bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of miR-29a in the regulation, function, and signaling of liver fibrosis
Authors: Huang Ying-Hsien , Yang Ya-Ling , Wang Feng-Sheng
Published: June 2018

Both fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver are the end results of most kinds of chronic liver damage and present a common but difficult clinical challenge throughout the world. The inhibition of the fibrogenic, proliferative, and migratory effects of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) has become an experimental therapy for preventing and even reversing hepatic fibrosis. Furthermore, a complete understanding of the function of non-coding RNA-mediated epigenetic mechanisms in HSC activation may improve our perception of liver fibrosis pathogenesis. This review focuses on an evolving view of molecular mechanisms in which HSC activation by miR-29a signaling may moderate their profibrogenic phenotype, thus supporting the use of miR-29a agonists as a potential therapy for treating liver fibrosis in the future.
Pod Shattering: A Homologous Series of Variation Underlying Domestication and an Avenue for Crop Improvement
Authors: Ogutcen Ezgi , Pandey Anamika , Khan Mohd Kamran , Marques Edward , Penmetsa R. Varma , Kahraman Abdullah , von Wettberg Eric
Published: June 2018

In wild habitats, fruit dehiscence is a critical strategy for seed dispersal; however, in cultivated crops it is one of the major sources of yield loss. Therefore, indehiscence of fruits, pods, etc., was likely to be one of the first traits strongly selected in crop domestication. Even with the historical selection against dehiscence in early domesticates, it is a trait still targeted in many breeding programs, particularly in minor or underutilized crops. Here, we review of this trait in pulse (grain legume) crops, which are of growing importance as a source of protein in human and livestock diets, and which have received less attention than cereal crops and the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We specifically focus on the i) history of indehiscence in domestication across legumes, ii) structures and the mechanisms involved in shattering, iii) the molecular pathways underlying this important trait, iv) an overview of the extent of crop losses due to shattering, and the effects of environmental factors on shattering, and, v) efforts to reduce shattering in crops. While our focus is mainly pulse crops, we also included comparisons to crucifers and cereals because there is extensive research on shattering in these taxa.
A Review of the Recent Advances Made with SIRT6 and Its Implications on Aging Related Processes, Major Human Diseases and Possible Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Khan Rubayat Islam , Nirzhor Saif Shahriar Rahman , Akter Raushanara
Published: June 2018

SIRT6 is a NAD+ dependent enzyme and stress response protein that has sparked the curiosity of a plethora of researchers in different branches of the biomedical sciences. A unique member of the known Sirtuin family, SIRT6 has several different functions in several different molecular pathways related to DNA repair, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, tumorigenesis, neurodegeneration, cardiac hypertrophic responses and so on. Only in recent times however did the potential usefulness of SIRT6 come to light as we learned more about its biochemical activity, regulation, biological roles and structure [1]. Even until very recently, SIRT6 was known more for chromatin signaling but being a nascent topic of study, more information has been ascertained and its potential involvement in major human diseases namely, diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and heart disease has been demonstrated. It is pivotal to explore the mechanistic workings of SIRT6 since future research may hold the key to engendering strategies, involving SIRT6, that may have significant implications for human health and expand upon possible treatment options. In this review, we are primarily concerned with exploring the latest understanding of SIRT6 and how it can alter the course of several life-threatening diseases that cripple today’s society such as processes related to aging, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, heart disease and diabetes. In addition, SIRT6 has shown to be involved in liver disease, inflammation and bone related issues but more emphasis is given to the former. Lastly, any recent promising pharmacological investigations and study of potential therapeutic targets are also delineated in this review.
Simple and Low-cost Model for Monthly and Yearly Streamflow Forecasts during the Current Hydrological Year
Authors: Delgado-Ramos Fernando , Hervás-Gámez Carmen
Published: June 2018

Forecasting streamflow accurately is essential to achieve an efficient integrated water resources management strategy and provide consistent support to water decision-makers. We present a simple, low-cost and robust approach for forecasting monthly and yearly streamflow during the hydrological year in course, applicable to headwater catchments. It combines the use of regression analysis techniques, the two-parameter Gamma continuous cumulative probability distribution function and the Monte Carlo method. It is based on a probabilistic comparison of the progression of the current hydrological year with the historic observed series. The methodology has been successfully applied to two headwater reservoirs within the Guadalquivir River Basin in southern Spain. The root-mean-square error and correlation coefficient were used to measure the accuracy of the model and the results showed good levels of reliability. The outputs are the probabilistic monthly and yearly streamflow and 80% confidence interval. Further reductions in prediction errors may be achieved from increasing the number of observed years. These risk-based predictions are of great value, especially, before the intensive irrigation campaign starts (usually in April), when Water Authorities are to take responsible management decisions about the best allocation of the available water volume between the different water users and environmental needs.
Distributed Deformation Monitoring for a Single-Cell Box Girder Based on Distributed Long-Gage Fiber Bragg Grating (LFBG) Sensors
Authors: Shen Sheng , Jiang Shao-fei
Published: June 2018

Distributed deformation based on Fiber Bragg Grating sensors or other kinds of strain sensors can be used to evaluate safety in operating periods of bridges. However, most of the published researches about distributed deformation monitoring are focused on solid rectangular beam rather than box girder—a kind of typical hollow beam widely employed in actual bridges. Considering that the entire deformation of a single-cell box girder contains not only bending deflection but also two additional deformations respectively caused by shear lag and shearing action, this paper again revises the improved conjugated beam method (ICBM) based on the LFBG sensors to satisfy the requirements for monitoring two mentioned additional deformations. The best choice for the LFBG sensor placement in box gilder is also proposed in this paper due to strain fluctuation on flange caused by shear lag effect. Results from numerical simulations show that most of the theoretical monitoring errors of the revised ICBM are 0.3%~1.5%, and the maximum error is 2.4%. A loading experiment for a single-cell box gilder monitored by LFBG sensors show that most of the practical monitoring errors are 6%~8%, and the maximum error is 11%.
Theory of g-Tg-Maps
Authors: Khodabocus Mohammad Irshad , Sookia Noor-Ul-Hacq
Published: June 2018

Several specific types of generalized maps of a generalized topological space have been defined and investigated for various purposes from time to time in the literature of topological spaces. Our recent research in the field of a new class of generalized maps of a generalized topological space is reported herein as a starting point for more generalized classes.
Annotated Bibliography of the Global Literature on Secondary Transportation of Raw and Comminuted Forest Products (2000 – 2015)
Authors: Koirala Anil , Kizha Anil Raj , De Hoop Cornelis F. , Roth Brian Edward , Han Han-Sup , Heisl Patrick , Abbas Dalia , Gautam Shuva , Baral Srijana , Bick Steve , Sahoo Kamalakanta
Published: June 2018

Secondary transportation of raw and comminuted forest products is a major component in forest harvesting operations in terms of economics, public perception, and safety. Consequently, there is a substantial amount of literature on this topic. The existing literature has dealt with many of the technical aspects of transportation with a majority of them focusing on improving supply chain issues; However, there are only few specific to secondary transportation issues in general. This annotated bibliography will help practitioners, researchers, and stakeholders gain a better understanding of the existing literature from 2000 to 2015. To this end, we began by classifying the selected literature into six themes: cost, roads and routes, trucking, efficiency & safety, other modes of transportation, and supply chain & optimization. Woody biomass for bioenergy production was the most researched forest product with respect to transportation. About one-third of the articles were presented in the context of supply chain modeling and optimization. More than half of the studies originated from Europe while the United States had the most publications for any given country. The most articles (16) were published in 2013. Biomass and Bioenergy published the highest number of articles (29) during the timeframe.
Effects of Fish Oil Supplement on Psoriasis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Yang Shih-Jyun , Chi Ching-Chi
Published: June 2018

Fish oils, which contain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as the active ingredients, possess anti-inflammatory activities and may have therapeutic potential in diseases with an inflammatory etiology. Fish oil supplement has been advocated for treating psoriasis which is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis. In order to investigate the effects of fish oil supplement on psoriasis, we searched CENTRAL, Embase and MEDLINE on 24 January 2018 for randomized control trials (RCTs) on the effects of fish oil supplement in treating psoriasis. The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool was used to assess the risk of bias of included RCTs. We performed a random-effects model meta-analysis to obtain the pooled treatment effect estimates. We included 13 RCTs with 625 participants. Three RCTs involving 337 participants provided usable data for meta-analysis. Fish oil supplement did not significantly reduce the severity of psoriasis when assessed by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score (mean difference -0.28; 95% confidence interval -1.74 to 1.19). The current evidence does not support the use of fish oil supplement in treating psoriasis.
Comparison between Different Fiber Coatings and Adhesives on Steel Surfaces for Distributed Optical Strain Measurements based on Rayleigh Backscattering in Concrete Structures
Authors: Weisbrich Martin , Holschemacher Klaus
Published: June 2018

Optical fiber measurement systems have recently gained popularity following a multitude of intensive investigations. A new technique has been developed for these measurement systems that uses Rayleigh backscatter to determine the distributed strain measurement over the total length of a fiber. These measurement systems have great potential in civil engineering and structural health monitoring. This paper addresses some preliminary comparisons between three different fiber coatings and six different adhesives on steel structures. The results are based on a bending test with specimens made of precision flat steel; optical fiber strain measurements were compared with photogrammetric strain measurements. Analysis of the test data showed a strong correlation between the optical measurement system’s results and the theoretical results up to the yielding point of the steel. Furthermore, the results indicate that fibers with the Ormocer® and polyimide coatings have almost no loss in the strain measurements. The main results of this investigation are a guideline describing how to attach optical fibers to steel surfaces for distributed fiber optical strain measurements and recommendations for coatings to obtain realistic strain values. Additionally, the advantages of distributed strain measurements were revealed, which illustrates the potential of Rayleigh backscattering applications.
Pharmacokinetics of Salicylic Acid Following Intravenous and Oral Administration of Sodium Salicylate in Sheep
Authors: Mathurkar Shashwati , Singh Preet , Kongara Kavitha , Chambers Paul
Published: June 2018

The pharmacokinetics of salicylic acid (SA) in sheep was evaluated following intravenous (IV) and oral administration of sodium salicylate (sodium salt of salicylic acid) at different doses. Six healthy sheep were administered sodium salicylate (SS) IV at doses of 10, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight and another six sheep were drenched with 100 and 200 mg/kg of SS orally. Both studies were randomised crossover trials. A one-week washout period between each treatment was allowed in both studies. Blood samples were collected at 0, 15, 30 minutes and 1, 2, 4 and 6 hours after IV and oral SS administrations. Plasma SA concentrations were determined using high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection method. Pharmacokinetic variables were calculated in a non-compartmental model. The elimination half-life (T1/2 el) of SA after IV administration of 200 mg/kg SS was 1.16 ± 0.32 hours. Mean bioavailability of SA was 64%, and mean T1/2 el was 1.90 ± 0.35 hours, after 200 mg/kg of oral SS. The minimum plasma SA concentration (16.8 µg/mL) required to produce analgesia in humans was achieved after IV administration of 100 and 200 mg/kg SS in sheep for about 0.17 hour in this study. Experiments on pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamics modelling are required to determine the actual effective plasma concentration range of SA in sheep.
Ionic Liquid-Based Electrolyte Membranes for Medium-High Temperatures Lithium Polymer Batteries
Authors: Kim Guk-Tae , Passerini Stefano , Carewska Maria , Appetecchi Giovanni Battista
Published: June 2018

Li+-conducting polyethylene oxide-based membranes, incorporating the N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, are as electrolyte separators for all-solid-state lithium polymer batteries operating at medium-high temperatures. The incorporation of the ionic liquid remarkably improves the thermal, ion-transport and interfacial properties of the polymer electrolyte, which, in combination with the wide electrochemical stability even at medium-high temperatures, allow high current rates without any appreciable lithium anode degradation. Battery tests carried out at 80 °C have shown excellent cycling performance and capacity retention even at high rates, never tackled by ionic liquid-free polymer electrolytes. No dendrite growth onto the lithium metal anode was observed.
The Suitability of Mozambican Cashew Nuts to be Protected Under Geographic Indications
Authors: Cambaza Edgar
Published: June 2018

The protection of Geographic Indications (GIs) is part of the intellectual property (IP) rights described in the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) after the Uruguay Round (1986-1994). The members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), including Mozambique, have adopted it. This country legislated GI under Decree 18/99 (04/05/1999, title II, chapter VI) of the national Industrial Property Code, harmonised with TRIPS. However, there is little information about its enforcement and impact in the industry. This review analyses the possibility of protecting the Mozambican cashew nuts industry under the GI act. The industry, with major participation of smallholders and employing mostly women, produces one of the most profitable export commodities, though it has suffered colossal losses over the last thirty-five years. The analysis has shown that it is suitable and probably advantageous to protect the cashew nuts under the Decree 18/99. On the other hand, other local trade policies from 1991 are negatively impacting the entire industry and these might create the illusion of inefficacy of the new IP rights including the protection of GIs.
Data Quality: A Negotiator between Paper-based and Digital Records in the Pakistan’s TB Control Program
Authors: Ali Syed Mustafa , Naureen Farah , Noor Arif , N. Boulos Maged Kamel , Aamir Javariya , Ishaq Muhammad , Anjum Naveed , Ainsworth John , Rashid Aamna , Majidulla Arman , Fatima Irum
Published: June 2018

Background
Increasingly, healthcare organizations are using technology for the efficient management of data. The aim of this study was to compare the data quality of digital records with the quality of the corresponding paper-based records by using data quality assessment framework.
Methodology
We conducted a desk review of paper-based and digital records over the study duration from April 2016 to July 2016 at six enrolled TB clinics. We input all data fields of the patient treatment (TB01) card into a spreadsheet-based template to undertake a field-to-field comparison of the shared fields between TB01 and digital data.
Findings
A total of 117 TB01 cards were prepared at six enrolled sites, whereas just 50% of the records (n=59; 59 out of 117 TB01 cards) were digitized. There were 1,239 comparable data fields, out of which 65% (n=803) were correctly matched between paper based and digital records. However, 35% of the data fields (n=436) had anomalies, either in paper-based records or in digital records. 1.9 data quality issues were calculated per digital patient record, whereas it was 2.1 issues per record for paper-based record. Based on the analysis of valid data quality issues, it was found that there were more data quality issues in paper-based records (n=123) than in digital records (n=110).
Conclusion
There were fewer data quality issues in digital records as compared to the corresponding paper-based records. Greater use of mobile data capture and continued use of the data quality assessment framework can deliver more meaningful information for decision making.
Alliance of Financial Institution and Government in Sustainable Development: The Case of Poland
Authors: Alinska Agnieszka , Filipiak Beata Zofia , Kosztowniak Aneta
Published: June 2018

The striving for sustainable development has become the goal of actions undertaken not only by representatives of public authorities and institutions representing this sector, but also representatives of private entities who are increasingly recognizing the benefits and sources of long-term development based on the principles and objectives of sustainable development. These are mainly based on the pursuit of synergy in the three basic areas of activities, i.e., in the economic, social, and environmental dimensions as well as in the maintenance of natural resources. The implementation of these activities is connected with the necessity of incurring financial expenditures, which the government (public sector) does not have in the required value. Therefore, in the process of sustainable development for which the government is responsible, the active participation of the financial sector (banks) is necessary. Achieving results within the alliance of the concept of sustainable development requires the setting of a kind of contract, the parties of which are the government, society, and financial institutions. The purpose of the conducted research is to indicate by which means the government and the financial sector can stimulate economic growth towards its sustainable development.
Turismo activo, recreación al aire libre y deportes de naturaleza: una lectura geográfica
Authors: Rivera Mateos Manuel
Published: June 2018

Este artículo realiza una lectura geográfica de los espacios deportivos y recreativo-turísticos de naturaleza, que en las últimas décadas se han convertido en un producto-destino de grandes potencialidades en el mercado turístico de zonas rurales, de montaña o litorales. Se estudian las principales aportaciones de la Geografía en el estudio de los deportes de naturaleza y sus espacios de práctica y las posibilidades, enfoques y planteamientos que esta disciplina puede introducir para una comprensión más integral del turismo deportivo de naturaleza, la mejora de su calidad y sostenibilidad y su consolidación como instrumento de desarrollo local.
Double‐Crop Soybean Germination, Seedling Growth, and Seed Yield Differences when Preceded by Different Winter Annuals
Authors: Knott Carrie A. , Swiggart Ethan M. , Grove John H. , Haramoto Erin R.
Published: June 2018

Water soluble extract of winter annual crop stover did not affect soybean germination.

Soybean roots were largest when produced in soil from winter fallow and canola plots.

Double‐crop soybean seed yield was similar among four preceding winter annual crops.

Increasing sustainable grain and oilseed production is a significant challenge for US producers. Double‐cropping soybean [Glycine max (L). Merr.] with a winter annual crop is one option to increase grain and oilseed production while reducing nutrient and sediment losses. Anecdotal observations that winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) limits double‐crop soybean productivity are common, which is seemingly corroborated by documentation that winter wheat contains allelopathic compounds. Despite these observations and documented evidence, the winter wheat double‐crop soybean system is prevalent in the mid‐South. Investigations are lacking that document physiological differences in soybean plants when preceded by different winter annual crops. This study examined the effect of four winter annual treatments (wheat, canola [Brassica napus L.], barley [Hordeum vulgare L.], and a fallow, non‐planted control) on soybean germination in the laboratory, seedling growth in a greenhouse, and harvest population and grain yield in field experiments at Princeton, KY, from 2014 to 2016. The only consistent finding was detected for seedling growth; soybean roots were shorter and lighter 1 mo after planting when grown in field‐collected soil cores from wheat or barley crops. Differences were not detected for seed germination or seed yield. Based on results of this study and previously unpublished reports, it is possible that the anecdotal differences reported among winter annual crops may be due to an interaction between reduced root growth and environmental conditions, such as limited water or nutrient availability.
Undrained Shear Strength of Unsaturated Soils under Zero or Low Confining Pressures in the Vadose Zone
Authors: Oh Won Taek , Vanapalli Sai
Published: June 2018

Core Ideas

We present a model to estimate the variation of undrained shear strength of unsaturated soils.

Environmental factors influenced the undrained shear strength of unsaturated soils.

The proposed model can be implemented into a numerical analysis.

In geotechnical engineering practice, many projects such as stability analysis of slopes or trenches and pavement design involve soils in vadose zones at shallow depths, where soils are under unsaturated conditions. For these types of projects, undrained shear strength test results obtained under zero or low confining pressure can be effectively used to analyze the behaviors of unsaturated soils. Experimental procedures to determine the undrained shear strength for different soil suction values, however, is time consuming even under low confining pressure. For this reason, we attempted to develop a semi‐empirical model to predict the undrained shear strength of unsaturated soils at a shallow depth assuming zero confining pressure as a function of soil suction. In addition, existing empirical or semi‐empirical models are also presented along with the characteristic behaviors of unsaturated soils under axial forces at low or zero confining pressures. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of each model are discussed based on the comparison between the measured undrained shear strengths under zero or low confining pressures with those predicted using the existing and proposed models.
Re-Discovering Brazilian Literary History: the Case for Translation
Authors: Gaspar Martin
Published: June 2018

Brazilian literary histories are structured either to trace the emergence of an autonomous literature (a “national literature”), or to postulate a “master” cultural gesture (such as “anthropopaghy.”) This article proposes translation as an alternative to these frameworks. First, it offers a rereading of Caminha’s “Carta do Achamento” as a problem of translation, identifying in it three distinct “translation regimes.” Then, it traces the recurring presence of these regimes in major literary events in Brazilian literature in the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. Ultimately, this model of literary history is aimed at enticing new explorations on diachronic affinities and synchnronic diversity.
Theorizing Masculinity in the Context of Luso-Afro-Brazilian Culture
Authors: Lehnen Jeremy , Nielson Rex P.
Published: June 2018

This special issue of the Journal of Lusophone Studies explores the multifaceted ways that masculinities are performed and embodied throughout the Portuguese-speaking world. The articles presented here interrogate the concept of masculinity to understand better how the arts engage with and participate in rethinking masculinities. While this volume focuses specifically on expressions of masculinity within the Lusophone world, these articles also broadly engage with questions related to masculinities studies by revealing how, within the Portuguese-speaking world, writers are questioning, destabilizing, and in some cases reifying the concept of masculinity.
Bodies of War: Disabilities and Heroism in the First World War
Authors: Atkin Rhian
Published: June 2018

In the present article, I analyze discourses of masculinity and the male body associated with Portugal’s involvement in World War I. I examine these from three perspectives: the national military body; medical and political discussion of disabled bodies; and soldiers’ stories about their own experiences. I draw on the popular press, published memoirs, and government and institutional documents to examine the fluid and shifting accounts of masculinity, disability, and heroism during and just after the war. I argue that representations of heroism in this context are directly linked to the male body; furthermore, they are both variable and constructed to serve specific ideological or personal purposes. More broadly, I conclude that the body in war and disabled by war comes to stand for Portugal’s experiences as a nation at the Western Front, and in the process makes invisible the individual bodies of men who fought for their country.
Para além do colonizado e do subalterno: masculinidade num poema de Francisco José Tenreiro
Authors: Lugarinho Mário César
Published: June 2018

This essay examines the formation of masculine identities in the colonial context of Portuguese-speaking African literatures. It does so by considering the dialectic of the colonizer/colonized in relation to hegemonic and non-hegemonic masculinities and the emergence of the "new man" in the Estado Novo and African national liberation movements.
Unbearable Fadistas: António Variações and Fado as Queer Praxis
Authors: Silva Daniel da
Published: June 2018

António Variações’s first single, Povo que lavas no rio/Estou além (1982), offers a radical version of Amália Rodrigues’s fado “Povo que lavas no rio” (1962). This article considers Variações as fadista in order to think fado as queer praxis. Though Variações's debut release was a commercial success, his turn as fadista provoked critical derision for what, I argue, is a trans formation of the genre’s gendered codes and practices. Variações's queer masculinity gives body and voice to the transgressive sexuality enmeshed within gendered and fetishized repertoires of fado that are most recognizable in the myths and voices of the genre's divas. This article locates Variações within a fado genealogy, from Maria Severa to Amália Rodrigues, of performers who have similarly been unbearable in body and voice. The purpose of this is to draw attention to fado's affective dispersions of sex and reveal how the genre has coalesced in relation to queer tactics and people throughout its history.
Braga-Pinto, César. A violência das letras: amizade e inimizade na literatura brasileira (1888-1940). U Estadual do Rio de Janeiro, 2018.
Authors: Dutra Paulo
Published: June 2018

Apesar do título, A violência das letras: amizade e inimizade na literatura brasileira, aliado aos prolegômenos, que podem sugerir, ao primeiro contato, uma seleção de textos nos quais uma violência explícita seria protagonista, não há na alma deste livro um sentimento amargo e áspero.
Milleret, Margo, and Mary Risner, editors. A Handbook for Portuguese Instructors in the U.S. Boa Vista, 2016.
Authors: Thomé Williams Ana Clotilde
Published: June 2018

In the last 50 years, Portuguese language teaching in the USA has grown in many ways and has established solid roots. But as a less commonly taught language, Portuguese programs face many challenges. Here is a handbook that adequately recognizes these challenges and provides a clear route to overcome them.
Enterprise financial security as a component of the economic security of the state
Authors: Blakyta Ganna , Ganushchak Tetiana
Published: June 2018

The article deals with problems of economic and financial security ensuring both in companies and state. The Corruption Perceptions Index has been analyzed as one of the most important indicators in this sphere. The following research methods have been used: generalizing theoretical knowledge, comparison method, method of analysis and synthesis, statistical analysis, factual analysis. The authors give their own definitions to such concepts as “security”, “financial security of the enterprise”, “economic security of the enterprise”. There have been also systemized the threats to the economic security of the enterprise, as well as means of its strengthening. The rating of Ukraine according to the Corruption Perceptions Index has been identified. Also, the perspectives of future research have been defined.
Development of a new method for measuring the abrasive potential of water: risk of membrane failure in water treatment plants
Authors: Manon Yannick , Wyart Yvan , Fabre Angélique , Brehant Anne , Bonnard Reynald , Moulin Philippe
Published: June 2018

The objectives of this study were to develop an analytical method to distinguish feed water used to produce drinking water, with varying concentrations of suspended solids, in terms of abrasiveness and to define an index that can assess the abrasive potential of the feed water coming in contact with a polymeric membrane. For such process configurations, membrane abrasion has been identified as one of the most recurring and major concerns in operation because the polymeric materials used in treatment plants are relatively sensitive to abrasion. Five different types of apparatus were benchmarked and were evaluated on their ability to be adapted to particles commonly found in most drinking water treatment plants at low concentrations. After comparing 10 criteria, the MCR302 with a tribological cell of Anton Paar was identified as the most relevant device. For the selected tool (MCR302), a statistical approach was used to provide a safe and robust ranking of the abrasive potential of the different types of water. An analysis of variance allowed the origin of the result variability to be explained. The newly developed methodology enables quantification of the abrasive potential of natural waters used for membrane filtration with a relevance of ranking higher than 90%.
Retained Foreign Body in a Diabetic Patient’s Hand
Authors: Liaw Frank , Murray Odhrán , Tan Yan Yu , Hems Timothy
Published: June 2018

Background:

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy puts patients at increased risk of acute injury by foreign bodies and also contributes to delayed presentation and diagnosis.

Case report:

We describe a 57-year-old patient with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes who presented with a three-week history of worsening swelling and erythema in the metacarpophalangeal joint of his left thumb. He denied any previous trauma or injury and was initially treated with intravenous antibiotics. Subsequent imaging revealed septic arthritis and osteomyelitis secondary to a retained foreign body, which was surgically removed in theatre.

Conclusion:

This is the first reported case of a retained foreign body in the hand of a diabetic patient, and demonstrates the importance of early radiological imaging of peripheral limb injuries in high-risk patients.
DIAGNÓSTICO DO GERENCIAMENTO DE RESÍDUOS SÓLIDOS NO MUNICÍPIO DE MARILUZ — PR, BRASIL COMO PRÁTICA DAS CIÊNCIAS AMBIENTAIS PARA MAIOR SENSIBILIDADE PELO PROGRAMA SE-PA-RE O LIXO E RECICLE SUAS IDEIAS
Authors: Basaglia Rosemeire , Souza Filho José Candido
Published: June 2018

O desafio da sociedade para enfrentar a problemática dos resíduos sólidos urbanos (RSU) é o seu correto gerenciamento. Esta pesquisa diagnosticou o gerenciamento dos RSU para demonstrar a relevância do Programa de Coleta Seletiva: SE-PA-RE O LIXO – RECICLE SUAS IDEIAS em Mariluz–PR, Brasil. Os dados analisados são provenientes de bibliografias, documentos, entrevistas com profissionais da Secretaria de Meio Ambiente e integrantes da Associação dos Recicladores de Mariluz–PR. Os resultados indicaram que somente 20 % dos domicílios realizam coleta seletiva e que muitos não fazem separação correta dos materiais ou não colocam no dia correto para recolhimento. O potencial de material reciclável é de aproximadamente 20% do total de RSU coletados, sendo que somente 9% desde material é separado, mostrando que grande taxa está sendo enviado ao aterro sanitário diminuindo sua vida útil e aumentando o impacto ambiental. Os resultados obtidos auxiliarão na elaboração de mecanismos que aprimorem o gerenciamento dos RSU e sensibilizem a comunidade a observar que os recicláveis perpassam uma questão socioambiental, promovendo benefícios ao meio ambiente, gerando empregos, inclusão social e melhoria da qualidade de vida da comunidade.
Design of novel efficient full adder architecture for Quantum-dot Cellular Automata technology
Authors: Mokhtari Dariush , Rezai Abdalhossein , Rashidi Hamid , Rabiei Faranak , Emadi Saeid , Karimi Asghar
Published: June 2018

In this paper the novel coplanar circuits for full adder implementation in
Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) technology are presented. We propose a
novel one-bit full adder circuit and then utilize this new circuit to
implement novel four-bit Ripple Carry Adder (RCA) circuit in the QCA
technology. The QCA Designer tool version 2.0.1 is utilized to implement the
designed QCA full adder circuits. The implementation results show that the
designed QCA full adder circuits have an improvement compared to other QCA
full adder circuits.
Assessment of oral health of the Serbian Armed Forces members
Authors: Lekic Margareta , Lazic Zoran , Pandjaitan-Donfrid Paulina , Bokonjic Dubravko , Lemic Tatjana , Dakovic Dragana
Published: June 2018

Background/Aim. Oral health is an integral part of general health. The state of oral health greatly affects the psychological and physical condition of patients. The aim of study was to determine oral health among the Serbian Armed Forces members. Methods. This prospective crosssectional pilot study was conducted on 648 examinees at the mean age of 34.47 ? 8.14 years who had dental check-ups. All the categories of military personnel aged 18?64 years were divided into five groups. Assessment of oral health was obtained by clinical examination and the personal perception of oral health obtained by fulfilling the questionnaire ?Oral Health Questionnaire for Adults? of the World Health Organization. The results obtained by processing questions from the questionnaire were compared with the data of clinical examination. Results. The average value of the the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index was 10.55 ? 4.79; the mean value of decayed teeth per participant was 2.00 ? 2.55, and on average, each respondent was missing 3.21 ? 3.35 teeth. Based on data obtained from the questionnaire, 39.4% of the participants smoked cigarettes. The majority of subjects (58.3%) brushed their teeth regularly two or more times a day. Oral health as poor was assessed by 18.9% of the participants. Participants who brush their teeth less than twice a day evaluated their oral health as poor 3.08 times more often compared to those who brush their teeth more than twice a day. Conclusion. The self-assessment of poor oral health significantly failed when compared with a high value of DMFT which means that only a small percentage of participants evaluated their oral health objectively.
Efficient Parameterized Word Matching Using Bit-Parallelism and Partitioning the Text
Authors: Prasad Rajesh
Published: June 2018

Word matching problem is to find all the exact occurrences of a pattern P[0...m-1] in the text T[0...n-1], where P neither contains any white space nor preceded and followed by space. In the parameterized word matching problem, a given word P[0...m-1] is said to match with a sub-word t of the text T[0...n-1], if there exists a one-to-one correspondence between the symbols of P and the symbols of t. Exact Word Matching (EWM) problem has been previously solved by partitioning the text into number of tables in the pre-processing phase and then applying either brute force approach or fast hashing during the searching process. This paper presents an extension of EWM problem for parameterized word matching. It first split the text into number of tables in the pre-processing phase and then applying prev-encoding and bit-parallelism technique, Parameterized Shift-Or (PSO) during the searching phase. Experimental results show that this technique performs better than PSO.
Does Tempo of Resistance Exercise Impact Training Volume?
Authors: Wilk Michal , Golas Artur , Stastny Petr , Nawrocka Monika , Krzysztofik Michal , Zajac Adam
Published: June 2018

Volume and intensity of exercise are the basic components of training loads, having a direct impact on adaptive patterns. Exercise volume during resistance training has been conventionally evaluated as a total number of repetitions performed in each set, regardless of the time and speed of performing individual exercises. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of varied tempos i.e. regular (REG) 2/0/2/0, medium (MED) 5/0/3/0 and slow (SLO) 6/0/4/0 during resistance exercise on training volume, based on the total number of performed repetitions (REPsum1-5) and time under tension (TUTsum1-5). Significant differences in TUT (s) were found in particular sets for each tempo of 2/0/2/0, 5/0/3/0 and 6/0/4/0 (p < 0.001). The ANOVA also revealed substantial differences in the REP for individual sets (p < 0.001). Post-hoc analyses showed that TUT for each set and total TUTsum1-5 were significantly higher in the 5/0/3/0 and 6/0/4/0 tempos compared to 2/0/2/0 (p < 0.001). REP was significantly higher for the 2/0/2/0 tempo compared to 5/0/3/0 and 6/0/4/0 tempo in each set. Total REPsum1-5, TUTsum1-5 between 5/0/3/0 and 6/0/4/0 tempos were not significantly different. The main finding of this study is that the movement tempo in strength training impacts training volume, both in terms of repetitions and total time under tension.
Perfusion magnetic resonance imaging changes in normal appearing brain tissue after radiotherapy in glioblastoma patients may confound longitudinal evaluation of treatment response
Authors: Fahlström Markus , Blomquist Erik , Nyholm Tufve , Larsson Elna-Marie
Published: June 2018

Background

The aim of this study was assess acute and early delayed radiation-induced changes in normal-appearing brain tissue perfusion as measured with perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the dependence of these changes on the fractionated radiotherapy (FRT) dose level.

Patients and methods

Seventeen patients with glioma WHO grade III-IV treated with FRT were included in this prospective study, seven were excluded because of inconsistent FRT protocol or missing examinations. Dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI and contrast-enhanced 3D-T1-weighted (3D-T1w) images were acquired prior to and in average (standard deviation): 3.1 (3.3), 34.4 (9.5) and 103.3 (12.9) days after FRT. Pre-FRT 3D-T1w images were segmented into white- and grey matter. Cerebral blood volume (CBV) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) maps were calculated and co-registered patient-wise to pre-FRT 3D-T1w images. Seven radiation dose regions were created for each tissue type: 0–5 Gy, 5–10 Gy, 10–20 Gy, 20–30 Gy, 30–40 Gy, 40–50 Gy and 50–60 Gy. Mean CBV and CBF were calculated in each dose region and normalised (nCBV and nCBF) to the mean CBV and CBF in 0-5 Gy white- and grey matter reference regions, respectively.

Results

Regional and global nCBV and nCBF in white- and grey matter decreased after FRT, followed by a tendency to recover. The response of nCBV and nCBF was dose-dependent in white matter but not in grey matter.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that radiation-induced perfusion changes occur in normal-appearing brain tissue after FRT. This can cause an overestimation of relative tumour perfusion using dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI, and can thus confound tumour treatment evaluation.
Radiotherapy of glioblastoma 15 years after the landmark Stupp’s trial: more controversies than standards?
Authors: Kazda Tomas , Dziacky Adam , Burkon Petr , Pospisil Petr , Slavik Marek , Rehak Zdenek , Jancalek Radim , Slampa Pavel , Slaby Ondrej , Lakomy Radek
Published: June 2018

Background

The current standard of care of glioblastoma, the most common primary brain tumor in adults, has remained unchanged for over a decade. Nevertheless, some improvements in patient outcomes have occurred as a consequence of modern surgery, improved radiotherapy and up-to-date management of toxicity. Patients from control arms (receiving standard concurrent chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolomide) of recent clinical trials achieve better outcomes compared to the median survival of 14.6 months reported in Stupp’s landmark clinical trial in 2005. The approach to radiotherapy that emerged from Stupp’s trial, which continues to be a basis for the current standard of care, is no longer applicable and there is a need to develop updated guidelines for radiotherapy within the daily clinical practice that address or at least acknowledge existing controversies in the planning of radiotherapy.

The goal of this review is to provoke critical thinking about potentially controversial aspects in the radiotherapy of glioblastoma, including among others the issue of target definitions, simultaneously integrated boost technique, and hippocampal sparing.

Conclusions

In conjunction with new treatment approaches such as tumor-treating fields (TTF) and immunotherapy, the role of adjuvant radiotherapy will be further defined. The personalized approach in daily radiotherapy practice is enabled with modern radiotherapy systems.
PRESENCIA DE LEVADURAS EN PACIENTES CON PERIODONTITIS
Authors: Villa Huertas Andrea , Amezquita Ashley , Tascón Alejandra , Jaramillo Adriana
Published: June 2018

Objetivo. Determinar la presencia de levaduras en la microbiota subgingival en pacientes adultos con periodontitis. Métodos. Estudio transversal, descriptivo que evaluó 26 pacientes diagnosticados clínica y radiográficamente con periodontitis crónica de leve a severa, teniendo en cuanta la clasificación de Armitage de 1999. A cada paciente se le tomaron muestras subgingivales de los 4 sitios periodontalmente más afectados con el fin de cuantificar e identificar la presencia de levaduras en las bolsas periodontales, mediante cultivo en agar Sabouraud y el sistema de identificación API 20 AUX® (Remel). Se realizó un análisis descriptivo, mediante el programa Stata ver 11.0, para determinar la distribución de frecuencias de variables categóricas y rangos de las variables numéricas. Resultados. El rango de edad de los pacientes fue entre 36 y 66 años, el diagnóstico más prevalente fue periodontitis crónica severa (50%), seguida por moderada (30,8%) y leve (19,2%). En cuanto al estudio microbiológico se identificó Candida albicans en 2 (7,7%) pacientes. Conclusiones. Se encontró una baja prevalencia de Candida albicans en las muestras subgingivales de pacientes adultos con periodontitis, sin embargo esta la presencia de Candida albicans podría estar relacionada con tratamientos periodontales con respuesta negativa hacia este.
ALTERACIONES POR LA PRESENCIA DE FRENILLOS ORALES SOBREINSERTADOS EN NIÑOS DE 4 A 10 AÑOS
Authors: Molano Pablo Emilio , Rivera Freddy , Arana Luis Alfonso , Espinosa Luisa Fernanda , Jimenez Karen
Published: June 2018

Objetivo. Establecer las alteraciones que pueden presentarse por la sobre-inserción de frenillos orales. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo transversal en niños de 4-10 años atendidos en clínicas odontológicas Universidad Santiago de Cali, en 2014. 163 pacientes asisten a la valoración de frenillos sobre-insertados y de alteraciones que estos producen en tejidos periodontales, fonación, deglución o diastemas. Fue realizado un análisis univariado para cada variable del estudio, para las variables cuantitativas se calcularon las medidas de tendencia central y las medidas de dispersión, mientras que para las variables cualitativas, se calculó frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Resultados. De los 163 pacientes 15 presentaban un frenillo sobre insertado (9,2 %), 10 casos (67 %) corresponde al frenillo labial superior y 5 casos (33 %) al frenillo lingual. Las principales alteraciones que produce la sobre-inserción del frenillo medial superior fueron la formación de diastemas en 6 casos (40 %) y problemas en la fonación en 6 casos (40 %). Respecto a las alteraciones relacionadas con el frenillo lingual se encontró en 3 pacientes alteración del fonema (17 %), 4 con alteraciones de respiración oral (22 %) y 2 tenian mal-oclusiones (11 %).  Respecto al tratamiento recibido para la corrección de la alteración en fonemas, se encontró que un 60 % ha sido atendido con cirugía frenillectomía, un 33% con terapia de fonoaudiología. Conclusión. Hay mayor frecuencia de frenillos sobre-insertados a nivel labial superior y la mayor parte de estos favorecen la presencia de diastemas y alteraciones de fonema, así como alteraciones de respiración oral y maloclusiones
Simple Preparation of Cellulosic Lightweight Materials from Eucalyptus Pulp
Authors: Ferreira Elisa S. , Rezende Camila Alves
Published: June 2018

Cellulosic foams and aerogels are tridimensional materials prepared from cellulose fibers and nanostructures that display interesting properties, such as extremely low density, high fluid permeability, sound and heat insulation. Currently, the most common techniques to obtain such porous matrices are gel or foam forming, followed by freeze-drying or critical point drying, which are energy and time-consuming processes for solvent removal. In this work, we present a new methodology to produce cellulosic lightweight materials from eucalyptus pulp, using cellulose fibers partially hydrolyzed with sulfuric acid. This method is based on a drying step easily performed at mild temperatures around 60°C in a convection oven and eliminates the need of more sophisticated drying techniques. In addition, the procedure does not require the use of surfactants or special foam forming equipment. Micro-CT and FESEM analysis showed the formation of a porous and lightweight material (density as low as 0.15 g/cm³), where the fibers are randomly assembled in a 3D-network with a few contact points. Mechanical testing reveled that foams of hydrolyzed fibers have great performance under compressive strain, with high mechanical energy absorption (ca. 360 kJ/m³). This purely cellulosic material is suitable for the incorporation of particles or functional groups aiming a wide range of final applications.