bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Value in Vertically Integrated Power‐to‐Gas Energy Systems
Authors: Glenk Gunther , Reichelstein Stefan
Published: October 2019

In vertically integrated energy systems, integration frequently entails operational gains that must be traded off against the requisite cost of capacity investments. In the context of the model analyzed in this study, the operational gains are subject to inherent volatility in both the price and the output of the intermediate product transferred within the vertically integrated structure. Our model framework provides necessary and sufficient conditions for the value (NPV) of an integrated system to exceed the sum of two optimized subsystems on their own. We then calibrate the model in Germany and Texas for systems that combine wind energy with Power‐to‐Gas (PtG) facilities that produce hydrogen. Depending on the prices for hydrogen in different market segments, we find that a synergistic investment value emerges in some settings. In the context of Texas, for instance, neither electricity generation from wind power nor hydrogen production from PtG is profitable on its own in the current market environment. Yet, provided both subsystems are sized optimally in relative terms, the attendant operational gains from vertical integration more than compensate for the stand‐alone losses of the two subsystems.
Presence of melatonin‐catabolizing non‐specific enzymes myeloperoxidase and indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase in the ram reproductive tract
Authors: Martínez‐Marcos Paula , Carvajal‐Serna Melissa , Lázaro‐Gaspar Sofía , Pérez‐Pé Rosaura , Muiño‐Blanco Teresa , Cebrián‐Pérez José A. , Casao Adriana
Published: October 2019

The melatonin catabolism is very complex and not completely understood. Melatonin can be metabolized by free radical interaction, but also pseudo‐enzymatically or by enzymatic pathways. We have previously detected the existence of melatonin‐synthesizing enzymes and melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2 in the ram reproductive tract; thus, in order to start to elucidate melatonin catabolism in these organs, we have investigated the presence of the melatonin‐catabolizing enzymes indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO, both IDO1 and IDO2 isoforms) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in testis, epididymis and accessory glands. Gene expression analyses by real‐time PCR showed the presence of MPO, IDO1 and IDO2 in all the organs of the ram reproductive tract and revealed that MPO is the main melatonin‐catabolizing enzyme, which is mainly expressed in the testis and the bulbourethral glands (p < .05). These results were further corroborated by immunohistochemical staining, and by Western blot. Likewise, MPO was also evidenced in epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa by indirect immunofluorescence and Western blot. In conclusion, melatonin‐catabolizing enzymes MPO, IDO1 and IDO2 are expressed in the ram reproductive tract, and MPO is the most expressed one, mainly in the testis and the bulbourethral glands. The presented results warrant further studies on the function of these enzymes and their melatonin‐metabolizing activity.
The microbiome in bronchiectasis: Cutting a lung story short
Authors: Smith Alexandria H. , Chalmers James D.
Published: October 2019

See related Article
When “Best I Can” is Not Enough: Welfare Managers’ Appraisal of Clients’ Mothering Practices
Authors: Turgeon Brianna
Published: October 2019

The “mommy wars” are a cultural narrative of conflict between mothers that amplifies the scrutiny placed on mothering practices. While mothers at all social locations face criticisms for their choices surrounding parenting, mothers in poverty lack the resources to enact many socially mandated parenting practices and contend with additional scrutiny through participation in programs like welfare‐to‐work. In this project, I examine the parenting expectations mothers on welfare must navigate. I use 69 semi‐structured interviews with welfare‐to‐work program managers in Ohio from 2010‐2011 to examine which mothering ideologies they encourage and discourage clients to adopt. I find that managers are highly critical of clients’ (perceived) parenting practices and instead promote a combination of intensive mothering and economic nurturing. Managers promote intensive mothering and meeting children's needs—so long as it does not interfere with the work requirements of the program. Economic nurturing simultaneously allows managers to express concern for children and promote clients participating in the work requirements of OWF, implying that work and family needs are aligned and can be met via work.
Characterization of two novel HLA‐DQA1*05:05:01 variants, identified in Brazilian individuals
Authors: Vianna Romulo , Secco Danielle , Santos Angela , Porto Luís Cristóvão
Published: October 2019

Characterization of two novel HLA‐DQA1*05:05:01 variants, HLA‐DQA1*05:05:01:22 and ‐DQA1*05:05:01:23.
A Response to Núñez et al.'s (2019) “What Happened to Cognitive Science?”
Authors: McShane Marjorie , Bringsjord Selmer , Hendler James , Nirenburg Sergei , Sun Ron
Published: October 2019

Núñez et al.'s (2019) negative assessment of the field of cognitive science derives from evaluation criteria that fail to reflect the true nature of the field. In reality, the field is thriving on both the research and educational fronts, and it shows great promise for the future.
The Class II KNOX genes KNAT3 and KNAT7 work cooperatively to influence deposition of secondary cell walls that provide mechanical support to Arabidopsis stems
Authors: Wang Shumin , Yamaguchi Masatoshi , Grienenberger Etienne , Martone Patrick T. , Samuels A. Lacey , Mansfield Shawn D.
Published: October 2019

The transcription factor KNOTTED ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA7 (KNAT7) is a Class II KNOTTED1‐like homeobox (KNOX2) gene that, in interfascicular fibres, acts as a negative regulator of secondary cell wall biosynthesis. In addition, knat7 loss‐of‐function mutants display an irregular xylem (irx) phenotype, suggesting a potential positive regulatory role in xylem vessel secondary cell wall deposition. Although our understanding of the role of KNAT7 is evolving, the function(s) of the closely related KNOX2 genes, KNAT3, KNAT4, and KNAT5, in secondary wall formation still remain unclear. We found that all four Arabidopsis KNOX2 genes were expressed in the inflorescence stems. However, only the knat3 knat7 double mutants showed a phenotype, displaying an enhanced irx phenotypes relative to the single mutants, as well as decreased interfascicular fibre cell wall thickness. Moreover, knat3 knat7 double mutants had reduced stem tensile and flexural strength compared with wild‐type and single mutants. In contrast, KNAT3 overexpression resulted in thicker interfascicular fibre secondary cell walls in inflorescence stems, suggesting a potential positive regulation in interfascicular fibre secondary wall development. This work identifies KNAT3 as a potential transcriptional activator working together with KNAT7 to promote secondary cell wall biosynthesis in xylem vessels, while concurrently acting antagonistically with KNAT7 to influence secondary wall formation in interfascicular fibres.
Approaching treatment of transplant‐associated thrombotic Microangiopathy from two directions with Eculizumab and transitioning from Tacrolimus to Sirolimus
Authors: Jan Anna S. , Hosing Chitra , Aung Fleur , Yeh Jason
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

In the past, conventional treatment strategies for transplant‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA‐TMA) have not proven to be very effective. Recently, eculizumab which is a humanized monoclonal antibody that works as a terminal complement inhibitor has demonstrated promise in the treatment landscape of TA‐TMA.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This was a single‐center retrospective analysis of 20 consecutive adult patients with TA‐TMA: 10 patients who received conventional therapy and 10 patients who received eculizumab‐based therapy. These patients had undergone allogeneic HSCT at MD Anderson Cancer Center between August 2011 and September 2016.

RESULTS

When comparing the treatment outcomes in the two cohorts, none of the patients in the conventional therapy group obtained a hematologic or complete response according to our response criteria whereas seven patients in the eculizumab group achieved a hematologic response with one patient achieving a complete response with organ recovery. In addition, overall survival at the end of assessment was 60% in the eculizumab cohort and 30% in the conventional cohort. One major difference in practice at our institution versus previously published studies is the management of immunosuppression. In a majority of patients, tacrolimus was continued or transitioned to sirolimus for GVHD prophylaxis.

CONCLUSION

Response rates and survival were improved for patients who were transitioned to sirolimus, so a two‐pronged approach of inhibiting complement along with providing an alternative effective immunosuppressive agent may be beneficial in the treatment of early onset TA‐TMA.
IT in Blood banks, at present and tomorrow: a Nordic perspective
Authors: Jensen Henrik Gaedt
Published: October 2019

Background

Blood banks in most of the Nordic countries all share a vein‐to‐vein approach, which is usually handled in a single blood banking information system (BBIS). This means that a blood bank IT system in the Nordics is traditionally operated by a single vendor.

Aims

The aim for integrations, rather than building an integrated IT system, to support the need for a vein‐to‐vein process is a precondition in the Nordic countries. With multiple IT systems supporting isolated processes, we intend to facilitate development in these and furthermore increase the flexibility in the whole process.

Methods

We set out to reveal any existing knowledge in the literature on IT vendor strategies for blood banks, but we did not succeed in identifying any relevant literature. However, a systematic literature study on vendor strategies when choosing Health IT identified 837 studies, but only 10 was eligible for full‐text review and five met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Even this broader literature study reveals very little evidence, and furthermore the only available studies are from an American context quite far from the European and Nordic framework in health care. In addition, the existing research is contradictory.

Conclusion

This paper adds basic knowledge for breaking down the process control of blood banking in smaller processes. This adds the possibility for identifying best of breed or best of suite vendors, instead of relying on single vendor IT solutions. Furthermore, it is a call for more research in the field of vendor selection strategies, preferably with a longitudinal study design, which this review did not succeed in identifying.
Down‐regulation of mir‐27b promotes angiogenesis and fibroblast activation through activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Sun Furong , Bi Qingxia , Wang Xueming , Liu Jingyan
Published: October 2019

To study the effects of mir‐27b on angiogenesis and fibroblast activation and to explore its further mechanism. Humanmicrovascular endothelial cell (HMEC)‐1 and humannormal skin fibroblast (BJ) cells were treated with mir‐27b inhibitor negative control reagent, mir‐27b inhibitor, LY294002, and mir‐27b inhibitor + LY294002, respectively. 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) was used to detect the T‐cell proliferation. The migration ability was detected by Scratch assays. The angiogenesis of HMEC‐1 cells was observed by in vitro tube formation assay. The mRNA and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in HMEC‐1 cells and the mRNA and protein expression of collagen I, collagen III, α‐SMA, and MMP1 in BJ cells were detected by quantitativereal‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Meanwhile, the PI3K/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway‐related proteins were also detected by Western blot. The proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, the mRNA and protein expression of VEGF and the protein expression of p‐PI3K and p‐AKT in HMEC‐1 cells were increased after treated with mir‐27b inhibitor. Meanwhile, the proliferation, migration, and the protein expression of collagen I, collagen III, α‐SMA, MMP1, p‐PI3K, and p‐AKT in BJ cells were increased after treated with mir‐27b inhibitor. However, the angiogenesis and fibroblast activation of mir‐27b inhibitor was reversed by LY294002, and the activate effect to PI3K/AKT pathway was also inhibited. Down‐regulation of mir‐27b could promote angiogenesis and fibroblast activation, and its mechanism is related to activate PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Imiquimod to prevent keloid recurrence postexcision: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Klotz Tanja , Munn Zachary , Aromataris Edoardo Claudio , Greenwood John Edward
Published: October 2019

Imiquimod 5% cream, an immune response modifier capable of inducing IFN‐α, TNF‐α, and interleukins 1, 6, and 8. It was approved for use in the management of genital and perianal warts and soon embraced as a method to diminish the recurrence of keloids postexcision. A previous meta‐analysis included four studies. This meta‐analysis is part of a larger systematic review project on the effect of moisturizers on scars. It was conducted following an a priori protocol and the guidance of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science. After screening and critical appraisal, subgroup meta‐analysis on excision method and location of the keloid was conducted using the Miller approach for proportional meta‐analysis and a random effects model. Seven studies, including 77 participants and 82 keloids were included. Meta‐analysis revealed a recurrence rate of 39% (95% CI = 8.474.4%; I2 = 87.5%) following application of Imiquimod postexcision. The use of primary excision or tangential excision did not alter the outcome. For analysis based on the location of the keloid scar, earlobe keloids had a recurrence rate of 5.4% (95% CI = 0–21.7%; I2 = 52.9%). For keloids excised from other areas (predominantly on the trunk) recurrence rate was higher, at 76.8% (95% CI = 36.1–100%). For keloids, Imiquimod application postexcision results in highly variable recurrence rates. There is very low certainty in the effect of Imiquimod and it therefore is not recommended as a treatment option.
Erecting a new family forSpirostyliferina, a truncatelloidean microgastropod, and further insights into truncatelloidean phylogeny
Authors: Layton Kara K. S. , Middelfart Peter U. , Tatarnic Nikolai J. , Wilson Nerida G.
Published: October 2019

Microgastropods in the subclass Caenogastropoda are diverse and species‐rich and often exhibit similar morphologies across families, posing difficulties for species identification.SpirostyliferinaBandel, 2006 is a microgastropod genus that has been placed in the family Litiopidae associated with algae and seagrass across the tropical Indo‐Pacific and with only one known member to date (Spirostyliferina lizardensisBandel, 2006). There are uncertainties surrounding the familial assignment ofSpirostyliferinahowever, due to its unique shell with spiral zigzag ridges, unique pitted protoconch and a lack of molecular data for phylogenetic analysis. This study aims to resolve the position ofSpirostyliferinawithin the Caenogastropoda by employing a multilocus data set for phylogenetic reconstruction, and scanning electron microscopy and micro‐computed tomography for morphological analysis. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenies of 56 species, 30 families and six superfamilies of Caenogastropoda recoveredSpirostyliferinawithin the Truncatelloidea.Spirostyliferinahad no affinity with any existing truncatelloidean families, and therefore, the family Spirostyliferinidae fam. nov. is proposed for this genus. The genusHoenselaariaMoolenbeek, 2009 was synonymized withSpirostyliferinain this study (monotypicHoenselaaria wareniMoolenbeek, 2009). Spirostyliferinidae is diagnosed by heavy pitted microsculpture on protoconch I and intermittent spiral zigzag ridges on the teleoconch. The unpegged corneous operculum and taenioglossate radula ofSpirostyliferinaappear similar to other truncatelloideans, confirming the position ofSpirostyliferinaas a monotypic clade within the Truncatelloidea. In all, this study advances the taxonomic status of a microgastropod with a minute size and rarity that presents significant challenges to its collection and study.
Application of the Quantitative Monochrome Calibrated Schlieren Technique in a Highly Loaded Turbine Cascade Test
Authors: Zhou Zhihong , Wang Haotian , Liu Huoxing
Published: October 2019

As the load of the turbine components of aircraft engines continuously increases, shock loss becomes the dominant factor of turbine stage loss and has become a hot topic. The Schlieren technique is one of the few effective experimental methods to observe and study shock wave and, thus, has been widely used. Nevertheless, limited by camera accuracy and computer image processing technology, quantitative schlieren analysis methods were difficult to achieve in engineering applications. Fortunately, several quantitative schlieren methods have been developed with the help of new digital technology. Applying the schlieren technique to the highly loaded turbine cascade test is of great significance to the study of shock wave in highly loaded turbine cascades. In this paper, the results of the quantitative density field and shock intensity and loss in the cascade are obtained by using a double-reflection-type monochrome schlieren device. The boundary condition of the density field is obtained by pressure test, and matlab software is used as image processing calculation tool. The quantitative results of this paper prove the feasibility of applying quantitative schlieren method to highly loaded turbine cascade tests. Also, the implemented image processing method and density boundary condition acquisition method are suitable and convenient for cascade flow and shock measurement tests.
Research on Proton Exchange Membranes for Improving Valve Regulated Sealed Lead-Acid Battery Cycling Performance
Authors: Zhang Shao-Hui , Go Kokswee , Re Qing-Qing , Wang Zhen-Bo
Published: October 2019

In this article, proton exchange membranes (PEMs) are used as separators for lead-acid batteries. Ion migration experiments are conducted to prove the efficacy of PEMs in blocking the passage of antimony ions. The cells are then assembled into a battery to undergo charge–discharge, life cycle, and electrolyte loss testing. The results show that PEMs are effective at reducing the migration of antimony ions from the cathode alloy grid to the anode while suppressing hydrogen formation and electrolyte loss, which greatly improves coulombic efficiency and cycle life of the battery.
Fatigue Damage of Aluminum Alloy Spot-Welded Joint Based on Defects Reconstruction
Authors: Xu Sha , Chen Hao , Yang Yali , Gao Kun
Published: October 2019

Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and finite element method are combined to study the damage behavior of aluminum alloy resistance spot-welded joints. Fatigue damage of spot-welded joints under different cyclic loading stages was obtained by X-ray microcomputed tomography (X-ray micro CT). Then, avizo software was used to reconstruct the scanned data of joints with different damage degrees, and the distribution and variation of defects in the joints are obtained. On this basis, 3D finite element damage models were established. Finite element calculations were carried out to analyze the fatigue damage of spot-welded joints by adopting the effective elastic modulus as the damage parameter. The results show that the effective elastic modulus is consistent with the experimental results. The method of combining 3D reconstruction with the finite element method can be used to evaluate the internal damage of spot-welded joints and provide theoretical basis for the prediction of fatigue life.
Numerical Analysis on Mathieu Instability of a Top-Tensioned Riser in a Dry-Tree Semisubmersible
Authors: Kang Hooi-Siang , Kim Moo Hyun , Bhat Aramanadka Shankar S.
Published: October 2019

The development of a dry-tree semisubmersible (DTS), a new type offshore hydrocarbon production system, is facing unconventional challenges in the issues of dynamic stability, structural integrity, and parametric resonance. The Mathieu equation is used to assess the dynamic stability of a top-tensioned riser (TTR) in order to prevent the parametric resonance which leads to detrimental effects on structural integrity. The objectives of this paper are to (i) study a Mathieu stability diagram and its coefficients for an assessment of the stability of a TTR, (ii) identify the effects of the dynamic tension variations in the Mathieu stability assessment, and (iii) analyze the stability of the TTR on a DTS, which is equipped with a long-stroke tensioner, by using numerical simulation. The dynamic tension variation in the DTS was identified to induce instability in the TTR. Hence, the Mathieu stability assessment is recommended to be included in an analysis of TTR behaviors in a dry-tree interface of semisubmersibles.
Numerical Evaluation of Ship Turning Performance in Regular and Irregular Waves
Authors: Seo Min-Guk , Nam Bo Woo , Kim Yeon-Gyu
Published: October 2019

In this study, ship's maneuvering performance in waves is evaluated using numerical computation. To this end, three degrees-of-freedom (3DOF) planar motions are considered, and modular-type maneuvering model (maneuvering modeling group model (MMG model)) is applied. As external force of the equation of motion, hull force, propulsion force, rudder force, and wave drift force are adopted. In order to calculate wave drift force, seakeeping program which is based on a higher-order Rankine panel method is used by considering wave frequency, wave heading, ship's forward speed, and ship's lateral speed. This wave drift force is pre-calculated, made into database, and used in time domain simulation. The developed simulation program is validated by comparing the computation results of a turning test in regular waves with experimental data. Using this program, turning performance in irregular waves is evaluated and sensitivities for time signal of wave elevation are investigated. Through this study, it is confirmed that the simplified method based on the MMG model including wave drift force can provide good agreement with experimental data in a practical point of view. It can be observed that the simulation results considering the lateral speed show better agreement with the experimental data than those without consideration. In the case of irregular wave condition, the turning performance can be affected by wave random phases. When the ship encounters the beam sea during the turning operation, the wave elevations at that time play an essential role in the change of ship speed and turning trajectory.
Research on Turbulent Lubrication of Misaligned Journal Bearing Considering the Axial Motion of Journal
Authors: Zhu Shaoyu , Sun Jun , Li Biao , Zhao Xiaoyong , Wang Hu , Teng Qin , Ren Yanping , Zhu Guixiang
Published: October 2019

Based on the coordinate transformation method, the generalized turbulent lubrication equation considering the axial motion of the journal is derived. The finite-difference method is used to solve the generalized turbulent lubrication equation. The variations of turbulent lubrication performance with axial displacement for different axial movement velocity of the journal, journal misalignment angle, and initial mid-plane eccentricity ratio are obtained. The results show that when the axial movement velocity of the journal increases, the mid-plane eccentricity ratio of the bearing and the minimum film thickness remain unchanged, the average Reynolds number, maximum film pressure, load capacity, frictional power, and side leakage increases. As the axial displacement of the journal increases, the greater the misalignment angle of the journal, the greater the degree of misalignment, maximum film pressure, load capacity, and misalignment moment of the bearing. The greater the initial mid-plane eccentricity ratio, the greater the degree of journal misalignment, maximum film pressure, load capacity, frictional power, and misalignment moment.
Approximation Model for Radiation Impedance of a Square Piston Source on an Infinite Planar Baffle
Authors: Valacas John
Published: October 2019

Approximation models based on a finite sum of Bessel functions of the first kind and a pair of simple rational transfer functions are proposed for radiation resistance and reactance of a square piston source mounted on an infinite planar baffle. Model accuracy is better than 1.6% for reactance and 0.5% for resistance within a very wide range of dimensionless frequency k√S (0.1–100). The very low and high frequency behaviors of radiation impedance are incorporated into the models' closed-form expressions so that the approximation error outside the specified frequency range tends to zero.
Vibration of Curvilinearly Stiffened Plates Using Ritz Method With Orthogonal Jacobi Polynomials
Authors: Alanbay Berkan , Singh Karanpreet , Kapania Rakesh K.
Published: October 2019

This paper presents a general approach for the free vibration analysis of curvilinearly stiffened rectangular and quadrilateral plates using the Ritz method by employing classical orthogonal Jacobi polynomials. Both the plate and stiffeners are modeled using first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). The displacement and rotations of the plate and stiffeners are approximated by separate sets of Jacobi polynomials. The ease of modification of the Jacobi polynomials enables the Jacobi weight function to satisfy geometric boundary conditions without loss of orthogonality. The distinctive advantage of Jacobi polynomials, over other polynomial-based trial functions, lies in that their use eliminates the well-known ill-conditioning issues when a high number of terms are used in the Ritz method, e.g., to obtain higher modes required for vibro-acoustic analysis. In this paper, numerous case studies are undertaken by considering various sets of boundary conditions. The results are verified both with the detailed finite element analysis (FEA) using commercial software msc.nastran and with those available in the open literature. New formulation and results include: (i) exact boundary condition enforcement through Jacobi weight function for FSDT, (ii) formulation of quadrilateral plates with curvilinear stiffeners, and (iii) use of higher order Gauss quadrature scheme for required integral evaluations to obtain higher modes. It is demonstrated that the presented method provides good numerical stability and highly accurate results. The given new numerical results and convergence studies may serve as benchmark solutions for validating the new computational techniques.
Fungi associated with invasive plant species in Cuba

Authors: CAMINO-VILARÓ MAYRA , CASTRO-HERNÁNDEZ LÁZARO , ABREU-HERRERA YUDISLEIDYS , MENA-PORTALES JULIO , CANTILLO-PÉREZ TAIMY
Published: October 2019

Several fungi use a wide range of plant species as hosts and others have high specificity for the host plant, invasive plants included. In this compilation, 676 fungal records associated to 102 species of invasive plants are recognized in Cuba, some of them are host specific and others are known from several hosts. Most of the fungal records are representatives of Ascomycota and also most of these records were found on/in leaves. The plant species Syzygium jambos, Bambusa vulgaris, Psidium guajava, Delonix regia, Citrus aurantium, Casuarina equisetifolia and Citrus × aurantiifolia are the ones with the highest numbers of associated fungi.
Experimental Quantification on the Residual Seismic Capacity of Damaged RC Column Members
Authors: Chiu Chien-Kuo , Sung Hsin-Fang , Chi Kai-Ning , Hsiao Fu-Pei
Published: October 2019

To quantify the post-earthquake residual seismic capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) column members, experimental data for 6 column specimens with flexural, flexural–shear and shear failure modes are used to derive residual seismic capacity of damaged RC column members for specified damage states in this work. Besides of the experiment data, some related researches are also investigated to suggest the reduction factors of strength, stiffness and energy dissipation capacity for damaged RC column members, respectively. According to the damage states of RC columns, their corresponding seismic reduction factors are suggested herein. Taking an RC column with the flexural–shear failure for an example, its reductions factors of strength, stiffness and energy dissipation capacity are 0.5, 0.6 and 0.1, respectively. This work also proposes the seismic performance assessment method for the residual seismic performance of earthquake-damaged RC buildings. In the case study, this work selects one actual earthquake-damaged school building to demonstrate the post-earthquake assessment of seismic performance for a damaged RC building.
Guidelines for reporting non-randomised pilot and feasibility studies
Authors: Lancaster Gillian A. , Thabane Lehana
Published: October 2019

As the number of submissions to Pilot and Feasibility Studies increases, there is a need for good quality reporting guidelines to help researchers tailor their reports in a way that is consistent and helpful to other readers. The publication in 2016 of the CONSORT extension to pilot and feasibility trials filled a much-needed gap, but there still remains some uncertainty as to how to report pilot and feasibility studies that are not randomised. This editorial aims to provide some general guidance on how to report the most common types of non-randomised pilot and feasibility studies that are submitted to the journal. We recommend using the CONSORT extension to pilot and feasibility trials as the main reference document—it includes detailed elaboration and explanation of each item, and in most cases, simple adaptation, or non-use of items that are not applicable, will suffice. Several checklists found on the Equator website may provide helpful supplementary guidance, when used alongside the CONSORT extension, and we give some examples.
Ultrasonic elastography and conventional ultrasound in the diagnosis of thyroid micro-nodules
Authors: Wang Jinming , Wei Wenbing , Guo Rui
Published: October 2019

Objective: To investigate the clinical value of conventional ultrasound, ultrasound elastography and conventional ultrasound combined with ultrasound elastography in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid micro-nodules.

Methods: Eighty-six patients who were found with thyroid micro-nodules with the maximum diameter no more than 10 mm in the physical examination in our hospital from June 2015 to December 2017 were selected, and 102 nodules were included. All patients were confirmed with thyroid micro-nodules by puncture or surgical pathology and underwent conventional ultrasound and ultrasound elastography. Taking the surgical pathological results as a control, the value of conventional ultrasound, ultrasound elastography and conventional ultrasound combined with ultrasound elastography in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid micro-nodules were compared. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn, and the area under the ROC curve was calculated.

Results: One hundred and two thyroid nodules were detected by surgical pathology, including 75 benign nodules (73.53%) and 27 malignant nodules (26.47%). The sensitivity and diagnostic accordance rate of ultrasound elastography were significantly higher than those of conventional ultrasound in the diagnosis of thyroid microcarcinoma, and the missed diagnosis rate of ultrasound elastography was significantly lower than that of conventional ultrasound; the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). However, the difference between the two methods was not statistically significant in terms of diagnostic specificity and misdiagnosis rate (P>0.05). The areas under the ROC curve in the diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules by conventional ultrasound and ultrasound elastography were 0.735 and 0.743 respectively.

Conclusion: Conventional ultrasound can be used as a routine examination technique in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules, while ultrasound elastography can improve the sensitivity and diagnostic rate in the diagnosis of thyroid micro carcinoma. It can help to reduce the clinical missed diagnosis, which also can be be used as an effective supplement for conventional ultrasound.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.6.777

How to cite this:Wang J, Wei W, Guo R. Ultrasonic elastography and conventional ultrasound in the diagnosis of thyroid micro-nodules. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(6):1526-1531. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.6.777

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
EFEK THRESHOLD INFLASI TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN EKONOMI REGIONAL DI INDONESIA
Authors: Kusumatrisna Adam Luthfi , Sugema Iman , Pasaribu Syamsul Hidayat
Published: October 2019

Penelitian terbaru menyatakan bahwa hubungan antara inflasi dan pertumbuhan ekonomi tidaklah linier. Ketika inflasi melebihi ambang batas tertentu, akan berdampak negatif terhadap pertumbuhan ekonomi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menyelidiki hubungan linear dan non-linear antara inflasi dan pertumbuhan ekonomi di Indonesia menggunakan data panel provinsi. Hubungan linier diuji menggunakan panel fixed effect model sementara hubungan non-linear menggunakan panel threshold fixed effect model. Saat dilakukan uji secara linear, inflasi di Indonesia memiliki efek negatif pada pertumbuhan ekonomi begitu juga dengan  pertumbuhan rasio pengeluaran pemerintah dan pertumbuhan penduduk. Sementara pertumbuhan investasi dan pertumbuhan keterbukaan ekonomi memiliki efek positif terhadap pertumbuhan ekonomi. Ketika melakukan uji non-linear, inflasi di Indonesia berdampak negatif terhadap pertumbuhan ekonomi hanya ketika melebihi 9,57 dan 9,59 persen. Sementara itu saat inflasi melebihi 5,09 persen, pertumbuhan ekonomi di Indonesia melambat. Kebijakan pengendalian inflasi tetap harus dilakukan untuk mengurangi dampak buruk inflasi, karena inflasi yang tinggi  dan berfluktuasi tidak baik bagi perekonomian. Studi ini menyarankan pihak terkait seperti Bank Indonesia (BI) dan Tim Pemantauan dan Pengendalian Inflasi Daerah (TPID) untuk berhati-hati saat inflasi mulai melebihi angka 5,09 persen dan waspada saat inflasi melebihi angka 9,57 persen dan 9,59 persen.
Glycated fibrinogen in the diagnosis of early stages of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Rakhimova G. N. , Akbarov Z. S.
Published: October 2019

The levels of glycated fibrinogen (GF) and glycated hemoglobin Hb A1c are measured in 80 diabetics aged 16-66 years with disease duration of 2 weeks to 35 years during compensated stage (HbA1c < 7.5%) and in 49 normal subjects. During compensation of both diabetes types, GF level in the blood of patients with microalbuminuria (initial nephropathy) is higher than in patients with normoalbuminuria. The content of Hb A1c does not depend on proteinuria. GF content is in good correlation with glycemia (r = +0.6), p < 0.05), content of Hb A1c (r = +0.9, p < 0.05), platelet aggregation (r = +0.9, p < 0.05), and fibrinolytic activity (r = —0.4, p < 0.05), but not with fibrinogen content. Hb Alc correlates with glycemia (r = +0.5) and platelet aggregation (r = +0.4, p < 0.05) but not with fibrinolytic activity. A stable increase of GF content over 0.06 mmole FA/10 mg in patients with both types of diabetes signals a high risk of microalbuminuria and progress of diabetic nephropathy.
Prognostic value of the level of cortisol and ACTH in the blood of patients with Itsenko-Cushing's disease during surgical treatment with corticotropin
Authors: Arapova S. D. , Trunin Yu. K. , Marova E. I. , Goncharov N. P. , Kolesnikova G. S. , Nersesyan G. D. , Kadashev B. A. , Kasumova S. Yu.
Published: October 2019

Adenomectomy was carried out in 41 patients with Icenko-Cushing’s disease. Before surgery, computer-aided tomography showed pituitary adenomas in all the patients. The patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 31 patients in whom the disease was diagnosed for the first time and group 2 of 10 patients previously treated by other methods (proton ther- ару and unilateral adrenalectomy) without effect. Pituitary adenomas were removed in all patients. Histological study showed hormone-active pituitary adenomas in all cases. The levels of hydrocortisone and ACTH in the plasma and daily urine were increased in both groups before the operation. Ten-twenty days after surgery, the levels of hydrocortisone and ACTH in group 1 were significantly lower than in group 2. We consider that the lower are the levels of these hormones early after surgery, the lower is the probability of a relapse. Postoperative hypocorticalism (10-20 days postoperation) is a good prognostic sign indicating radical removal of pituitary adenoma. Adenomectomy is indicated for patients with Icenko-Cushing’s disease as primary method of treatment.
Treatment of diffuse euthyroid goiter in children
Authors: Taranushenko T. E. , Panfilov A. Ya. , Dogadin S. A.
Published: October 2019

High prevalence of diffuse euthyroid goiter and inefficiency of conservative treatment aimed at normalization of thyroid volume necessitate search for optimal methods of treatment.

Results of thyroxin and potassium iodide (antistrumin) therapy of 110 children with diffuse toxic goiter, living in a region with medium-grave iodine deficiency, are analyzed. The diagnosis was verified by clinical data, ultrasonic examinations, and hormone measurements.

Changes in the volume of the thyroid under the effect of thyroxin and antistrumin therapy could be variously directed: the involved thyroid might enlarge, shrink, or not change at all. Therapeutic effects of thyroxin and antistrumin on the degree of thyroid decrease and incidence of positive results after 6-month therapy were virtually the same.

Thyroxin in a daily dose of 2.0-2.5 \xg/kg promoted a decrease and normalization of the thyroid size. Efficacy of thyroxin significantly increased if it was used longer than for 6 months.

Potassium iodide (antistrumin) in a weekly dose of 2000 pg (equivalent to daily 200 pg iodine) led to decrease of goiter size and normalization of the thyroid volume. The best results were observed after a no more than 6-month course of treatment. A longer course brought about a tendency to a higher incidence of untoward effects (enlargement of the thyroid).
Iodine support for children in the south of the central Black sea region of Russia
Authors: Kasatkina E. P. , Shilin D. E. , Petrova L. M. , Permyakov S. V. , Putin O. V. , Samarcheva T. I. , Stolnikova T. G. , Voronova O. V. , Kopylova V. Ya.
Published: October 2019

A total of 1419 children aged 5-14 years living in 4 agricultural regions of the Central Russia (in Southern Belgorod and Central Western Voronezh regions) were examined in August 1997 within the framework of Program of the UN International Childhood Foundation, WHO, and its International Committee for Iodine Deficiency Diseases Control “Thyroid: Standardized Analysis of Iodine Supply in Europe”. Standard sampling in each region consisted of 10 subgroups for each year of life, 35-36 subjects per subgroup, with equal number of boys and girls. Iodine was measured in the morning urine by the cerium arsenite method. The parents were interviewed about nutrition using universal questionnaires. Slight iodine deficiency was detected in the region, the median of ioduria varying from 69 to 86 mcg/liter. Renal iodine excretion below the threshold normal value (<100 mcg/liter) was detected in 63% children. In girls the trace element excretion was significantly (10%) higher than in boys. A three-phase age-specific pattern of intensity of iodine loss with urine was detected, characterized by minimal values at the age of 6-11 years and two peaks with significantly higher ioduria at 5 and 12-14 years. Consumption of sea fish influenced iodine supply parameters only if it was regular and sufficiently frequent, at least 6 times a month. However, only less than 5% examined families ate sea fish regularly, and still less (only 2%) families used iodinated salt. Dairy products do not affect iodine status of children. The results prompt the necessity of introducing a state program of iodine prophylaxis in Southern European Russia.
Multigormonal secretory activity of cells of clinically non-functioning pituitary tumors in vitro and the effect of tyroliberin on it
Authors: Bulatov A. A. , Makarovskaya E. E. , Smirnova N. B. , Shlykova V. G. , Kasumova S. Yu.
Published: October 2019

Experiments on cell cultures demonstrated that isolated cells of clinically inert pituitary tumors release several hormones in small amounts into the medium: luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones, alpha-subunit of glycoprotein hormones, prolactin, and growth hormone. Multihormonal secretion of these cells indicates their poor morphofunctional differentiation. In contrast to normal pituitary cells, cells of clinically inert pituitary tumors respond nonspeciflcally to hypothalamic thyrotropin releasing hormone: by increased secretion of prolactin, gonadotropins, glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit, and growth hormone. This capacity of tumor cells detected in vitro agrees with the probability of increased levels of gonadotropins and glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit in the serum of patients with clinically inert pituitary tumors during pharmacodynamic thyrotropin releasing hormone test.
Monitoring of the iodine deficiency program in West Siberia
Authors: Suplotova L. A. , Sharofilova N. V. , Nekrasova M. R. , Gubina V. V. , Luzina I. G. , Kretinina L. N. , Osadchenko G. A. , Khramova Ye. B. , Turovinina Ye. F.
Published: October 2019

The article is devoted to the monitoring of the iodine deficiency program in West Siberia
On the possible participation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase in activation by insulin and epidermal growth factor phospholipase c, hydrolyzing glycosylphosphatidylinositol
Authors: Krivtsov A. V. , Tkachuk V. A.
Published: October 2019

The pleiotropic effect of insulin is based on signal transfer from insulin receptor to a series of intracellular effector systems, one of which is glycosyl phosphatidyl inositol (GPI) specific phospholipase C (PLC), hydrolyzing membranous inositol-containing glycophospholipids to produce diacylglycerol, a phospholipase C activator, and inositolphosphoglycane (IPG), a probable secondary messenger in transfer of insulin metabolic signal. For disclosing the mechanisms of GPI-PLC conjugation with insulin receptors and growth factors, we analyzed GPI hydrolysis in Rati cells and found that insulin and epidermal growth factors (EGF) activate GPI hydrolysis to IPG by 20 and 40%o, respectively (p<0.001), while specific phosphatidylinositol- 3’-kinase (PIj kinase) inhibitor vortmannin cancels this insulin and EGF effect. These data permit us to hypothesize the participation of PIj kinase in signal transfer from insulin and EGF receptor GPI-PLC.
Diabetic polyneuropathy in children and adolescents: clinical picture and diagnosis
Authors: Sivous G. I. , Strokov I. A. , Galeyev I. V. , Kasatkina E. P.
Published: October 2019

The Department of Childhood and Adolescence Endocrinology, Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Training, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, examined 529 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) whose age was 5 to 22 years. The study was undertaken to examine the prevalence and severity of diabetic peripheral polyneuropathy (DPN) in children, adolescents, and young individuals who fell ill with DM in childhood, to characterize the symptoms and neurological manifestations of this complication, and to choose adequate studies for their examination. DPN is most common in adolescents and young individuals having a longer history of the disease and worse values of compensation of carbohydrate metabolism. The specific feature of DPN in these age groups are the absence of severe forms of the disease and the presence of mainly the sensory pattern of disorders. The study defined the required scope of a neurological examination for early diagnosis of DPN in children and adolescents, which should include a thorough analysis of a patient’s complaints and a test by the Total Symptoms Score, a neurological examination by the modified Neuropathy Impairment Score for the Lower Extremities, stimulation electromyography of the sensory and motor nerves of the leg. By taking into account a poor DM compensation in the absolute majority of children and adolescents, the neurological examination should be regular at least once a year.
Urgent states during the early postoperative period in patients with thyroid diseases
Authors: Neumark M. I. , Kalinin A. P. , Viet Nguen Khan
Published: October 2019

The article is devoted to the description of the urgent states during the early postoperative period in patients with thyroid diseases.
Hyperinsulinemia in children living in radionuclide-polluted areas and in Chernobyl accident liquidators
Authors: Zuyeva N. A. , Kovalenko A. N. , Bezdrobnyi Yu. V. , Gerasimenko T. I. , Mankovsky B. N. , Korpachova T. I. , Yefimov A. S.
Published: October 2019

1п 1989-1990, a total of 94 children (43 boys and 51 girls) aged 2-15 years from radionuclide-polluted areas (Zones 2 to 4) divided into zones according to the level of contamination after the Chernobyl accident were examined. Obvious deviations in the children’s physical and mental development were not observed. There was a family history of diabetes mellitus (DM) (n= 1) and arterial hypertension (n - 1). Individual dosimetric data were absent. The basal levels of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, thyroxine, prolactin, and insulin-binding serum activity (IBSA) were determined in blood. According to the blood concentration of insulin, the children were divided into 3 groups: 1) children with normal basal levels; 2) those with not more than twice higher levels than the upper normal range; and 3) those with twice or more higher than the range (there was no correlation of the content of insulin with age, sex, the levels of glucagon, thyroxine, and IBSA). In all the groups, body-mass index (BMI), the levels of C-peptide and glucose, and IBSA were in the normal range. Group 3 children were tallest. The children from more polluted areas (Zones 2-3) had higher insulin levels. Adult victims without a family history of DM made up 2 groups. Group 1 included 119 liquidators of accident consequences (LA Cs) aged 22-48years at its moment who had been exposed to radioecological and psychogenic factors for a short space of time (not more than 3 months in Zone 1' in 1988 to early 1987) (SELACs). The basal blood concentrations of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon were measured at the stages of the 1988-1992follow-up. There were gradual increases in the levels of insulin and C-peptide with their peak in 1990 and subsequent decreases to normal values in 1992. Following 5-6years after the accident, the insulin test showed no hypoglycemic effect of the hormone in LACs with the normal BMI. Following 11-12 years after the accident, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGT) revealed enhanced insulin production. Group 2 comprised 78 LACs who had been exposed to radioecological and psychogenic factors in the zone of the Chernobyl atomic power station from 1986-1987 to 1993-1994) (LELACs). Of them, 16 LELACs suffered from type 2 DM within 3 years. The baseline blood concentrations of glucose and insulin were determined. The baseline level of insulin was increased, in patients with DM in particular. Thus, all the examined children and LACs were found to have hyperinsulinemia that might be directly or indirectly associated with the influence of radioecological factors of the accident and be a cause of metabolic syndrome X in both adults and children.