bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and Mathematical Modeling for Prediction of Tool Wear on the Machining of Aluminium 6061 Alloy by High Speed Steel Tools
Authors: Okokpujie Imhade Princess , Ikumapayi Omolayo M. , Okonkwo Ugochukwu C. , Salawu Enesi Y. , Afolalu Sunday A. , Dirisu Joseph O. , Nwoke Obinna N. , Ajayi Oluseyi O.
Published: February 2018

In recent machining operation, tool life is one of the most demanding tasks in production process, especially in the automotive industry. The aim of this paper is to study tool wear on HSS in end milling of aluminium 6061 alloy. The experiments were carried out to investigate tool wear with the machined parameters and to developed mathematical model using response surface methodology. The various machining parameters selected for the experiment are spindle speed (N), feed rate (f), axial depth of cut (a) and radial depth of cut (r). The experiment was designed using central composite design (CCD) in which 31 samples were run on SIEG 3/10/0010 CNC end milling machine. After each experiment the cutting tool was measured using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The obtained optimum machining parameter combination are spindle speed of 2500 rpm, feed rate of 200 mm/min, axial depth of cut of 20 mm, and radial depth of cut 1.0mm was found out to achieved the minimum tool wear as 0.213 mm. The mathematical model developed predicted the tool wear with 99.7% which is within the acceptable accuracy range for tool wear prediction.
A fast and efficient ‘on-solvent’ cascade assembling of salicylaldehydes and dimethylbarbituric acid into 5-(1,3-dimethyl-2,4-dioxo-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)-1,3-dimethylpyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-triones
Authors: Elinson Michail N. , Vereshchagin Anatoly N. , Korshunov Alexander D. , Egorov Mikhail P.
Published: February 2018

A fast (15 min) and efficient cascade reaction of salicylaldehydes and 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid in the presence of p-TsOH as a catalyst furnishes substituted 5-(1,3-dimethyl-2,4-dioxo-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)-1,3-dimethylpyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-triones 1a–h, containing both chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidine and hexahydropyrimidine-2,4,6-trione pharmacologically active fragments, in 95–99% yields. This new procedure is characterized by the use of inexpensive reagents and a simple workup.
The neurology and psychiatry of humor, smiling, and laughter: a tribute to Paul McGhee Part II. neurological studies and brain imaging
Authors: Rodden Frank A.
Published: February 2018

This is a continuation of Part I. Section 2 of that part (“Humor and the Body”) should be read before reading reports of the studies described below. Understanding the methods and experiments in this part is, perhaps, easier than making sense of them. As mentioned at the outset of Part 1, the relationship of the brain to humor, smiling, and laugher is but one tiny aspect of the vastly larger mind-body problem that has yet to be fruitfully addressed. What follows is a listing of technical findings that are probably mostly true, but the deeper sense of which remains largely mysterious.
Silymarin prevents lipid accumulation in the liver of rats with type 2 diabetes via sirtuin1 and SREBP-1c
Authors: Kheiripour Nejat , Karimi Jamshid , Khodadadi Iraj , Tavilani Heidar , Goodarzi Mohammad Taghi , Hashemnia Mohammad
Published: February 2018

Background:

In this study, we have investigated whether silymarin intake influences lipid and glycogen content in conjunction with sirtuin1 (SIRT1) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) expressions in liver of type 2 diabetic rat.

Methods:

Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: control groups (C) and diabetic groups (D); the control groups received 60 or 120 mg/kg silymarin (C+S60 or C+S120), and the diabetic groups received 60 or 120 mg/kg silymarin (D+S60 or D+S120) daily for 8 weeks. Serum biochemical parameters, as well as glycogen, lipid and oxidative stress biomarkers, in the liver tissue were measured by spectrophotometric methods. Additionally, SIRT1 and SREBP-1c messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions were evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

Diabetes caused a significantly increased fasting blood sugar, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, liver total cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) content, which were attenuated after the administration of silymarin. Dietary silymarin caused the improvement of lipid content in the liver of diabetic rats. Moreover, silymarin administration promoted SIRT1, suppressed SREBP-1c mRNA expression, reduced liver nitric oxide and protein carbonyl content, and increased liver glycogen, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity. Furthermore, histopathological changes were improved in the treated groups.

Conclusions:

Silymarin administration considerably restored hepatic changes induced by streptozotocin and nicotinamide. The upregulation of SIRT1 mRNA expression by silymarin may be associated with decreased lipid, increased glycogen content and downregulation of the SREBP-1c gene in the liver.
Is fish oil supplementation effective on maternal serum FBS, oral glucose tolerance test, hemoglobin and hematocrit in low risk pregnant women? A triple-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vahedi Leila , Ostadrahimi Alireza , Edalati-Fard Fatemeh , Aslani Hossein , Farshbaf-Khalili Azizeh
Published: February 2018

Background

Fish oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which were considered as essential fatty acids. The purpose of present study was to evaluate the effects of fish oil supplementation on maternal serum fasting blood sugar (FBS), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct).

Methods

In this randomized triple-blind clinical trial, 150 pregnant women were allocated into two groups randomly. In the intervention group, women received one fish oil capsule daily (1,000 mg consisted of 120 mg DHA and 180 mg EPA), and control group received placebo from the end of twentieth week of pregnancy until delivery (140 capsules). FBS, 2-hour 75 g OGTT, Hb, and Hct were measured at 6–10 and 26–30 weeks of pregnancy. Analysis was based on intervention to treat.

Results

At the weeks 26–30, mean FBS in the intervention and control groups were 76.92 (9.8) and 75.64 (8.2) mg/dl, respectively [adjusted mean difference (aMD) (95% CI):1.46 (−2.13 to 5.05)]. Also, there was no significant difference between two groups in 2-hour OGTT [aMD (95% CI): −4.69 (−13.75 to 4.52)]. Mean (SD) Hb was 11.8 (1.1) versus 11.8 (0.7) g/dl in the intervention and control groups, respectively [aMD (95% CI): 0.001 (−0.328 to 0.330)], mean (SD) Hct were 36.12% (2.8%) and 35.84% (2.3%), respectively [aMD (95% CI): 0.25 (−0.65 to 1.14)].

Conclusions

Based on the findings of present study, fish oil supplementation has no significant effect on Hb, Hct, FBS and 2-hour OGTT of pregnant women.
A review on mechanical and water absorption properties of polyvinyl alcohol based composites/films
Authors: Jain Naman , Singh Vinay Kumar , Chauhan Sakshi
Published: February 2018

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a nontoxic and thermoplastic polymer which is completely biodegradable. PVA shows excellent mechanical and thermal properties due to better interfacial adhesion with reinforcing material such as fibers, particles or flakes because of which it can be used for fabrication of composite. PVA based fiber or particle reinforcing composites have gained interest in many applications in different fields. This paper reviews the mechanical and water absorption properties studied by different researcher and some of them were discussed here. The article also focused on the effect on the mechanical properties on PVA based composites with particle or fiber used as reinforcing material at nano/micro level and different polymers used to prepare PVA blend films. The major disadvantage of PVA based composites/films is higher water uptake or solubility in water. To over this negative aspect, many researchers studied crosslinking of PVA based composites/films, which are also discussed in the article. This review concludes that PVA has the potential for use in the synthesis of composites/films with their abundant applications.
The adventure of the deceitful numbers
Authors: Andrade-Molina Melissa
Published: February 2018

This article addresses access to high-quality education under a neoliberal mentality. It engages at both the discursive and material levels, by mapping how taken-for-granted truths about neoliberal policies circulate through the media. The media—newspapers, network channels, and news websites—have correlated quality education with socioeconomic status, which have effects of power in the fabrication of the productive citizen and low-performer, and in the perpetuation of the “class/room”.

The unexpected deceitfulness of numbers operates as a rhizomatic regime of truths, conducting our ways of being and acting in the world. This analysis takes numbers as an actor to challenge the apparent representative and descriptive nature of standardized assessment outcomes, and the idea that competition, freedom of choice, and accountability are a means of securing equity, inclusion, and economic growth. The novels of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, particularly those featuring the fictional character Sherlock Holmes, and the Sherlock Holmes adaptations portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch in the TV series “Sherlock” have inspired the narrative of this story. Sherlock’s mind palace—a feature added to Holmes’ personality in the TV series—is put to great use in the narrative of this article.
Bounded solutions of self-adjoint second order linear difference equations with periodic coeffients
Authors: Encinas A.M. , Jiménez M.J.
Published: February 2018

In this work we obtain easy characterizations for the boundedness of the solutions of the discrete, self–adjoint, second order and linear unidimensional equations with periodic coefficients, including the analysis of the so-called discrete Mathieu equations as particular cases.
The log-concavity of theq-derangement numbers of typeB
Authors: Liu Eric H. , Du Wenjing
Published: February 2018

Recently, Chen and Xia proved that forn≥ 6, theq-derangement numbersDn(q) are log-concave except for the last term whennis even. In this paper, employing a recurrence relation forDnB(q)$\begin{array}{} \displaystyle D^B_n(q) \end{array}$discovered by Chow, we show that forn≥ 4, theq-derangement numbers of typeBDnB(q)$\begin{array}{} \displaystyle D^B_n(q) \end{array}$are also log-concave.
Primary pleomorphic liposarcoma of fallopian tube with recurrence: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Wang Lianwei , Luo Runlan , ZumingXiong  , Xu Jinming , Fang Dengyang
Published: February 2018

Background

Liposarcoma, which develops in adipose tissue, is one of the most common soft tissue sarcomas. It appears mostly in the lower limbs, particularly in the thigh and limb girdles, followed by the upper extremities, thoracoabdominal wall, and the internal trunk and retroperitoneum. Pleomorphic liposarcoma (PLS), a rare subtype of liposarcoma is considered a highgrade malignancy.

Case presentation

We present a case of primary PLS in the left fallopian tube of a 47-year-old female. Ten months previously, she was diagnosed with PLS of the left fallopian tube in another hospital and had a wide excision of left fallopian tube mass, including total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for left fallopian tube PLS. Presently, she has developed a recurrence and metastasis of PLS in the pelvic and abdominal cavities.

Conclusion

This may be the first case of primary fallopian tube PLS, wherein the prognosis of this patient was poor due to the high-grade malignancy of PLS.
An efficient hybrid computational technique for solving nonlinear local fractional partial differential equations arising in fractal media
Authors: Prakash Amit , Kaur Hardish
Published: February 2018

In present work, nonlinear fractional partial differential equations namely transport equation and Fokker-Planck equation involving local fractional differential operators, are investigated by means of the local fractional homotopy perturbation Sumudu transform method. The proposed method is a coupling of homotopy perturbation method with local fractional Sumudu transform and is used to describe the non-differentiable problems. Numerical simulation results are projected to show the efficiency of the proposed technique.
Application of ANNs approach for wave-like and heat-like equations
Authors: Jafarian Ahmad , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: February 2018

Artificial neural networks are data processing systems which originate from human brain tissue studies. The remarkable abilities of these networks help us to derive desired results from complicated raw data. In this study, we intend to duplicate an efficient iterative method to the numerical solution of two famous partial differential equations, namely the wave-like and heat-like problems. It should be noted that many physical phenomena such as coupling currents in a flat multi-strand two-layer super conducting cable, non-homogeneous elastic waves in soils and earthquake stresses, are described by initial-boundary value wave and heat partial differential equations with variable coefficients. To the numerical solution of these equations, a combination of the power series method and artificial neural networks approach, is used to seek an appropriate bivariate polynomial solution of the mentioned initial-boundary value problem. Finally, several computer simulations confirmed the theoretical results and demonstrating applicability of the method.
Speed control of an induction motor by 6-switched 3-level inverter
Authors: Saygin Ali , Kerem Alper
Published: February 2018

This paper presents speed control analysis of an induction motor by a 6-switched 3-level inverter. In the analysis of topology, the study used the field oriented control technique which is widely used in the literature, easy and stable for operating systems. The field weaking technique was used for speeds exceeding nominal speed to reduce magnetic saturation and thermal losses. At the end of the process, it was observed to increase motor torque and inverter efficiency. Instead of using 12 switches in conventional 3-level inverters, 6 switches are used in this topology. Reduced number of switches is the greatest contribution of this study.
Analysis of the process influences on injection molded thermosets filled with hollow glass bubbles
Authors: Hopmann Christian , Theunissen Matthias , Haase Stefan
Published: February 2018

Thermoset molding compounds have a wide range of beneficial properties such as easy handling, high temperature, chemical resistance, low shrinkage as well as low electrical conductivity. However, these properties come at the cost of a higher density than technical thermoplastic materials and thus the potential for lightweight applications is reduced. Due to the low viscosity of the resin within thermoset molding compounds a wide variety of filler materials can be used. The addition of low density hollow glass bubbles as a filler material in thermoset molding compounds offers the opportunity to decrease the density of the molding compound. At the same time the stiffness of the micro glass bubbles is expected to increase the stiffness of the material. In the present study, a thermoset molding compound was filled with different quantities of hollow glass bubbles and the effects of the filler content as well as the processing parameters were investigated regarding their effect on the weight and mechanical properties of the parts. Based on the results, significant weight reductions up to 5% were achieved. Furthermore, a significant impact of the process parameters on weight reductions was found. The results indicate that higher shearing reduces the weight. This can also contribute to damaging of the glass bubbles during the injection molding process. Similar results were found regarding the effect of process parameters on the mechanical properties.
Hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds of relevance to hydrogen storage in alcohols
Authors: Suárez Andrés
Published: February 2018

Alcohols are a promising source for the sustainable production of hydrogen that may also serve as rechargeable liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs). Metal-catalyzed acceptorless dehydrogenation of alcohols produces carbonyl derivatives as H2-depleted by-products, which by means of a hydrogenation reaction can be reconverted to the initial alcohols. Hence, reversible H2-storage systems based on pairs of secondary alcohols/ketones and primary alcohols/carboxylic acid derivatives may be envisaged. In this contribution, the hydrogenation of carbonyl derivatives, including ketones, esters, amides and carboxylic acids, is reviewed from the perspective of the hydrogen storage in alcohols.
Biomechanical, Anthropometric, and Psychological Determinants of Barbell Back Squat Strength
Authors: Vigotsky Andrew D. , Bryanton Megan A. , Nuckols Greg , Beardsley Chris , Contreras Bret , Evans Jessica , Schoenfeld Brad J.
Published: February 2018

Vigotsky, AD, Bryanton, MA, Nuckols, G, Beardsley, C, Contreras, B, Evans, J, and Schoenfeld, BJ. Biomechanical, anthropometric, and psychological determinants of barbell back squat strength. J Strength Cond Res 33(7S): S26–S35, 2019—Previous investigations of strength have only focused on biomechanical or psychological determinants, while ignoring the potential interplay and relative contributions of these variables. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relative contributions of biomechanical, anthropometric, and psychological variables to the prediction of maximum parallel barbell back squat strength. Twenty-one college-aged participants (male = 14; female = 7; age = 23 ± 3 years) reported to the laboratory for 2 visits. The first visit consisted of anthropometric, psychometric, and parallel barbell back squat 1 repetition maximum (1RM) testing. On the second visit, participants performed isometric dynamometry testing for the knee, hip, and spinal extensors in a sticking point position-specific manner. Multiple linear regression and correlations were used to investigate the combined and individual relationships between biomechanical, anthropometric, and psychological variables and squat 1RM. Multiple regression revealed only 1 statistically predictive determinant: fat-free mass normalized to height (standardized estimate ± SE = 0.6 ± 0.3; t(16) = 2.28; p = 0.037). Correlation coefficients for individual variables and squat 1RM ranged from r = −0.79 to 0.83, with biomechanical, anthropometric, experiential, and sex predictors showing the strongest relationships, and psychological variables displaying the weakest relationships. These data suggest that back squat strength in a heterogeneous population is multifactorial and more related to physical rather than psychological variables.
Performance in 100-km Ultramarathoners—At Which Age, It Reaches Its Peak?
Authors: Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Knechtle Beat
Published: February 2018

Nikolaidis, PT and Knechtle, B. Performance in 100-km ultramarathoners—At which age, it reaches its peak? J Strength Cond Res 34(5): 1409–1415, 2020—The number of those participating in 100-km ultramarathon has increased over the past years; however, we have limited knowledge about performance trends in this sport, and particularly, the effect of age. The aim of this study was to analyze the age when women and men runners achieve their peak performance considering 1- and 5-year age group intervals, and examining all or the fastest (i.e., top 10) participants in each age group. We analyzed 370,051 athletes (i.e., 44,601 women and 325,450 men) who finished a 100-km ultramarathon between 1959 and 2016, and studied the age of peak performance using a second-order nonlinear regression analysis. The age of peak performance was 40–44 years in women and 45–49 years in men when all finishers were analyzed, whereas it was 30–34 years in women and 35–39 years in men when the top 10 finishers were considered in 5-year age groups. When we analyzed finishers in 1-year age groups, we found the age of peak performance at 41 years in women and 45 years in men considering all finishers, and at 39 years in women and 41 years in men considering the top 10 finishers. In conclusion, the age of peak performance was younger in women than in men, which might reflect the overall younger age of women participants than men. Compared with previous studies, we observed the peak performance at an age older by ∼10 years, which could be attributed to an increase of finishers' age across calendar years. Because the knowledge of the age of peak performance is unique for each sport, coaches and fitness trainers might benefit from the findings of this study in the long-term training of their athletes.
The Effectiveness of a Functional Movement Assessment and 4-Week Exercise Training Program for Female High School Athletes
Authors: Boucher Brenda , Rich Angela , Gobert Denise , Gardner Bret , Metzner Paul , King Chris , Buse Michael
Published: February 2018

Boucher, BK, Rich, AJ, Gobert, D, Gardner, B, Metzner, P, King, C, and Buse, M. The effectiveness of a functional movement assessment and 4-week exercise training program for female high school athletes. J Strength Cond Res 35(1): 102–110, 2021—The extent to which young females participate in school-sponsored athletics has grown significantly over the past 2 decades. The number of females in high school sports increased for the 25th consecutive year in 2012–2013, reaching an all-time record. Unfortunately, sports-related injury rates for female athletes have also continued to rise. A body of research exists to suggest that dysfunctional movement may be linked to increased risk of injury, and training programs designed to improve movement patterns are effective to both enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury. Effective training programs incorporate corrective exercises to retrain dysfunctional movement patterns. The Functional Movement ScreenTM (FMSTM) is a tool developed to assess 7 fundamental movement patterns. The FMSTM has been used extensively with a wide range of athletes at various levels of performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a movement-training program with female high school athletes using the FMSTM. The overall purpose was to assess the effectiveness of a 4-week corrective exercise-training program at improving FMSTM scores. Data analysis using Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed a statistically significant change in total group FMSTM scores (Z = −2.214, p = 0.027) after the corrective exercise-training program. Mean total group FMSTM scores increased from 14.43 ± 1.90 (pretest) to 17.29 ± 1.38 (posttest). Findings suggest that positive outcomes to a corrective exercise-training program, which targets specific movement impairments, can be achieved in a relatively short period of time.
Contributions of Lower-Body Strength Parameters to Critical Power and Anaerobic Work Capacity
Authors: Byrd M. Travis , Wallace Brian J. , Clasey Jody L. , Bergstrom Haley C.
Published: February 2018

Byrd, MT, Wallace, BJ, Clasey, JL, and Bergstrom, HC. Contributions of lower-body strength parameters to critical power and anaerobic work capacity. J Strength Cond Res 35(1): 97–101, 2021—This study examined the contribution of lower-body strength and isokinetic peak torque measures to the prediction of critical power (CP) and anaerobic work capacity (AWC). Fourteen recreationally trained males (mean ± SD age: 22.4 ± 2.5 years; height: 177.9 ± 7.7 cm; body mass: 84.2 ± 12.4 kg) with anaerobic training experience participated in this study. The lower-body strength measures included 1 repetition max bilateral back squat (BSq), isokinetic peak torque at 30°·s−1 [PT30], and isokinetic peak torque at 240°·s−1 [PT240] of the dominant leg. The CP and AWC were determined from the 3-minute all-out CP cycle ergometer test (CP3MT), with the resistance set at 4.5% of the total body mass. The CP was defined as the mean power output over the final 30 seconds of the test, and the AWC was calculated using the equation, AWC = 150 seconds (P150 − CP), where P150 equals the mean power output for the first 150 seconds. Stepwise regression analyses indicated that only BSq contributed significantly to the prediction of AWC (AWC = 0.0527 [BSq] + 8.094 [standard error of estimate = 2.151 kJ; p = 0.012]), with a correlation of r
2 = 0.423. None of the strength parameters significantly predicted CP. These findings indicated that BSq strength accounted for 42% of the variance in AWC, but lower-body strength was not related to CP. The current results indirectly support the unique metabolic characteristics of both CP and AWC in providing separate measures of an individual's aerobic and anaerobic capabilities, respectively.
Post-Exercise Ingestion of Low or High Molecular Weight Glucose Polymer Solution Does Not Improve Cycle Performance in Female Athletes
Authors: Mock Meredith G. , Hirsch Katie R. , Blue Malia N.M. , Trexler Eric T. , Roelofs Erica J. , Smith-Ryan Abbie E.
Published: February 2018

Mock, MG, Hirsch, KR, Blue, MNM, Trexler, ET, Roelofs, EJ, and Smith-Ryan, AE. Postexercise ingestion of low or high molecular weight glucose polymer solution does not improve cycle performance in female athletes. J Strength Cond Res 35(1): 124–131, 2021—The current study sought to evaluate the effects of postexercise ingestion of a high molecular weight (HMW) glucose polymer solution compared with an isocaloric low molecular weight (LMW) solution or placebo (PLA) on subsequent cycling performance in female athletes. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design, 10 competitive female cyclists (Mean ± SD; Age = 25.7 ± 5.0 years; V̇o
2peak = 49.7 ± 4.3 ml·kg−1·min−1) completed 3 testing sessions separated by 7–10 days. Visits consisted of a ride-to-exhaustion (RTE) at 75% V̇o
2peak, followed by immediate consumption of 700 ml containing either: 1.2 g·kg−1 LMW (maltodextrin/dextrose/fructose); 1.2 g·kg−1 HMW (Vitargo); or 0.066 g·kg−1 PLA (noncaloric flavoring). After 2 hours of rest, subjects performed a 15-minute time trial (TT). Respiratory exchange ratio (RER) was assessed via indirect calorimetry during exercise. Total body water (TBW) was measured using bioelectrical impedance to assess fluid balance. When covaried for estrogen, there was no treatment effect on distance (km; p = 0.632) or power output (watts; p = 0.974) during the 15-minute TT. Respiratory exchange ratio was not significantly different during the LMW and HWM TTs (p > 0.999), but both were significantly higher than PLA (p = 0.039, p = 0.001, respectively). Changes in total body water pre-exercise to postexercise were not significantly different between trials (p = 0.777). Despite benefits of HMW on cycling performance previously reported in males, current results demonstrate no ergogenic effect of HMW or LMW in females. Sex differences in substrate utilization may account for the discrepancy, and further research involving performance nutrition for female athletes is merited.
An Experimental Study on Mechanical Behavior of a Calcite Cemented Gravelly Sand
Authors: Shakeri Mohammad Reza , Haeri S. Mohsen , Shahrabi M. Mahdi , Khosravi Ali , Sajadi Ali Akbar
Published: February 2018

In the study presented herein, a simple method for laboratory calcite cementation of a reconstituted gravelly sand was presented. This method was used to prepare cemented gravelly sand specimens, which have similar natural characteristics to alluvial deposit of the city of Tehran. The formation and distribution of calcite bonds, as well as the effectiveness of the presented calcite cementation method in increasing interparticle cohesion, as observed in weakly to moderately cemented soil in Tehran, were evaluated by means of chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction technique, and unconfined compressive strength tests. The cementation technique was used to prepare triaxial specimens with calcite contents ranging from 1.5 to 6 %. Then, a series of monotonic and cyclic undrained triaxial tests was performed to characterize the behavior of calcite-cemented gravelly sand with different calcite contents under different loading conditions. In comparison with the specimens with zero calcite content, the cemented specimens exhibited a distinctly different behavior in terms of static stiffness and strength, cyclic pore pressure generation, and cyclic strength. Results of the monotonic triaxial tests indicated an increased shear strength with an increase in calcite content and confining pressure in the tested soil. Because of the presence of interparticle cohesion, cemented soils behaved less compressive during cyclic loading, and accordingly, the rate of positive pore pressure generation in these specimens was lower during loading with smaller induced plastic deformations.
Biomarkers of platinum resistance in ovarian cancer: what can we use to improve treatment
Authors: van Zyl Belinda , Tang Denise , Bowden Nikola A
Published: February 2018

Ovarian cancer has poor survival rates due to a combination of diagnosis at advanced disease stages and disease recurrence as a result of platinum chemotherapy resistance. High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), the most common ovarian cancer subtype, is conventionally treated with surgery and paclitaxel/carboplatin combination chemotherapy. Initial response rates are 60–80%, but eventually the majority of patients become platinum-resistant with subsequent relapses. Extensive research on individual biomarkers of platinum resistance has revealed many potential targets for the development new treatments. While this is ongoing, there are also epigenetic, DNA repair, genome and immune changes characterised in platinum-resistant HGSOC that can be targeted with current therapies. This review discusses biomarkers of platinum chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer with a focus on biomarkers that are targetable with alternative treatment combinations to those currently used. After decades of research focused on elucidating the biological cause of platinum resistance, future research needs to focus on using this knowledge to overcome resistance for patients with ovarian cancer.
Transcriptome Analysis of Litsea cubeba Floral Buds Reveals the Role of Hormones and Transcription Factors in the Differentiation Process
Authors: He Wenguang , Chen Yicun , Gao Ming , Zhao Yunxiao , Xu Zilong , Cao Pei , Zhang Qiyan , Jiao Yulian , Li Hongsheng , Wu Liwen , Wang Yangdong
Published: February 2018

Background

Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. is an important economic plant that is rich in valuable essential oil. The essential oil is often used as a raw material for perfumes, food additives, insecticides and bacteriostats. Most of the essential oil is contained in the fruit, and the quantity and quality of fruit are dependent on the flowers. To explore the molecular mechanism of floral bud differentiation, high-throughput RNA sequencing was used to detect differences in the gene expression of L. cubeba female and male floral buds at three differentiation stages.

Results

This study obtained 160.88 Gbp of clean data that were assembled into 100,072 unigenes, and a total of 38,658 unigenes were annotated. A total of 27,521 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified after scanning the assembled transcriptome, and the mono-nucleotide repeats were predominant, followed by di-nucleotide and tri-nucleotide repeats. A total of 12,559 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected from the female (F) and male (M) floral bud comparisons. The gene ontology (GO) databases revealed that these DEGs were primarily contained in “metabolic processes”, “cellular processes”, and “single-organism processes”. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases suggested that the DEGs belonged to “plant hormone signal transduction” and accounted for a relatively large portion in all of these comparisons. We analyzed the expression level of plant hormone-related genes and detected the contents of several relevant plant hormones in different stages. The results revealed that the dynamic changes in each hormone content were almost consistent with the expression levels of relevant genes. The transcription factors selected from the DEGs were analyzed. Most DEGs of MADS-box were upregulated and most DEGs of bZIP were downregulated. The expression trends of the DEGs were nearly identical in female and male floral buds, and qRT-PCR analysis revealed consistency with the transcriptome data.

Conclusions

We sequenced and assembled a high-quality L. cubeba floral bud transcriptome, and the data appeared to be well replicated (n = 3) over three developmental time points during flower development. Our study explored the changes in the contents of several plant hormones during floral bud differentiation using biochemical and molecular biology techniques, and the changes in expression levels of several flower development related transcription factors. These results revealed the role of these factors (i.e., hormones and transcription factors) and may advance our understanding of their functions in flower development in L. cubeba.
Genetic Interactions BetweenBOB1and Multiple 26S Proteasome Subunits Suggest a Role for Proteostasis in RegulatingArabidopsisDevelopment
Authors: Silverblatt-Buser Elan W , Frick Melissa A , Rabeler Christina , Kaplinsky Nicholas J
Published: February 2018

Protein folding and degradation are both required for protein quality control, an essential cellular activity that underlies normal growth and development. We investigated how BOB1, an Arabidopsis thaliana small heat shock protein, maintains normal plant development. bob1 mutants exhibit organ polarity defects and have expanded domains of KNOX gene expression. Some of these phenotypes are ecotype specific suggesting that other genes function to modify them. Using a genetic approach we identified an interaction between BOB1 and FIL, a gene required for abaxial organ identity. We also performed an EMS enhancer screen using the bob1-3 allele to identify pathways that are sensitized by a loss of BOB1 function. This screen identified genetic, but not physical, interactions between BOB1 and the proteasome subunit RPT2a. Two other proteasome subunits, RPN1a and RPN8a, also interact genetically with BOB1. Both BOB1 and the BOB1-interacting proteasome subunits had previously been shown to interact genetically with the transcriptional enhancers AS1 and AS2, genes known to regulate both organ polarity and KNOX gene expression. Our results suggest a model in which BOB1 mediated protein folding and proteasome mediated protein degradation form a functional proteostasis module required for ensuring normal plant development.
Accounting for Errors in Low Coverage High-Throughput Sequencing Data When Constructing Genetic Maps Using Biparental Outcrossed Populations
Authors: Bilton Timothy P , Schofield Matthew R , Black Michael A , Chagné David , Wilcox Phillip L , Dodds Ken G
Published: February 2018

Next generation sequencing-based genotyping platforms allow for the construction of high density genetic linkage maps. However, data generated using these platforms often contain errors resulting from miscalled bases and missing parental alleles that are due...

Next-generation sequencing is an efficient method that allows for substantially more markers than previous technologies, providing opportunities for building high-density genetic linkage maps, which facilitate the development of nonmodel species’ genomic assemblies and the investigation of their genes. However, constructing genetic maps using data generated via high-throughput sequencing technology (e.g., genotyping-by-sequencing) is complicated by the presence of sequencing errors and genotyping errors resulting from missing parental alleles due to low sequencing depth. If unaccounted for, these errors lead to inflated genetic maps. In addition, map construction in many species is performed using full-sibling family populations derived from the outcrossing of two individuals, where unknown parental phase and varying segregation types further complicate construction. We present a new methodology for modeling low coverage sequencing data in the construction of genetic linkage maps using full-sibling populations of diploid species, implemented in a package called GUSMap. Our model is based on the Lander–Green hidden Markov model but extended to account for errors present in sequencing data. We were able to obtain accurate estimates of the recombination fractions and overall map distance using GUSMap, while most existing mapping packages produced inflated genetic maps in the presence of errors. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using low coverage sequencing data to produce genetic maps without requiring extensive filtering of potentially erroneous genotypes, provided that the associated errors are correctly accounted for in the model.
Biodegradación de xantano por Bacillus pumilus
Authors: Gimenez Juliana Belen , Baztan Maite Soledad , Pucci Graciela Natalia
Published: February 2018

La goma xantano es utilizada en la industria hidrocarburífera para la extracción terciaria del petróleo. En su utilización en la cuenca del Golfo San Jorge, se observaron inconvenientes con la perdida de estructura del gel que se forma. Se buscó el agente causal de la perdida de estructura del gel. Se aisló e identifico a Bacillus pumilus como la bacteria capaz de crecer utilizando la goma xantano como única fuente de carbono y energía, modificando la viscosidad del gel y así cambiando sus propiedades.
Contribución al conocimiento de los malófagos (Phthiraptera, Amblycera, Ischnocera) de aves del Perú. Parte 2
Authors: Gomez-Puerta Luis A. , Luján-Vega Charlene
Published: February 2018

En el presente estudio se da a conocer doce especies de malófagos colectados en aves mantenidas en cautiverio de manera temporal o permanente en el Perú. Cuatro malófagos Amblycera: Colpocephalum turbinatum, Psittacobrosus amazonicus, Psittacobrosus burmeisteri y Kurodaia sp., así como ocho malófagos Ischnocera: Neopsittaconirmus gracilis, Paragoniocotes fulvofasciatus, Paragoniocotes mirabilis, Paragoniocotes nanus, Paragoniocotes neivai, Paragoniocotes pyrrhurae, Philoceanus amadoni y Quadraceps burhinoides, fueron identificados mediante el diagnóstico morfológico. Se realiza una breve descripción de cada malófago, así como la discusión de sus hospederos y distribución.
Nuevo depositorio para paratipos de la especie Metaphycus zdeneki Noyes & Lozada, 2005 (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)
Authors: Lozada Pedro W. , Aliaga-Camarena Juana
Published: February 2018

Se designan cuatro paratipos, un macho y tres hembras, de la especie Metaphycus zdeneki Noyes & Lozada, 2005, como depositados en la colección de insectos del Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agraria (SENASA), Lima, Perú. El holotipo y demás paratipos se encuentran depositados en el Natural History Museum (BMNH), Londres, Inglaterra, y Museo de Historia Natural, UNMSM (MUSM), Lima, Perú.
Parents Refusing Dialysis for a 3-Month-Old With Renal Failure
Authors: Willig Laurel , Paquette Erin , Hester D. Micah , Warady Bradley A. , Lantos John D.
Published: February 2018

A 3-month-old boy with failure to thrive was referred to a nephrology clinic after a diagnostic workup for failure to thrive revealed a serum urea nitrogen level of 95 mg/dL and creatinine level of 3.6 mg/dL. A renal ultrasound revealed marked bilateral hydronephrosis with little remaining renal cortex in either kidney. A voiding cystourethrogram revealed evidence of posterior urethral valves. The child had no evident comorbidities. Fulguration of the valves was successfully performed but did not lead to improvement in kidney function. The nephrologists recommended the initiation of dialysis with the hope that the child would be able to receive a kidney transplant in the future. After careful consideration, the family stated that they did not want this child to suffer with a lifetime of dialysis and transplant care. They were also concerned about the impact of this child’s illness on their other 2 children and their family. They requested that their son be provided with palliative care only. Experts in nephrology, bioethics, and critical care discuss the ethical issues raised by this parental request.
Age-related physical and psychological vulnerability as pathways to problem gambling in older adults
Authors: Parke Adrian , Griffiths Mark , Pattinson Julie , Keatley David
Published: February 2018

Background

To inform clinical treatment and preventative efforts, there is an important need to understand the pathways to late-life gambling disorder.

Aims

This study assesses the association between age-related physical health, social networks, and problem gambling in adults aged over 65 years and assesses the mediating role of affective disorders in this association.

Methods

The sample comprised 595 older adults (mean age: 74.4 years, range: 65–94 years; 77.1% female) who were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to assess physical frailty, geriatric pain, loneliness, geriatric depression, geriatric anxiety, and problem gambling.

Results

Pathway analysis demonstrated associations between these variables and gambling problems, providing a good fit for the data, but that critically these relationships were mediated by both anxiety and depression symptoms.

Conclusions

This study indicates that late-life problem gambling may develop as vulnerable individuals gamble to escape anxiety and depression consequent to deteriorating physical well-being and social support. When individuals develop late-life problem gambling, it is recommended that the treatment primarily focuses upon targeting and replacing avoidant coping approaches.
Ki67 Changes Identify Worse Outcomes in Residual Breast Cancer Tumors After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Cabrera-Galeana Paula , Muñoz-Montaño Wendy , Lara-Medina Fernando , Alvarado-Miranda Alberto , Pérez-Sánchez Victor , Villarreal-Garza Cynthia , Quintero R. Marisol , Porras-Reyes Fany , Bargallo-Rocha Enrique , Del Carmen Ignacio , Mohar Alejandro , Arrieta Oscar
Published: February 2018

Background

Several breast cancer (BC) trials have adopted pathological complete response (pCR) as a surrogate marker of long-term treatment efficacy. In patients with luminal subtype, pCR seems less important for outcome prediction. BC is a heterogeneous disease, which is evident in residual tumors after neoadjuvant-chemotherapy (NAC). This study evaluates changes in Ki67 in relation to disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients without pCR.

Subjects, Materials, and Methods

Four hundred thirty-five patients with stage IIA–IIIC BC without pCR after standard NAC with anthracycline and paclitaxel were analyzed. We analyzed the decrease or lack of decrease in the percentage of Ki67-positive cells between core biopsy samples and surgical specimens and correlated this value with outcome.

Results

Twenty-five percent of patients presented with luminal A-like tumors, 45% had luminal B-like tumors, 14% had triple-negative BC, 5% had HER2-positive BC, and 11% had triple-positive BC. Patients were predominantly diagnosed with stage III disease (52%) and high-grade tumors (46%). Median Ki67 level was 20% before NAC, which decreased to a median of 10% after NAC. Fifty-seven percent of patients had a decrease in Ki67 percentage. Ki67 decrease significantly correlated with better DFS and OS compared with no decrease, particularly in the luminal B subgroup. Multivariate analysis showed that nonreduction of Ki67 significantly increased the hazard ratio of recurrence and death by 3.39 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8–6.37) and 7.03 (95% CI 2.6–18.7), respectively.

Conclusion

Patients without a decrease in Ki67 in residual tumors after NAC have poor prognosis. This warrants the introduction of new therapeutic strategies in this setting.

Implications for Practice

This study evaluates the change in Ki67 percentage before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and its relationship with survival outcomes in patients with breast cancer who did not achieve complete pathological response (pCR). These patients, a heterogeneous group with diverse prognoses that cannot be treated using a single algorithm, pose a challenge to clinicians. This study identified a subgroup of these patients with a poor prognosis, those with luminal B-like tumors without a Ki67 decrease after NAC, thus justifying the introduction of new therapeutic strategies for patients who already present a favorable prognosis (luminal B-like with Ki67 decrease).
Analysis of the effectiveness and long-term results of formation of adaptive immunity in the use of various medications and vaccination schemes against pneumococcal infection in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Protasov A D , Zhestkov A V , Kostinov M P , Shteiner M L , Tezikov Yu V , Lipatov I S , Yastrebova N E , Kostinova A M , Ryzhov A A , Polishchuk V B
Published: February 2018

Aim. To assess the long-term clinical results of vaccination with pneumococcal polysaccharide and conjugated polysaccharide vaccines in the separate and sequential use, by determining the optimal vaccination schedule in adult patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to investigate adaptive immunity levels. Subjects and methods. The clinical effects of vaccination were evaluated in patients with COPD within 1 and 4 years after immunization against pneumococcal infection using various schemes, as well as the time course of changes in adaptive immunity indicators was examined. Results. Four years after vaccination, the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13)/23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) group showed a decline in the number of patients with COPD exacerbations by 50% (p
Predictors of the efficiency of short-term interferon-containing therapy using direct-acting antiviral drugs in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1
Authors: Kokina K Yu , Bueverov A O , Bogomolov P O , Matsievich M V
Published: February 2018

Aim. To identify predictors for the high efficiency of short-term interferon-containing antiviral therapy (AVT) using direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus (HCV) type 1 (CHC-1). Materials and methods. A total of 2,798 case histories of patients aged 18 to 60 years who received AVT using peginterferon, ribavirin in combination with DAAs for CHC-1, which was stopped at 10 to 14 weeks, were selected from the archives of the healthcare facilities of the Moscow Region. The inclusion criteria were aviremia achieved when AVT was discontinued; therapy using the dose recommended in compliance with the international standards; and adherence during treatment. Results. The analysis included 179 case histories, including 158 cases of discontinuation of triple AVT using a protease inhibitor (telaprevir) and 22 cases of that of quadruple treatment (QT) with asunaprevir and daclatasvir. There were two main factors predicting a high probability of achieving a sustained virological response (SVR) in patients with HCV-1 during short-term triple AVT: viremia at 28 days of AVT, which was registered by a highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay (its analytical sensitivity was 12 IU/ml), and the genotype CC of interleukin-28B (IL-28B) rs12979860. With a combination of these two factors, recovery was observed in 100% of cases. SVR was observed in all cases of QT discontinuation, regardless of the stage of fibrosis and the subtype of CHC genotype. However, the resulting sample was unrepresentative. Conclusion. Triple AVT using a protease inhibitor may be reduced in patients with CHC-1 and the CC allelic variant in IL-28B if viremia is achieved at 28 days of AVT, as evidenced by highly sensitive PCR assay. Short-term QT needs further investigation.