bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Words, Camera, Music, Action: A Methodology of Digital Storytelling in a Health Care Setting
Authors: Lang Michael , Laing Catherine , Moules Nancy , Estefan Andrew
Published: July 2019

In this technological age, storytelling is moving from oral and written to digital formats, creating many methodological opportunities for researchers and practitioners. This article explores a specific genre of participatory media production, digital storytelling (DST), which could be a valuable research tool to describe, analyze, and understand the experiences of research participants. Digital stories (DS) are short movies that use images, videos, a voice-over, and various video editing techniques to share an important story from the participant’s life. In a health care setting, DS can be used as knowledge translation tools for education and advocacy, as data to be analyzed in the research process, or as a therapeutic intervention, in any combination, depending on the intent of the project. Although an increasing number of health-related research studies indicate using DST, or some variation of it, there is a glaring paucity of methodologically focused manuscripts in the health care literature. This article delineates and describes four primary phases of DST in a health care context as finding the story, telling the story, crafting the story, and sharing the story. Both the creative and technical considerations of DST facilitation are elucidated through specific examples and practical concepts. By drawing from diverse literature such as narratology, film, and psychotherapy, and exploring new creative tools and ideas to help research participants convey meaning, this article provides a starting point for qualitative researchers to explore the use of DST in their own contexts.
Ankle Arthritis
Authors: Le Vu , Veljkovic Andrea , Salat Peter , Wing Kevin , Penner Murray , Younger Alastair
Published: July 2019

Ankle arthritis is a major source of morbidity impacting a younger working age population than hip and knee arthritis. Unlike the hip and knee, more than 70% of ankle arthritis cases are post-traumatic, with the remainder being inflammatory or primary arthritis. Nonoperative treatment begins with lifestyle and shoe-wear modifications and progresses to bracing, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and intra-articular injections. Ankle arthrodesis and total ankle arthroplasty are the 2 main surgical options for end-stage ankle arthritis, with debridement, realignment osteotomy, and distraction arthroplasty being appropriate for limited indications.

Level of Evidence:

Level V, expert opinion.
Fludarabine exposure in the conditioning prior to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation predicts outcomes
Authors: Langenhorst J. B. , van Kesteren C. , van Maarseveen E. M. , Dorlo T. P. C. , Nierkens S. , Lindemans C. A. , de Witte M. A. , van Rhenen A. , Raijmakers R. , Bierings M. , Kuball J. , Huitema A. D. R. , Boelens J. J.
Published: July 2019

Fludarabine is the most frequently used agent in conditioning regimens for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Body surface area–based dosing leads to highly variable fludarabine exposure. We studied the relation between fludarabine exposure and clinical outcomes. A retrospective, pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic analysis was conducted with data from patients undergoing HCT with fludarabine (160 mg/m2) as part of a myeloablative conditioning (busulfan targeted to an area under the plasma-concentration-time curve [AUC] of 90 mg*h/L) and rabbit antithymocyte globulin (6-10 mg/kg; from day −9/−12) between 2010 and 2016. Fludarabine exposure as AUC was calculated for each patient using a previously published population pharmacokinetic model and related to 2-year event-free survival (EFS) by means of (parametric) time-to-event models. Relapse, nonrelapse mortality (NRM), and graft failure were considered events. One hundred ninety-two patients were included (68 benign and 124 malignant disorders). The optimal fludarabine exposure was determined as an AUC of 20 mg*h/L. In the overexposed group, EFS was lower (hazard ratio [HR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-3.5; P = .02), due to higher NRM (HR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.6-6.9; P < .001) associated with impaired immune reconstitution (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.26-0.70; P < .001). The risks of NRM and graft failure were increased in the underexposed group (HR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.2-9.4; P = .02; HR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.2-19; P = .02, respectively). No relationship with relapse was found. Fludarabine exposure is a strong predictor of survival after HCT, stressing the importance of optimum fludarabine dosing. Individualized dosing, based on weight and “renal function” or “therapeutic drug monitoring,” to achieve optimal fludarabine exposure might improve survival.
Quality of Life During Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer in a West African Population in Dakar, Senegal: A Prospective Study
Authors: Dano Domitille , Hénon Clémence , Sarr Ousseynou , Ka Kanta , Ba Mouhamadou , Badiane Awa , Thiam Ibrahima , Diene Papa , Diop Mamadou , Dem Ahmadou , Marino Patricia , Mancini Julien , Annede Pierre , Gonçalves Anthony , Diouf Doudou , Monneur Audrey
Published: July 2019

PURPOSE

The prevalence of breast cancer is increasing in low- to middle-income countries such as Senegal. Our prospective study assessed the quality of life (QoL) of patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy in Senegal.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our study included women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy as initial treatment at the Center Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital in Dakar. Clinical, sociodemographic, and QoL data were collected and analyzed at three different times: baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after the start of systemic therapy. Health-related QoL was assessed using a Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapies-Breast (FACT-B) questionnaire after translation into the Wolof language. Linear mixed-effects models were performed to assess the changes in QoL scores.

RESULTS

Between July 2017 and February 2018, 120 patients were included in the study. Their median age was 45 years. Most patients (n = 105; 92%) had locally advanced disease (T3 to T4 stage) and lymph node involvement (n = 103; 88%), and half had metastatic disease. The FACT-B total scores significantly improved over time (β = 1.58; 95% CI, 0.50 to 2.67; P < .01). Nausea and vomiting were significantly associated with a decrease in FACT-B total scores (β = −16.89, 95% CI, −29.58 to −4.24, P = .012; and β = −13.44, 95% CI, −25.15 to −1.72, P = .028, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our study confirmed the feasibility of standardized QoL assessment in Senegalese patients with breast cancer. Our results indicated a potential improvement of QoL over the course of chemotherapy. Optimizing nausea and vomiting prevention may improve QoL.
Patient-Defined Treatment Success: Perspectives of Patients With Advanced-Stage Lung Cancer
Authors: Islam K.M. , Deviany Poppy E. , Anggondowati Trisari , Ryan June E. , Fetrick Ann , Bagenda Danstan , Copur Mehmet S. , Tolentino Addison , Vaziri Irfan , McKean Heidi A. , Dunder Steven , Gray Jhanelle E. , Huang Chao M.D. , Ganti Apar Kishor
Published: July 2019

PURPOSE:

In the United States, lung cancer accounts for 14% of cancer diagnoses and 28% of cancer deaths annually. Because no cure exists for advanced lung cancer, the primary treatment goal is to prolong survival.

OBJECTIVES:

The study aim was to determine whether individual preferences, characteristics, and treatment experiences affect the meaning of treatment success.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A quantitative study using an observational, longitudinal cohort of patients with advanced stage non–small-cell lung cancer was conducted. Data sources included medical records and patient interviews. Data were analyzed using χ2, Fisher’s exact, and McNemar’s tests, as well as logistic regressions.

RESULTS:

At the first interview of 235 individuals, 12% considered survival alone as their definition of treatment success; others defined treatment success as survival plus other aspects, such as quality of life and reaching an important personal goal. As they moved through chemotherapy, 47% of the patients changed their definition of treatment success. Bivariate analysis showed that patients with lower incomes tended to be more likely to change their definition of treatment success compared with their counterparts with higher income ( P = .0245).

CONCLUSION:

By taking chemotherapy, patients expect to increase their odds of survival and want to maintain the quality of life and functionality. A patient’s definition of treatment success is often changing as treatment continues, making it appropriate to ensure patient-provider communication throughout their clinical care. The study results are limited to patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer and drawn from a predominantly white patient population, mainly from the US Midwest.
Characterization of acute TLR-7 agonist-induced hemorrhagic myocarditis in mice by multiparametric quantitative cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Baxan Nicoleta , Papanikolaou Angelos , Salles-Crawley Isabelle , Lota Amrit , Chowdhury Rasheda , Dubois Olivier , Branca Jane , Hasham Muneer G. , Rosenthal Nadia , Prasad Sanjay K. , Zhao Lan , Harding Sian E. , Sattler Susanne
Published: July 2019

Hemorrhagic myocarditis is a potentially fatal complication of excessive levels of systemic inflammation. It has been reported in viral infection, but is also possible in systemic autoimmunity. Epicutaneous treatment of mice with the Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR-7) agonist Resiquimod induces auto-antibodies and systemic tissue damage, including in the heart, and is used as an inducible mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here, we show that overactivation of the TLR-7 pathway of viral recognition by Resiquimod treatment of CFN mice induces severe thrombocytopenia and internal bleeding, which manifests most prominently as hemorrhagic myocarditis. We optimized a cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) tissue mapping approach for the in vivo detection of diffuse infiltration, fibrosis and hemorrhages using a combination of T1, T2 and T2* relaxation times, and compared results with ex vivo histopathology of cardiac sections corresponding to CMR tissue maps. This allowed detailed correlation between in vivo CMR parameters and ex vivo histopathology, and confirmed the need to include T2* measurements to detect tissue iron for accurate interpretation of pathology associated with CMR parameter changes. In summary, we provide detailed histological and in vivo imaging-based characterization of acute hemorrhagic myocarditis as an acute cardiac complication in the mouse model of Resiquimod-induced SLE, and a refined CMR protocol to allow non-invasive longitudinal in vivo studies of heart involvement in acute inflammation. We propose that adding T2* mapping to CMR protocols for myocarditis diagnosis improves diagnostic sensitivity and interpretation of disease mechanisms.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Relationship between heart rate and optimal reconstruction phase in coronary CT angiography performed on a 256-slice multidetector CT
Authors: Yang Ching-Ching , Law Wei-Yip , Lu Kun-Mu , Wu Tung-Hsin
Published: July 2019

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between heart rate (HR) and optimal reconstruction phase in prospectively electrocardiogram (ECG)-triggered coronary CT angiography (CCTA) performed on a newly introduced 256-slice multidetector CT (MDCT).

Methods:

All the cases were selected retrospectively from the patients scheduled for CCTA in our department between January and April 2017. The scanner selected the optimal exposure phase based on 10 s ECG recordings. To ensure the success of CCTA, the operator also checked patient's age, breathing control, emotional status and past medical history to decide whether the automatically selected scan phase needs manual adjustment or not. Images were reconstructed in 1% steps of the R–R interval to determine the cardiac phase with least coronary motion. If CCTA images showed moderate motion blurring or discontinuity in the course of coronary segments, a cardiac motion correction algorithm was applied to the reconstructed images. Subjective diagnostic image quality was evaluated with 4-point grading scale.

Results:

A total of 87 consecutive CCTA examinations were investigated in this study. Diastolic reconstruction was applied to all vessel segments in patients with HR <63 bpm, where 36.5 and 77.8% of vessel segments were reconstructed with the use of motion correction in HR ≤57 and 58–62 bpm, respectively. As for patients with HR ≥63 bpm, 89.3 and 71.7% of vessel segments were reconstructed in diastole in HR 63–67 and ≥68 bpm, respectively, while 81 and 100% of vessel segments were reconstructed with the use of motion correction in the same HR groups.

Conclusion:

Based on our results, a HR less than 67 bpm can be used to identify appropriate patients for diastolic reconstruction. Although the motion correction algorithm is an effective approach to reduce the impact of cardiac motion in CCTA, HR control is still important to optimize the image quality of CCTA. The relationship between HR and optimal reconstruction phase established in this study could be further used to tailor the ECG pulsing window for dose reduction in patients undergoing CCTA performed on the 256-slice MDCT.

Advances in knowledge:

The HR thresholds to identify patients who are the best suitable candidates for diastolic or systolic reconstruction are scanner specific. This study investigated the relationship between HR and optimal reconstruction phase in prospectively ECG-triggered CCTA for a newly introduced 256-slice MDCT. Once the relationship is established, it could be used to tailor the ECG pulsing window for radiation dose reduction.
Radiation-induced optic neuropathy after pencil beam scanning proton therapy for skull-base and head and neck tumours
Authors: Kountouri Melpomeni , Pica Alessia , Walser Marc , Albertini Francesca , Bolsi Alessandra , Kliebsch Ulrike , Bachtiary Barbara , Combescure Christophe , Lomax Antony J. , Schneider Ralf , Weber Damien Charles
Published: July 2019

Objective:

To assess the radiation-induced optic neuropathy (RION) prevalence, following high dose pencil beam scanning proton therapy (PBSPT) to skull base and head and neck (H&N) tumours

Methods:

Between 1999 and 2014, 216 adult patients, median age 47 years (range, 18–77), were treated with PBS PT for skull base or H&N malignancies, delivering ≥45 GyRBE to the optic nerve(s) (ON) and/or optic chiasma (OC). The median administered dose to the planning target volume was 74.0 GyRBE (range, 54.0–77.4). The median follow-up was 5.3 years (range, 0.8–15.9).

Results:

RION was observed in 14 (6.5%) patients at a median time of 13.2 months (range, 4.8–42.6) following PBSPT. Most (92.9%) of RION were symptomatic. Most affected patients (11/14; 79%) developed unilateral toxicity. Grade 4, 3, 2 and 1 toxicity was observed in 10, 2, 1 and 1 patients, respectively. On univariate analyses, age (<70 vs ≥70 years; p < 0.0001), hypertension (﻿p = 0.0007) and tumour abutting the optic apparatus (p = 0.012) were associated with RION. OC’s V60 GyRBE was of border line significance (p = 0.06). None of the other evaluated OC–ON dose/volume metrics (Dmax, Dmean, V40-60) were significantly associated with this complication.

Conclusion:

These data suggest that high-dose PBS PT for skull base and H&N tumours is associated with a low prevalence of RION. Caution should be however exercised when treating elderly/hypertensive patients with tumours abutting the optic apparatus.

Advances in knowledge:

This is the first study reporting the risk of developing RION following proton therapy with PBS technique, demonstrating the safety of this treatment.
Update in pediatric nasopharyngeal undifferentiated carcinoma
Authors: Claude Line , Jouglar Emmanuel , Duverge Loig , Orbach Daniel
Published: July 2019

Many of the principles established in adults with undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) apply to children, adolescents and young adults. However, NPC in young patients should be distinguished from the adult form by several points. This review focuses mainly on differences between adult and pediatric NPC. The role of biology and genetics in pediatric NPC is discussed. Systemic treatment modalities including type of chemotherapy induction, timing of treatment, role of immunotherapy as adjuvant treatment, or in relapsing/ metastatic diseases are reported. Radiation modalities (doses, techniques…) in children are also reviewed. Long-term effects including secondary cancers are finally be discussed in this young NPC population.
Artificial intelligence for precision education in radiology
Authors: Duong Michael Tran , Rauschecker Andreas M. , Rudie Jeffrey D. , Chen Po-Hao , Cook Tessa S. , Bryan R. Nick , Mohan Suyash
Published: July 2019

In the era of personalized medicine, the emphasis of health care is shifting from populations to individuals. Artificial intelligence (AI) is capable of learning without explicit instruction and has emerging applications in medicine, particularly radiology. Whereas much attention has focused on teaching radiology trainees about AI, here our goal is to instead focus on how AI might be developed to better teach radiology trainees. While the idea of using AI to improve education is not new, the application of AI to medical and radiological education remains very limited. Based on the current educational foundation, we highlight an AI-integrated framework to augment radiology education and provide use case examples informed by our own institution’s practice. The coming age of “AI-augmented radiology” may enable not only “precision medicine” but also what we describe as “precision medical education,” where instruction is tailored to individual trainees based on their learning styles and needs.
Intramammary lymph nodes: normal and abnormal multimodality imaging features
Authors: Bitencourt Almir GV , Ferreira Eduardo VL , Bastos David C , Sperandio Vitor A , Graziano Luciana , Guatelli Camila S , Albuquerque Maria LL , Souza Juliana A , Marques Elvira F
Published: July 2019

Intramammary lymph nodes (IMLN) are one of the most common benign findings at screening mammography. However, abnormal IMLN features, such as diminished or absent hilum, thickened cortex, not circumscribed margins, increased size or interval change, warrants additional follow-up or pathologic analysis to exclude malignancy. Some benign inflammatory conditions may be associated with imaging-detected suspected abnormal IMLN, such as reactive hyperplasia and silicone-induced lymphadenopathy. In patients with known breast cancer, IMLN are a potential site of locoregional spread, which can change the prognosis and management. In some cases, initial breast carcinomas can also mimic IMLN. Breast radiologists must also be aware of the typical and atypical characteristics of IMLN to suggest further investigation when it is necessary.
Age and sex estimation based on pulp cavity volume using cone beam computed tomography: development and validation of formulas in a Brazilian sample
Authors: Andrade Vanessa M , Fontenele Rocharles C , de Souza Andreia CB , Almeida Casimiro AP de , Vieira Andrea CD , Groppo Francisco C , Freitas Deborah Q , Junior Eduardo D
Published: July 2019

Objectives:

To develop and validate formulas for age and sex estimation based on the pulp cavity volume of teeth using cone beam CT.

Methods:

The sample was composed of 116 cone beam CT scans from Brazilian individuals of both sexes, ranging in age from 13 to 70 years. A total of 232 teeth (upper central incisors and canines) were evaluated. Two calibrated examiners determined pulp cavity volumes using the ITK-SNAP software. Pearson’s correlation test was used to assess the correlation between chronological age and pulp volume. Linear and logistic regression models were developed for age and sex estimation, respectively, and were validated in another sample of 72 teeth.

Results:

Pearson’s correlation coefficients between age and pulp volume were negative and significant (p < 0.0001) for both teeth (r = −0.8782 for central incisors and r = −0.8738 for canines). The age estimation formulas showed good determination coefficients (adjusted R² = 0.7614 to 0.8367). For sex estimation, when the age was known, the coefficients were also good (adjusted R² = 0.649 to 0.812). However, when the age was unknown, the coefficients of the sex estimation formulas were low (adjusted R² = 0.047 to 0.393). Validation showed high accuracy of age estimation in individuals older than 35 years, as well as high accuracy of sex estimation when the age was known.

Conclusions:

Our formulas provided excellent results and can be applied to the Brazilian population. The best results were observed for age estimation in females and for sex estimation when the age was known.
Examining the “Repletion Reflex”: The Association between Serum Potassium and Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: O'Sullivan Kevin F , Kashef Mohammad Amin , Knee Alexander B , Roseman Alexander S , PhD Penelope S Pekow , Stefan Mihaela S , Shieh Meng‐Shiou , Pack Quinn R , MD Peter K Lindenauer , MD Tara Lagu
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

In patients hospitalized with heart failure (HF) exacerbations, physicians routinely supplement potassium to maintain levels ≥4.0 mEq/L. The evidence basis for this practice is relatively weak. We aimed to evaluate the association between serum potassium levels and outcomes in patients hospitalized with H F.

METHODS

We identified patients admitted with acute HF exacerbations to hospitals that contributed to an electronic health record‐derived dataset. In a subset of patients with normal admission serum potassium (3.5‐5.0 mEq/L), we averaged serum potassium values during a 72‐hour exposure window and categorized as follows: <4.0 mEq/L (low normal), 4.0‐4.5 mEq/L (medium normal), and >4.5 mEq/L (high normal). We created multivariable models examining associations between these categories and outcomes.

RESULTS

We included 4,995 patients: 2,080 (41.6%), 2,326 (46.6%), and 589 (11.8%) in the <4.0, 4.0‐4.5, and >4.5 mEq/L cohorts, respectively. After adjustment for demographics, comorbidities, and presenting severity, we observed no difference in outcomes between the low and medium normal groups. Compared to patients with levels <4.0 mEq/L, patients with a potassium level of >4.5 mEq/L had a longer length of stay (median of 0.6 days; 95% CI: 0.1 to 1.0) but did not have statistically significant increases in mortality (OR [odds ratio] = 1.51; 95% CI: 0.97 to 2.36) or transfers to the intensive care unit (OR = 1.78; 95% CI: 0.98 to 3.26).

CONCLUSIONS

Inpatients with heart failure who had mean serum potassium levels of <4.0 showed similar outcomes to those with mean serum potassium values of 4.0‐4.5. Compared with mean serum potassium level of <4.0, mean serum levels of >4.5 may be associated with increased risk of poor outcomes.
Flexible Production and Entry: Institutional, Technological, and Organizational Determinants
Authors: Belenzon Sharon , Bennett Victor Manuel , Patacconi Andrea
Published: July 2019

Academics, the media, and policy makers have all raised concerns about the implications of human workers being replaced by machines or software. Few have discussed the implications of the reverse: firms’ ability to replace capital with workers. We show that this flexibility can help new firms overcome uncertainty and increase entrepreneurial entry. We develop a simple real options model where permissive labor regulations allow firms to take advantage of capital–labor substitutability by replacing “rigid” capital with “flexible” labor. The model highlights institutional, technological, and organizational preconditions to using this flexibility. Using a large and comprehensive data set on entry by stand-alone firms and group affiliates, we provide evidence in support of the model.
On Contradictory Christology: A Reply to Cotnoir’s ‘On the Role of Logic’
Authors: Beall Jc
Published: July 2019

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Inovasi Guru dalam Metode Pembelajaran Berhitung untuk Menstimulasi Kecerdasan Logis-Matematis di TK Kalyca Montessori School Yogyakarta
Authors: Novita Anggria , Muqowim Muqowim
Published: July 2019

The focus of this research is to find out the learning background. This research is a qualitative descriptive method with a case study. Data collection techniques are interviews, observation, and documentation. The results of this study are an important reason for teachers to innovate in learning to count is to be facilitators and observers, teachers as learners, adopters, developers, and creators; the teacher's innovation process in the three stages of learning through introductory concepts, transitions/ stages, and symbol stages; and effects of teacher innovation in numeracy learning methods to stimulate logical-mathematical intelligence to be able to think logically, be able to improve memory, be able to classify, be able to increase numbers, be able to find ways to work, become problem solvers, able to understand cause and effect, and be able to improve accuracy.
Iris recognition under the influence of diabetes
Authors: Azimi Mohammadreza , Rasoulinejad Seyed Ahmad , Pacut Andrzej
Published: July 2019

In this study, iris recognition under the influence of diabetes was investigated. A new database containing 1318 pictures from 343 irides – 546 images from 162 healthy irides (62% female users, 38% male users, 21% <20 years old, 61% (20) < 40 years old, 12% (40) <60 years old and 6% more than 60 years old) and 772 iris images from 181 diabetic eyes but with a clearly visible iris pattern (80% female users, 20% male users, 1% <20 years old, 17.5% (20) <40 years old, 46.5% (40) <60 years old and 35% more than 60 years old) – were collected. All of the diabetes-affected eyes had clearly visible iris patterns without any visible impairments and only type II diabetic patients with at least 2 years of being diabetic were considered for the investigation. Three different open source iris recognition codes and one commercial software development kit were used for achieving the iris recognition system’s performance evaluation results under the influence of diabetes. For statistical analysis, the t-test and the Kolmogorov-Simonov test were used.
Remarks on the self-shrinking Clifford torus
Authors: Evans Christopher G. , Lotay Jason D. , Schulze Felix
Published: July 2019

On the one hand, we prove that the Clifford torus in

ℂ
2

{\mathbb{C}^{2}}

is unstable for Lagrangian mean curvature flow under arbitrarily small Hamiltonian perturbations, even though it is Hamiltonian F-stable and locally area minimising under Hamiltonian variations. On the other hand, we show that the Clifford torus is rigid: it is locally unique as a self-shrinker for mean curvature flow, despite having infinitesimal deformations which do not arise from rigid motions. The proofs rely on analysing higher order phenomena: specifically, showing that the Clifford torus is not a local entropy minimiser even under Hamiltonian variations, and demonstrating that infinitesimal deformations which do not generate rigid motions are genuinely obstructed.
Translators asymptotic to cylinders
Authors: Hershkovits Or
Published: July 2019

We show that the Bowl soliton in

ℝ
3

{\mathbb{R}^{3}}

is the unique translating solution of the mean curvature flow whose tangent flow at

-
∞

{-\infty}

is the shrinking cylinder. As an application, we show that for a generic mean curvature flow, all (non-static) translating limit flows are the bowl soliton. The crucial point is that we do not make any global convexity assumption, while as the same time, the asymptotic requirement is very weak.
Chromatographic Examinations in the Gas Network Odourised by Tetrahydrothiophene
Authors: Juszczak Magdalena , Szyłak-Szydłowski Mirosław
Published: July 2019

The paper presents the results of the spread of the tetrahydrothiophene (THT) - used as odourant - in the gas network. Such analyses allow quick detection of leaks in networks, systems and devices of gas supply directly to consumers. The main goal of the study was to determine the effectiveness of the use of portable chromatograph and comparing it with a stationary odourant concentration analyser. Based on these studies, an attempt to determine the odouration zone for the selected city have been also taken. For this purpose, three series of measurements were made - in each series 13 points were analysed. Obtained results confirmed the effectiveness of the measurement a concentration of odourant in the gas network using a portable gas chromatograph - difference in relation to the stationary chromatograph ranged from 1.91 to 2.55 %.
The Possibility of Contamination of Water-Soil Environment as a Result of the Use of Pig Slurry
Authors: Marszałek Marta , Kowalski Zygmunt , Makara Agnieszka
Published: July 2019

Pig slurry is a heterogeneous mixture of faeces, urine, undigested remains of feed items and water used for flushing of animal excrement and to maintain the proper hygiene of livestock housing. It is formed on farms which use the non-bedding system of pig breeding i.e. animals are kept on the partially or fully slatted floors. According to the Polish law pig slurry is defined as a liquid natural fertilizer intended for agricultural use. The storage and application of pig slurry on arable land affect the surroundings and may create a number of serious risks related to, among others, the pollution of water-soil environment with biogenic elements, heavy metals, pathogens and pharmaceuticals. The article presents the reasons for the occurrence of excessive amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, copper, zinc and antibiotics in pig slurry. The possibility of microbial and pharmaceutical contamination of water, soil and plants as well as their pollution with biogens and heavy metals as a result of improper storage and excessive spreading of pig slurry have been characterized. Moreover, methods of preventing the above-mentioned threats with reference to Polish and EU legal acts have been discussed.
New Approaches in Biological Wastewater Treatment Aimed at Removal of Organic Matter and Nutrients
Authors: Sabliy Larisa , Kuzminskiy Yevgeniy , Zhukova Veronika , Kozar Marina , Sobczuk Henryk
Published: July 2019

The article presents the developed anaerobic-aerobic wastewater treatment technologies. These technologies aimed at removing the organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus by means of microorganisms immobilized on fibrous carrier surfaces. The results of the laboratory research show the high efficiency of milk wastewater treatment. The following degrees of reduction were achieved for the pollutant indicators: COD -86.7-93 %, total nitrogen - 96.9-97.9 %. Compared to the traditional treatment technologies applied in Ukraine, these values are high. The concentration of organic matters and biomass of not attached bacteria decreased in bioreactor chambers. When the purification process ends, a small amount of excess biomass remains; therefore, its self-oxidation and self-regulation occurs as a result of consumption by the organisms occupying higher levels of trophic chains. The use of anaerobic-aerobic bioreactors system for the treatment of wastewater enables achieving high outflow quality and prevents the suspended substances from slipping. Immobilization of microorganisms on the first stage of the technology prevents the formation of big amount of excessive sludge and removes biomass from the bioreactor, which allows the technology even for the heavily polluted wastewater. In reactors containing immobilized microorganisms, the organic matter compounds used in subsequent reactors for phosphate accumulation are split. The presented biotechnology saves electric energy, provides sufficient quality of treatment, and ensure the compliance of treated wastewater with the effluent standards.
Groups with vanishing class size 𝑝
Authors: Bianchi Mariagrazia , Lewis Mark L. , Pacifici Emanuele
Published: July 2019

Let G be a finite group.
A conjugacy class of G is said to be vanishing if there exists an irreducible character of G which takes the value 0 on the elements of this class.
In this note, we describe the groups whose vanishing classes all have size p for some prime p.
Asymptotic analysis of solving an inverse boundary value problem for a nonlinear singularly perturbed time-periodic reaction-diffusion-advection equation
Authors: Lukyanenko Dmitry V. , Shishlenin Maxim A. , Volkov Vladimir T.
Published: July 2019

In this paper, a new asymptotic-numerical approach to solving an inverse boundary value problem for a nonlinear singularly perturbed parabolic equation with time-periodic coefficients is proposed.
An unknown boundary condition is reconstructed by using known additional information about the location of a moving front.
An asymptotic analysis of the direct problem allows us to reduce the original inverse problem to that with a simpler numerical solution.
Numerical examples demonstrate the efficiency of the method.
High Speed Passive Optical Network Based Elastic Optical Communication System
Authors: Mishra Nikhlesh Kumar , Upadhyay Kamal Kishore , Shukla N. K.
Published: July 2019

For addressing needs of modern day communication needs, new type of networks are required to be evolved to cater the demand of high data rates. Use of survivable elastic-optical-network (EON) with existing passive-optical-networks (PON) may provide the solution for this. The present work focus on employing EON–PON based wave-length-division multiplexing enabled communication system comprises of 2×5 Gbps for downlink and 2×1 Gbps for uplink over a single-mode-fibre of length 100 km. The results are the evaluated via bit-error-rate analyser, q factor and eye diagrams.
Benefits of aerobic training in girls with precocious puberty: involvement of CRP and cortisol
Authors: Heidarianpour Ali , Shokri Elnaz , Baghian Tayebe , Shokri Behnaz
Published: July 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of aerobic training, 4 weeks of detraining and use gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and cortisol levels in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP).

Methods

Forty-five girls (aged 6–8 years) with precocious puberty were randomly divided into three groups (medication, training and medicine + training groups). Fifteen healthy girls (without precocious puberty) were also included as the control group. Serum CRP and cortisol levels were measured at baseline by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Then, the experimental groups performed an aerobic training program for 3 days/week 20–75 min per day at 45–75% maximum heart rate for 12 weeks. The medication groups also received GnRHa during the study, once a month (1 mL every 4 weeks) by intramuscular injection. Serum CRP and cortisol levels were measured again 48 h after the last training session and also after 4 weeks of detraining.

Results

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures showed a significant decrease in CRP (p = 0.02) and cortisol levels (p = 0.01) in the training group and the medicine + training group. Detraining led to return of CRP and cortisol levels to the pre-training levels (p = 0.001). No significant difference in serum CRP (p = 0.43) and cortisol levels (p = 0.06) was observed in the medication group. Further, no significant difference was observed between groups in CRP and cortisol.

Conclusions

Long-term regular moderate training decreases inflammation indices, and detraining eliminates the benefits of training in girls with precocious puberty.
Future glycemic control of children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus at toddler and preschool/school age
Authors: Aeppli Tim R.J. , Mahler Fiona L. , Konrad Daniel
Published: July 2019

Background

The main objective of this study was to compare future glycemic control in children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) at toddler age and preschool/school age. In addition, we aimed to examine risk factors known to be associated with future glycated hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)levels in children diagnosed with T1DM.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of 85 patients diagnosed with T1DM at toddler age (group 1; 0–2.9 years; n = 36) or preschool/school age (group 2; 5–6.9 years; n = 49) who were followed up at the University Children’s Hospital in Zurich for at least 10 consecutive years or until the age of 15 years.

Results

The mean HbA1clevel in the first year after diagnosis had a highly predictive value about glycemic control in the following 6 years. In addition, a longer duration of T1DM was associated with higher HbA1cvalues. HbA1cvalues did not differ significantly within 11 years after diagnosis between children in the two age groups. Neither was a difference found when comparing the two groups in respect to their chronological age, although a trend was noted (p = 0.09). This trend is very likely due to a longer duration of diabetes in group 1.

Conclusions

HbA1clevel in the first year predicts glycemic control for the next 6 years and deterioration of HbA1cvalues can be noted with longer duration of T1DM. Moreover, our study demonstrated similar future glycemic control in patients diagnosed with T1DM at toddler age and preschool/school age.
Synthesis, structural characterization, cytotoxicity and encapsulation studies of N,Nʹ-(1, 2-dicyano-1,2-vinylene)-bis(4-hydroxysalicylideneaminato) di(p-chlorobenzyl)tin as potential anticancer drug
Authors: Amin Nur Adibah Mohd , Hussen Rusnah Syahila Duali , Lee See Mun , Sim Kae Shin , Navanesan Suerialoasan
Published: July 2019

Two new diorganotin(IV) complexes with the general formula (RC7H6)2Sn(L) (where RC7H6 = p-ClBn, C1; and p-FBn, C2) were prepared based on the reaction of 2,3-bis(4-hydroxysalicylidene-amino)-maleic nitrile (L) with substituted dibenzyltin(IV) dichloride. The structures were confirmed by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C NMR). They were tested against several cancer cell lines by using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. C1, which was most effective against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, was further investigated in formulation and encapsulation studies, including drug encapsulation efficiency, particle size, morphology and in vitro drug release. An encapsulation of about 90% was achieved with particles of 128 nm average diameter. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) confirmed a spherical shape for the encapsulated C1. The cumulative drug release over a period of 60 days in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at pH 7.4 was 75%. Based on these results, the formulated drug has the potential of a slow release drug for cancer chemotherapy.
Study of solvent effect on structural and photoconductive behavior of ternary chalcogenides InBiS3-In2S3-Bi2S3 composite thin films deposited via AACVD
Authors: Daraz Umar , Ansari Tariq Mahmood , Arain Shafique Ahmad , Mansoor Muhammad Adil , Mazhar Muhammad
Published: July 2019

In the present work ternary composite InBiS3-In2S3-Bi2S3 (IBS) thin films are developed using a homogeneous mixture of precursors [Bi(S2CN(C2H5)2)3]2 (1) and [In(S2CNCy2)3]‧2py (2), separately in toluene and chloroform solutions at 500°C under an inert atmosphere of argon gas via aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) technique. The phase purity, chemical composition and morphological study of both the films deposited from toluene and chloroform solutions are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The surface morphology showed rod like structure of the films developed from toluene while the films grown from chloroform solution give flake like shapes. The UV-visible spectroscopy explicated that the thin films developed from toluene and chloroform solutions show wide range absorption in whole visible region. Linear Scan voltammetry results show that both the films give negligible dark current, however, the films fabricated from toluene solution give a sharp steep curve with maximum photocurrent density of 2.3 mA‧cm-2 at 0.75 V vs Ag/AgCl/3M KCl using 0.05 M sodium sulphide solution under AM 1.5 G illumination (100 mW‧cm-2), while the film grown from chloroform generates a photocurrent density of 2.1 mA‧cm-2 under similar conditions. The LSV outcomes are further supported by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) that gives charge transfer resistance (Rct) value of 8,571 Ω for the films developed from toluene as compared to films fabricated from chloroform with Rct value of 12,476 Ω.
The crystal structure of N-(7-(4-fluorobenzylidene)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3,3a,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-2H-indazole-2-carbonothioyl)benzamide, C28H23F2N3OS
Authors: Alotaibi Mohammad Hayal , Abdel-Wahab Bakr F. , Aldosari Obaid Fahad , Hegazy Amany S. , Kariuki Benson M. , El-Hiti Gamal A.
Published: July 2019

C28H23F2N3OS, monoclinic, I2/a (no. 15), a = 20.3481(8) Å, b = 10.2647(4) Å, c = 23.6975(11) Å, β = 105.317(5)°, V = 4773.8(4) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.0489, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1543, T = 296(2) K.
The effect of pore morphology on the catalytic performance of β-glucosidase immobilized into mesoporous silica
Authors: Califano Valeria , Costantini Aniello , Silvestri Brigida , Venezia Virginia , Cimino Stefano , Sannino Filomena
Published: July 2019

β-Glucosidase (BG) was immobilized by adsorption on wrinkled silica nanoparticles (WSNs) and on tannic acid-templated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (TA-MSNPs). The effect induced by a different morphology of the pores of the sorbent on the catalytic performance of β-glucosidase was investigated. A complete textural and morphological characterization of the two samples was performed by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results demonstrated that the catalytic performance of the immobilized enzyme depends on the pores size of sorbent but a key factor is the pores morphology. In fact, the BG immobilized on WSNs and TA-MSNPs (BG/WSNs and BG/TA-MSNPs) shows in both cases good catalytic performances in cellobiose hydrolysis, but the catalyst with the best performance is BG/WSNs, in which the support exhibits a central-radial pore structure and a hierarchical trimodal micro-mesoporous pore size. This peculiar morphology allows the enzyme to settle in a place where the interactions with the walls are maximized, increasing its conformational rigidity. Furthermore, the enzyme is prevalently collocated in the interior of pore so that the pores are not completely capped.
Emulsion Stability of Different Intravenous Propofol Formulations in Simulated Co-Administration with Remifentanil Hydrochloride
Authors: Nilsson Niklas , Nezvalova-Henriksen Katerina , Tho Ingunn
Published: July 2019

Background

Propofol and remifentanil often need to be co-administered via the same intravenous catheter line, which predisposes to potential compatibility issues. Our aim was to determine and compare the emulsion stability of three propofol formulations, two with medium chain triglycerides and one with long chain triglycerides, when administered together with remifentanil hydrochloride.

Methods

Remifentanil hydrochloride (Ultiva

®
) 50 µg/mL was mixed with two concentrations (10 and 20 mg/mL) of each propofol formulation in mixing ratios 10+1, 20+1, 1+1 and 1+20. Emulsion stability was assessed immediately after mixing and 4 hours later by measurements of pH, mean droplet diameter, polydispersity index, and calculating percentage of fat residing in globules>5 µm (PFAT5).

Results

High PFAT5 values were observed in certain mixing ratios. The correlation between elevated PFAT5 and high propofol concentration (20 mg/mL), when remifentanil was in abundance and for long contact time indicated that these factors influenced the stability of the propofol emulsions.

Conclusions

Stability differences between the propofol formulations were identified under extreme test conditions. Co-administration of remifentanil and propofol in the same i.v. line is safe when propofol is in abundance. Caution is advised when remifentanil is present in equal parts or in abundance when co-administered with propofol 20 mg/mL.
A systematic review of brain functional connectivity patterns involved in episodic and semantic memory
Authors: Palacio Nicole , Cardenas Fernando
Published: July 2019

The study of functional connectivity and declarative memory has lately been focused on finding biomarkers of neuropsychological diseases. However, little is known about its patterns in healthy brains. Thus, in this systematic review we analyze and integrate the findings of 81 publications regarding functional connectivity (measured by fMRI during both task and resting-state) and semantic and episodic memory in healthy adults. Moreover, we discriminate and analyze the main areas and links found in specific memory phases (encoding, storage or retrieval) based on several criteria, such as time length, depth of processing, rewarding value of the information, vividness and amount or kind of details retrieved. There is a certain degree of overlap between the networks of episodic and semantic memory and between the encoding and retrieval stages. Although several differences are pointed out during the article, this calls to attention the need for further empirical studies that actively compare both types of memory, particularly using other baseline conditions apart from the traditional resting state. Indeed, the active involvement of the default mode network in both declarative memory and resting condition suggests the possibility that during rest there is an on-going memory processing. We find support for the ‘attention to memory’ hypothesis, the memory differentiation model and the appropriate transfer hypothesis, but some evidence is inconsistent with the traditional hub-and-spoke model.
Perineuronal oligodendrocytes in health and disease: the journey so far
Authors: Bernstein Hans-Gert , Keilhoff Gerburg , Dobrowolny Henrik , Guest Paul C. , Steiner Johann
Published: July 2019

Perineuronal oligodendrocytes (pn-Ols) are located in the cerebral gray matter in close proximity to neuronal perikarya and less frequently near dendrites and neurites. Although their morphology is indistinguishable from that of other oligodendrocytes, it is not known if pn-Ols have a similar or different cell signature from that of typical myelinating oligodendroglial cells. In this review, we discussed the potential roles of these cells in myelination under normal and pathophysiologic conditions as functional and nutritional supporters of neurons, as restrainers of neuronal firing, and as possible players in glutamate-glutamine homeostasis. We also highlighted the occurrences in which perineuronal oligodendroglia are altered, such as in experimental demyelination, multiple sclerosis, cerebral ischemia, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, major depression, and bipolar disorder.
Peirce’s philosophy of communication and language communication
Authors: Lu Deping
Published: July 2019

In the vein of Peirce’s communication philosophy, language communication inevitably suffers from its vagueness and uncertainty. Paradoxically, what enables this vagueness and uncertainty to be solved, and the condition of communication to be sufficiently met, is not language itself, but “collateral experience” communicators may weave, exchange, and share in communication. Collateral experience is forceful in penetrating the “universe,” in which communicators may be engaged, and in helping them in the wake of communication to acquire knowledge current in the community. Consequently, generality for a communicative act becomes established as the final goal of communication. Generality overcomes the vagueness and uncertainty arising from local and partial contingencies of context, and transcends beyond it. Due to communication, people become capable of finally resolving puzzlement, and of establishing their beliefs, with a guidance for their action.