bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Worsening anemia associated with volvulus in a stable neonate with intestinal obstruction
Authors: Moore G.P. , Byrne A. , Davila J. , Sarfi E. , Bettolli M.
Published: June 2018

Intrauterine intestinal obstruction complicated by midgut volvulus is a serious life-threatening diagnosis. Immediate surgical intervention is generally the course of action upon diagnosis to prevent morbidity and mortality. We report a case of intrauterine intestinal obstruction where the neonate then presented with an unusual onset of volvulus within the first 12 hours of life. The patient was born with generalized edema, a distended abdomen, and pallor. Unlike many cases, the patient did not present with typical signs of volvulus. Diagnostic imaging preceding delivery and the stable postnatal clinical course did not offer a justification for immediate laparotomy. Less than 24 hours later, the patient’s hemoglobin significantly dropped leading to an emergent laparotomy. Findings included a volvulus of the terminal ileum and large amounts of intraluminal blood. Our case report includes an analysis of clinical observations that should be considered so that patients presenting with similar signs receive earlier surgical intervention.
Effect on blood cholesterol level with increase in concentration of probiotics to Giriraja and Sakini chicken in Nepal
Authors: Neupane D , Nepali DB , Devkota NR , Sharma MP , Kadariya IP
Published: June 2018

The chicken population is increasing and the meat is acceptable by most ethnic groups, these species are remarkable for the meat production in the country. Probiotic microorganisms have played significant role in lowering cholesterol which have been documented over the past two decades via various clinical trials. This Cholesterol lowering properties of microorganism have been proposed to deconjugate bile via production of bile salt hydrolase (BSH) associated with their cholesterol lowering potentials in prevention of hypercholesterolemia. Deconjugated bile salts are more hydrophobic than their conjugated counterparts, thus are less reabsorbed through the intestines resulting in higher excretion into the feces. Of total 16 replicate, T1R1-T1R4 were without probiotics whereas T2R1-T2R4, T3R1-T3R4, T4R1-T4R4 were with probiotics 5%, 10% and 15% concentration Probiotics for Sakini male and female. Similary for Giriraja breed T5R1-T5R4, T6R1-T6R4, T7R1-T7R4 and T8R1-T8R4 were 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% concentration of with Probiotics. There was comparatively degradation of Cholesterol in blood with increase in probiotics concentration via Cell Net Analyzer.Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2017. 46 (4): 225-229
Artificial Neural Networks as Metamodels for the Multiobjective Optimization of Biobutanol Production
Authors: Elmeligy Ahmed , Mehrani Poupak , Thibault Jules
Published: June 2018

Process optimization using a physical process or its comprehensive model often requires a significant amount of time. To remedy this problem, metamodels, or surrogate models, can be used. In this investigation, a methodology for optimizing the biobutanol production process via the integrated acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) fermentation–membrane pervaporation process is proposed. In this investigation, artificial neural networks (ANNs) were used as metamodels in an attempt to reduce the time needed to circumscribe the Pareto domain and identify the best optimal operating conditions. Two different metamodels were derived from a small set of operating conditions obtained from a uniform experimental design. The first series of metamodels were derived to entirely replace the phenomenological model of the butanol fermentation process by representing the relationship that exists between five operating conditions and four performance criteria. The second series of metamodels were derived to estimate the initial concentrations under steady-state conditions for the eight chemical species within the fermenter in order to expedite convergence of the process simulator. The first series of metamodels led to an accurate Pareto domain and reduced the computation time to circumscribe the Pareto domain by a factor of 2500. The second series of metamodels led to only a small reduction of computation time (a factor of approximately 2) because of the inherently slow convergence of the overall fermentation process.
Investigation of HfO2 Thin Films on Si by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Rutherford Backscattering, Grazing Incidence X-ray Diffraction and Variable Angle Spectroscopic Ellipsometry
Authors: Luo Xuguang , Li Yao , Yang Hong , Liang Yuanlan , He Kaiyan , Sun Wenhong , Lin Hao-Hsiung , Yao Shude , Lu Xiang , Wan Lingyu , Feng Zhechuan
Published: June 2018

Hafnium oxide (HfO2) thin films have been made by atomic vapor deposition (AVD) onto Si substrates under different growth temperature and oxygen flow. The effect of different growth conditions on the structure and optical characteristics of deposited HfO2 film has been studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) and variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE). The XPS measurements and analyses revealed the insufficient chemical reaction at the lower oxygen flow rate and the film quality improved at higher oxygen flow rate. Via GIXRD, it was found that the HfO2 films on Si were amorphous in nature, as deposited at lower deposition temperature, while being polycrystalline at higher deposition temperature. The structural phase changes from interface to surface were demonstrated. The values of optical constants and bandgaps and their variations with the growth conditions were determined accurately from VASE and XPS. All analyses indicate that appropriate substrate temperature and oxygen flow are essential to achieve high quality of the AVD-grown HfO2 films.
Pit and Fissure Sealants—A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Cvikl Barbara , Moritz Andreas , Bekes Katrin
Published: June 2018

Even in the 21st century, dental caries is considered a global burden, severely upsetting the health and quality of life of those affected. Apart from the usage of fluoride and regular oral hygiene, one of the most important prophylactic approaches against the occurrence of caries is the sealing of pits and fissures. However, the rapid progress of new materials and applications for sealing pits and fissures also raises new questions about their correct application. Recent literature on pit and fissure sealing, caries prevention, as well as caries risk assessment for both children and adults was reviewed. This report provides a general overview of pit and fissure sealing, the materials used for sealing occlusal surfaces, as well as indications and possible side effects. The conclusions are that sealing pit and fissures of primary and permanent teeth is an effective method for preventing and arresting caries. However, regular checkups must be conducted to avoid advanced tooth decay attributable to leakages in the sealing.
Thermodynamic Explanation of Landau Damping by Reduction to Hydrodynamics
Authors: Pavelka Michal , Klika Václav , Grmela Miroslav
Published: June 2018

Landau damping is the tendency of solutions to the Vlasov equation towards spatially homogeneous distribution functions. The distribution functions, however, approach the spatially homogeneous manifold only weakly, and Boltzmann entropy is not changed by the Vlasov equation. On the other hand, density and kinetic energy density, which are integrals of the distribution function, approach spatially homogeneous states strongly, which is accompanied by growth of the hydrodynamic entropy. Such a behavior can be seen when the Vlasov equation is reduced to the evolution equations for density and kinetic energy density by means of the Ehrenfest reduction.
A Thermal Rating Calculation Approach for Wind Power Grid-Integrated Overhead Lines
Authors: Wang Mengxia , Wang Mingqiang , Huang Jinxin , Jiang Zhe , Huang Jinyan
Published: June 2018

Currently, the rapid increase in wind power integration in power systems is resulting in an increasing power flow in the grid-integrated power transmission lines of wind farms. The wind power curtailment caused by the current limits (thermal ratings) of the wind power integration overhead lines (WPIOLs) is becoming increasingly common. Aiming at this issue, the influence of conductor heating on the loss of tensile strength (LOTS) and sag of a WPIOL was analyzed in this paper. Then a decision model is proposed for the thermal ratings of WPIOLs, which regards the minimized wind power curtailment as objective and introduces permissible cumulative LOTS and sag of the conductor as constraints. Based on this model, the thermal rating for a WPIOL can be decided to ensure the expected service life of the conductor and safe clearance. In addition, case studies are used to demonstrate that the proposed approach is capable of improving the conservatism of conventional thermal rating calculation and reducing the wind power curtailment by improving the utilization efficiency of WPIOLs.
Waterflooding Huff-n-puff in Tight Oil Cores Using Online Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Chen Ting , Yang Zhengming , Ding Yunhong , Luo Yutian , Qi Dan , Lin Wei , Zhao Xinli
Published: June 2018

Given the difficulty in developing waterflooding in tight oil reservoirs, using waterflooding huff-n-puff is an effective method to improve oil recovery. Online nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) can detect the change in internal oil and water during the core displacement process, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in real time. To improve the tight oil reservoir development effectiveness, cores with different permeability were selected for a waterflooding huff-n-puff experiment. Combined with online NMR equipment, the fluid saturation, recovery rate, and residual oil distribution were studied. The experiments showed that, for tight oil cores, more than 80% of the pores were sub-micro- and micro-nanopores. More than 77.8% of crude oil existed in the sub-micro- and micropores, and movable fluids mainly existed in the micropores with a radius larger than 1 μm. The NMR data and the MRI images both demonstrated that the recovery ratio of waterflooding after waterflooding huff-n-puff was higher than that of conventional waterflooding, and, therefore, residual oil was lower. Choosing two cycles’ of waterflooding, huff-n-puff was more suitable for tight oil reservoir development. The production of crude oil increased by 22.2% in the field pilot test, which preliminarily proved that waterflooding huff-n-puff was suitable for tight oil reservoirs.
Application of Synchrosqueezed Wavelet Transforms for Extraction of the Oscillatory Parameters of Subsynchronous Oscillation in Power Systems
Authors: Zhao Yan , Cui Haohan , Huo Hong , Nie Yonghui
Published: June 2018

The most classical subsynchronous oscillation (SSO) mode extraction methods have some shortcomings, such as lower mode identification and poor anti-noise properties. Thus, this paper proposes a new time-frequency analysis method, namely, synchrosqueezed wavelet transforms (SWT). SWT combines the advantages of empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and wavelet, which has the adaptability of EMD, and improve the ability of anti-mode mixing on EMD and wavelet. Thus, better anti-noise property and higher mode identification can be achieved. Firstly, the SSO signal is transformed by SWT and its time-frequency spectrum is obtained. Secondly, the attenuation characteristic of each intrinsic mode type (IMT) component in its time-frequency spectrum is analyzed by an automatic identification algorithm, and determine which IMT component needs reconstruction. After that, the selected IMT components with divergent characteristic are reconstructed. Thirdly, high-accuracy detection for mode parameter identification is achieved by the Hilbert transform (HT). Simulation and application examples prove the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The Effect of Control Strategy on Tidal Stream Turbine Performance in Laboratory and Field Experiments
Authors: Frost Carwyn , Benson Ian , Jeffcoate Penny , Elsäßer Björn , Whittaker Trevor
Published: June 2018

The first aim of the research presented here is to examine the effect of turbine control by comparing a passive open-loop control strategy with a constant rotational speed proportional–integral–derivative (PID) feedback loop control applied to the same experimental turbine. The second aim is to evaluate the effect of unsteady inflow on turbine performance by comparing results from a towing-tank, in the absence of turbulence, with results from the identical machine in a tidal test site. The results will also inform the reader of: (i) the challenges of testing tidal turbines in unsteady tidal flow conditions in comparison to the controlled laboratory environment; (ii) calibration of acoustic Doppler flow measurement instruments; (iii) characterising the inflow to a turbine and identifying the uncertainties from unsteady inflow conditions by adaptation of the International Electrotechnical Commission technical specification (IEC TS): 62600-200. The research shows that maintaining a constant rotational speed with a control strategy yields a 13.7% higher peak power performance curve in the unsteady flow environment, in comparison to an open-loop control strategy. The research also shows an 8.0% higher peak power performance in the lab compared to the field, demonstrating the effect of unsteady flow conditions on power performance. The research highlights the importance of a tidal turbines control strategy when designing experiments.
Modest Effects of Host on the Cold Hardiness of Emerald Ash Borer †
Authors: Christianson Lindsey D. E. , Venette Robert C.
Published: June 2018

The emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, is invading North America and Europe but has not yet reached its ultimate distribution. Geographic differences in host availability and winter temperatures might affect where this species will occur. In central North America, black ash (Fraxinus nigra) is more abundant than green ash (F. pennsylvanica) at northern latitudes, but much of our current understanding of A. planipennis cold tolerance is based on observations of overwintering larvae from green ash. The effects of black and green ash on the cold hardiness of A. planipennis larvae were measured over three winters. Supercooling point, the temperature at which insect bodily fluids spontaneously begin to freeze, was marginally greater for larvae from artificially-infested black ash than green ash in one trial, but not in three others. Host species also did not consistently affect mortality rates after larval exposure to subzero temperatures, but larvae from black ash were less cold hardy than larvae from green ash when there were differences. Comparisons of mortality rates among chilled (unfrozen) and frozen larvae indicated that overwintering A. planipennis larvae are primarily freeze avoidant, and this cold tolerance strategy is unaffected by host. All of our studies suggest that A. planipennis larvae from black ash are not more cold hardy that larvae from green ash. Where temperatures annually decline below ~−30 °C, overwintering morality may substantially affect the population dynamics and future impacts from this invasive alien species.
Coarse Woody Debris Following Silviculture Treatments in Southwest Mixed-Conifer Forest
Authors: Saud Pradip , Cram Douglas , Smallidge Samuel , Baker Terrell
Published: June 2018

Coarse woody debris (CWD) is an important component in the structure and function of southwestern mixed-conifer forest ecosystems. However, fire suppression and exclusion policies have changed the structure and fuel loads, including CWD, during the last 130 years. Consequently, managers are faced with the threat of stand replacement fires over large spatial areas and are seeking solutions to these challenges using silvicultural techniques. Our paper presents CWD characteristics based on 100-h and 1000-h time-lag fuels before (2006) and after (2016) silvicultural treatments including harvest, prescribed fire, and no treatment (control) on mixed-conifer forests in southcentral New Mexico, USA. Results indicated late-season broadcast burns characterized by mild fire behavior reduced 100-h CWD (Mg ha−1) and potentially 1000-h CWD. However, because control sites also saw reduced 1000-h CWD, this result was confounded. Harvest treatments maintained 1000-h CWD, which could be considered a compensatory response given the decrease in CWD on adjacent control sites over the same time period. This was supported by an increase in 1000-h logs per 75 m transect on harvest sites as compared to control sites. Silvicultural prescriptions including prescribed fire are useful tools to increase or decrease CWD to meet management objectives.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Acute Hepatitis B: New Insights in Its Natural History and Implications for Antiviral Treatment
Authors: Menzo Stefano , Minosse Claudia , Vincenti Donatella , Vincenzi Laura , Iacomi Fabio , Zaccaro Paola , D’Offizi Gianpiero , Capobianchi Maria
Published: June 2018

Acute hepatitis B infection (AHB) is still a common viral acute hepatitis worldwide. As vaccination, antiviral treatment, and immigration are bound to affect the epidemiological landscape of HBV infections, and some of its aspects need to be investigated: (1) the circulation of vaccine escape mutants and of primary drug resistant strains; (2) the change in HBV genotype prevalence; and (3) the clinical implications of AHB and the probability of chronification. The serological, virological, and clinical parameters of 75 patients, acutely infected by HBV, were gathered for a retrospective study. Long-term follow up, either to complete seroconversion or for up to five years, was possible for 44 patients. Sequence analysis of the reverse transcriptase/HBsAg and precore regions was performed to investigate the molecular epidemiology and pathogenesis of recent infections by HBV. Genotype distribution in AHB in Italian patients was radically different from that of chronic infections, with a dramatic increase of extra-European genotypes (A1, F), suggesting that a proportion of AHBs are currently related to imported strains. None of the documented infections occurred in vaccinated individuals, while HBsAg variants (potentially vaccine escape variants) were rare and less prevalent than in chronic infections. No drug resistant strains were observed. Spontaneous viral clearance occurred in all but three cases. Time to viral clearance was inversely proportional to liver damage, but HBsAg titer on day 28 and, better still, HBsAg decay from day 0 to day 28 after admission, were the best predictors of chronification. They are, thus, potentially useful to guide antiviral treatment to prevent chronic evolution.
Improved Interpretation of Marine Sedimentary Environments Using Multi-Frequency Multibeam Backscatter Data
Authors: Feldens Peter , Schulze Inken , Papenmeier Svenja , Schönke Mischa , Schneider von Deimling Jens
Published: June 2018

Backscatter mosaics based on a multi-frequency multibeam echosounder survey in the continental shelf setting of the North Sea were compared. The uncalibrated backscatter data were recorded with frequencies of 200, 400 and 600 kHz. The results showed that the seafloor appears mostly featureless in acoustic backscatter mosaics derived from 600 kHz data. The same area surveyed with 200 kHz reveals numerous backscatter anomalies with diameters of 10–70 m deviating between −2 dB and +4 dB from the background sediment. Backscatter anomalies were further subdivided based on their frequency-specific texture and were attributed to bioturbation within the sediment and the presence of polychaetes on the seafloor. While low frequencies show the highest overall contrast between different seafloor types, a consideration of all frequencies permits an improved interpretation of subtle seafloor features.
Poverty Status and Childhood Asthma in White and Black Families: National Survey of Children’s Health
Authors: Assari Shervin , Moghani Lankarani Maryam
Published: June 2018

Background: Living above the poverty line reduces the risk of physical illnesses, including childhood asthma (CA). Minorities’ Diminished Return theory, however, suggests that the protective effects of socioeconomic status (SES) on health are weaker for racial minorities than White families. It is unknown whether the association between SES and CA differs for White and Black families. Aims: Using a national sample, the current study compared Black and White families for the association between living above the poverty line and CA. Methods: Data came from the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH), 2003–2004, a national telephone survey. A total of 86,537 Black or White families with children (17 years old or younger) were included in the study. This sample was composed of 76,403 White (88.29%) and 10,134 Black (11.71%) families. Family SES (living above the poverty line) was the independent variable. The outcome was CA, reported by the parent. Age, gender, and childhood obesity were the covariates. Race was conceptualized as the moderator. A number of multivariable logistic regressions were used in the pooled sample and specific to each race for data analysis. Results: In the pooled sample, living above the poverty line was associated with lower odds of CA. An interaction was found between race and living above the poverty line on odds of CA, indicating a smaller association for Black compared to White families. Although race-stratified logistic regressions showed negative associations between living above the poverty line and CA in both White and Black families, the magnitude of this negative association was larger for White than Black families. Conclusions: The health gain from living above the poverty line may be smaller for Black than White families. Due to the existing Minorities’ Diminished Return, policies that merely reduce the racial gap in SES may not be sufficient in eliminating racial health disparities in the United States. Public policies must go beyond reducing poverty to address structural and environmental risk factors that disproportionately impact Blacks’ health. Policies should help Black families gain health as they gain upward social mobility. As they are more likely to face societal and structural barriers, multi-level interventions are needed for the health promotion of Blacks.
Factors Associated with Maternal Worry about Her Young Child Exhibiting Choosy Feeding Behaviour
Authors: Emmett Pauline M. , Hays Nicholas P. , Taylor Caroline M.
Published: June 2018

Choosiness in young children is a normal behaviour that sometimes worries parents. The study aimed to investigate factors that are associated with a mother being worried about her child’s choosy feeding behaviour. Parents of singleton children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (n = 5710) completed a questionnaire assessing perception of their child’s choosy feeding behaviour at 15 months of age and whether this choosiness worried them. Feeding behaviours and practices throughout the first 15 months were captured. Multinomial logistic regression models with three levels of worry (not at all, a bit and greatly) as the dependent variables tested associations with variables from pregnancy and infancy. Half of the children (56%) were described as choosy at 15 months; of these 27% had mothers who were a bit worried and 5% greatly worried. Mothers showed greater odds of being worried if the child was first born, difficult to feed or refused solids by 6 months of age. Worried mothers had shown greater odds of introducing lumpy foods late (after 9 months). Feeding vegetables regularly by 6 months was associated with lower odds of worry at 15 months. Support and advice to parents at the start of complementary feeding could help to alleviate worry. Parents should be reassured that choosiness is a normal part of child development.
Kids Safe and Smokefree (KiSS) Multilevel Intervention to Reduce Child Tobacco Smoke Exposure: Long-Term Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lepore Stephen J. , Collins Bradley N. , Coffman Donna L. , Winickoff Jonathan P. , Nair Uma S. , Moughan Beth , Bryant-Stephens Tyra , Taylor Daniel , Fleece David , Godfrey Melissa
Published: June 2018

Background: Pediatricians following clinical practice guidelines for tobacco intervention (“Ask, Advise, and Refer” [AAR]) can motivate parents to reduce child tobacco smoke exposure (TSE). However, brief clinic interventions are unable to provide the more intensive, evidence-based behavioral treatments that facilitate the knowledge, skills, and confidence that parents need to both reduce child TSE and quit smoking. We hypothesized that a multilevel treatment model integrating pediatric clinic-level AAR with individual-level, telephone counseling would promote greater long-term (12-month) child TSE reduction and parent smoking cessation than clinic-level AAR alone. Methods: Pediatricians were trained to implement AAR with parents during clinic visits and reminded via prompts embedded in electronic health records. Following AAR, parents were randomized to intervention (AAR + counseling) or nutrition education attention control (AAR + control). Child TSE and parent quit status were bioverified. Results: Participants (n = 327) were 83% female, 83% African American, and 79% below the poverty level. Child TSE (urine cotinine) declined significantly in both conditions from baseline to 12 months (p = 0.001), with no between-group differences. The intervention had a statistically significant effect on 12-month bioverified quit status (p = 0.029): those in the intervention group were 2.47 times more likely to quit smoking than those in the control. Child age was negatively associated with 12-month log-cotinine (p = 0.01), whereas nicotine dependence was positively associated with 12-month log-cotinine levels (p = 0.001) and negatively associated with bioverified quit status (p = 0.006). Conclusions: Pediatrician advice alone may be sufficient to increase parent protections of children from TSE. Integrating clinic-level intervention with more intensive individual-level smoking intervention is necessary to promote parent cessation.
Burden of Common Childhood Diseases in Relation to Improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) among Nigerian Children
Authors: He Zhifei , Bishwajit Ghose , Zou Dongsheng , Yaya Sanni , Cheng Zhaohui , Zhou Yan
Published: June 2018

Having access to improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities constitute a key component of healthy living and quality of life. Prolonged exposure to insanitary living conditions can significantly enhance the burden of infectious diseases among children and affect nutritional status and growth. In this study we examined the prevalence of some common infectious diseases/disease symptoms of childhood among under-five children in Nigeria, and the association between the occurrence of these diseases with household’s access to WASH facilities. Types of diseases used as outcome variables included diarrheal, and acute respiratory infections (fever and cough). Access to WASH facilities were defined by WHO classification. The association between diarrhoea, fever and chronic cough with sanitation, and hygiene was analyzed by logistic regression techniques. Results showed that the prevalence of diarrhoea, fever and cough was respectively 10.5% (95% CI = 9.7–2.0), 13.4% (95% CI = 11.9–14.8), and 10.4% (95% CI = 9.2–11.5). In the regression analysis, children in the households that lacked all three types of facilities were found to have respectively 1.32 [AOR = 1.329, 95% CI = 1.046–1.947], 1.24 [AOR = 1.242, 95% CI = 1.050–1.468] and 1.43 [AOR = 1.432, 95% CI = 1.113–2.902] times higher odds of suffering from diarrhea, fever and cough. The study concludes that unimproved WASH conditions is an important contributor to ARIs and diarrheal morbidities among Nigerian children. In light of these findings, it is recommended that programs targeting to reduce childhood morbidity and mortality from common infectious diseases should leverage equitable provision of WASH interventions.
ALUminating the Path of Atherosclerosis Progression: Chaos Theory Suggests a Role for Alu Repeats in the Development of Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease
Authors: Hueso Miguel , Cruzado Josep M. , Torras Joan , Navarro Estanislao
Published: June 2018

Atherosclerosis (ATH) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are chronic inflammatory diseases with an important genetic background; they derive from the cumulative effect of multiple common risk alleles, most of which are located in genomic noncoding regions. These complex diseases behave as nonlinear dynamical systems that show a high dependence on their initial conditions; thus, long-term predictions of disease progression are unreliable. One likely possibility is that the nonlinear nature of ATH could be dependent on nonlinear correlations in the structure of the human genome. In this review, we show how chaos theory analysis has highlighted genomic regions that have shared specific structural constraints, which could have a role in ATH progression. These regions were shown to be enriched with repetitive sequences of the Alu family, genomic parasites that have colonized the human genome, which show a particular secondary structure and are involved in the regulation of gene expression. Here, we show the impact of Alu elements on the mechanisms that regulate gene expression, especially highlighting the molecular mechanisms via which the Alu elements alter the inflammatory response. We devote special attention to their relationship with the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA); antisense noncoding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL), a risk factor for ATH; their role as microRNA (miRNA) sponges; and their ability to interfere with the regulatory circuitry of the (nuclear factor kappa B) NF-κB response. We aim to characterize ATH as a nonlinear dynamic system, in which small initial alterations in the expression of a number of repetitive elements are somehow amplified to reach phenotypic significance.
Berberine Protects Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells from Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Damage through Activation of AMPK
Authors: Li Shuai , Gaur Uma , Chong Cheong-Meng , Lin Shaofen , Fang Jiankang , Zeng Zhiwen , Wang Haitao , Zheng Wenhua
Published: June 2018

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of central vision loss in the elderly with less effective treatment, especially for dry AMD (90% of AMD). Although the etiology of this disease is not well elucidated, increasing evidences indicate that excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) impairing the physiological functions of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells may be one of the main causes. Therefore, it could be a great strategy to find some drugs that can effectively protect RPE cells from oxidative damage which is desired to treat and slow the process of AMD. In the present study, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine berberine (BBR) was found to suppress hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage in D407 cells, a human RPE cell line. Pre-treatment of D407 cells with BBR significantly suppressed H2O2-induced cell apoptosis by restoring abnormal changes in nuclear morphology, preventing the decline of mitochondrial membrane potential, reducing lactate dehydrogenase release and inhibiting caspase 3/7 activities induced by H2O2. Western blot analysis showed that BBR was able to stimulate the phosphorylation/activation of AMPK in a time- and dose-dependent manner in D407 cells, while treatment of cells with AMPK pathway inhibitor Compound C, or knockdown of the AMPK by specific siRNA blocked the effect of BBR. Similar results were obtained in primary cultured human RPE cells. Taken together, these results demonstrated that BBR was able to protect RPE cells against oxidative stress via the activation of AMPK pathway. Our findings also indicate the potential application of BBR in AMD treatment.
Classical Risk Factors and Inflammatory Biomarkers: One of the Missing Biological Links between Cardiovascular Disease and Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Baghai Thomas C. , Varallo-Bedarida Gabriella , Born Christoph , Häfner Sibylle , Schüle Cornelius , Eser Daniela , Zill Peter , Manook André , Weigl Johannes , Jooyandeh Somayeh , Nothdurfter Caroline , Von Schacky Clemens , Bondy Brigitta , Rupprecht Rainer
Published: June 2018

Background: Cardiovascular disorders (CVD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are the most frequent diseases worldwide responsible for premature death and disability. Behavioral and immunological variables influence the pathophysiology of both disorders. We therefore determined frequency and severity of MDD in CVD and studied whether MDD without CVD or other somatic diseases influences classical and inflammatory biomarkers of cardiovascular risk. In addition, we investigated the influence of proinflammatory cytokines on antidepressant treatment outcome. Methods: In a case-control design, 310 adults (MDD patients without CVD, CVD patients, and cardiologically and psychiatrically healthy matched controls) were investigated. MDD patients were recruited after admission in a psychiatric university hospital. Primary outcome criteria were clinical depression ratings (HAM-D scale), vital signs, classical cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory biomarkers which were compared between MDD patients and healthy controls. Results: We detected an enhanced cardiovascular risk in MDD. Untreated prehypertension and signs directing to a metabolic syndrome were detected in MDD. Significantly higher inflammatory biomarkers such as the high sensitivity C-reaktive protein (hsCRP) and proinflammatory acute phase cytokines interleukine-1β (IL-1β) and interleukine-6 (IL-6) underlined the higher cardiovascular risk in physically healthy MDD patients. Surprisingly, high inflammation markers before treatment were associated with better clinical outcome and faster remission. The rate of MDD in CVD patients was high. Conclusions: Patients suffering from MDD are at specific risk for CVD. Precise detection of cardiovascular risks in MDD beyond classical risk factors is warranted to allow effective prophylaxis and treatment of both conditions. Future studies of prophylactic interventions may help to provide a basis for prophylactic treatment of both MDD and CVD. In addition, the high risk for MDD in CVD patients was confirmed and underlines the requirement for clinical attention.
A Semantic Model for Selective Knowledge Discovery over OAI-PMH Structured Resources
Authors: Becerril-García Arianna , Aguado-López Eduardo
Published: June 2018

This work presents OntoOAI, a semantic model for the selective discovery of knowledge about resources structured with the OAI-PMH protocol, to verify the feasibility and account for limitations in the application of technologies of the Semantic Web to data sets for selective knowledge discovery, understood as the process of finding resources that were not explicitly requested by a user but are potentially useful based on their context. OntoOAI is tested with a combination of three sources of information: Redalyc.org, the portal of the Network of Journals of Latin America and the Caribbean, Spain, and Portugal; the institutional repository of Roskilde University (called RUDAR); and DBPedia. Its application allows the verification that it is feasible to use semantic technologies to achieve selective knowledge discovery and gives a sample of the limitations of the use of OAI-PMH data for this purpose.
The Effect of Illumination Direction and Temperature on Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Viscous Cobalt Complex-Based Electrolytes
Authors: Jiang Roger , Boschloo Gerrit
Published: June 2018

The illumination direction and temperature can greatly affect the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) when practical non-volatile solvents are used with bulky one-electron redox mediators such as cobalt tris(bipyridine). For higher performance, a tandem electrolyte system consisting of cobalt tris(bipyridine) with tris(4-methoxyphenyl)amine was used. Discrepancies in J–V hysteresis were investigated by using photocurrent turn-on transients, open-circuit voltage decay, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The devices perform much better upon illumination form the counter electrode side and exhibit much less hysteresis and more stabilized power output as characterized by maximum power-point tracking (MPP) tracking.
Investigation of Tensile Creep of a Normal Strength Overlay Concrete
Authors: Drexel Martin , Theiner Yvonne , Hofstetter Günter
Published: June 2018

The present contribution deals with the experimental investigation of the time-dependent behavior of a typical overlay concrete subjected to tensile stresses. The latter develop in concrete overlays, which are placed on existing concrete structures as a strengthening measure, due to the shrinkage of the young overlay concrete, which is restrained by the substrate concrete. Since the tensile stresses are reduced by creep, creep in tension is investigated on sealed and unsealed specimens, loaded at different concrete ages. The creep tests as well as the companion shrinkage tests are performed in a climatic chamber at constant temperature and constant relative humidity. Since shrinkage depends on the change of moisture content, the evolution of the mass water content is determined at the center of each specimen by means of an electrolytic resistivity-based system. Together with the experimental results for compressive creep from a previous study, a consistent set of time-dependent material data, determined for the same composition of the concrete mixture and on identical specimens, is now available. It consists of the hygral and mechanical properties, creep and shrinkage strains for both sealed and drying conditions, the respective compliance functions, and the mass water contents in sealed and unsealed, loaded and load-free specimens.
Closed Die Upsetting of Aluminum Matrix Composites Reinforced with Molybdenum Disulfide Nanocrystals and Multilayer Graphene, Implemented using the SPS Process—Microstructure Evolution
Authors: Kostecki Marek , Petrus Mateusz , Woźniak Jarosław , Cygan Tomasz , Olszyna Andrzej
Published: June 2018

New methods for producing composite materials such as SPS (Spark Plasma Sintering) are becoming more and more popular due to the ease of implementation in industrial conditions and the versatility of the materials used for processing. In order to fully exploit the potential of this method, modifications were proposed which consisted in the deliberate induction of deformation during the sintering process. The influence of the manufacturing method on the microstructure of aluminum alloy matrix composites reinforced with layered crystals in the form of nanoflakes was investigated. Composites with the addition of 10 vol % of multilayer graphene and molybdenum disulfide were prepared and their density, hardness, and the influence of the deformation ratio on the changes occurring in the microstructure were examined. The potential of the method to shape the properties of the tested composites and the strong dependence of the obtained results on the morphology of the reinforcing phase was indicated. An interesting phenomenon observed for composites with the addition of MoS2 during the process was the reaction of the components leading to in situ formation of the Al12Mo intermetallic phase.
The Effect of Post-Processes on the Microstructure and Creep Properties of Alloy718 Built Up by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Kuo Yen-Ling , Nagahari Toshiki , Kakehi Koji
Published: June 2018

The selective laser melting (SLM) process was used to fabricate an Alloy718 specimen. The microstructure and creep properties were characterized in both the as-built and post-processed SLM materials. Post-processing involved several heat treatments and a combination of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and solution treatment and aging (STA) to homogenize the microstructure. The experimental results showed that the originally recommended heat treatment process, STA-980 °C, for cast and wrought materials was not effective for SLM-processed specimens. Obvious grain growth structures were obtained in the STA-1180 °C/1 h and STA-1180 °C/4 h specimens. However, the grain size was uneven since heavy distortion or high-density dislocation formed during the SLM process, which would be harmful for the mechanical properties of SLM-fabricated materials. The HIP+ direct aging process was the most effective method among the post-processes to improve the creep behavior at 650 °C. The creep rupture life of the HIP+ direct aging condition approached 800 h since the HIP process had the benefit of being free of pores, thus preventing microcrack nucleation and the formation of a serrated grain boundary.
Development of Perovskite-Type Materials for Thermoelectric Application
Authors: Wu Tingjun , Gao Peng
Published: June 2018

Oxide perovskite materials have a long history of being investigated for thermoelectric applications. Compared to the state-of-the-art tin and lead chalcogenides, these perovskite compounds have advantages of low toxicity, eco-friendliness, and high elemental abundance. However, because of low electrical conductivity and high thermal conductivity, the total thermoelectric performance of oxide perovskites is relatively poor. Variety of methods were used to enhance the TE properties of oxide perovskite materials, such as doping, inducing oxygen vacancy, embedding crystal imperfection, and so on. Recently, hybrid perovskite materials started to draw attention for thermoelectric application. Due to the low thermal conductivity and high Seebeck coefficient feature of hybrid perovskites materials, they can be promising thermoelectric materials and hold the potential for the application of wearable energy generators and cooling devices. This mini-review will build a bridge between oxide perovskites and burgeoning hybrid halide perovskites in the research of thermoelectric properties with an aim to further enhance the relevant performance of perovskite-type materials.
Absolute Configuration Determination of Retroflexanone Using the Advanced Mosher Method and Application of HPLC-NMR
Authors: Singleton Caleb , Brkljača Robert , Urban Sylvia
Published: June 2018

The absolute configuration of retroflexanone (1) and a closely related phlorogluinol (2) was established using the advanced Mosher method and by application of HPLC-NMR. HPLC-NMR permitted a small scale Mosher method analysis to be carried out on these unstable phloroglucinols.
Demographic and social inequalities in need for orthodontic treatment among schoolchildren in Lithuania
Authors: Kavaliauskienė Aistė , Šidlauskas Antanas , Zaborskis Apolinaras
Published: June 2018

The present study, which focused on Lithuanian 11–15-year-old schoolchildren, was aimed to describe the frequency of orthodontic anomalies in terms of self-reported complaints about malposed teeth and malocclusion and self-reported use of orthodontic appliances (removable or braces) across different sociodemographic strata. Material and methods. The study population comprised 5632 schoolchildren surveyed in the 2005-2006 school year according to the WHO collaborative cross-national HBSC study in Lithuania. Results. Almost half (47.5%) of schoolchildren reported orthodontic complaints. Therefore, only 15.8% of total population or 27.0% of schoolchildren who had orthodontic complaints reported wearing orthodontic appliances. Several municipalities of Lithuania with a high prevalence of orthodontic problems among schoolchildren were identified. Orthodontic problems were more prevalent among girls than boys. The prevalence of orthodontic complaints was not associated with social factors, while the use of orthodontic appliances was significantly related to social determinants. Children from rural areas were 2.44 times less likely of wearing orthodontic appliances than those living in cities, and children from families with low affluence were 2.33 times less likely of wearing orthodontic appliances than children from high-affluence families. Conclusion. There is a considerable variation and high social inequalities in need of orthodontic treatment among schoolchildren across different municipalities in Lithuania.
Lietuvos vyrų ir moterų vidutinės tikėtinos gyvenimo trukmės netolygumai bei juos lemiančios mirties priežastys
Authors: Kalėdienė Ramunė , Starkuvienė Skirmantė , Petrauskienė Jadvyga , Kaselienė Snieguolė
Published: June 2018

Tyrimo tikslas. Įvertinti Lietuvos vyrų ir moterų vidutinės tikėtinos gyvenimo trukmės (VGT) netolygumų pokyčius 1990–2006 m. ir nustatyti juos lemiančias mirties priežastis. Tyrimo medžiaga ir metodai. Tyrimui naudoti duomenys apie mirusiuosius ir gyventojus, gauti iš Lietuvos statistikos departamento. Įvertinti vyrų ir moterų VGT netolygumai. Pagal išgyvenamumo lenteles apskaičiuotas vyrų ir moterų prarastų dėl svarbiausių mirties priežasčių VGT metų skaičius. Pagrindinių mirties priežasčių įtaka vyrų ir moterų VGT pokyčiams bei skirtumams nustatyta komponentinės analizės metodu. VGT pokyčių kritiniai laikotarpiai vertinti jungiamųjų taškų regresinės analizės metodu. Rezultatai. Vyrų ir moterų VGT pokyčiams 1990–2006 m. būdingi du lūžio taškai, VGT kreivę suskirsčius į tris laikotarpius: mažėjančios, didėjančios ir vėl mažėjančios VGT. Vyrų VGT pokyčiai visais laikotarpiais buvo intensyvesni nei moterų. Bendras vyrų VGT pokytis 1990–2006 m. buvo statistiškai nereikšmingas, o moterų VGT didėjo vidutiniškai 0,2 proc. per metus. Ir vyrai, ir moterys daugiausia VGT metų prarado dėl mirčių nuo širdies ir kraujagyslių ligų, kurių reikšmė buvo didesnė moterims. Darbingo amžiaus (15–65 metų) vyrų ir moterų VGT labiausiai trumpino nelaimingi atsitikimai, apsinuodijimai ir traumos. Nors vyrų ir moterų VGT skirtumas nuo 1994 m. iki 2006 m. sumažėjo nuo 12,3 iki 11,8 metų, jis yra vienas didžiausių Europoje. Nuo 1991 m. svarbiausia mirties priežastimi, lemiančia vyrų ir moterų VGT skirtumus, tapo nelaimingi atsitikimai, apsinuodijimai ir traumos, kurių reikšmė vyrų ir moterų VGT skirtumams pastaraisiais metais sumažėjo. 2006 m., palyginus su 1994 m., padidėjo širdies ir kraujagyslių ligų bei piktybinių navikų įtaka vyrų ir moterų VGT skirtumui. Išvados. Demografi nių ir socialinių gyventojų grupių sveikatos netolygumų mažinimas turi tapti valstybės socialinės ir sveikatos politikos prioritetu. Sveikatos, socialinių bei kitų valstybinių arba regioninių programų įgyvendinimo vertinimo kriterijuose turėtų atsispindėti vyrų ir moterų lygių sveikatos galimybių užtikrinimo aspektai.
Factors affecting health-related quality of life in patients after femoral neck fracture
Authors: Valavičienė Rasa , Smailys Alfredas , Macijauskienė Jūratė , Hommel Ami
Published: June 2018

Quality of life in patients with femoral neck fracture is an issue frequently discussed in the literature. There is ongoing research on identifying factors that have an impact on quality of life in this particular group of patients. A great variety of factors affecting quality of life and lack of information on their importance encouraged us to perform a systematic literature review analyzing quality of life of patients who sustained femoral neck fracture. The search was performed in the PubMed and Medline databases according to the selected key words. In our systematic review, we included clinical and clinical randomized trials investigating patients with femoral neck fracture and their quality of life. Our analysis showed that treatment of femoral neck fracture with hip replacement was superior to osteosynthesis with regard to patients’ quality of life. The data regarding the impact of different rehabilitation programs on quality of life were controversial; a few reports showed that special rehabilitation programs were associated with better health-related quality life. However, other studies did not report any differences in patients’ quality of life when different rehabilitation programs were applied. Patient’s nutrition may be an important factor affecting the quality of life in patients with femoral neck fractures; however, data supporting this fact are insufficient.