bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative factors associated with resection and anastomosis in horses presenting with strangulating lesions of the small intestine
Authors: Pye Jannah , Espinosa‐Mur Pablo , Roca Rodrigo , Kilcoyne Isabelle , Nieto Jorge , Dechant Julie
Published: March 2019

Objective

To determine if preoperative and intraoperative clinical variables correlate with resection and anastomosis (RA) in horses presenting with strangulating small intestinal (SI) lesions.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy for a strangulating SI lesion (n = 243).

Methods

The records of horses undergoing surgical correction for strangulating SI lesions from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2017 were reviewed. Horses were categorized as treated with RA or not treated with RA. Obtained information included history, signalment, clinical findings, diagnostic test results, intraoperative findings, and survival to discharge. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to compare data between horses treated with RA vs those not treated with RA (P = .05).

Results

In total, 172 SI lesions were resected, and 71 were not resected. Horses that had gastric reflux at admission to the hospital (odds ratio [OR] 5.56; 95% CI 1.76, 17.59) and horses with amotile SI according to abdominal ultrasonography (OR 9.69; 95% CI 3.09, 30.37) were more likely to undergo RA. Increased difference between peritoneal fluid and blood lactate was higher in horses that underwent RA (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.12, 2.13). Survival to hospital discharge was lower in the group of horses that underwent RA compared with horses that did not undergo RA.

Conclusion

Resection and anastomosis of strangulating SI lesions was associated with several preoperative variables.

Clinical significance

This study highlights the value of preoperative diagnostic procedures in aiding intraoperative decision making and prognostication in horses presenting with strangulating SI lesions.
Analysis of controllers in suppressing the structural building vibration
Authors: Mamat Normaisharah , Yakub Fitri , Sheikh Salim Sheikh Ahmad Zaki
Published: March 2019

Two degree of freedom (2 DOF) mass spring damper system is used in representing as building structure that dealing with the earthquake vibration. The real analytical input is used to the system that taken at El Centro earthquake that occurred in May 1940 with magnitude of 7.1 Mw. Two types of controller are presented in controlling the vibration which are fuzzy logic (FL) and sliding mode controller (SMC). The paper was aimed to improve the performance of building structure towards vibration based on proposed controllers. Fuzzy logic and sliding mode controller are widely known with robustness character. The mathematical model of two degree of freedom mass spring damper wasis derived to obtain the relationship between mass, spring, damper, force and actuator. Fuzzy logic and sliding mode controllers were implemented to 2 DOF system to suppress the earthquake vibration of two storeys building. Matlab/Simulink was used in designing the system and controllers to present the result of two storeys displacement time response and input control voltage for uncontrolled and controlled system. Then the data of earthquake disturbance was taken based on real seismic occurred at El Centro to make it as the force disturbance input to the building structure system. The controllers proposed would minimize the vibration that used in sample earthquake disturbance data. The simulation result was carried out by using Matlab/Simulink. The simulation result showed sliding mode controller was better controller than fuzzy logic. In specific, by using the controller, earthquake vibration can be reduced.
Entorno familiar del adulto mayor de los centros vida de la ciudad de Villavicencio, Colombia
Authors: Salamanca Ramos Emilce , Velasco Páez Zulma Johana , Díaz Viatela Clara Delcy
Published: March 2019

Introducción: En la actualidad, el envejecimiento de la población despierta interés, debido al aumento de la esperanza de vida. Objetivo: Conocer el entorno familiar de los adultos mayores de los Centros Vida (CV) del municipio de Villavicencio, con el propósito de construir, a partir de los resultados, elementos orientadores para la formación de cuidadores profesionales y el mejoramiento de la calidad de vida del adulto mayor. Método: Perspectiva cualitativa con enfoque etnográfico. Se incluyeron tres CV seleccionados al azar; de cada CV participó un cuidador y un adulto mayor con su familia. Se utilizó observación no participante y entrevista abierta. En total, se realizaron nueve entrevistas que fueron transcritas y convertidas en unidades textuales, con el apoyo del software N-vivo 11. El análisis fue simultáneo con el trabajo de campo. Se realizó codificación y categorización. Resultados: Se identificaron tres categorías: 1) entre la aceptación o la resignación de ser un adulto mayor, 2) los menesteres de la vejez y 3) las relaciones de la familia cuando se tiene un adulto mayor. Conclusión: Para los adultos mayores el envejecimiento es una etapa de pérdida, abandono y sufrimiento. Para la familia, es una etapa muy difícil cuando no se tiene condiciones socioeconómicas suficientes, se requiere apoyo y aceptación de los cambios producidos en el adulto mayor. Para los cuidadores de los CV es una etapa que requiere mucho apoyo de la familia y la sociedad.
Residência no processo de construção do conhecimento do enfermeiro: motivações e percepções dos residentes
Authors: Conrad Deise , Freires Larissa Rakel Sousa , Morais Evelyn Nascimento de , Pinto Cássio Baptista , Silva Vania Moraes da , Aguiar Beatriz Gerbassi Costa
Published: March 2019

O programa de residência consiste em uma modalidade de ensino de Pós-Graduação Lato sensu, voltada para ás áreas de saúde, sendo uma especialização caracterizada pelo ensino em serviço, oferecendo instruções práticas específicas e direcionadas. A proposta do estudo visa mostrar os sentimentos e vivências de Enfermeiros Residentes e como eles influenciam no processo de formação. Objetivo: Identificar as expectativas, motivações e percepções vivenciadas pelo enfermeiro residente da residência hospitalar com foco em geriatria de um hospital particular do Rio de Janeiro entre os anos de 2015 e 2016. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem qualitativa, cuja coleta de dados foi realizada através de entrevista semiestruturadas, com 18 enfermeiros residentes. Resultados: Na análise dos dados emergiram três categorias temáticas: Motivação ao escolher o programa de residência; expectativas ao ingressar no curso e, percepções após o ingresso na residência. Conclusão: Observou-se que muitos são os benefícios ao optar por uma especialização com Modalidade de treinamento em serviço. O estudo mostra que a especialização em forma de residência proporciona ao enfermeiro vivências da realidade, que os capacita e os torna melhor preparados para o mercado de trabalho.
Representaciones sociales sobre masculinidad y paternidad en padres con hijos gays
Authors: Montenegro Jose Luis , Orcasita Linda Teresa , Tunubala Laura Alejandra , Zapata Lesly Julieth
Published: March 2019

Introducción: Las representaciones sociales sobre masculinidad y paternidad se han transformado en el interior de las familias, especialmente la figura paterna a partir del proceso de revelación de la orientación homosexual de sus hijos, lo cual conlleva, en algunos casos, obstaculizar el proceso de integración familiar. Método: La presente investigación buscó analizar las representaciones sociales sobre masculinidad y paternidad construidas en cinco padres con hijos gays de la ciudad de Cali. Se abordó desde una perspectiva cualitativa con diseño narrativo por tópicos, a través de entrevistas a profundidad realizadas entre agosto y septiembre de 2016, donde se utilizó Atlas.ti para sistematizar la información. Resultados: Arrojaron una predominancia de la masculinidad y paternidad hegemónica en las familias de origen de los participantes. Sin embargo, en las familias conformadas por los participantes se observó una transición entre una masculinidad hegemónica a una alternativa; así como una paternidad paradójica. Conclusiones: Los padres conciben la masculinidad a partir de las características biológicas, de pareja y sociales, como ser proveedor económico y ser protector, aspectos que permiten para los padres reafirmar el ejercicio de la paternidad; sin embargo, en el caso de estos padres se presenta mayor apertura a las expresiones diversas de la masculinidad por diferentes situaciones, entre ellas la revelación de la orientación homosexual de sus hijos.
New Galumnidae (Acari, Oribatida) from Ecuador
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G.
Published: March 2019

Two new species of the oribatid mite family Galumnidae are described from Ecuador. Galumna napoensis sp. nov. differs from Galumna nonoensis Balogh, 1988 by the pointed rostrum and rostral setae distinctly longer than rostral setae, and the presence of tubercles posterior to dorsosejugal suture. Pergalumna finnamorei sp. nov. differs from Pergalumna lenticulata Ermilov & Friedrich, 2016 by the pointed rostrum, long interlamellar setae, stria forming reticulate pattern in anterior parts of prodorsum, notogaster and pteromorphs, rostral setae distinctly longer than rostral setae, localization of porose area Aa between la and lm, postanal porose area and reticulate epimere I, and the absence of foveoles on notogaster, pteromorphs and in anogenital region.
Intracranial Vascular Responses to High-Intensity Interval Exercise and Moderate-Intensity Steady-State Exercise in Children
Authors: Tallon Christine M. , Simair Ryan G. , Koziol Alyssa V. , Ainslie Philip N. , McManus Alison M.
Published: March 2019

Purpose: To understand the extent different types of acute exercise influence cerebral blood flow during and following exercise in children. Methods: Eight children (7–11 y; 4 girls) completed 2 conditions: high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE; 6 × 1-min sprints at 90% watt maximum) and moderate-intensity steady-state exercise (MISS; 15 min at 44% watt maximum). Blood velocity in the middle cerebral artery (MCAV) and heart rate were assessed continuously. The partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide and mean arterial pressure were assessed at baseline and following exercise. Results: Percentage of maximum heart rate during HIIE was 82% (4%), compared with 69% (4%) during MISS. MCAV was increased above baseline in MISS after 75 seconds (5.8% [3.9%], P × .004) but was unchanged during HIIE. MCAV was reduced below baseline (−10.7% [4.1%], P × .004) during the sixth sprint of HIIE. In both conditions, MCAV remained below baseline postexercise, but returned to baseline values 30-minute postexercise (P < .001). A postexercise increase in mean arterial pressure was apparent following HIIE and MISS, and persisted 30-minute postexercise. Partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide declined post HIIE (−3.4 mm Hg, P < .05), but not following MISS. Conclusion: These preliminary findings show HIIE and MISS elicit differing intracranial vascular responses; however, research is needed to elucidate the implications and underlying regulatory mechanisms of these responses.
A Lysine Residue Essential for Geminivirus Replication Also Controls Nuclear Localization of the Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus Rep Protein
Authors: Maio Francesca , Arroyo-Mateos Manuel , Bobay Benjamin G. , Bejarano Eduardo R. , Prins Marcel , van den Burg Harrold A.
Published: March 2019

Nuclear activity of the replication initiator protein (Rep) of geminiviruses is essential for viral replication. We now define that one highly conserved lysine is important for nuclear import of Rep from three different begomoviruses. To our knowledge, this is the first time that nuclear localization has been mapped for any geminiviral Rep protein. Our data add another key function to this lysine residue, besides its roles in viral DNA replication and interaction with host factors, such as the SUMO E2-conjugating enzyme.
Traumatic brain injury in young children with isolated scalp haematoma
Authors: Bressan Silvia , Kochar Amit , Oakley Ed , Borland Meredith , Phillips Natalie , Dalton Sarah , Lyttle Mark D , Hearps Stephen , Cheek John Alexander , Furyk Jeremy , Neutze Jocelyn , Dalziel Stuart , Babl Franz E
Published: March 2019

Objective

Despite high-quality paediatric head trauma clinical prediction rules, the management of otherwise asymptomatic young children with scalp haematomas (SH) can be difficult. We determined the risk of intracranial injury when SH is the only predictor variable using definitions from the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) and Children’s Head Injury Algorithm for the Prediction of Important Clinical Events (CHALICE) head trauma rules.

Design

Planned secondary analysis of a multicentre prospective observational study.

Setting

Ten emergency departments in Australia and New Zealand.

Patients

Children <2 years with head trauma (n=5237).

Interventions

We used the PECARN (any non-frontal haematoma) and CHALICE (>5 cm haematoma in any region of the head) rule-based definition of isolated SH in both children <1 year and <2 years.

Main outcome measures

Clinically important traumatic brain injury (ciTBI; ie, death, neurosurgery, intubation >24 hours or positive CT scan in association with hospitalisation ≥2 nights for traumatic brain injury).

Results

In children <1 year with isolated SH as per PECARN rule, the risk of ciTBI was 0.0% (0/109; 95% CI 0.0% to 3.3%); in those with isolated SH as defined by the CHALICE, it was 20.0% (7/35; 95% CI 8.4% to 36.9%) with one patient requiring neurosurgery. Results for children <2 years and when using rule specific outcomes were similar.

Conclusions

In young children with SH as an isolated finding after head trauma, use of the definitions of both rules will aid clinicians in determining the level of risk of ciTBI and therefore in deciding whether to do a CT scan.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12614000463673.
Continuous outcome measures: conundrums and conversions contributing to clinical application
Authors: Mayer Martin
Published: March 2019

Many patient-relevant outcomes, particularly quality of life measures such as pain or function, are routinely measured on a continuous scale. However, the interpretation of continuous outcomes is difficult, particularly when considering application to clinical practice and shared decision-making. Making matters worse is the frequent existence of multiple scales for any given construct. Therefore, quantitative syntheses of literature must find a way to combine different scales into a ‘common language’, and the most frequently used and longest-standing method to do so is the standardised mean difference. Unfortunately, the standardised mean difference is even more difficult to interpret clinically. However, there are validated methods to make these measures easier to understand and apply clinically. This analysis explores these issues and offers a resource to help make these continuous measures more clinically useful.
UEFA model in identification of types, severity and mechanism of injuries among footballers in the Nigerian Women’s Premier League
Authors: Ibikunle Peter olanrewaju , Efobi Kinsley C , Nwankwo Maduabuchi J , Ani Kenneth U
Published: March 2019

Objective

To prospectively investigate the injury profile and the incidence rate per 1000 hours exposure during training and actual league matches in the Nigerian Women’s Premier League (NWPL) and to develop an adequate information pool, using the UEFA injury study model in order to develop appropriate injury prevention strategies.

Methods

241 women footballers from the eight football clubs that participated in the 2015/2016 Nigerian Women Premier league (NWPL) season were selected for the study and prospectively followed for a period of 6 months. The UEFA injury report forms and Competitive Aggressiveness and Anger Scale were sent to the various clubs, and the forms administered on them as at when due. The forms were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

There was a high incidence rate per 1000 hours of exposure during training sessions (10.98 injuries/1000 hours) and matches (55.56 injuries/1000 hours); the predominant injury type was muscle rupture/strain injuries (35.49%), while moderate severity injuries were the most frequent. The predominant injury mechanism was traumatic injuries caused by contact with other players as a result of a tackle by other players (14.5%). No statistical association was established between the level of aggression and the prevalent types of injury (p=0.63).

Conclusions

The organisers of the league and indeed the referees should ensure that the rules of the game are upheld, and foul or overly aggressive play is penalised. Medical staff and coaches should consider evidence-based injury prevention strategies to reduce the risk of the common injuries sustained in the NWPL.
Combined small molecule and loss-of-function screen uncovers estrogen receptor alpha and CAD as host factors for HDV infection and antiviral targets
Authors: Verrier Eloi R , Weiss Amélie , Bach Charlotte , Heydmann Laura , Turon-Lagot Vincent , Kopp Arnaud , El Saghire Houssein , Crouchet Emilie , Pessaux Patrick , Garcia Thomas , Pale Patrick , Zeisel Mirjam B , Sureau Camille , Schuster Catherine , Brino Laurent , Baumert Thomas F
Published: March 2019

Objective

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a circular RNA virus coinfecting hepatocytes with hepatitis B virus. Chronic hepatitis D results in severe liver disease and an increased risk of liver cancer. Efficient therapeutic approaches against HDV are absent.

Design

Here, we combined an RNAi loss-of-function and small molecule screen to uncover host-dependency factors for HDV infection.

Results

Functional screening unravelled the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-signalling and insulin-resistance pathways, RNA polymerase II, glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis and the pyrimidine metabolism as virus-hepatocyte dependency networks. Validation studies in primary human hepatocytes identified the carbamoyl-phosphatesynthetase 2, aspartate transcarbamylase and dihydroorotase (CAD) enzyme and estrogen receptor alpha (encoded byESR1) as key host factors for HDV life cycle. Mechanistic studies revealed that the two host factors are required for viral replication. Inhibition studies using N-(phosphonoacetyl)-L-aspartic acid and fulvestrant, specific CAD and ESR1 inhibitors, respectively, uncovered their impact as antiviral targets.

Conclusion

The discovery of HDV host-dependency factors elucidates the pathogenesis of viral disease biology and opens therapeutic strategies for HDV cure.
Changes in histological structure and nitric oxide synthase expression in aorta of rats supplemented with bee pollen or whey protein
Authors: Zarobkiewicz Michał K. , Sławiński Mirosław A. , Wawryk-Gawda Ewelina , Woźniakowski Mateusz M. , Kulak-Janczy Emilia , Korzeniowska Sylwia , Jodłowska-Jędrych Barbara
Published: March 2019

Various protein-based supplements are at least periodically consumed by 30%–40% of sportspeople. The current study compares cardiovascular effects of diet supplementation with 2 different protein-rich products: bee pollen and whey protein. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups, one subjected to daily moderate physical activity and one not. Each group consisted of 3 subgroups: control, whey-protein-supplemented, and bee-pollen-supplemented. After 8 weeks, rats were decapitated, and proximal parts of thoracic aortas were collected and embedded in paraffin blocks. Histological slides were stained according to standard hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and Verhoeff – Van Gieson staining. Special immunohistochemical stains against neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and alpha smooth muscle actin were also prepared. Histological evaluation revealed noticeable changes in all supplemented groups: disturbances in elastic laminae, slight increase in collagen deposition, and significantly lowered nNOS and eNOS expression. The prevalence of small atherosclerotic plaques was the highest in non-running supplemented groups, while in running supplemented groups it resembled the prevalence in control groups. Both running groups had thinner tunica media than control. Both supplements exert visible effects on aortic structure, but the difference between them is far less evident. In some aspects, however, the bee pollen seems to be even slightly more harmful, which may be related to various possible contaminants like mycotoxins or pesticides.
Lower Bounds for Synchronizing Word Lengths in Partial Automata
Authors: de Bondt Michiel , Don Henk , Zantema Hans
Published: March 2019

It was conjectured by Černý in 1964, that a synchronizing DFA on [Formula: see text] states always has a synchronizing word of length at most [Formula: see text], and he gave a sequence of DFAs for which this bound is reached. Until now a full analysis of all DFAs reaching this bound was only given for [Formula: see text], and with bounds on the number of symbols for [Formula: see text]. Here we give the full analysis for [Formula: see text], without bounds on the number of symbols.

For PFAs (partial automata) on [Formula: see text] states we do a similar analysis as for DFAs and find the maximal shortest synchronizing word lengths, exceeding [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text]. Where DFAs with long synchronization typically have very few symbols, for PFAs we observe that more symbols may increase the synchronizing word length. For PFAs on [Formula: see text] states and two symbols we investigate all occurring synchronizing word lengths.

We give series of PFAs on two and three symbols, reaching the maximal possible length for some small values of [Formula: see text]. For [Formula: see text], the construction on two symbols is the unique one reaching the maximal length. For both series the growth is faster than [Formula: see text], although still quadratic.

Based on string rewriting, for arbitrary size we construct a PFA on three symbols with exponential shortest synchronizing word length, giving significantly better bounds than earlier exponential constructions. We give a transformation of this PFA to a PFA on two symbols keeping exponential shortest synchronizing word length, yielding a better bound than applying a similar known transformation. Both PFAs are transitive.

Finally, we show that exponential lengths are even possible with just one single undefined transition, again with transitive constructions.
On a Greedy Algorithm to Construct Universal Cycles for Permutations
Authors: Gao Alice L. L. , Kitaev Sergey , Steiner Wolfgang , Zhang Philip B.
Published: March 2019

A universal cycle for permutations of length [Formula: see text] is a cyclic word or permutation, any factor of which is order-isomorphic to exactly one permutation of length [Formula: see text], and containing all permutations of length [Formula: see text] as factors. It is well known that universal cycles for permutations of length [Formula: see text] exist. However, all known ways to construct such cycles are rather complicated. For example, in the original paper establishing the existence of the universal cycles, constructing such a cycle involves finding an Eulerian cycle in a certain graph and then dealing with partially ordered sets.

In this paper, we offer a simple way to generate a universal cycle for permutations of length [Formula: see text], which is based on applying a greedy algorithm to a permutation of length [Formula: see text]. We prove that this approach gives a unique universal cycle [Formula: see text] for permutations, and we study properties of [Formula: see text].
Dioscin, a Steroidal Saponin Isolated from Dioscorea nipponica, Attenuates Collagen-Induced Arthritis by Inhibiting Th17 Cell Response
Authors: Cao Yong-Jun , Xu Ying , Liu Bei , Zheng Xi , Wu Jian , Zhang Ying , Li Xiao-Si , Qi Yan , Sun Yu-Meng , Wen Wei-Bo , Hou Lifei , Wan Chun-Ping
Published: March 2019

Dioscin, a steroidal saponin isolated from Dioscorea nipponica Makino, has previously been shown to possess antiarthritic effects. However, the underlying mechanism is still elusive. Herein, we investigated the therapeutic effects of dioscin on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1 mice and related mechanism. Cytokine production in CII-specific immune responses were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); Th17 cell-related gene expression, including IL-17A, ROR[Formula: see text] and IL-23p19, were detected by qPCR analysis; Surface marker, T regulatory (Treg) cells and intracellular cytokines (IL-17A and IFN-[Formula: see text]) were evaluated by flow cytometry. We performed Th17 cell differentiation assay in vitro. Results showed that, in vivo, dioscin treatment significantly reduced the severity of CIA, which was accompanied by decreased Th17 response, but not Th1 and Treg response; dioscin-treated mice also showed lower percentage of CD11b[Formula: see text] Gr-1[Formula: see text] neutrophils; In vitro, dioscin treatment suppressed the differentiation of naive CD4[Formula: see text] T cells into Th17 cell and decreased IL-17A production. Collectively, our results indicate that dioscin exerts antiarthritic effects by inhibiting Th17 cell immune response.
RESEARCH ON SURFACE STRENGTHENING INDUCED BY ULTRASONIC PUNCHING TO IMPROVE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND CORROSION RESISTANCE FOR SHAFT PARTS
Authors: WANG YANG-XIN , YANG ZHOU , DAI JIAN-WEI , ZHAO XIU-MING , MAO XIANG-YANG
Published: March 2019

The shaft parts surface was treated by ultrasonic surface machining (USM) technology after surface induction hardening and tempering. In order to study the surface strengthening mechanism of ultrasonic punching on the surface of induction quenching and tempering, nano-intendation, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy were utilized to evaluate the mechanical and corrosion properties of untreated and USM-treated surface. The results indicated that the surface treated by USM had an obviously gradient plastic deformation layer and the grain of lath martensite was refined by this deformation. The surface mircohardness of USM-treated sample had a gradient trend, and the surface highest hardness was increased. Surface residual stress of USM-treated specimen was higher than untreated surface. The surface of USM-treated specimen also exhibited a lower friction coefficient, and a smaller wear scar. In addition, the surface of USM-treated sample had better corrosion resistance than untreated surface.
INFLUENCE OF ROTATION RATE ON OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF ZnS THIN FILMS ANALYZED BY SPECTROSCOPIC ELLIPSOMETRY METHOD
Authors: KHANEGAHI BATOOL AHMADI , SEDGHI HASSAN
Published: March 2019

In the present work, zinc sulfide thin films were deposited on glass substrates by sol–gel process with different coating speeds 3600, 4800, 6000 and 7200[Formula: see text]rpm. Zinc acetate (Zn(CH3COO)[Formula: see text]H2O) and thiourea (CH4N2S) were used as precursors. Two-methoxyethanol and monoethanolamine were used as solvent and stabilizer, respectively. The optical properties of ZnS thin films such as refractive index, extinction coefficient, dielectric function and optical band gap energy of the films were obtained by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) analysis method in the wavelength range of 300–800[Formula: see text]nm. The incidence angle of the layers was kept at 70∘. The measured SE parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are fitted against the designed model by minimizing the mean square error (MSE). Considering the data obtained, it can be deduced that the optical properties of ZnS films are highly influenced by rotation rates. The extinction coefficients of the films were increased with increasing rotation rates of the films. From these results, it is found that the energy gap of the ZnS films increases with increasing rotation rates of the films in the range of 3.13–3.20[Formula: see text]eV.
EFFECT OF METAL IONS ON PHOTOCATALYTIC PERFORMANCE OF TiO2 FILM PREPARED BY MICRO-ARC OXIDATION
Authors: SHAO ZHONGCAI , CUI YONGHUI , LI XIAODAN , YU LINA , SHEN XIAOYI
Published: March 2019

The effect of different metal ions on the photocatalytic property of TiO2 film prepared by micro-arc oxidation was studied. Photocatalytic experiments showed that the impregnation of metal ions increased the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2. The increase of transition element Fe[Formula: see text] and the rare earth element Dy[Formula: see text] is more obvious, and the optimum concentration is 0.1[Formula: see text]mol/L. The SEM results showed that there was no significant change on the surface of TiO2 film before and after metal ion immersion. The results of EDS surface scanning showed that Fe and Dy elements were uniformly distributed on the surface of TiO2 film after metal ion impregnation, and the deposition amounts were 0.81% and 3.39%, respectively. XRD results showed that a new phase was formed in Fe[Formula: see text]-impregnated TiO2, which could improve the photocatalytic efficiency.
The R∞ property for crystallographic groups of Sol14
Authors: Yoo Won Sok
Published: March 2019

For any automorphism of a crystallographic group of [Formula: see text], we prove that its Reidemeister number is infinite.
Sine–cosine wavelets operational matrix method for fractional nonlinear differential equation
Authors: Saeed Umer
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we present a solution method for fractional nonlinear ordinary differential equations. We propose a method by utilizing the sine–cosine wavelets (SCWs) in conjunction with quasilinearization technique. The fractional nonlinear differential equations are transformed into a system of discrete fractional differential equations by quasilinearization technique. The operational matrices of fractional order integration for SCW are derived and utilized to transform the obtained discrete system into systems of algebraic equations and the solutions of algebraic systems lead to the solution of fractional nonlinear differential equations. Convergence analysis and procedure of implementation for the proposed method are also considered. To illustrate the reliability and accuracy of the method, we tested the method on fractional nonlinear Lane–Emden type equation and temperature distribution equation.
Continuous wavelet transform involving canonical convolution
Authors: Ansari Zamir Ahmad
Published: March 2019

The main objective of this paper is to study the continuous wavelet transform in terms of canonical convolution and its adjoint. A relation between the canonical convolution operator and inverse linear canonical transform is established. The continuity of continuous wavelet transform on test function space is discussed.
An effective fusion and tile size model for optimizing image processing pipelines
Authors: Jangda Abhinav , Bondhugula Uday
Published: March 2019

Effective models for fusion of loop nests continue to remain a challenge in both general-purpose and domain-specific language (DSL) compilers. The difficulty often arises from the combinatorial explosion of grouping choices and their interaction with parallelism and locality. This paper presents a new fusion algorithm for high-performance domain-specific compilers for image processing pipelines. The fusion algorithm is driven by dynamic programming and explores spaces of fusion possibilities not covered by previous approaches, and is driven by a cost function more concrete and precise in capturing optimization criteria than prior approaches. The fusion model is particularly tailored to the transformation and optimization sequence applied by PolyMage and Halide, two recent DSLs for image processing pipelines. Our model-driven technique when implemented in PolyMage provides significant improvements (up to 4.32X) over PolyMage's approach (which uses auto-tuning to aid its model), and over Halide's automatic approach (by up to 2.46X) on two state-of-the-art shared-memory multicore architectures.
Next-Gen Approaches to Flavor-Related Metabolism
Authors: Zhu Guangtao , Gou Junbo , Klee Harry , Huang Sanwen
Published: March 2019

Although flavor is an essential element for consumer acceptance of food, breeding programs have focused primarily on yield, leading to significant declines in flavor for many vegetables. The deterioration of flavor quality has concerned breeders; however, the complexity of this trait has hindered efforts to improve or even maintain it. Recently, the integration of flavor-associated metabolic profiling with other omics methodologies derived from big data has become a prominent trend in this research field. Here, we provide an overview of known metabolites contributing to flavor in the major vegetables as well as genetic analyses of the relevant metabolic pathways based on different approaches, especially multi-omics. We present examples demonstrating how omics analyses can help us to understand the accomplishments of historical flavor breeding practices and implement further improvements. The integration of genetics, cultivation, and postharvest practices with genome-scale data analyses will create enormous potential for further flavor quality improvements.
How the Genome Folds: The Biophysics of Four-Dimensional Chromatin Organization
Authors: Parmar Jyotsana J. , Woringer Maxime , Zimmer Christophe
Published: March 2019

The genetic information that instructs transcription and other cellular functions is carried by the chromosomes, polymers of DNA in complex with histones and other proteins. These polymers are folded inside nuclei five orders of magnitude smaller than their linear length, and many facets of this folding correlate with or are causally related to transcription and other cellular functions. Recent advances in sequencing and imaging-based techniques have enabled new views into several layers of chromatin organization. These experimental findings are accompanied by computational modeling efforts based on polymer physics that can provide mechanistic insights and quantitative predictions. Here, we review current knowledge of the main levels of chromatin organization, from the scale of nucleosomes to the entire nucleus, our current understanding of their underlying biophysical and molecular mechanisms, and some of their functional implications.
Evaluation of Planned versus Unplanned Soft-Tissue Sarcoma Resection Using PROMIS Measures
Authors: Wilke Benjamin K. , Cooper Anna R. , Aratani Ashley K. , Scarborough Mark T. , Gibbs C. Parker , Spiguel Andre
Published: March 2019

Background. The Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) is a tool developed by the National Institutes of Health that allows comparisons across conditions or even the United States (U.S.) general population. Objectives. Our purpose was to compare PROMIS outcomes between patients who underwent a planned resection to those who underwent an initial unplanned excision of their sarcoma followed by a definitive oncologic resection. We then compared these groups to the U.S. general population. Methods. Eighty-five patients were included and were divided into those who underwent an initial planned resection (67) and unplanned excision (18). These patients were then further categorized based on the length of follow-up since their last surgery, either early (<12 months) or late (>12 months). Results. We evaluated seven PROMIS domains and found no differences between patients who underwent planned resection versus those who underwent an initial unplanned excision followed by a wide resection of the previous wound bed. When compared to the U.S. population, both cohorts demonstrated significantly improved scores in several emotional health domains. Conclusions. Patients who undergo an unplanned excision followed by a definitive oncologic procedure have similar PROMIS scores compared to patients who undergo an initial planned resection.
Administration of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Attenuates Aβ1-42-Induced Alzheimer’s Disease in Mice by Activating β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Chen Xueyun , Chen Shu , Liang Weidi , Ba Fang
Published: March 2019

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive and painless technique that has been applied for the treatments of diverse neurodegenerative disorders. In the current study, its anti-Alzheimer’s disease (AD) effect was assessed and the mechanism driving the effect was explored. The AD symptoms were induced via the intracranial injection of Aβ1-42 in mice and then treated with rTMS of 1 Hz or 10 Hz. The anti-AD effect of rTMS was assessed by Morris water maze (MWM), histological staining and western blotting. The results showed that rTMS administrations of both frequencies improved the cognitive function and suppressed neuron apoptosis in AD mice. Moreover, the treatment also increased the brain BDNF, NGF, and doublecortin levels, which represented the increased viability of neurons by rTMS. The injection of Aβ1-42 also increased the expressions of p-GSK-3β, p-Tau, and p-β-catenin and suppressed the level of total β-catenin. After the treatments of rTMS, the level of β-catenin was restored, indicating the activation of β-catenin signaling. In conclusion, the findings outlined in the current study demonstrated that the anti-AD effect of rTMS was associated with the activation of β-catenin, which would promote the survival of neurons.
Emerging Trends and New Developments in Transient Elastography: A Bibliometric and Cocitation Analysis from 1999 to 2017
Authors: Gu Jingjing , Wang Weimian , Zou Ziyuan , Huang Fangze , Fang Chihua , Li Xun , Qi Xiaolong
Published: March 2019

Purpose. To identify and characterize the 100 most-cited articles in the field of transient elastography.Methods. The top-cited articles focusing on transient elastography from 1999 to 2017 were retrieved from Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-E) database. The most prolific article, journal, country and continent, top-cited article in different period, international collaboration, cocitation analysis of journal were retrieved and analyzed in this article. Bibexcel 2016, Microsoft Excel 2010, and VOSviewer 1.6.5 were used to analyze bibliometric records we downloaded.Results. The 100 most-cited articles were published between 2003 and 2015. The total citations ranged from 54 to 1376 (mean, 167.52 ± 208.46; median, 89.5) and the annual citations ranged from 4.91 to 98.24 (mean, 17.21±15.68; median, 12.1). The top-cited article was published inGastroenterologyin 2005 by Castera L. et al. (n=1376). The most-cited articles in 2003-2007 (n=1380), 2008-2012 (n=599) and 2013-2017 (n=159) were located. All of the most-cited articles in three periods were focusing on the topic of noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis. The most prolific author was de Ledinghen V. (n=21) and France (n=43) was the leading country. The most productive journal wasJournal of Hepatology(n=20). The major article type was original research article.Conclusions. We undertook efforts to provide an insight into the features and evolvement of the most-cited articles in the field of transient elastography. For transient elastography, as a noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis, its use in the evaluation of liver fibrosis is gradually mature and shows great advantages. Moreover, the field of transient elastography is in a stage of rapid development.
Influence of Freeze‐Thaw Cycles on Engineering Properties of Tonalite: Examples from China
Authors: Wang Su-Ran , Chen You-Liang , Ni Jing , Zhang Mu-Dan , Zhang Heng
Published: March 2019

The deterioration of the physical and mechanical properties of tonalites subjected to freeze‐thaw cycling under three different temperature ranges was explored using several experimental techniques. Uniaxial compression and three‐point bending tests were conducted on untreated and treated tonalite specimens. Clear decreases in uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), Young’s modulus, and fracture toughness were observed in tonalite specimens with frost damage. Although Young’s modulus and fracture toughness did not show clear decreases as the minimum temperature of the freeze‐thaw cycle decreased from −30°C to −50°C, the UCS decreased almost linearly. The macromechanical characteristics of the tonalites can be explained by changes in mineral content and microstructure. The intensity of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) peaks of minerals in tonalites that had not been freeze‐thaw cycled were approximately 10 to 20 times higher than the peaks for the specimens subjected to freeze‐thaw cycling, implying that the internal structure of tonalite is less compact after frost damage. The microstructures of the tonalite specimens were also examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Increased amounts of fragmentation and breaking of structural planes were observed as the minimum temperature of the freeze‐thaw cycle decreased.
An Experimental Approach to Formulate Lignin-Based Surfactant for Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Ganie Kenny , Manan Muhammad A , Ibrahim Arif , Idris Ahmad Kamal
Published: March 2019

The higher cost of chemical surfactants has been one of the main reasons for their limited used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) process. Hence, the reason for developing lignin-based surfactant is to lower the cost of chemicals as it does not tie to the price of crude oil as compared to petroleum-based surfactants. Besides, lignin is biodegradable and easily extracted from plant waste. The objectives of this study are to determine the formulations of the lignin-based surfactant for EOR applications and to determine the oil recovery performance of the formulated surfactants through surfactant flooding. The lignin-based surfactants were formulated by mixing the lignin with the amine (polyacrylamide or hexamethylenetetramine) and the surfactant sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate in a 20,000 ppm NaCl brine. Interfacial tension (IFT) of the formulated lignin-based surfactant is measured at ambient temperature using the spinning drop method. The displacement experiments were conducted at room temperature in glass beads pack holders filled with glass beads, saturated with paraffin and brine. The results of the study showed that the best formulation of lignin-based surfactant is using hexamethylenetetramine as the amine, lignin, and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate at 2% total active concentration. The oil recovery and interfacial tension using the lignin amine system is comparable with the commercial petroleum sulfonate system.
Elucidation of the Effects of Si-Wu Tang on Menstrual Disorder Patterns through Activation of Aromatase and Antioxidation
Authors: Huang Guan-Cheng , Tsai Yi-Zhe , Lee Chia-Jung , Chang Heng-Yu , Wang Ching-Chiung
Published: March 2019

Si-Wu Tang (SWT), a traditional Chinese formula, is commonly used for treating female diseases, such as relief of menstrual discomfort and climacteric syndrome. The aim of this study was to explore the synergistic effects between each herb in SWT on menstrual disorder patterns. Estradiol regulation and antioxidative effects were indicators that ameliorated menstrual disorder patterns and the total polyphenol and polysaccharide contents were quality markers. According to relationships of bioactivity and phytochemical contents, we discuss the effects of each herb in SWT. In a testosterone-treated MCF-7 cell model, Rehmannia glutinosa and catalpol significantly increased the estradiol content and aromatase upregulation in cell culture. We suggest that catalpol is an aromatase promoter in SWT, and R. glutinosa is a major actor. In terms of the antioxidant activity, pentagalloylglucose, gallic acid, and ferulic acid had stronger antioxidative effects than other compounds. We suggest that the antioxidative ability depends on polyphenols, and Paeonia lactiflora is a major contributor. Based on the prescribing principle of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, we suggest that R. glutinosa in SWT act as an aromatase promoter in the role of sovereign for ameliorating menstrual disorder patterns. As P. lactiflora has the strongest antioxidant effects and can prevent ROS damage ovarian; therefore, P. lactiflora could help R. glutinosa work as a minister for menstrual disorder patterns and R. glutinosa and P. lactiflora are a herbal pair in SWT.
Groundwater Quality on the Adriatic Karst Island of Mljet (Croatia) and Its Implications on Water Supply
Authors: Borović Staša , Terzić Josip , Pola Marco
Published: March 2019

Water supply of the islands is a global challenge, especially in the countries which have highly indented coastlines with numerous islands. The island of Mljet in Croatia was investigated due to its unique source of water supply: desalination of water from brackish lakes—blatinas—fed by groundwater and connected to the sea by karst conduits. Water sampling and chemical analyses were performed during hydrological minimum and maximum with regard to groundwater levels in 2005/2006 and minimum in 2016. A total of 13 samples were analysed within the study: 10 samples were taken from blatinas, 1 from pit well, and 2 from borehole wells. All waters sampled from the lakes are of Na-Cl type. The seawater percentage in the lakes used to extract feed water for desalination plants, calculated by conservative mixing approach, is relatively low (0.7-9.8%) and varies in correlation with hydrological seasons. Low proportion of seawater is an essential factor of cost minimisation in desalination by the installed reverse osmosis (RO) plants. Daily monitoring of total dissolved solids in the feed water was introduced in May 2016, and its results were analysed in the context of precipitation—a sole source of island aquifer recharge. Maximum concentrations were observed during September and interpreted to be caused by a combination of natural and anthropogenic pressure during the summer tourist season. Minimum concentrations were expected after the rainy season in the cold part of the year but were observed in June instead. Due to a short observation period and untypical distribution of precipitation in the same time interval, the data can only be considered indicative. An unusual pattern of sulphate anion concentrations, which cannot be attributed solely to fresh- and seawater mixing, was observed in one of the blatinas, but its origin could not be determined based on available data. Taking into account all the presented data on groundwater quality, climate change predictions, the connection of water supply system to the mainland and problems with the effluent treatment, it is clear that the main future challenge will be the creation of an island-wide sustainable water management plan followed by continuous monitoring and research.
Wear Resistance of (Diamond-Ni)-Ti6Al4V Gradient Materials Prepared by Combined Selective Laser Melting and Spark Plasma Sintering Techniques
Authors: Rahmani Ramin , Antonov Maksim , Kollo Lauri
Published: March 2019

An approach of sintering 3D metal printed lattices and diamond nickel-coated particles is proposed which can be used for the production of tunnel boring machine (TBM) cutters and mining equipment blades. Nickel-coated diamond particles are mixed with titanium powder and incorporated into a lightweight Ti6Al4V (3D printed) lattice with the help of spark plasma sintering (SPS) method. Effect of Ti6Al4V lattices size, diamond particles size, and nickel coating layer thickness on wear resistance of composites is discussed. Functionally graded lattice (FGL) structures were produced by selective laser melting (SLM) method, representing an increasingly growing additive manufacturing engineering area introduced in material engineering. Impact-abrasive tribo-device (IATD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and optical surface profiler (OSP) were used to characterize samples. An ab initio design of diamond-metal composite is based on the improvement of impact and abrasive wear resistance of Ti6Al4V by adding diamond particles and by applying of gradient lattice structure. The specimen with larger size of the diamond particle and thicker Ni coating has better wear resistance. In addition, ANSYS software simulations were done to analyze the effect of the presence of 3D printed lattice via nonlinear finite element AUTODYN solver under impact test. Diamond-based gradient composite material produced by combined SLM-SPS methods can be applied in applications where resistance against impact-abrasive wear is important.