bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pinning down your number
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: July 2017

The fifth in a series that will explore practical activities for introducing mathematical learning and language using everyday resources and junk materials – this month, we explore using pegs, pins and paper clips.
Hydatid cysts in trapezius muscles: A narrative review
Authors: Okhovatian Farshad , Zamani Sahar , Azimi Hadi
Published: July 2017

Aims:

A hydatid cyst is an endemic parasitic disease that can be formed anywhere in the body, including muscles (3–5% of cases). The cyst can be misdiagnosed in early stages with muscular trigger points. Needling is the popular physical therapy approach in trigger point treatments. Misuse in needling can cause punctures in hydatid cysts and lead to death. The aim of this study was to summarise the available evidence on the manifestation of hydatid cysts in the trapezius muscle.

Methods:

A search was conducted for any reports of differential diagnosis or misdiagnosis of hydatid cysts and trigger points. Computerised literature searches were performed among publications between 1950 and December 2015 using the following databases: PubMed, Science Direct, SCOPUS, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane, and AMED.

Results:

Only three studies met the inclusion criteria. All three patients were females under 30 and all three had undergone surgery; two received medical treatment. No misdiagnosis with trigger points was reported and consequently there was no case of needling misuse in hydatid cysts either. However, it does not imply the absence of any clinical case.

Conclusions:

The current study intends to remind the importance of an accurate diagnosis before using needling as a trigger point treatment.
Focus group methodology. Part 1: Design considerations
Authors: Plummer Prudence
Published: July 2017

Background/Aims:

There is a strong tradition of quantitative research in the health sciences, but qualitative research designs are now being used more frequently to investigate certain areas of rehabilitation, such as patients' views of health care services, and how clinicians make decisions during evaluations and treatment. Many qualitative approaches are available for conducting these types of inquiries, such as interviews, participant observation, and focus groups.

Methods:

This article will review these components of focus group research design, as well as highlight other important considerations for planning and conducting focus groups. Issues specific to analysis and trustworthiness of focus group data will be addressed in the second part of the series.

Conclusions:

Focus groups are an extremely useful method for exploring people's thoughts, ideas, attitudes, and experiences in relation to a particular topic. The interaction that occurs between participants in focus groups is a powerful stimulus for discussion and can encourage people to elaborate or justify a particular idea. Thus, focus groups have the potential to reveal more about clinicians' knowledge and reasons for particular patterns of thinking than could be obtained in one-to-one interviewing.
Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders among Taxi Industry Workers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ahmad Ijaz , A. Balkhyour Mansour , M. Abokhashabah Tarek , M. Ismail Iqbal , Rehan Mohammad
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT: Professional driving is associated with high rates of occupational musculoskeletal disorders (OMSDs). The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of OMSDs among drivers and office workers of taxi industry in Jeddah city. A detailed custom-made questionnaire was used that included socio-demographic and occupational characteristics of subjects together with OMSDs prevalence rates. In this research, 173 subjects participated of which 70.5% were drivers and 29.5% were office workers. Standard Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) was used to assess 1-year and 1-week prevalence rates of OMSDs in nine body regions. 1-year and 1-week reported prevalence rates of OMSDs among taxi drivers were 85.3 and 51.6%, while among office workers were 52.9 and 31.4%, respectively. The highest self-reported prevalence rates of OMSDs for taxi drivers were found for the lower back (60.7%) and lowest rates for the elbow (14.8%). Whereas, among office workers, the highest prevalence rates were found for the lower back and knee (29.4%) and lowest rates for feet/ankle (2.0%). The chi-square test found significant correlation between being immigrant (p=0.038), hours of driving per day (p=0.002), number of working days per week (p=0.000) with 1-year prevalence of OMSDs, While job experience (p=0.006), hours of driving per day (p=0.004) and break during work (p=0.029) showed significant correlation with perceived 1-week prevalence of OMSDs among taxi drivers in Jeddah.
Geospatial Approach for Agroforestry Suitability Mapping: To Enhance Livelihood and Reduce Poverty, FAO based Documented Procedure (Case Study of Dumka District, Jharkhand, India)
Authors: Ahmad Firoz , Goparaju Laxmi
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT: Agroforestry has the capacity to reduce the poverty, enhance livelihood, improve food security and mitigate the climate change impact. The agroforestry suitability mapping is performed using geospatial technology based on similar guideline documented by FAO for Land suitability mapping. The study aims for applying remote sensing and GIS technology towards various spatial (soil and environmental) datasets in Dumka district of Jharkhand, India to achieve a nutrient availability and agroforestry suitability map. The Landsat satellite data, ASTER DEM and decadal annual rainfall datasets were utilized to generate wetness, landuse/ land cover (LULC), elevation, slope, and rainfall map. LULC map was utilized to identify the open area land in which agroforestry suitability was evaluated. Various thematic layers such as soil nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), organic carbon (C), pH and sulphur (S) were used for generating nutrient availability map. The agroforestry suitability map was generated utilizing the layers viz. nutrient availability, slope, wetness, rainfall and elevation by GIS integration/modeling in ArcGIS 10.1 software by providing different weight to each thematic layer as per its importance in the study area. The thematic layer weight was calculated based on pairwise comparisons (a standard statistical procedure). Finally agroforestry suitability maps were generated in the form of high, medium and low grid with spacing (1km × 1km). We also generated poverty map, one of the complete watersheds in the part of the study area and drainage map in whole study area to understand its proximity toward high agroforestry suitability grid. The study shows that the total open area land grids were 3421 out of which 50% of grid was found to be highly suitable towards agroforestry. Furthermore a watershed, drainage pattern and poverty map were analyzed based on its proximity toward high agroforestry suitability. The study reveals high agroforestry suitability land grid proximity towards high poverty grid was approximately more than 70%, whereas the proximity to the drainage pattern was roughly 60%. One of the completed watershed in the part of the study area evaluation reveals approximately 50% of the watershed area grid has the proximity of high agroforestry suitable land grid. The high agroforestry suitability and its proximity/relationship with high poverty, drainage pattern and in watershed based analysis provides golden opportunity to the local poor people to harness agroforestry practices by adopting intensive soil and water conservation measures if supported by sufficient funds/technology will largely help in mitigating poverty and enhancing the livelihood. The ongoing agroforestry projects can be further extended in the open areas of high agroforestry suitability grid for long term benefits of diversified output.
Efficacy of Botanical Pesticides Against Shoot and Fruit Borer, Leucinodes Orbonalis in Brinjal
Authors: Dehariya S. K. , Shukla A. , K. Barde S.
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT: The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with 7 treatments and 4 replications, to evaluate the performance of some botanical products against the pest complex of brinjal.The treatments included Triazophos 40E.C. 0.04%,Neem oil 1 %,Achook 5 %,NSKE 5%, Karanj oil 1%,Eucalyptus oil 1% and an untreated control. Four spraying of each treatment were conducted starting 30 days after transplanting, at an interval of 15 days. Observation on shoot and fruit damage by Leucinodes orbonalis were recorded. The results revealed that Triazophos 40E.C. 0.04%,was significantely superior over all the botanical treatments shoot damage in different treatments & ranged between 3.9 to 10.1%.Highest healthy fruits yield (24.76q/ha) was recorded in the treatment of Triazophos 40E.C. 0.04% followed by the treatment of neem oil 1% (20.54 q/ha healthy fruits), and both the treatments were statistically at par Yields in remaining treatments were at par and ranged between 19.57 and 15.23 q/ha. Lowest yield (10.50 q/ha in healthy fruits) was registered in untreated control.Highest cost benefit ratio of 1:6. 31 was treatment of Triazophos 40 EC 0.04%. Application of neem oil 1% registered the cost benefit ratio of 1:1.79 and was found most economical.
Using a Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assay and Direct DNA Extraction Method from Wood for Rapid Detection of Verticillium dahliae in Olive Trees
Authors: Aslani Saba , Garoosi Ghasemali , Jafary Hossein
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT: Verticillium wilt, which is caused by the fungus Verticillium dahliae, is one of the most important olive diseases worldwide. There are many ways to extract DNA from plant pathogenic fungi and from plant tissues for molecular-based diagnostic assays. LAMP is a new and sensitive molecular-based technique used for detection of plant pathogenic agents with minimum requirements needed. In this study, we tried to achieve a simple, cost effective and efficient method of DNA extraction from both Verticillium dahliae fungus and from infected wood samples in order to run a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay. Efficiency of three DNA isolation methods from both mycelia and infected wood samples was evaluated. For this purpose, wood samples from infected olive trees were collected from Tarom region in Zanjan province and the samples were cultured on the media. The fungus was isolated and identified as V. dahliae based on morphological features. Then the genomic DNA was extracted using traditional CTAB method, fast NaOH method and direct isolation method from infected wood samples. After assessment of the quality and the quantity of the extracted DNA samples, a LAMP assay was ran using specific primer pairs and the DNA templates extracted using three different methods. In spite of the significant differences in the quantity of DNA samples, LAMP assay could successfully detect the fungus in all samples. The improved direct isolation of the DNA of V. dahlia from infected wood, followed by a LAMP assay could considerably shortened the detection process of the fungus and hence is a suitable method for screening of olive trees and saplings against Verticillium wilt disease.
Application of Modified K Means Clustering Algorithm in Segmentation of Medical Images of Brain Tumor
Authors: Iqbal Sana , Sheetlani Jitendra
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT: The process of segmenting medical images serves as a vital technique in partitioning the image into different clusters or homogeneous regions. Lots of techniques and algorithms were developed and applied in various applications. Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) are used for producing images in the soft tissues of human body. The presence of noise in the MRI images of Brain is a multiplicative factor and the reduction of noise is required to obtain good quality in segmentation. However, the concept of accurate segmentation in MRI images is more important and crucial for the proper diagnosis by computational tools aided to perform clinical studies. More clustering algorithms were developed for the segmentation of images from magnetic resonance. However most of them have their limitations and in order to overcome those limitations, a modified version of k means clustering methodology is proposed. The comparison of existing approaches in segmentation such as C-Means Clustering and K-Means Clustering with the Modified version of K Means Clustering is performed to evaluate the performance. Finally certain outcomes were generated in the clustering algorithm of Fuzzy c- means, k-means and modified version of k means for MRI taken in brain and it was observed that the modified version of clustering technique in Kmeans gives better results for the complete performance by measuring parameters such as the index measure of structural similarity, content of structure, mean squared error and analysis of signal noise ratio.
Production of Lipase by Pseudomonas Aeruginosa JCM5962(T) Under Semi-Solid State Fermentation: Potential use of Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Oil Cake
Authors: Sachan Shweta , Singh Aditi
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT: A widely employed strategy for increased production is to use crop residues as nutrient source in bioprocess. The plan of present work is to modify growth conditions by using by-products of Azadirachta indica (neem) oil seed cake and optimize environmental conditions for maximum production of extracellular lipases by P. aeruginosa JCM5962(T), identified for production of extracellular lipases previously. Semi solid state fermentation medium comprising of different concentrations of Azadirachta indica oil cake (AIOC) as substrate was studied, in which 4% of AIOC supported maximum lipase production after 96 hours of incubation at 37ºC. Optimization of growth condition was done using nitrogen supplements, carbon additives and various oils. 1% Ammonium nitrate as additional nitrogen supplement was found to be ideal parameter for improved production, whereas carbon supplements and oil additives did not have any effect. Mixed substrates of AIOC with six other oil cake residues (1:1) were also studied. Additive effect of mustard and coconut oil cake caused an increase of 29.95% and 38.26% respectively as opposed to AIOC alone. It is the first report demonstrating use of Azadirachta indica oil seed cake as fermentation medium for improved production of extracellular lipase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa JCM5962(T).
The subtalar joint
Authors: Krähenbühl Nicola , Horn-Lang Tamara , Hintermann Beat , Knupp Markus
Published: July 2017

Subtalar joint anatomy is complex and can vary significantly between individuals. Movement is affected by several adjacent joints, ligaments and periarticular tendons. The subtalar joint has gained interest from foot and ankle surgeons in recent years, but its importance in hindfoot disorders is still under debate. The purpose of this article is to give a general overview of the anatomy, biomechanics and radiographic assessment of the subtalar joint. The influence of the subtalar joint on the evolution of ankle joint osteoarthritis is additionally discussed.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2:309-316. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160050
O ambiente estrutural e institucional do ensino de Administração na região Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Lima Thales Batista de , Silva Anielson Barbosa da
Published: July 2017

Este artigo teve como objetivo analisar a dimensão estrutural e institucional do ambiente de aprendizagem do ensino em Administração na percepção de docentes que participaram da criação dos cursos de graduação em Administração no Nordeste brasileiro. O percurso metodológico foi orientado pela abordagem qualitativa e utilizou entrevistas com professores de instituições públicas para buscar os significados desse ambiente na região pesquisada. Os resultados indicaram a presença de elementos que envolvem o posicionamento das universidades, as vertentes da administração, o perfil do aluno e a relação entre o currículo e a ação docente. O estudo revelou que aspectos estruturais e institucionais do ambiente de aprendizagem influenciam na qualidade do processo de ensino-aprendizagem do aluno de Administração do Nordeste brasileiro.
United States and European Multicenter Prospective Study for the Analytical Performance and Clinical Validation of a Novel Sensitive Fully Automated Immunoassay for Calcitonin
Authors: Kahaly George J , Algeciras-Schimnich Alicia , Davis Thomas E , Diana Tanja , Feldkamp Joachim , Karger Stefan , König Jochem , Lupo Mark A , Raue Friedhelm , Ringel Matthew D , Sipos Jennifer A , Kratzsch Juergen
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study is the validation and proof of clinical relevance of a novel electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) for the determination of serum calcitonin (CT) in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and in different diseases of the thyroid and of calcium homeostasis.

METHODS

This was a multicenter prospective study on basal serum CT concentrations performed in 9 US and European referral institutions. In addition, stimulated CT concentrations were measured in 50 healthy volunteers after intravenous calcium administration (2.5 mg/kg bodyweight).

RESULTS

In total, 1929 patients and healthy controls were included. Limits of blank, detection, and quantification for the ECLIA were 0.3, 0.5, and 1 ng/L, respectively. Highest intra- and interassay coefficients of variation were 7.4% (CT concentration, 0.8 ng/L) and 7.0% (1.1 ng/L), respectively. Medians (interval) of serum CT concentrations in 783 healthy controls were 0.8 ng/L (<0.5–12.7) and 3 ng/L (<0.5–18) for females and males, respectively (97.5th percentile, 6.8 and 11.6 ng/L, respectively). Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 100%/97.1% and 96.2%/96.4%, for female/males, respectively. Patients (male/female) with primary hyperparathyroidism, renal failure, and neuroendocrine tumors showed CT concentrations >97.5th percentile in 33%/4.7%, 18.5%/10%, and 8.3%/12%, females/males, respectively. Peak serum CT concentrations were reached 2 min after calcium administration (161.7 and 111.8 ng/L in males and females, respectively; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Excellent analytical performance, low interindividual variability, and low impact of confounders for increased CT concentrations in non-MTC patients indicate that the investigated assay has appropriate clinical utility. Calcium-stimulated CT results suggest good test applicability owing to low interindividual variability.
PHYTOPLANKTON SPECIES COMPOSITION IN SEAWATER AND TISSUE OF GREEN MUSSELS (PERNA VIRIDIS), AT KALI BARU-CILINCING, NORTH JAKARTA
Authors: Widiarti Riani , Yasman - , Mulyani - , Kurnia Nita , Razi Fachrul
Published: July 2017

Species composition and abundances of phytoplankton in the shellfish farming area in Jakarta Bay, Kali Baru-Cilincing, were examined in order to identify harmful algae species. Phytoplankton contained in the shellfish was also observed to detect the presence of toxic species, as well as the phycotoxin contained inÂ  visceral of green mussel (Perna viridis) collected from the farming area using brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT). We detected the presence ofÂ  Alexandrium spp. (PSP causing species), Dinophysis caudata, D. miles and D. rotundata (DSP causing species), and Pseudo-nitzschia spp. (ASP causing species). The last mentioned species was also detected in thestomach content of green mussel. The toxicity of green mussels tested was recorded LC 50 â‰¤ 1,000 ppm and indicatedthe presence of an active compound in the green mussel viscera. Meanwhile, preliminary PSP test of shellfish did not showed any toxin.
INFLUENCE OF MINERAL ACCRETION INDUCED BY ELECTRIC CURRENT ON THE SETTLEMENT AND GROWTH OF THE SCLERACTINIAN CORAL POCILLOPORA DAMICORNIS (CNIDARIA, ANTHOZOA, HEXACORALLIA)
Authors: Chavanich Suchana , Ussavauschariyakul Siriwan , Viyakarn Voranop , Fujita Toshihiko
Published: July 2017

The effect of mineral accretion induced by electric current on settlement, growth, and survival of planula larvae and juvenile corals of Pocillopora damicornis was examined by both laboratory and field experiments. The laboratory experiment showed that the numbers of larvae settling on tiles with coralline algae and steel plates encrusted with limestone under no electric current condition were higher than that of other conditions. In the field, the highest survival rates of juvenile corals occurred under the lowest electric current density. However, there was no difference on the growth of juvenile corals between different electric current levels. The mineral accretion could potentially be used to enhance survival of juvenile corals for coral rehabilitation purpose.
A REVIEW OF ANTIFOULING BIOCIDES CONTAMINATIONS IN INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, THAILAND AND VIETNAM
Authors: Harino Hiroya , Yatsuzuka Emi , Arifin Zainal , Rumengan Inneke F. M. , Ismail Ahmad , Wattayakorn Gullaya , Inoue Koji
Published: July 2017

The concentrations and the distribution of organotin (OT) compounds and booster biocides in sediment and biological samples from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam are reviewed. Basically, the concentrations of tributyltin (TBT) in these countries were within the levels that have been reported in developed countries. However, the concentrations of triphenyltin (TPT) and booster biocides were lower than the reported values. Concerning the spatial distribution of antifouling biocides, higher concentrations of OTs were detected in the industrial area and fishing ports. Among ASEAN countries, the highest concentrations of TBT and TPT were observed in Bitung, Indonesia, where many ships from Southeast Asia visit and is moored in the port. The ratio of detected alternative biocide differed from country to country. Especially, many booster biocides were detected and their concentrations were high in Vietnam.
SPECTROPHOTOMETRY ANALYSIS OF DEEP-SEA SEDIMENTS ALONG THE MAIN PATHYWAY OF THE INDONESIAN THROUGHFLOW: SPATIAL VIEW
Authors: Nurhati Intan Suci
Published: July 2017

Deep-sea sediment is the primary marine archive for reconstructing climate of the past millennia. With an array of geochemical analyses and more techniques to be developed, conservative sample usage is necessary. This study presents spectrophotometry analysis as a non-intrusive approach on deep-sea sediment samples retrieved along the main pathway of the Indonesian Throughflow in the Makassar Strait. Sediments from 25 sites including: Eastern Kalimantan, western Sulawesi, south Makassar Strait, southern Sulawesi and northern Bali are scanned as wet and dried samples over the visible spectra (400-700nm). After taking first derivatives of the raw data to accentuate the signals, R-mode factor analysis is applied to reveal three factors that explain 96.99% variance. Factor 1, which explains 53.94% variance, is characterized as halite. Factor 2 (30.89%) is carbonate and Factor 3 (12.18%) is kaolinite or clay mineral. XRD analysis reveals the presence of calcite, quartz, halite, plagioclase and aragonite, with the first three being the most prevalent minerals. Spatial distribution map of Factor 1 (halite) shows higher values in eastern Kalimantan, south Makassar Strait and western Sulawesi. Factor 2 (carbonate) is relatively high in eastern Kalimantan, southern Sulawesi and northern Bali; with similar observation at the first two sites from accompanying carbonate content analysis. Relatively high Factor 3 (kaolinite) in eastern Kalimantan is consistent with its proximity to the Mahakam River delta. Characteristics of each region are further discussed herein. Taken together, this information lays a foundation for applying the non-intrusive spectrophotometry downcore to study past climate change in the Makassar Strait.
Three-dimensional structural model of the Qaidam basin: Implications for crustal shortening and growth of the northeast Tibet
Authors: Guo Jianming , Wei Xuebing , Long Guohui , Wang Bo , Fan Hailong , Xu Shiyang
Published: July 2017

The Qaidam basin, bounded by the Altyn Tagh fault in the north, is located in the northeast of the Tibet plateau, and it has important implications for understanding the history and mechanism of Tibetan plateau formation during the Cenozoic Indo-Eurasia collision. In this study, we constructed the main geological structures and surfaces in three dimensions through the interpolation of regularly spaced 2D seismic sections, constrained by wells data and surface geology of the Qaidam basin in northeast Tibet. Meanwhile the Cenozoic tectonic history of the Qaidam basin was reconstructed and the uplift mechanism of the Tibetan plateau was discussed. This study presents the subsurface data in conjunction with observations and analysis of the stratigraphic and sedimentary evolution. The Cenozoic deformation history of the Qaidam basin shows geologic synchroneity with uplifting history of the Tibet Plateau. It is therefore proposed that the deformation and uplifting in the south and north edges of the Tibet Plateau was almost synchronous. The total shortening and shortening rate during Cenozoic reached 25.5 km and 11.2% respectively across the Qaidam basin, indicating that the loss of the left-lateral strike slip rates of the Altyn Tagh fault has been structurally transformed into local crustal thickening across NW-trending folds and thrust faults. Meanwhile there is an about 11° vertical component along the strike-slip Altyn Tagh fault, the block oblique slip shows one more growth mechanism of the northeast Tibet.
Failure Mode of the Water-filled Fractures under Hydraulic Pressure in Karst Tunnels
Authors: Dong Xin , Lu Hao , Huang Houxu , Hao Yiqing , Xia Yuanpu
Published: July 2017

Water-filled fractures continue to grow after the excavation of karst tunnels, and the hydraulic pressure in these fractures changes along with such growth. This paper simplifies the fractures in the surrounding rock as flat ellipses and then identifies the critical hydraulic pressure values required for the occurrence of tensile-shear and compression-shear failures in water-filled fractures in the case of plane stress. The occurrence of tensile-shear fracture requires a larger critical hydraulic pressure than compression-shear failure in the same fracture. This paper examines the effects of fracture strike and lateral pressure coefficient on critical hydraulic pressure, and identifies compression-shear failure as the main failure mode of water-filled fractures. This paper also analyses the hydraulic pressure distribution in fractures with different extensions, and reveals that hydraulic pressure decreases along with the continuous growth of fractures and cannot completely fill a newly formed fracture with water. Fracture growth may be interrupted under the effect of hydraulic tensile shear.
Marine sediment cores database for the Mediterranean Basin: a tool for past climatic and environmental studies
Authors: Alberico I. , Giliberti I. , Insinga D.D. , Petrosino P. , Vallefuoco M. , Lirer F. , Bonomo S. , Cascella A. , Anzalone E. , Barra R. , Marsella E. , Ferraro L.
Published: July 2017

Paleoclimatic data are essential for fingerprinting the climate of the earth before the advent of modern recording instruments. They enable us to recognize past climatic events and predict future trends. Within this framework, a conceptual and logical model was drawn to physically implement a paleoclimatic database named WDB-Paleo that includes the paleoclimatic proxies data of marine sediment cores of the Mediterranean Basin. Twenty entities were defined to record four main categories of data: a) the features of oceanographic cruises and cores (metadata); b) the presence/absence of paleoclimatic proxies pulled from about 200 scientific papers; c) the quantitative analysis of planktonic and benthonic foraminifera, pollen, calcareous nannoplankton, magnetic susceptibility, stable isotopes, radionuclides values of about 14 cores recovered by Institute for Coastal Marine Environment (IAMC) of Italian National Research Council (CNR) in the framework of several past research projects; d) specific entities recording quantitative data on
Simplified Physical Upgrading of High-Acid Adlay Bran Ethanol Extracts by Supercritical CO2
Authors: Qin Xiaoli , Chen Hourong , Liu Yun , Liu Xiong
Published: July 2017

Deacidification is one of the key steps in oil-refining processes. This study reported a simple approach for upgrading high-acid adlay bran oil by supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction. The high-acid adlay bran oil was obtained by three-stage countercurrent ethanol extraction of adlay bran, with high free fatty acids (34 % FFAs). The FFA content in adlay bran oil reduced to 10.6 % by SC-CO2 extraction under optimized conditions. Interestingly, the SC-CO2 deacidification process also markedly reduced oil color value from 11.5 (Red) to 0.3 (Red) and acetone-insoluble matters in the oil from 1.56 % to 0.17 %. The results indicated solvent extraction combined with SC-CO2 deacidification method could be a feasible approach to significantly upgrade high-acid adlay bran oil and simplify refining process of adlay bran oil.
The Political Economy of EU-funds: Evidence from Poland
Authors: Banaszewska Monika , Bischoff Ivo
Published: July 2017

We provide an empirical study analysing the distribution of EU funds among 2478 Polish municipalities in the period 2007–2011. EU funds are found to be concentrated in smaller municipalities and economically weak sub-regions, and do not increase in the municipalities’ fiscal capacity. Our primary focus rests on the question whether regional governments follow their own political self-interest when allocating EU funds even though national parties only play a minor role in Polish local politics and thus the conventional logic of supporting aligned governments does not apply. Difference-in-difference estimations show that the answer is affirmative: Municipalities whose voters are aligned with the regional government receive more EU funds per capita than non-aligned municipalities. Furthermore, we find support for the swing-district hypothesis: EU funds per capita decrease in the vote-share differential between the two leading parties.
Expression of Hepcidin and Neogenin in colorectal cancer
Authors: Xiang-tao Pan
Published: July 2017

Objective

To investigate the expression of Hepcidin and Neogenin in tissue from patients with colorectal cancer, to evaluate the relationship between Hepcidin and Neogenin with clinical features, and to study their relationship with anemia.

Methods

Immuno- histochemical method was used to detect the expression of Hepcidin and Neogenin in 62 cases of colorectal cancer. At the same time, the relationship between them and their relationship with clinical characteristics and anemia were analyzed.

Results

The expression of Hepcidin was related to T stage (P<0.05), but not with age, gender, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. The expression of Neogenin was not correlated with T stage and lymph node metastasis, age, gender, and distant metastasis (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression of Hepcidin and Neogenin between anemia group and non-anemia group. There was no correlation between Hepcidin and Neogenin (r =-0.04, P>0.05).

Conclusion

The expression of Hepcidin in colorectal cancer was related to the T stage, and had no correlation with Neogenin. The expression of Neogenin could not be used as an objective index to reflect the biological behavior of colorectal cancer.
Self-identified Linguistic Microaggressions among Monolingual Pre-service Teachers: Why They Matter for English Language Learners
Authors: Shim Jenna
Published: July 2017

Using the concept of racial microaggressions as an analytical tool, this study reports on white monolingual pre-service teachers’ self-identified linguistic microaggressions by exploring their attitudinal and affective responses to those who speak languages other than English. The assumption is that teachers’ pedagogical practices and their relationship with students are not contained within classrooms but are rather intertwined with their lives outside the classroom and their thinking in everyday context. The themes identified by analyzing the self-identified linguistic microaggressions of the participating pre-service teachers are (1) Self-consciousness/discomfort, worry, fear, anxiety, and frustration; (2) Judgments: (un)intelligence, (dis)likability, and (un)trustworthiness; (3) (In)appropriateness and English dominance; and (4) Stereotypes. This study also reports the findings pertaining to the participants’ reflections on the factors that contribute to difficulties they face when attempting to engage in self-identifying linguistic microaggressions. The common challenges among these monolingual pre-service teachers are: (1) Identification and commitment are not enough; (2) Am I a bad person? and (3) Unconscious dispositions. The significance of this study stems from its exploration of the white pre-service teachers’ self-identification of microaggressions as opposed to those identified by the victims of microaggressions. By using the concept of microaggressions as the main analytical tool, the study reveals that the dominant members who are microaggressive toward language subordinate group members must understand, recognize, and acknowledge their microaggressions if they are to more productively support English language learners (ELLs) succeed socially and academically. The study offers implications for educators working with ELLs as well as for the field of teacher education.
Positioning Theory: Kinesiology Students’ Experiences Teaching in an Adapted Aquatics Practicum
Authors: Sato Takahiro , Haegele Justin
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to describe and explain undergraduate students’ positions of teaching and assisting students with disabilities during adapted aquatics practicum experiences. The participants were eight kinesiology students who enrolled in an introductory adapted physical education (APE) course at a public university in the Midwest region of the United States. This study used a descriptive qualitative research method and exploratory case study design (Yin, 2003). This case study was situated in the positioning theory. The term positioning means to analyze interpersonal encounters from a discursive viewpoint (Hollway, 1984). This framework allows researchers to explore the capacity of students to position themselves and, in this case, to describe how undergraduate students negotiate and implement aquatics lessons with students with disabilities. The data sources were face-to-face interviews, self-reflective journaling entries, and follow–up e-mail messages. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis and we uncovered the following themes: (a) ethical and unethical treatment of students with disabilities, (b) conflicts of parents’ and students’ interests, and (c) medical and gender sensitivity. This study’s results indicate that all the undergraduate students were becoming, albeit novice, reflective practitioners and ascribed their own reflective positions to their sense of advocacy. They were concerned that they had managerial challenges that exacerbated the difficulties in adjusting to the disability, medical, family and gendered backgrounds of students with disabilities. To improve preparation of undergraduate students, APE course instructors are required to use an appropriate adapted aquatic curriculum model such as the curriculum and assessment model. Using the logic of the positioning theory, researchers should study undergraduate students’ self and interactive positioning about assisting and teaching students with various levels of disabilities in adapted aquatic settings.
Slow Booms and Deep Busts: 160 Years of Business Cycles in Spain
Authors: Gries Thomas , Fritz Marlon , Feng Yuanhua
Published: July 2017

This paper introduces an economically important new idea for detrending macroeconomic time series and examines the Spanish business cycle pattern with respect to potential asymmetries. To address difficulties in the trend and cycle decomposition, a nonparametric trend estimation approach is introduced and exemplary applied to the Spanish GDP data for the period 1850 to 2015. The application of an iterative plug-in (IPI) algorithm for endogenous bandwidth selection solves the problem of choosing an adequate smoothing parameter for nonparametric regression. The algorithm identifies continuously Moving Trends (MT) with a time length of 34 years. After we estimate the trend nonparametrically, we fit several time series models to the residuals for further analysis. Although asymmetry during expansion and recession phases is indicated, it is not unambiguous.
The influence of microstructure geometry on the scale effect in mechanical behaviour of heterogeneous materials
Authors: Różański Adrian , Rajczakowska Magdalena , Serwicki Andrzej
Published: July 2017

There are a significant number of factors which have impact on the scale effect in the mechanical behaviour of composite materials. In this paper, the influence of the microstructure on this phenomenon is examined. In particular, how the results of the uniaxial compression test are affected by the microstructure geometry is verified. For the purposes of this study, two different materials are chosen, i.e. pure gypsum and mortar. Firstly, the microstructures of the two considered materials are compared with the use of different microstructure measures, i.e. attenuation profiles, porosity and pore size distributions, calculated based on the images obtained from the X-ray microCT. Then, a series of uniaxial compression tests is performed for a large number of cylindrical specimens made of the two materials under study. Four different sample diameters are assumed in order to investigate the size effect in the considered composites. For both materials, the results of uniaxial compressive strength and the Young modulus are presented. The relationship between the microstructure of the material and the scale effect in mechanical properties is proved. The scale effect is more demonstrable in the case of the material which exhibits a more heterogeneous microstructure.
Film Cooling Experimental Study on Sinusoidal Corrugated Liner for Afterburner
Authors: Yong Shan , Xiao Ming Tan , Jing Zhou Zhang , Yan Hua Wu
Published: July 2017

The need of improved cooling effectiveness for hot components in jet engines has led to new designs of afterburner liners. In the present paper, experiments were performed to reveal the cooling characteristics and flow loss of various sinusoidal corrugated liners for an advanced afterburner. It is found that there are alternate high temperature and low temperature zones corresponding to the wave crests and troughs of the corrugated liner, respectively. Compared to the flat liner, the corrugated liner increases cooling effectiveness by 10 % at the blowing ratio of 0.5, by 4.5 % at the blowing ratio of 3.2. However, the difference in discharge coefficients for these two kinds of liners is only 4.3 %. The increased opening ratio of film holes from 1.42 % to 3.72 % for corrugated liners is able to improve the cooling effectiveness by 9.8 %. However, the discharge coefficient is decreased by 34.1 %. The augment of amplitude of liners can enhance the ram effect of cooling air, which has an advantage to increase the local blowing ratio, and to form good cooling film at the windward of wave troughs. The flow loss is bigger while the cooling effectiveness is enhanced due to the change of amplitude of the liner.
Severe diabetic ketoacidosis complicated by hypocapnic seizure
Authors: Majid A , Wheeler B J
Published: July 2017

In clinical practice, seizures independent of hypoglycemia are observed in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) more frequently than expected by chance, suggesting a link. However, seizures during management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) have generally been considered a bad prognostic factor, and usually associated with well-known biochemical or neurological complications. We present the case of a 17-year-old girl with known T1DM managed for severe DKA complicated by hypocapnic seizure. We review the literature on this rare occurrence as well as outline other possible differentials to consider when faced with the alarming combination of DKA and seizure.

Learning points:

Seizures during DKA treatment require immediate management as well as evaluation to determine their underlying cause.

Their etiology is varied, but a lowered seizure threshold, electrolyte disturbances and serious neurological complications of DKA such as cerebral edema must all be considered.

Sudden severe hypocapnia may represent a rare contributor to seizure during the treatment of DKA.
Switch to restoration therapy in a testosterone treated central hypogonadism with erythrocytosis
Authors: Cangiano B , Cacciatore C , Persani L , Bonomi M
Published: July 2017

We describe a case of severe erythrocytosis caused by testosterone replacement therapy in a 66-year-old man affected with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) determining osteoporosis, resolved by switching to restoration therapy with clomiphene citrate. The patient complained fatigue, loss of libido and defective erections and a spontaneous vertebral fracture despite bisphosphonate therapy and vitamin D supplementation. The examinations proved isolated HH and he was therefore treated with testosterone gel with regression of specific manifestations but elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit values. Therefore, it was decided to switch to a restoration therapy with clomiphene citrate 25 mg/die, which resulted in the resolution of symptoms without evident side effects. In a couple of months, the patient showed normalization of testosterone levels and increment of testicular volume. Since secondary hypogonadism is the consequence of an insufficient stimulation of the gonads by hypothalamic–pituitary axis, therapeutic approaches aimed to restore endogenous testosterone production should be considered in alternative to testosterone replacement, particularly if side effects intervene. Among these strategies, clomiphene citrate seems to have a high efficacy and safety profile also in the elderly with isolated HH and no evident pituitary lesion.

Learning points:

Hypogonadism should always be assessed in patients with severe loss in BMD and undergo appropriate medical treatment.

In hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, more approaches are available other than testosterone replacement therapy alone.

In patients with severe late-onset central hypogonadism presenting with erythrocytosis even at low doses of replacement therapy, restoration therapy with clomiphene could prove to be an effective solution, particularly in patients with a reversible disruption of GNRH/gonadotropin functions.

Clomiphene citrate increases gonadotropin levels and testicular volume and should therefore be considered in hypogonadal men who wish to remain fertile.
An FSH and TSH pituitary adenoma, presenting with precocious puberty and central hyperthyroidism
Authors: Vargas Guadalupe , Balcazar-Hernandez Lourdes-Josefina , Melgar Virgilio , Magriña-Mercado Roser-Montserrat , Gonzalez Baldomero , Baquera Javier , Mercado Moisés
Published: July 2017

A 19-year-old woman with a history of isosexual precocious puberty and bilateral oophorectomy at age 10 years because of giant ovarian cysts, presents with headaches and mild symptoms and signs of hyperthyroidism. Hormonal evaluation revealed elevated FSH and LH levels in the postmenopausal range and free hyperthyroxinemia with an inappropriately normal TSH. Pituitary MRI showed a 2-cm macroadenoma with suprasellar extension. She underwent successful surgical resection of the pituitary tumor, which proved to be composed of two distinct populations of cells, each of them strongly immunoreactive for FSH and TSH, respectively. This mixed adenoma resulted in two different hormonal hypersecretion syndromes: the first one during childhood and consisting of central precocious puberty and ovarian hyperstimulation due to the excessive secretion of biologically active FSH and which was not investigated in detail and 10 years later, central hyperthyroidism due to inappropriate secretion of biologically active TSH. Although infrequent, two cases of isosexual central precocious puberty in girls due to biologically active FSH secreted by a pituitary adenoma have been previously reported in the literature. However, this is the first reported case of a mixed adenoma capable of secreting both, biologically active FSH and TSH.

Learning points:

Although functioning gonadotrophinomas are infrequent, they should be included in the differential diagnosis of isosexual central precocious puberty.

Some functioning gonadotrophinomas are mixed adenomas, secreting other biologically active hormones besides FSH, such as TSH.

Early recognition and appropriate treatment of these tumors by transsphenoidal surgery is crucial in order to avoid unnecessary therapeutic interventions that may irreversibly compromise gonadal function.
Lower TSH and higher free thyroxine predict incidence of prostate but not breast, colorectal or lung cancer
Authors: Chan Yi X , Knuiman Matthew W , Divitini Mark L , Brown Suzanne J , Walsh John , Yeap Bu B
Published: July 2017

Context

Thyroid hormones modulate proliferative, metabolic and angiogenic pathways. However few studies have examined associations of thyroid hormones with cancer risk.

Objectives

To explore associations of thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4) and anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAb) with the incidence of all (non-skin) cancers and specific common cancers.

Design and setting

A prospective cohort study of a community-dwelling population aged 25–84 years in Western Australia.

Main outcome measures

Archived sera from 3649 participants in the 1994/1995 Busselton Health Survey were assayed for TSH, FT4 and TPOAb. Cancer outcomes until 30 June 2014 were ascertained using data linkage. Longitudinal analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

During 20-year follow-up, 600 participants were diagnosed with non-skin cancer, including 126, 100, 103 and 41 prostate, breast, colorectal and lung cancers respectively. Higher TSH was associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer after adjusting for potential confounders, with a 30% lower risk for every 1 mIU/L increase in TSH (adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.55–0.90,P = 0.005). Similarly, higher FT4 was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer (adjusted HR: 1.11 per 1 pmol/L increase, 95% CI: 1.03–1.19,P = 0.009). There were no associations of TSH, FT4 or TPOAb with all non-skin cancer events combined, or with breast, colorectal or lung cancer.

Conclusion

In a community-dwelling population, lower TSH and higher FT4 were associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Further studies are required to assess if thyroid function is a biomarker or risk factor for prostate cancer.