bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resilience of marine invertebrate communities during the early Cenozoic hyperthermals
Authors: Foster William J. , Garvie Christopher L. , Weiss Anna M. , Muscente A. D. , Aberhan Martin , Counts John W. , Martindale Rowan C.
Published: February 2020

The hyperthermal events of the Cenozoic, including the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, provide an opportunity to investigate the potential effects of climate warming on marine ecosystems. Here, we examine the shallow benthic marine communities preserved in the late Cretaceous to Eocene strata on the Gulf Coastal Plain (United States). In stark contrast to the ecological shifts following the end-Cretaceous mass extinction, our data show that the early Cenozoic hyperthermals did not have a long-term impact on the generic diversity nor composition of the Gulf Coastal Plain molluscan communities. We propose that these communities were resilient to climate change because molluscs are better adapted to high temperatures than other taxa, as demonstrated by their physiology and evolutionary history. In terms of resilience, these communities differ from other shallow-water carbonate ecosystems, such as reef communities, which record significant changes during the early Cenozoic hyperthermals. These data highlight the strikingly different responses of community types, i.e., the almost imperceptible response of molluscs versus the marked turnover of foraminifera and reef faunas. The impact on molluscan communities may have been low because detrimental conditions did not devastate the entire Gulf Coastal Plain, allowing molluscs to rapidly recolonise vacated areas once harsh environmental conditions ameliorated.
Author Correction: Rectosigmoidal manifestations of venous malformations: MR imaging findings and interdisciplinary therapeutic modalities
Authors: Brill Richard , Brill Eva , Uller Wibke , Teusch Veronika , Gufler Hubert , Hammer Simone , Fellner Claudia , Evert Katja , Goldann Constantin , Helm Maximilian , Rosendahl Jonas , Wohlgemuth Walter A.
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
In-situ DRIFT investigation of photocatalytic reduction and oxidation properties of SiO2@α-Fe2O3 core-shell decorated RGO nanocomposite
Authors: Kasimayan Uma , Nadarajan Arjun , Singaravelu Chandra Mohan , Pan Guan-Ting , Kandasamy Jothivenkatachalam , Yang Thomas C.-K. , Lin Ja-Hon
Published: February 2020

In this work, SiO2@α-Fe2O3 core-shell decorated RGO nanocomposites were prepared via a simple sol-gel method. The nanocomposites were prepared with different weight percentages (10, 30, and 50 wt %) of the SiO2@α-Fe2O3 core-shell on RGO, and the effects on the structural and optical properties were identified. The photocatalytic reduction and oxidation properties of the nanocomposites in the gas phase were assessed through the reduction of CO2 and oxidation of ethanol using in-situ diffuse-reflectance infrared fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFT). The prepared nanocomposite with (30 wt %) of SiO2@α-Fe2O3 showed superior photocatalytic activity for the gas phase reduction of CO2 and oxidation of ethanol. Enhancement in the activity was also perceived when the light irradiation was coupled with thermal treatment. The DRIFT results for the nanocomposites indicate the active chemical conversion kinetics of the redox catalytic effect in the reduction of CO2 and oxidation of ethanol. Further, the evaluation of photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction performance of nanocomposites was acquired by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and the results showed a significant improvement in the onset-potential (–0.58 V) for the RGO (30 wt %)-SiO2@α-Fe2O3 nanocomposite.
Plasma lipid profile associates with the improvement of psychological well-being in individuals with perceived stress symptoms
Authors: Noerman Stefania , Klåvus Anton , Järvelä-Reijonen Elina , Karhunen Leila , Auriola Seppo , Korpela Riitta , Lappalainen Raimo , Kujala Urho M. , Puttonen Sampsa , Kolehmainen Marjukka , Hanhineva Kati
Published: February 2020

Psychological stress is a suggested risk factor of metabolic disorders, but molecular mediators are not well understood. We investigated the association between the metabolic profiles of fasting plasma and the improvement of psychological well-being using non-targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) platform. The metabolic profiles of volunteers participating in the face-to-face intervention group (n = 60) in a randomised lifestyle intervention were compared to ones of controls (n = 64) between baseline and 36-week follow-up. Despite modest differences in metabolic profile between groups, we found associations between phosphatidylcholines (PCs) and several parameters indicating stress, adiposity, relaxation, and recovery. The relief of heart-rate-variability-based stress had positive, while improved indices of recovery and relaxation in the intervention group had an inverse association with the reduction of e.g. lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC). Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and adiposity correlated positively with the suppressed PCs and negatively with the elevated plasmalogens PC(P-18:0/22:6) and PC(P-18:0/20:4). Also, we found changes in an unknown class of lipids over time regardless of the intervention groups, which also correlated with physiological and psychological markers of stress. The associations between lipid changes with some markers of psychological wellbeing and body composition may suggest the involvement of these lipids in the shared mechanisms between psychological and metabolic health.
Subjective semantic surprise resulting from divided attention biases evaluations of an idea’s creativity
Authors: Calic Goran , Shamy Nour El , Kinley Isaac , Watter Scott , Hassanein Khaled
Published: February 2020

The evaluation of an idea’s creativity constitutes an important step in successfully responding to an unexpected problem with a new solution. Yet, distractions compete for cognitive resources with the evaluation process and may change how individuals evaluate ideas. In this paper, we investigate whether attentional demands from these distractions bias creativity evaluations. This question is examined using 1,065 creativity evaluations of 15 alternative uses of everyday objects by 71 study participants. Participants in the distraction group (Treatment) rated the alternative uses as more creative on the novelty dimension, but not the usefulness dimension, than did participants in the baseline group (Control). Psychophysiological measurements—event-related and spectral EEG and pupillometry—confirm attentional resources in the Treatment group are being diverted to a distractor task and that the Control group expended significantly more cognitive resources on the evaluation of the alternative uses. These data show direct physiological evidence that distractor tasks draw cognitive resources from creative evaluation and that such distractions will bias judgements of creativity.
Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma as an adjuvant to surgical carpal ligament release: a prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Trull-Ahuir Carmen , Sala Diego , Chismol-Abad Joaquín , Vila-Caballer Marian , Lisón Juan Francisco
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of local platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection as an adjuvant treatment after carpal ligament release. We conducted a prospective randomized, triple-blinded, controlled trial. Fifty participants with mild to extreme carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) were randomly assigned either to the PRP (n = 25) or the platelet-poor plasma (PPP, n = 25) group. After performing open surgical release of the carpal ligament, the inside of the carpal tunnel was irrigated with 3 mL of PRP or PPP according to each participant’s group allocation. The primary outcome was hand grip strength (HGS). Secondary outcomes were the time taken off work after surgery (in days) and scores on the Wong–Baker Faces Scale, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, and Southampton Wound Assessment Scale. We evaluated patients before treatment and at 6-weeks. As expected, the pain levels, symptom severity, and functional status improved in all the patients after surgery. However, intragroup analysis revealed that only the participants in the PRP group had regained their pre-operative HGS levels at 6-weeks follow-up. These findings indicate that PRP is an effective adjuvant treatment in patients with mild to severe CTS who require surgery.
The application of point source electroporation and chemotherapy for the treatment of glioma: a randomized controlled rat study
Authors: Sharabi Shirley , Guez David , Daniels Dianne , Cooper Itzik , Atrakchi Dana , Liraz-Zaltsman Sigal , Last David , Mardor Yael
Published: February 2020

The prognosis of Glioblastoma Multiforme patients is poor despite aggressive therapy. Reasons include poor chemotherapy penetration across the blood-brain barrier and tumor infiltration into surrounding tissues. Here we studied the effects of combined point-source electroporation (EP) and systemic chemotherapy in glioma-bearing rats. 128 rats were studied. Treatment groups were administered systemic Cisplatin/Methotrexate before EP (either 90 or 180 pulses). Control groups were treated by EP, chemotherapy, or no treatment. Tumor volumes were determined by MRI. Tumors growth rates of the EP + Methotrexate group (1.02 ± 0.77) were significantly lower (p < 0.01) than the control (5.2 ± 1.0) 1-week post treatment. No significant difference was found compared to Methotrexate (1.7 ± 0.5). Objective response rates (ORR) were 40% and 57% for the Methotrexate and EP + Methotrexate groups respectively. Tumor growth rates and ORR of the EP + Cisplatin groups (90 pulses 0.98 ± 0.2, 57%, 180 pulses 1.2 ± 0.1, 33%) were significantly smaller than the control (6.4 ± 1.0, p < 0.01, p < 0.02, 0%) and Cisplatin (3.9 ± 1.0, p < 0.04, p < 0.05, 13%) groups. No significant differences were found between the control groups. Increased survival was found in the EP + Cisplatin group, Χ2 = 7.54, p < 0.006 (Log Rank). Point-source EP with systemic chemotherapy is a rapid, minimal-invasive treatment that was found to induce significant antineoplastic effects in a rat glioma model.
Effect of Thyroid Hormones on Kidney Function in Patients after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Schairer Benjamin , Jungreithmayr Viktoria , Schuster Mario , Reiter Thomas , Herkner Harald , Gessl Alois , Sengölge Gürkan , Winnicki Wolfgang
Published: February 2020

Elevated levels of thyroid-stimulating-hormone (TSH) are associated with reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease even in euthyroid patients. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy has been shown to delay progression to end-stage renal disease in sub-clinically hypothyroid patients with renal insufficiency. However, such associations after kidney transplantation were never investigated. In this study the association of thyroid hormones and estimated GFR (eGFR) in euthyroid patients after kidney transplantation was analyzed. In total 398 kidney transplant recipients were assessed retrospectively and association between thyroid and kidney function parameters at and between defined time points, 12 and 24 months after transplantation, was studied. A significant inverse association was shown for TSH changes and eGFR over time between months 12 and 24 post transplantation. For each increase of TSH by 1 µIU/mL, eGFR decreased by 1.34 mL/min [95% CI, −2.51 to −0.16; p = 0.03], corresponding to 2.2% eGFR decline, within 12 months. At selected time points 12 and 24 months post transplantation, however, TSH was not associated with eGFR. In conclusion, an increase in TSH between 12 and 24 months after kidney transplantation leads to a significant decrease in eGFR, which strengthens the concept of a kidney-thyroid-axis.
Relationships Between Environmental Conditions And Fish Assemblages In Tropical Savanna Headwater Streams
Authors: Vieira Thiago Bernardi , Tejerina-Garro Francisco Leonardo
Published: February 2020

Riparian vegetation plays an important role in providing energy to small watercourses and maintaining ecological processes through organic matter input and together with hydrological and geomorphological watercourse characteristics influence on fish assemblages. The goal of this paper was partitioning and quantifying the influence of riparian zone (type of riverbank substrate, bank slope, type of riparian vegetation cover and percentage of riparian vegetation cover on the main channel), physical habitat (stream channel width and depth, type of substrate and aquatic habitat in channel, water velocity and organic matter), water quality (turbidity, temperature, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll concentration) and spatial variables (linear distances between sampled points) on fish assemblages (richness and abundance per species) in headwater streams of the Upper Paraná River basin, Central Brazil. For this purpose, it was performed a variation partitioning analysis between riparian, physical habitat, water and spatial variables sets and a Redundancy Analysis to quantify the influence of variables on the fish assemblages. Only the physical habitat and water quality variables influenced the fish assemblages (richness and abundance per species).
Repeated giant earthquakes on the Wairarapa fault, New Zealand, revealed by Lidar-based paleoseismology
Authors: Manighetti Isabelle , Perrin Clément , Gaudemer Yves , Dominguez Stéphane , Stewart Nicholas , Malavieille Jacques , Garambois Stéphane
Published: February 2020

The Mw 7.8 2016 Kaikoura earthquake ruptured the Kekerengu-Needle fault resulting in the loading of its eastern continuation, the Wairarapa fault. Since the most recent earthquake on Wairarapa occurred in 1855 and is one of the strongest continental earthquakes ever observed, it is critical to assess the seismic potential of the Wairarapa fault, which might be prone to break. Using Lidar data, we examine its bare-earth morphology and reveal ~650 mostly undiscovered offset geomorphic markers. Using a code we developed in earlier work, we automatically measure the lateral and vertical offsets of these markers providing more than 7000 well constrained measurements. The data document the lateral and vertical slip profiles of the 1855 earthquake for the first time and show its total slip reached ~20 m at surface. Modeling the entire offset dataset reveals 7 prior earthquakes ruptured the entire fault, each similarly producing 16.9 ± 1.4 m dextral slip and ~0.6 m vertical slip at surface in the same central bend zone of the fault. Thus, the Wairarapa fault repeatedly produced giant earthquakes and is likely able to produce a similarly strong forthcoming event. The extreme large size of the Wairarapa earthquakes questions our understanding of earthquake physics.
Oral biofilm elimination by combining iron-based nanozymes and hydrogen peroxide-producing bacteria
Authors: Wang Yanqiu , Shen Xinyu , Ma Shang , Guo Qianqian , Zhang Wei , Cheng Lu , Ding Liming , Xu Zhuobin , Jiang Jing , Gao Lizeng
Published: February 2020

Combining nanozymes and bacteria to eliminate dental biofilms in a mixed-species model.
Facile synthesis of clean PtAg dendritic nanostructures with enhanced electrochemical properties
Authors: Lai Yi , Du Guifen , Zheng Zhiping , Dong Yongdi , Li Huiqi , Kuang Qin , Xie Zhaoxiong
Published: February 2020

PtAg dendritic nanocrystals were synthesized by a one-step and surfactant-free route and exhibited excellent activities in both MOR and ORR.
Three-dimensional microspheric g-C3N4coupled byBroussonetia papyriferabiochar: facile sodium alginate immobilization and excellent photocatalytic Cr(iv) reduction
Authors: Jin Qi , Xie Guangyu , Cai Xiaoxi , Hu Xinjiang , Wang Hui , Qiu Guoqiang , Wang Weixuan , Zhou Daixi , Huo Huiwen , Tan Xiaofei , Zhao Yunlin
Published: February 2020

g-C3N4–Broussonetia papyriferabiochar–sodium alginate composites were prepared. Composite recyclability and activity for photocatalytic Cr(vi) reduction and the origin of enhanced photocatalytic activity relative to that of g-C3N4were probed.
Chemical modification utilizing a terminal structure exposed on the specific surface of polymer-metal complex nanocrystals
Authors: Suzuki Ryuju , Onodera Tsunenobu , Kasai Hitoshi , Oikawa Hidetoshi
Published: February 2020

We modified the surface of polymer metal complex nanocrystals (PMC NCs) with the alkylation reaction by utilizing coordinatively unsaturated bipyridine ligands exposed on the (010), and successfully changed the luminescence properties of PMC NCs.
Ag2O-decorated electrospun BiVO4 nanofibers with enhanced photocatalytic performance
Authors: Ren Junpeng , Zhu Yongyong
Published: February 2020

Ag2O doped electrospun BiVO4 nanofibers with p–n junction heterogeneous structures show enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light (photocatalytic efficiency: 98.47% within 100 min) and good cycling stability.
Dual Eu-MOFs based logic device and ratiometric fluorescence paper microchip for visual H2O2 assay
Authors: Yu Long , He Can , Zheng Qutong , Feng Lixiang , Xiong Li , Xiao Yuxiu
Published: February 2020

A dual Eu-MOFs based ratiometric fluorescent H2O2 sensor and an advanced logic device were designed. An MOFs-loaded paper microchip was also fabricated for the visual H2O2 assay in μL-samples, coupled with a smartphone-based visual device.
Black arsenene as a promising anisotropic sensor with high sensitivity and selectivity: insights from a first-principles investigation
Authors: Mao Jianjun , Chen Yue
Published: February 2020

Black arsenene is a promising anisotropic sensor with high sensitivity and selectivity.
Slope Stability and Erosion-Sedimentation Analyses Along Sub-watershed of Muara Bangkahulu River in Bengkulu City, Indonesia
Authors: Mase Lindung Zalbuin
Published: February 2020

Within last 10 years, high intensity of rainfall had triggered the increase of water level during floods along Sub-watershed of Muara Bangkahulu River, Bengkulu, Indonesia. The high rainfall intensity was caused by extreme weather change. This study was focused on a segment of Muara Bangkahulu Sub-watershed called Semarang Segment. This segment is one of socio-economy centres in Bengkulu City. This study was initiated by performing the environmental investigation and collecting the rainfall intensity data in the study area. The site investigation data and soil tests were also performed to obtain the soil properties along sloping ground of sub-watershed. The analysis to obtain the maximum flood discharge as well as the maximum water level within 10 years was conducted. Furthermore, the slope stability analysis using both finite element and limit equilibrium methods was performed. In general, the results of this study could be a recommendation to stakeholders to consider the future impact in the study area. The results of this study could also bring a recommendation for the slope protection in the study area.
Chronic Effect Analysis of Mercury Exposure on Communities Around Small Scale Gold Mining in Indonesia Using Human Biomonitoring (HBM) Method
Authors: Mubiarto Haryo , Dwi Ariesyady Herto , Widya Dewi Kusumah Siska , Soemirat Juli
Published: February 2020

In general, small-scale gold mining activities that are spread throughout Indonesia practicing amalgamation technique. The amalgamation process in the mining activities can result in environmental degradation due to tailing waste containing mercury that are discharged into the environment and will distributed and bioaccumulated through food chain. Mercury exposure to human can give a chronic effect. Measuring mercury concentration in biomarkers such as nail and hair is a method to indicate the mercury poisoning level. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze mercury concentrations in nail and hair as chronic exposure biomarkers. Besides, we also conducted Human Biomonitoring (HBM) analysis to assess mercury intoxication in the communities. Moreover, we analyzed mercury concentrations in water, rice, fish, and food crops samples to understand their association with mercury concentrations in nail and hair through a Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) analysis. This research was conducted in 4 districts in Indonesia which has a significant number of small-scale gold mining activities. The results showed that the maximum concentration of T-Hg in the nail and hair of the workers was 58.48 µg/g and 55.97 µg/g, respectively. Based on HBM analysis, in several districts, more than 60% of the workers has been intoxicated by mercury. Meanwhile, Average Daily Intake (ADI) and PTWI were significantly correlated with concentration mercury in the nail and hair. Mercury concentrations in worker’s hair was significantly correlated with working experience. We identified that the age and residence duration were the major predictor of concentration mercury in nail and hair, respectively.
Phytoremediation of Heavy metal Contaminated Wastes from Small-scale Gold Mining UsingPityrogramma calomelanos
Authors: Win Zar Che , Diaz Leslie Joy L. , Perez Teresita R. , Nakasaki Kiyohiko
Published: February 2020

In this study, viability of employing the waste treatment technique for industrial application was conducted by setting up a phytoremediation protocol for field application where heavy metal (Arsenic and Copper) contaminated adsorbents, i.e. coco peat and nanofiber membrane, used for the treatment of wastewater were also included. An arsenic hyperaccumulator,Pityrogramma calomelanoswas used for the treatment of mine wastes-tailings, coco peat and nanofiber membrane. Phytoremediation procedure was established by investigating planting parameters namely ; plot height - (9 cm and 15 cm) and planting distance- (15 cm and 20 cm) for a period of five months. Translocation factor and % uptake of As and Cu by ferns were measured. According to the results, % uptake of As and Cu byP. Calomelanoswas 0.16 % and 0.01 % and translocation factor of As and Cu was 6.78 and 0.04, respectively. Plant growth factors (root length, frond height and dry weight) in tailings mixture plant boxes and control soil were also determined. Accordingly,P. calomelanosgrew well in tailings mixture without the symptom of phytotoxicity. Therefore,P. calomelanoscan be used for the phytoremediation of the said heavy metal contaminated mine wastes. Based on this study, 15 cm plot height and 20 cm plant distance were suitable for field experiment although long term research data is required. The overall protocol for the treatment of mine wastes as field experiment was proposed based on the results.
Initial study of the Coix lachryma-jobi application in reducing algal growth in eutrophic lake
Authors: Iqbal Rofiq , Tedjakusuma Teddy , Dwinandha Dhimas
Published: February 2020

The usage of Hordeum vulgare or barley straw as an algistatic to control eutrophication in lake has been applied in the United States and England. Inspired by barley straw, this research studied about Coix lachryma-jobi as a substitute for barley straw in Indonesia. The aim of this research is to determine the applicability of Coix lachryma-jobi product in reducing algal growth along with its interactions with the nutrients in the water. Two stages of experiment were conducted. The first stage was applying three different products of Coix lachryma-jobi (powder, chop, and straw) in the reactors filled with water from Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant as a representation of hypertrophic water body. Then the chlorophyll concentration was monitored to indicate algal growth. Another experiment was applying Coix lachryma-jobi in the reactor filled with tap water and water sample. The result of the experiments show that the straw of Coix lachryma-jobi without further physical treatment is the most effective to reduce algae population in the water. However, the mechanism of the algal growth has not been affected by the interactions between Coix lachryma-jobi and the nutrients.
Preliminary study of indonesia capital city relocation based on disaster mitigation principle with mental model approach
Authors: Nur Azhar Hanif , Putri Fatima Helmya Hilda , Tamas Isna Nufussilma
Published: February 2020

Jakarta (capital city of Indonesia) is threatened by potential disaster in the future. Furthermore, scientists predict that Jakarta will sink in 2050. Currently, northern Jakarta has sunk by 2.5 meters in a period of 10 years due to human activities along with natural conditions which causes disaster, such as land subsidence by infrastructure construction and excessively use of groundwater, poor drainage systems, and a constant sea level rise. Government of Indonesia also considers several effects of capital city relocation such as changes in the fields of economy, politics, defense, security, social, culture, and environment. This study examine environmental aspects considered in the capital city relocation, associated to disaster mitigation using a mental model approach. Environmental aspects as the main factors are from human activities which caused by decrease of natural carrying capacity and natural conditions itself that caused an increase of disaster vulnerability. Both of these aspects are elaborated to compile a study of capital city relocation based on the disaster prevention principle. The study through a mental framework model can assist the government and relevant stakeholders in the formulation of capital city relocation.Jakarta, as the capital city of Indonesia, several sectors has facing rapid growing development, particularly in the sector of trade, industry, transportation, real estate, and many others
Occurence of Microplastics in Water, Sediment and Milkfish (Chanos chanos) in Citarum River Downstream (Case Study: Muara Gembong)
Authors: Agustian Fareza Achmad , Sembiring Emenda
Published: February 2020

Microplastics in aquatic environment can possibly enter into the aquatic organism, so this study aims to identify the microplastic concentrations in water, sediment, and milkfish. The samples are taken in downstream Citarum river at Muara Gembong. Water samples were taken using a manta trawl pulled by a boat while sediment and milkfish samples were taken using the grab sampling method. Organic removal and cleaning was conducted by using the Fenton Oxidation method which use Fe and H2O2. The average of microplastic concentrations in river water, seawater ponds, mixed water, and seawater consecutively are 0.0574 ± 0.025 particles/m3, 3.000 ± 2.645 particles/L, 0.666 ± 0.577 particles/L and 1.333 ± 1.155 particles/L. The average of microplastic concentrations in sediment sea water pond, sediment mixed water pond and sea sediment samples consecutively are 3.666 ± 0.577 particles/20g, 2.667 ± 1.527 particles/20g, 2.333 ± 0.577 particles/20g and 0.667 ± 1.154 particle/20g. The average of microplastic concentrations in the gut and gills of milkfish in sea ponds and mixed ponds consecutively are 2.333 ± 2.266 particles/fish and 2.222 ± 3.768 particles/fish. The average of microplastic concentrations in milkfish tissues in the sea and mixed water ponds are 1.333 ± 1.000 particles/fish and 1.111 ± 1.167 particles/fish.
Progressionen in der muskuloskelettalen Rehabilitation
Authors: Diemer Frank
Published: February 2020

Nach Muskel- und Bandverletzungen oder Knochenbrüchen hängt in der Rehabilitation viel davon ab, dass die Belastung adäquat gesteigert wird. Die Kontrolle bestimmter klinischer und funktioneller Parameter hilft dabei, die richtigen Entscheidungen zu treffen.
Fatal Course of a Male Newborn with Double Duodenal Atresia
Authors: Elrouby Ahmed , Koraitim Ahmed
Published: February 2020

Multiple point duodenal atresia is an extremely rare condition with atretic segments in either two or three sites of the duodenum. We report a newborn male patient who presented to our institution with bilious vomiting, nonpassage of meconium, mild abdominal distension, and a palpable epigastric abdominal mass ∼1 × 1 cm. A faint double bubble was found on abdominal X-ray. On exploratory laparotomy, a duodenal cyst due to double duodenal atresia was found and a typical diamond-shaped duodeno-duodenostomy was created. A postoperative contrast study revealed passage of the contrast media into distal intestine. However, the patient died 2 weeks later due to uncontrolled sepsis and pneumonia. Despite the fact that multiple-point duodenal atresia is a rare condition, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis to avoid missed pathology.
Effect of Vitamin D Injection in Recurrent Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo with Vitamin D Deficiency
Authors: Rhim Gu Il
Published: February 2020

Introduction There have been reports indicating that patients with frequently recurring benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) had vitamin D deficiency, and some studies indicated that the treatment of severe vitamin D deficiency is effective in the reduction of the recurrence of BPPV.

Objective The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of Vitamin D3 injection on recurrence among patients with a 10 ng/mL or lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D blood concentration diagnosed with BPPV.

Methods Among 99 patients with idiopathic BPPV with vitamin D deficiency, 25 patients (case group) were submitted to 3 to 4 injections of 200,000 IU of vitamin D3 in the first year. In total, 50 patients in the control group were selected through frequency matching, with 25 patients in the case group. Age, gender, and type of BPPV are used in matching variables with 1:2 matched data. The subjects of the study group were followed up for 24 months.

Results The differences in relapse rates between the case and the control groups were examined using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test for k independent samples. With regard to the relapse rates of the entire case and control groups by period, from 0 to 6 months (p < 0.531), from 7 to 12 months (p < 1.000), and from 13 to 24 months (p < 0.711), and in the entire study period (p < 0.883) there were no statistically significant differences.

Conclusion The present case-control study indicated that vitamin D3 injection had no significant effect on the recurrence of BPPV patients with vitamin D deficiency when age, gender, and type of BPPV were homogeneous between the two groups.
Precochlear Implant Assessment: Clinical Profile and Family History of Children with Severe Bilateral Prelingual Hearing Loss
Authors: Raza Syed Hashim , Waris Rehmana , Akhtar Samina , Riaz Ramish
Published: February 2020

Introduction The prevalence of deafness is high in Pakistan. Knowledge regarding the clinical features of patients with profound hearing loss will not only help identify the cause but will also help in the strategic planning for public health interventions.

Objective The present study was conducted to cover in detail the clinical aspects of children with hearing loss, that is, age at presentation, associated deficits and disorders, possible cause of the disease, associated family history, and role of consanguineous marriage.

Methods The present study was performed from November 2016 to September 2018. All of the patients under 6 years of age with profound bilateral hearing loss who would benefit from cochlear implantation were included in the study. Detailed history was taken. The developmental skills were assessed for all areas, and the patients were scored regarding their motor, manipulative, visual, language, social and self-care skills according to the Schedule of Growing Skills II. Detailed family history was taken from the parents of the affected children. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 20.0, was used for the statistical analysis.

Results The mean age of the children to be treated was 3.2 ±  1.25 years. Most patients (51.5%) had a positive family history of disease. Consanguineous marriage was common; the parents of 76.9% of the patients were first-degree relatives. Most patients (90.8%) had associated language impediments. In total, four (Ł3.07%) patients had global developmental delay.

Conclusion Consanguineous marriage pattern plays an important role in diseases running in families. Development in these children is strongly linked to their age at the consultation.
A Prospective Comparative Study of Different Methods of Cranioplasty: Our Institutional Experience
Authors: Sable Hemant , Patel Mukesh P. , Shah Kalpesh B.
Published: February 2020

Introduction Cranioplasty is the surgical repair, reconstruction, and replacement of a removed part of the cranium, thus restoring its shape, symmetry, contour, and continuity, which is extremely important from a cosmetic as well as a psychosocial point of view. Continuing advances in cranioplasty techniques have enabled the repair of large and increasingly complicated calvarial defects; however, the optimal reconstructive material for different clinical scenarios still remains unclear and debatable.

Aim The aim of this study was to compare risk factors, complications, and the need for reoperation associated with different methods of cranioplasty, which are implemented in our institute.

Materials and Methods This study was a prospective study conducted between August 2016 and January 2019 in a tertiary institute. Sixty patients were studied and divided into three groups of which group 1 included 18 patients who underwent cranioplasty using ETO (ethylene oxidation)-sterilized autologous bone graft, group 2 included 17 patients who underwent cranioplasty using autologous bone graft placed in subcutaneous pocket, and group 3 included 25 patients who underwent titanium mesh cranioplasty. Data were collected and statistical analysis was performed.

Result and Conclusion Of the three groups studied, postoperative complications were more in group 1(ETO-sterilized autologous bone graft) and group 3 (titanium mesh cranioplasty) but the difference between the three groups was not statistically significant. Factors such as age, gender, initial diagnosis, interval between decompression craniectomy and cranioplasty, operative time, blood loss, method of fixation, and defect size had no statistically significant effect on postoperative outcomes.
Field distribution and dispersion characteristics of a coaxial oversized slow wave structure with deep corrugation operating on high-order mode
Authors: Deng Bingfang , He Juntao , Ling Junpu , Wang Lei
Published: February 2020

Compared with the traditional slow wave structure (SWS) with a fundamental mode, the oversized SWS with deep corrugation operating in a high-order mode has a higher power handling capacity and lower beam density. However, for the new structures, the traditional Floquet harmonic expansion method is not applicable in analyzing the dispersion characteristics of the slow wave structure. In this paper, we present a new analysis method based on the mode matching method, which is suitable for the arbitrary depth of corrugation of SWS. Besides, as the field matches at the corrugated surface of inner and outer conductors, the method is applicable whether the conductors are corrugated or uniform. The method is validated by software simulation. The calculation results of the software verify the correctness of the theory and show that the theoretical calculation is more convenient. By the method we present, the dispersion characteristics, field distribution, and coupling impedance are theoretically derived and analyzed.
Extraction of tensor parameters of general biaxial anisotropic materials
Authors: Aladadi Yosef T. , Alkanhal Majeed A. S.
Published: February 2020

This paper proposes a novel S-parameter retrieval method to extract the arbitrary permittivity and permeability tensors of general biaxial anisotropic materials. The proposed method uses three measurements of the reflection and transmission coefficients of a simple normal-incident circularly polarized plane wave. The circular polarization is employed to overcome the ambiguity attributed to the discontinuities in the extracted possible positive and negative values of the permittivity and permeability tensors for natural or synthesized anisotropic materials. The mathematical procedure of the proposed method directly relates the combined parameters deduced from the circularly polarized wave components to the tensor permittivity and permeability linear components while avoiding the need for heavy computations or optimization schemes. This simple procedure successfully overcomes the limitations to the usable frequency band and the material losses observed in previously published retrieval techniques for lossless and lossy anisotropic materials at low- and high-frequency regions. The retrieved tensor elements are validated by comparison to analytical data obtained from solving the original electromagnetic problem using the Berreman 4 × 4 matrix method after extending it to the case of circularly polarized fields.
Scale-up of cluster beam deposition to the gram scale with the matrix assembly cluster source for heterogeneous catalysis (propylene combustion)
Authors: Cai Rongsheng , Cao Lu , Griffin Ross , Chansai Sarayute , Hardacre Christopher , Palmer Richard E.
Published: February 2020

Cluster beam deposition is a solvent-free method to prepare films of nanoparticles, one obvious application being heterogeneous catalysis. To address the problem of low cluster deposition rates, a novel cluster beam source, the “Matrix Assembly Cluster Source” was invented recently. Following the proof of principle studies, here, we demonstrate a further scale-up by 2 orders of magnitude, equivalent to reaching a production of ∼10 mg of clusters (Au100) per hour. This allows the preparation of cluster-decorated powder catalysts at the gram scale, comfortably sufficient for practical catalysis studies of novel materials at the research level, as demonstrated here by the catalytic combustion of propylene.
Inelastic neutron scattering evidence for anomalous H–H distances in metal hydrides
Authors: Borgschulte Andreas , Terreni Jasmin , Billeter Emanuel , Daemen Luke , Cheng Yongqiang , Pandey Anup , Łodziana Zbigniew , Hemley Russell J. , Ramirez-Cuesta Anibal J.
Published: February 2020

Significance

Hydrogen in metals alters the electronic structure of such materials and hence modifies the physical and chemical properties. In conventional transition metal hydrides containing atomic hydrogen, the minimum hydrogen–hydrogen distances are around 2.1 Å under ambient conditions (Switendick criterion). Although hints of H–H distances below 2.1 Å in

A
B

2

alloys have been reported, evidence is inconclusive as hydrogen positions are difficult to locate by diffraction techniques. Here, inelastic neutron scattering is used as a local probe of the hydrogen interactions together with electronic structure modeling of a well-studied and prototypical metal hydride

Z
r
V

2

H

x

. The results provide evidence for anomalous hydrogen–hydrogen distances as short as 1.6 Å. The findings provide insights leading to the creation of materials with properties such as very high

T

c

superconductivity and other quantum behaviors.
The personal and/as the political
Authors: Georgakopoulou Alexandra , Vasilaki Maria
Published: February 2020

Drawing on our previous work on the role of small stories in social-mediatized engagements with the Greek socio-economic crisis
(Georgakopoulou 2014, 2015),
in this article, we set out to shed light on impoliteness on social media through the lens of small stories research. We
explore how Facebook and YouTube commenters “bash” political leaders and perceived political opponents and attribute blame to
them for the crisis, through comments that attest to specific links of doing impoliteness with storying the crisis. Bashing
has been previously related to the affective reactions of participants in online comments on current affairs. In this case, we
bring to the fore a salient combination in our data of (mainly on-record) impoliteness strategies for bashing politicians with
specific narrating positions in stories about the crisis: the narrator as sufferer, as witness of suffering, and as
spokesperson for collective suffering. We argue that in all these cases, on-record impoliteness is normally placed at the end
of a small story and presented as legitimated and justified by the preceding account. We conclude with the implications of the
association of impoliteness targeting public figures with social-mediatized processes of personalizing and constructing
expertise on the basis of experience on the one hand and, on the other hand, of jointly (re)asserting moral order in political
affairs.
“Ya bloody drongo!!!”
Authors: Sinkeviciute Valeria
Published: February 2020

This sutdy explores impoliteness-related discourse on Facebook as a form of expressing situated moral judgement. The analysis focuses on negative and aggressive comments as a response to one public post that claims the non-existence of Australia. The content of the post indicates the threat to national identity of anyone who associates themselves with the country. As a result, a large number of impolite comments were made. A qualitative analysis of the dataset (limited to one month from the post’s publication) reveals four main strategies that are used in order to express the judgement of the post’s inappropriateness and repair the wrongdoing. Those range from insults of the author’s mental abilities and suspicion of drug use to violence-related discourse (e.g., death threats) and counter-attack of the author’s national identity. This study, thus, aims to contribute to a growing area of research into online impoliteness.
Zn-Al layered double hydroxide: synthesis, characterization and application for orthophosphates ions adsorption in aqueous medium
Authors: Rouahna Noureddine , Ouakouak Abdelkader , Barkat Djamel , Srasra Ezzedine
Published: February 2020

This paper aims at studying the preparation of Zn-Al-LDH anionic clay and its adsorption proprieties in removing orthophosphate ions from aqueous medium. The LDH phase was synthesized by co-precipitation method and then calcined at 500 °C. Structural and textural properties of the prepared LDHs were determined by using x-ray diffraction, FTIR, BET, SEM and pHPZC analysis. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out under different parameters such as stirring time, pH and initial orthophosphate concentration. Results show that the prepared LDHs are efficient in removing orthophosphate and the maximum uptake was observed after 2 h. Experimental kinetic data are well described by the pseudo-second order model. It was also found that the adsorption process is significantly affected by the pH value. The sorption mechanisms include ion exchange, reconstitution of LDH phase and/or electrostatic attraction. Also, the isotherm study reveals that the Freundlich equation best fit the equilibrium data.
Revisiting the electroelastic solution for an FGPM thick-walled cylinder subjected to mechanical and electric loadings
Authors: Wang Han , Dui Guansuo , Xin Libiao
Published: February 2020

Theoretical analysis for an empty thick-walled FGPM cylinder exposed to electric and mechanical loadings are investigated. The cylinder is a composite material composed of PZT4 and PVDF and the volume fraction of PZT4 is given by the power law with three controllable parameters which can cover more complex circumstances. The hypergeometric equation of the radial displacement is acquired by utilizing the Voigt method, and the solutions of the stresses and the electric potential are obtained after solving the radial displacement. The method in this paper is appropriate for real functionally graded piezoelectric materials and can avoid assumptions about unknown overall material parameters appeared in previous references. Finally, the impacts of the parameter n in volume fraction of FGPM cylinder on mechanical and electric behaviors are examined. Furthermore, the distinction between the hoop stress and radial stress is discussed to decrease the pressure concentration in FGPM cylinder.
Membranous nephropathy associated with viral infection
Authors: Nikolopoulou Aikaterini , Teixeira Catarina , Cook H Terry , Roufosse Candice , Cairns Thomas H D , Levy Jeremy B , Pusey Charles D , Griffith Megan E
Published: February 2020

Background

Membranous nephropathy (MN) can be associated with hepatitis infection and less commonly with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The significance of anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) and anti-thrombospondin type 1 domain-containing 7A (THSD7A) antibodies in this setting is unclear.

Methods

We describe the clinical, histopathological and outcome data of 19 patients with MN and hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) or HIV infection identified through our renal biopsy database and the association with anti-PLA2R antibodies and anti-THSD7A antibodies.

Results

The cohort consisted of 19 patients, 8 male and 11 female, with a median age of 42 years (range 23–74). HBV infection was found in six cases, HCV in four and HIV in nine (two HIV patients had HBV co-infection and one HCV co-infection). PLA2R staining on biopsy was positive in 10/19 patients: 4 with HBV-MN, 3 with HCV-MN and 3 with HIV-MN and circulating anti-PLA2R antibodies were detected in 7/10 cases. THSD7A staining on biopsy was positive in three PLA2R-negative cases, one with HBV-MN and two with HIV-MN. Mean proteinuria was higher in the PLA2R-positive group and the median urinary protein:creatinine ratio (uPCR) was 963 mg/mmol (range 22–2406) compared with the PLA2R-negative group [median uPCR 548 mg/mmol (range 65–1898); P = 0.18 Mann–Whitney]. Spontaneous remission occurred in 6/19 patients and after-treatment remission occurred in 7/11 patients. Renal function was preserved in all but two patients who required haemodialysis 2 and 11 years from diagnosis.

Conclusions

We describe a cohort of patients with MN associated with viral infection, including rare cases of HIV-MN with PLA2R and THSD7A positivity. The mechanism of coincidental or viral-related MN needs to be investigated further.
Low adherence to statin treatment during the 1st year after an acute myocardial infarction is associated with increased 2nd-year mortality risk—an inverse probability of treatment weighted study on 54 872 patients
Authors: Khalaf Kani , Johnell Kristina , Austin Peter C , Tyden Patrik , Midlöv Patrik , Perez-Vicente Raquel , Merlo Juan
Published: February 2020

Aims

Experiencing an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a life-threatening event and use of statins can reduce the probability of recurrence and improve long-term survival. However, the effectiveness of statins in the real-world setting may be lower than the reported efficacy in randomized clinical trials. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether low statin treatment adherence during the year following an AMI episode is associated with increased 2nd-year mortality.

Methods and results

We analysed all 54 872 AMI patients aged ≥45 years, admitted to Swedish hospitals between 2010 and 2012, and who survive at least 1 year after the AMI episode. We defined low adherence as a medication possession ratio <50% or non-use of statins. Applying inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), we investigated the association between low adherence and all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and non-CVD mortality during the 2nd year. Overall, 20% of the patients had low adherence during the 1st year and 8% died during the 2nd year. In the IPTW analysis, low adherence was associated with an increased risk of all-cause [absolute risk difference (ARD) = 0.048, number needed to harm (NNH) = 21, relative risk (RR) = 1.71], CVD (ARD = 0.035, NNH = 29, RR = 1.62), and non-CVD mortality (ARD = 0.013, NNH = 77, RR = 2.17).

Conclusion

In the real-world setting, low statin adherence during the 1st year after an AMI episode is associated with increased mortality during the 2nd year. Our results reaffirm the importance of achieving a high adherence to statin treatment after suffering from an AMI.