bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional and structural studies of tolloid-like 1 mutants associated with atrial-septal defect 6
Authors: Sieron Lukasz , Lesiak Marta , Schisler Izabela , Drzazga Zofia , Fertala Andrzej , Sieron Aleksander L.
Published: December 2018

Inactive mammalian tolloid-like 1 (tll1) and mutations detected in tolloid-like 1 (TLL1) have been linked to the lack of the heart septa formation in mice and to a similar human inborn condition called atrial-septal defect 6 (ASD6; OMIM 613087, formerly ASD II). Previously, we reported four point mutations in TLL1 found in approximately 20% of ASD6 patients. Three mutations in the coding sequence were M182L, V238A, and I629V. In this work, we present the effects of these mutations on TLL1 function. Three recombinant cDNA constructs carrying the mutations and one wild-type construct were prepared and then expressed in HT-1080 cells. Corresponding recombinant proteins were analyzed for their metalloendopeptidase activity using a native substrate, chordin. The results of these assays demonstrated that in comparison with the native TLL1, mutants cleaved chordin and procollagen I at significantly lower rates. CD analyses revealed significant structural differences between the higher order structure of wild-type and mutant variants. Moreover, biosensor-based assays of binding interactions between TLL1 variants and chordin demonstrated a significant decrease in the binding affinities of the mutated variants. The results from this work indicate that mutations detected in TLL1 of ASD6 patients altered its metalloendopeptidase activity, structure, and substrate-binding properties, thereby suggesting a possible pathomechanism of ASD6.
Step‐wise design procedure for a single‐phase multilevel inverter topology for different voltage level generation
Authors: Sabyasachi Sidharth , Borghate Vijay B. , Maddugari Santosh Kumar
Published: December 2018

This study proposes a step‐wise design procedure for development of a single‐phase multilevel inverter topology. It is started with a module consisting of a single switch and single source. The number of switches and sources is gradually added in the module to increase the number of levels and quality of the output voltage. Each step is theoretically analysed and experimentally verified. These developed modules are used as a part of the inverter to get the bipolar load voltage with or without H‐bridge. Each developed inverter topology differs from each other depending on the number of switches, sources and configuration of sources involved in the structure. The use of inverters, with cascaded modules, can be extended for medium‐to‐high‐power applications. The theoretical analysis of one of the developed topology is explained and simulated in MATLAB/Simulink environment. Its performance is compared with some of the existing topologies to show the difference. The hardware setup is built in the laboratory for practical validation of the proposed topology. The nearest level control modulation scheme is used in both simulation and experimentation.
Design, modelling, and implementation of a modified double‐switch flyback‐forward converter for low power applications
Authors: Eshkevari Alireza Lahooti , Mosallanejad Ali , Sepasian Mohammadsadegh
Published: December 2018

This study proposes a modified double‐switch flyback‐forward (DSFF) converter for low‐power applications with a reduced number of windings in its transformer. This circuit has resulted from the combination of the two‐switch flyback and two‐switch forward converters. It includes a simple transformer with one set of secondary side windings, and it is not necessary to design two separate sets of windings for the desired output voltage which is the main problem of other flyback‐forward converters. An auxiliary winding has been designed for self‐biasing, and consequently, it improves the overall efficiency in the no‐load condition. Due to the modifications on the previously presented two‐switch flyback‐forward converter, the circuit model has changed. This study, first, analyses the operation of the proposed converter in detail, then it explains a method to design this converter in continuous inductor current mode. Also, a start‐up voltage regulator circuit and a modified bootstrap gate driver will be investigated, and the DC and AC model of the converter will be presented. Experimental results validate the proposed DSFF converter. The tested circuit includes a DSFF converter, a pulse generator circuit, a start‐up voltage regulator, and a modified bootstrap gate driver.
Creating retrogradely orbiting planets by prograde stellar fly-bys
Authors: Breslau Andreas , Pfalzner Susanne
Published: December 2018

Several planets have been found that orbit their host star on retrograde orbits (spin–orbit angle φ > 90°). Currently, the largest measured projected angle between the orbital angular momentum axis of a planet and the rotation axis of its host star has been found for HAT-P-14b to be ≈ 171°. One possible mechanism for the formation of such misalignments is through long-term interactions between the planet and other planetary or stellar companions. However, with this process, it has been found to be difficult to achieve retrogradely orbiting planets, especially planets that almost exactly counter-orbit their host star (φ ≈ 180°) such as HAT-P-14b. By contrast, orbital misalignment can be produced efficiently by perturbations of planetary systems that are passed by stars. Here we demonstrate that not only retrograde fly-bys, but surprisingly, even prograde fly-bys can induce retrograde orbits. Our simulations show that depending on the mass ratio of the involved stars, there are significant ranges of planetary pre-encounter parameters for which counter-orbiting planets are the natural consequence. We find that the highest probability to produce counter-orbiting planets (≈20%) is achieved with close prograde, coplanar fly-bys of an equal-mass perturber with a pericentre distance of one-third of the initial orbital radius of the planet. For fly-bys where the pericentre distance equals the initial orbital radius of the planet, we still find a probability to produce retrograde planets of ≈10% for high-mass perturbers on inclined (60° < i < 120°) orbits. As usually more distant fly-bys are more common in star clusters, this means that inclined fly-bys probably lead to more retrograde planets than those with inclinations <60°. Such close fly-bys are in general relatively rare in most types of stellar clusters, and only in very dense clusters will this mechanism play a significant role. The total production rate of retrograde planets depends then on the cluster environment. Finally, we briefly discuss the application of our results to the retrograde minor bodies in the solar system and to the formation of retrograde moons during the planet–planet scattering phase.
Rosetta/OSIRIS observations of the 67P nucleus during the April 2016 flyby: high-resolution spectrophotometry
Authors: Feller C. , Fornasier S. , Ferrari S. , Hasselmann P. H. , Barucci A. , Massironi M. , Deshapriya J. D. P. , Sierks H. , Naletto G. , Lamy P. L. , Rodrigo R. , Koschny D. , Davidsson B. J. R. , Bertaux J.-L. , Bertini I. , Bodewits D. , Cremonese G. , Da Deppo V. , Debei S. , De Cecco M. , Fulle M. , Gutiérrez P. J. , Güttler C. , Ip W.-H. , Keller H. U. , Lara L. M. , Lazzarin M. , López-Moreno J. J. , Marzari F. , Shi X. , Tubiana C. , Gaskell B. , La Forgia F. , Lucchetti A. , Mottola S. , Pajola M. , Preusker F. , Scholten F.
Published: December 2018

Context.From August 2014 to September 2016, the Rosetta spacecraft followed comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko along its orbit. After the comet passed perihelion, Rosetta performed a flyby manoeuvre over the Imhotep–Khepry transition in April 2016. The OSIRIS/Narrow-Angle-Camera (NAC) acquired 112 observations with mainly three broadband filters (centered at 480, 649, and 743 nm) at a resolution of up to 0.53 m/px and for phase angles between 0.095° and 62°.

Aims.We have investigated the morphological and spectrophotometrical properties of this area using the OSIRIS/NAC high-resolution observations.

Methods.We assembled the observations into coregistered color cubes. Using a 3D shape model, we produced the illumination conditions and georeference for each observation. We mapped the observations of the transition to investigate its geomorphology. Observations were photometrically corrected using the Lommel–Seeliger disk law. Spectrophotometric analyses were performed on the coregistered color cubes. These data were used to estimate the local phase reddening.

Results.The Imhotep–Khepry transition hosts numerous and varied types of terrains and features. We observe an association between a feature’s nature, its reflectance, and its spectral slopes. Fine material deposits exhibit an average reflectance and spectral slope, while terrains with diamictons, consolidated material, degraded outcrops, or features such as somber boulders present a lower-than-average reflectance and higher-than-average spectral slope. Bright surfaces present here a spectral behavior consistent with terrains enriched in water-ice. We find a phase-reddening slope of 0.064 ± 0.001%/100 nm/° at 2.7 au outbound, similar to the one obtained at 2.3 au inbound during the February 2015 flyby.

Conclusions.Identified as the source region of multiple jets and a host of water-ice material, the Imhotep–Khepry transition appeared in April 2016, close to the frost line, to further harbor several potential locations with exposed water-ice material among its numerous different morphological terrain units.
Systematic investigation of chemical abundances derived using IR spectra obtained with GIANO
Authors: Caffau E. , Bonifacio P. , Oliva E. , Korotin S. , Capitanio L. , Andrievsky S. , Collet R. , Sbordone L. , Duffau S. , Sanna N. , Tozzi A. , Origlia L. , Ryde N. , Ludwig H.-G.
Published: December 2018

Context. Detailed chemical abundances of Galactic stars are needed in order to improve our knowledge of the formation and evolution of our galaxy, the Milky Way.

Aims. We took advantage of the GIANO archive spectra to select a sample of Galactic disc stars in order to derive their chemical inventory and to compare the abundances we derived from these infrared spectra to the chemical pattern derived from optical spectra.

Methods. We analysed high-quality spectra of 40 stars observed with GIANO. We derived the stellar parameters from the photometry and the Gaia data-release 2 (DR2) parallax; the chemical abundances were derived with the code MyGIsFOS. For a subsample of stars we compared the chemical pattern derived from the GIANO spectra with the abundances derived from optical spectra. We derived P abundances for all 40 stars, increasing the number of Galactic stars for which phosphorus abundance is known.

Results. We could derive abundances of 14 elements, 8 of which are also derived from optical spectra. The comparison of the abundances derived from infrared and optical spectra is very good. The chemical pattern of these stars is the one expected for Galactic disc stars and is in agreement with the results from the literature.

Conclusions. GIANO is providing the astronomical community with an extremely useful instrument, able to produce spectra with high resolution and a wide wavelength range in the infrared.
Comparison between Cement and Concrete Waste on the Strength Behaviour of Marine Clay Treated with Coal Ash
Authors: Jamaludin Nadiah , Mohd Yunus Nor Zurairahetty , Mohammed Ahmed Mohammed Awad , Haron Zuriana , Marto Aminaton , Mashros Nordiana , Abdul Hassan Norhidayah , Abdul Kadir Mariana Aida
Published: December 2018

This paper aims to compare the strength behaviour of demolished concrete material (DCM) and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in addition to coal ash for stabilizing marine clay, thus determining the optimum mix. Coal ash with different ratio of bottom ash (BA) and fly ash (FA) were prepared at various percentages (i.e. 3%, 6% and 8%). In addition, limited amount of DCM and OPC of 2% was added at different curing periods of 0, 7 and 28 days respectively. Thus, the percentage of admixture added to the marine clay were 5%, 8% and 10% respectively. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test was done and the results revealed that the strength of treated marine clay soil increased significantly with increment percentage of coal ash and also for both DCM and OPC. For admixture with OPC, treated marine clay with 5% admixture shows the highest strength gained, while the effective combination between bottom ash and fly ash is 50:50. At the first 7 days the strength gain was very high but from 7 days to 28 days the gain of strength was reduced. While for DCM, 5% of additive at 30BA:70FA shows the highest strength. In addition, both OPC and DCM provide significant strength gained between 0-7 days and decrease for 7-28 days. In conclusion, when comparing both stabilizer, OPC is a much more efficient secondary stabilizer when reacted with coal ash. As it provide early gain in strength with a much higher strength.
Application of distributed optical fibre for shallow foundation
Authors: Sirat Qurratu Aini , Awang Ismail Dayangku Salma , Kassim Azman , Rashid Ahmad Safuan A.
Published: December 2018

Soil deformation is one of the major interests with regard to the stability analysis of the foundations. The deformations are signified for both vertical and lateral soil deformation; which the former plays vital role in designing a good foundation. As the stability of the foundation affect the stability of the entire structure, instrumentation and monitoring play an important roles in order to monitor the performances of the geotechnical structures. Until now the design of a foundation soil system is relied on the quantification of soil bearing capacity and foundation structural capacity and then followed by conventional monitoring system to observe the settlement so that within the allowable values. Therefore, this study focuses on the newly usage of distributed optical fibre sensing application to monitor strain distribution within a soil mass due to surcharge loading. It is expected to observe the strain distribution goes proportionally to vertical stress distribution concept; where higher strain measurement right below the loading position and decreases with depth. The advantage of distributed optical fibre sensing rather than conventional strain gauge is the sensor able to collect so-called average strain along the optical fibre compare to discrete measurement of strain gauge. This paper describes the experimental work conducted with the use of a distributed sensing technology named Brillouin Optical Time-Domain Analysis (BOTDA). A small scale of 1G model of a shallow foundation which represented by a load plate under incremental surcharge loading was stimulated to assess the soil mass deformation. The optical fibre were embedded in soil mass by layering in a horizontal direction which laid perpendicular to load direction. A comparison of numerical modeling using PLAXIS 2D and experimental works as part of this study. As a results, fibre optic is a good approach for instrumentations and monitoring for geotechnical structures as fibre optics is sensitive to the movement of the soil and fibre optic with anchorage system gave better strain measurement reading compare to without anchorage system.
Engineering properties of bitumen modified with bio-oil
Authors: Rasman Maisarah , Hassan Norhidayah Abdul , Hainin Mohd Rosli , Putra Jaya Ramadhansyah , Haryati Yaacob , Shukry Nurul Athma Mohd , Abdullah Mohd Ezree , Kamaruddin Nurul Hidayah Mohd
Published: December 2018

The current high price of crude oils for bitumen production has led to various studies on the most economical way in replacing or reducing the amount of virgin bitumen as a binder in road pavement while increasing their pavement performance. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of using bio-oil, particularly waste cooking oil, (WCO) on the engineering properties of bitumen. Both physical and rheological properties of the original bitumen and WCO modified bitumen were measured using penetration, softening point, viscosity, loss on heating and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests. In this study, bitumen 80/100 pen was modified with WCO at different percentages i.e. 1%, 2% and 3% by weight of bitumen. Based on the results, it was found that addition of WCO in virgin bitumen has softened the bitumen, thus increase the temperature susceptibility. In terms of rutting resistance, the addition of WCO up to 2% has produced modified bitumen with performance grade of PG 64 which is comparable to the original bitumen.
Cup lump modified asphalt mixture along jalan Kuala Lumpur-Kuantan, daerah Temerloh, Pahang
Authors: Othman Zainal , Hainin Mohd Rosli , Warid Muhammad Naqiuddin Mohd , Idham Mohd Khairul , Kamarudin Siti Nur Naqibah
Published: December 2018

Issue of rubber additive in asphalt mixture has been discussed in asphalt industry Malaysia and its usage was suggested to be used in Pan Borneo Highway project. Using rubber additives can increase revenue rubber tappers in Malaysia. Hence, a study was conducted by the Public Works Department (PWD) and Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) to investigate the properties of Cup Lumps Modified Asphalt (CMA) based on PWD specifications and its performance. The study area selected was at FT02, Jalan Kuala Lumpur - Kuantan, Temerloh Pahang. In this study, 5 % Cup Lump Modified Binder (CMB) were used. Tests involved were Penetration Softening Point, Flash Point, Dynamic Shear, Marshall, Road Scanner (RS), Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD), Skid Resistance (Pendulum Test) and Dynamic Creep. The results indicate that CMB with bitumen 60/70 meet the specification. However, it will tend to rut when the temperature exceeds 70°C. For CMA mixture, it shows similar performance with conventional mixture. Meanwhile, at site, the performance for CMA pavement was better in surface condition (94 % good condition in roughness), structural condition (100 % good condition), skid resistance (SRV 63) and dynamic creep (32.01 MPa) compared to conventional pavement AC14. Thus, it can be suggested that the performance of CMA is better than conventional mixture AC14.
Characterization of lightweight concrete made of palm oil clinker aggregates
Authors: Nazreen Muhammad Sazlly , Mohamed Roslli Noor , Ab Kadir Mariyana Aida , Azillah Nazry , Ahmad Shukri Nazirah , Mansor Shariwati , Zamri Fazlin
Published: December 2018

Lightweight concrete (LWC) has been identified as an innovative technique for construction purposes. Lightweight concrete can be categorized into three different types which are no-fine aggregate concrete, lightweight aggregate concrete and aerated concrete. This paper studied the characteristic of the lightweight concrete in term of mechanical properties utilizing the palm oil clinker (POC) as lightweight aggregates. Two mixes of lightweight concrete were developed, namely as POCC100 and POCC50 where each mix utilized 100% and 50% of total replacement to fine and coarse aggregates, respectively. The fresh and hardened POC concrete was tested and compared to the normal concrete (NC). The hardened state of the concrete was investigated through density test, ultrasonic pulse velocity, cube compressive, splitting tensile, flexural, modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio. From density test results, POC falls into the category of lightweight concrete with a density of 1990.33 kg/m3, which are below than normal weight concrete density. The mechanical properties test results on POCC100 and POCC50 showed that the concrete compressive strength was comparable about 85.70% and 96% compared to NC specimen, respectively. For the flexural strength, POCC50 and POCC100 were comparable about 98% and 97% to NC specimen, respectively. While splitting tensile strength of POCC50 and POCC100 was only 0.6% and 4% lower than NC specimen, respectively. In terms of sustainability of solid waste management, the application of the POC in construction will reduce the redundant of by-products resulted from the palm oil industries. After undergoing various testing of concrete mechanical properties, it can be concluded that POC aggregates was compatible to be used in ligtweight concrete mix proportion.
The validation of hydrodynamic modelling for 2014 flood in Kuala Krai, Kelantan
Authors: Maruti Syaza Faiqah , Amerudin Shahabuddin , Kadir Wan Hazli Wan , Yusof Zainab Mohamed
Published: December 2018

Flood catastrophe that struck Kelantan in 2014 has marked as the worst in history. The absence of structural approach such as dam has increased the risks of the flood to this state. In this paper, the simulation of 2014 flood event focuses in Kuala Krai area has been carried out before and after the occurrence of the proposed dams along Galas and Lebir rivers, respectively using hydrodynamic model. The Digital Terrain Model (DTM) from Airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) combining with Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data resources have been used for hydrodynamic modelling. The flow hydrograph and water level are generated as input data for initial and boundary conditions. River cross-sections and Manning’s roughness coefficient values that been estimated based on landcover map obtained in 2010 also used in the model. The model produces the outputs of flood depth and velocity. To validate the simulation results, the flood depths were compared against the flood marks depth from field survey at 16 locations collected by researchers from Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Japan and Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID). From the validation, it reveals that the average accuracy percentage obtained was about 90% and it can be said that the flood model was acceptable.
The cooling effect potential of urban river reserve in Johor, Malaysia
Authors: Omar Siti Rahmah , Sohaili Johan , Darmansah Nur Fadilah
Published: December 2018

The Malaysian riparian buffer strip is also called the river reserve. As the state authority has the right to reserve state land for public purposes, there is high prospect to preserve green space in urban areas. Urban riparian, however, has been used only for bank stabilization, biodiversity, and water quality purposes. Prior studies verified that vegetated riparian minimises outdoor thermal condition, in comparison to impervious surface areas. Strategic distribution of green space and cooling sources in city planning are vital for maximum efficiency of green strategies. Hence, this paper determined the cooling effect potential of urban riparian structure on local thermal environment by investigating three river reserve areas. Thermal measurements were recorded at six locations perpendicular to the riverbank at 20m intervals, along with a census of vegetation formation. Although the riparian zoning was located along the same river, different widths and various vegetation formations affected thermal distribution. The ΔTioutcomes indicated that despite the small and restricted green space allocated in urban areas, the cooling effect was still present. Hence, green strategies must be carefully crafted to maximize use of space. The effects of urban riparian structure generate the multi-functions of urban river reserve, especially its cooling effect.
Impact of car free day on foyer building environment
Authors: Gharsheen Syed Zain Ullah , Haron Zaiton , Yahya Khairulzan , Darus Nadirah , Hezmi Muhamad Azril , Mazlan Ain Naadia
Published: December 2018

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia has been organizing the car-free day (CFD) on the campus since 2016 among others to reduce air pollution and improve environmental awareness among campus community. This study aims to determine the effect of the car-free day on two foyer’s building environment with three objectives; to determine the variation of traffic volume, to assess the CO2 concentration and noise level variation, and to evaluate the impact of traffic volume variation on CO2 concentration and noise level in building. Two different locations of building are selected; inside and outside CFD. Traffic volumes on the nearby roads are counted and CO2 concentration and noise level at the foyer of the selected building are recorded i.e 8:00-3:00 pm, both during CFD and NCFD at each location. The significant impact of traffic compositions on CO2 and noise level variation are evaluated by using the statistical method including T-test, simple and multiple regression analysis with R2 and ANOVA test, with significant level of 5%. The results show that the implementation of CFD has good and adverse impacts on building environment. The good is CFD reduces traffic volumes up to 80%, and significantly reduce both CO2 and noise level at building located in car free zone. At the selected site, the reduction of CO2 is 13.57±4.87 ppm per hour and the reduction of noise level is 4.7±1.74dBA. During CFD, the concentration of CO2 is significantly governed by the volume of the bus while noise level is significantly correlated with the total volume of traffic. Reduction of noise level is significantly related with decrease of volume of lorries on road. On the other hand, CFD causes adverse impact on building environment as there is significant increase in traffic volume, noise level and CO2 concentration at a selected site outside of CFD zone. The traffic volume increase up to 82% which dominantly characterized by car and motorbikes. These results in increment of noise level by 1.77 ±1.37 dBA and sharp increase of CO2 more than 9999 ppm after the first 3 hours of CFD and remain the same values until end of CFD which may be not acceptable for human comfort. Result from this study shows that CFD improve the environment in building located at CFD zone but worsen the building environment in NCFD.
Applications GIS for earthquake threat mapping in Sabah
Authors: Raduan Rasyidah , Daud Mohd Effendi , Kaamin Masiri
Published: December 2018

Disaster incidents will disrupt the daily life and cause suffering to the victims of incident. The earthquake is one of the series unpredictable incident. This incident causes the concerns of academicians, engineers, planners, decision-makers and governments to prevent and manage the disaster. The disaster threat index is analyzed with using GIS software. The data that analyzed will divide into three levels which are a lower, moderate and extreme threat. The results of the analysis on the earthquake threats in Sabah revealed that 99.9% was in the area of earthquake threats with a total area is 7 382 144 ha while areas with no earthquake threats was 0.1% with an area is 17 206 ha. From the result also, known that the high seismic hazard index is Lahad Datu with an area of 463 540 ha while the lower earthquake threat index is Tambunan with an area of 588 ha. With this result, it will indirectly facilitate various parties to prepare and plan strategies to reduce the losses and damage from the earthquake disaster. Besides that, with the result also will facilitate the responsible agency to prepare an early safety plan to reduce the loss of life and property damage.
Stochastic decomposition in retrial queueing-inventory system
Authors: Shajin Dhanya , Krishnamoorthy A.
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this paper is to obtain product form solution for retrial – queueing – inventory system. We study anM/M/1 retrial queue with a storage system driven by an (s,S) policy. When server is idle, external arrivals enter directly to an orbit. Inventory replenishment lead time is exponentially distributed. The interval between two successive retrials is exponentially distributed and only the customer at the head of the orbit is permitted to access the server. No customer is allowed to join the orbit when the storage system is empty and also when the serer is busy. We first derive the stationary joint distribution of the queue length and the on-hand inventory in explicit product form. Using the joint distribution, we investigate long-run performance measures such as distribution of number of customers served, number of arrivals, number of customers lost during an interval of random duration and a cost function. The optimal pair (s,S) is numerically investigated.
A mathematical model on eco-friendly manufacturing system under probabilistic demand
Authors: Bhattacharyya Moumita , Sana Shib Sankar
Published: December 2018

The article deals with a mathematical model of production inventory system of green products in a green manufacturing industry. The main objective of this proposed model is to formulate a profit function for service level and random variable dependent demand implementing green technology in the manufacturing industry for reduction of green house gas emission. The production lotsize is considered here as an increasing function of green technology and capital invested for setup the manufacturing system which meets the market demand. As a result, green technology, capital invested for setup and service level are decision variable which are optimized to achieve maximum profit. Finally, numerical example for normal distribution and distribution free cases are illustrated to justify the proposed model.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Children with Malignant Disease
Authors: Skolin Inger , Hernell Olle , Larsson Marita Vikström , Wahlgren Chatrin , Wahlin Ylva Britt
Published: December 2018

The objective of the study was to assess both the possible complications of percutanous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in pediatric cancer patients and its effect on weight development. The medical records of 18 children with a median age of 2.5 years (range, 0.5–14.2 years) were reviewed. The diagnoses were leukemia, central nervous system tumors, solid tumors, and lymphoma. The indications for PEG were anticipated therapy-related nutritional problems and inadequate food intake, weight loss, swallowing problems in relation to paresis of the pharynx, and relapse of the disease. Ten children received a PEG at treatment start, and eight children received it at a median time of 3.4 months (range, 0.9–27.4 months) after treatment start. The median duration of having a PEG in place was 12.3 months (range, 1.2–24.0 months). At admission the median weight for age expressed as standard deviation (SD) was −0.11 (range, −2.78–2.68). There was a significant ( p = .005) decrease in the median SD from admission until PEG installation. There was also a significant increase in the median SD from the start of PEG use until 1 ( p = .04) and 2 ( p = .039) months after start. The most common complications were episodes of inflammation of the PEG site, which were successfully treated with topically or orally administered antibiotics, and episodes of infection, which required intravenously administered antibiotics. Taking into consideration the medical condition of the children in the study group and the considerable length of time with a PEG in place, we believe that nutrition via PEG in children with cancer has several advantages and is rarely associated with other than minor complications.
Dapsone-Induced Methemoglobinemia in Pediatric Oncology Patients: Case Examples
Authors: Mandrell Belinda N. , McCormick John N.
Published: December 2018

Over the last 25 years, significant advances have been made in supportive care of the immunocompromised patient. One significant advance is the use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) in the prevention of Pneumocystic carinii pneumonia (PCP). Although TMP-SMZ remains the drug of choice for PCP prophylaxis, children who develop or have a history of adverse reactions must be prescribed an alternative treatment. In these instances, medications such as dapsone, aerosolized pentamidine, or atovaquone are prescribed. This report discusses four children with sulfa allergy who were prescribed dapsone and later developed methemoglobinemia. Although methemoglobinemia is associated with dapsone, there was no reference found regarding this link in the pediatric oncology literature. The purpose of these clinical examples is to alert the pediatric nurse and advanced practitioner to the association of dapsone and methemoglobinemia.
Focus Group Methodology for Patients, Parents, and Siblings
Authors: Freeman Katherine , O'dell Christine , Meola Carol
Published: December 2018

This report describes methodology that can be used as a guideline for the planning, conduct, analysis, and interpretation of data from focus groups for parents/care-givers, siblings, and children diagnosed with an illness; the methodology provides tools for the conduct of such groups in the same or similar populations. Separate focus group sessions were conducted for parents/guardians, siblings, and affected children. Methodological enhancements in planning and conducting the focus group sessions include development of a sampling frame to derive a representative group of participants, standardization of procedures through the use of a moderator's training manual tailored to each group, identification of topics to broaden content areas and stimulate discussion, and creation of a comfortable environment in which participants could express issues. Statistical considerations regarding design and conduct of the focus group session, as well as acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data are presented with regard to validity, reliability, and generalizability of information gathered from focus group interviews. Scripts, topics, and timeframes that were initially devised by content experts were validated further and revised for direct use or adaptation by clinicians in the conduct of focus group sessions for parents/guardians, siblings, and affected children. Application of this methodology is intended to promote generalizability, reliability, and validity of information obtained, and to enable health care practitioners to provide better care to young patients and their families.
Diagnosis of A3 Pulley Injuries Using Ultrasound
Authors: Schöffl Isabelle , Deeg Johannes , Lutter Christoph , Bayer Thomas , Schöffl Volker
Published: December 2018

Rationale and Objectives Pulley ruptures are the most common injuries in sport climbing. Ruptures of the A2 and A4 pulleys have been studied extensively, and ultrasound has proven to be a highly sensitive and specific tool for their diagnosis. However, the correct diagnosis of A3 pulley ruptures continues to be a challenge. Therefore, we investigated a novel approach to this pathology.

Material and Methods Eighteen fingers from nine different human cadavers were examined using high-resolution, dynamic ultrasound before and after being subjected to different combinations of singular and multiple iatrogenic pulley ruptures in a standardised fashion. Special attention was paid to the behaviour of the volar plate (VP) with respect to the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) and the flexor tendons before and after pulley rupture.

Results Injuries to the A2 and A4 pulleys were diagnosed via ultrasound with sensitivities of 90 % and 94 % and specificities of 100 % and 97 %, respectively. A direct visualisation of the A3 pulley was achieved in 61 % of the fingers. The VP became significantly thicker and shorter during finger flexion as well as after A3 pulley rupture. The distance between tendon and VP became significantly more pronounced after A3 pulley rupture. For distances greater than 0.9 mm between VP and tendon, a sensitivity of 76 % and a specificity of 94 % were achieved for determining A3 pulley ruptures.

Conclusion The distance measurement between VP and tendon was found to be a valid indirect method for the diagnosis of A3 pulley ruptures. This approach is the first ultrasound method for accurately diagnosing A3 pulley ruptures.
Optimal timing for precutting in cases with difficult biliary cannulation
Authors: Takano Yuichi , Nagahama Masatsugu , Niiya Fumitaka , Kobayashi Takahiro , Yamamura Eiichi , Maruoka Naotaka
Published: December 2018

Background and study aims In endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), precutting is widely used when achieving biliary cannulation is difficult. However, no consensus has been reached with regard to the best time to initiate precutting.

Patients and methods We retrospectively examined 63 patients who underwent precutting for naïve papilla with difficulty in biliary cannulation between 2009 and 2016. The outcomes of the early precut group (≤ 20 min from cannulation until initiating precutting) and the late precut group (> 20 min) were compared.

Results Of the 63 patients, 17 (27 %) were in the early precut group and 46 (73 %) were in the late precut group; median time until the initiating precutting was 28 minutes (7 – 50). No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of clinical features (age, sex, and indication for ERCP), precutting method, and rate of pancreatic duct stent placement. Significantly higher rates of successful biliary cannulation were observed in the early precut group (16/17; 94 %) than in the late precut group (32/46; 70 %) (P < 0.05). In 13 patients in whom precutting was commenced after 40 minutes, the rate of successful biliary cannulation was very low at 53 % (7/13). No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of incidence of complications (pancreatitis in 5 patients and bleeding in 1 patient).

Conclusion In actual clinical practice, precutting is commenced approximately 30 minutes after cannulation; however, to successfully achieve biliary cannulation, precutting is recommended to be performed within 20 minutes. Precutting is effective when little inflammation and swelling of the ampulla of Vater is observed. This study was limited in that it was single-center, retrospective and had a small subject sample.
Begrenzung der individuellen Plastizität
erkennen
Authors: Jacobs Gabi
Published: December 2018

Sackgasse? Das Bobath-Konzept basiert auf dem Wissen über die
Lernfähigkeit bzw. über die Plastizität des Gehirns. Wie funktioniert Lernen,
welche Lernwege sind sinnvoll? Wie kann beurteilt werden, ob das Gelernte zum
Vor- oder Nachteil wird? Kann Lernen auch in eine Sackgasse führen?
Objective image analysis of non-magnifying image-enhanced endoscopy for diagnosis of small depressed early gastric cancers
Authors: Watari Jiro , Kobayashi Masaya , Nakai Keisuke , Ito Chiyomi , Tamura Akio , Ogawa Tomohiro , Yamasaki Takahisa , Okugawa Takuya , Kondo Takashi , Kono Tomoaki , Tozawa Katsuyuki , Tomita Toshihiko , Oshima Tadayuki , Fukui Hirokazu , Morimoto Takeshi , Miwa Hiroto
Published: December 2018

Background Gastric cancers (GC) after H. pylori eradication are difficult to diagnose even by magnifying narrow-band imaging (NBI) or blue laser imaging (BLI) endoscopy. Little is known with regard to non-magnifying (NM)-NBI/BLI for early GC so we examined the efficacy of NM-NBI/BLI for early GC diagnosis.

Methods We retrospectively analyzed the images of 29 small (≤ 1 cm) intramucosal GC that had been treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection and 137 benign depressed lesions (BDLs). The brightness and shape of the GCs and BDLs by NM-NBI/BLI were assessed with ImageJ software.

Results The NBI/BLI-index, which indicates the brightness of NBI/BLI for visualization, was significantly higher in GC than BDLs in both the H. pylori-infected (P = 0.009) and -eradicated group (P < 0.0001), indicating that GC exhibited brighter colors than the normal surrounding mucosa. The C-index, which refers to the circularity of the lesion, was also significantly higher in GC than BDLs in both H. pylori-infected (P = 0.006) and -eradicated cases (P = 0.004). Based on receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, cutoff values for the NBI/BLI- and C-indices for GC were 1.04 and 0.58 in the H. pylori-infected cases, and 0.98 and 0.64 in the H. pylori-eradicated cases. With the reference value of the NBI/BLI-index set at ≥ 0.69 with the C-index at ≥ 0.21 in the H. pylori-infected and the NBI/BLI-index at ≥ 0.80 with the C-index at ≥ 0.32 in the H. pylori-eradicated cases, both the sensitivity and negative predictive value for early GC were 100 %. A high NBI/BLI-index tended to be associated with a wide length of the intervening part histologically in the H. pylori-eradicated cases (P = 0.09).

Conclusions The small depressed-type early GC had brighter color and rounder shape compared to BDLs in both H. pylori-infected and -eradicated cases. The NBI/BLI- and C-indices calculated by the image analysis may facilitate identification of small depressed-type GC.
Clinical evaluation of the M-ANNHEIM classification: Development of the M-ANNHEIM-Surgery-Score as a new tool to monitor patients with chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Hirth Michael , Weiss Christel , Rückert Felix , Pfützer Roland , Wilhelm Torsten , Hetjens Svetlana , Hardt Philip , Gubergrits Natalia , Ebert Matthias , Schneider Alexander
Published: December 2018

Objectives The M-ANNHEIM classification of chronic pancreatitis (CP) stratifies degrees of disease severity according to the M-ANNHEIM-Severity-Score. We aimed to demonstrate the clinical usefulness of the M-ANNHEIM-Severity-Score in quantifying and predicting the frequency of pancreatic surgery, and to establish the M-ANNHEIM-Surgery-Score as a simplified system for patient surveillance regarding the demand of pancreatic surgery.

Methods We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional study with 741 CP patients (Mannheim/Germany, n = 537; Gießen/Germany, n = 100; Donetsk/Ukraine, n = 104) categorized according to the M-ANNHEIM classification.

Results We observed a significantly higher M-ANNHEIM-Severity-Score in patients that were classified within 7 days preceding pancreatic surgery than in individuals that did not require surgery (p < 0.001, Mann–Whitney-U-test). Using a logistic regression analysis with all variables of the M-ANNHEIM-Severity-Score, we established the M-ANNHEIM-Surgery-Score as a simplified new tool to identify patients that may require surgery. A receiver operating characteristic-analysis revealed a cut-off-value of 9 points within the M-ANNHEIM-Surgery-Score to identify these individuals (sensitivity 78.7 %, specificity 91 %). Based on the M-ANNHEIM-Surgery-Score, we defined three categories for demand of surgery with frequencies of pancreatic operations of 1.6 % (n = 7/440) in the “Baseline-Demand”-category, 7 % (n = 12/172) in the “Low-Demand”-category (p < 0.0001, Chi-square-test, OR 4.6, Confidence Interval (CI) 1.8 – 12), and 54 % (n = 70/129) in the “High-Demand”-category (p < 0.0001, OR 73, CI 32 – 167). Patients that were categorized for the “High-Demand”-category, but were not operated on, had a significantly increased ratio of clinical features that hamper performance of surgery (p < 0.001, Chi-square-test).

Conclusions The M-ANNHEIM-Surgery-Score represents a useful tool to monitor patients with CP and to estimate the demand of surgery in CP.
Advances in Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS): Part I: Pathogenesis and Diagnostics
Authors: Hotfiel Thilo , Freiwald Jürgen , Hoppe Matthias , Lutter Christoph , Forst Raimund , Grim Casper , Bloch Wilhelm , Hüttel Moritz , Heiss Rafael
Published: December 2018

Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a type of ultrastructural muscle injury. The manifestation of DOMS is caused by eccentric or unfamiliar forms of exercise. Clinical signs include reduced force capacities, increased painful restriction of movement, stiffness, swelling, and dysfunction of adjacent joints. Although DOMS is considered a mild type of injury, it is one of the most common reasons for compromised sportive performance. In the past few decades, many hypotheses have been developed to explain the aetiology of DOMS. Although the exact pathophysiological pathway remains unknown, the primary mechanism is currently considered to be the ultrastructural damage of muscle cells due to unfamiliar sporting activities or eccentric exercise, which leads to further protein degradation, apoptosis and local inflammatory response. The development of clinical symptoms is typically delayed (peak soreness at 48 – 72 h post-exercise) as a result of complex sequences of local and systemic physiological responses. The following narrative review was conducted to present an overview of the current findings regarding the damaging mechanisms as well as the pathophysiology of DOMS and its diagnostic evaluation.
Novel three-dimensional imaging system may facilitate gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection procedure: an ex vivo animal study
Authors: Akizue Naoki , Matsumura Tomoaki , Maruoka Daisuke , Ishikawa Kentaro , Hang Dao , Okimoto Kenichiro , Saito Keiko , Nakagawa Tomoo , Arai Makoto , Kato Naoya
Published: December 2018

Background and study aims Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) requires advanced skills to perform safely without complications. The current study evaluated the usefulness of a novel three-dimensional (3D) imaging system in ESD using porcine stomachs.

Methods Four endoscopists (two trainees and two experts) performed eight ESD procedures using both 3D and 2D images. The usefulness of 3D image versus 2D image was evaluated by visibility and procedure time. In addition, occurrence of eyestrain and dizziness in 3D image was assessed.

Results En bloc resection was successfully achieved, without perforation, in all cases. The evaluation score in the 3D image group was better than that in the 2D image group, particularly depth perception was statistically significantly good. No significant difference was found in the working speed between the 2D and 3D image groups. Two examiners experienced eyestrain and dizziness while using the 3D image.

Conclusions All the ESD procedures were performed safely. Depth perception using the 3D image was better than with the 2D image. A novel 3D image system may facilitate ESD.
Rapid Formation of Advanced Scaffolds from Phenols and Anilines
Authors: Canesi Sylvain
Published: December 2018

This article is an account of our efforts over the last decade to functionalize phenols and anilines at any position and to use these compounds to generate substituted aromatic systems and advanced unsaturated cyclohexanone moieties, enabling the rapid formation of complex structures. Total syntheses of numerous natural products involving such intermediates were achieved.

1 Introduction

2 ortho-Functionalization of Phenols and Aniline Derivatives Mediated by Iodanes (III) and Synthesis of Panacene

2.1 Cross-Coupling with Aniline Derivatives

2.2 Dearomative Cycloaddition of Arenes and Heteroarenes

2.3 Total Synthesis of Panacene

3 meta-Functionalization of Aniline Derivatives and Synthesis of Erysotramidine

3.1 meta-Functionalization of Aniline Derivatives

3.2 Total Synthesis of Erysotramidine

4 para-Functionalization of Phenols and Applications in Total Synthesis

4.1 Bimolecular Approach Mediated by Protecting Groups

4.2 ipso-Rearrangement

4.3 Oxidative Alkyl Shift

4.4 Oxidative Prins-Pinacol Rearrangement

4.5 Oxidative Prins-Type Reaction

4.6 Total Synthesis of (–)-Fortucine

4.7 Total Synthesis of Isostrychnine

4.8 Total Synthesis of (–)-Strychnopivotine

5 Development of a Functional Protecting Group
Diagnosis and Treatment of Infected Shoulder Arthroplasty: Current Concepts Review
Authors: Marcheggiani Muccioli Giulio , Guerra Enrico , Roberti di Sarsina Tommaso , Alesi Domenico , Fratini Stefano , Cammisa Eugenio , Rinaldi Vito , Lullini Giada , Rotini Roberto , Zaffagnini Stefano
Published: December 2018

Periprosthetic shoulder infection (PSI) is an emerging pathology which requires many improvements in diagnosis and treatment to obtain a satisfying success rate. Different approaches have been described. This article summarizes current concepts of diagnostic process and main treatments described in the literature.