bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of sclerostin and dickkopf-1 in oral tissues – A review from the perspective of the dental disciplines
Authors: Samiei Mohammad , Janjić Klara , Cvikl Barbara , Moritz Andreas , Agis Hermann
Published: January 2019

Wnt signaling is of high relevance in the development, homeostasis, and regeneration of oral tissues. Therefore, Wnt signaling is considered to be a potential target for therapeutic strategies. The action of Wnt is tightly controlled by the inhibitors sclerostin (SOST) and Dickkopf (DKK)-1. Given the impact of SOST and DKK-1 in hard tissue formation, related diseases and healing, it is of high relevance to understand their role in oral tissues. The clinical relevance of this knowledge is further underlined by systemic and local approaches which are currently in development for treating a variety of diseases such as osteoporosis and inflammatory hard tissue resorption. In this narrative review, we summarize the current knowledge and understanding on the Wnt signaling inhibitors SOST and DKK-1, and their role in physiology, pathology, and regeneration in oral tissues. We present this role from the perspective of the different specialties in dentistry, including endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery.
Enhancing gene set enrichment using networks
Authors: Prummer Michael
Published: January 2019

Differential gene expression (DGE) studies often suffer from poor interpretability of their primary results, i.e., thousands of differentially expressed genes. This has led to the introduction of gene set analysis (GSA) methods that aim at identifying interpretable global effects by grouping genes into sets of common context, such as, molecular pathways, biological function or tissue localization. In practice, GSA often results in hundreds of differentially regulated gene sets. Similar to the genes they contain, gene sets are often regulated in a correlative fashion because they share many of their genes or they describe related processes. Using these kind of neighborhood information to construct networks of gene sets allows to identify highly connected sub-networks as well as poorly connected islands or singletons. We show here how topological information and other network features can be used to filter and prioritize gene sets in routine DGE studies. Community detection in combination with automatic labeling and the network representation of gene set clusters further constitute an appealing and intuitive visualization of GSA results. The RICHNET workflow described here does not require human intervention and can thus be conveniently incorporated in automated analysis pipelines.
Style of Personnel Management in a Digital Economy
Authors: Молчанова Е. , Molchanova E. , Захаров Н. , Zaharov N.
Published: January 2019

The article gives the study the transformation of leadership style in the era of the digital economy. The influence of digital companies, the personality of the manager, the peculiarities of work on the style of human resource management are considered. The article shows the current state, its change under the influence of digital companies, the personality of the leader, the features of work on the style of personnel management. The article specifies current status of people management and its change under such factors like the influence of digital companies, personality of the manager and work specifics. The purpose of the article is to find out the answers to the following questions: what was the management style before? What is the management style of the future? Are such factors like the personality of the manager, the specifics of the work, its importance and complexity, the level at which management is carried out effect on the leadership style? To answer these questions, the leadership style in one of the world’s leading companies was reviewed.
Role of Partnership Interaction in the Company
Authors: Панин В. , Panin V. , Беликова Д. , Belikova D.
Published: January 2019

This article raises issues of partnership and partnership interaction, their impact on employees and the development of the organization. The concepts of «partnership» and «partnership interaction» are clarified. The basic principles of partnership, their influence on the development of the organization, changes in the organizational structure of the management of partner companies, external and internal factors and possible risks affecting the development of partnership interaction are considered.
Risk factors for surgical site infections in neurosurgery
Authors: Patel S , Thompson D , Innocent S , Narbad V , Selway R , Barkas K
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are of profound significance in neurosurgical departments, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. There are limited public data regarding the incidence of SSIs in neurosurgery. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of SSIs (particularly those requiring reoperation) over a seven-year period and identify factors leading to an increased risk.

Methods

An age matched retrospective analysis was undertaken of a series of 16,513 patients at a single centre. All patients who required reoperation for suspected SSIs within a 7-year period were identified. Exclusion criteria comprised absence of infective material intraoperatively and patients presenting with primary infections. Clinical notes were reviewed to confirm presence or absence of suspected risk factors.

Results

Of the 16,513 patients in the study, 1.20% required at least one further operation to treat a SSI. Wound leak (odds ratio [OR]: 27.41), dexamethasone use (OR: 3.55), instrumentation (OR: 2.74) and operative duration >180 minutes (OR: 1.85) were statistically significant risk factors for reoperation.

Conclusions

This is the first UK study of such a duration that has documented a SSI reoperation rate in a cohort of this size. Various risk factors are associated with the development of SSIs, making it essential to have robust auditing and monitoring of high risk patients to ensure excellent standards of healthcare. Departmental and public registers to record all SSIs may be beneficial, particularly for those treated solely by general practitioners, allowing units to address potential risk factors prior to surgical intervention.
Fracture admission trends in England over a ten-year period
Authors: Jennison T , Brinsden M
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Fractures are a common reason for admission to hospital around the world. Varying incidences have been reported but these are mainly based on small studies from individual centres. The aim of our study was to analyse fracture admissions in England over a ten-year period.

Methods

Data were collated from the Hospital Episodes Statistics database. Since 2004, data have been collected for all admitted patients in England using the International Classification of Diseases codes for the primary diagnosis. Data were analysed for the ten-year period between 2004–2005 and 2013–2014.

Results

There were 2,489,052 fracture admissions in England over the 10-year study period. The risk of admission for fracture was 47.84 per 10,000 population. The rate of fracture admission has remained stable. Hip fractures were the most common fracture requiring hospitalisation (n=641,263), followed by distal radius fractures (n=406,313), ankle fractures (n=332,617) and hand fractures (n=244,013). Hip fractures accounted for 58% of hospital bed days, ankle fractures for 10%, and femoral shaft fractures and subtrochanteric femoral fractures for 5% each. The number of bed days per year for hip fractures has reduced from 1,549,939 bed days in 2004–2005 to 1,319,642 in 2013–2014.

Conclusions

This study provides an updated picture of the incidence of fractures that required hospital admission over a ten-year period in England. It may be used as a platform from which the effect of modern patient treatment pathways can be monitored.
Identity and social determinants of perceiving ethnic discrimination of Hungarians from Romania
Authors: Veres Valér
Published: January 2019

This paper analyses the subjective ethnic discrimination in case of Transylvanian Hungarians from Romania. We would like to know to what extent the subjective perception about discrimination is determined from a social, national identity and ethnopolitical point of view, based on a representative survey data from 2007 and 2010. During our research, we have pointed out what are the social factors that determine the perception of subjective discrimination. We analyzed the extent to which social and demographic factors, as well as the character of the ethno-national identity and the character of the regional ethnocultural environment probable alter the perception of subjective ethnic discrimination among the members of an ethnonational minority, such as Hungarians from Romania. According to our hypothesis, the perception of ethnic discrimination is primarily determined by the ethno-national minority identity loaded with nationalistic or ethnocentric elements and by the character of relationship between majority and minority, while social-demographic determination or even educational level or knowledge of other languages are less important. Alogistic regression model was involved in the analysis in order to explain the social determinants of perceiving ethnic discrimination, in three steps, including independent variables the socialdemographic ones, as well as the variables about education, school socialization and ethnolinguistic environment (variables of regional belonging). Thirdly, the model incorporates elements of national identity variables and the attitudes towards Romanians.
At the Southeastern end of Schengen
Authors: Nagy Terézia
Published: January 2019

In my study I would like to show how the refugees’ situation, motivation and lifestyle have been criminalized in the public discourse (political, press and social public discourse) despite the fact that the Hungarian asylum procedures seem to be converging to the EU standards. I will approach the acceptance of and behaviour towards refugees in two ways: based on my experience from fieldwork carried out in diasporas in Budapest and based on my analysis of the press from the perspective of the host society. These approaches are important because my results show that socio-cultural acceptance is demonstrated almost exclusively by the diasporas even though the economic and official procedures manifest in the body of the host (Hungarian) society. I would also like to speak about the picture the Hungarian media and the government’s discourse show of people crossing the border illegally, how it raises fear and uncertainty among them. This kind of influence conveys messages which hinder fitting in in various aspects, obstruct integration, and at the same time make transnational communication among refugees stereotypical and equivocal. Consequently, ethnically or religiously homogeneous connections are getting stronger, while the importance of diasporas with weak economic, political and advocacy background is also increasing. However, the newcomers hardly ever enter the Hungarian scene.
Growth coalitions and the control of public space
Authors: Boros Lajos
Published: January 2019

Public spaces are contested spaces; various groups compete for their control and to (re)present themselves there to the public. The political and economic changes and global competition transformed the mechanisms of production of spaces in post-socialist countries. New interests and new actors emerged in urban development with strong influence on the processes. They often form formal and informal alliances; growth coalitions to support their interests. This study examines how growth coalitions are related to public spaces in Hungarian cities. These coalitions work differently then those in the US – usually, the state has a more significant role in the European growth coalitions. That is the case in Hungary as well; the state plays a significant role in the formation and operation of pro-growth regimes through legislation and national policies. Furthermore, the paper suggests that post-socialist social conditions are favourable to the emergence of growth coalitions mainly because of the weak civil sector. This means that the power relations between the actors of the local development are highly unbalanced. Global capital and local pro-growth actors are the most influential stakeholders in local policymaking. Local and state legislation and policies are not capable to compensate the ambitions of the investors – moreover, often they support them.
Prevalence of Diarrhea and Associated Factors among Under Five Years Children in Harena Buluk Woreda Oromia Region, South East Ethiopia, 2018
Authors: Beyene Solomon Getahun , Melku Abulie Takele
Published: January 2019

Background: Acute diarrheal diseases are the leading cause of preventable childhood death, especially in developing countries. It is the second leading cause of death in under-five year children nest to pneumonia. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude and associated factors of diarrhea in under-five in Harena Buluk district. Methods: A community based Cross sectional study was conducted in February, 2018. A two stage stratified sampling method was done to select the eligible households. Data was collected by trained data collectors using pretested questionnaire list which was prepared based on EDHS and WHO core questionnaires related to diarrhea. Data was entered in to a computer using Epi data 3.1 and exported to SPSS V.20 for further analysis. Logistic regression was used to determine level of association with 95% CI. A p-value <0.05 in the final model were considered as significant. Result: The two weeks period magnitude of diarrhea among under-five children was 28.4% with 95% CI (14.5-20.8) which was associated with households with one under five children (AOR: 0.268, 95% CI(.08,0.90)), living in the home with single room ((AOR = 6.01, 95% CI(1.01,36.01)), clean latrine/faces not seen around the pit or on the floor of latrine(AOR: 0.298, 95% CI(0.097,0.92)), long time take to fetch water from source (AOR: 0.046,95%CI(0.01,0.22)), home based water treatment ((AOR = 0.15, 95% CI: (0.04, 0.62)), living with animal in the same house(AOR: 8.31, 95% CI(2.46,28.06)), children who took gruel type of food(AOR: 0.24, 95% CI(0.07,0.81)), hand washing practice before cooking food (AOR: 0.195(0.066, 0.574)). Conclusion: The two weeks period magnitude of acute under-five diarrhea was relatively high and number of under five children in the household, cleanness latrine, time taking from the source of water, home based water treatment, number of rooms in the home, live with animal in the same house, type of food child take, hand washing before food preparation had significant association with the occurrence of under-five diarrhea. Improve community about home and environmental sanitation and hand practices were recommended.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Identification and Management of High-Risk Patients
Authors: Cheung Amanda , Figueredo Carlos , Rinella Mary E.
Published: January 2019

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasingly dominant cause of liver disease worldwide. The progressive subtype, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, is a leading indication for liver transplantation and a noteworthy cause of hepatocellular carcinoma. The overall prevalence of NAFLD is on the rise, and even more concerning data modeling predicts that an increasing percentage of those with NAFLD will develop advanced disease. This increased volume of patients with advanced liver disease will impose a significant health care burden in terms of resources and cost. Thus, the identification of patients with established fibrosis or at high risk of developing advanced liver disease is critical to effectively intervene and prevent overall and liver-related morbidity and mortality. Herein, we provide a framework to consider for the identification of patients with NAFLD at high risk of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with advanced fibrosis and provide a critical assessment of currently accessible diagnostic and treatment modalities.
BOND CONNECTIONS OF HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE (HPC) AND STEEL: "EXPERIMENTAL VERIFICATION OF SELECTION GLUED FOR TWO DIFFERENT SURFACES OF STEEL"
Authors: Blažek Tomáš , Řepka Jakub , Vlach Tomáš
Published: January 2019

This article deals with the test of selected adhesives for glued connection of high performance concrete and steel plates with various surface treatments. Results of this experiment can be used as a basis for the possible anchoring of concrete facade elements to the steel grate, the possible bonding of steel anchors on the surface of concrete facade elements. High performance concrete is a concrete that exceeds the compressive strength 100 MPa after 28 days. The second adherent is the uncoated steel and the steel with zinc coating as a second variant. Samples were tested in two different ways. The first experiment verified the single tensile strength of bond connection. The second test verified the shear strength, which is very important for connection designing.
COMPARISON OF DRYING SHRINKAGE AND DRYING CREEP KINETICS IN CONCRETE
Authors: Dohnalová Lenka , Havlásek Petr
Published: January 2019

The aim of this paper is to show and compare the time evolution of drying shrinkage and drying creep in concrete from three different perspectives. The first one analyzes the basic equations defined in the most common design codes and prediction models for the description of the long-term behavior of concrete (ACI 209, EC2, Model Code 2010, B3, B4). Next, the evolution of drying creep and shrinkage is examined by processing suitable experimental data available from the database developed at the Northwestern University. Finally, the last point of view investigates the results obtained from the finite element simulations employing the material point approach, in particular, the material model based on the Microprestress-Solidification theory.
EFFECT OF VISCOUS DAMPING IN NUMERICAL CALCULATION OF CABLE-MEMBRANE STRUCTURES BY THE METHOD OF DYNAMIC RELAXATION
Authors: Huttner Miloš , Fajman Petr
Published: January 2019

The aim of this article is to assess the speed of convergence of numerical calculation of cable-membrane structures using dynamic relaxation method in the process of finding critical damping pre-calculated on undamped system. The procedure is tested on four different constructions in six numerical cases. The variety of examples is as large as possible to demonstrate the greatest versatility of the test procedure. The efficiency of the procedure is evaluated based on the number of iterations.
RELATION BETWEEN STATIONARY AND MOVING PEDESTRIAN LOAD MODELS
Authors: Štěpánek Jan , Máca Jiří
Published: January 2019

The dynamic analysis of footbridges became common in recent years, but the approach to modelling pedestrian induced load is still inconsistent. This paper compares two different ways of modelling single pedestrian load. The response of the structure to stationary pulsating force is compared to the results given by the same force moving along simply supported beam. 300 randomly generated beams were used in this parametric study to describe the relation among these two approaches and parameters of the structure. The proposed formula was successfully applied to get more realistic estimation of response of the structure to a single walking pedestrian using stationary pulsating force.
WHICH FANS ARE THE BIGGEST ACCELERATION OF THE GRANDSTAND?
Authors: Verner Martin
Published: January 2019

The fans of AC Sparta Prague and SK Slavie Prague have been arguing about the fact whose fans support their team better since the end of 20th century. There have been made many experiments on the intensity of vibrations at football stadiums during matches. Altogether 11 matches were watched. Frequencies caused by the fans leadinng to vibrations and the size of those vibrations were provided from the results. Based on those facts the question about the bigger intensity of fans' support was answered.
MECHANISM OF IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS INHERITANCE
Authors: Zaidman Alla Mikhailovna , Aksenovich Tatyana Iosifovna , Sadovoy Mikhail Anatolyevich , Tregubova Irina Leonidovna , Sharipov Ruslan Niljevich
Published: January 2019

The etiologic factor of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a subject of discussions for scientists of different disciplines. The great number of theories testifies to an absence of a uniform sight on etiology and pathogenesis of this pathology. Objectives: to investigate the mechanism of genetic determination of IS. Materials and methods: 101 probands with II–IV grade IS and 703 family members of I–III degree of relationship were examined by clinical-genetic, radiological and optical-topographical methods. The pedigrees were processed by a method of segregation analysis. G3 exon of agrecan gene was studied from isolated family DNA by method of PCR reaction. Results: Segregation analysis of pedigrees, in which proband had II–IV grade IS has shown, that IS is inherited according to autosomal-dominant type with incomplete genotype penetrance depending on sex and age. It is revealed that idiopathic scoliosis is controlled by a major gene. Study of connection of agrecan gene to determination of IS development on a small sample of pedigrees has not revealed a reliable association of IC with polymorphism of G3 exon. Investigation of another exons of agrecan gene on expanded pedigrees is continued.
SURGICAL CORRECTION OF KYPHOSIS ASSOCIATED WITH SCHEUERMANN’S DISEASE
Authors: Mikhailovsky Mikhail Vitalyevich , Novikov Vyacheslav Viktorovich , Vasyura Aleksandr Sergeyevich , Lebedeva Maya Nikolayevna
Published: January 2019

Objective. To analyze the results of two-stage surgical treatment of progressive kyphosis associated with Scheuermann’s disease performed in the Spine Surgery Department for Children and Adolescents from 1996 till 2004. Material and Methods. Fourteen patients were surgically treated. Surgical intervention included segmental vertebrectomy, interbody fusion, and kyphosis correction with Cotrel – Dubousset Instrumentation (CDI). Results. Kyphosis was reduced from 78.1° to 43.4°; the loss of correction during the follow-up period (minimum 2 years) was 4.4°. Sagittal contour of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine was also normalized. Conclusion. Two-stage surgical intervention permits to achieve significant cosmetic and pain-reducing effect in patients with major kyphosis associated with Scheuermann’s disease.
LUMBAR DISC REPLACEMENT FOR THE SPINE DEGENERATIVE DISEASE
Authors: Chertkov Aleksandr Kuzmich
Published: January 2019

Development history and construction features of the first Russian functional lumbar disc endoprosthesis, its application technique, as well as indications and contraindications for surgical disc replacement are presented. The early and long-term results of Russian devices application are compared with those of foreign analogs. The result evaluation was performed by objective methods of study: clinical biomechanics, neurophysiology, and functional spine radiology. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 10 years.
Refunding Emissions Taxes: The Case For A Three-Part Policy
Authors: Bontems Philippe
Published: January 2019

This paper examines theoretically whether by combining both output-based refunding and abatement expenditure-based refunding, it is possible to limit the negative consequences that a pollution tax implies for a polluting industry. We show that this is indeed the case by using a three-part policy where emissions are subject to a fee and where output and abatement expenditures are subsidized. When the industry is homogenous, it is possible to replicate the standard emission tax outcome by inducing a polluting firm to choose the production and emission levels obtained under any emission tax, without departing from budget balance. By construction, any polluter earns strictly more than under the standard tax alone without rebate, making this proposal more acceptable to the industry. When firms are heterogeneous, the refunding policy needed to replicate the standard emission tax outcome is personalized in the sense that at least the output subsidy should be type dependent and it is strictly preferred only from the industry’s point of view to a standard environmental tax. We also explore the implications of uniform three-part refunding policies for a heterogeneous industry.
Anxiety and depression mediate the role of low self-esteem and low self-directedness in the development of eating disorders
Authors: Aloi Matteo , Segura-García Cristina
Published: January 2019

Objective:

Low self-esteem and low self-directedness (SD) are considered a risk factor for the development of eating disorders (EDs). The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that low self-esteem and low SD lead to a higher risk for EDs through the mediation of anxiety and depression.

Methods:

Seventy-seven female teenagers answered the Eating Disorder Inventory 3 (EDI-3), the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS), the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised (TCI-R), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). To test the hypothesis, a structural equation model (SEM) was used.

Results:

According to the EDI3-EDRC scores, 23/77 (29.9%) participants demonstrated positive results in the screening. Participants who had positive results in the screening had significantly higher scores on trait and state anxiety, depression, and IU, and lower means of self-esteem and SD. The SEM demonstrated good fit indices and all paths were significant in the predicted directions, confirming the hypothesized model.

Conclusions:

The current results confirm the role of self-esteem and SD in the development of an ED among adolescent females through the mediating action of IU, anxiety, and depression.
The structure of Argobba nominal phrase
Authors: Getahun Amare
Published: January 2019

This paper analyzes the internal structure of Argobba nominal phrase in Head-Driven Phrase Structure Grammar (HPSG) formalism. Argobba is a seriously endangered Semitic language in Ethiopia. Unlike its sister languages in the Ethio-Semitic subfamily, Argobba nouns qualified by a demonstrative, possessive pronoun and genitive NP bear a definite article. It is argued in this paper that the definite article is not an independent syntactic element, but an affix, which is attached to indefinite nouns lexically. It is argued that the derivation of Argobba definite common nouns is captured by the Definite Lexical Rule (DLR). The paper also claims that the NP internal agreement of specifiers and modifiers with the head noun is accounted for by the SPEC and MOD features that impose certain constraints on the morphosyntactic features of the head noun.
Fake News and Drama: Nationalism, Immigration and the Media in Recent British Plays
Authors: Redling Ellen
Published: January 2019

Fake News is often not taken seriously enough. It might appear like a mere hoax and too fantastical or bold to believe, just like the so-called ‘alternative facts’ presented about the size of the crowd at Donald Trump’s inauguration. Similarly, nationalistic tendencies, often driven by fake news and promoted by authoritarian leaders, can be underestimated. Recent British plays and performances about fake news which appeared after the Brexit vote make clear that the typical strategies of the liberal left of fighting against nationalism and authoritarianism seem to no longer work when taken on their own. These strategies include, for instance, postmodern techniques, the exposure of a misuse of power through the media or documentary theatre, or the foregrounding of marginalised and oppressed groups, e. g. by means of verbatim practices. They often lack efficacy nowadays because they have become undermined by ‘post truth’ or because they can reflect, rather than challenge, the mechanisms of fake news as well as the widespread feeling of uncertainty in the Western world, which in turn can be found at the root of a growth in nationalism and power of authoritarian leaders. This paper suggests that theatre is currently creating new strategies of dealing with these harmful developments. It argues that recent plays about fake news show that, in order to counter the disorientating effects of fake news, a new type of viewer is needed, the particularly ‘alert spectator,’ whose senses are strengthened through the performance, and who in times like these when people reach out for (fake) certainties amidst confusing uncertainty is able to develop a double vision: a postmodern and a post-postmodern one.
Reconstruction of a crack with the incident waves and measurements inside a penetrable cavity
Authors: Guo Jun , Yang Qing , Cai Mingjian , Yan Guozheng , Guo Zhongkai
Published: January 2019

The inverse scattering problem of determining a crack outside a known penetrable cavity from the measurements and point sources placed in a closed curve Λ inside the cavity is considered. The factorization method is used to reconstruct the crack on which the mixed-type boundary conditions are posed. To this end, we need to overcome two key difficulties. One of them is to find the relationship between the two data-to-data operators, which map the boundary data on the crack to the values of scattered fields on the closed curve Λ with outgoing radiation condition and incoming radiation condition, respectively. In addition, it is hard to decompose the near field operator in the usual way owing to the mixed-type boundary conditions. By the aid of an auxiliary operator, we can obtain the desired decomposition form in accordance with the theoretical framework of the factorization method.
One-year treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues does not affect body mass index, insulin sensitivity or lipid profile in girls with central precocious puberty
Authors: Arcari Andrea J. , Freire Analía V. , Escobar María E. , Ballerini María G. , Ropelato María G. , Bergadá Ignacio , Gryngarten Mirta G.
Published: January 2019

Background

Puberty is associated with a physiological decline in insulin sensitivity (IS). Overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) are common among girls with central precocious puberty (CPP). CPP is considered a risk factor for metabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to assess surrogate measures of IS, body mass index (BMI) and other metabolic parameters in CPP girls at diagnosis and during treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa).

Methods

We present a prospective longitudinal study of CPP girls. The standard oral glucose tolerance test, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), whole-body IS index (ISI) and fasting lipid profiles were evaluated at diagnosis, and at 6 and 12 months of treatment.

Results

Nineteen CPP girls were included; 17 were evaluable. At baseline, seven patients had normal weight (NW), five were OW and five were OB. During GnRHa treatment no significant changes were observed in BMI, HOMA-IR or ISI when considering the whole group. Whereas, when we analyzed patients according to BMI status, in NW patients, BMI increased significantly with no changes in HOMA-IR or ISI along treatment. In the OW/OB group, no significant differences were observed in BMI, HOMA-IR or ISI.

Conclusions

Girls with CPP showed a high frequency of OW/OB and a high prevalence of IR. GnRHa did not affect BMI, IS or the lipid profile when considering the whole cohort of patients. However, there was an increase in BMI in NW girls but not in OW/OB patients.
Frequency, clinical characteristics, biochemical findings and outcomes of DKA at the onset of type-1 DM in young children and adolescents living in a developing country – an experience from a pediatric emergency department
Authors: Jawaid Amna , Sohaila Arjumand , Mohammad Nadia , Rabbani Unaib
Published: January 2019

Background

As per the International Society for Pediatrics and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) census, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the most frequent cause of diabetes-related death. In developing countries, DKA-related mortality rate ranges from 6% to 24% (Onyiriuka AN, Ifebi E. Ketoacidosis at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents: frequency and clinical characteristics. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2013;12:47) in contrast to 0.15%–0.31% in the Western world (Poovazhagi V. Risk factors for mortality in children with diabetic ketoacidosis from developing countries. World J Diabetes 2014;5:932–93.). In developing countries like Pakistan, the situation is more perplexing owing to uncertain or under-reported statistics about the spectrum of the disease and its prevalence, coupled with limited access to medical care and experts as well as less awareness. These limitations restrict our ability to develop interventions that are patient-centered. Our main objective was to determine the severity, clinical features, bio-chemical findings and outcomes of DKA in children aged 1 month to 16 years.

Subjects and methods

This retrospective study included the analysis of medical and laboratory records from patients’ medical charts and the electronic database of all children aged 1 month to 16 years with newly diagnosed type-1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) complicated with ketoacidosis, who presented to the emergency department (ED) at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), between January 2009 and December 2014.

Results

Diabetes mellitus complicated with DKA was the predominant diagnosis (n=113 [75.83%]) among endocrine diseases in children visiting the ED. Our study witnessed an increase in the incidence of DKA particularly after 5 years of age, with more severity in females. In our study, the mortality rate was 3.4%.

Conclusions

Considering the high incidence and mortality rate, it is emphasized that DKA should be considered in differential diagnosis. An awareness campaign for both general pediatricians and physicians as well as for the public is needed for better outcomes.
“Arabic is the mother tongue of Islam”: Religion and the reproduction of Arabic among second-generation British-Arab immigrants in Cardiff, UK
Authors: Moraru Mirona
Published: January 2019

Born and educated in the UK, with Arab parents and Muslims, second-generation British-Arab immigrants in Cardiff find themselves at the core of a complex web of power relations which potentiates their production of multilingual practices. However, while Cardiff is officially bilingual, English being the dominant language and Welsh becoming increasingly valuable, linguistic practices with Arabic are usually rendered illegitimate. In spite of this, British-Arabs produce, reproduce, and negotiate linguistic practices with Arabic in Cardiff. The present article employs Pierre Bourdieu’s model of linguistic production and circulation to analyse the oral linguistic biographies of six second-generation British-Arabs in Cardiff in order to understand the conditions which enable the production of such practices in Cardiff in spite of their illegitimacy. The main argument is that Islam complements the central role occupied by the family in the reproduction of linguistic practices with Arabic in Cardiff; the relationship between the symbolic value ascribed to Qur’anic Arabic, the institutionalised provision of Arabic literacy, and mainstream education functions as a mechanism which reproduces the symbolic value of linguistic practices with Arabic on specific linguistic submarkets in Cardiff.
Crystal structure of tris(1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione-2-oximato-κ2
N,O)cobalt(III), C27H24N3O6Co
Authors: Cuihong Zhang , Yuan Ge , Xiaoping Huo , Liguo Yang , Xin Li , Zongcheng Miao
Published: January 2019

C27H24N3O6Co, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 11.309(3) Å, b = 19.477(5) Å, c = 11.615(3) Å, β = 109.071(9)°, V = 2418.0(11) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0296, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0845, T = 293(2) K [1–3].
Terrorism 4.0: A Global and Structural Analysis
Authors: Falode Adewunmi J.
Published: January 2019

The paper is an analysis of the different typology, forms and aspects of terrorism in its modern incarnation. It is a critical and thorough analysis of the varied manifestations of terrorism in the international political system. The paper shows that terrorism has evolved with modernity. Terrorism in its new variation is what this paper has called ‘Terrorism 4.0.’ Terrorism 4.0 (T4) has two basic and definable characteristics: it is fratricidal and genocidal in nature. The paper explores the different strategies and tactics employed by various and distinct terrorist groups to destabilize states in the international political system using T4 in combination with traditional terrorism practices. By drawing on the activities of non-state actors such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Tehrik-i-Taliban , Al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, Hamas and Hezbollah, the paper shows that terrorism has evolved beyond its traditional conceptions in the 20thcentury.
Magnetic resonance imaging of catalytically relevant processes
Authors: Svyatova Alexandra I. , Kovtunov Kirill V. , Koptyug Igor V.
Published: January 2019

The main aim of this article is to provide a state-of-the-art review of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilization in heterogeneous catalysis. MRI is capable to provide very useful information about both living and nonliving objects in a noninvasive way. The studies of an internal heterogeneous reactor structure by MRI help to understand the mass transport and chemical processes inside the working catalytic reactor that can significantly improve its efficiency. However, one of the serious disadvantages of MRI is low sensitivity, and this obstacle dramatically limits possible MRI application. Fortunately, there are hyperpolarization methods that eliminate this problem. Parahydrogen-induced polarization approach, for instance, can increase the nuclear magnetic resonance signal intensity by four to five orders of magnitude; moreover, the obtained polarization can be stored in long-lived spin states and then transferred into an observable signal in MRI. An in-depth account of the studies on both thermal and hyperpolarized MRI for the investigation of heterogeneous catalytic processes is provided in this review as part of the special issue emphasizing the research performed to date in Russia/USSR.
Wegner estimate for discrete Schrödinger operators with Gaussian random potentials
Authors: Tautenhahn Martin
Published: January 2019

We prove a Wegner estimate for discrete Schrödinger operators with a potential given by a Gaussian random process.
The only assumption is that the covariance function decays exponentially; no monotonicity assumption is required.
This improves earlier results where abstract conditions on the conditional distribution, compactly supported and non-negative, or compactly supported covariance functions with positive mean are considered.
Cluster Set Loading in the Back Squat: Kinetic and Kinematic Implications
Authors: Wetmore Alexander B. , Wagle John P. , Sams Matt L. , Taber Christopher B. , DeWeese Brad H. , Sato Kimitake , Stone Michael H.
Published: January 2019

Wetmore, A, Wagle, JP, Sams, ML, Taber, CB, DeWeese, BH, Sato, K, and Stone, MH. Cluster set loading in the back squat: Kinetic and kinematic implications. J Strength Cond Res 33(7S): S19–S25, 2019—As athletes become well trained, they require greater stimuli and variation to force adaptation. One means of adding additional variation is the use of cluster loading. Cluster loading involves introducing interrepetition rest during a set, which in theory may allow athletes to train at higher absolute intensities for the same volume. The purpose of this study was to investigate the kinetic and kinematic implications of cluster loading as a resistance training programming tactic compared with traditional loading (TL). Eleven resistance-trained men (age = 26.75 ± 3.98 years, height = 181.36 ± 5.96 cm, body mass = 89.83 ± 10.66 kg, and relative squat strength = 1.84 ± 0.34) were recruited for this study. Each subject completed 2 testing sessions consisting of 3 sets of 5 back squats at 80% of their 1 repetition maximum with 3 minutes of interset rest. Cluster loading included 30 seconds of interrepetition rest with 3 minutes of interset rest. All testing was performed on dual-force plates sampling at 1,000 Hz, and the barbell was connected to 4 linear position transducers sampling at 1,000 Hz. Both conditions had similar values for peak force, concentric average force, and eccentric average force (p = 0.25, effect size (ES) = 0.09, p = 0.25, ES = 0.09, and p = 0.60, ES = 0.04, respectively). Cluster loading had significantly higher peak power (PP) (p < 0.001, ES = 0.77), peak and average velocities (p < 0.001, ES = 0.77, and p < 0.001, ES = 0.81, respectively), lower times to PP and velocity (p < 0.001, ES = −0.68, and p < 0.001, ES = −0.68, respectively) as well as greater maintenance of time to PP (p < 0.001, ES = 1.57). These results suggest that cluster loading may be superior to TL when maintaining power output and time point variables is the desired outcome of training.
Foam Injection Molding of Polypropylene/Zinc Oxide Nanocomposite with Chemical Foaming Agent: Mechanical Properties and Morphology
Authors: Altan Mirigul , Osswald Tim
Published: January 2019

Polyropylene (PP)- zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposites were obtained by a melt mixing process. Organo silane–modified ZnO and untreated ZnO, and compositions with added stearic acid were prepared in a twin screw extruder. Thermal properties of the composites were determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The obtained composites were foamed by conventional injection molding using the chemical foaming agent azodicarbonamide. The effects of the ZnO addition and the coupling agent on cell morphology, tensile strength, and weight reduction were investiagted. The silane-treated ZnO was effective in cell generation; however, this decreased the tensile strength of the composite foams. On the other hand, untreated ZnO induced a slight increment in tensile strength that was due to lower cell generation. When weight reduction and improvement in tensile strength were considered togehther, the addition of 3 wt. % of untreated ZnO was found to be successful for PP foaming.
Response of Surface Acoustic Wave Propagation to Gasoline Gum Deposited on the Surface of Piezoelectric Substrate
Authors: Bai Yunshan , Deng Mingxi
Published: January 2019

In this article, theoretical analyses and experimental examinations have been performed on the response of surface acoustic wave (SAW) propagation to the film of gasoline gum deposited on the surface of a piezoelectric substrate, where the film of gasoline gum was thought of as viscoelastic. Using a commercial software (COMSOL Multiphysics), the influence of mass loading and viscoelasticity of the viscoelastic film on the SAW propagation has been numerically analyzed. It has been found that both the amplitude attenuation and the center frequency shift of SAW propagation change sensitively and monotonically with the change in mass loading and viscoelastic behavior of the viscoelastic film. To verify the theoretical analyses, the experimental examinations of the response of SAW propagation to the film of gasoline gum have been carried out. The experimental results show good consistency with the theoretical predictions. Both the amplitude attenuation and center frequency shift of SAW propagation indicate a significant sensitivity to change in the content of gasoline gum deposited on the surface of SAW propagation substrate. It is expected that the results obtained can provide a means for rapidly sensing the content of gum in automotive gasoline using the SAW technique.
Influence of Rigidity and Load Condition on the Contact Stress and Settlement Deformation of a Spread Foundation
Authors: Liang Fayun , Liang Xuan , Wang Chen , Wang Jie , Li Yuanqi
Published: January 2019

The distribution of the contact stress between a spread foundation and subsoil has been regarded as a classic issue in geotechnical engineering. Previous studies on this problem mainly focused on rigid foundations under axial loads, usually with width-to-height ratios (w/h) of 2.5 or less. However, flexible foundations are much more widespread in engineering applications. To investigate the effect of rigidity on the contact stress distribution and settlement deformation under axial and eccentric compression, two series of model tests on spread foundations (with w/h ratios from 2.5 to 4.0) placed on silty sand and clay were conducted. The results indicate that, under axial load, the contact stress in the central area of the rigid foundation is smaller than that around the edges. However, as the aspect ratio increases, the opposite occurs. Furthermore, in the eccentric compression progress, the w/h ratio (representing the rigidity of a foundation) has an important impact on the pressure distribution. A clear asymmetric distribution of pressure was observed under the eccentric load, and the maximal stress appears around the edges of the eccentric side under the rigid foundations, while under the flexible foundations the maximal stress appears in the central area. These research results can provide a practical reference for engineering applications with flexible foundations.
A Comprehensive Study and Optimization of Magnetic Nanoparticle Drug Delivery to Cancerous Tissues via External Magnetic Field
Authors: Roohi Reza , Emdad Homayoun , Jafarpur Khosrow
Published: January 2019

Magnetic drug delivery to cancerous tissue as a noninvasive method is a promising cancer therapy. Several complex phenomena and parameters are involved in guiding nanoparticles to the targeted tissue and guaranteeing a predetermined distribution. A comprehensive Euler–Lagrangian method is utilized to simulate a realistic process of nanoparticle delivery and deposition in a cancerous tissue. Non-Newtonian and conductive blood flow in a typical vessel through a cancerous tissue in the presence of an external magnetic field is numerically modeled (both Lorentz and magnetization forces are considered). The cancerous tissue is assumed to be a multizone region with necrotic and live cell blocks. The effect of blood delivery to tissue cells via capillary vessels and blood drainage by the lymphatic system is taken into account. Particle paths and deposition are obtained using the contribution of all forces involved. The effects of Reynolds number (Re), magnetic number, addition of second magnetic source, and distribution of particles are also investigated. For all investigated conditions, the optimum magnetic number to maximize deposition is obtained.
Implementing the Equilibrium of Probabilities to Measure Critical Gap at Priority Junctions
Authors: Sahraei Mohammad Ali , Akbari Elnaz
Published: January 2019

This article was carried out to implement the equilibrium method for the estimation of the magnitudes of critical gaps at priority junctions in Malaysia. This technique is dependent on the macroscopic probability equilibrium of the rejected and approved gaps. Accordingly, 18 hours of data from two junctions (i.e., from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.) were collected using a video camera technique. The values of critical gap were estimated for three turning movements, and it was compared by the method of the Troutbeck and Malaysia Highway Capacity Manual (MHCM). The values of critical gap using equilibrium method (with max rejected gaps) provide comparable outcomes with deviations smaller than 0.20 s as those from Troutbeck’s method. A comparative analysis was performed between the results of the equilibrium method and the MHCM with deviations less than 0.40 s. It was clearly indicated that this technique can also be utilized to calculate critical gap value in Malaysia, which is within the proximity of the MHCM’s and Troutbeck’s timings.