitliche Notfallsituationen während einer Schwangerschaft sind durch die Gleichzeitigkeit einer potenziellen Bedrohung von mindestens 2 Patienten charakterisiert. Diese Notfälle können dabei während eines Krankenhausaufenthaltes aber auch als prähospitales Ereignis auftreten. Aufgrund ihrer Seltenheit sind zur hinreichenden diagnostisch/therapeutischen Befähigung des notärztlichen/rettungsdienstlichen Personals nachhaltige Methoden der geburtshilflichen Wissensvermittlung/-sicherung zum Einsatz zu bringen. Durch die Vermittlung situationsangemessener Handlungsempfehlungen werden prähospitale Notfallteams ohne gesonderte geburtshilfliche Ausbildung so in die Lage zu versetzt, sich der geburtshilflichen Notfallversorgung kompetent stellen zu können. Diesem Anspruch folgend, wird in der hier beginnenden Artikelserie individuelle Kompetenz zur prähospitalen Notfalleinschätzung gemeinsam mit Kenntnissen zu sich daraus ableitenden Maßnahmen in, dem Notfallsetting angepasster inhaltlicher Tiefe vermittelt. Dies umfasst im ersten Teil die prähospitale Notfallversorgung der Schwangeren, den Notfalltransport, das Schnittstellenmanagement zwischen ambulanter und stationärer Notfallmedizin bei Einlieferung in das Krankenhaus und den innerklinischen perinatologischen Notfallplan.
Sexualität und Krankheit im Alter – Anmerkungen aus
gerontopsychiatrischer Sicht
Authors: Kortus Rainer
Published: December 2018

Tabuthema Der Umgang mit der Sexualität alter Menschen scheint trotz
vieler Veröffentlichungen in den letzten Jahren im medizinischen Bereich noch
immer mit Tabus besetzt. Dabei wird vergessen, dass die Sexualität eine wichtige
Rolle im Leben aller Menschen spielt. Bei Erkrankungen wird der Blick zumeist
auf diese gerichtet, ohne die Gesamtperson und die Folgen für das Sexualleben
und gegebenenfalls störende Medikamentenwirkungen einzubeziehen. Aus
psychiatrischer Sicht sollten allerdings der ganze Mensch und seine Bedürfnisse
in den Mittelpunkt rücken.
Erfassung der Sozialen Situation (SoS) nach
Nikolaus
Authors: Zemke Jens
Published: December 2018

Schlüsselrolle lm Rahmen des multidisziplinären Assessments ist für die
Therapiezielplanung bei älteren multimorbiden Patienten nicht nur die Erfassung
von Morbidität und Funktionsdefiziten erforderlich, sondern auch die soziale
Situation spielt eine erhebliche Rolle. Doch so sehr wie soziale Faktoren
Morbidität, Krankheitsverlauf, Prognose und Mortalität beeinflussen, so schwer
lassen sie sich valide quantifizieren.
Endoscopic suturing for management of peptic ulcer-related upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a preliminary experience
Authors: Agarwal Amol , Benias Petros , Brewer Gutierrez Olaya , Wong Vivien , Hanada Yuri , Yang Juliana , Villgran Vipin , Kumbhari Vivek , Kalloo Anthony , Khashab Mouen , Chiu Philip , Ngamruengphong Saowanee
Published: December 2018

Background and study aims Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) due to peptic ulcer disease (PUD) remains a common and challenging emergency managed by gastroenterologists. The proper role of endoscopic suturing on the management of PUD-related UGIB is unknown.

Patients and methods This is an international case series of patients who underwent endoscopic suturing for bleeding PUD. Primary outcome was rate of immediate hemostasis and rate of early rebleeding (within 72 hours). Secondary outcomes included technical success, delayed rebleeding (> 72 hours), and rate of adverse events (AEs).

Results Ten patients (mean age 66.7 years, 30 % female) were included in this study. Nine (90 %) had prior failed endoscopy hemostasis with an average of 1.4 ± 0.7 (range 1 – 3) prior endoscopic sessions. Forrest classification was Ib in 5 (50 %), IIa in 3 (30 %), IIb in 1(10 %), and IIc in 1 (10 %). Mean suturing time was 13.4 ± 5.6 (range 3.5 to 20) minutes. Technical success was 100 %. Rate of immediate hemostasis was 100 % and rate of early rebleeding was 0 %. Mean number of sutures was 1.5 (range, 1 – 4). No AEs were observed. Delayed recurrent bleeding was not observed in any cases after a median of 11 months (range 2 – 56), after endoscopic suturing.

Conclusions Oversewing of a bleeding or high-risk ulcer using endoscopic suturing appears to be a safe and effective method for achieving endoscopic hemostasis. It may be considered as rescue endoscopic therapy when primary endoscopic hemostasis fails to control the bleeding or when hemorrhage recurs after successful control of bleeding.
Cerebral metastasis in breast cancer
Authors: Müller Volkmar , Laakmann Elena , Grottke Astrid , Riecke Kerstin , Witzel Isabell
Published: December 2018

The incidence of breast cancer brain metastases has risen steadily in recent years. Brain metastases are often the limiting factor of the disease, as survival is usually only a few months after brain metastasis occurs. Apart from the poor prognosis, cognitive and neurological deficits lead to a massive impairment of quality of life. HER2-positive or triple-negative cancers develop brain metastases more often. Studies on the subject of brain metastases were conducted mainly in cohorts with different primary tumours. To improve the available data on patients with breast cancer, the “Brain Metastases in Breast Cancer (BMBC)” registry was initiated to record the German care reality. Because of the lack of specific systemic treatment options, the main primary therapy of brain metastases is local (surgery, stereotactic radiation, whole-brain radiation). Local therapy is supplemented by systemic therapy. The choice of systemic therapy is guided especially by the extracranial disease situation, as there are practically no study data currently on the subject of systemic therapy of brain metastases specifically. Only very recently have drugs been investigated explicitly in women with breast cancer brain metastases.
Diabetes und Fahreignung
Authors: Schütt Wolfgang
Published: December 2018

Diabetes schränkt in der Regel weder die berufliche noch die private Fahreignung ein. Das ist die zentrale Aussage der neuen S2e-Leitlinie „Diabetes und Straßenverkehr“ (AWMF-Register Nr. 057-026). Doch wie bei jeder Regel gibt es Ausnahmen, denn schwere Stoffwechselentgleisungen, unzureichende Therapie, Begleit- oder Folgeerkrankungen des Diabetes mellitus können das individuelle Unfallrisiko temporär oder dauerhaft steigern. Die S2e-Leitlinie „Diabetes und Straßenverkehr“ bietet jetzt einen größeren individuell begründbaren Spielraum der Begutachtung und Orientierung in der praktischen Diabetologie. Diese erste Leitlinie zu Fahreignung und Diabetes in Europa wurde unter Federführung des „Ausschuss Soziales“ der Deutschen Diabetes Gesellschaft (DDG) in Kooperation mit weiteren Fachgesellschaften erstellt und im März 2018 vorgestellt 2. Eine Praxisleitlinie und eine Patientenleitlinie sind in Vorbereitung.
Acute Motor Failure of the N. Peroneus Profundus Caused by a Cystic Tibiofibular Joint
Authors: Reisch Tania , Helmy Näder , Antoniadis Alexander
Published: December 2018

Ein Ganglion ist nur selten Ursache für eine periphere Nervenkompression. An der unteren Extremität ist es wichtig, die Symptomatik klinisch von einer Radikulopathie zu unterscheiden. In der Literatur wurden Ausfälle im Bereich des N. peroneus beschrieben. Eine akute, isolierte Fuß-/Zehenheberparese bei komplett unauffälliger Sensibilität, wie in unserem Fall, wurde bislang noch nicht beschrieben. Nach klinischer und bildgebender Diagnostik erfolgte die operative Entfernung der Zyste und Dekompression des Nervs mit nachfolgend vollständiger Erholung der Motorik. Periphere Nervenkompression durch ein Ganglion ist eine wichtige Differenzialdiagnose bei peripheren Ausfällen. Die Therapie der Wahl ist eine schnellstmögliche operative Dekompression. Eine Erholung ist innerhalb weniger Wochen zu erwarten.
Bestimmung des klinischen Nutzens systemischer adjuvanter Therapien beim frühen Mammakarzinom
Authors: Möbus Volker , Hell Susanne , Schmidt Marcus
Published: December 2018

Die onkologische Therapie befindet sich im Umbruch. Hohe Erwartungen sind mit einer Reihe innovativer zielgerichteter Medikamente verknüpft, die sich derzeit in der klinischen Entwicklung befinden. Vor diesem Hintergrund erfahren Diskussionen um die Begriffe klinischer Nutzen oder klinische Relevanz neue Aktualität. Dies gilt auch für die Weiterentwicklungen der adjuvanten systemischen Therapie des frühen Mammakarzinoms. In Anbetracht der kurativen Zielsetzung erfolgt die Beurteilung des klinischen Nutzens einer adjuvanten Therapie maßgeblich anhand von Wirksamkeitsendpunkten. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf Verbesserungen des krankheitsfreien Überlebens und des Rezidivrisikos. Eine Aussage zum Gesamtüberleben ist aufgrund der heute erreichten niedrigen Mortalitätsraten erst nach sehr langen Beobachtungszeiten möglich. Folgerichtig sollte neuen Medikamenten für die adjuvante Therapie ein klinischer Nutzen zugesprochen werden, wenn sie eine weitere Reduktion des Rezidivrisikos über den heutigen hohen Standard hinaus ermöglichen. Die Evidenz für etablierte adjuvante Therapiestandards beim frühen Mammakarzinom kann als objektiver Maßstab zum Vergleich herangezogen werden. Am Beispiel der adjuvanten endokrinen Therapie, der adjuvanten Polychemotherapie und der adjuvanten Anti-HER2-Therapie werden in diesem Übersichtsartikel die Anforderungen für den klinischen Nutzen neuer adjuvanter Therapien beim frühen Mammakarzinom abgeleitet.
Jobelyn Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Improves Memory Performance in Mice Exposed to Anoxic Stress
Authors: Omorogbe Osarume
Published: December 2018

Objective Chronic stress impairs memory by damaging brain cells via induction of oxidative stress. Hence, the use of agents with antioxidant activity is being investigated as potential drugs against chronic stress-induced memory decline. This study evaluated the effect of Jobelyn® (JB), a potent antioxidant food supplement on memory deficit induced by anoxic stress in mice and on brain levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress.

Method Male mice were distributed into 6 groups (n=6): group 1 (non-stress control) and group 2 (stress control) were a given saline, groups 3–5 received JB (5, 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg) while group 6 had donepezil-DP (1 mg/kg). Thirty minutes later, mice in groups 2–5 were exposed twice to anoxic condition for 15 min in acute anoxic stress. However, in sub-chronic anoxic stress, mice in groups 2–6 were subjected to the same anoxic condition for 15 min twice daily for 5 consecutive days. Thereafter, memory performance was assessed in each case using Y-maze paradigm. The concentrations of biomarkers of oxidative stress (glutathione and malondialdehyde) were only determined in the brains of mice exposed to sub-chronic anoxic stress.

Results Mice exposed to sub-chronic anoxic stress had impaired memory function, which was significantly attenuated by JB. The increased oxidative stress as shown by elevated levels of malondialdehyde and decreased concentrations of glutathione was also reduced by JB.

Conclusion The results of this study suggest that the antioxidant activity of Jobelyn® might be contributing to its ability to attenuate sub-chronic anoxic stress-induced memory deficits in mice.
Metabolomic Analysis of Diet-Induced Obese Mice Supplemented with
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Authors: Nishitani Shigeki , Fukuhara Atsunori , Jinno Yasutaka , Kawano Hiroyuki , Yano Takashi , Otsuki Michio , Shimomura Iichiro
Published: December 2018

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory
effects. To determine the effects of EPA on metabolic pathways in obese
adipose tissues and liver, mice were fed normal chow diet (NCD), high-fat
diet (HFD), or 3% EPA-containing high fat diet (HFD+EPA) for
8 weeks. Metabolomic analysis was performed using epididymal adipose tissues
(epi WAT) and liver. Metabolites that were specifically elevated in
HFD+EPA, were assessed for their anti-inflammatory properties using
RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Body and adipose tissue weights were
significantly higher in HFD than NCD, and lower in HFD+EPA than HFD.
Plasma insulin levels were significantly higher in HFD than NCD, and lower
in HFD+EPA compared with HFD. Plasma monocyte chemotactic protein-1
(MCP-1) levels were higher in HFD than NCD, and tended to be lower in
HFD+EPA than HFD. The levels of intermediate metabolites in the
glycolytic pathways were lower in HFD compared with NCD and HFD+EPA
in both epi WAT and liver, while intermediate metabolites of the TCA cycles
were elevated in HFD and HFD+EPA compared with NCD in epi WAT. Among
the metabolites in epi WAT, the levels of thiaproline, phenaceturic acid,
and pipecolic acid were specifically elevated in HFD+EPA, but not in
HFD or NCD. Treatment of RAW264.7 cells with thiaproline significantly
ameliorated LPS-induced iNOS expression, while pipecolic acid inhibited
LPS-induced IL-1β expression. These results suggest that EPA
normalizes glycolytic pathway intermediates in both epi WAT and liver, and
induces metabolites with anti-inflammatory properties.
New Avenues in Radical Trifluoromethylselenylation with ­Trifluoromethyl Tolueneselenosulfonate
Authors: Ghiazza Clément , Monnereau Cyrille , Khrouz Lhoussain , Médebielle Maurice , Billard Thierry , Tlili Anis
Published: December 2018

We demonstrated that the shelf-stable reagent trifluoromethyl tolueneselenosulfonate can be involved in radical trifluoromethylselenylation. Upon visible-light irradiation, the homolysis of the reagent could take place at room temperature. This finding is explored for unprecedented C(sp2)–SeCF3 and C(sp3)–SeCF3 processes under transition-metal-free conditions. Mechanistic investigations, including cyclic voltammetry, luminescence measurement, and EPR studies, allowed the proposal of plausible mechanisms.

1 Introduction.

2 Reactivity of Reagent I with Diazonium Salts

3 Reactivity of Reagent I with Alkenes and Alkynes

4 Conclusion
Difunctionalization of the Isocyano Group: Atom-Economic ­Synthesis of Pyrimidinediones
Authors: Lang Jian , Wei Ye
Published: December 2018

The exploration of synthetic methods involving the formation of new chemical bonds at both the nitrogen and carbons atoms of the isocyano group would largely enrich the structural diversity of compounds. Herein, we disclosed a silver-catalyzed difunctionalization of the isocyano group with cyclic oximes. This method can generate a great array of structurally novel and interesting pyrimidinediones and features excellent atom economy, good functional group compatibility, and amenability to late-stage modifications.
Synthesis of Polysubstituted 3-Chalcogenated Indoles through Copper(I) Iodide-Catalyzed Three-Component Domino Reactions
Authors: Liu Feng , Gou Rui , Zhang Yi , Wu Sheng-wei
Published: December 2018

Polysubstituted 3-chalcogenated indoles were synthesized by a three-component, one-pot, domino reaction of a N-(2-bromophenyl)trifluoroacetamide, a 1-alkyne, a disulfides or diselenides, CuI, and proline in DMF. In this process, tandem Sonogashira coupling, N-cyclization, and sulfenyl/selenyl electrophilic substitution occurred sequentially and smoothly to form the anticipated products in good to excellent yields (20 examples; 65–96%). Notably, no palladium catalyst was used in this catalytic system, supporting its cost effectiveness and potential industrial application.
Too Many Biopsies Performed to Rule Out Hirschsprung's Disease: But It is Worth Doing Them
Authors: Phillips Laura , Surana Rajendra , Darwish Ahmed
Published: December 2018

Introduction The U.K. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) specify the following indications for performing rectal biopsy to rule out Hirschsprung's disease (HSD): (1) passage of meconium > 48 hours; (2) constipation since first few weeks of life; (3) chronic abdominal distension with vomiting; (4) family history of HSD; and (5) faltering growth in addition to any other indication. The aim of this study was to assess the compliance of a tertiary referral center with the current U.K. NICE guidelines for performing rectal biopsies to rule out HSD. Secondary aims included assessing alternative indications and complication rates.

Materials and Methods Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing open or suction rectal biopsies to investigate HSD, from 2009 to 2014.

Results A total of 188 patients underwent 214 biopsies (suction: n = 154, open: n = 60). Note that 128 patients (68.1%) had biopsies indicated by NICE. A total of 84.4% of indicated biopsies were ganglionic versus 91.7% of unindicated biopsies (p = 0.17). Twenty-five patients were diagnosed with HSD (mean age: 13.2 weeks, range: 3 days–3.2 years). Only 80% of HSD patients had NICE-indicated biopsies. Presentations for patients with biopsies not indicated by NICE included constipation, distension, and vomiting that did not strictly meet the guidelines. The majority of biopsies were uncomplicated (suction 82.5% vs. open 95.0%)—inadequate/indeterminate histology was the most common complication (16.2% suction vs. 5% open).

Conclusion A significant number of unindicated biopsies were performed, the majority of which were ganglionic. Rectal biopsies are generally safe and strict adherence to the NICE guidelines could have led to missed HSD diagnoses with potential significant morbidity and mortality.
Carbon dioxide capture in 2,2′-iminodiethanol aqueous solution from ab initio molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Kubota Yoshiyuki , Bučko Tomáš
Published: December 2018

The reaction of carbon dioxide (CO2) with aqueous 2,2′-iminodiethanol (trivial name is diethanolamine: DEA) has been investigated using both blue moon ensemble and metadynamics approaches combined with ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. A spontaneous direct proton transfer from DEA zwitterion (DEAZW) to DEA but not to H2O has been observed in straightforward AIMD simulation in the time scale of ps. The ab initio free-energy calculations reproduced the overall free-energy difference, predicting the ionic products DEA carbamate ion (DEAC) and the protonated DEA (DEAH). The computed free-energy barrier for the first reaction step, which is the CO2 binding (48 kJ mol−1), is found to agree reasonably well with the available experimental data (52–56 kJ mol−1). By contrast, the barriers for the next step, the deprotonation of zwitterion realized either via reaction with DEA or H2O, are underestimated by 25–35 kJ mol−1 compared to the experimental reference. A part of this error is attributed to the neglected reversible work needed to bring two reactants together, which might significantly contribute to the free-energy of activation of bimolecular reactions in a dilute solution. The computed free-energy profile is compared with our results [Y. Kubota et al., J. Chem. Phys. 146, 094303 (2017)] for the same reaction in 2-aminoethanol (trivial name is monoethanolamine: MEA).
A novel method for testing accelerometer transverse sensitivity
Authors: Du Yunsong , Gao GuoHua , Li Tiemin
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a flexure-based compliant mechanism for testing accelerometer transverse sensitivity. The definition of transverse sensitivity is first described. Subsequently, the detailed structure of the developed mechanism is introduced. The principle of this method and the corresponding theoretical model are analyzed. Based on the principle, a prototype is manufactured and an experimental platform is set up. The circular trajectory tests are carried out to verify the feasibility of this method. It shows that the precision of the circular trajectory can be guaranteed. Finally, a three-axis piezoelectric accelerometer is tested. The maximum transverse sensitivity is below 5%, and its maximum measurement uncertainty is 0.15%, while the maximum measurement uncertainty of the corresponding direction angle is 0.79°. It demonstrates that the proposed method is reasonable and accurate.
A clamp and release system for superconducting magnetic bearings
Authors: Columbro Fabio , de Bernardis Paolo , Masi Silvia
Published: December 2018

We describe a simple and reliable clamp/release system for the rotor of large superconducting magnetic bearings. The system was developed for a cryogenic half-wave plate spinner for cosmic microwave background polarimetry but can have other applications. The main features of this system are its large rotor mass compliance (∼10 kg); zero power dissipation while holding the rotor and zero power dissipation when the rotor is released; fast (∼40 ms), balanced release and clamp actions, and low power dissipation (∼30 J) on the cold stage during each operation; low cost; and high reliability over a very large number of operation cycles.
Multiscale simulations of critical interfacial failure in carbon nanotube-polymer composites
Authors: Gołębiowski Jacek R. , Kermode James R. , Mostofi Arash A. , Haynes Peter D.
Published: December 2018

Computational investigation of interfacial failure in composite materials is challenging because it is inherently multi-scale: the bond-breaking processes that occur at the covalently bonded interface and initiate failure involve quantum mechanical phenomena, yet the mechanisms by which external stresses are transferred through the matrix occur on length and time scales far in excess of anything that can be simulated quantum mechanically. In this work, we demonstrate and validate an adaptive quantum mechanics (QM)/molecular mechanics simulation method that can be used to address these issues and apply it to study critical failure at a covalently bonded carbon nanotube (CNT)-polymer interface. In this hybrid approach, the majority of the system is simulated with a classical forcefield, while areas of particular interest are identified on-the-fly and atomic forces in those regions are updated based on QM calculations. We demonstrate that the hybrid method results are in excellent agreement with fully QM benchmark simulations and offers qualitative insights missing from classical simulations. We use the hybrid approach to show how the chemical structure at the CNT-polymer interface determines its strength, and we propose candidate chemistries to guide further experimental work in this area.
Performance investigation of an argon fueled magnetoplasmadynamic thruster with applied magnetic field
Authors: Chelem Mayigué Charles , Kühn Christoph , Groll Rodion
Published: December 2018

In the present paper, a density-based central-upwind magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) code has been used to get insight into the acceleration mechanism of the applied-field magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters. The magnetic field is axially applied by an external coil surrounding the anode and interacts with the discharge current and the induced azimuthal current to produce thrust. In the present work, the numerical modeling of applied-field magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters is performed with a separate magnetostatic code to produce external magnetic field from permanent magnets, and the density-based method is used to compute the resulting flow field from the MHD equations. The numerical model is applied to the NASA Lewis Research Center 100-kW magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thruster which is experimentally and numerically well documented to demonstrate its capability to capture the main characteristics of plasma acceleration and thrust production in such a device. The code is then used to investigate the thruster performance operating in the applied magnetic field strength range 10–100 mT at discharge currents of 750–2000 A with a constant mass flow rate of 0.1 g/s. The effect of the applied magnetic field inside and outside of the thruster is investigated and reported.
Chemical looping gasification of pyrolyzed biomass and coal char with copper ferrite as an oxygen carrier
Authors: Liu Chenlong , Wang Wenju
Published: December 2018

Chemical looping gasification (CLG) of solid fuels (biomass or coal) is an effective gasification technology. In this work, CuFe2O4 spinel was used as an oxygen carrier (OC) in CLG. Coal and biomass char heat-treated at 600 °C, 700 °C, and 800 °C were used as fuels. The reactivity of char heat-treated at 600 °C and OC was studied using thermogravimetry. The results showed that the optimal mass ratio of OC/char is 6:4. Under this condition, the highest reactivity of char heat-treated at 600 °C was obtained. The gas composition was tested in a fixed bed at various OC/char mass ratios (7:3, 6:4, 5:5, 4:6, and 3:7). The CO yield increases with the decrease in the oxygen carrier ratio. An opposite trend was observed in the CO2 yield. In addition, six kinetic models were used to study the mechanism of CLG. The modified random pore model is found to be optimum in describing experimental data. The results showed that the OC/char in CLG is influenced by pores and catalytic active sites.
Modeling and compensation of cross-axis coupling in an electrostatic accelerometer for testing the equivalence principle
Authors: Liu T. Y. , Wang S. Y. , Han F. T. , Wu Q. P.
Published: December 2018

Electrostatic accelerometers have extremely high sensitivity and are ideal scientific instruments for measuring very weak acceleration. In particular, a single-sensitive-axis electrostatic accelerometer can be used for testing the equivalence principle in space. Sensitive-axis capacitances formed by axial electrodes and a cylindrical proof mass vary with the axial motion of the mass and are also affected by radial motion, which results in cross-axis coupling disturbances. A quantitative model is built to analyze the cross-axis coupling effect on the sensitive axis from the radial suspension loop, including a nonlinear model for large radial motion and a linear model for small radial motion. Frequency response simulation shows that the cross-axis coupling effect for a small signal case arises mostly in the high-frequency range. Experiments are carried out with a ground-based electrostatic accelerometer made of a single, non-rotating test cylinder, and in this case, the experimental results are utilized to verify the mathematical model. Cross-axis coupling for small signal perturbations is virtually removed if the equilibrium position of the proof mass is calibrated to the null position of the sensor cage. In addition, data post-processing can further attenuate the cross-axis coupling disturbances when dealing with large radial motion. The cross-axis coupling disturbances on both the position and the acceleration measurement signals in the sensitive axis are mostly removed in ground-based experiments. The proposed model and compensation can be extended to space equivalence principle instruments and other electrostatic accelerometers with a cylindrical proof mass.
Neoclassical quasilinear theory and universal collision frequency landscape in wave-particle interaction in tokamaks
Authors: Shaing K. C.
Published: December 2018

The neoclassical quasilinear theory is extended to the collisional boundary layer and 1/ν regimes. The theory is for electromagnetic waves with frequencies lower than the bounce frequency of the trapped particles and wavelengths either comparable to or shorter than the width of bananas, but much longer than the gyro-radius. Here, ν is the collision frequency. This is accomplished by solving the banana kinetic equation. The results can be used to model energetic alpha particle and thermal particle losses in the presence of the electromagnetic waves in fusion relevant tokamak plasmas. They can also be employed to quantify transport losses in chaotic magnetic fields; these regimes are not known to exist in the theory of the chaotic magnetic field induced transport. The results of the theory together with those of the theory for neoclassical toroidal plasma viscosity reveal the existence of a universal collision frequency scaling law that governs the physics of the wave-particle interaction. The detailed collision frequency landscape in the theory for neoclassical toroidal viscosity is the universal feature of the wave-particle interaction in non-axisymmetric tori.