bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Central Hypothyroidism Related to Pituitary Adenomas: Low Incidence of Central Hypothyroidism in Patients With Acromegaly
Authors: Takamizawa Tetsuya , Horiguchi Kazuhiko , Nakajima Yasuyo , Okamura Takashi , Ishida Emi , Matsumoto Shunichi , Yoshino Satoshi , Yamada Eijiro , Saitoh Tsugumichi , Ozawa Atsushi , Tosaka Masahiko , Yamada Shozo , Yamada Masanobu
Published: June 2019

Context

The most frequent cause of central hypothyroidism (CeH) is pituitary adenomas, but the mechanisms remain unclear.

Objective

We investigated serum thyroid levels and GH/IGF-1 in central hypothyroidism in untreated patients with pituitary nonfunctioning and GH-secreting adenomas.

Design

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of cases collected from Gunma University and Toranomon Hospitals between 2007 and 2016.

Patients

One-hundred thirty-nine cases of nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) and 150 cases of GH-secreting pituitary adenoma (GHPA) were analyzed.

Main Outcome Measures

The correlations between thyroid levels, several clinicopathological parameters, and GH/IGF-1 were examined.

Results

Twenty-four percent of NFPA patients had CeH. The severity did not correlate with tumor size, age, or sex, and all cases had normal TSH levels. In contrast, only 8.7% of GHPA patients had CeH; approximately half had normal TSH levels and approximately half had low TSH levels. Serum TSH levels in GHPA patients were significantly lower and free T4 (FT4) and free T3 levels were higher than those in patients with NFPA. Furthermore, approximately one-fourth of GHPA patients had normal FT4 and low TSH levels. In addition, serum FT4 levels and serum TSH levels were positively and negatively correlated, respectively, with serum IGF-1 levels. Furthermore, IGF-1 levels in patients with GHPA decreased with age.

Conclusions

(i) NFPA patients with CeH had TSH levels within a normal range. (ii) GHPA patients had a low incidence of CeH, which may be a result of stimulated thyroid function by GH/IGF-1. (iii) We found an age-dependent decrease in serum IGF-1 levels in patients with GHPA.
Aldosterone-Secreting Adrenocortical Carcinoma Presenting With Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Zern Nicole K , Eaton Keith D , Roth Mara Y
Published: June 2019

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy that usually is detected as a result of symptoms of hormone excess or mass effect. We describe a rare presentation of ACC with primary aldosterone production leading to profound hypokalemia and cardiac arrest. The patient was previously asymptomatic with low-grade, untreated hypertension and no documented electrolyte abnormalities. She had sudden cardiac arrest, and potassium levels were undetectable. After successful resuscitation, imaging showed a 6-cm left adrenal mass highly suspicious for malignancy. Biochemical workup revealed aldosterone excess as well as cortisol excess, despite the absence of Cushingoid symptoms. Histopathological examination after surgical resection demonstrated high-grade ACC. This case illustrates that the workup of cardiac arrest as a result of electrolyte abnormalities should include evaluation for adrenal pathology.
Regionally specified human pluripotent stem cell-derived astrocytes exhibit different molecular signatures and functional properties
Authors: Bradley Robert A. , Shireman Jack , McFalls Caya , Choi Jeea , Canfield Scott G. , Dong Yi , Liu Katie , Lisota Brianne , Jones Jeffery R. , Petersen Andrew , Bhattacharyya Anita , Palecek Sean P. , Shusta Eric V. , Kendziorski Christina , Zhang Su-Chun
Published: June 2019

Astrocytes display diverse morphologies in different regions of the central nervous system. Whether astrocyte diversity is attributable to developmental processes and bears functional consequence, especially in humans, is unknown. RNA sequencing of human pluripotent stem cell-derived regional astrocytes revealed distinct transcript profiles, suggesting differential functional properties. This was confirmed by differential calcium signaling as well as effects on neurite growth and blood brain barrier formation. Distinct transcriptional profiles and functional properties of human astrocytes generated from regionally specified neural progenitors under the same conditions strongly implicate the developmental impact on astrocyte diversity. These findings provide a rationale for renewed examination of regional astrocytes and their role in the pathogenesis of psychiatric and neurological disorders.
PHF7 is a novel histone H2A E3 ligase prior to histone-to-protamine exchange during spermiogenesis
Authors: Wang Xiukun , Kang Jun-Yan , Wei Leixin , Yang Xiaogan , Sun Hongduo , Yang Suming , Lu Lei , Yan Meng , Bai Meizhu , Chen Yanyan , Long Juanjuan , Li Na , Li Dangsheng , Huang Jing , Lei Ming , Shao Zhen , Yuan Wen , Zuo Erwei , Lu Kehuan , Liu Mo-Fang , Li Jinsong
Published: June 2019

Epigenetic regulation, including histone-to-protamine exchanges, controls spermiogenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms of this regulation are largely unknown. Here, we report that PHF7, a testis-specific PHD and RING finger domain-containing protein, is essential for histone-to-protamine exchange in mice. PHF7 is specifically expressed during spermiogenesis. PHF7 deletion results in male infertility due to aberrant histone retention and impaired protamine replacement in elongated spermatids. Mechanistically, PHF7 can simultaneously bind histone H2A and H3; its PHD domain, a histone code reader, can specifically bind H3K4me3/me2 and its RING domain, a histone writer, can ubiquitinate H2A. Thus, our study reveals that PHF7 is a novel E3 ligase that can specifically ubiquitinate H2A through binding H3K4me3/me2 prior to histone-to-protamine exchange.
Dragonflies use underdamped pursuit to chase conspecifics
Authors: Lohmann Amanda C. , Corcoran Aaron J. , Hedrick Tyson L.
Published: June 2019

Pursuit is a common behavior exhibited by animals chasing prey, competitors and potential mates. Because of their speed and maneuverability, dragonflies are frequently studied as a model system for biological pursuit. Most quantitative studies have focused on prey pursuits in captive environments. To determine whether a different pursuit strategy is used when chasing conspecifics of nearly equal speed and agility, we recorded 3D flight trajectories from nine territorial chases between male Erythemis simplicicollis dragonflies in natural field conditions. During chases, dragonflies used an interception strategy with an unusually high-magnitude gain (k=−10.03 s−1 horizontal; −8.86 s−1 vertical) and short time delay (τ=50 ms). The product kτ determines how aggressively a pursuer corrects course to achieve interception. Previous studies of prey pursuit have found kτ values close to −1/e (−0.37), the time-optimal value for achieving pursuit without overshooting. However, we found that dragonflies chasing conspecifics use more negative kτ (−0.50 horizontal; −0.44 vertical), resulting in pursuits with a high degree of overshooting (i.e. moving past the target and alternating position from side to side). We confirmed via simulation that the observed gain and delay produce overshooting. We propose that overshooting is an adaptive feature of conspecific chases that can be achieved with only slight modification of the strategy used for intercepting prey. Overshooting might help avoid potentially damaging collisions while exhibiting the pursuing animal's flight performance and competitive ability. Repeated close approaches might also evoke evasive responses from the other dragonfly, effectively herding the competitor out of the territory.
An unusual presentation of intraosseous malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour of mandible
Authors: Lee Sanghoon , Lee Chena , Kim Jin-kyu , Nam Woong
Published: June 2019

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST) is a rare mesenchymal tumour which usually presents high grade malignancy. We report an atypical case of intraosseous malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour on mandible in a 36-year-old male. Patient presented with an incidentally discovered radiolucency on the left anterior mandible and did not complain of any symptoms. Panoramic radiograph and computed tomography showed enlargement of inferior alveolar nerve canal, thinning of the cortex and calcified foci within an expansile mass. Magnetic resonance images revealed heterogeneous hyperintense signal intensity with a well-defined margin on T2 weighted images, heterogeneous enhancement on contrast-enhanced T1 weighted images and intermediate signal intensity and inferior alveolar nerve canal enlargement on T1 weighted images. In spite of benign radiologic characteristics as mentioned above, histopathologic examination of biopsied specimen otherwise revealed a low-grade malignancy. Wide excision of mandible was performed and there has been no loco-regional recurrence or distant metastasis over 1 year following surgery. This case indicates that, even when imaging modalities clearly demonstrate benign nature of intraosseous neurogenic tumour, care must be taken to establish proper treatment plan for assumed malignancy with a definitive histopathological analysis.
Sarah Carpenter, Pamela M. King, Meg Twycross, and Greg Walker, eds. ‘The Best Pairt of our Play’: Essays Presented to John J. McGavin. Medieval English Theatre, 38. Cambridge, D. S. Brewer, 2017. Pp. 183. Paperback £25.00. ISBN: 9781843844518.
Authors: Christie Sheila
Published: June 2019

This review considers 'The Best Pairt of our Play’: Essays Presented to John J. McGavin.
When Commitment Fails: Evidence from a Field Experiment
Authors: John Anett
Published: June 2019

Commitment products can remedy self-control problems. However, imperfect knowledge about their preferences may (discontinuously) lead individuals to select into incentive-incompatible commitments, which reduce their welfare. I conducted a field experiment in which low-income individuals were randomly offered a new installment-savings commitment account. Individuals chose a personalized savings plan and a default penalty themselves. A majority appears to choose a harmful contract: While the average effect on bank savings is large, 55% of clients default and incur monetary losses. A possible explanation is that the chosen penalties were too low (the commitment was too weak) to overcome clients’ self-control problems. Measures of sophisticated hyperbolic discounting correlate negatively with take-up and default, and positively with penalty choices. This finding is consistent with theoretical predictions that partial sophisticates adopt weak commitments and then default, whereas full sophisticates are more cautious about committing, but better able to choose incentive-compatible contracts.

This paper was accepted by John List, behavioral economics.
Bladder cancer
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: June 2019

This article is the one in the cancer series that discusses bladder cancer. Bladder cancer can occur in men and women; however, in the UK, there are more men with bladder cancer than women. It is also a disease of the older person.

This article provides an introduction that discusses the condition. An overview of the anatomy of the bladder and ureters is provided. In 2015, bladder cancer was the 10th most common cancer in the UK and was responsible for 3% of all new cancer cases.

Diagnosis and treatment options are discussed, with an emphasis on ensuring that the patient is key in any decisions that are made about treatment regimens. The importance of follow-up after treatment is also discussed.

A glossary of terms is provided and five multiple-choice questions are included to enhance learning and application to practice.
Adrenal insufficiency of patients with graft versus host disease treated with extracorporeal photopheresis
Authors: Rushton Cherie , Bacon Elizabeth , Jennings Emma , Marchetti Paula , Alfred Arun
Published: June 2019

Graft versus host disease (GvHD) is a serious and common complication of allogenic haematopoietic stem cell transplant. Corticosteroids are considered the standard care for initial treatment of GvHD but a significant proportion of patients will need long-term steroid treatment for control of GvHD. Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a cell-based immunomodulatory therapy that is an accepted second line treatment in patients with steroid refractory, dependent or intolerant GvHD and has shown efficacy in allowing steroid dose reduction and discontinuation in this cohort of patients.

Adrenal cortical insufficiency is defined by the inability of the adrenal cortex to produce sufficient amounts of glucocorticoids and/or mineralocorticoids leading to a severe and potentially life-threatening condition. The most common cause of drug-induced adrenal insufficiency is the suppression of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis by exogenous glucocorticoid doses ≥5 mg prednisolone equivalent for more than 4 weeks. The aim of the study was to ascertain the number of patients with GvHD receiving ECP that are affected by adrenocortical insufficiency.
Improving men's health: successful initiatives and barriers to progress
Authors: Baker Peter
Published: June 2019

Peter Baker, Director, Global Action on Men's Health ( peter.baker@gamh.org ), discusses initiatives to encourage men to take care of their health and examines the barriers that prevent men from seeking help
Hospital food: raise standards, cut costs
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: June 2019

Sam Foster, Chief Nurse, Oxford University Hospitals, reflects on the problems of ensuring the quality of hospital food and examines the latest Government initiative to reduce costs
Glaucoma: a prescriber's guide
Authors: Price Liam D , Shweikh Yusrah , Siriwardena Dilani
Published: June 2019

Glaucoma is a common eye condition that features progressive optic nerve damage with corresponding visual field loss. According to The Royal College of Ophthalmologists' The Way Forward: Glaucoma Report, it is destined to become an escalating problem due to an increasingly elderly population expected in the next 2 decades. In order to cope with the anticipated demand, hospital eye services are required to re-think the way care is delivered, and it is likely that more multidisciplinary clinical staff will be needed to manage glaucoma patients. Medical treatment with eye drops is sufficient for most patients, with surgery offered to those with worsening glaucoma despite medical and/or laser treatment, or patients who are intolerant to such treatment. This article aims to provide an overview of glaucoma with a focus on the prescribing options available and the associated challenges of the medical treatment of glaucoma.
Responding to complaints from patients online
Authors: Bradshaw Pallavi
Published: June 2019

The increasing use of social media and online reviews has made it easier for patients to comment publicly on the care they receive – but it can be difficult to hear criticism from service users. Pallavi Bradshaw has some advice on how to respond
Closing time
Authors: Moffat Polly
Published: June 2019

With the news that GP surgery closures across the UK have reached a record high, what might be the consequences for general practice?
Use of Air Infiltration in Swine Housing Ventilation System Design
Authors: Jadhav H    T , Hoff S   J
Published: June 2019

Abstract.

The objective of this research was to develop and analyze the procedure for using recent air infiltration (AI) data collected from commercial swine finishing rooms (SFRs) in the design of negative pressure mechanical ventilation systems (VSs). Air infiltration is an integral part of any ventilation process. Infiltration reduces the pressure differential across planned inlets and at very low pressure differences, cold air jets may drop directly on the animals causing significant discomfort. In this article, a design procedure is proposed for swine housing ventilation systems with the influence of air infiltration included. The method was used on one SFR for which air infiltration data was collected by in-field testing. The air-jet throw, jet momentum number, a newly developed coverage factor, and Archimedes number were used to assess the influence of infiltration on predicted air-jet and fresh-air distribution and to help guide the design of planned inlets in SFR VSs with known infiltration. The analysis completed quantifies the severity of AI on air-jet and air distribution performance, and suggests that for the analysis room to ventilate properly requires a 50% reduction in AI levels beyond field measured curtain and fan infiltration. The analysis completed suggests a method for systematically planning three-dimensional ceiling inlet placement and operation and provides design guidance for new ceiling inlets suitable for SFR VSs. Keywords: Air distribution, Air-jets, Archimedes number, Infiltration, Jet Momentum Number.
CO2 Control System Design Based ON Optimized Regulation Model
Authors: Xin Pingping , Zhang Haihui , Hu Jin , Shao Zhicheng , Peters R. Troy
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Existing carbon dioxide concentration (CO2) control systems commonly use a quantitative replenishment of CO2, without considering the effects of multiple environmental factors on a plant’s photosynthetic rate and its characteristic impact on CO2 demand, resulting in improper control of CO2 concentration. Accordingly, in this article, a nested combination experiment for the photosynthetic rate of cucumbers is presented. In order to obtain a continuous carbon dioxide response curve, the photosynthetic rate prediction model is established using the cucumber experimental data based on the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. The network of the support vector machine photosynthetic rate prediction model is used as an optimal objective function and the improved artificial fish swarm algorithm (IAFSA) is employed to search for the saturation of CO2 in a multidimensional nesting condition. Further, the optimal CO2 regulation model based on multi-factor coupling is established using the results of the above-mentioned experiments. Moreover, XOR verification of the proposed model showed that the maximal relative error of the proposed optimal CO2 regulation model is 3.898%. Consequently, using a wireless sensor network platform, a multi-sensor fusion-based CO2 control system is realized and verified. The verification showed that the average relative error between the target CO2 value and the actual CO2 value is 2.88%. At the same time, the average photosynthetic rate (Pn) of the crop increased by 26.94% compared to the contrasting region, which proves that the proposed system can achieve a stable and reliable operation, greatly improving the efficiency of the environment of the facility. Keywords: CO2 control system, Optimal CO2 regulation model, Photosynthetic rate, Verification.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Verification of the Deposition Concentration of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Shi Qiang , Mao Hanping , Guan Xianping
Published: June 2019

Abstract. To analyze the droplet deposition under the influence of the flow field of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a hand-held three-dimensional (3D) laser scanner was used to scan 3D images of the UAV. Fluent software was used to simulate the motion characteristics of droplets and flow fields under the conditions of a flight speed of 3 m/s and an altitude of 1.5 m. The results indicated that the ground deposition concentration in the nonrotor flow field was high, the spray field width was 2.6 m, and the droplet deposition concentration was 50 to 200 ug/cm2. Under the influence of the rotor flow field, the widest deposition range of droplets reached 12.8 m. Notably, the droplet deposition uniformity worsened, and the concentration range of the droplet deposition was 0 to 500 ug/cm2. With the downward development of the downwash flow field, the overall velocity of the flow field gradually decreased, and the influence interval of the flow field gradually expanded. In this article, the droplet concentration was verified under simulated working conditions by a field experiment, thereby demonstrating the reliability of the numerical simulation results. This research could provide a basis for determining optimal UAV operating parameters, reducing the drift of droplets and increasing the utilization rate of pesticides. Keywords: Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Aerial application, Downwash flow field, Droplet deposition, Simulation analysis.
Effect of growth stage on fodder yield and quality of dual purpose sorghum
Authors: MWANGI PATRICK GITHUI , GACHUIRI CHARLES K. , MBUGUA P.N.
Published: June 2019

Mwangi PG, Gachuiri CK, Mbugua PN. 2017. Effect of growth stage on fodder yield and quality of dual purpose sorghum. Trop Drylands 1: 100-104. Improved Dual Purpose Sorghum (IDPS) (Sorghum bicolor-Var Ikinyaruka) were yielded at six physiological growth stages to evaluate the impact of growth stage on crop and feed quality. Six treatments based on sorghum growth’s physiological stage were randomly administered to the plot in a block and replicated three times. The treatments were IDPS yielded at bloom stage (PS1), soft dough stage (PS2), hard dough stage (PS3), physiological maturity stage (stalks with grains), (PS4), physiological maturity stage (stalks without grains) (PS5), and 1 month post grain reap (PS6). The parameters monitored were Dry Matter (DM) crop, Crude Protein (CP), Neutral Detergent fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL), In vitro Dry Matter Digestibility (IVDMD) and shoot count. The highest DM crop (18.0 ton/ha) was achieved at PS4 secernated with 8.69, 12.75, 16.27 17.04 and 13.04 ton/ha for PS1, PS2, PS3, PS5 and PS6, respectively. CP reduced with maturity from 8.6 at PS1 to 7.98, 7.96, 7.61, and 6.77 to 6.72 at PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5 and PS6 respectively. NDF and ADF at PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5 and PS6 were 54.4, 60.8, 65.71, 65.93, 66.73 70.3 and 27.93, 35.96, 41.98, 41.97, 42.04, 46.05 respectively. ADL was 3.44, 5.03, 7.38, 7.39, 7.42, and 8.3 for PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5 and PS6 respectively. Highest fodder IVDMD of 60.72 was at PS1 secernated with 60.12, 54.73, 53.82, 53.56 and 45.75 achieved at PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5 and PS6 respectively. The PS3 growth stage yielded in fodder material with highest nutritive value while highest fodder yields were achieved at PS4. Reaping at PS5 supplied both fodder and grains for livestock and human consumption respectively. It was proven that crop and quality of IDPS were affected by age at reaping time.
SANTO ESTEVÃO: CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO DE UMA CIDADE PEQUENA
Authors: Francisco Patrícia dos Santos
Published: June 2019

Estudar sobre cidades pequenas é fundamental para compreender a dinâmica das mesmas. O presente artigo tem por objetivo apresentar uma discussão teórico-conceitual a respeito de cidades pequenas e enfatizar as mudanças socioeconômicas ocorridas na cidade de Santo Estevão, nas últimas décadas. Para isso, buscou-se enfatizar conceito de pequena cidade e os critérios adotados para se definir a mesma. Foram utilizados dados do IBGE para demonstrar as mudanças ocorridas na estrutura econômica e social da cidade de Santo Estevão, o que demonstra que essa apresenta crescimento populacional, urbano e econômico significantes. O estudo também despontou a carência de estudo no ramo da ciência geográfica a respeito das cidades pequenas, uma vez que os estudos sobre essa temática estão sempre voltados aos grandes centros urbanos.
Valorization of snail shell (HÃ©lixaspersa) from Tangier-Tetouan region (north of Morocco): an application to eliminate methylene blue
Authors: Erradi Ghizlane , El yousfi Farida , Stitou Mostafa
Published: June 2019

Removal of industrial waste becomes increasingly critical for environmental protection. This study aims to search for effective and less expensive adsorbents in order to remove methylene blue (MB) commonly used in many industrial sectors. To this end, we experiment Helix aspersa snail shell as a biosorbent for the removal of MB. The raw snail shells were cleaned, smashed, and characterized afterwards using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with an energy dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDX) and by X-ray diffraction. Different parameters were tested in order to identify the optimal conditions for the effective removal of MB. Our experimental results showed that, within the first ten minutes, a remarkable elimination of methylene blue dye reaching a percentage of 82%, with the following optimal conditions; 3.5 g of the adsorbent, initial MB concentration of 20 mg/L, the temperature of 15 Â°C, and agitation of 250 rpm. This study showed that the use of snail shell waste has inevitably a positive impact on the protection of the environment, in particular, the purification of industrial effluents.
Study of the dielectric, optical and microstructure properties of CaCu3Ti4O12â€“PbZr0.48Ti0.52O3 ceramic system with different compositions
Authors: Hadi Nasr , Abdi Farid , Lamcharfi Taj-edine , Belaaraj Abdesselam , Kassou Said , Ahjyaje Fatimazahra
Published: June 2019

In this paper, composite ceramics (1-x)CaCu3Ti4O12â€“(x)PbZr0.48Ti0.52O3 (with x =0.00, 0.50 and 1.00), denoted CCTO-PZT, were prepared by a three-stages modified method, in order to achieve high dielectric constant and low loss. Structural investigations carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and FT-IR spectroscopy showed the formation of pure cubic and tetragonal phases for x = 0.00 and x=1.00 compositions, respectively. XRD showed the coexistence of both phases in the CCTO-PZT composite. The morphology of the ceramics was examined by scanning electron micrograph (SEM), results reveal a homogeneous microstructure with two types of grains corresponding to PZT (smaller grains) and CCTO (large grains). Dielectric measurements carried out by an impedance analyzer; show that the dielectric constant of the CCTO-PZT composite is higher than the pure samples (CCTO and PZT) one. The temperature dependence of the ac conductivity indicated that the conduction follows the Arrhenius law and the conduction process is due to the single and the doubly ionized. The optical band gap of the PZT is 2.25 eV, and the band gap decreased in the CCTO/PZT composite.
Clinical and ultrasonographic investigations of 30 water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) with hepatomegaly
Authors: Abdelaal A. M. , Abd El Raouf M. , Aref M. A. , Moselhy A. A.
Published: June 2019

Background and Aim: Knowledge of normal ultrasonographic dimensions of the liver and associated vascular structures is an important indicator for the diagnosis of hepatic diseases. Enlargement of the liver beyond its normal dimensions is the term of hepatomegaly and ultrasonography is the primary and the suitable diagnostic technique for this condition. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the clinical and ultrasonographic findings of liver diseases causing hepatomegaly in 30 buffaloes as well as to provide a range of liver dimensions and its blood vessel measurements in normal and diseased buffaloes. Materials and Methods: The study population included 30 buffaloes that were admitted to the clinic of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Zagazig University for investigation of clinical signs associated with gastrointestinal diseases such as anorexia, chronic weight loss, and variable degrees of diarrhea or constipation. The animals were subjected to thorough clinical and ultrasonographic investigations. In addition, 10 healthy buffaloes were investigated ultrasonographically and post-slaughtering for comparison of liver dimensions and physical appearance. Results: Three conditions causing hepatomegaly were identified in this study as multiple focal hepatic lesions, diffuse fatty liver, and hepatic congestion. Clinically, it was difficult to differentiate between each condition while ultrasonography was the ideal tool for diagnosis after comparing with necropsy as a gold standard tool. Hepatomegaly was recorded in all affected animals with a significant decrease in the size of the portal vein (PV) and caudal vena cava (CVC) in animals affected with multiple focal hepatic lesions and fatty liver disease while the size of the PV and CVC was significantly increased in buffaloes with hepatic congestion. Conclusion: Ultrasonography can aid to accurately identify buffaloes with hepatomegaly and differentiate between different lesions involved.
Kenntnis – Konsens – Kontroversität. Kirchliche Papiere zum Verhältnis Christen und Muslime und der Begriff des Dialogs
Authors: Wrogemann Henning
Published: June 2019

Discussions about the topic of interreligious dialogue in church and society often suffer from a diffuse understanding of dialogue. The present contribution therefore distinguishes between five concepts of dialogue based on the implicit interpretation of the initial situation, the intention of the dialogue, its dialogical hermeneutics, goals and consequences. Then two new resource statements of the churches on Christians and Muslims are analyzed as to which understanding of dialogue they feature. Critical comments are made on the content of the resource statem­ents and on the role of church leadership declarations on interreligious dialogue. Finally the author calls for further differentiation as regards the appreciation and understanding of the phenomenon of interreligious relations. He pleads for the alternative of theologically motivated respect for the religious other in the form of a theology of interreligious relations.
Ethik zwischen Universalisierbarkeit und Lebensnähe. Zeitimplikate in den Referenzbegriffen der Ethikdefinition
Authors: Meyer Raphaela J.
Published: June 2019

What is the relevance of time for ethics? Definitions of ethics often identify ethics as a theory of (or category of reflection on) life, action, or morality. According to a widespread view, ethical reflection can be validated through the principle of universalibility implying, inter alia, that ethical judgment must be valid in a timeless manner to guarantee supra-individual justice. Yet to view life, action, or morality in an atemporal manner means to abstract from their temporally concrete form. This allows a supratemporal comparability of issues but at the same time removes them from their embedding in specific contexts of life. Hence this process of abstraction could be a reason for ethics not offering orientation and directions for life and action to the extent that it claims to do.
How social sciences and humanities can contribute to transformative science
Authors: Ejderyan Olivier , Schneider Flurina , Bornemann Basil , Kläy Andreas
Published: June 2019

Social sciences and humanities play important roles in sustainability-oriented transformative research. A saguf workshop revealed what these roles can look like.
Vom inside-out zum outside-in: Perspektivwechsel bei der Impact-Messung von transformativer Forschung
Authors: Schneidewind Uwe , Rehm Annika
Published: June 2019

Der NaWis-Verbund verstärkt seine Bestrebungen, die gesellschaftlichen Wirkungen von transformativer Forschung abzubilden. Damit soll auch die Qualität der Forschungsarbeiten gesichert werden. Die bei der Impact-Messung zur Anwendung kommenden Ansätze unterscheiden
sich bislang grundsätzlich. Der vorliegende Beitrag skizziert den Zugang des Wuppertal Instituts für Klima, Umwelt, Energie.
Transdisziplinäre Forschung auf dem Prüfstand: Einblicke in den Arbeitsalltag des Reallabors Asyl
Authors: Kück Svenja , Schmid Verena
Published: June 2019

Das Team des Reallabors Asylsuchende in der Rhein-Neckar-Region (Reallabor Asyl) analysiert seit Anfang 2016 Erfolgsfaktoren einer nachhaltigen gesellschaftlichen Teilhabe von geflüchteten Menschen. Dabei setzt das Reallaborteam am Modus einer transdisziplinären Forschung
an. Anhand eines 2018 durchgeführten Kooperationsprojekts mit der Kommune Sinsheim werden die Forschungsarbeiten hier reflektiert.
The concerns of the young protesters are justified: A statement byScientists for Futureconcerning the protests for more climate protection
Authors: Hagedorn Gregor , Loew Thomas , Seneviratne Sonia I. , Lucht Wolfgang , Beck Marie-Luise , Hesse Janina , Knutti Reto , Quaschning Volker , Schleimer Jan-Hendrik , Mattauch Linus , Breyer Christian , Hübener Heike , Kirchengast Gottfried , Chodura Alice , Clausen Jens , Creutzig Felix , Darbi Marianne , Daub Claus-Heinrich , Ekardt Felix , Göpel Maja , Judith N. Hardt , Hertin Julia , Hickler Thomas , Köhncke Arnulf , Köster Stephan , Krohmer Julia , Kromp-Kolb Helga , Leinfelder Reinhold , Mederake Linda , Neuhaus Michael , Rahmstorf Stefan , Schmidt Christine , Schneider Christoph , Schneider Gerhard , Seppelt Ralf , Spindler Uli , Springmann Marco , Staab Katharina , Stocker Thomas F. , Steininger Karl , Hirschhausen Eckart von , Winter Susanne , Wittau Martin , Zens Josef
Published: June 2019

In March 2019, German-speaking scientists and scholars calling themselvesScientists for Future, published a statement in support of the youth protesters in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland(Fridays for Future, Klimastreik/Climate Strike), verifying the scientific evidence that the youth protestors refer to. In this article, they provide the full text of the statement, including the list of supporting facts (in both English and German) as well as an analysis of the results and impacts of the statement. Furthermore, they reflect on the challenges for scientists and scholars who feel a dual responsibility: on the one hand, to remain independent and politically neutral, and, on the other hand, to inform and warn societies of the dangers that lie ahead.
Spatial context matters in monitoring and reporting on Sustainable Development Goals: Reflections based on research in mountain regions
Authors: Kulonen Aino , Adler Carolina , Bracher Christoph , Dach Susanne Wymann von
Published: June 2019

By committing to the 2030 Agenda, countries have promised to work towards sustainable development through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), pledging to leave no one behind. Yet, there is a risk of exclusion for those living in remote regions or those who fall through
the cracks. Data collection methodologies and review schemes that account for SDGs at sub-national and regional levels need to be developed, which would facilitate decision-making and allow the growth of development agendas that are better aligned to the targets. However, so far little
guidance is available for countries to account for spatial considerations.
Demonetization Debate: A Policy Review
Authors: Hosain Md Sajjad
Published: June 2019

This policy review paper aims at making a general discussion of positive and negative effects on the demonetization decision of 500 and 1000 rupee notes in 2016 made by the Indian government. The paper concludes that although there are numerous negative after-effects of demonetization policy such as sufferings in rural banking, disturbance in small & medium businesses and sufferings for farmers & agro-traders, it also has several positive outcomes on the Indian economy, such as an increase in tax return, an increase in transactions on bonds & financial instruments, and an overall revitalization.
Young L2 learners’ online processing of information in a graded reader during reading-only and reading-while-listening conditions: A study of eye-movements
Authors: Serrano Raquel , Pellicer-Sánchez Ana
Published: June 2019

Combining reading with auditory input has been shown to be an effective way of supporting reading fluency and reading comprehension in a second language. Previous research has also shown that reading comprehension can be further supported by pictorial information. However, the studies conducted so far have mainly included adults or adolescents and have been based on post-reading tests that, although informative, do not contribute to our understanding of how learners’ processing of the several sources of input in multimodal texts changes with the presence of auditory input and the effect that potential differences could have on comprehension. The present study used eye-tracking to examine how young learners process the pictorial and textual information in a graded reader under reading only and reading-while-listening conditions. Results showed that readers spent more time processing the text in the reading only condition, while more time was spent processing the images in the reading-while-listening mode. Nevertheless, comprehension scores were similar for the readers in the two conditions. Additionally, our results suggested a significant (negative) relationship between the amount of time learners spent processing the text and comprehension scores in both modes.
Religiöse Zionistinnen. Die Europäische Misrachi-Frauenorganisation 1929-1939
Authors: Hecht Dieter J.
Published: June 2019

When Bessie Gotsfeld (1888-1962) founded the »Mizrachi Womenʼs Organization of America« (aka AMIT) in 1925, religious Zionist women in Europe also started to organize their work in several European countries. In 1928, Meir Berlin (later Meir Bar-Ilan), one of the leading rabbis of the Mizrachi movement, met in Vienna with Anitta Müller-Cohen (1890-1962), a prominent Zionist woman activist. After that meeting, Müller-Cohen joined the ranks of the Mizrachi movement and started to build up a »European League of Mizrachi Women«. Besides Germany, there were important local associations in Belgium, Great Britain and the Netherlands. The ambitious project of the European Mizrachi women caused a conflict with the WIZO, the biggest and most important organization of Jewish women, that escalated at the VIth World Congress of Zionist Women in Basel in 1931. The rise to power of National Socialism in Germany in 1933, challenged the developing Mizrachi Women’s League beyond their means and finally led to their destruction during the Shoah. In this paper, I trace the network of Jewish women who engaged with the Mizrachi Women’s League, and analyse their personal commitment. Additionally, the paper focuses on the different ideological backgrounds of Mizrachi women at a local and international level. Hence, the conflict between different Zionist women’s organisations, i. e. Mizrachi versus WIZO, gains center stage.
Only serum pepsinogen I and pepsinogen I/II ratio are specific and sensitive biomarkers for screening of gastric cancer
Authors: Mansour-Ghanaei Fariborz , Joukar Farahnaz , Baghaee Massood , Sepehrimanesh Masood , Hojati Amineh
Published: June 2019

Purpose

We aimed to determine optimal cut-off points of plasma levels of ghrelin and serum levels of pepsinogen I, II, and their ratio for screening of gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

Blood samples were taken from 41 patients with confirmed gastric cancer along with 82 patients without malignancy. Serum levels of pepsinogen I and II, plus plasma levels of acylated ghrelin were measured using commercial ELISA kits.

Results

The case group had significant lower plasma levels of ghrelin, pepsinogen I, and pepsinogen I/II ratio in comparison to the control group (P<0.001). In the control group, there was significant higher serum pepsinogen I (P=0.028) and pepsinogen II (P=0.003) and lower pepsinogen I/II ratio (P=0.020) in males versus females; significantly higher serum pepsinogen II (P=0.047) and lower pepsinogen I/II ratio (P=0.030) in overweight compared to normal weight patients; and significantly lower pepsinogen I/II ratio (P=0.030) in smokers versus non-smoker. In the case group, there was only significantly lower pepsinogen I (P=0.006) in males versus females, and significantly lower plasma ghrelin (P=0.017) in overweight compared to normal weight patients. The characteristic curve analysis indicated that pepsinogen I at a cut-off of 70.95 μg/L and pepsinogen I/II ratio at cut-off of 2.99, had good sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions

Just serums levels of pepsinogen I and the ratio of pepsinogen I/II can be used as biomarker to screen GC.
Performance evaluation of an Indoxyl Sulfate Assay Kit “NIPRO”
Authors: Fushimi Yuki , Tatebe Junko , Okuda Yuko , Ishii Toshiaki , Ujiie Shinji , Morita Toshisuke
Published: June 2019

Background

The relationship between renal disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is currently known as cardiorenal syndrome. Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is one of the uremic toxins that accelerates the progression of cardiorenal syndrome. This report presents a new method for measuring IS in a simpler way.

Methods

We evaluated the analytical performance of an IS Assay Kit “NIPRO” loaded on LABOSPECT 008. The evaluated analytical performances included accuracy, precision, dilution linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), recovery test, interference test and comparison against assays performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results

Total precision showed a <5.3% coefficient of variation at IS concentrations of 3.57–277.73 μmol/L, and satisfactory results were observed in the dilution linearity, LOD, LOQ, recovery and interference tests. The IS Assay Kit “NIPRO” showed a high correlation with the HPLC conventional method (r = 0.993).

Conclusions

The IS Assay Kit “NIPRO” demonstrated satisfactory analytical performance, and this suggests it could shortly become another common method to measure circulating IS.
Variable and inaccurate serum IgG4 levels resulting from lack of standardization in IgG subclass assay calibration
Authors: Bernasconi Luca , Mundwiler Esther , Regenass Stephan , Aubert Vincent , Hammerer-Lercher Angelika , Heijnen Ingmar
Published: June 2019

Background

The quantification of serum IgG4 is commonly performed during the diagnostic workup of IgG4-related diseases (IgG4-RD). According to recent literature, IgG4 values above 1.35 g/L are characteristic of IgG4-RD and support its diagnosis at initial presentation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate comparability and accuracy of the two main commercially available IgG4 assays (Siemens Healthineers and The Binding Site).

Methods

Method comparison was performed for IgG and IgG subclasses using a collective of selected samples with elevated serum IgG4. In addition, we assessed the accuracy of both assays using purified polyclonal and monoclonal IgG4 preparations.

Results

Our data show significant discrepancies between the two IgG subclass assays for the measurement of IgG4 and, to a lesser extent, IgG3.

Conclusions

The lack of standardization between the two main providers of commercially available IgG4 assays leads to significant inter-assay result discrepancies, which might potentially cause unnecessary clinical workup. We conclude that serum IgG4 assay-specific decision limits, and not an assay-independent single cut-off level for IgG4 (e.g. 1.35 g/L), should be used when assessing patients for IgG4-RD. An internationally recognized, certified reference material for IgG subclasses is urgently needed, and assay manufactures are encouraged to undertake steps toward standardization of measurements of IgG4 and other IgG subclasses.
Effects of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction (SC-CO2) on the content of tiliroside in the extracts from Tilia L. flowers
Authors: Pieczykolan Aleksandra , Pietrzak Wioleta , Rój Edward , Nowak Renata
Published: June 2019

Tiliroside is one of the main flavonoid compounds responsible for a wide spectrum of biological activity of Tilia L. Up to now, several extraction techniques have been reported for extracting this compound from Tilia L. In this work for the first time supercritical carbon dioxide extraction was used for this purpose. Experiments were performed using supercritical carbon dioxide with 5% and 10% of ethanol as solvent, aiming a recovery content of tiliroside, temperature from 45 to 80°C, pressure from 100 to 220 bar and time from 20 to 60 minutes. The statistically generated optimum extraction conditions to obtain the highest content of tiliroside were established as: pressure of 200 bar, temperature 65°C and 45-50 minutes for 5% ethanol concentration and pressure of 220 bar, temperature 65°C and 15 minutes for 10% ethanol concentration.

A liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-ESI-MS/MS) was used to determine the content of tiliroside in the obtained extracts. In addition, the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content and antioxidant activity (DPPH• method) were determined.
N-octyl chitosan derivatives as amphiphilic carrier agents for herbicide formulations
Authors: Kamari Azlan , Yusoff Siti Najiah Mohd
Published: June 2019

This study investigates the potential of N-octyl chitosan derivatives, namely N-octyl-O-sulfate chitosan (NOOSC), N-octyl-N-succinyl chitosan (NONSC) and N-octyl-O-glycol chitosan (NOOGC) as amphiphilic carrier agents for atrazine in water-insoluble herbicide formulations. The N-octyl chitosan derivatives were characterised using several analytical instruments such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer, CHNS-O Elemental Analyser (CHNS-O), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Thermogravimetric Analyser (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) and Fluorescence Spectrometer. The encapsulation of atrazine by N-octyl chitosan derivatives was studied using a High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The FTIR spectra of N-octyl chitosan derivatives confirmed the presence of hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups on chitosan backbone. TEM images revealed that N-octyl chitosan derivatives have formed self-aggregates with a spherical shape. The CMC values for N-octyl chitosan derivatives were between 0.06 and 0.09 mg/mL. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) values for amphiphilic chitosan were greater than 90%. The release profiles showed different release behaviour of pure herbicide in solution as compared to atrazine-loaded N-octyl chitosan derivatives. Results suggest that the chitosan derivatives offer promising characteristics that enable them to act as effective carrier agents for atrazine. In conclusion, the application of N-octyl chitosan derivatives could reduce the use of organic solvents in herbicide formulations by 37.5%.
Steam Reforming of Acetic Acid: Response Surface Modelling and Study of Factor Interactions
Authors: Adeniyi Adewale George , Ighalo Joshua O. , Otoikhian Kevin Shegun
Published: June 2019

Steam reforming of biomass bio-oil is a technique of producing bio-hydrogen which is an important biofuel. Acetic acid is a major constituent of biomass bio-oil especially its aqueous phase. In this study, the thermodynamic analysis of the steam reforming of acetic acid was considered in conjunction with the utilising of a novel statistical approach. Response surface methodology was used to elucidate possible interactions of the process factors and be used to develop regression models for the prediction of percentage molar yield of each species given a known set of inputs. The correlations were validated for the prediction of % molar composition of the product chemical species in the product stream. These correlations are of great relevance as it affords quick predictions given a known set of factors.
Grundzüge einer Ästhetik des Designs
Authors: Feige Daniel Martin
Published: June 2019

The paper aims at a reconstruction of the specificity of an aesthetic of design and aims at a new understanding of aesthetics taking into account that there are diverse kinds of aesthetic objects, i. e. art, nature and design. I argue that traditional concepts such as beauty and sensuality are not apt if we want to understand what is specific for an aesthetic of design. Instead of proposing another basic concept such as “function”, in the first part of the paper I present a broader systematical outline to incorporate various kinds of aesthetic objects. I draw on Kant, Hegel and Aristotle to understand different kinds of aesthetic objects as aesthetic in a formally different way: In the aesthetic of art, what it means to be aesthetic is formally different from what it means to be aesthetic in the aesthetic of design – I propose to differentiate varying forms of aesthetic practices. In the second part of the paper I look at this idea with regard to design: Whereas works of art develop self-sufficient forms that allow for a reflective self-understanding of those experiencing them, design is bound up in our practical ends. I propose to understand it as an internally aesthetic endeavour insofar as the ends are renegotiated in the design via the forms they are embodied in. Thus the singular embodiment of the practical ends is a major part of what it means to understand a design object.