bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shale Reservoir Drainage Visualized for a Wolfcamp Well (Midland Basin, West Texas, USA)
Authors: Weijermars Ruud , Van Harmelen Arnaud
Published: June 2018

Closed-form solution-methods were applied to visualize the flow near hydraulic fractures at high resolution. The results reveal that most fluid moves into the tips of the fractures. Stranded oil may occur between the fractures in stagnant flow zones (dead zones), which remain outside the drainage reach of the hydraulic main fractures, over the economic life of the typical well (30–40 years). Highly conductive micro-cracks would further improve recovery factors. The visualization of flow near hypothetical micro-cracks normal to the main fractures in a Wolfcamp well shows such micro-cracks support the recovery of hydrocarbons from deeper in the matrix, but still leave matrix portions un-drained with the concurrent fracture spacing of 60 ft (~18 m). Our study also suggests that the traditional way of studying reservoir depletion by mainly looking at pressure plots should, for hydraulically fractured shale reservoirs, be complemented with high resolution plots of the drainage pattern based on time integration of the velocity field.
Structural Diversity in a Mixed Spruce-Fir-Beech Old-Growth Forest Remnant of the Western Carpathians
Authors: Parobeková Zuzana , Pittner Ján , Kucbel Stanislav , Saniga Milan , Filípek Michal , Sedmáková Denisa , Vencurik Jaroslav , Jaloviar Peter
Published: June 2018

Old-growth forests are a unique source of information for close-to-nature silviculture. In the National Nature Reserve Dobročský prales (Slovakia), a remnant of mixed old-growth forests of the Western Carpathians, we analyzed changes in tree species composition, stand structure, and creation and closure of canopy gaps. The results were based on data from forest inventories of an entire reserve conducted in 1978 and 2015, extended by detailed measurements in a research plot of 250 × 250 m. We observed the expansion of common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) at the expense of conifers (Abies alba Mill., Picea abies L. Karst.) in all layers of the stand. Due to a lack of conifers in the category of saplings >130 cm and an abundance of coniferous deadwood, we hypothesize that this development will lead to the dominance of beech. All development stages revealed a reverse J-shaped diameter structure; however, they differed in the majority of basic stand characteristics (e.g., growing stock, basal area, tree density, deadwood volume). Most of the structural indices did not differ between development stages, confirming a relatively high degree of structural differentiation throughout the development cycle. The total gap area reached 18%, with the dominance of small gaps ≤100 m2. Nevertheless, only canopy gaps >100 m2 formed by the mortality of three or more trees were of higher importance for the extensive establishment of natural regeneration.
Growth Variations of Tree Saplings in Relation to Species Diversity and Functional Traits in a Tree Diversity Pot Experiment
Authors: Yang Jingjun , Lei Pifeng , Xiang Wenhua , Ouyang Shuai , Hui Xinrong
Published: June 2018

Despite the accumulating evidence of the beneficial effects of diverse mixed species forests on ecosystem functioning and services, foresters in subtropical forest cultivation in China still prefer easily managed monocultures, which is also due to the complexity of mixed forests and the unknown underlying mechanisms related to relationships between biodiversity and forest growth. In a designed pot experiment, we selected two early-successional tree species (Pinus massoniana Lamb., Liquidambar formosana Hance.) and two late-successional tree species (Schima superba Champ., Elaeocarpus decipiens Hemsl.) and planted four saplings in one pot with regard to tree species diversity (monoculture, two species and four species mixtures), each combination replicated four times. In this three-year duration experiment, the effect of tree species diversity, tree identity, and functional traits on sapling growth (tree height, ground diameter, crown projection area), were analyzed. The results showed that the increments of ground diameter and crown projection area increased with tree species richness, whereas the mean tree height increment showed the opposite effect. This growth variation was species specific and related to functional traits (early or late succession), as the increments of the early successional tree species (P. massoniana Lamb. and L. formosana Hance.) had a positive correlation with tree species richness, while the late successional tree species (E. decipiens Hemsl. and S. superba Champ.) showed negative effects. In addition, our study provided evidence for the allometric differences between mixtures and monocultures, which have an important reference value on mixed-species forests.
Native and Invasive Woody Species Differentially Respond to Forest Edges and Forest Successional Age
Authors: Dillon Whalen W. , Lieurance Deah , Hiatt Drew T. , Clay Keith , Flory S. Luke
Published: June 2018

Forest fragmentation can promote non-native plant invasions by increasing invasive plant seed dispersal and resource availability along edges. These effects can vary based on forest age and may be influenced by differences in traits of native and invasive plant species. To determine how native versus invasive plant species respond to forest edges and forest successional age, we experimentally evaluated germination, survival, and growth of three native and three invasive woody plant species in eastern USA forests. Across all species, increasing distance from the edge resulted in more germination and less seedling growth, but had no effect on seedling survival. Generally, seedling growth was greater in younger forests and invasive species outperformed native species; however, there were significant species-specific differences in performance. For example, among native species, spicebush had poor growth performance but high survival, while redbud had low germination but high growth performance and survival. By contrast, the invasive privet and autumn olive produced more biomass with high relative growth rates, and autumn olive had exceptionally high germination but the lowest survival. Overall, our results suggest that while there are some general characteristics of invasive species, species-specific traits may better inform management strategies and improve predictions about biological invasions along forest edges.
Gene Therapy for Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury
Authors: Araki Koji , Suzuki Hiroshi , Uno Kosuke , Tomifuji Masayuki , Shiotani Akihiro
Published: June 2018

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury has considerable clinical implications, including voice and swallowing dysfunction, which may considerably impair the patient’s quality of life. Recovery of vocal fold movement is an essential novel treatment option for RLN injury. The potential of gene therapy for addressing this issue is highly promising. The target sites for RLN gene therapy are the central nervous system, nerve fibers, laryngeal muscles, and vocal cord mucosa. Gene transduction has been reported in each site using viral or non-viral methods. The major issues ensuing after RLN injury are loss of motoneurons in the nucleus ambiguus, degeneration and poor regeneration of nerve fibers and motor end plates, and laryngeal muscle atrophy. Gene therapy using neurotrophic factors has been assessed for most of these issues, and its efficacy has been reported. Another important matter for functional vocal fold movement recovery is misdirected regeneration, in which the wrong neurons may innervate other laryngeal muscles, where even if innervation is reestablished, proper motor function is not restored. Novel strategies involving gene therapy bear promise for overcoming this issue and further investigations are underway.
The Transcription Factor ZafA Regulates the Homeostatic and Adaptive Response to Zinc Starvation in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Vicentefranqueira Rocío , Amich Jorge , Marín Laura , Sánchez Clara Inés , Leal Fernando , Calera José Antonio
Published: June 2018

One of the most important features that enables Aspergillus fumigatus to grow within a susceptible individual and to cause disease is its ability to obtain Zn2+ ions from the extremely zinc-limited environment provided by host tissues. Zinc uptake from this source in A. fumigatus relies on ZIP transporters encoded by the zrfA, zrfB and zrfC genes. The expression of these genes is tightly regulated by the ZafA transcription factor that regulates zinc homeostasis and is essential for A. fumigatus virulence. We combined the use of microarrays, Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assays (EMSA) analyses, DNase I footprinting assays and in silico tools to better understand the regulation of the homeostatic and adaptive response of A. fumigatus to zinc starvation. We found that under zinc-limiting conditions, ZafA functions mainly as a transcriptional activator through binding to a zinc response sequence located in the regulatory regions of its target genes, although it could also function as a repressor of a limited number of genes. In addition to genes involved in the homeostatic response to zinc deficiency, ZafA also influenced, either directly or indirectly, the expression of many other genes. It is remarkable that the expression of many genes involved in iron uptake and ergosterol biosynthesis is strongly reduced under zinc starvation, even though only the expression of some of these genes appeared to be influenced directly or indirectly by ZafA. In addition, it appears to exist in A. fumigatus a zinc/iron cross-homeostatic network to allow the adaptation of the fungus to grow in media containing unbalanced Zn:Fe ratios. The adaptive response to oxidative stress typically linked to zinc starvation was also mediated by ZafA, as was the strong induction of genes involved in gliotoxin biosynthesis and self-protection against endogenous gliotoxin. This study has expanded our knowledge about the regulatory and metabolic changes displayed by A. fumigatus in response to zinc starvation and has helped us to pinpoint new ZafA target genes that could be important for fungal pathogens to survive and grow within host tissues and, hence, for virulence.
Site Effect Assessment of the Gros-Morne Hill Area in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Part B: Mapping and Modelling Results
Authors: Ulysse Sophia , Boisson Dominique , Prépetit Claude , Havenith Hans-Balder
Published: June 2018

This paper presents the general results in terms of maps, as well as geological and numerical models of a site effect study, that aimed at a better understanding of the ground motion amplification on the Gros-Morne hill, in the southeastern part of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, which might have influenced the 2010 event damage pattern in that area. These maps and models are based on multiple geophysical–seismological survey outputs that are presented, in detail, in Part A of this publication. Those outputs include electrical resistivity tomography sections, P-wave velocity profiles, S-wave logs, estimates of the fundamental resonance frequency for many locations, as well as earthquake recordings at three sites and associated site amplification assessment for the top of the hill. Related results are discussed in Part A with respect to outputs and interpretations that had been published earlier by other research teams for the same site. Our results only partly confirm the strong seismic amplification effects highlighted by some of the previous studies for this hill site, which had been attributed to the influence of local topographic and soil characteristics on seismic ground motion. Here, we focus on the imaging of different site effect components over the entire survey area; we present maps of shear wave velocity variations, of changing fundamental resonance frequencies, and of related estimates of soft soil/rock thickness, of peak spectral amplitudes, and of ambient ground motion polarization. Results have also been compiled within a 3D surface–subsurface model of the hill, which helps visualize the geological characteristics of the area, which are relevant for site effect analyses. From the 3D geomodel, we extracted one 2D geological section along the short-axis of the hill, crossing it near the location of Hotel Montana on top of the hill, which had been destroyed during the earthquake, and has now been rebuilt. This cross-section was used for dynamic numerical modelling of seismic ground motion, and for related site amplification calculation. The numerical results are compared with the site amplification characteristics that had been estimated from the ambient vibration measurements and the earthquake recordings.
Vehicle Object Detection in Remote Sensing Imagery Based on Multi-Perspective Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Yang Chenxi , Li Wenjing , Lin Zhiyong
Published: June 2018

Most traditional object detection approaches have a deficiency of features, slow detection speed, and high false-alarm rate. To solve these problems, we propose a multi-perspective convolutional neural network (Multi-PerNet) to extract remote sensing imagery features. Regions with CNN features (R-CNN) is a milestone in applying CNN method to object detection. With the help of the great feature extraction and classification performance of CNN, the transformation of object detection problem is realized by the Region Proposal method. Multi-PerNet trains a vehicle object detection model in remote sensing imagery based on Faster R-CNN. During model training, sample images and the labels are inputs, and the output is a detection model. First, Multi-PerNet extracts the feature map. Meanwhile, the area distribution and object-area aspect ratio in the sample images are obtained by k-means clustering. Then, the Faster R-CNN region proposal network generates the candidate windows based on the k-means clustering results. Features of candidate windows can be obtained by mapping candidate windows to the feature map. Finally, the candidate window and its features are inputted to the classifier to be trained to obtain the detection model. Experiment results show that the Multi-PerNet model detection accuracy is improved by 10.1% compared with the model obtained by ZF-net and 1.6% compared with the model obtained by PVANet. Moreover, the model size is reduced by 21.3%.
Pathogenomics of Endometriosis Development
Authors: Baranov Vladislav , Malysheva Olga , Yarmolinskaya Maria
Published: June 2018

For over 100 years, endometriosis, as a chronic, estrogen-dependent, inflammatory, heritable disease affecting approximately 5–10% of women in reproductive age has been the focus of clinicians and scientists. In spite of numerous environmental, genetic, epigenetic, endocrine, and immunological studies, our knowledge of endometriosis is still fragmentary, and its precise pathophysiology and pathogenomics remain a mystery. The implementation of new technologies has provided tremendous progress in understanding the many intrinsic molecular mechanisms in the development of endometriosis, with progenitor and stem cells (SCs) of the eutopic endometrium as the starting players and endometriotic lesions as the final pathomorphological trait. Novel data on the molecular, genetic, and epigenetic mechanisms of the disease are briefly outlined. We hypothesize the existence of an endometriosis development genetic program (EMDP) that governs the origin of endometrium stem cells programmed for endometriosis (1), their transition (metaplasia) into mesenchymal SCs (2), and their invasion of the peritoneum and progression to endometriotic lesions (3). The pros and cons of the recent unifying theory of endometriosis are also discussed. Complex genomic and epigenetic interactions at different stages of the endometriosis process result in different forms of the disease, with specific features and clinical manifestations. The significance of the EMDP in elaborating a new strategy for endometriosis prediction, prevention, and treatment is discussed.
The RNA Helicase DDX6 Associates with RIG-I to Augment Induction of Antiviral Signaling
Authors: Núñez Rocío Daviña , Budt Matthias , Saenger Sandra , Paki Katharina , Arnold Ulrike , Sadewasser Anne , Wolff Thorsten
Published: June 2018

Virus infections induce sensitive antiviral responses within the host cell. The RNA helicase retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) is a key sensor of influenza virus RNA that induces the expression of antiviral type I interferons. Recent evidence suggests a complex pattern of RIG-I regulation involving multiple interactions and cellular sites. In an approach employing affinity purification and quantitative mass spectrometry, we identified proteins with increased binding to RIG-I in response to influenza B virus infection. Among them was the RIG-I related RNA helicase DEAD box helicase 6 (DDX6), a known component of cytoplasmic mRNA-ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) granules like P-bodies and stress granules (SGs). RIG-I and DDX6 both localized to the cytosol and were detected in virus-induced SGs. Coimmunoprecipitation assays detected a basal level of complexes harboring RIG-I and DDX6 that increased after infection. Functionally, DDX6 augmented RIG-I mediated induction of interferon (IFN)-β expression. Notably, DDX6 was found to bind viral RNA capable to stimulate RIG-I. These findings imply a novel function for DDX6 as an RNA co-sensor and signaling enhancer for RIG-I.
Physiological Hypoxia (Physioxia) Impairs the Early Adhesion of Single Lymphoma Cell to Marrow Stromal Cell and Extracellular Matrix. Optical Tweezers Study
Authors: Duś-Szachniewicz Kamila , Drobczyński Sławomir , Ziółkowski Piotr , Kołodziej Paweł , Walaszek Kinga M. , Korzeniewska Aleksandra K. , Agrawal Anil , Kupczyk Piotr , Woźniak Marta
Published: June 2018

Adhesion is critical for the maintenance of cellular structures as well as intercellular communication, and its dysfunction occurs prevalently during cancer progression. Recently, a growing number of studies indicated the ability of oxygen to regulate adhesion molecules expression, however, the influence of physiological hypoxia (physioxia) on cell adhesion remains elusive. Thus, here we aimed: (i) to develop an optical tweezers based assay to precisely evaluate single diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cell adhesion to neighbor cells (mesenchymal stromal cells) and extracellular matrix (Matrigel) under normoxia and physioxia; and, (ii) to explore the role of integrins in adhesion of single lymphoma cell. We identified the pronouncedly reduced adhesive properties of lymphoma cell lines and primary lymphocytes B under physioxia to both stromal cells and Matrigel. Corresponding effects were shown in bulk adhesion assays. Then we emphasized that impaired β1, β2 integrins, and cadherin-2 expression, studied by confocal microscopy, account for reduction in lymphocyte adhesion in physioxia. Additionally, the blockade studies conducted with anti-integrin antibodies have revealed the critical role of integrins in lymphoma adhesion. To summarize, the presented approach allows for precise confirmation of the changes in single cell adhesion properties provoked by physiological hypoxia. Thus, our findings reveal an unprecedented role of using physiologically relevant oxygen conditioning and single cell adhesion approaches when investigating tumor adhesion in vitro.
Morphogenetic Variability and Hypertension in Ischemic Stroke Patients—Preliminary Study
Authors: Savic Milan , Cvjeticanin Suzana , Lazovic Milica , Nikcevic Ljubica , Nikolic Dejan
Published: June 2018

In this study, we evaluated and compared the morphogenetic variability and the degree of recessive homozygosity in patients with manifested ischemic stroke compared to healthy controls. We have evaluated 120 patients with manifested ischemic stroke, of which 64 did not have hypertension and 56 have hypertension. For comparison, we additionally tested 194 healthy individuals without manifested ischemic stroke (controls). For the estimation of the degree of recessive homozygosity, we have performed the homozygously recessive characteristics (HRC) test and tested 19 HRCs. There was a significant difference in the individual variations of 19 HRCs between the controls and patients with manifested ischemic stroke (∑χ2 = 60.162, p < 0.01). The mean values of the tested HRCs significantly differed between the controls and group with manifested ischemic stroke (Controls − 5.71 ± 1.61, Ischemic stroke group − 6.25 ± 1.54, p = 0.012). For the tested individuals with hypertension, the mean values of HRCs did not significantly differ between the controls and those that had manifested ischemic stroke (Controls − 5.28 ± 1.75, Ischemic stroke group − 5.64 ± 1.48, p = 0.435). We found a significant difference in the frequencies of HRCs between those with and without hypertension for controls (p < 0.003) and for those with manifested ischemic stroke (p < 0.001). There are increased degrees of recessive homozygosity along with decreased variability in patients with manifested ischemic stroke compared to controls.
Efficient 3D-TLM Modeling and Simulation for the Thermal Management of Microwave AlGaN/GaN HEMT Used in High Power Amplifiers SSPA
Authors: Belkacemi Karim , Hocine Rachida
Published: June 2018

A three-dimensional thermal simulation investigation for the thermal management of GaN-on-SiC monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) of consisting multi-fingers (HEMTs) is presented. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate the utility and efficiency of the three-dimensional Transmission Line Matrix method (3D-TLM) in a thermal analysis of high power AlGaN/GaN heterostructures single gate and multi-fingers HEMT SSPA (solid state power amplifiers). The self-heating effects induce thermal cross-talk between individual fingers in multi-finger AlGaN/GaN that affect device performance and reliability. Gate-finger temperature differences only arise after a transient state, due to the beginning of thermal crosstalk which is attributed to the finite rate of heat diffusion between gate fingers. The TLM method accounts for the real geometrical structure and the non-linear thermal conductivities of GaN and SiC in order to improve the realistic calculations accuracy heat dissipation and thermal behavior of the device. In addition, two types of heat sources located on the top of GaN layer are considered in thermal simulations: Nano-scale hotspot as a pulsed wave heat source under gate and micro-scale hotspot as a continuous wave heat source, between gate and drain. Heat diffusion however, occurs not only between individual gate fingers (inter-finger) in a multi-finger HEMT, but also within each gate finger (intra-finger). To compare results, a Micro-Raman Spectroscopy experience is conducted to obtain a detailed and accurate temperature distribution. Good agreement between the microscopic spectral measurement and TLM simulation results is observed by accepting an error less than 2.2% relative to a maximum temperature. Results show that the 3D-TLM method is suitable for understanding heat management in particular for microwave devices AlGaN/GaN HEMTs SSPA amplifier. TLM method helps to select and locates the expected hot spots and to highlight the need of thermal study pre-design in order to minimize the system-level thermal dissipation and lead therefore to higher reliability.
Pair Distribution Function Analysis of ZrO2 Nanocrystals and Insights in the Formation of ZrO2-YBa2Cu3O7 Nanocomposites
Authors: Rijckaert Hannes , De Roo Jonathan , Van Zele Matthias , Banerjee Soham , Huhtinen Hannu , Paturi Petriina , Bennewitz Jan , Billinge Simon J. L. , Bäcker Michael , De Buysser Klaartje , Van Driessche Isabel
Published: June 2018

The formation of superconducting nanocomposites from preformed nanocrystals is still not well understood. Here, we examine the case of ZrO2 nanocrystals in a YBa2Cu3O7−x matrix. First we analyzed the preformed ZrO2 nanocrystals via atomic pair distribution function analysis and found that the nanocrystals have a distorted tetragonal crystal structure. Second, we investigated the influence of various surface ligands attached to the ZrO2 nanocrystals on the distribution of metal ions in the pyrolyzed matrix via secondary ion mass spectroscopy technique. The choice of stabilizing ligand is crucial in order to obtain good superconducting nanocomposite films with vortex pinning. Short, carboxylate based ligands lead to poor superconducting properties due to the inhomogeneity of metal content in the pyrolyzed matrix. Counter-intuitively, a phosphonate ligand with long chains does not disturb the growth of YBa2Cu3O7−x. Even more surprisingly, bisphosphonate polymeric ligands provide good colloidal stability in solution but do not prevent coagulation in the final film, resulting in poor pinning. These results thus shed light on the various stages of the superconducting nanocomposite formation.
Online Structural-Health Monitoring of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastics Using Different Carbon Allotropes in the Interphase
Authors: Müller Michael Thomas , Pötzsch Hendrik Florian , Gohs Uwe , Heinrich Gert
Published: June 2018

An electromechanical response behavior is realized by nanostructuring the glass fiber interphase with different highly electrically conductive carbon allotropes like carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), or conductive carbon black (CB). The operational capability of these multifunctional glass fibers for an online structural-health monitoring is demonstrated in endless glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene. The electromechanical response behavior, during a static or dynamic three-point bending test of various carbon modifications, shows qualitative differences in the signal quality and sensitivity due to the different aspect ratios of the nanoparticles and the associated electrically conductive network densities in the interphase. Depending on the embedding position within the glass fiber-reinforced composite compression, shear and tension loadings of the fibers can be distinguished by different characteristics of the corresponding electrical signal. The occurrence of irreversible signal changes during the dynamic loading can be attributed to filler reorientation processes caused by polymer creeping or by destruction of electrically conductive paths by cracks in the glass fiber interphase.
Double Feedback Control Method for Determining Early-Age Restrained Creep of Concrete Using a Temperature Stress Testing Machine
Authors: Zhu He , Li Qingbin , Hu Yu , Ma Rui
Published: June 2018

Early-age restrained creep influences the cracking properties of concrete. However, conventional creep measurements require a large number of tests to predict the restrained creep as it is influenced by the combined effects of variable temperature, creep recovery, and varying compression and tension stresses. In this work, a double feedback control method for temperature stress testing was developed to measure the early-age restrained creep of concrete. The results demonstrate that the conventional single feedback control method neglects the effect of restrained elastic deformation, thus providing a larger-than-actual creep measurement. The tests found that the double feedback control method eliminates the influence of restrained elastic deformation. The creep results from the double feedback method match well with results from the single feedback method after compensation for the effects of restrained elastic deformation is accounted for. The difference in restrained creep between the single and double feedback methods is significant for concrete with a low modulus of elasticity but can be neglected in concrete with a high modulus of elasticity. The ratio between creep and free deformation was found to be 40–60% for low, moderate, and high strength concretes alike. The double feedback control method is therefore recommended for determining the restrained creep using a temperature stress testing machine.
New Insights on the Photodegradation of Caffeine in the Presence of Bio-Based Substances-Magnetic Iron Oxide Hybrid Nanomaterials
Authors: Palma Davide , Bianco Prevot Alessandra , Brigante Marcello , Fabbri Debora , Magnacca Giuliana , Richard Claire , Mailhot Gilles , Nisticò Roberto
Published: June 2018

The exploitation of organic waste as a source of bio-based substances to be used in environmental applications is gaining increasing interest. In the present research, compost-derived bio-based substances (BBS-Cs) were used to prepare hybrid magnetic nanoparticles (HMNPs) to be tested as an auxiliary in advanced oxidation processes. Hybrid magnetic nanoparticles can be indeed recovered at the end of the treatment and re-used in further water purification cycles. The research aimed to give new insights on the photodegradation of caffeine, chosen as marker of anthropogenic pollution in natural waters, and representative of the contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). Hybrid magnetic nanoparticles were synthetized starting from Fe(II) and Fe(III) salts and BBS-C aqueous solution, in alkali medium, via co-precipitation. Hybrid magnetic nanoparticles were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The effect of pH, added hydrogen peroxide, and dissolved oxygen on caffeine photodegradation in the presence of HMNPs was assessed. The results allow for the hypothesis that caffeine abatement can be obtained in the presence of HMNPs and hydrogen peroxide through a heterogeneous photo-Fenton mechanism. The role of hydroxyl radicals in the process was assessed examining the effect of a selective hydroxyl radical scavenger on the caffeine degradation kinetic.
In Situ Investigation of the Iron Carbide Precipitation Process in a Fe-C-Mn-Si Q&P Steel
Authors: Allain Sébastien Y. P. , Aoued Samy , Quintin-Poulon Angéline , Gouné Mohamed , Danoix Frédéric , Hell Jean-Christophe , Bouzat Magali , Soler Michel , Geandier Guillaume
Published: June 2018

Quenching and Partitioning (Q&P) steels are promising candidates for automotive applications because of their lightweight potential. Their properties depend on carbon enrichment in austenite which, in turn, is strongly influenced by carbide precipitation in martensite during quenching and partitioning treatment. In this paper, by coupling in situ High Energy X-Ray Diffraction (HEXRD) experiments and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), we give some clarification regarding the precipitation process of iron carbides in martensite throughout the Q&P process. For the first time, precipitation kinetics was followed in real time. It was shown that precipitation starts during the reheating sequence for the steel studied. Surprisingly, the precipitated fraction remains stable all along the partitioning step at 400 °C. Furthermore, the analyses enable the conclusion that the iron carbides are most probably eta carbides. The presence of cementite was ruled out, while the presence of several epsilon carbides cannot be strictly excluded.
Enhancement on the Surface Hydrophobicity and Oleophobicity of an Organosilicon Film by Conformity Deposition and Surface Fluorination Etching
Authors: Xu Zheng-Wen , Zhang Yu-Kai , Chen Tai-Hong , Chang Jin-How , Lee Tsung-Hsin , Li Pei-Yu , Liu Day-Shan
Published: June 2018

In this work, the surface morphology of a hydrophobic organosilicon film was modified as it was deposited onto a silver seed layer with nanoparticles. The surface hydrophobicity evaluated by the water contact angle was significantly increased from 100° to 128° originating from the surface of the organosilicon film becoming roughened, and was deeply relevant to the Ag seed layer conform deposition. In addition, the organosilicon film became surface oleophobic and the surface hydrophobicity was improved due to the formation of the inactive C-F chemical on the surface after the carbon tetrafluoride glow discharge etching. The surface hydrophobicity and oleophobicity of the organosilicon film could be further optimized with water and oleic contact angles of about 138° and 61°, respectively, after an adequate fluorination etching.
Evaluation of phenolic acids and phenylpropanoids in the crude drugs
Authors: Ivanauskas Liudas , Jakštas Valdas , Radušienė Jolita , Lukošius Audronis , Baranauskas Algirdas
Published: June 2018

Phenolic acids and phenylpropanoids have an important biological activity and are therapeutic agents of crude drugs. Development of validated analysis techniques of these phytotherapeutic agents (fingerprinting and assay procedures) is an important practice for efficacy, safety, and quality control of herbal drug preparations. The aim of the present work was to study analytical capabilities of the evaluation of selected phenolic acids and phenylpropanoids: caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, cinnamic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, protocatechuic (3,4-dihydroxybenzoic) acid, rosmarinic acid, vanillic acid, and vanillin. Optimization and validation procedures of rapid and simple method of reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography were carried out. The mobile phase of the optimized chromatographic method consisted of methanol and 0.5% acetic acid solvent in water. For the application of method, two kinds of raw materials were chosen: propolis and the Herba Origani. Coumaric acid is the dominating phenolic acid of propolis (2785 mg/g). Results of analysis of Herba Origani demonstrated high quantities (6376 mg/g) of rosmarinic and protocatechuic (1485 mg/g) acids in the samples.
Relevance of examination and treatment of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in children in Lithuania during the last decade
Authors: Labanauskas Liutauras , Kučinskienė Rūta , Urbonas Vaidotas , Rokaitė Rūta , Libikaitė Neringa
Published: June 2018

In the last decade, scientific studies in the field of children’s gastroenterology performed in Lithuania explored different problems: pathology of Helicobacter pylori infection and food allergy. Our studies Helirevealed that children with atopic dermatitis had gastrointestinal complaints (abdominal pain, diarrhea, distension and unstable stool, which appeared with the exacerbation of skin rash) more often as compared to nonallergic children of the control group. Abdominal pain in children with atopic dermatitis with local rash was more frequent and lasted longer than in control group children, whereas children with extended rash had stools more frequently. Gastrointestinal disorders in children with atopic dermatitis statistically significantly did not depend on the extent of skin rash and severity of atopic dermatitis. In our scientific research on the importance of H. pylori infection on children’s gastrointestinal system, children with chronic dyspepsia were examined. Endoscopy, rapid urease test, biopsies from antrum and corpus of stomach and their histological examination as well as serologic tests were done. According to the results obtained, we recommend to examine children with chronic dyspepsia in a complex way: not only endoscopic examination, but H. pylori diagnostic tests should be performed as well. Serologic test is not suitable for screening H. pylori infection in children. Considering this, we recommend to use no fewer than two different methods to diagnose this infection. The highest frequency of H. pylori infection was found in children with duodenal ulcer; histological changes in their gastric pylorus and corpus mucosa were greatest. More than half of children with nonulcer dyspepsia were infected with H. pylori. After eradication of H. pylori infection, the prevalence of dyspepsia in children with duodenal ulcer decreased.
Mucinous adenocarcinoma arising in an anorectal fistula
Authors: Venclauskas Linas , Saladžinskas Žilvinas , Tamelis Algimantas , Pranys Darius , Pavalkis Dainius
Published: June 2018

Mucinous adenocarcinoma in association with chronic anal fistula is a rare case in clinical practice. The aim of this article was to report a rare case of anal gland mucinous adenocarcinoma in a patient who was treated in the Hospital of Kaunas University of Medicine. Case report. A 70-year-old male was treated for anorectal fistula in the surgical department. Four operations were performed for perineal abscess during the period of 15 years. During the period of 15 years, the patient complained of purulent secretion from the perineal abscess. After the last operation, anorectal fistula developed. Multiple biopsies and scrapings of the fistulous track were taken for histological examination. Histological examination revealed mucinous adenocarcinoma, G2. Subsequently, the patient underwent endoanal ultrasound, computed tomography scan, and colonoscopy. The computed tomography scan did not show pathology in the abdomen, but showed soft tissue induration at the site of anorectal fistula. Colonoscopy investigation did not show any pathology in the rectum and bowels. Endoanal ultrasound findings showed soft tissue induration at the site of anorectal fistula, no tumor in the rectum wall. The patient underwent abdominoperineal resection. Histological examination after abdominoperineal resection revealed anal duct mucinous adenocarcinoma pT2 N0 L0 V0 R0, G2. Metastases to the mesenteric lymph nodes were not detected. On the eight day after abdominoperineal resection, the patient was discharged from the hospital for follow-up. Summary. Mucinous adenocarcinoma in anorectal fistula is a rare condition. If surgical treatment for perineal abscess or anorectal fistula is not successful for a long time, mucinous adenocarcinoma should be suspected.
Surgical treatment of female pelvic organ prolapse at the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Kaunas University of Medicine
Authors: Aniulienė Rosita , Stankevičienė Agnė , Kačerauskienė Justina , Aniulis Povilas , Druktenytė Vitalija
Published: June 2018

Objective. To compare surgical methods, complications, and outcomes in the treatment of female pelvic organ prolapse at the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Kaunas University of Medicine, and to disclose the risk factors that influence female pelvic organ prolapse. Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of surgeries for pelvic organ prolapse performed during the period of 2003–2007 was carried out. A total 823 women were operated on for pelvic organ prolapse. Results. During 2003–2007, 823 surgical procedures for the correction of female pelvic organ prolapse were performed at the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Kaunas University of Medicine. Eighty (9.7%) patients underwent vaginal hysterectomy; 372 (45.3%), vaginal plastic operations (out of them, 23 were combined with TVT and 47 with TVT-O procedure); 360 (43.7%), vaginal hysterectomy with vaginal plastic surgeries; and 11 (1.3%), Prolift operations. The mean age of females was 62 years. Mean blood loss during operations was 162.1 mL. Patients undergoing vaginal plastic operations lost significantly less blood than those undergoing vaginal hysterectomy or combined operations (P<0.05). Mean time in surgery was 60.3 min. The duration of Prolift operations and vaginal plastic operations was significantly shorter than that of vaginal hysterectomy or combined procedures (vaginal hysterectomy + vaginal plastic surgery) (P<0.05). Mean hospital stay was 8.1 days. Hospital stay after vaginal plastic operations was significantly shorter than after vaginal hysterectomy or combined operations. The shortest hospital stay was after Prolift operation (P<0.05). Complications were related to the type of operation performed. Conclusions. The most common operations in the surgical treatment of female pelvic organ prolapse were vaginal plastic operations and combined operations. The shortest time in surgery and lowest blood loss was in case of vaginal plastic operations. The shortest hospital stay was after Prolift operations. The highest rate of complications was observed in patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomies, the lowest – after Prolift operations.
An unusual case of bleeding from stomach due to a giant diospyrobezoar
Authors: Šumskienė Jolanta , Jančiauskas Dainius , Pilkauskaitė Guoda , Kristalnyj Vladimiras , Kupčinskas Limas
Published: June 2018

Gastric bezoars may be formed in the stomach as a result of foreign body accumulation with inability to pass through the pylorus. Usually bezoars are found in patients with a history of previous gastric surgery. Phytobezoars are the most common type of bezoars. Major complications of bezoars include intestinal obstruction, gastric ulcer, gastric perforation, and bleeding. We present the case of a 51-year-old woman with the features of gastrointestinal bleeding due to a giant diospyrobezoar in the stomach. During endoscopy besides the bezoar, a giant acute ulcer was found. Histological examination of biopsy specimens from ulcer area revealed changes typical of superficial ischemic damage due to prolonged bezoar compression. The patient had undergone a vagotomy and pyloroplasty 13 years ago, and she used to eat two or three persimmons per week during the last six months. The bezoar was fragmented during two endoscopies, and the fragments drifted away through the intestine. We conclude that delayed gastric emptying due to previous gastric surgery and regular eating of persimmons caused the formation of a giant bezoar with ischemic ulcer of gastric mucosa and bleeding. Such pathology potentially could be prevented by dietary advice.
Results of surgical treatment of aortic root infection
Authors: Semėnienė Palmyra , Grebelis Arimantas , Turkevičius Gintaras , Nogienė Giedrė , Čypienė Rasa , Sirvydis Vytautas
Published: June 2018

Aim of the study. To investigate preoperative status and results of surgery of patients with confirmed diagnosis of aortic root infection. Materials and methods. We have analyzed data of 21 patients who were operated on at the Heart Surgery Center, Vilnius University, since January 1, 1997, till December 31, 2006. All these patients underwent surgery because of aortic root infection. The patients were aged 25–72 years (mean age, 53±14 years). There were 17 (80.9%) male patients. Sixteen patients (76%) preoperatively were in NYHA class IV. The abscesses of aortic root were confirmed preoperatively by means of esophageal echocardiography in 18 patients (86%). Blood cultures positive for Staphylococcus aureus were found in four patients (19.9%). All the patients underwent replacement of the aortic valve by mechanic prosthesis; one of these patients was reoperated because of persistent sepsis, and replacement of the aortic root with homograft was performed. The duration of follow-up of the patients was 1 to 10 years. Results. Inhospital mortality rate was 14.3%. The causes of death included sustained heart failure and sepsis. All these patients were in NYHA functional class IV preoperatively; one of these patients had culture positive for Staphylococcus aureus. Inhospital survival was 85.7%, one-year postoperative survival – 80.9%, and both five-year and ten-year survivals were 76.0%. The long-term survival was negatively influenced by recurrent infective endocarditis, heart failure, and age. Death occurred in 1 patient (11.1%) of the 9 patients who at the time of surgery were younger than 50 years and 4 patients (33.3%) of the 12 who were older than 50 years at the time of operation. Conclusions. The infection of aortic root is not common pathology; however, it is a complicated disease. Esophageal echocardiography is an informative method while diagnosing aortic root abscesses. The inhospital mortality is increased by the heart failure persisting after the operation and sepsis. The long-term survival is decreased by preoperative infective endocarditis of the prosthesis and heart failure. The mortality rate of patients older than 50 years is 3-fold higher than mortality rate of younger ones.
Evaluation of pituitary imaging in patients with PROP-1 gene mutation
Authors: Tkačenko Natalija , Lašienė Danutė , Jakštienė Silvija , Basevičius Algidas , Verkauskienė Rasa
Published: June 2018

The most common genetically determined cause of multiple pituitary hormone deficiency is PROP-1 gene mutation. PROP-1 is a transcription factor involved in the development of pituitary gland and affects hormonal synthesis of anterior pituitary. The aim of our study was to evaluate radiological aspects of the pituitary region in patients with PROP-1 gene mutation. Pituitary imaging studies were performed in 12 patients with a confirmed PROP-1 gene mutation. Pituitary hyperplasia was found in 5 (42%) and pituitary hypoplasia in 4 (33%) patients. Changes in pituitary size were not associated with the type of PROP-1 gene mutation.
Coagulation alterations in treating arrhythmias with radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Kozlovaitė Vilma , Grybauskas Pranas , Cimbolaitytė Jūratė , Mongirdienė Aušra , Šileikis Vytautas , Zabiela Vytautas , Kažanienė Joana , Ptašekas Julius
Published: June 2018

Objective. To determine an influence of radiofrequency ablation on changes in coagulation system. Material and methods. We investigated 30 patients with cardiac arrhythmias. Platelet aggregation, fibrinogen and D-dimer level were analyzed before, right after, 24 and 72 h after radiofrequency ablation. Platelet aggregation was explored in whole blood and platelet-rich plasma using adenosine diphosphate (ADP), epinephrine, and collagen for induction. Results. Platelet aggregation induced by ADP and collagen in whole blood plasma increased significantly (P<0.01) (by 45% and 43%, respectively) in 24 h after radiofrequency ablation and remained increased in 72 h after radiofrequency ablation (by 11% and 35%, respectively) (P<0.01) as compared with baseline results. Spontaneous aggregation of platelet-rich plasma as well as ADP- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation tended to decrease right after radiofrequency ablation. Epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation significantly decreased by 17.5% after radiofrequency ablation (P<0.01) and started to increase in 24 h after radiofrequency ablation. In 72 h after radiofrequency ablation, platelet aggregation induced by different agonists increased by 7–45% significantly (P<0.05), and values were higher than baseline ones. Fibrinogen level after radiofrequency ablation did not differ from that of the baseline (3.08±0.7 g/L), but D-dimer level increased significantly (from 0.39±0.3 to 1.29±2.4 mg/L, P<0.01). In 24 h after radiofrequency ablation, an increase in fibrinogen level and a decrease in D-dimer level were found. Fibrinogen level increased to 3.32±0.6 g/L significantly in 72 h after radiofrequency ablation (P<0.05). Meanwhile, D-dimer concentration decreased to 0.78±0.8 mg/L, but it was still significantly higher (P<0.05) than the baseline value. Conclusion. Despite diminished platelet aggregation and increased D-dimer level right after radiofrequency ablation, a risk of thrombosis increased in the next few days after radiofrequency ablation.
Caustic ingestions
Authors: Adukauskienė Dalia , Mažeikienė Sandra , Rumba Arvydas , Vizgirdaitė Venta
Published: June 2018

Caustic ingestions (alkalis, acids) may cause severe chemical burns and lifelong complications, which worsen life quality. Approximately 80% of caustic ingestions occur in children. They mostly intoxicate because of chemical substances kept insecurely or in inappropriate containers. Until now, there is no general opinion about diagnostics and management of caustic ingestions. Therefore, the main aim of this article is accurately represent diagnostic and treatment options believing that this information would help physicians to diagnose caustic ingestions easier and faster, to provide emergency management correctly, and to avoid acute and chronic complications.