bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shear strength and retention models of a partially saturated riverbank silty soil
Authors: Moscariello Mariagiovanna , Gragnano Carmine Gerardo , Cuomo Sabatino , Rocchi Irene , Gottardi Guido
Published: October 2020

Soil mechanical behaviour is strictly related to its natural water content, which is primarily dependent on hydraulic boundary conditions. When soils are partially saturated, as frequently occur in river embankments, soil suction also turns into a fundamental variable worth of investigation and monitoring, both in laboratory and in the field, for a reliable interpretation of the related soil response to external actions. The case of earthen water retaining structures and their safety condition assessment towards local or global collapse mechanisms requires special attention for soil characterization and site measurement of unsaturated soil states. Moreover, strength and hydraulic models used for relevant stability analyses should be adequate for representing the site-specific behaviour of soil in terms of water content, pore water pressure and suction values, relying on the effective possibility to properly calibrate all required parameters. Nevertheless, these aspects typically receive only limited attention, especially in standard practice, leading to inaccurate estimates of flood hazard and related risk management. In this context, with the aim of comprehensively studying the strength and retention properties of a riverbank silty soil, a series of laboratory investigations – including oedometric and direct shear tests under suction-controlled conditions – have been performed. Laboratory tests are here used as the main direct source of information to model unsaturated soil behaviour, monitoring different state variables under suction-controlled conditions. The results have been then interpreted using both literature and soil-specific mechanical and hydraulic models, to be possibly implemented in integrated methodologies for the stability assessment of river embankments.
Rainfall infiltration simulation on embankment containing soluble material
Authors: Kawai Katsuyuki , Arinishi Kaito , Kataoka Satsuki , Nakashima Koji
Published: October 2020

Recently, mixtures of low-quality soil together with solidification materials, such as cement or steel slag, have been used for earthmoving construction. Solidification materials can improve consistency, shear strength, stiffness, and other parameters of low-quality soil by generating bonding forces between soil particles and changing grain size gradation. However, these solidification materials also contain chemical agents. In this study, simulations of rainfall infiltration into embankment constructed with the soil-solidification material mixture are conducted using the soil/water/air/soluble material coupled finite element analysis code, DACSAR-MP_ad. This analysis code can express not only deformation and seepage for an unsaturated earth structure but can also concurrently model the dispersing behaviour of soluble material. Herein, permeability and rainfall intensity conditions are provided and their effects investigated. Consequently, this study succeeds in expressing different distributions of soluble materials within embankment under different rainfall conditions.
Effect of Extreme Rainfall Intensity on Matric Suction and Ground Movement
Authors: Zaki Muhammad Hazwan , Azmi Mastura , Mohd Yusoff Siti Aimi Nadia , Ramli Muhd Harris , Hezmi Mohd Azril
Published: October 2020

Increased intensity of rainfall events due to extreme climate change has led to the substantial increase in the occurrence of disasters, especially in a tropical-climate country such as Malaysia. Rainfall-induced landslide has become one of the most common types of disasters, and its triggering factors are still uncertain and impossible to predict. In this study, the effect of extreme rainfall intensity on groundwater behaviour is addressed through laboratory-scale testing. The adopted rainfall intensity is 60 mm/h, which was the heaviest hourly rainfall intensity recorded in Sarawak on 3rd January 2016 and 80 mm/h, which was the corresponding value recorded in Penang on 10th October 2016. The simulation is conducted on four cases. The simulated rainfall exhibits a duration of 6 h. In addition, the overall trend of the matric suction measurement and soil moisture in all cases is discussed on the basis of the results obtained from laboratory studies. After the rain simulator stopped, the matric suction decreases, and it remains stagnant, followed by a significant drop in the reading. For all cases, failure occurs, albeit at different times with different volumes of mass wasting.
DEM analysis of some effects due to capillary forces in sands
Authors: Pereira Carlos , Maranha João Ribas , Cardoso Rafaela
Published: October 2020

In this paper, the Discrete Element Method is used to study the effect of capillary forces, in equilibrium with the ambient relative humidity, on the response of irregular arrangements of equal-sized spheres, simulating a fine uniformly graded quartz sand. The effect on the isotropic compression was investigated by applying an increase in total stress under constant relative humidity (wet and dry) and drying under different constant total stress values. The effect of the capillary forces on the shear strength was evidenced by the simulation of the instability of a cylindrical sand column due to drying.
Application of single-board computers in experimental research on unsaturated soils
Authors: Milatz Marius
Published: October 2020

In this contribution, the application of single-board computers for the investigation of the hydro-mechanical behaviour of unsaturated granular soils is presented. Single-board computers, such as the Raspberry Pi or Arduino, have recently experienced a hype of applications in school and university teaching, in the maker scene, amongst hobbyists, but also in research. In combination with easy to learn and open programming languages, such as Python, individual experimental set-ups for research in unsaturated soil mechanics, using actuators and sensors can be easily developed with the help of different programmable hardware, such as stepper motors, analog-to-digital converters and other controller boards. For the experimental application in imaging of unsaturated granular soils by computed tomography (CT), we present a miniaturized uniaxial compression device for the measurement of unsaturated shear strength and capillary cohesion in CT-experiments. The device has already been applied for CT-imaging of the development of water distribution and capillary bridges in between different shear steps. Furthermore, a new fully programmable hydraulic experimental set-up for the automated investigation of transient hydraulic paths of the water retention curve of granular media is presented. Both devices have been developed in the framework of the Raspberry Pi single-board computer and Python programming language with simple and relatively inexpensive hardware components. In addition to the technical development of the testing devices, experimental results of the hydro-mechanical behaviour of unsaturated sand and glass beads, derived from uniaxial compression tests and water retention tests, will be presented.
Evaluation of prediction models applied to the soil-water characteristic curve of ideal materials
Authors: Alves Roberto Dutra , Gitirana Gilson de F. N. , Vanapalli Sai K.
Published: October 2020

The development of theoretical and semi-empirical models to study capillary mechanisms and predict the soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) generally requires the idealization of pore space and pore water, considering simplifying hypotheses. The study of ideal materials comprised of particles with controlled shape and size allows the evaluation of such simplifying hypotheses and the subsequent generalization to actual soils. In this paper, four theoretical and semi-empirical models for the prediction of the SWCC are applied to the prediction of artificial materials comprised of spherical particles. Nineteen grain-size distribution curves, with varying coefficients of uniformity are considered. The dataset is comprised of materials previously published and additional tests carried out by the authors, under highly controlled conditions. The analyses allowed the evaluation of the effect of grain-size distribution curve and shape of the particles. The limitations and advantages of each prediction model was investigated, and a detailed comparison is presented, guiding future implementations of improved models.
Changes on diametral compression behaviour of compacted marls due to drying
Authors: Garcia-Fernandez Carmen Covadonga , Cardoso Rafaela , Alvarez-Fernandez Martina Inmaculada , Gonzalez-Nicieza Celestino
Published: October 2020

Cracking due to desiccation can compromise the behaviour of earth structures built with compacted clayey soils by promoting water access and consequent volume changes on further wetting. Tensile strength therefore is important to be considered when studying the behaviour of such structures, and in particular its dependence on the degree of saturation or water content. The influence of water content in tensile behaviour of compacted marls was investigated by performing diametral compression tests (Brazilian splitting tests), where axial deformations were measured besides strength. The samples were prepared by compaction at optimum point using standard compaction energy (optimum water content 16%) and then dried by vapour equilibrium to reach water contents between 5% and 16%. The correspondence between water content and suction was done by using the drying branch of the water retention curve, measured using WP4 equipment (Water Dewpoint Potentiometer). Good relationships were found between tensile strength and the water content (and suction). In addition, the study was completed with the analysis of other parameters such as the semi-contact angle created in the loaded area and the stiffness of the material, which also showed changes with water content.
An experimental study of the behaviour of two rockfills accounting for the effects of degree of saturation
Authors: Ventini Roberta , Flora Alessandro , Lirer Stefania , Mancuso Claudio , Cammarota Antonio
Published: October 2020

Rockfill dams have become more and more recognized for their safety, economy and adaptability to widely varying site conditions. As a contribution to the understanding of the main factors affecting the rockfill behaviour, the paper reports and discusses experimental data on several aspects relevant to the interpretation and analysis of their in-situ response. The experimental programme involved three series of oedometric tests on specimens of two different gravels having the same grading, reconstituted at the same initial relative density. Experimental observations on rockfills compressibility are presented and discussed: attention is paid to the role of degree of saturation (Sr) through the analysis of “driest”, “fully saturated” conditions, and the transition from one to the other. Grain crushing tests on dry and saturated soil particles are also reported. Grain size distributions of the specimens, both after compaction and after the oedometer tests, are compared in the paper. The results show that the effect of Srcannot be overlooked in the mechanical characterization of the material, especially in rockfill/stress conditions prone to crushing
Microstructural and hydro-mechanical behaviour of bentonite pellets and powder mixtures
Authors: Alcantara Arisleidy Mesa , Romero Enrique , Mokni Nadia , Olivella Sebastià
Published: October 2020

Binary mixtures of high-density MX-80 bentonite pellets (80%) and bentonite powder (20%) at hygroscopic water content have been recently considered as an alternative engineered barrier system for the long-term disposal of radioactive wastes. These mixtures display a dry density of around 1.49 Mg/m3 on pouring and present components with multi-modal pore size distributions that significantly evolve during the hydro-mechanical paths. To better understand the hydro-mechanical behaviour of this multiple porosity mixture, the contribution initially focuses on describing the initial state, as well as the main microstructural features determined by mercury intrusion porosimetry tests for the mix and each of the components (pellets and powder). Afterwards, hydro-mechanical results of both components and the mixture are presented. The hydraulic results focus on the water retention and water permeability, while the mechanical tests concentrate on the compressibility properties on loading.
Effect of thermal boundary conditions on the response of thermally-activated floating piles in a cohesive material
Authors: Bourne-Webb Peter , Zito Martina , Freitas Teresa Maria Bodas , Sterpi Donatella
Published: October 2020

The application of thermally-activated foundations has received significant attention in the last decade with a number of large- and small-scale tests having been undertaken. Alongside these physical studies, a number of investigations utilising numerical analysis have been undertaken. The majority of analyses are transient with durations from a few hours up to 10 years. A broad range of thermal boundary and initial conditions have been applied in these analyses, and only a limited number of studies have explicitly considered the surface boundary imposed by an overlying structure, let alone considered what effect variations in the operational temperatures of the structure might have on the foundations. The work presented in this paper had the objective of systematically examining these assumptions and the effect they have on the predicted response of a thermally-activated pile foundation, and if important, which is the most appropriate set of conditions to use.
Characterisation of geomaterials and non-conventional waste streams for their reuse as engineered materials
Authors: Oggeri Claudio , Vinai Raffaele
Published: October 2020

Reusing bulk volumes of waste material is a requirement often encountered in mining and construction activities involving excavations. Spoils produced from these activities typically show high variability in terms of properties and behaviour, due to the local geology, adopted excavation method and further spoil treatments. A procedure for classifying the spoil from tunnelling was proposed in order to correlate ground type, possible muck destination and treatment type. With a similar approach in industrial and related sectors, the reuse of non-conventional materials (i.e. wooden chips, fragments, granulates, micronized glass, residual out of shape from manufacturing processes or coming from selection of other waste) has a great relevance as it is accompanied by savings in disposal costs and in the sourcing of raw materials. Characterisation tests derived from geotechnical engineering can support the assessment of the physical and mechanical properties of non-conventional materials, creating a feedback loop encompassing raw material description, required treatments, and possible utilisations as engineered materials. This paper describes the possible screening tests and treatment options for material recycling in the framework of a modified spoil classification system.
Energetic Particle Precipitation during Extreme Space Weather Events
Authors: Yakovchuk Olesya , Mironova Irina
Published: October 2020

Here we provide a selection of extreme geomagnetic storms of the last century based on NOAA classification which lead to the energetic particle precipitation (EPP). EPP of such geomagnetic storms can cause power outages, communication failures, and navigation problems as well as impact on the environment and the ozone level. Studies of historical extreme geomagnetic storms together with EPP for large space weather events in the space era can help to reconstruct the parameters of extreme events of past centuries.
Scattering on excited atmospheric components as a cause of the increase of lidar signal in the upper and middle atmosphere
Authors: Bychkov Vasily , Seredkin Ilya
Published: October 2020

The lidar data of the resonant scattering in the upper and middle Kamchatka atmosphere are analyzed. It is shown that the increase of the scattering signal at altitudes of 350-450 km at 561 nm may be due to the scattering of the maximum of layer F2 excited by precipitated electrons on ions. Large variations in the signal at these altitudes are caused by spatial plasma inhomogeneities in the ionosphere, as confirmed by the ionosonde data. The analysis of the interaction of a laser pulse with excited ions in the stratosphere is refined, and the effect of collisions on the lifetime is taken into account. It is shown that for the used lidar in the middle atmosphere for altitudes above 10 km, the conditions of guaranteed interaction with the radiation of each ion born in the strobe are satisfied.
Studying of solar-terrestrial connections in the dynamics of the surface atmospheric electric field
Authors: Kudrinskaya Tatyana , Kupovykh Gennady , Adzhiev Anatoly , Zainetdinov Bulat
Published: October 2020

The paper presents the results of the analysis of variations in the electric field intensity of the surface atmosphere obtained in high-latitude, high-altitude and lowland observation points, together with the parameters of solar and geomagnetic activity.
The impact of intense fluxes of energetic protons on the low-latitude ionosphere
Authors: Suvorova Alla , Dmitriev Alexei
Published: October 2020

Experiments on board low-Earth orbit satellites show that energetic particles (tens of keV) of the Earth’s radiation belt can penetrate to the equatorial ionosphere. Impact of the energetic particles on the upper atmosphere and ionosphere was studied for the case of the geomagnetic storm on 22 July 2009. We present changes of local ion concentration in the low-latitude ionosphere at night measured by the C/NOFS satellite at heights 400-800 km during the magnetic storm and quiet days. The ionospheric density during the storm was compared with a simultaneous observation of enhancements of 30-80 keV proton fluxes measured by the NOAA/POES satellites near the equator at height ~850 km. We suggest that ionospheric irregularities at night can be caused by effect of energetic protons.
Influence of meteorological characteristics on the dynamics of VAR in Gorno-Altaisk, Russia
Authors: Shitov Alexander , Dolgov Dmitry , Barsukov Alexander
Published: October 2020

The paper presents the results of monitoring the volume activity of radon (VAR) in the premises in Gorno-Altaisk for the period 2012-2017. The influence of meteorological characteristics on the dynamics of radon volume activity is shown, and a significant decrease in the level of radon emanations in the summer period compared to the winter period, presumably connected to ground freezing, is recorded. Significant coefficients of mutual correlation of pressure and volume activity of radon were obtained.
Moving daily average of the hourly magnetic field values - the example of usage at Novosibirsk Observatory during 2011 (results and prospects)
Authors: Semakov Nikolay , Kovalev Aleksandr , Pavlov Anatoliy , Fedotova Olga
Published: October 2020

The parameters of the equivalent central dipole calculated using hourly values of the magnetic field elements during 2011: the angular elements transformed to the hourly values of the geographic coordinates of the North magnetic pole and the intensity values transformed to local magnetic constant. Next step is the calculation of the daily mean values at every hour. This method applied to both current digital data and historical data presented as monthly tables of hourly values. The advantage of method is its ability to show the changes of the magnetic field independently from daily variation. Using of the “integrate” parameters (the magnetic pole coordinates and local magneto constant) allows detect the regional features of its variations. The features in the daily values compared with anomalous geological and geophysical events observed in the past and predicted in the near future.
On the relationship of the extrema of lunar-solar tidal influences and seismic events
Authors: Bataleva Elena , Nepeina Ksenia
Published: October 2020

The paper considers experimental data obtained at stationary and regime points of magnetotelluric monitoring on the territory of the Bishkek geodynamic proving ground (Northern Tien Shan). The studies performed indicate the relationship of variations in the electromagnetic and seismic fields, lunar-solar tidal effects, seismic regime with the processes of fracturing. The results of the time-frequency analysis of the response of the geological environment to earthquakes in the electromagnetic field are presented, the features of manifestation depending on the location of the hypo-and epicenters of seismic events and their magnitude are considered. A number of responses in geophysical fields to remote and regional earthquakes of 2010-2020 with an energy class from 8 to 12 and their relationship with the extremes of lunar-solar tidal effects are considered.
Analysis of geoacoustic emission and electromagnetic radiation signals accompanying earthquake with magnitude Mw = 7.5
Authors: Lukovenkova Olga , Solodchuk Alexandra
Published: October 2020

The paper is devoted to the analysis of frequency spectra and pulse waveform variety of the geoacoustic and electromagnetic signals recorded on Kamchatka Peninsula at “Karymshina” site during seismically calm and active periods. Signal pre-processing includes pulse detection and their waveforms reconstruction. A frequency spectrum is analyzed using the Adaptive Matching Pursuit algorithm. To study a variety of waveforms, each pulse is encoded by a special descriptive matrix. Then pulse classification based on similarity of the descriptive matrices is performed. Thus, a signal alphabet is formed. The authors analyzed the geophysical signals recorded before, during and after the earthquake with the magnitude Mw = 7.5 dated March 25, 2020. The obtained estimates of frequency spectra and signal alphabets are compared with the analysis results of signal recoded during the seismically calm period of March 22, 2020.
Allergisches Kontaktekzem nach Anwendung eines grünen Permanentmarkers
Authors: Wagner Felix , Woitalla-Bruning Jasmin
Published: October 2020

Präoperativ wird zur Vermeidung von Eingriffsverwechslungen die zu operierende Extremität mittels Farbmarkierungen detektiert. In der Phlebologie dient die Farbmarkierung darüber hinaus zum Auffinden der zu operierenden Varikose am Bein und gibt Hinweise darüber, welche Areale vor der Operation betäubt werden müssen. Das dabei verwendete Farbmaterial sollte der mehrmaligen gründlichen Desinfektion/Antisepsis der Haut des Operationsgebiets standhalten.

In der Vergangenheit wurde bisher nur selten von Kontaktekzemen ausgelöst durch Permanentmarker berichtet. Wir präsentieren einen klinisch sehr beeindruckenden Fall einer Kontaktallergie auf einen grünen Permanentmarker.
Prenatal Diagnosis of FATCO Syndrome (Fibular Aplasia, Tibial
Campomelia, and Oligosyndactyly) with 2D/3D Ultrasonography
Authors: Izadi Meisam , Salehnia Nasim
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Fibular hemimelia is a congenital lower limb anomaly characterized by the partial or
complete absence of the fibula. It includes a spectrum ranging from mild fibular
hypoplasia to complete fibular aplasia. Although rare in occurrence, it is the most
common congenital absence of long bone of the extremities 1.
Effekte des obstruktiven Schlafapnoesyndroms auf den Glukosestoffwechsel bei Menschen mit Diabetes
Authors: Hecht Lars
Published: October 2020

Das obstruktive Schlafapnoesyndrom (OSAS) gilt als die wichtigste Atemstörung im Schlaf. Definitionsgemäß liegt es vor, wenn eine obstruktive Schlafapnoe oder Hypopnoe mit dem Leitsymptom des OSAS, der exzessiven Tagesschläfrigkeit, zusammentrifft. Ein kompletter intermittierender Verschluss der oberen Luftwege wird als Apnoe beschrieben, eine partielle pharyngale Obstruktion mit Behinderung des inspirativen Luftflusses als Hypopnoe 1.
Einfluss erhöhter Lipoprotein-konzentrationen auf die Prognose von Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus
Authors: Julius Ulrich
Published: October 2020

In dieser Übersicht wird der gegenwärtige Kenntnisstand zu Erhöhungen der Lipoproteinkonzentrationen bei Menschen mit Diabetes im Hinblick auf die Prognose in 3 Kategorien dargestellt: Entwicklung von kardiovaskulären Ereignissen, akute Pankreatitis, Neuauftreten eines Diabetes. Triglyzeridanstiege sind sehr wahrscheinlich atherogen. Exzessiv erhöhte Triglyzeridspiegel werden im Rahmen eines Chylomikronämie-Syndroms beobachtet, das akute Pankreatitiden induzieren kann. Im Fokus steht bei Diabetespatienten LDL-Cholesterin, das auch bei einer leichten Anhebung das Risiko für Arteriosklerose erhöht, zumal die LDL-Partikel chemisch modifiziert sein können. Hier stehen als Therapieoptionen Statine, aber auch Ezetimib und PCSK9-Inhibitoren und als ultima ratio eine Lipoproteinapherese zur Verfügung. Die jüngsten internationalen Richtlinien der ESC/EAS haben die LDL-Cholesterin-Zielwerte deutlich herabgesetzt. Es wird die Relevanz der Parameter Non-HDL-Cholesterin und Apolipoprotein B diskutiert. Eine zunehmend größere Bedeutung als Risikofaktor hat der Lipoprotein(a)-Spiegel. Triglyzeriderhöhungen sind mit dem Neuauftreten eines Diabetes verknüpft, während dies bei hohen Lipoprotein(a)-Spiegeln eher nicht der Fall ist.
Homöopathisierte Misteltherapie beim CUP-Syndrom
Authors: Wilkens Johannes
Published: October 2020

CUP-Syndrome sind schwierig in der Therapie und in der Regel nur palliativ behandelbar. Die Gabe von potenzierten Misteln kann die Lebensqualität und auch die Lebensquantität häufig wesentlich verbessern. Der Autor stellt drei Kasuistiken vor.
Das Studienprotokoll „UPGRADE – Kreative Stärkungsgruppen als innovative Versorgungsform für hochbelastete Mitarbeiter/innen im Gesundheitswesen
Authors: Pieper Claudia , Schröer Sarah , Spanier Helen , Cohen Simon , Russ Holger , Baer Udo
Published: October 2020

Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter im Gesundheitswesen sind berufsbedingt besonderen Belastungen ausgesetzt. Diese entstehen durch das Auseinandersetzten mit Leid und Tod oder durch traumatisierende Erfahrungen mit Patientinnen und Patienten. Daraus können negative gesundheitliche Auswirkungen seelischer und körperlicher Art folgen. Möchten Betroffene dem entgegenwirken, so lassen sich nur selten präventive Maßnahmen finden. Gefördert durch den Innovationsfonds sollen Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter im Gesundheitswesen innovativ in Form von Kreativen Stärkungsgruppen nachhaltig gestärkt werden.

Das UPGRADE-Projekt bietet die Teilnahme an Kreativen Stärkungsgruppen. Zur Untersuchung der Wirksamkeit wird eine randomisierte kontrollierte Studie mit 366 Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmern (Alter > 18) durchgeführt. Die Interventionsgruppe nimmt an den Kreativen Stärkungsgruppen teil. Beide Gruppen werden zu 3 Zeitpunkten zur Arbeitszufriedenheit, der subjektiven Arbeitsbelastung und Arbeitsfähigkeit befragt, um eine mögliche Veränderung durch die Teilnahme an den Kreativen Stärkungsgruppen festzustellen. Um die Umsetzbarkeit der Intervention zu bewerten, wird eine ergänzende formative Evaluation durchgeführt.

Wenn sich das Angebot der Kreativen Stärkungsgruppen im UPGRADE-Projekt als niedrigschwelliges Angebot für Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter im Gesundheitswesen als wirksam erweist, ist eine Anpassung und Umsetzung in anderen Bereichen möglich und wichtig.
How Reliable are Commercially Available Glypican4 ELISA
Kits?
Authors: Buhl Joseph P. , Garten Antje , Kratzsch Jürgen , Kiess Wieland , Penke Melanie
Published: October 2020

Objective Glypican4 is an interesting new adipokine, which
seems to play an important role in developmental processes and is
potentially associated with metabolic changes in obesity and type 2 diabetes
mellitus. Currently, only a few studies examined glypican4 in human blood,
mainly in adults.

Design, Patients and Measurements The aim of our study was to
investigate glypican4 serum levels in lean, overweight, and obese children
and adolescents, to unravel a possible association between glypican4 serum
levels and parameters of obesity and insulin resistance. In order to
determine a suitable method for investigating glypican4 serum levels, we
validated two commercially available human glypican4 ELISA kits, using serum
and plasma samples of an obese, insulin-resistant patient, and a healthy
control subject, a human recombinant glypican4 protein fragment and
glypican4-overexpressing cell lysate.

Results Using ELISA kit #1 we were not able to detect values
above background level, apart from standard curve values. ELISA kit #2
initially seemed suitable to measure glypican4, but further validation
experiments showed non-linearity of serial dilutions, no recognition of a
human recombinant glypican4 protein fragment and non-linearity in the
recovery of glypican4-overexpressing cell lysate. In addition, there was a
considerable decrease (approx. 68%) of measured values between two
experiments, performed at different time points with aliquots of the same
serum sample. Contrary to that, further experiments found sample stability
not to be compromised.

Conclusions Extensive evaluation of the performance of two
commercially available ELISA kits led to the conclusion that none of them is
applicable for the measurement of glypican4 in human blood samples.
Synthesis of 3-Benzylphthalide Derivatives by Using a TDAE
Strategy
Authors: Vanelle Patrice , Ibrahimi Maroua , Khoumeri Omar , Abderrahim Raoudha , Terme Thierry
Published: October 2020

A one-pot synthesis of new 3-benzylphthalide derivatives was developed by using a strategy based on tetrakis(dimethylamino)ethylene (TDAE). The reactions in the presence of TDAE of substituted benzyl chlorides with methyl 2-formylbenzoate or of substituted methyl-2-formylbenzoates with 4-nitrobenzyl chloride furnished the corresponding isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one products in moderate to good yields.
Neurogenic Bladder: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management
Authors: Panicker Jalesh N.
Published: October 2020

Lower urinary tract dysfunction is a common sequel of neurological disease resulting in symptoms that significantly impacts quality of life. The site of the neurological lesion and its nature influence the pattern of dysfunction. The risk for developing upper urinary tract damage and renal failure is considerably lower in patients with slowly progressive nontraumatic neurological disorders, compared with those with spinal cord injury or spina bifida. This acknowledged difference in morbidity is considered when developing appropriate management algorithms. The preliminary evaluation consists of history taking, and a bladder diary and may be supplemented by tests such as uroflowmetry, post-void residual measurement, renal ultrasound, (video-)urodynamics, neurophysiology, and urethrocystoscopy, depending on the clinical indications. Incomplete bladder emptying is most often managed by intermittent catheterization, and storage dysfunction is managed by antimuscarinic medications. Intra-detrusor injections of onabotulinumtoxinA have revolutionized the management of neurogenic detrusor overactivity. Neuromodulation offers promise for managing both storage and voiding dysfunction. In select patients, reconstructive urological surgery may become necessary. An individualized, patient-tailored approach is required for the management of lower urinary tract dysfunction in this special population.
Effect of Long-Term Repeated Interval Rehabilitation on the Gross Motor Function Measure in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Stark Christina , Duran Ibrahim , Martakis Kyriakos , Spiess Karoline , Semler Oliver , Schoenau Eckhard
Published: October 2020

Background The efficacy of interventions for cerebral palsy (CP) has been frequently investigated with inconclusive results and motor function measured by the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) is common.

Objective In this observational analysis, we quantify the GMFM-66 change scores of the second and third year of a multimodal rehabilitation program (interval rehabilitation including home-based, vibration-assisted training) in children with CP.

Methods The study was a retrospective analysis of children with CP (2–13 years) participating for a second (n = 262) and third year (n = 86) in the rehabilitation program with GMFM-66 scores at start (M0), after 4 months (M4) of intensive training, and after 8 months of follow-up (M12). A method was previously developed to differentiate between possible treatment effects and expected development under standard of care for GMFM-66 scores using Cohen's d effect size (ES; size of difference).

Results After the treatment phase of 4 months (M4) in the second year, 125 of 262 children were responder (ES ≥ 0.2) and 137 children nonresponder (ES < 0.2); mean ES for nonresponder was −0.212 (trivial) and for responder 0.836 (large). After M4 in the third year, 43 children of 86 were responder (ES = 0.881 [large]) and 43 nonresponder (ES = −0.124 [trivial]).

Discussion and Conclusion Repeated rehabilitation shows a large additional treatment effect to standard of care in 50% of children which is likely due to the intervention, because in the follow-up period (standard of care), no additional treatment effect was observed and the children followed their expected development.
International Patent Survey of Products and Processes Concerning Homeopathy
Authors: Freitas Ana Carolina Lemos , Belchior Gisele Da Silva , Nemitz Marina Cardoso
Published: October 2020

Background Homeopathy is a complementary medicine characterized by the use of diluted and potentized medicines. Innovations in this area are constantly being proposed in the relevant literature, such as scientific articles and patents. The objective of this study was to carry out a patent survey of homeopathic products and processes.

Methods A free and international patent database, Espacenet, was used. The search was carried out using the keyword homeop*, with two approaches: (1) no date restrictions for the search and (2) a date limit for the publication years 2008 to 2018. The patents from the limited period were organized as depositor countries, ownerships and groups, including homeopathic formulations, equipment, packaging, production procedures, and analytical methods.

Results Without date restriction, 601 patents were identified in the survey. Of these, 174 were related to homeopathy and published in the period 2008 to 2018. Technologies come mainly from the following countries: United States (55 patents), Russia (24), Germany (15), France (13), India (12), Ukraine (11), Brazil (6), and China (6). Among the ownerships, 69% of patent applications were by independent depositors, 23% by companies, 7.5% by universities, and 0.5% by company/university partnerships. New formulations represented 75.9% of technologies, whilst the others comprised 14.3% for equipment, 3.8% for drugs packaging, 3.8% for production procedures, and 2.2% for analytical methods.

Conclusions The present review helps visualize the homeopathy-related patents published in recent years, as well as the main countries and researchers investing in the field of homeopathy.
Restricted Wrist Rotation after an Ulnar Head Fracture: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Kato Tomoyuki , Abe Koji , Sato Kazuki , Nakamura Toshiyasu
Published: October 2020

Background Isolated ulnar head fracture is a rare entity, and the restriction of range of motion in the wrist is rarely reported.

Case Description We report two cases of conservatively treated ulnar head malunion with restricted supination and pronation. The increased tension of the volar portion of the triangular fibrocartilage complex was observed, and the surgical treatment significantly improved the range of motion.

Literature Review There are a few reports on isolated ulnar head fracture. Other causes of restricted supination and pronation of the wrist are mostly due to the interposition of soft tissues or loose bodies.

Clinical Relevance Malunion after ulnar head fracture can cause restriction of wrist supination and pronation. Surgical intervention may be considered if restricted range of motion remains after conservative treatment.
Tick-Borne-Associated Illnesses in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Lessner Kaila , Krawiec Conrad
Published: October 2020

When unrecognized and antibiotic delay occurs, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain–spotted fever, babesiosis, and human ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis can result in multiorgan system dysfunction and potentially death. This review focuses on the early recognition, evaluation, and stabilization of the rare life-threatening sequelae seen in tick-borne illnesses that require admission in the pediatric intensive care unit.
The Knowledge of Sleep Medicine among Dental Interns in Northern Jordan
Authors: Alkhader Mustafa , Saadeh Rami
Published: October 2020

Objectives  The diagnosis and treatment of patients with sleep disorders are the most challenging issues in dentistry. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge among dental interns in Northern Jordan about sleep medicine and sleep disorders.

Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study was performed using the Assessment of Sleep Knowledge in Medical Education (ASKME) questionnaire. The questionnaire was given to 88 dental interns (52 females and 36 males) in Northern Jordan. Chi-squared test was utilized for data analysis.

Results The mean score of the ASKME questionnaire was 12 out of 30 (40%). The majority of dental interns (88.6%) correctly answered ≤ 50% of the questions. No association was found between gender and score results.

Conclusions Dental interns in Northern Jordan have a low level of knowledge about sleep medicine and sleep disorders. Dental faculties should provide courses related to sleep medicine throughout undergraduate education.
Gangliocytic Paraganglioma of the Filum Terminale. A Rare Entity
Authors: Tavares Sofia Isabel Carneiro Pereira Guerra , Costa Gonçalo Maria Sengo Agante Guerreiro
Published: October 2020

Paragangliomas are rare, benign and slow-growing neuroendocrine tumors that can arise from the adrenal medulla (85–90%) or from the extra-adrenal paraganglia.

In the central nervous system (CNS), they can be found at several sites, but more often at the cauda equina and filum terminale region, where they account for between 2.5 and 3.8% of total tumor cases of that region. There are only 8 cases described in the literature that mention the presence of the gangliocytic variant of this entity at the filum terminale.

We present the case of a 41-year-old man with chronic lumbar pain refractory to medical treatment, without any associated neurological deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an intradural, extramedullar oval lesion with regular contours and homogeneous caption of contrast at L1 level.

He was submitted to surgical treatment, with complete resection of the lesion. The histological analysis revealed a gangliocytic paraganglioma of the filum terminale. At 5 years of follow-up, he remains asymptomatic and without any signs of relapse.

These are lesions with an overall good prognosis with gross total resection. Although the recurrence rate is extremely low, prolonged observation is recommended due to the slow-growing nature of the tumor, being estimated that between 1 and 4% can recur even after gross total removal.
Pterygopalatine Fossa: Microsurgical Anatomy and its Relevance for Skull Base Surgery
Authors: Isolan Gustavo Rassier , Bernardi Julio Mocellin , Telles João Paulo Mota , Rabelo Nícollas Nunes , Figueiredo Eberval Gadelha
Published: October 2020

Introduction The purpose of this study was to define the anatomical relationships of the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and its operative implications in skull base surgical approaches.

Methods Ten cadaveric heads were dissected at the Dianne and M Gazi Yasargil Educational Center MicrosurgicaLaboratory, in Little Rock, AK, USA. The PPF was exposed through an extended dissection with mandible and pterygoid plate removal.

Results The PPF has the shape of an inverted cone. Its boundaries are the pterygomaxillary fissure; the maxilla, anteriorly; the medial plate of the pterygoid process, and greater wing of the sphenoid process, posteriorly; the palatine bone, medially; and the body of the sphenoid process, superiorly. Its contents are the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve and its branches; the pterygopalatine ganglion; the pterygopalatine portion of the maxillary artery (MA) and its branches; and the venous network. Differential diagnosis of PPF masses includes perineural tumoral extension along the maxillary nerve, schwannomas, neurofibromas, angiofibromas, hemangiomas, and ectopic salivary gland tissue. Transmaxillary and transpalatal approaches require extensive resection of bony structures and are narrow in the deeper part of the approach, impairing the surgical vision and maneuverability. Endoscopic surgery solves this problem, bringing the light source to the center of the surgical field, allowing proper visualization of the surgical field, extreme close-ups, and different view angles.

Conclusion We provide detailed information on the fossa's boundaries, intercommunications with adjacent structures, anatomy of the maxillary artery, and its variations. It is discussed in the context of clinical affections and surgical approaches of this specific region, including pterygomaxillary disjunction and skull base tumors.
Insulin Dosing, Glycemic Control, and Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnancies Complicated by Type-2 Diabetes
Authors: Nadeau Hugh C.G. , Maxted Marta E. , Madhavan Devika , Pierce Stephanie L. , Feghali Maisa , Scifres Christina
Published: October 2020

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of severe insulin resistance (insulin requirements ≥2 units/kg) at delivery and the relationship between severe insulin resistance, glycemic control, and adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with type-2 diabetes mellitus.

Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of women with type-2 diabetes mellitus who delivered between January 2015 and December 2017 at a tertiary academic medical center. Maternal demographic information, self-monitored blood sugars, and insulin doses were abstracted from the medical record. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify maternal baseline characteristics associated with severe insulin resistance at delivery.

Results Overall 72/160 (45%) of women had severe insulin resistance. Women in the severe insulin resistance group demonstrated evidence of suboptimal glycemic control as evidenced by higher mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values (7.2 [ ±  1.1] vs. 6.6 [ ±  1.3%], p = 0.003), higher mean fasting (104.0 [ ±  17.4] vs. 95.2 [ ±  11.7 mg/dL], p < 0.001) and postprandial glucose values (132.4 [ ±  17.2] vs. 121.9 [ ± 16.9 mg/dL]), p < 0.001), and a higher percentage of total glucose values that were elevated above targets (37.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 26.8–50] vs. 25.6 [95% CI: 13.3–41.3%], p < 0.001). Maternal HbA1c ≥6.5% and insulin use prior to pregnancy were associated with a higher prevalence of severe insulin resistance, while Hispanic ethnicity and non-White race were associated with a lower prevalence of severe insulin resistance. The rates of adverse perinatal outcomes including large for gestational age (LGA) birth weight, cesarean delivery, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy did not differ between groups.

Conclusion Severe insulin resistance is common among pregnant women with type-2 diabetes, and it is associated with suboptimal glycemic control. Future studies are necessary to develop strategies to identify women with severe insulin resistance early in pregnancy and facilitate adequate insulin dosing.

Key Points
No Traces of SARS-CoV-2 In Wounds of COVID-19 Positive Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Gaba Sunil , Kampalli Gowtham , Goyal Kapil , Suri Vikas , Chauhan Poonam , Meena Shyam C. , Bhatnagar Ankur , Singh Mini P. , Sharma Ramesh K.
Published: October 2020

Background This study was performed to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in wounds of COVID-19 positive patients.

Methods This is a single-center observational study. COVID-19 patients with wounds (traumatic/infective/surgical) were included in this study. Preoperative, intraoperative, or postoperative specimens were collected and analyzed with real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) to know the presence of the virus.

Results A total of eight patients were included in this study. Eleven samples were collected (seven wound swabs, two peritoneal fluids, and two tissue specimens) and analyzed. None of the samples from the wound tested positive for the virus while they were tested positive for nasal swab taken simultaneously or within 3 days prior.

Conclusion The wounds of COVID-19 patients are considered negative and can be managed with routine wound precautions.
Two-fluid and kinetic transport physics of Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities in nonuniform low-beta plasmas
Authors: Vogman G. V. , Hammer J. H. , Shumlak U. , Farmer W. A.
Published: October 2020

Hall-magnetohydrodynamic (Hall-MHD) theory, two-fluid simulations, and kinetic simulations are used to investigate the cross-field transport properties of Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities in nonuniform low-beta collisionless plasmas. Hall-MHD analysis shows how the linear properties of the instability are modified by density gradients and magnetization. High-order accurate two-fluid and kinetic simulations, with complete dynamics of finite-mass electrons and ions, are applied to a suite of parameter cases to systematically assess the effects of diamagnetic drift, magnetization, charge separation, and finite Larmor motion. Initialization of exact two-species kinetic equilibria facilitates the study of isolated physical effects and enables detailed cross-comparisons between two-fluid and kinetic simulations, including for cases where ion gyroradii are comparable to gradient scale lengths. For nonuniform plasmas with significant space charge, the results of two-fluid and kinetic simulations are found to disagree with Hall-MHD predictions. Kelvin–Helmholtz instability growth rates, per unit shear, are shown to be smaller when ion diamagnetic drift and E × B drift are parallel and larger when the two drifts are antiparallel. The effect is attributed to polarization drift in the shear layer, which leads to redistribution of charge, alters the electric field that drives plasma advection, and consequently modifies growth rates. Instability-induced mass transport for different parameters is characterized in terms of the flux across the shear layer and a simplified diffusion model. Distribution functions from kinetic simulations are shown to deviate substantially from Maxwellian reconstructions, indicating the importance of kinetic physics during the nonlinear phase of the instability.
Analytical solution for two-dimensional displacement flow in a curved down-sloping duct
Authors: Yavari Mohammadreza , Farzadi Ramin , Bazargan Majid
Published: October 2020

Exact solution of the Navier–Stokes equations is used in this study to get a closed form equation for the transient and the steady state displacement flow of two Newtonian iso-viscous fluids in a two-dimensional curved plane channel. First, the displacement flow in a straight plane channel is considered. An available analysis is adapted in order to enhance its capability in explaining more details of the flow as well as prepare an appropriate frame to study the flow in curved channels. The behavior of the interface is predicted qualitatively both immediately and a while after the gate valve separating the fluids opens. It is shown that with the aid of the derivative of the flux of the heavier fluid, the viscous dominated flow regime may be analyzed with less difficulty compared to the available explanations in the literature and can also describe the behavior of the interface over a wider range of variations of the imposed flow. For the case of curved channels, the evolution of the interface at different rates of the imposed flow is analyzed again by considering the rate of change of the flux of the heavier displacing fluid in the viscous dominated regime. The results of the current study suggest that introducing the curvature in a displacement channel flow can facilitate the removal of the lighter fluid.