bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Dentures and Denture Adhesives on Mouth Alcohol Retention
Authors: Harding PM , McMurray MC , Laessig RH , Simley DO , Correll PJ , Tsunehiro JK
Published: August 2015

A total of 24 alcohol-free, denture-wearing subjects were tested for mouth-alcohol retention times with an Intoxilyzer™ 5000. The subjects were given 30 mL doses of 80 proof brandy to swish in their mouths without swallowing for 2 min prior to expectorating the dose. Subjects were tested under three conditions: 1) with dentures removed, 2) with dentures held loosely in place without an adhesive, and 3) with dentures plus an adhesive. Beyond 20 min following expectoration, mouth alcohol made no significant contribution to the apparent breath alcohol concentration (BrAC), with trace (≤0.01 g/210 L) readings found in only two of the subjects. Denture use, both with and without the concurrent use of adhesives does not significantly affect BrAC as long as a pretest alcohol deprivation period of 20 min is observed.
Ballistic Characteristics of Shot Shell Buffer
Authors: Randall B , Newby P
Published: August 2015

Many modern buckshot and larger diameter bird shot shotgun shells currently contain granulated plastic shot buffer. The presence of granulated buffer at a shooting scene provides valuable and immediate evidence of the general type of weapon and ammunition used.

The ballistic characteristics of the buffer however are not commonly known but could be helpful in determining range of fire. Using felt targets and various types of 12 gauge shotguns and ammunition (2¾ in. shells), we discovered adherent buffer on the targets up to 20 ft (6.1 m) from the muzzle. Surprisingly, buffer would penetrate light cotton cloth (white T-shirt) at ranges up to or nearly up to the maximum range of adherent buffer on the plain felt targets.

The diameter of buffer spread was up to 9 to 10 times that of the pellet spread. The buffer distribution diameter peaked at 3.3 ft (1.0 m) between the 8 to 10 ft (2.4 to 3.1 m) range of fire and remained roughly constant at 28 in. (.7 m) throughout the buffer adherence range beyond 10 ft. Along the ground buffer was demonstrated up to 30 ft (9.2 m) from the muzzle but was concentrated in the 12 to 22 ft (3.7 to 6.7 m) range. Buffer clearly could be deposited on objects not struck by pellets. The presence of buffer, but not its distribution diameter, was helpful in determining range of fire.
Estimation of Age from a Tooth by Means of Racemization of an Amino Acid, Especially Aspartic Acid—Comparison of Enamel and Dentin
Authors: Ohtani S , Yamamoto K
Published: August 2015

In a study of age estimation from teeth by means of measuring racemization of aspartic acid (Asp), a representative amino acid, the accuracy of data from enamel and dentin in the same tooth was compared.

The correlation of D/L ratio of aspartic acid with actual age gave the following parameters: r = 0.928, σ = ±5.2, k = 4.47 × 10−4 yr−1 in enamel and r = 0.995, σ = ±1.4, k = 5.75 × 10−4 yr−1. The difference in ages between one estimated by the D/L ratio and the actual one was within ±3 years in dentin, while in enamel an error of from 2 to 11 years was observed. Reaction rate constants of the racemization in a dry postmortem state (15°C) were calculated as k = 9.70 × 10−8 yr−1 in enamel, and k = 1.33 × 10−7 yr−1 in dentin. Compared to rates determined from teeth recently extracted from living subjects, the rate was higher in dentin than in enamel. These data reconfirmed that dentin is superior to enamel in making exact age estimations from teeth.
Forensic Photography and Nighttime Visibility Issues
Authors: Harris JL , Harris JL
Published: August 2015

Photographic demonstrative evidence can be of great value in bringing an understanding to the court regarding visibility issues involved in a nighttime scene. However, there are a number of criteria that must be satisfied to ensure the results accurately represent the visibility conditions. The use of a slide duplicating film results in good contrast fidelity and an extended luminance range. With appropriate calibration, the resulting slides can be projected with neutral-density filters used to reduce the projector output such that the luminance of the screen image is made equal to the luminance that would have existed at the scene. This is important because the thresholds of vision are heavily dependent upon adaptation level. Angular fidelity is achieved by calculating the viewing distance, which will give all scene objects their true angular size. A procedure is described that allows a numerical evaluation of the fidelity of the resulting projected images with respect to threshold observation of scene detail. This numerical evaluation procedure may also be useful in seeking the exclusion of nighttime photos that do not meet the criteria.
The Use of HPLC with Multiwavelength Detection for the Differentiation of Non Ball Pen Inks
Authors: Tebbett IR , Chen C , Fitzgerald M , Olson L
Published: August 2015

High performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) systems were developed for the examination of blue non ball pen inks. Using an isocratic chromatographic system, together with a Spectra Physics multiwavelength detection system, over 100 blue non ball pen inks were distinguished. The majority of these had not previously been separated by traditional methods. This approach offers a number of advantages over thin layer chromatography. Sensitivity is greatly improved, allowing the detection of picograms of sample, and the increased resolution results in far more information being produced, allowing a more meaningful comparison of samples.
Insect Larvae Used to Detect Cocaine Poisoning in a Decomposed Body
Authors: Nolte KB , Pinder RD , Lord WD
Published: August 2015

Insect larvae are often found on human remains long after disappearance of the usual toxicologic specimens. It is important for forensic pathologists and toxicologists to recognize the potential of this unique specimen when routine specimens are not available.

Cocaine and benzoylecgonine was extracted from Calliphorid larvae found on a badly decomposed body of a man who had been missing 5 months and was also identified in the decomposing skeletal muscle. This toxicologic information combined with the autopsy findings and the circumstances of the death and disappearance was essential in the determination of cocaine poisoning as the cause of death.
Time Since Death Determinations of Human Cadavers Using Soil Solution
Authors: Vass AA , Bass WM , Wolt JD , Foss JE , Ammons JT
Published: August 2015

This study was conducted to collect data on specific volatile fatty acids (produced from soft tissue decomposition) and various anions and cations (liberated from soft tissue and bone), deposited in soil solution underneath decomposing human cadavers as an aid in determining the “time since death.” Seven nude subjects (two black males, a white female and four white males) were placed within a decay research facility at various times of the year and allowed to decompose naturally. Data were amassed every three days in the spring and summer, and weekly in the fall and winter. Analyses of the data reveal distinct patterns in the soil solution for volatile fatty acids during soft tissue decomposition and for specific anions and cations once skeletonized, when based on accumulated degree days. Decompositional rates were also obtained, providing valuable information for estimating the “maximum time since death.” Melanin concentrations observed in soil solution during this study also yields information directed at discerning racial affinities. Application of these data can significantly enhance “time since death” determinations currently in use.
ABO Genotyping by Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Lee JC-I , Chang J-G
Published: August 2015

ABO blood group system's genotyping by polymerase chain reaction in genomic DNA level is developed. The positions of nucleotide 258 and 700 of cDNA from A transferase were used to distinguish A, B, and O alleles by restriction enzyme digestion. To identify the 258th nucleotide, a 199- or 200-bp DNA fragment was amplified by PCR and digested with Kpn I. For the 700th nucleotide, a 128-bp PCR amplified fragment was designed and digested with Alu I. By examining the DNA fragment digested patterns, ABO genotypes were easily determined. Results obtained using this method on 20 ABO-known peripheral blood samples showed that this new technique could provide accurate ABO genotype. Biologic forensic samples, such as, blood stains, saliva stains, semen stains, hair, bone tissue, and semen contaminated with vaginal secretion were also successfully typed. This rapid, sensitive and reliable method should be applicable not only in forensic identification but also in medical examination.
Robotic Method for the Analysis of Morphine and Codeine in Urine
Authors: Vidal DL , Ting EJ , Perez SL , Taylor RW , Le SD
Published: August 2015

A totally automated procedure has been developed for the detection and quantitation of morphine and codeine in urine case samples. The samples were initially screened for these drugs by a SyvaR EMIT Toxicology System (ETS™). A Zymate™ laboratory robotic system confirms positive samples from SyvaR ETS by performing the hydrolysis, extraction, and derivatization of morphine and codeine. The derivatized morphine and codeine were detected using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Enzymatic hydrolysis conditions were experimentally optimized during method development. The automation of these procedures has proven to be reliable and efficient.
Postmortem Angiography of Catheter-Induced Pulmonary Artery Perforation
Authors: Resnick JM , Engeler CE , Derauf BJ
Published: August 2015

A case of pulmonary artery perforation by the placement of a balloon-tipped, flow-directed (Swan-Ganz) catheter, as demonstrated postmortem by angiography and confirmed by conventional autopsy method, is reported. Angiography is an effective adjunctive modality in the postmortem diagnosis and localization of pulmonary artery perforation. In cases of suspected catheter-induced pulmonary artery perforation and death, postmortem angiography may prove useful to the forensic pathologist.
Behavior of Glass at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Lentini JJ
Published: August 2015

The author conducted a series of tests to examine the usefulness of crazed glass as an indicator of abnormal fire behavior. Despite widely held beliefs and widely published statements that crazing of glass is a result of exposure to rapidly increasing temperature, the test results show that glass will not craze, except when its temperature is rapidly decreased. A finding of crazed glass in a fire scene has no special meaning regarding the temperatures to which the glass was exposed.
Determination of Volumes in Laboratory Vessels
Authors: Lomonte JN
Published: August 2015

Equations are derived to calculate volumes in partially filled round bottom and Erlenmeyer flasks by use of simple hand-held calculators. The calculations are made from dimensional measurements of the vessels and the height of the liquid inside the vessels. By making these measurements at the scene of clandestine laboratory seizures and taking representative samples, the excess quantities of materials seized may be taken directly to waste disposal without causing a hazardous materials storage problem
Fatal Virus-Associated Hemophagocytic Syndrome in a Young Adult Producing Nontraumatic Splenic Rupture
Authors: Bell MD , Wright RK
Published: August 2015

A 24-year-old man with no previous medical history was admitted to a local hospital with pancytopenia after a recent “viral illness.” During his hospitalization, he developed sudden abdominal distension and hypotension. Surgical exploration of his abdomen revealed a ruptured spleen. The spleen was removed, but the patient did not survive the operation. We investigated this unexpected and unexplained hospital death for any traumatic or iatrogenic injury. The cause of death after review of the clinical history, autopsy, and microscopic sections was virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS). VAHS consists of a generalized histiocytic proliferation and marked hemophagocytosis associated with a systemic viral infection. Clinically it presents as pancytopenia and organomegaly. This recently described entity is often confused with malignant histiocytosis. This is the first case report of VAHS producing nontraumatic splenic rupture, thus adding to the differential diagnosis of spontaneous splenic rupture and sudden natural death.
Spontaneous Clostridial Myonecrosis
Authors: Ray D , Cohle SD , Lamb P
Published: August 2015

Spontaneous, nontraumatic clostridial myonecrosis is a rare infection with an insidious onset and usually fatal outcome. Spontaneous clostridial myonecrosis has a frequent association with colon carcinoma, leukemia, diabetes mellitus, and drug-induced immuno-suppression. We present the case of a 73-year-old diabetic man who died of spontaneous Clostridium septicum myonecrosis, who had presented with fulminant gangrene of the right thigh. Clostridium septicum was cultured from the quadriceps muscle postmortem.

At autopsy, in addition to the gangrene, there was a Duke's A adenocarcinoma of the cecum, which had not been diagnosed during life. When spontaneous nontraumatic clostridial myonecrosis is diagnosed at autopsy, investigation should include thorough exam and the obtaining of past medical history in order to elucidate predisposing factors.
A Statistical Approach to Drug Sampling: A Case Study
Authors: Tzidony D , Ravreby M
Published: August 2015

In many countries it is left to the discretion of the court to accept or reject conclusions based on sampling procedures as applied to the total drug exhibit. As an alternative to this subjective approach, a statistical basis is presented using binomial and hypergeometric distributions to determine a lower limit for the proportion of units in a population which contains a drug, at a given confidence level. A method for calculating the total weight of a drug present in a population within a given confidence interval is also presented. In the event of no failures (all units sampled contain a drug), a sample size of six or seven units is generally sufficient to state that a proportion of at least 0.70 of the population contains a drug at a confidence level of at least 90%. When failures do occur in the sample, point estimation is used as the basis for selecting the appropriate sample size.
The Analysis and Characterization of TNT Using Liquid Chromatography with Photodiode Array Detection
Authors: McCord BR , Whitehurst FW
Published: August 2015

The forensic characterization of various samples of TNT is described. The analysis technique consists of extraction followed by normal phase liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection. The samples are examined by enhancing the minor components and impurities left over from manufacture, and using these components as points of comparison. Initial attempts to order the data using spectral searching and pattern recognition techniques are described.
Microbial Degradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons: Implications for Arson Residue Analysis
Authors: Kirkbride KP , Yap SM , Andrews S , Pigou PE , Klass G , Dinan AC , Peddie FL
Published: August 2015

The effects of selective microbial activity on hydrocarbon accelerants have been examined both in vitro and in simulated arson residues. Two groups of Pseudomonas species that assimilate components of common petroleum based accelerants have been found; one species metabolizes only aromatic hydrocarbons, the other only aliphatics. The kinetics of hydrocarbon metabolism are discussed and gas chromatographic profiles of two common accelerants that have been subjected to microbial attack are presented. Some implications and recommendations for arson investigation are discussed.
Facsimile Documents: Feasibility for Comparison Purposes
Authors: Seaman Kelly J
Published: August 2015

Transmission of documents via facsimile machines is becoming more common today. Can a document examiner use a facsimile copy of a handwritten document to perform an examination? This article examines facsimile copies of documents prepared with various writing instruments to determine how accurately they reflect the original. Facsimile copies of altered documents are also examined to determine if evidence of the alteration can be seen on the facsimile copy.
Family Violence as a Determinant Factor in Juvenile Maladjustment
Authors: Osuna E , Alarcón C , Luna A
Published: August 2015

The family is one of the major socialization agencies for children. Parents are one of the most important models from whom the child and adolescent acquire a wide variety of behavior patterns, attitudes, values, and norms. The aim of this study was to determine the importance of factors related to family conflicts in the genesis of social maladjustment. A total of 189 young people (110 boys and 79 girls) from training schools connected with the juvenile court in Murcia (Spain) were studied. The subjects' ages ranged from 11 to 18 years (mean 13.51, SD 0.16). Our sample comprised a group of minors who experienced a high incidence of intrafamilial pathology, which was found to be a significant discriminant factor. Aggressive behavior, rules, norms, values, opinions, and attitudes toward aggressivity can be learned in the family setting.
Marijuana Analysis with Recording of Botanical Features Present and Without the Environmental Pollutants of the Duquenois-Levine Test
Authors: Hauber DJ
Published: August 2015

In order to properly document the botanical features present in a sample submitted as suspected marijuana and to reduce the problems of the disposal of the hazardous wastes produced with the use of the Duquenois-Levine Test, a protocol is described that involves recording the morphological features of Cannabis found in a sample and two thin-layer chromatography systems for determining the cannabinoids present. This protocol provides more information on a sample than was obtained with other, previous protocols involving the Duquenois-Levine Test.
An Unusual Fatal Case of Accidental Asphyxia in a Child
Authors: Calvet R , González-Gil J , González-Azpeitia C
Published: August 2015

The death of a three-year-old child by asphyctic mechanism is described. The child was accidentally suspended by the neck from a half-opened car window. This report details the form in which the accident occurred. The influence of the type of window and the autopsy findings.
Alternative Approach for Strain Measurement and Control in Fatigue Tests at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Chen Jie , Xia Zihui
Published: August 2015

For strain-controlled fatigue tests, especially at elevated temperature, implementation of knife-edges and punching dimples within the gauge length of a specimen is a common practice to mount the extensometer. Premature failure on the test section of the specimens might be introduced by implementing these techniques. In this paper, an alternative approach is introduced to control and measure the strains in fatigue tests. Two dimples outside the gauge-length section are punched and used to mount the extensometer. The correlation between the controlled (measured) strain and the strain within the gauge-length section is established. For the isothermal fatigue tests (strain cycling at constant elevated temperature), the correlation can be established either through analytical analysis or finite-element analysis (FEA). By comparing the hysteresis loops obtained through the correlation and the one directly measured within the gauge length, it is found that the established correlation obtained from FEA has better agreement with the latter result. In addition, this technique can also be used for thermal-mechanical fatigue (TMF) tests (both temperature and strain cycling). However, it is found that the correlation developed through FEA does not give accurate result. Therefore, the interconnection should be established through a cyclic test, in which two extensometers are mounted on the specimen, one measures the strain within the gauge length and the other measures the strain outside the gauge length.
Performance Evaluation of Lightweight Pavement via Geo-Centrifuge Tests
Authors: Kim Seong-Kyum , Lee Kwan-Ho
Published: August 2015

Asphalt pavements on soft soils are very common in many parts of Korea. These result in long periods of soft soil treatment, increased treatment costs, residual settlement of asphalt pavements, increased maintenance costs, and so forth. To overcome these problems, a new asphalt pavement system was studied, featuring a permeable asphalt surface, lightweight base concrete, and pile foundations. The first objective of the study was to evaluate the mix design properties of the permeable asphalt pavement, such as the Marshall stability, flow, air voids, and elastic modulus. The second objective of the study was to evaluate the mixing ratio of water, cement, sand, and the bubble foaming agent, as well as the compressible and flexural strength. The third objective of the study was to determine the number of pile foundations and the spacing of each pile. To verify the performance of lightweight pavement systems on soft soil, geo-centrifuge tests were conducted. The 1/30 reduced lightweight pavement system model was used, and a maximum 30 g of accelerated loading was applied to the pavement system. The kaolinite was used to simulate the highly soft soils at ocean or riverside areas. The settlement of the pavement system and the stress-strain relationship and load-displacement of the pile foundations were determined. From our limited study, the use of lightweight pavement systems on soft soils could be an alternative construction method on soft soils to reduce the challenges of conventional design and constructions.
Laboratory Study on Cement Slurry Formulation and Its Strength Mechanism for Semi-Flexible Pavement
Authors: Fang Bowen , Xu Tao , Shi Shuang
Published: August 2015

Semi-flexible pavement (SFP) combines the best features of both flexible asphalt and rigid cement concrete pavement. SFP consists of a porous asphalt mixture skeleton with 25 %–35 % voids, filled with selected cement slurry. To better balance the flexible and rigid characteristics between the asphalt mixture skeleton and hardened cement paste in SFP, a further understanding of its cement slurry formulation design is required. Results indicate that the penetrant has a significant effect on the fluidity of cement slurry, improving the flowability of cement slurry. Polycarboxylene-based superplasticizer is a desirable penetrant with the dosage of 1 % by mass of cement. Also, the optimum water–cement ratio of 0.6 for cement slurry is proposed, at which the fresh cement slurry can fully penetrate into asphalt mixture skeleton, and improve the engineering properties of SFP. Additionally, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) latex is an effective flexible admixture for cement slurry, and its dosage of 2 % by mass of cement is proposed. SBR latex improves the stability of fresh cement slurry and enhances the flexibility of hardened cement paste to reduce the cracks in SFP. At the micro level, the fiber-like hydrated products between SBR latex and cement particles improve the flexibility of hardened cement paste. This reduces the cracks on the interface between asphalt mixture skeleton and hardened cement paste when the ambient temperature changes. It is concluded that chemical admixtures are essential requirements for the production of high performance cement slurry. They allow the fresh cement slurry to fully penetrate the asphalt mixture skeleton with a lower water–cement ratio, improving engineering properties of SFP. The proposed cement slurry formulation can better meet the requirements of mechanical properties and durability characteristics of SFP.
Influence of Composition and Prior Deformation on Phase Transformation Temperatures and Hardness in Direct Quenching Using Physical Simulation
Authors: Somani M. C. , Pyykkönen J. M. , Porter D. A. , Karjalainen L. P. , Kömi J. I.
Published: August 2015

For conventional reheated and quenched (RQ) steels, the level of alloying necessary to achieve a given hardenability and hardness can be estimated from calculated Jominy curves or ideal critical diameters (DI) given in ASTM A255-10(2014). However, for thermomechanically rolled direct quenched (DQ) steels, little data are available. In this study, the accuracy of the ASTM approach was estimated by designing an experiment to study the main effects of seven alloying elements (C, Mn, Cr, Ni, Mo, Nb, and V) at two levels with eight boron steels based on an eight-run resolution III partial factorial designed experiment. Continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagrams covering cooling rates of 1.5°C/s–48°C/s were determined using Gleeble simulations with or without controlled deformation below Tnr. The effects of deformation below Tnr and the alloying elements were clearly revealed. In general, low temperature straining of the austenite led to higher levels of hardness than quenching from unstrained austenite. The start of the bainite transformation Ar3 (bainite) was modelled as a function of chemical composition and cooling rate. The data in the CCT diagrams were used to derive equivalent ideal critical diameters (DIB) for strained and unstrained prior austenite. The hardenability index DIB calculated from experimental Jominy curves generally agreed well with those of CCT data for unstrained austenite. In order to apply the ASTM A255 approach to the calculation of DIB, boron factors (BF) for steels with alloy factors (AFs) greater than 26 were estimated by extrapolating the ASTM data. However, this approach did not give satisfactory predictions for either strained or unstrained austenite. Preliminary analysis indicated that Cr, Mo, and V might be less effective at increasing hardenability than implied from their AFs. New formulae were given to allow estimations of the hardness to be expected in connection with direct quenching.
Interoperability of Materials Database Systems in Support of Nuclear Energy Development and Potential Applications for Fuel Cell Material Selection
Authors: Lin L. , Austin T. , Ren W.
Published: August 2015

Materials database interoperability has been of great interest in recent years for information exchange in support of research and development (R&D). In response to data and knowledge sharing needs of the Gen IV International Forum (GIF) for global collaboration in nuclear energy R&D, the European Commission JRC Institute for Energy and Transport (JRC-IET) and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) established a materials database interoperability project that developed techniques for automated materials data exchange between systems hosted at the two institutes—MatDB Online at JRC-IET and the Gen IV Materials Handbook at ORNL, respectively. The work to enable automated exchange of data between the two systems leveraged the XML data import and export functionalities of both systems in combination with recently developed standards for engineering materials data. The preliminary results of data communication between the two systems demonstrated the feasibility and efficiency of materials database interoperability, which constructs an interoperation framework that can be seamlessly integrated into the high-throughput First Principles material databases and thus advance the discovery of novel materials in fuel cell applications.
Effect of Uniaxial Deformation on Structure and Transport in Hydrated Nafion 117: Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Abu-Hakmeh Khaldoon , Sood Parveen , Jae Chun Byeong , Choi Ji Il , Jang Seung Soon
Published: August 2015

The deformation of hydrated Nafion 117 was implemented using full-atomistic molecular dynamics simulation method to elucidate how the mechanical deformation affects the structure and transport of hydrated Nafion membrane. First, Nafion 117 membrane was equilibrated with 20 wt. % water content through an annealing procedure. The simulated characteristic correlation length and the diffusion coefficient of water and hydronium ions were analyzed for comparison with those observed in experiments. Then, the equilibrated Nafion membrane was deformed uniaxially up to 300 % of strain with a constant strain rate. The change in nanophase-segregation of hydrated Nafion during the deformation process was characterized using a directional structure factor as well as the pair correlation function in order to achieve fundamental understanding of the relationship of such structural change as a function of strain with the proton transport. It was found from the pair correlation analysis that the sulfonate distribution and sulfonate-hydronium correlation became stronger through the deformation while the hydronium ion solvation and the internal structure of water phase were not dependent on the deformation. From the directional structure factor profile, it was found that the long range correlation was developed in the perpendicular direction to the extension. The diffusions of water and hydronium ions were enhanced by 30 and 2 %, respectively, after the deformation. From this study, we suggested that it is desirable to investigate the proton transport using simulation methods covering larger dimensions with a long time scale.
Variation in the biochemical response to l-thyroxine therapy and relationship with peripheral thyroid hormone conversion efficiency
Authors: Midgley John E M , Larisch Rolf , Dietrich Johannes W , Hoermann Rudolf
Published: August 2015

Several influences modulate biochemical responses to a weight-adjusted levothyroxine (l-T4) replacement dose. We conducted a secondary analysis of the relationship of l-T4 dose to TSH and free T3 (FT3), using a prospective observational study examining the interacting equilibria between thyroid parameters. We studied 353 patients on steady-state l-T4 replacement for autoimmune thyroiditis or after surgery for malignant or benign thyroid disease. Peripheral deiodinase activity was calculated as a measure of T4–T3 conversion efficiency. In euthyroid subjects, the median l-T4 dose was 1.3 μg/kg per day (interquartile range (IQR) 0.94,1.60). The dose was independently associated with gender, age, aetiology and deiodinase activity (all P<0.001). Comparable FT3 levels required higher l-T4 doses in the carcinoma group (n=143), even after adjusting for different TSH levels. Euthyroid athyreotic thyroid carcinoma patients (n=50) received 1.57 μg/kg per day l-T4 (IQR 1.40, 1.69), compared to 1.19 μg/kg per day (0.85,1.47) in autoimmune thyroiditis (P<0.01, n=76) and 1.08 μg/kg per day (0.82, 1.44) in patients operated on for benign disease (P< 0.01, n=80). Stratifying patients by deiodinase activity categories of <23, 23–29 and >29 nmol/s revealed an increasing FT3–FT4 dissociation; the poorest converters showed the lowest FT3 levels in spite of the highest dose and circulating FT4 (P<0.001). An l-T4-related FT3–TSH disjoint was also apparent; some patients with fully suppressed TSH failed to raise FT3 above the median level. These findings imply that thyroid hormone conversion efficiency is an important modulator of the biochemical response to l-T4; FT3 measurement may be an additional treatment target; and l-T4 dose escalation may have limited success to raise FT3 appropriately in some cases.
Pituitary hyperplasia: an uncommon presentation of a common disease
Authors: Neves C P , Massolt E T , Peeters R P , Neggers S J , de Herder W W
Published: August 2015

A 21-year-old woman presented with amenorrhea, bilateral galactorrhea and fatigue. Visual acuity and visual fields were normal. Laboratory examination demonstrated hyperprolactinemia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary showed a 19×17×12-mm sellar mass with supra- and parasellar extension, causing compression of the pituitary stalk and optic chiasm. Further examinations confirmed mild hyperprolactinemia, strongly elevated TSH (>500 mU/l), low free thyroxine (FT4), hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and secondary adrenal insufficiency. Hydrocortisone and l-T4 replacement therapy was started. Three months later, the galactorrhea had disappeared, thyroid function was normalized and MRI revealed regression of the pituitary enlargement, confirming the diagnosis of pituitary hyperplasia (PH) due to primary hypothyroidism. Subsequently, the menstrual cycle returned and the hypocortisolism normalized. This case demonstrates that severe primary hypothyroidism may have an unusual presentation and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pituitary enlargement associated with moderate hyperprolactinemia.

Learning points

One should always try to find one etiology as the common cause of all the clinical findings in a pathologic process.

Amenorrhea, galactorrhea and fatigue may be the only presenting clinical manifestations of primary hypothyroidism.

Not every patient with galactorrhea, hyperprolactinemia and a pituitary mass has a prolactinoma.

Primary hypothyroidism should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia associated with pituitary enlargement and pituitary hormone(s) deficiency(ies).

When PH due to primary hypothyroidism is suspected, thyroid hormone replacement should be started and only regression of pituitary enlargement on MRI follow-up can confirm the diagnosis.

Examination of thyroid function in patients with a pituitary mass may avoid unnecessary surgery.
Neurofibromatosis-related phaeochromocytoma: two cases with large tumours and elevated plasma methoxytyramine
Authors: Teasdale Stephanie , Reda Elham
Published: August 2015

We present two cases of adrenal phaeochromocytoma in patients with a previous diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). One had an adrenergic phenotype. The other had a more noradrenergic phenotype. Both had large primary tumours, which increases the likelihood of malignancy. Both also had elevated plasma-free methoxytyramine, which has been linked with malignancy even in non-SDHB phaeochromocytomas.

Learning points

Phaeochromocytoma can have varied clinical presentations.

Methoxytyramine can be useful in the biochemical work-up of both SDHB-positive and SDHB-negative phaeochromocytoma.

The utility of methoxytyramine as a marker of malignancy in NF1-related phaeochromocytoma is unclear, and cases with elevated titres warrant longer follow-up.
The modulation of corticosteroid metabolism by hydrocortisone therapy in patients with hypopituitarism increases tissue glucocorticoid exposure
Authors: Sherlock Mark , Behan Lucy Ann , Hannon Mark J , Alonso Aurora Aragon , Thompson Christopher J , Murray Robert D , Crabtree Nicola , Hughes Beverly A , Arlt Wiebke , Agha Amar , Toogood Andrew A , Stewart Paul M
Published: August 2015

Context

Patients with hypopituitarism have increased morbidity and mortality. There is ongoing debate about the optimum glucocorticoid (GC) replacement therapy.

Objective

To assess the effect of GC replacement in hypopituitarism on corticosteroid metabolism and its impact on body composition.

Design and patients

We assessed the urinary corticosteroid metabolite profile (using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) and body composition (clinical parameters and full body DXA) of 53 patients (19 female, median age 46 years) with hypopituitarism (33 ACTH-deficient/20 ACTH-replete) (study A). The corticosteroid metabolite profile of ten patients with ACTH deficiency was then assessed prospectively in a cross over study using three hydrocortisone (HC) dosing regimens (20/10 mg, 10/10 mg and 10/5 mg) (study B) each for 6 weeks. 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) activity was assessed by urinary THF+5α-THF/THE.

Setting

Endocrine Centres within University Teaching Hospitals in the UK and Ireland.

Main outcome measures

Urinary corticosteroid metabolite profile and body composition assessment.

Results

In study A, when patients were divided into three groups – patients not receiving HC and patients receiving HC≤20 mg/day or HC>20 mg/day – patients in the group receiving the highest daily dose of HC had significantly higher waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) than the ACTH replete group. They also had significantly elevated THF+5α-THF/THE (P=0.0002) and total cortisol metabolites (P=0.015). In study B, patients on the highest HC dose had significantly elevated total cortisol metabolites and all patients on HC had elevated THF+5α-THF/THE ratios when compared to controls.

Conclusions

In ACTH-deficient patients daily HC doses of >20 mg/day have increased WHR, THF+5α-THF/THE ratios and total cortisol metabolites. GC metabolism and induction of 11β-HSD1 may play a pivitol role in the development of the metabolically adverse hypopituitary phenotype.
Role of macrophage secretions on rat polycystic ovary: its effect on apoptosis
Authors: Figueroa Florencia , Motta Alicia , Acosta Mariano , Mohamed Fabian , Oliveros Liliana , Forneris Myriam
Published: August 2015

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. Little is known about its etiology, although the evidence suggests an intrinsic ovarian abnormality in which endocrine, metabolic, neural and immune factors would be involved. In this work, the effects of macrophage (MO) secretion on ovarian apoptosis in a polycystic ovary syndrome rat model (PCO rat) induced by estradiol valerate are studied. Spleen MO secretions were used to stimulate ovaries and ovarian interstitial and granulosa cells from both PCO and control rats. Ovarian hormones and prostaglandin E2(PGE2) were measured by RIA; ovarian mRNA levels of Bax, Bcl2 and NFkB by RT-PCR; and ovarian inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by western blot. The number of apoptotic cells was evaluated by TUNEL. In the PCO ovary, the MO secretions from PCO rats increased the Bax and NFkB mRNA expressions and increased TUNEL staining in both granulosa and theca cells. In addition, the PCO MO secretions produced a decrease of nitric oxide release, iNOS protein level and PGE2content in the PCO ovary, and it also induced an increase of androstenedione production by PCO interstitial cells, in comparison with control MO secretions. Considering these results and knowing that testosterone stimulates tumour necrosis factor-α production by PCO MO modifying ovarian response by increasing androstenedione, it is reasonable to suggest that the increase of androgens stimulated in ovarian cells by PCO MO secretions could in turn stimulate the cytokine production from MO, thus maintaining an apoptotic vicious cycle in the PCO ovary.
Construções percetivas e ordem de palavras num texto medieval
Authors: Pereira Sandra
Published: August 2015

A análise da ordem de palavras envolvidas nas estruturas de verbos percetivos (ouvir, sentir e ver) com complementos infinitivos em português antigo constitui-se como o principal objetivo deste estudo. Partindo de trabalhos anteriores para o português europeu contemporâneo padrão (cf. Gonçalves 1999; Duarte & Gonçalves 2002) e dialetal (Pereira 2012), este estudo destaca a posição e a forma do chamado “sujeito da oração infinitiva”, pretendendo contribuir para o estudo das construções percetivas (e, por extensão, das causativas, uma vez que apresentam semelhanças estruturais) na história do português.
Este estudo visa igualmente dar conta das vantagens da utilização de um sistema de anotação sintática para o estudo das propriedades gramaticais de construções muito específicas. Essa demonstração é feita a partir de um texto medieval, O Livro de José de Arimateia, na edição de Castro (1984). Este texto foi recentemente anotado (morfológica e sintaticamente) no âmbito do projeto WOChWEL, que segue os sistemas de anotação da equipa do Tycho Brahe Corpus, fortemente inspirados na anotação dos Penn corpora.
Variação sintática no português quinhentista: a colocação dos pronomes clíticos
Authors: Martins Ana Maria
Published: August 2015

Este trabalho desenvolve, à luz de novos dados, uma proposta apresentada em Martins (2011) relativamente à história da colocação dos pronomes clíticos no português. Aparentemente trata-se de uma mudança sintática com um percurso evolutivo surpreendente por apresentar, depois do século XVI, uma súbita inversão da direção da mudança. O problema de análises anteriores (incluindo as da autora) é, argumenta-se aqui, o de não reconhecerem a existência no português quinhentista (e para além dele) de dois dialetos no que diz respeito à colocação dos pronomes clíticos. Uma observação simplista das fontes textuais mascara a complexidade da situação linguística da época relevante e cria a ilusão de uma linha de continuidade entre objetos distintos. A presente investigação usa o Livro de Cozinha de um Frade Português do Século XVI, editado por Anabela Leal de Barros (2013), como fonte textual especialmente valiosa para a compreensão da história da colocação dos pronomes clíticos.
Taikomųjų kaimo plėtros mokslinių tyrimų poreikis Lietuvoje
Authors: Aleknevičienė Vilija , Skulskis Virgilijus , Šarauskis Egidijus , Kriaučiūnienė Zita , Šakickienė Asta
Published: August 2015

The EU pays much attention to the rural development. First of all, agricultural production is the basis for the development of the processing industry; it also enables the supply of food products. Secondly, it is important to preserve natural resources and reduce the climate change. Thirdly, it is necessary to improve living standards of the rural inhabitants in order to maintain a viable countryside, preserve biodiversity and environment for the future generations. While implementing EU and Lithuanian strategic provisions, it is necessary to properly identify rural development priorities for researches. For this purpose it is needed to focus on Lithuanian scientific potential, to concentrate human and financial resources, which are limited. 27 rural development applied research themes are formulated in the view of the EU and Lithuanian strategic documents in the scientific article, needs of applied research and innovation to the rural development for business and NGO determined, proposals for Lithuanian rural development program for 2014–2020 presented. The research results were obtained through scientific institutions, rural business and NGO. For this aim, the focus group was formed and conducted the survey of respondents who the majority expressed the need for applied research under the theme to increase the potential of work places and sustainable rural development.
The trends in efficiency of Lithuanian dairy farms: a semiparametric approach
Authors: Baležentis Tomas , Li Tianxiang , Baležentis Alvydas
Published: August 2015

This study aims at analysing the trends in efficiency of Lithuanian dairy farms and thus identifying the prospective development paths. The semiparametric approach based on nonparametric regression and Stochastic Frontier Analysis is applied for the analysis. The research relies on Farm Accountancy Data Network and covers family farms. The period of 2004–2011 is considered. In order to identify the underlying trends in dairy farming, we focus on such features as technical efficiency, partial elasticities, and elasticity of scale. The semiparametric approach yielded rather high efficiencies. Specifically, the average technical efficiency of 89% was observed. A decline in technical efficiency during 2004–2011 is present for both point estimates and associated bounds of the confidence interval. Analysis of the elasticity of scale implies that most of the farms could still increase their scale of operation. The obtained results were confirmed by a parametric random coefficients model.
Ecologically certified products promotion alternative management methods
Authors: Chaikin Olexander
Published: August 2015

Modern competitive agricultural products market conditions caused the need of alternative ways and methods of ecologically certified products market promotion research. Ecological certification may affect both the mind and the subconscious human mind, turning into a kind of suggestion method, a means of propagation, the consequence of which is the ecologically certified goods buying. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the possibility of the environmental certification production and socio psychological impact on consumer behavior methods synergy use to design the informational ecologically certified agricultural products Zhytomyr region market impact promotion action. The essence of ecological certification suggestive influence on consumer behavior is rather developed. The features of social and psychological impact in promoting ecologically certified products use is analyzed. With the help of logical abstraction method information impact action as part of the environmentally safe agricultural products market promotion activities are developed. Consumer decision making process under conditions of the “ecological certification” factor and neurolinguistic technologies influence is defined.
De diferenças e hierarquias no quadro Adelaide às análises situadas e críticas na Linguística Aplicada
Authors: PINTO Joana Plaza
Published: August 2015

Fundamentada na análise de uma situação comunicativa, o quadro humorístico Adelaide do programa de TV Zorra Total e seu contexto crítico, exponho como tenho enfrentado o desafio de integrar diversos aspectos da linguagem nas análises, expandir a esfera das atividades de pesquisa e orientar as pesquisas para aspectos linguísticos dos assuntos humanos. Para isso, apresento a contextualização da pesquisa que me levou a selecionar esse quadro humorístico como material empírico e a análise do quadro e seu contexto crítico. Em seguida, apresento o repertório posicionado que guiou meu percurso na forma do que considero como dois avanços principais já adotados pelo campo aplicado, para finalmente articular as consequências desse repertório contextualizado para uma posição epistemológica que assumo e compartilho com outras pesquisadoras e outros pesquisadores da Linguística Aplicada.
Paratraducción: la traducción de los márgenes, al margen de la traducción
Authors: FRÍAS José YUSTE
Published: August 2015

El autor presenta en este artículo los avances teóricos y prácticos que el nuevo término traductológico de "paratraducción" ha supuesto en los estudios sobre traducción desde su creación en el seno del Grupo T&P de la Universidade de Vigo. La noción de paratraducción no pretende ser ni un "paradigma" ni un "producto" más que se oferta como "nuevo" dentro del catálogo de conceptos traductológicos que se ha ido forjando en las últimas décadas dentro del "mercado" universitario de la traductología, sino que con ella la Escuela de Vigo pretende más bien dibujar una área paradigmática idónea con vistas a una auténtica renovación del eterno dilema entre teoría universitaria, por un lado, y práctica profesional de la traducción, por otro. Tal pretensión implica, inexorablemente, una apertura epistemológica que permita contemplar las nuevas perspectivas teóricas, didácticas y profesionales que la noción de paratraducción ofrece cuando no se la circunscribe a un marco prefijado de antemano: los paratextos. Por supuesto que hay afinidad entre traducción y paratextualidad, pero definir la noción de paratraducción como, simplemente, el término que hace referencia al estudio de la traducción de los paratextos no es suficiente porque tan sólo supondría una ampliación del corpus textual objeto de la mirada traductológica sin llegar a suscitar una nueva teorización aplicable al ejercicio cotidiano de la traducción profesional. Desde la perspectiva de instauración de un nuevo pensamiento liminar en traducción, la noción de paratraducción recuerda, en la era digital de la traducción automática y las memorias de traducción, que la traducción no es sólo translatio sino también, y sobre todo, traductio.