bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ATR Inhibition Potentiates the Radiation-induced Inflammatory Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Dillon Magnus T. , Bergerhoff Katharina F. , Pedersen Malin , Whittock Harriet , Crespo-Rodriguez Eva , Patin Emmanuel C. , Pearson Alex , Smith Henry G. , Paget James T.E. , Patel Radhika R. , Foo Shane , Bozhanova Galabina , Ragulan Chanthirika , Fontana Elisa , Desai Krisha , Wilkins Anna C. , Sadanandam Anguraj , Melcher Alan , McLaughlin Martin , Harrington Kevin J.
Published: February 2019

Purpose:

ATR inhibitors (ATRi) are in early phase clinical trials and have been shown to sensitize to chemotherapy and radiotherapy preclinically. Limited data have been published about the effect of these drugs on the tumor microenvironment.

Experimental Design: We used an immunocompetent mouse model of HPV-driven malignancies to investigate the ATR inhibitor AZD6738 in combination with fractionated radiation (RT). Gene expression analysis and flow cytometry were performed posttherapy.

Results:

Significant radiosensitization to RT by ATRi was observed alongside a marked increase in immune cell infiltration. We identified increased numbers of CD3+ and NK cells, but most of this infiltrate was composed of myeloid cells. ATRi plus radiation produced a gene expression signature matching a type I/II IFN response, with upregulation of genes playing a role in nucleic acid sensing. Increased MHC I levels were observed on tumor cells, with transcript-level data indicating increased antigen processing and presentation within the tumor. Significant modulation of cytokine gene expression (particularly CCL2, CCL5, and CXCL10) was found in vivo, with in vitro data indicating CCL3, CCL5, and CXCL10 are produced from tumor cells after ATRi + RT.

Conclusions:

We show that DNA damage by ATRi and RT leads to an IFN response through activation of nucleic acid–sensing pathways. This triggers increased antigen presentation and innate immune cell infiltration. Further understanding of the effect of this combination on the immune response may allow modulation of these effects to maximize tumor control through antitumor immunity.
Amelioration of Uremic Toxin Indoxyl Sulfate-Induced Osteoblastic Calcification by SET Domain Containing Lysine Methyltransferase 7/9 Protein
Authors: Chen Jing , Gu Yulu , Zhang Han , Ning Yichun , Song Nana , Hu Jiachang , Cai Jieru , Shi Yiqin , Ding Xiaoqiang , Zhang Xiaoyan
Published: February 2019

Background: Vascular calcification (VC) is a very common phenomenon in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It has been reported that some histone methylation play a role in VC as an epigenetic regulator. Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is a protein-bound uremic toxin that has been proven as one of the major risk factors of cardiovascular disease in CKD. SET domain containing lysine methyltransferase 7/9 (SET7/9) is one of the important histone methyltransferases. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of IS on the expression of SET7/9 and the role of SET7/9 in IS-induced osteoblastic differentiation and calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Methods: VSMCs were incubated with various concentrations of IS for different durations to assess osteoblastic differentiation and expression of SET7/9. Western blot analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed to assess the protein and mRNA levels of SET7/9 respectively. The calcium content was measured to evaluate calcification. Results: Osteoblastic differentiation and calcification of VSMCs and downregulation of the expression of SET7/9 were observed after IS treatment. The autophagy was activated after treatment with IS, whereas the inhibition of the autophagy partially attenuated the effect of IS on both the stimulation of the expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 and calcium deposition. Conclusions: Our data demonstrated that SET7/9 downregulation and autophagy activation may be the key mechanism of IS-induced VC in CKD.
Long-Term Outcomes after Surgical Resection for Synchronous or Metachronous Hepatic and Pulmonary Colorectal Cancer Metastases
Authors: Zizzo Maurizio , Galeone Carla , Braglia Luca , Ugoletti Lara , Siciliani Alessandra , Nachira Dania , Margaritora Stefano , Pedrazzoli Claudio , Paci Massimiliano , Lococo Filippo
Published: February 2019

Background/Aims: At present, benefits of surgical resection and appropriate selection criteria in patients affected by both hepatic and pulmonary metastases of colorectal cancer (CRC) are under discussion. Our analysis focused on a surgical series of such patients and our final aim consisted in identifying potential prognostic factors. Methods: Eighty-five patients undergoing resection of both hepatic and pulmonary metastases at 2 Healthcare Institutions from January 1993 to June 2015 were retrospectively reviewed as concerned clinical information, surgical notes and pathological features. Patient, treatment, and outcome variables were analyzed by use of log-rank tests, Cox regression, and Kaplan-Meier methods. Results: Liver turned out as the first site of metastasis in 75% patients, lung in 13% patients, and both sites in 12% patients. Multiple hepatic metastases were detected in 67% patients and pulmonary metastases in 31% patients. Two hundred eighteen surgical interventions were performed (mean 2.56 for each patient). Overall survival (OS) rates at 3-, 5-, and 10-year follow-up from colorectal resection were 94, 79, and 38% respectively. Median OS was 8.31 years. Survival turned out significantly longer for patients with disease-free interval (DFI) exceeding 1 year between first metastasectomy and diagnosis of second metastases and in patients affected by metachronous pulmonary metastases. Conclusions: Surgical resection of both hepatic and pulmonary metastases of CRC represents a safe and effective treatment. It might lead to rewarding long-term survival rates in high selected patients. Shorter DFIs between first metastasectomy and diagnosis of second metastases can determine worse prognoses. In addition, poor outcomes could be predicted also for patients affected by synchronously detected pulmonary CRC metastases, although further confirmatory analyses are strongly required.
Aconselhamento genético em oncologia no Brasil
Authors: Sales Lucas Amadeus Porpino , Lajus Tirzah Braz Petta
Published: February 2019

Desde 2015, os testes genéticos para rastreamento de mutações germinativas em pacientes classificados como de alto risco, por atenderem critérios internacionais para câncer hereditário, passaram a ter cobertura obrigatória pelos planos de saúde privados nacionais. Mesmo com esse modesto avanço, a atual realidade está muito aquém dos programas de rastreamento empregados nos Estados Unidos e em outros países desenvolvidos. Neste artigo, são levantados pontos importantes sobre a política de rastreamento e sobre a capacitação de profissionais médicos e não-médicos na prática do aconselhamento genético em oncologia.
Miocardiopatia de Takotsubo
Authors: Góes Gustavo Henrique Belarmino , Pereira Lívio Amaro , Ferraz Neto José Candido de Souza , Sousa Filho José Breno , Sobral Filho Dário Celestino
Published: February 2019

A miocardiopatia de Takotsubo é uma forma de insuficiência cardíaca aguda, geralmente reversível e desencadeada por um estresse físico ou gatilho emocional, cuja apresentação clínica é bastante similar às síndromes coronarianas agudas, porém sem a obstrução vascular característica da doença coronariana. Relatamos o caso de uma mulher de 53 anos que chegou à emergência cardiológica com dor retroesternal tipicamente coronariana, alterações dinâmicas no eletrocardiograma e aumento dos marcadores de necrose miocárdica. Cateterismo cardíaco mostrou coronárias isentas de ateromatose significativa, embora houvesse pequeno grau de aterosclerose, e achados sugestivos de miocardiopatia de Takotsubo do tipo apical. Foi realizado tratamento de suporte com drogas anti-hipertensivas, visando diminuir trabalho e remodelamento cardíacos. Os marcadores de necrose miocárdica acompanhados durante o internamento mostraram curva descendente. Paciente evoluiu com melhora clínica, recebendo alta hospitalar no 7º dia após internamento, em uso de inibidor da enzima conversora de angiotensina, beta bloqueador de 3ª geração, estatina e antiagregante plaquetário.
Early Onset Preeclampsia Is Associated With Glycocalyx Degradation and Reduced Microvascular Perfusion
Authors: Weissgerber Tracey L. , Garcia‐Valencia Oscar , Milic Natasa M. , Codsi Elizabeth , Cubro Hajrunisa , Nath Meryl C. , White Wendy M. , Nath Karl A. , Garovic Vesna D.
Published: February 2019

Background

The endothelial glycocalyx is a vasoprotective barrier between the blood and endothelium. We hypothesized that glycocalyx degradation is present in preeclampsia, a pregnancy‐specific hypertensive disorder characterized by endothelial dysfunction and activation.

Methods and Results

We examined the sublingual glycocalyx noninvasively using sidestream dark field imaging in the third trimester among women with normotensive pregnancies (n=73), early (n=14) or late (n=29) onset preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes mellitus (n=21). We calculated the width of the glycocalyx that was permeable to red blood cells (called the
perfused boundary region
, a measure of glycocalyx degradation) and the percentage of vessels that were filled with red blood cells ≥50% of the time (a measure of microvascular perfusion). In addition, we measured circulating levels of glycocalyx components, including heparan sulfate proteoglycans, hyaluronic acid, and SDC1 (syndecan 1), in a subset of participants by
ELISA
. Repeated‐measures
ANOVA
was performed to adjust for vessel diameter and caffeine intake. Women with early onset preeclampsia showed higher glycocalyx degradation, indicated by a larger perfused boundary region (mean: 2.14 [95% CI, 2.05–2.20]), than the remaining groups (mean: normotensive: 1.99 [95% CI, 1.95–2.02],
P
=0.002; late‐onset preeclampsia: 2.01 [95% CI, 1.96–2.07],
P
=0.024; gestational diabetes mellitus: 1.97 [95% CI, 1.91–2.04],
P
=0.004). The percentage of vessels that were filled with red blood cells was significantly lower in early onset preeclampsia. These structural glycocalyx changes were accompanied by elevated plasma concentrations of the glycocalyx components, heparan sulfate proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid, in early onset preeclampsia compared with normotensive pregnancy.

Conclusions

Glycocalyx degradation and reduced microvascular perfusion are associated with endothelial dysfunction and activation and vascular injury in early onset preeclampsia.
Reperfusion and Time to Presentation in Women: Too Little Too Late
Authors: Pande Ashvin N. , Jacobs Alice K.
Published: February 2019

See Editorial by
Cenko et al
Paippalādasaṃhitā 19.20.15–17. Against Wrinkles
Authors: Lelli Duccio
Published: February 2019

This article presents a critical edition, translation and commentary of a tr̥ca found in book 19 of the Paippalādasaṃhitā of the Atharvaveda. The hymn, which consists in a spell against wrinkles, pronounced by a woman who tries to ward off the signs of aging with the help of the goddess Indrāṇī, is remarkable both in term of content and from a linguistic point of view: it is the only hymn directed against wrinkles in the Vedic corpus and the role of the goddess Indrāṇī in the ritual confirms and broadens her sphere of influence related to female charm. Besides providing the earliest attestation of the word for ‘wrinkle’ váli-, the hymn contains two hapaxes, previously unattested forms of the perfect subjunctive and features of women’s speech. The article also includes a stylistic analysis that aims at illuminating the structure and poetics of the hymn.
Dolichochorus Strobl 1904: a valid genus of Mesochorinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Mesochorinae)
Authors: BROAD GAVIN R. , WATANABE KYOHEI
Published: February 2019

Dolichochorus Strobl 1904, is shown to be a valid genus of the ichneumonid subfamily Mesochorinae, and a senior synonym of Thamester Wahl 1993 (syn. nov.). Dolichochorus japonicus (Wahl 1993) is a new combination. Dolichochorus longiceps (Strobl 1904) is shown to be a senior synonym of Astiphromma elongatum Nakanishi 1969, syn. nov. The genus Dolichochorus is defined, a revised diagnosis provided for the genus and the two included species are provisionally separated.
The species of Uroleucon (Hemiptera: Aphididae) living on Adesmia (Fabaceae) in Argentina, with the description of a new species
Authors: NAFRÍA JUAN MANUEL NIETO , VON DOHLEN CAROL D. , MORENO-GONZÁLEZ VÍCTOR , ORTEGO JAIME , DURANTE M. PILAR MIER
Published: February 2019

Uroleucon Mordvilko is the largest genus in the Macrosiphini (Hemiptera, Aphididae) and most of its species live on species of Asteraceae. Uroleucon nahuelhuapense Nieto Nafría & von Dohlen sp. n. is described from apterous viviparous females collected on Adesmia boronioides (Fabaceae) in a locality of Neuquén province (Argentina). The morphological characters and the sequence of the tRNAleu-COII mitochondrial locus support the inclusion of the new species in the genus Uroleucon. Apterous viviparous females of Uroleucon adesmiae Mier Durante & Ortego collected in two Argentinean localities have also been studied and ranges of several quantitative features have been modified. The identification key for the Uroleucon species known in South America by Nieto Nafría et al. (2007) has been modified to include the new species.
Two new species of the genus Unaspis MacGillivray, 1921 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae) from China
Authors: NIU MINMIN , FENG JINIAN
Published: February 2019

Two new species of Unaspis (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae) from China, U. menglunensis sp. n. and U. fanjingensis sp. n., are described and illustrated. A key to the world fauna species of Unaspis is provided.
Atmospheric Processes and Climatological Characteristics of the 79N Glacier (Northeast Greenland)
Authors: Turton Jenny V. , Mölg Thomas , Van As Dirk
Published: February 2019

The Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden glacier (the 79 fjord, henceforth referred to as 79N) has been thinning and accelerating since the early 2000s, as a result of calving episodes at the front of the glacier. As 8% of the Greenland Ice Sheet area drains into 79N, changes in the stability of 79N could propagate into the interior of Greenland. Despite this concern, relatively little is known about the atmospheric conditions over 79N. We present the surface atmospheric processes and climatology of the 79N region from analyses of data from four automatic weather stations (AWS) and reanalysis data from ERA-Interim. Over the floating section of the glacier, the annual average air temperature is −16.7°C, decreasing to −28.5°C during winter. Winds over the glacier are predominantly westerly and are of katabatic origin. Over the last 39 years the near-surface air temperature has increased at a rate of +0.08°C yr−1. In addition, we find that large, rapid (48 h) temperature increases (>10°C) occur during the five-month dark period (November–March). Eight (±4) warm-air events occur annually from 1979 to 2017. We use the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model to simulate a particular warm-air event with above-freezing air temperatures between 30 November and 2 December 2014. The warm event was caused by warm-air advection from the southeast and a subsequent increase in the longwave radiation toward the surface due to low-level cloud formation. The frequent nature of the temperature jumps and the magnitude of the temperature increases are likely to have an impact on the surface mass balance of the glacier by bringing the skin temperatures to the melting point.
Truck Weights on Municipal and National Roads without Weight Enforcement
Authors: Vargas-Sobrado Ana , Rodríguez-Solano Luis , Aguiar-Moya José , Hernández-Vega Henry , Loría-Salazar Luis
Published: February 2019

One of the main causes of premature deterioration in pavement structures is overweight heavy vehicles. To characterize these vehicles, real loads of motor vehicles of more than four tons should be monitored, especially vehicles classified as C2 (2-axles, single units), C3 (3-axles, single units), T3-S2 (5-axles, single trailer) and T3-S3 (6-axles, single trailer) type, as they represent 99.5% of the Costa Rican truck fleet. This study includes six temporal weighing surveys on municipal roads and seven weighing surveys on national roads, comprising the weight of 525 and 554 trucks, respectively. On municipal roads, C2 vehicles with bulk and wagon body types are predominant (67% of surveyed vehicles), whereas on national routes T3-S2 vehicles predominate (42%). Likewise, it was determined that most of exceeding data correspond to vehicles transporting pit material, construction materials, and merchandise on both types of roads. Compared with municipal roads (8%), the percentage of overweight vehicles is more than twice that on national roads (18%) where weight regulations are not enforced. To estimate updated and realistic load data that can be included in pavement design manuals and guides, the same results are provided in parameters such as truck factors and load spectra.
Differential Recovery Speed of Activity and Metabolic Rhythms in Rats After an Experimental Protocol of Shift-Work
Authors: Saderi Nadia , Báez-Ruiz Adrián , Azuara-Álvarez Lucia E. , Escobar Carolina , Salgado-Delgado Roberto C.
Published: February 2019

The circadian system drives the temporal organization of body physiology in relation to the changing daily environment. Shift-work (SW) disrupts this temporal order and is associated with the loss of homeostasis and metabolic syndrome. In a rodent model of SW based on forced activity in the rest phase for 4 weeks, we describe the occurrence of circadian desynchrony, as well as metabolic and liver dysfunction. To provide better evidence for the impact of altered timing of activity, this study explored how long it takes to recover metabolic rhythms and behavior. Rats were submitted to experimental SW for 4 weeks and then were left to recover for one week. Daily locomotor activity, food intake patterns, serum glucose and triglycerides, and the expression levels of hepatic Pparα, Srebp-1c, Pepck, Bmal1 and Per2 were assessed during the recovery period and were compared with expected data according to a control condition. SW triggered the circadian desynchronization of all of the analyzed parameters. A difference in the time required for realignment was observed among parameters. Locomotor activity achieved the expected phase on day 2, whereas the nocturnal feeding pattern was restored on the sixth recovery day. Daily rhythms of plasma glucose and triglycerides and of Pparα, Pepck and Bmal1 expression in the liver resynchronized on the seventh day, whereas Srebp-1c and Per2 persisted arrhythmic for the entire recovery week. SW does not equally affect behavior and metabolic rhythms, leading to internal desynchrony during the recovery phase.
“Both Sides Now”: Articulating Textiles and Fashioned Bodies in the Works of Joni Mitchell, 1968–1976
Authors: Green Denise Nicole , Kaiser Susan B. , Doty Kelsie , Streck Kyra
Published: February 2019

The singer–songwriter–artist Joni Mitchell (née Anderson, born on November 7, 1943) is recognized in the worlds of music and fashion alike for her creative influences since the late 1960s. In this article, we share the findings from a critical discourse analysis of the lyrics and album art produced by Mitchell between 1968 and 1976. We consider how she represented a philosophy of “Both Sides Now” (i.e., both/and thinking) as she articulated—in words as well as visual art—three dynamic and unresolvable contradictions that provide new insights for fashion theory: (a) domesticity and worldliness, (b) bourgeois capitalism and bohemianism, and (c) beauty and destruction. In the process of articulating ambivalences and contradictions, Mitchell reveals how cultural power relations associated with gender, sexuality, age, and class (and their intersectionalities) intervene through textiles, clothing, and fashioned bodies.
Reinforcing of phenol formaldehyde resin by graphene oxide and lignin nanohybrids
Authors: Zhang Jianzheng , Rumin Wang , Chen Pengpeng
Published: February 2019

Utilizing synergetic effects of different fillers was an important strategy to develop high-performance polymer nanocomposites. In this work, novel hybrid nanofillers composed of graphene oxide (GO) and alkali lignin (L) were obtained successfully, and their reinforcing effect of phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin was fully investigated. The structures, morphologies, and properties of the GO-L nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, thermal gravimetry analysis, and Raman spectra. Dynamic mechanical analysis results showed that the GO-L–reinforced PF resin is much better than the single added GO and lignin with the same weight ratio. The effect of the filling ratio of GO-L on the storage modulus of PF was also investigated. Results showed that the storage modulus of PF was increased from 2015 MPa to 3675 MPa with the addition of 2 wt% of GO-L (3:7) hybrids.
Holocene hydro-climatic variability in the Mediterranean: A synthetic multi-proxy reconstruction
Authors: Finné Martin , Woodbridge Jessie , Labuhn Inga , Roberts C Neil
Published: February 2019

Here we identify and analyze proxy data interpreted to reflect hydro-climatic variability over the last 10,000 years from the Mediterranean region to (1) outline millennial and multi-centennial-scale trends and (2) identify regional patterns of hydro-climatic variability. A total of 47 lake, cave, and marine records were transformed to z-scores to allow direct comparisons between sites, put on a common time scale, and binned into 200-year time slices. Six different regions were identified based on numerical and spatial analyzes of z-scores: S Iberia and Maghreb, N Iberia, Italy, the Balkans, Turkey, and the Levant, and the overall hydro-climate history of each region was reconstructed. N Iberia is largely decoupled from the five other regions throughout the Holocene. Wetter conditions occur in the five other regions between 8500 and 6100 yr BP. After 6000 yr BP, climate oscillated until around 3000 ± 300 yr BP, which seems to have been the overall driest period in the eastern Mediterranean and North Africa. In contrast, Italy and N Iberia seem to have remained wetter during this period. In addition, non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) was applied to 18 long, continuous climate z-score records that span the majority of the Holocene. nMDS axes 1 and 2 illustrate the main trends in the z-score data. The first axis captures a long-term development of drier condition in the Mediterranean from 7900 to 3700 yr BP. Rapid shifts occur in nMDS axis 2 at 6700–6300 BP, 4500–4300 BP, and 3500–3300 BP indicating centennial-scale climate change. Our synthesis highlights a dominant south/east versus north/west Mediterranean hydro-climate dipole throughout the Holocene and therefore confirms that there was no single climate trajectory characterizing the whole Mediterranean basin during the last 10 millennia.
Life Phenomenology and Relational Flow
Authors: Smith Stephen J. , Lloyd Rebecca J.
Published: February 2019

Michel Henry’s radical reversal of world-referenced intentionality provides inspiration for drawing out the substantive features of relational flow analysis. To feel what you see is the overarching methodological cue in the consideration of flow affects. Flow moments are telling cues for discerning how there are not so much instances of temporal flux as there are impressions of vital connection that wax and wane in intensity. The depth of these impressions is the revelation of an all-encompassing hetero-affectivity wherein we are moved by the forces of life to take up in writing exemplary practices of relational flow.
Systematic Assessment of Theory-Based Research in Hospitality Management: A Prelude to Building Theories
Authors: Khan Mahmood A. , Hefny Mohamed
Published: February 2019

This exploratory research attempts to identify the potential of building theories within the field of hospitality management. A systematic scan of 9,364 peer-reviewed publications during the years 2002 to 2017 was conducted to assess the use of borrowed theories from other disciplines. A total of 423 theories were borrowed and used in support of research constructs and hypotheses. Projections based on the frequency of use revealed four distinct stages of progression in theory usage during the past 16 years, with accelerated use during the past 5 years. Theories from psychology were most often used, followed by economics, sociology, management, and marketing disciplines. The planned behavior theory, agency theory, and social exchange theory were used in multiple studies. The intent is to emphasize the need for the most appropriate theories within hospitality, focusing on service and people-oriented disciplines. This study provides preliminary information helpful in initiating a theory-building process.
Quantifying Crime Prevention Potential of Near-Repeat Burglary
Authors: Groff Elizabeth , Taniguchi Travis
Published: February 2019

The space-time risk window associated with near-repeat burglary patterns would seem to present a natural opportunity for burglary prevention efforts. However, constraints associated with the reporting of, police response to, and space-time patterning of burglaries can reduce the crime prevention potential of such efforts. To better estimate the crime prevention potential of focusing on near-repeat burglaries, we studied burglary patterns in 10 U.S. cities. Descriptive aspatial and spatial statistics were used to answer the research questions. Significant space-time clustering does not necessarily indicate an actionable near-repeat problem. Police analysts and researchers should also consider the crime prevention potential of focusing on near repeats—in other words, the proportion of burglaries that are preventable. The results of this test provide new information to guide the implementation and evaluation of crime prevention efforts focused on near-repeat events.
The effect of collaborative writing in an EFL secondary setting
Authors: Villarreal Izaskun , Gil-Sarratea Nora
Published: February 2019

Collaborative writing (CW) has been proven advantageous to enhance the second and foreign language skills of university students. However, little research to date has explored whether CW practices are fruitful for secondary school learners in foreign language (FL) contexts, a population characterized by low language proficiency levels, and few opportunities to engage with the FL. The present classroom-based study examines CW in this setting and aims to determine whether CW fosters language opportunities, operationalized as language-related episodes (LREs), which will allow learners in low-input scenarios to compose better texts. Two parallel intact classes were studied: a control group ( n = 16) which produced an argumentative essay individually, and an experimental group ( n = 16) which did so in pairs while recording their interactions. The findings revealed that the pairs produced shorter but more accurate and slightly more lexically and grammatically complex texts and obtained higher scores in content, structure and organization. Collaboration afforded students the opportunity to pool ideas, deliberate over language use, and provide each other with feedback (collective scaffolding). Most importantly, collaborating seemed to be beneficial for all intermediate secondary learners and, thus, a useful strategy for improving FL writing skills in the secondary school context.
Detection and alleviation of the abnormal vibration of the monorail based on experiment and simulation
Authors: Jiang Yongzhi , Wu Pingbo , Zeng Jing , Wei Lai , Lv Kaikai , Zhang Yunchang , Dai Xinliang
Published: February 2019

Wheel out of round, which has a significant influence on the ride comfort of vehicles, is very difficult to detect, especially for vehicles with rubber tires like a monorail. The prominent feature of wheel eccentricity caused by wheel out of round is that there will be a dominant frequency of the vehicle acceleration that varies with the speed of the vehicle, while the wavelengthes are all equal to the wheel circumference. By studying the experimental results of Chongqing straddle monorail, an indirect detection method of the wheel out of round is put forward. Then a simulation model of the monorail vehicle under the influence of the wheel out of round is established. The numerical analysis and experimental results lead to that the main reason for the abnormal vibration of the vehicle is the wheel out of round. Through the analysis of the vertical dynamic equation of the monorail system, all other factors that may affect the dominant frequency of vehicle vibration are analyzed. Finally, it is concluded this abnormal vibration caused by wheel out of round can only be reduced by increasing the vertical stiffness of the air spring and car body mass other than changing wheels.
Approximate frequency–amplitude relationship for a singular oscillator
Authors: Tao Zhao-Ling , Chen Guo-Hua , Xian Bai Kai
Published: February 2019

In this study, He’s frequency–amplitude formulation is modified for the fast estimation of the frequency–amplitude relationship of a nonlinear singular oscillator. The simple approaches give good approximate solutions with short calculation.
Current and emerging mechanical minimally invasive therapies for benign prostatic obstruction
Authors: Sountoulides Petros , Karatzas Anastasios , Gravas Stavros
Published: February 2019

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is considered the ‘gold standard’ for the surgical management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). However, during recent years TURP has been challenged by several minimally invasive therapies (MITs). The reasons for the development of these MITs are the need for anesthesia and the rather unchanged morbidity of TURP, including ejaculation disorders. Mechanical MITs may represent an attractive option for treating LUTS/BPO by using mechanical forces to maintain urethral patency without cutting, ablating, heating or removing prostatic tissue. The present paper provides an update on currently available mechanical devices for the treatment of LUTS/BPO including the prostatic urethral lift (PUL), the temporary implantable nitinol device, and new intraprostatic implants. It analyzes the evidence for their safety, tolerability, and efficacy in clinical practice and aims to define those subpopulations of patients who will benefit from these MITs. It is obvious that there is a wide variation in the degree of mature of the available mechanical MITs. Time and high-quality long-term studies will decide which of these therapies will be accepted by patients and urologists. At the moment, PUL is claiming its position in the armamentarium of BPO treatment.
Symptomatic endometriosis developing several years after menopause in the absence of increased circulating estrogen concentrations: a systematic review and seven case reports
Authors: de Almeida Asencio Fernanda , Ribeiro Helizabet Abdalla , Ayrosa Ribeiro Paulo , Malzoni Mario , Adamyan Leila , Ussia Anastasia , Gomel Victor , Martin Dan C. , Koninckx Philippe R.
Published: February 2019

Background

To review women with symptomatic and clinically progressive endometriosis after menopause in the absence of estrogen intake or excessive systemic endogenous production.

Design

Seven case reports and a systematic review of the literature from 1995 till February 2018.

Results

Only 7 case reports from the authors and 29 cases from the literature described women with either cystic ovarian or deep endometriosis. Severity, symptoms, and localization are highly variable. No case report describes symptomatic superficial typical lesions. In 22 of 36 women (61%), symptoms started more than 10 years after menopause.

Conclusions

Symptomatic and clinically progressive endometriosis after menopause in the absence of increased systemic estrogen concentrations or exogenous estrogen intake starts more than 10 years after menopause in the majority of women. This observation suggests that a genetic and/or epigenetic incident caused estrogen-independent progression, increased sensitivity to estrogens or increased local production of estrogens. This observation is important for understanding the pathophysiology of endometriosis, for the management of postmenopausal endometriosis, and for individualization of medical therapy of endometriosis since estrogen-independent endometriosis growth probably also occurs before menopause.
Inflammatory markers response to citrulline supplementation in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial
Authors: Darabi Zahra , Darand Mina , Yari Zahra , Hedayati Mehdi , Faghihi Amirhosein , Agah Shahram , Hekmatdoost Azita
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of citrulline (Cit) supplementation on inflammatory markers and liver histopathology in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this clinical trial, fifty NAFLD patients were assigned to receive 2 g/day Cit or placebo for 3 months.

Results

At the end of study, serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were reduced in Cit group significantly more than placebo group (P-value = 0.02 and < 0.01 respectively). Serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was reduced in Cit group significantly more than placebo after adjusting for levels of baseline (P-value < 0.001). Moreover, Cit supplementation decreased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and hepatic steatosis significantly (P = 0.04). Anthropometric measurements and hepatic enzymes did not change significantly in any group (P ≥ 0.05). In conclusion, our results showed that 12 weeks supplementation with 2 g/day Cit improved inflammatory markers in patients with NAFLD. Further studies with longer period of supplementation and different dosages of Cit are needed to be able to conclude.

Trial registration IRCT201703194010N18 on 2017-10-13
Corrosion and Wear Protection through Micro Arc Oxidation Coatings in Aluminum and Its Alloys
Authors: Rama Krishna L. , Sundararajan G.
Published: February 2019

This article presents the brief overview of fairly recent and eco-friendly micro arc oxidation (MAO) coating technology. The weight-cost-performance benefits in general raised the interest to utilize lightweight materials, especially the aluminum and its alloys. Despite numerous engineering advantages, the aluminum alloys themselves do not possess suitable tribology and corrosion resistance. Therefore, improvements in surface properties are essential to enable developing potential industrial applications. For improving wear and corrosion resistance of Al alloys, the most demanding surface properties are high hardness and chemical inertness. The technical and technological limitations associated with traditional anodizing and hard anodizing processes have been the strongest driving force behind the development of new MAO technology. While presenting the key technological elements associated with the MAO process, the basic mechanism of coating formation and its phase gradient nature is presented. Influence of various process parameters including the electrolyte composition has been discussed. The typical microstructural features and distribution of α- and γ-Al2O3 phases across the coating thickness as a key strategy to form dense coatings with required mechanical, tribological, and corrosion properties which are vital to meet potential application demands are briefly illustrated.
Residual Stress During Stamping-Forging of 2024 Aluminum Alloy Sheet
Authors: Wang Xinyun , Deng Lei , Li Jinbo
Published: February 2019

Stamping-forging processing can significantly reduce the residual stress of sheet metal parts. First, the variation of residual stress field during stamping-forging processing and the influence of relative bending radii and forming temperature on the residual stresses of stamping-forged V-shaped parts have been studied by finite-element analysis. Then, the stamping-forging processing has been employed in the forming of 2024 aluminum alloy square cups with nonuniform thickness to investigate the effects of process parameters, such as punch radius, die entrance radius, and die corner radius, on the residual stresses of stamping-forged square cups. The optimum process parameters of stamping-forging have been obtained, which can produce square cups with low residual stresses, that is, the maximum residual stress value can be reduced from 190 MPa for deep drawn square cups to around 60 MPa for stamping-forged square cups. Therefore, it is indicated that the stamping-forging processing can significantly reduce the residual stress of sheet metal parts.
Plasma Surface Treatment: Effects on Mechanical and Corrosion Protection Properties of Hybrid Sol–Gel Coatings
Authors: Subasri R.
Published: February 2019

Surface cleaning and activation of substrates are two critical processes that affect the mechanical and corrosion resistance properties of protective coatings when deposited on the substrates. Surface cleaning removes the contaminants, for example, grease on the substrate, and surface activation introduces active bonds on the substrate thereby increasing the surface free energy. Conventionally, surface cleaning and activation of aluminum and its alloys are carried out by a wet chemical technique. A convenient and safe alternate to the wet chemical cleaning/activation would be to use plasma for the same purpose. Plasma surface pre-treatment greatly improves adhesion of coatings deposited, which is very vital for good corrosion protection and mechanical properties such as scratch and abrasion resistance. Cold and atmospheric air plasma treatments have been the most widely studied pre-treatments for Al alloys. This article will discuss the advancements in the use of plasma treatment on Al/Al alloys and its effect on corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of coatings deposited after the surface treatment.
6XXX Alloys: Chemical Composition and Heat Treatment
Authors: Mrówka-Nowotnik Grażyna
Published: February 2019

Analysis of the influence of chemical composition, crystallization process and heat treatment on the phase constituents’ morphology, and mechanical properties and crack resistance of 6xxx Al alloys were conducted. The alloys with low Mg and Si content (6063) in the as-cast state are characterized by presence of Si particles and primary intermetallic phases: α-Al8Fe2Si, β-Al5FeSi, β-Mg2Si, and α-Al(FeMn)Si. Higher Mg, Si, and Mn content (6005 and 6082) leads to separation of additional phase particles: Al6Fe, Al6Mn, and Al12(FeMn)Mg3Si6, whereas high Cu content (6061—0.35% and 6066—0.95%, respectively) is responsible for precipitation of additional phase particles: Q-Al5Cu2Mg8Si6 and θ-Al2Cu. It has been established that homogenization results in total dissolution of the θ-Al2Cu and Q-Al5Cu2Mg8Si6 primary phases and partial dissolution of β-Mg2Si. Needle-like and Chinese-script α-Al8Fe2Si and β-Al5FeSi were transformed into spheroidal α-Al(FeMn)Si particles. The maximal consolidation of the 6xxx alloys is a result of precipitation of metastable particles, the transient βʺ, βʹ, and Qʹ/θʹ phases (6061 alloy) with high dispersion. The highest mechanical properties were achieved after holding in the temperature of 565°C/6 h, supersaturated in water, and aging at 175°C/10–20 h (T6). The decohesion process in the presence of tensile stresses in the room temperature proceeds through nucleation, the growth and joining of the voids, as well as the cracking of the primary and secondary large-sized intermetallic phase particles. The increase of deformation temperature up to 300°C causes the changes of the nucleation source and joining of voids—it occurs mainly along the matrix–particle interface.
Retrogression and Re-aging Heat Treatment: AA7XXX Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Anil Kumar V. , Arjun S. , Gupta R.K. , Venkitakrishnan P.V.
Published: February 2019

Retrogression and re-aging (RRA) treatment was introduced to increase the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) resistance while retaining the strength attainable in T6 (peak aged) temper. Retrogression is a short-term heat treatment at an elevated temperature wherein a partial dissolution of metastable precipitates occurs, which are responsible for the hardening. During the next step, the material is re-aged in the regime of typical age hardening parameters to restore the strength with improved ductility. Response of RRA treatment has been reported on AA7XXX series Aluminum alloys such as AA7075, AA7050, AA7150, AA7049, and AA7010. Studies have been done on the effect of RRA on microstructure, mechanical properties such as tensile and hardness, corrosion, exfoliation corrosion, and SCC resistance by various researchers. The key characteristic of RRA is retrogression, which makes the re-precipitation in the matrix and coarsening of grain boundary precipitates such as MgZn2, η′. The retrogression treatment however requires high temperature and a short time, which limits the industrial application of RRA, especially in the heat treatment of the components with large cross section, due to the inherent thermal conductivity limitations. Hence, further work needs to be done in this area to apply this specialized heat treatment for industrial applications. This article brings out a comprehension of the changes in microstructure, tensile properties, and corrosion resistance of the various commonly used AA7XXX Aluminum alloys in structural applications with RRA heat treatment. The future scope of the work in RRA heat treatment is also discussed in this article.
Heat-Treatable Aluminum Alloys: Three-Point Bending
Authors: Westermann Ida , Gruben Gaute
Published: February 2019

In many applications within the automotive industry, the formability of sheets or extruded material is of great importance. The formability is strongly influenced by the chemical composition and the thermomechanical treatment prior to deformation. Grain size and morphology as well as texture and the presence of constituent particles make the material heavily anisotropic and the properties direction dependent. In all cases, shear band formation leads to surface topography during bending, and fracture initiates from the grooves. The crack propagation after initiation is, however, dependent on the grain size and the number and distribution of particles.
Open-Cell Foam Metal Production and Characterization by Aluminum Solid Mold Investment Casting
Authors: Guler Kerem Altug
Published: February 2019

Foam metals can be categorized in two basic classes: open-cell and closed-cell structures, which both have different numerous unique properties. Up to the present, several production processes have been developed for each class. Investment casting is known as a replication process for open-cell foam metal fabrication. Solid mold, which can be evaluated as a subtechnique of the investment casting, is specialized especially for small complex shapes with ultrathin sections. This work is a presentation of aluminum open-cell foam production with solid mold investment casting using two different kinds of patterns. The first one is “burnable,” in which liquid metal directly fills the shape of pattern and the second is “leachable,” in which metal takes the form of intergranular network shape of porous salt preforms.
Rheoprocessing of Semisolid Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Bakhtiyarov Sayavur , Siginer Dennis A.
Published: February 2019

A semisolid metal processing technique is one of the newest metal casting technologies (less than 40 years). However, it has already proved itself as a commercially workable technology for the production of complex shape metallic components with improved mechanical properties and dimensional tolerances. The review of the commercially significant aluminum alloys and the specifics of their rheology are presented in this article.
Dispersoid Precipitation in Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Joseph D. Robson
Published: February 2019

Dispersoid particles are critical to the control of recrystallization and grain growth behavior during thermomechanical processing of wrought aluminum alloys. The precipitation of dispersoids has some unique characteristics that must be considered to understand the microstructure and properties obtained in the final product. Dispersoids precipitate from a segregated cast structure and therefore are inhomogeneously distributed within a grain. They often precipitate from other phases that form during heating and then redissolve. Finally, their precipitation is often in competition with other microstructural processes, for example, a change in composition of the constituent phases. Understanding these factors is critical to control dispersoid precipitation. Furthermore, the increasing demand to replace primary aluminum with recycled material requires careful control of the dispersoid-forming elements, which tend to accumulate during recycling. Small changes in the amounts of these additions can have a large effect on recrystallization behavior and hence texture and properties.
Defects in Aluminum Alloy Castings
Authors: Campbell John
Published: February 2019

Most of the major defects in Al alloy castings are the result of entrainment processes. The entrainment of the surface of the liquid creates bifilm defects, and the entrainment of air creates bubbles and bubble trails. Occasionally the entrainment of foreign inclusions, such as sand inclusions, can also be a problem. Bifilms form the initiators of gas porosity, shrinkage porosity, hot tears, and cracks. Since bifilms can be controlled by improved melting and casting techniques, all these defects are controllable. In addition, bifilms control the mechanical properties of castings, particularly tensile elongation, toughness, and fatigue. The other important effects caused by bifilms such as invasive corrosion behavior including pitting, stress corrosion cracking, and possibly hydrogen embrittlement, are beyond the scope of this review.
Production Levels of Bauxite and Aluminum: Global Historical Survey (1850–2015)
Authors: Christopher Sorrell Charles , Koshy Pramod
Published: February 2019

The present work provides a concise examination of the historical global production levels of bauxite, primary aluminum, and secondary aluminum from 1850 to 2015. It also provides a contextual background to these data by summarizing the main etymological, technical, and commercial developments throughout most of this period. It further includes comprehensive data for the pricing of primary aluminum in both historical and 2015 dollars on the basis of economy cost. The syntheses of the data include the following:

Global production levels of bauxite based on three data sets

Global production levels of primary aluminum based on three data sets

Global production levels of secondary aluminum based on three data sets

Comparative global production levels of secondary aluminum based on five data sets

Prices of primary aluminum in historical US dollars and in US dollars indexed to 2015 values based on four data sets

Conversion rates for historical US dollars against 2015 values

In addition to the preceding global data, extensive pre-1900 data for French, Swiss, and US production levels and French and US prices of primary aluminum are compiled.