bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Behavior of Dam Foundation with Vertical Sand Drain, Case Study: Sombar Dam
Authors: Mahmood Mohammed Shaker , Akhtarpour Ali , Alali Ameer Abdulridha Ajmi 
Published: July 2019

Installing vertical sand drains is a traditional dam foundation consolidation solution that is economical and provides good drainage efficiency. Vertical sand drains can shorten the path of water flow inside the soil and speeds up soil consolidation. This study investigated the effect of sand drains in the foundation of the Sombar Dam in Iran on its mechanical behavior. The Sombar Dam is a project to control flooding and provide agricultural water to Gholaman city in northeastern Iran. The investigation included the mechanical behavior of the dam with vertical sand drains. The studied parameters were drain diameter, depth and spacing in addition to the vertical-to-horizontal permeability ratio (ky/kx) of the foundation soil during the time of construction of the dam using a Mohr-Coulomb (MC) model in the software application GeoStudio. The results revealed that reducing the drain spacing (increasing the number of drains) and increasing the depth and diameter of the drains led to an increase of the settlement rate (up to 90%) and the stability of the dam over a shorter period of time (24 months) compared to no drain condition. With a decrease in the ratio of vertical-to-horizontal permeability (ky/kx = 0.1) for all drain parameters there was a decrease in the value of the dam settlement rate and the safety factor.
Právní moc rozsudků Soudního dvora EU
Authors: Fellerová Palkovská Iva 
Published: July 2019

Článek se zabývá v Česku poněkud opomíjeným tématem a sice právní moci rozsudků Soudního dvora EU. Nastiňuje, jaký plní právní moc v evropském procesním právu účel; při hledání zakotvení právní moci v pozitivním právu zjišťuje, že toto zakotvení v unijním právu chybí, závěry v článku proto vychází především z judikatury. V článku jsou dále na podkladě judikatury Soudního dvora popsány předpoklady pro nastoupení účinků spojených s právní mocí, jakož i možnosti prolomení jejího působení. Pozornost je věnována také působení právní moci v některých specifických případech, konkrétně u rozsudků vydaných v řízení o neplatnost aktu a rozhodnutí o předběžných otázkách.
The Cole Midfoot Osteotomy: Clinical and Radiographic Retrospective Review of Five Patients (Six Feet) with Different Etiologies
Authors: Ergun Selim , Yildirim Yakup 
Published: July 2019

Background:
Cole osteotomy is performed in patients having a cavus deformity with the apex of the deformity in the midfoot. Correction of the deformity at this midfoot level improves foot and ankle stability by creating a plantigrade foot. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiographic results of six feet (five patients) that underwent Cole midfoot osteotomy (2011–2015).

Methods:
The patients had different etiologies (spastic cerebral palsy, burn sequelae, spina bifida, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease). Dorsal and slightly laterally based transverse wedge osteotomy through the navicular bone medially and the cuboid bone laterally was performed. Patients were under routine clinical follow-up. We evaluated clinical and radiographic results.

Results:
Mean clinical follow-up was 15.7 months (range, 6–36 months). The mean preoperative and postoperative talo–first metatarsal angles on lateral radiographs were 29.9° and 8.7°, respectively (P < .05) and on anteroposterior radiographs were 30.3° and 8.6° (P < .05). The mean preoperative talocalcaneal angle on anteroposterior radiographs increased from 19.2° to 29.8° postoperatively (P < .05). The mean postoperative calcaneal pitch angle change was 10.8° on the lateral radiograph (P < .05). At final follow-up, all five patients were independently active, had plantigrade feet, and were able to wear conventional shoes. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society questionnaire score was 38.8 preoperatively and 79.5 postoperatively (P < .05). Only one patient did not have full bony union. Achilles tightness was seen in one patient.

Conclusions:
Cole midfoot osteotomy is a laboring procedure to correct adult pes cavus deformity with the apex in midfoot, although having some complication risks.
Publication Rates for Oral and Poster Abstracts from the American Podiatric Medical Association: 2010–2014
Authors: Rushing Calvin J. , Merritt Gerald , Amin Tarak , Spinner Steven M. 
Published: July 2019

Background:
The quality of national society conferences is often assessed indirectly by analyzing the journal publication rates for the abstracts presented. Studies have reported rates from 67.5% to 76.7% for oral abstracts and 23.2% to 55.8% for poster abstracts presented at national foot and ankle society conferences. However, no study has evaluated the abstract to journal publication rate for the American Podiatric Medical Association's (APMA's) annual conference.

Methods:
All presented abstracts from the 2010 to 2014 conferences were compiled. PubMed and Google Scholar searches were performed, and the number of abstracts presented, publication rate, mean time to publication, and most common journals of publication were determined. These results were then compared with those for the 2010 to 2014 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons' conferences.

Results:
Of 380 abstracts presented, 142 (37.4%) achieved publication, most often in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. The oral abstract publication rate was 45.2% (14 of 31), with a mean time to publication of 24.2 months (range, 0–47 months). The poster publication rate was 36.7% (128 of 349), with a mean time to publication of 16.3 months (range, 0–56 months). Significant differences were identified between the two societies.

Conclusions:
The overall abstract to journal publication rate for the 2010 to 2014 APMA conferences was 37.4%, and, expectedly, oral abstracts achieved publication more often than posters. Moving forward, a concerted effort between competing societies seems necessary to increase research interest, institutional support, and formal mentorship for future generations of foot and ankle specialists.
Optimum multilayer coating of superconducting particle accelerator cavities and effects of thickness dependent material properties of thin films
Authors: Kubo Takayuki 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
We revisit the field limit of a superconductor–insulator–superconductor multilayer structure for particle accelerator cavities (B
ML), taking into account thickness (d)-dependent critical temperature, normal resistivity, and normal density of states seen in many thin films. Resultant d-dependent thermodynamic critical field and penetration depth lead to the appearance of a peak in B
ML(d) which has been missed in the previous studies. The procedure shown in this note would be useful to evaluate B
ML based on properties of one’s own films.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediatedVDRknockout plays an essential role in the growth of dermal papilla cells through enhanced relative genes
Authors: Gao Ye , Jin Miaohan , Niu Yiyuan , Yan Hailong , Zhou Guangxian , Chen Yulin 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundHair follicles in cashmere goats are divided into primary and secondary hair follicles (HFs). HF development, which determines the morphological structure, is regulated by a large number of vital genes; however, the key functional genes and their interaction networks are still unclear. Although the vitamin D receptor (VDR) is related to cashmere goat HF formation, its precise effects are largely unknown. In the present study, we verified the functions of key genes identified in previous studies using hair dermal papilla (DP) cells as an experimental model. Furthermore, we used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to modify theVDRin DP cells to dissect the molecular mechanism underlying HF formation in cashmere goats.ResultsTheVDRexpression levels in nine tissues of Shaanbei white cashmere goats differed significantly between embryonic day 60 (E60) and embryonic day 120 (E120). At E120,VDRexpression was highest in the skin. At the newborn and E120 stages, the VDR protein was highly expressed in the root sheath and hair ball region of Shaanbei cashmere goats. We cloned the complete CDS ofVDRin the Shaanbei white cashmere goat and constructed aVDR-deficient DP cell model by CRISPR/Cas9. Heterozygous and homozygous mutant DP cells were produced. The growth rate of mutant DP cells was significantly lower than that of wild-type DP cells (P < 0.05) andVDRmRNA levels in DP cells decreased significantly afterVDRknockdown (P < 0.05). Further, the expression levels ofVGF, Noggin, Lef1,and β-cateninwere significantly downregulated (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur results indicated thatVDRhas a vital role in DP cells, and that its effects are mediated by Wnt and BMP4 signaling.
Evaluation of Monoclonal Antibody (IgG2bMAb) for Detection of Coproantigen from Experimentally Infected Rats with Strongyloides ratti
Authors: Abduhaleem Noor , Mamuda Aliyu , Mustapha Tijjani , Majid Roslaini Abd , Lung Leslie Than Thian , Unyah Ngah Zasmy 
Published: July 2019

Background and Aim: Highly sensitive and specific diagnostic assay for the detection of Strongyloides is needed due to the intermittent and low concentration of eggs, larvae and adult worms that can be found in a faecal specimen. In some cases, repeated sampling of the faecal specimen is required to obtain satisfactory and reliable results. The aim of the study is to develop and evaluates monoclonal antibody-based Sandwich ELISA for the detection of coproantigen associated with Strongyloides infection using S. ratti as a model.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Malaysia, Between September 2018 and March 2019.
Methodology: The monoclonal antibody was raised against a soluble antigen of the infective filariform larvae (iL3) of S. ratti. The monoclonal antibody produced (IgG2bMAb) was evaluated for cross-reactivity against homologous and heterologous helminth antigens such as excretory-secretory (ES), infective larvae (iL3) and coproantigen of S. ratti, adult worms of A. caninum, A. suum, T. canis and T. cati.
Results: An IgG2bMAb was observed to react with 30 kDa proteins associated with all homologous antigen from iL3, ES and coproantigen of S. ratti and cross-reacted with one heterologous antigen from adult worm of A. caninum at the same molecular weight. There was no cross-reaction observed with other heterologous antigens from adult worms of T. canis, T. cati and A. suum. The sensitivity of IgG2bMAb for the detection of S. ratti was 85% in Sandwich ELISA. Cross- reaction was observed with hookworm antigen that caused by A. caninum in Western immunoblotting.
Conclusion: The results indicated that IgG2b have an immunodiagnostic property as IgG2bMAb and was able to detect antigens from coproantigen related to S. ratti with 85% sensitivity based on Sandwich ELISA) even though cross-reaction was observed with A. caninum. These findings will be very useful to tackle many cases of multiple worms’ infections such as both strongyloidiasis and hookworm. Therefore, we recommend that further evaluation and study in the human area where multiple infections can be common should be carried out.
Cross-cultural validation of the work functioning impairment scale (WFun) among Japanese, English, and Chinese versions using Rasch analysis
Authors: Fujino Yoshihisa , Liu Ning , Chimed-Ochir Odgerel , Okawara Makoto , Ishimaru Tomohiro , Kubo Tatsuhiko 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Objectives
The work functioning impairment scale (WFun) was developed to measure the degree of work functioning impairment in Japanese workers based on the Rasch model. Given that the number of foreign workers employed in Japan and abroad has increased in recent years, a multilingual questionnaire is becoming increasingly necessary to investigate work functioning impairment in these workers. The purpose of this study was to verify the cross-cultural validity of WFun between Japanese, Chinese, and English versions.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in two stages. First, the Chinese and English versions of WFun were created. Second, an internet survey was conducted among 1000 Japanese, 400 Chinese, and 300 Americans. Estimates and standard errors of an individual’s ability and item difficulty were calculated using the Rasch model. Differential item functioning (DIF) and differential test functioning (DTF) were also examined using Rasch model analyses.

Results
The effect size of DIF for one item in the English version exceeded 0.5 logit, indicating the presence of some DIF. In contrast, the effect sizes of DIF for all other items were below 0.5 logit, indicating that the influence of DIF was negligible. Furthermore, Rasch measurements according to the raw score for each version of WFun showed strong agreement among the three versions, with an intraclass correlation of 0.98 (95% confidence interval: 0.97-0.99), indicating the absence of DTF.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that the English, Chinese, and Japanese versions of WFun have good comparability.
Protective effect of histone methyltransferase NSD3 on ISO‐induced cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Chen Ke , Jian Dongdong , Zhao Linwei , Zang Xiaobiao , Song Weifeng , Ma Jifang , Jia Zhen , Wang Xianqing , Gao Chuanyu 
Published: June 2019

Nuclear receptor‐binding SET domain 3 (NSD3) is a lysine methyltransferase that plays important roles in multiple biological activities; however; its potential roles in the cardiovascular system remain unknown. In this study, we found that NSD3 expression is reduced by isoproterenol (ISO) stimuli both in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of NSD3 attenuates ISO‐induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Mechanistically, ISO treatment decreases H3K27me2/3 modifications on the atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) promoter by suppressing NSD3 and inhibits the association between NSD3 and bromodomain‐containing protein 4 (BRD4), thus suppressing the BRD4‐mediated H3K27ac modifications, which ultimately promote ANF transcription and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. In conclusion, NSD3 decreases ANF expression and, thereby, attenuates ISO‐induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.
Assessment of longitudinal beam property and contrast uniformity for 256‐ and 320‐row area detector computed tomography scanners in the 160‐mm nonhelical volume‐acquisition mode
Authors: Hara Takanori , Niwa Shinji , Urikura Atsushi , Matsubara Kosuke , Hoshino Takashi , Nishimaru Eiji , Taniguchi Takuya 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundBecause the x‐ray property of patient longitudinal axis in area detector computed tomography (ADCT) depends on a heel effect, radiation dose and beam quality are not uniform along the long axis of the patient.ObjectiveThis study aimed to measure the longitudinal beam properties and contrast uniformity of ADCT scanners in the 160‐mm nonhelical volume‐acquisition (NVA) mode and provide useful datasets for the radiation dose reduction in ADCT examinations.Materials and MethodsTwo different types of ADCT scanners were used in this study. To assess the heel effect in 256‐ and 320‐row ADCT scanners, we measured dose profile, half‐value layer, and iodine contrast uniformity along longitudinal beam direction.ResultsThe maximum effective energy difference within a 160‐mm x‐ray beam is approximately 4 keV. Maximum radiation dose on the anode side of the x‐ray tube showed approximately 40%–45% reduction compared with that on the isocenter position; the heel effect properties longitudinally differed throughout the x‐ray beam, and the decrease in the radiation dose in 256‐ and 320‐row ADCT scanners was observed on the patient table side and gantry side respectively. The CT numbers of iodinated solutions for 256‐row ADCT scanner were independent of the heel effect; nevertheless, the CT numbers of 320‐row ADCT scanner tended to increase on the patient table (cathode) side.ConclusionThis study reveals that the radiation dose on the anode side of the x‐ray tube shows approximately 40%–45% reduction compared with that on the isocenter position, and the heel effect properties for 256‐ and 320‐row ADCT scanners longitudinally differ throughout the x‐ray beam. The x‐ray tube for individual ADCT scanners is mounted in an opposite direction along the long axis of the patient.
Racial Differences in Performance‐Based Function and Potential Explanatory Factors Among Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Flowers Portia P. E. , Schwartz Todd A. , Arbeeva Liubov , Golightly Yvonne M. , Pathak Ami , Cooke Jennifer , Gupta Jyotsna J. , Callahan Leigh F. , Goode Adam P. , Corsi Michela , Huffman Kim M. , Allen Kelli D. 
Published: June 2019

ObjectiveIn individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA), self‐reported physical function is poorer in African Americans than in whites, but whether this difference holds true for objective assessments is unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine racial differences in performance‐based physical function as well as potential underlying factors contributing to these racial differences.MethodsParticipants with knee OA from a randomized controlled trial completed the 2‐minute step test (2MST), timed‐up‐and‐go (TUG), and 30‐second chair stand (30s‐CST) at baseline. Race differences in performance‐based function were assessed by logistic regression. Separate models were adjusted for sets of demographic, socioeconomic, psychological health, and physical health variables.ResultsIn individuals with knee OA (n = 322; 72% women, 22% African American, mean ± SD age 66 ± 11 years, mean ± SD body mass index 31 ± 8 kg/m2), African Americans (versus whites) had greater unadjusted odds of poorer function (30s‐CST odds ratio [OR] 2.79 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.65–4.72], 2MST OR 2.37 [95% CI 1.40–4.03], and TUG OR 3.71 [95% CI 2.16–6.36]). Relationships were maintained when adjusted for demographic and psychological health covariates, but they were either partially attenuated or nonsignificant when adjusted for physical health and socioeconomic covariates.ConclusionAfrican American adults with knee OA had poorer unadjusted performance‐based function than whites. Physical health and socioeconomic characteristics diminished these differences, emphasizing the fact that these factors may be important to consider in mitigating racial disparities in function.
Relationship Between Varus Thrust During Gait and Low Back Pain in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Iijima Hirotaka , Suzuki Yusuke , Aoyama Tomoki , Takahashi Masaki 
Published: June 2019

ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that varus thrust visualized during gait is associated with a higher prevalence of low back pain (LBP) in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsIndividuals with knee OA (Kellgren/Lawrence grade ≥1) underwent a gait observation to assess varus thrust. The participants identified LBP and its severity using questionnaires. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between varus thrust and LBP.ResultsWe included 205 participants (mean age 68.19 years; 72.20% women). A total of 45 participants (22.0%) showed varus thrust in their painful knee, in whom 31 (68.89%) and 18 (40.00%) were identified as having any LBP and moderate‐to‐severe LBP (numerical rating scale ≥4 points), respectively. Patients with varus thrust demonstrated a 3.6‐fold higher risk of the presence of moderate‐to‐severe LBP (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.62–8.10). In patients with LBP, the presence of varus thrust was associated with more severe LBP intensity (proportional odds ratio 2.25 [95% CI 1.02–4.96]).ConclusionThis study highlights the novel relationship between varus thrust and LBP, which supports the idea of a biomechanical link, the so‐called knee–spine syndrome. These findings provide new insight for clarifying the pathogenesis of LBP related to knee OA.
Low‐Dimensional Perovskites with Diammonium and Monoammonium Alternant Cations for High‐Performance Photovoltaics
Authors: Li Pengwei , Liang Chao , Liu Xiao‐Long , Li Fengyu , Zhang Yiqiang , Liu Xiao‐Tao , Gu Hao , Hu Xiaotian , Xing Guichuan , Tao Xutang , Song Yanlin 
Published: July 2019

AbstractLow‐dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper (LDRP) perovskites are a current theme in solar energy research as researchers attempt to fabricate stable photovoltaic devices from them. However, poor exciton dissociation and insufficiently fast charge transfer slows the charge extraction in these devices, resulting in inferior performance. 1,4‐Butanediamine (BEA)‐based low‐dimensional perovskites are designed to improve the carrier extraction efficiency in such devices. Structural characterization using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction reveals that these layered perovskites are formed by the alternating ordering of diammonium (BEA2+) and monoammonium (MA+) cations in the interlayer space (B‐ACI) with the formula (BEA)0.5MAn
PbnI3n+1. Compared to the typical LDRP counterparts, these B‐ACI perovskites deliver a wider light absorption window and lower exciton binding energies with a more stable layered perovskite structure. Additionally, ultrafast transient absorption indicates that B‐ACI perovskites exhibit a narrow distribution of quantum well widths, leading to a barrier‐free and balanced carrier transport pathway with enhanced carrier diffusion (electron and hole) length over 350 nm. A perovskite solar cell incorporating BEA ligands achieves record efficiencies of 14.86% for (BEA)0.5MA3Pb3I10 and 17.39% for (BEA)0.5Cs0.15(FA0.83MA0.17)2.85Pb3(I0.83Br0.17)10 without hysteresis. Furthermore, the triple cations B‐ACI devices can retain over 90% of their initial power conversion efficiency when stored under ambient atmospheric conditions for 2400 h and show no significant degradation under constant illumination for over 500 h.
The Variable Journey in Learning to Interpret Pediatric Point‐of‐care Ultrasound Images: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kwan Charisse , Pusic Martin , Pecaric Martin , Weerdenburg Kirstin , Tessaro Mark , Boutis Kathy 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo complement bedside learning of point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS), we developed an online learning assessment platform for the visual interpretation component of this skill. This study examined the amount and rate of skill acquisition in POCUS image interpretation in a cohort of pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) physician learners.MethodsThis was a multicenter prospective cohort study. PEM physicians learned POCUS using a computer‐based image repository and learning assessment system that allowed participants to deliberately practice image interpretation of 400 images from four pediatric POCUS applications (soft tissue, lung, cardiac, and focused assessment sonography for trauma [FAST]). Participants completed at least one application (100 cases) over a 4‐week period.ResultsWe enrolled 172 PEM physicians (114 attendings, 65 fellows). The increase in accuracy from the initial to final 25 cases was 11.6%, 9.8%, 7.4%, and 8.6% for soft tissue, lung, cardiac, and FAST, respectively. For all applications, the average learners (50th percentile) required 0 to 45, 25 to 97, 66 to 175, and 141 to 290 cases to reach 80, 85, 90, and 95% accuracy, respectively. The least efficient (95th percentile) learners required 60 to 288, 109 to 456, 160 to 666, and 243 to 1040 cases to reach these same accuracy benchmarks. Generally, the soft tissue application required participants to complete the least number of cases to reach a given proficiency level, while the cardiac application required the most.ConclusionsDeliberate practice of pediatric POCUS image cases using an online learning and assessment platform may lead to skill improvement in POCUS image interpretation. Importantly, there was a highly variable rate of achievement across learners and applications. These data inform our understanding of POCUS image interpretation skill development and could complement bedside learning and performance assessments.