bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Batch and packed bed techniques for adsorptive aqueous phase removal of selected phenoxyacetic acid herbicide using sugar industry waste ash
Authors: Deokar Sunil K. , Theng Pooja G. , Mandavgane Sachin A. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Batch and packed bed adsorption of 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) herbicide was performed using bagasse fly ash (BFA) as an adsorbent. In batch process, characteristics of adsorbent, and the influence of adsorbent dosage, initial herbicide concentration, time, pH, particle size of adsorbent and temperature on adsorption were studied. Results disclose higher removal of MCPA on bigger particles of BFA owing to higher specific surface area because of greater carbon and lesser silica percentage in bigger particles. Application of isotherm models in present study indicates the best fitting of Langmuir and Temkin isotherms whereas the kinetic models suggest the suitability of pseudo second order and Elovich models. Thermodynamic study specifies the temperature preferred adsorption process. In packed bed technique, the effect of influent concentration, flow rate and bed height were investigated. The deactivation kinetic model which was previously considered only for studies in gas-solid adsorption is applied in this study to solid-liquid adsorption along with conventional packed bed models. In packed bed study, Bohart-Adams and Wolborska models are appropriate to explain the experimental data upto 60% saturation of the column. The deactivation kinetic model is found the best to elucidate the nature of breakthrough curves till the complete saturation of column. Batch capacity and packed bed capacity per m2 specific surface area of BFA is found about two and three times greater than the previously used adsorbents for MCPA respectively.
Evaluation of the physicochemical content and solid-state fermentation stage of Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar using near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Fan Suwan , Pan Tianhong , Li Guoquan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
As one of the most famous traditional Chinese vinegars, the grains physicochemical content of Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar during solid-state fermentation (SSF) reflects the growth status of microorganisms and the quality of fermentation products. In addition, the time for grain-turning has a significant effect on the quality of fermentation products. In this study, a new evaluation method combined near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with partial least squares regression (PLSR) was proposed to predict the physicochemical content of grains and the fermentation stage. The performance of the PLSR models for the total acid and the nonvolatile acid were RMSEP = 0.0371, R

p

2 = 0.9760, and RMSEP = 0.0216, R

p

2 = 0.9646, respectively. The accuracy ratio of SSF stage judgment was 100%. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method can be used to guide on-site grain-turning and improve the quality of fermentation products.
Dynamic behavior of a stochastic SIRS model with two viruses
Authors: Zhao Jiandong , Zhang Tonghua , Han Zhixia 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
To study the effect of environmental noise on the spread of the disease, a stochastic Susceptible, Infective, Removed and Susceptible (SIRS) model with two viruses is introduced in this paper. Sufficient conditions for global existence of positive solution and stochastically asymptotic stability of disease-free equilibrium in the model are given. Then, it is shown that the positive solution is stochastically ultimately bounded and the moment average in time of the positive solution is bounded. Our results mean that the environmental noise suppresses the growth rate of the individuals and drives the disease to extinction under certain conditions. Finally, numerical simulations are given to illustrate our main results.
Stability analysis of almost periodic solutions for discontinuous bidirectional associative memory (BAM) neural networks with discrete and distributed delays
Authors: Xie Weijun , Kong Fanchao , Qiu Hongjun , Fu Xiangying 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This paper aims to discuss a class of discontinuous bidirectional associative memory (BAM) neural networks with discrete and distributed delays. By using the set-valued map, differential inclusions theory and fundamental solution matrix, the existence of almost-periodic solutions for the addressed neural network model is firstly discussed under some new conditions. Subsequently, based on the non-smooth analysis theory with Lyapunov-like strategy, the global exponential stability result of the almost-periodic solution for the proposed neural network system is also established without using any additional conditions. The results achieved in the paper extend some previous works on BAM neural networks to the discontinuous case and it is worth mentioning that it is the first time to investigate the almost-periodic dynamic behavior for the BAM neural networks like the form in this paper. Finally, in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical schemes, simulation results of two topical numerical examples are delineated.
Protective and curative role of vitamin D and hormones on the cadmium-induced inhibition of proliferation of human osteoblast cells
Authors: Dal Ulutas Aylin , Turgut Cosan Didem , Mutlu Fezan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Exposure to cadmium (Cd), which causes environmental and industrial pollution, causes toxicity in many tissues and organs, especially bone, lung and kidney. Hormones, growth factors and other stimuli act on bone tissue through osteoblasts. In this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of Cd on hFOB1.19 osteoblast cells and the protective and healing potentials of estrogen, androgen and vitamin D against the inhibitory effect of Cd on the proliferation.

Methods
hFOB1.19 cells were cultivated in our laboratory using Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium-F12, HEPES medium, containing 10% fetal bovine serum, 1% penicillin/streptomycin in 34.5 °C 5%CO2 incubator. To determine its protective potentials for the toxicity of CdCl2, it was previously applied 1,25(OH) 2D vitamin, 17β-estradiol, and 5α-androstane for 72 h to cells. To determine their curative potential, osteoblast cells, which were previously exposed to CdCl2 for 72 h, were administered 1,25(OH) 2D vitamin, 17β-estradiol, and 5α-androstane. Following these applications were determined proliferation by XTT analysis and, the amounts of androgen receptor, estrogen receptor, vitamin D receptor, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and osteoprotegerin by ELISA analysis.

Results
Vitamin D has been both preventive and curative effective to increase cell proliferation, which Cd reduces. Interestingly, estrogen had a preventive effect and androgen had a curative effect.

Conclusions
In addition to showing the negative effects of cadmium on the proliferation of osteoblast cells, this study provides an overview of the effects of hormone and vitamin D applications before and after Cd, and these results may serve as a guide for future studies.
Posthuman Dystopia: Animal Surrealism and Permanent Crisis in Contemporary British Theatre
Authors: Voigts Eckart , Tönnies Merle 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The paper situates current developments in British theatre within wider trends towards dystopia and (post-)apocalyptic writing. A central focus is on the role of posthuman elements in dystopian plays which are used to create a constant and pervasive, but mostly unspecific sense of crisis. Two recent works by female playwrights – Dawn King’s Foxfinder (2011) and Stef Smith’s Human Animals (2016) – are compared and related back to Caryl Churchill’s seminal Far Away (2000) to elucidate how the nonhuman comes to be perceived as a threat and how this leads to, and/or supports, a dystopian system and its violent measures. Moreover, both Foxfinder and Human Animals manage to combine absurdist elements that border on the surreal with more or less pronounced didactic implications for the audience, although these connections are realised in different ways by the two playwrights. In this manner, post-apocalyptic dystopian theatre of the early 21st century can become revolutionary rather than regressive.
𝒫-characters and the structure of finite solvable groups
Authors: Lu Jiakuan , Wu Kaisun , Meng Wei 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Let G be a finite group.
An irreducible character of G is called a

𝒫

{\mathcal{P}}

-character if it is an irreducible constituent of

(

1
H

)

G

{(1_{H})^{G}}

for some maximal subgroup H of G.
In this paper, we obtain some conditions for a solvable group G to be p-nilpotent or p-closed in terms of

𝒫

{\mathcal{P}}

-characters.
Dispersion properties of single-mode optical fibers in telecommunication region: poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) versus silica
Authors: Pakarzadeh Hassan , Rezaei Seyed Mostafa , Taghizadeh Mostafa , Bozorgzadeh Forough 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In this paper, the dispersion characteristics of two standard single-mode optical fibers (SMFs), fabricated with silica and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) are studied in telecommunication spectral regions. The effect of structural parameters, such as the radius of the fiber core and the relative core-cladding index difference, is numerically investigated. It is found that over whole spectral range, the PMMA-based SMF shows lower dispersion than the silica SMF. Also, the zero-dispersion wavelength (ZDW) of PMMA-based SMF is longer than that of silica fiber. The results may be of practical importance for the telecommunication applications.
Gain-forming effect on optical signal-to-noise ratio in Raman fiber amplifier
Authors: Kazemi Seyyed Hossein , Jebelli Ali , Sirzad Leila 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
We have introduced the comprehensive optical-to-noise ratio (OSNR) to investigate simultaneously the effects of all three major linear noise sources in distributed Raman fiber amplifier (DRFA). The total noise power contains double Rayleigh backscattering (DRB) noise, amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise, and relative intensity noise (RIN). Also, we have introduced an approximated gain profile approach, which helps in evaluating the OSNR for higher-order pumping (HOP) configuration for backward, forward, and bidirectional DRFA schemes. Finally, by applying the dynamic and static full-numerical computations on a system of eight wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) channels (for amplifier lengths of 70, 140, and 210 km), we demonstrated that for RIN frequencies greater than 100 kHz, the higher-order bidirectional pumping scheme exceeds the backward schemes by 12 dB.
Laser diode to single-mode graded index fiber coupling via cylindrical microlens on the fiber tip: evaluation of coupling efficiency by ABCD matrix formalism
Authors: Roy Kushal , Majumdar Angshuman , Maiti Shubhendu , Gangopadhyay Sankar 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
We use ABCD matrix formalism for estimation of the coupling optics involving laser diode to cylindrical lensed circular core graded index fiber excitation. The investigation has been carried on for some typical step, parabolic, and triangular index fibers as examples of graded index fiber. It is relevant to mention in this connection that we have shown that the coupling optics is excellent along the vertical plane only while the coupling along the horizontal plane produces poor performance. Analytic expressions for coupling efficiencies are prescribed. The investigations have been made for two commonly used wavelengths, namely 1.3 and 1.5 µm. Our formulations require little computation for the necessary execution. The wavelength of 1.3 µm has been found to be more efficient in respect of coupling. Our formalism takes care of the limited aperture allowed by the cylindrical lens and thus provides the realistic prediction of coupling optics. The results will prove extremely useful to the designers and packagers working with cylindrical microlens.
Training using a simulation-based workshop reduces inaccuracies in estimations of testicular volume
Authors: Craig Jessica N. , Sharman Megan R. , Fitzgerald Ciara G. , Wigg Dominic , Williams Beth S. , Wilkinson Ellen E. , Wright Neil P. , Langley Joe , Elder Charlotte J. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Measuring testicular volume (TV) by orchidometer is routine in the clinic when staging male puberty. We have developed a simulation model for TV estimation and investigated whether training medical students, using a workshop with simulation models, could improve the accuracy and reliability of TV estimation.

Methods
All participating medical students watched a video representing standard undergraduate training in male pubertal assessment. Volunteers were then randomised directly to assessment or to attend a workshop consisting of a further video and four stations contextualising and practising the skills required for TV estimation, prior to assessment. Three child mannequins displaying testes of 3 mL, 4 mL (twice), 5, 10 and 20 mL were used for assessment. Participants were asked to return a fortnight later for repeat assessment to assess intra-observer reliability, the effect of repeated examinations on accuracy and time on skill retention.

Results
Ninety students participated (55F), 46 attended the workshop and were considered “trained”. There was no difference between the groups in numbers of correct estimations (29% trained, 27% untrained, p=0.593). However, the trained group’s estimations were closer to the true volume, with more from the trained group one bead away (p=0.002) and fewer more than three beads away from the true volume (p<0.001), compared to the untrained group. Trained participants were more accurate at the second assessment (n=80) (p<0.001) and had greater intra-observer reliability (p=0.004).

Conclusions
Overall TV estimation accuracy was poor. Workshop-style training improved accuracy, reliability and retention of skill acquisition and could be considered as a useful learning tool.
Longitudinal 15-year follow-up of women with former early puberty: abnormal metabolic profiles not associated with earlier age at onset of puberty, but associated with obesity
Authors: Jaruratanasirikul Somchit , Satitpatanapan Pitchaya , Sriplung Hutcha 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
In 2011, we described 104 girls who were diagnosed as early puberty (EP) during 2003–2005. In 2019–2020, the former EP women had been followed up 14 years after attaining their final height.

Objective
To determine the reproductive function and metabolic profiles of former EP women.

Study design
Fifty-seven former EP women were evaluated for reproductive function and examined for health status. Blood samples were obtained for metabolic profiles of glucose, lipids and insulin, and testosterone levels.

Results
In 2020, the average age of the study women was 22.9 ± 1.7 years. The average height was 156.7 ± 5.6 cm. The average weight had increased from 52.5 ± 7.8 kg in 2011 to 58.5 ± 11.1 kg in 2020 and average body mass index (BMI) from 21.4 ± 2.9 to 23.8 ± 4.0 kg/m2. Obesity (BMI>25 kg/m2) was found in 8.8% (five participants) in 2011 and had increased to 22.8% (13 participants) in 2020. Most participants (79%) had regular menstrual cycle. Of the 17 married women, 4 (23.5%) had 1–2 children. Dividing the participants into obese and nonobese groups, the average fasting plasma glucose, lipid profiles, and testosterone levels were similar in both groups. However, the average systolic blood pressure and the serum insulin levels and HOMA-IR assessments were significantly higher in the obese group than in the nonobese group.

Conclusion
The former EP women had normal menstruation and reproductive function. The former EP women with average BMI at the follow-up had normal metabolic profiles while those who later became obese had significantly higher systolic blood pressure, serum insulin, and HOMA-IR assessments.
Daily intake of macronutrients and energy in childhood and its association with cardiometabolic risk factors in Colombians
Authors: Rojas Lyda Z. , Gamboa-Delgado Edna M. , Quintero-Lesmes Doris C. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Determine the intake and percentage of adequacy of macronutrients and their association with cardiovascular risk factors in a sample of Colombian schoolchildren.

Methods
Cross-sectional study nested in a prospective population-based cohort in schoolchildren between 6 and 10 years of age; cardiovascular risk markers and anthropometric measures were measured. Macronutrient intake was established through a food consumption frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The percentage of adequacy was evaluated by comparison with the dietary reference intakes (DRI) and the recommendations for energy and nutrient intake (RIEN) for the Colombian population. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess the association between daily macronutrient/energy intake and cardiometabolic risk factors.

Results
A total of 1,282 school children (51.09% boys and 48.91% girls; mean age 8.4 ± 1.4 years). The percentage of energy adequacy was 107% (Q1=87.5; Q3=127.2). The macronutrients in overadequacy were proteins and carbohydrates. The total fiber had a low adequacy around 26.0% (Q1=15.8; Q3=38.6). Fat intake was positively associated with BMI, insulin, and HOMA-IR index, while carbohydrate consumption was related to these same factors, although negatively in tight models.

Conclusions
Schoolchildren in this study had an inadequate protein, carbohydrate, and fiber intake. The results suggest a significant positive and negative relationship between the consumption of both fat and carbohydrates and cardiometabolic risk factors such as BMI, insulin levels, and HOMA-IR.
Evaluation of the efficiency of serum biotinidase activity as a newborn screening test in Turkey
Authors: Ercan Mujgan , Akbulut Emiş Deniz , Oz Ozlem , Ataş Nurgul , Karaca Meryem , Yılmaz Fatma Meriç 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Biotinidase Deficiency (BD) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder. However, the relationship between genotype and biochemical phenotype has not been completely elucidated yet. But still, some mutations are accepted to be associated with profound or partial deficiency. We aimed to evaluate the results of biochemical enzyme activity in accordance with the presence of genetic mutations and investigate the correlation between genotype and biochemical phenotype together in the study.

Methods
This retrospective study was carried out using data from medical records of 133 infants detected by the newborn screening followed by serum biotinidase activity (BA) detection with semi-quantitative colorimetric method. Mutation analysis was performed to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, the expected biochemical phenotype based on the known mutant alleles were compared with the observed biochemical phenotype.

Results
When confirmed with mutation analysis results, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of serum BA with spectrophotometric method was 93.1% and 95.1%, respectively. In 93.98% of the cases conformity was observed between the biochemical phenotype and the genotype. The c.1330 G>C(p.D444H) and c.470 G>A (p.Arg157His) were the most common allelic variants with frequencies of 63.69% and 33.75%, respectively.

Conclusions
The diagnostic test is supposed to have a high sensitivity to identify asymptomatic BD patients. Apparently healthy cases with almost normal enzyme activity and a variant allele in the genetic analysis were reported to present symptoms under stress conditions, which should be kept in mind. This study can be accepted as an informative report as it may contribute to the literature in terms of the allelic frequency and determination of the relation between genotype and biochemical phenotype. Also, method verification including the assessment of possible effects of non-genetic factors on BA according to the certain mutation types is warranted.
Impact of growth hormone treatment on scoliosis development and progression: analysis of 1128 patients with idiopathic short stature
Authors: Park Se-Jun , Lee Keun-Ho , Lee Chong-Suh , Kim Ki-Tack , Jang Jun Hyuk , Shin Dae Hun , Kim Min Sun , Kim Jiyeon , Cho Sung Yoon , Jin Dong-Kyu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objectives
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on the development and progression of scoliosis in patients with idiopathic short stature (ISS).

Methods
Patients with ISS who underwent rhGH treatment from 1997 to 2017 and were followed up for scoliosis screening with serial radiographic examination were included. For assessing scoliosis development, patients who did not have scoliosis at the time of rhGH treatment were included and followed up to determine whether de novo scoliosis developed during the treatment. For evaluating scoliosis progression, patients who already had scoliosis were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses of demographic and radiographic variables were performed to determine the related factors in the development and progression of scoliosis.

Results
For assessing scoliosis development, 1093 patients were included. The average duration of rhGH treatment was about 2 years. De novo scoliosis developed in 32 patients (3.7%). The analysis revealed that sex (p=0.016) and chronological age (p=0.048) were statistically significant factors associated with scoliosis development. However, no relationship was observed between scoliosis development and rhGH treatment types or duration. Among 67 patients who already had scoliosis at the time of rhGH treatment, 11 (16.4%) showed scoliosis progression. However, the rhGH types and duration also did not affect scoliosis progression.

Conclusions
De novo scoliosis developed in 3.7% and scoliosis progressed in 16.4% of the patients during rhGH treatment. However, scoliosis development or progression was not affected by the types or duration of rhGH treatment in patients with ISS.
New onset diabetes with diabetic ketoacidosis in a child with multisystem inflammatory syndrome due to COVID-19
Authors: Naguib Monica N. , Raymond Jennifer K. , Vidmar Alaina P. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a unique clinical complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection observed in pediatric patients. COVID-19 is emerging as a potential trigger for the development of diabetes in children. Here, we report a patient presenting with MIS-C and new onset diabetes, and discuss the implication and clinical management of these concomitant conditions.

Case presentation
An eight-year-old female presented with hyperglycemia, ketosis and metabolic acidosis consistent with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in the setting of fever, rash, respiratory distress, hemodynamic instability, reduced systolic function with dilation of the left anterior descending artery, and positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies suggestive of MIS-C.