bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural convection heat transfer from a horizontal cylinder using holographic interferometry
Authors: He Zhaohui , Zhu Jinrong , Zhang Jinye , Cheng Chunfu , Hu Ni 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe natural convection heat transfer from a horizontal cylinder with a uniform wall temperature in an infinite space was experimentally investigated. Infinite fringe interferograms of the cylinder heated from 295.15 to 355.15 K were recorded using the holographic interferometry technique. The temperature field around the cylinder was reconstructed based on phase difference recovery using a MATLAB code. The distributions of the local and average Nusselt numbers over the cylinder were then obtained. A correlation of the average Nusselt number was proposed for a Rayleigh number range of 2.7–6.0 × 104. The experimental results are in good agreement with previous correlations, with a deviation of ±10%. The holographic interferometry technique was found to be satisfactory and reliable for heat transfer analyses.
Comparison of microRNA expressions for the identification of chemical hazards in in vivo and in vitro hepatic injury models
Authors: Hwang So‐Ryeon , Tham Nga Thi Thu , Lee Soo‐ho , Bang Ji‐Hyun , Yi Hee , Park Young‐Il , Lee Hyun‐Kyoung , Kang Hwan‐Goo , Kim Yong‐Sang , Woo Gye‐Hyeong , Ku Hyun‐Ok 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBiofluid‐based biomarkers provide an efficient tool for hazard identification of chemicals. Here, we explored the potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers for hepatotoxicity of chemicals by linking in vitro to in vivo animal models. A search of the literature identified candidate circulating miRNA biomarkers of chemical‐induced hepatotoxicity. The expression of candidate miRNAs (miR‐122, miR‐151a, miR‐192, miR‐193a, miR‐194, miR‐21, miR‐29c), was determined by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction in in vivo acute liver injury induced by acetaminophen, and then were further compared with those of in vitro cell assays. Candidate miRNAs, except miR‐29c, were significantly or biologically upregulated by acetaminophen, at a dose that caused acute liver injury as confirmed by hepatocellular necrosis. Except miR‐122 and miR‐193a, other miRNAs elevated in in vivo models were confirmed by in vitro models using HepG2 cells, whereas they failed by in vitro models using human primary hepatocytes. These findings indicate that certain miRNAs may still have the potential of toxicological biomarkers in linking in vitro to in vivo hepatotoxicity.
Hydrogen sulfide attenuates paraquat‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of human alveolar epithelial cells through regulating transforming growth factor‐β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway
Authors: Bai You‐Wei , Ye Meng‐Juan , Yang Da‐Long , Yu Meng‐Ping , Zhou Cheng‐Fan , Shen Tong 
Published: September 2018

AbstractExogenous H2S donor, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), can influence the bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis by attenuating the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of alveolar epithelial cells, but whether NaHS affects paraquat (PQ)‐induced EMT and the molecular mechanisms remain unclarified. The aim of the present study is to examine the effect of exogenous NaHS on PQ‐induced EMT in human alveolar epithelial cells (A549 cells) and assess if this effect occurs through regulating transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. The expressions of endogenous H2S producing enzymes, namely cystathionine β‐synthase, cystathionine γ‐lyase and 3‐mercaptopyruvate sulfur transferase, were detected by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The induced EMT was assessed by morphological and phenotypic characterizations, and the protein level of E‐cadherin and vimentin were detected by western blotting. To investigate the effect of NaHS on PQ‐induced EMT and potential mechanism, A549 cells were pretreated with NaHS before incubating with PQ and then evaluated by morphological changes, cell migration ability, the expression of EMT markers and TGF‐β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway related proteins. PQ significantly downregulated the expression levels of cystathionine β‐synthase and cystathionine γ‐lyase, but not 3‐mercaptopyruvate sulfur transferase, in a time‐dependent manner in A549 cells. Exogenous NaHS could significantly retard PQ‐induced morphological changes and cell migration ability. Furthermore, exogenous NaHS significantly upregulated the expression of E‐cadherin, whereas it downregulated the expression of vimentin. In addition, exogenous NaHS could also significantly attenuates PQ‐induced TGF‐β1, phosphorylated Smad2/3 proteins expression, which induced by PQ in a time‐dependent manner. This study provides the first evidence that exogenous NaHS attenuates PQ‐induced EMT and migration of human alveolar epithelial cells through regulating the TGF‐β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway.
Customized antifouling polyacrylonitrile ultrafiltration membranes for effective removal of organic contaminants from aqueous stream
Authors: Beril Melbiah Jegan Stella , Joseph Pramila , Rana Dipak , Nagendran Alagumalai , Nagendra Gandhi Nagarajan , Mohan Doraiswamy Raju 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDUltrafiltration (UF) is a promising separation technique for the removal of macromolecular contaminants. However, the hydrophobic polymeric UF membrane performance suffers from fouling in the long run due to clogging by contaminants at the surface and pores. In this study, anti‐fouling hydrophilic polyacrylonitrile (PAN) UF membranes in the presence of an amphiphilic triblockcopolymer, Pluronic F127 (PF127) were prepared via a phase inversion technique.RESULTSThe effect of varying concentrations of PF127 on PAN UF membranes was analyzed by attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The filtration characteristics of the membranes were measured in terms of pure water flux, membrane porosity and water content. The separation efficiency of the membranes is explored for contaminants such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), humic acid (HA) and oil. The results revealed that the PAN membrane with 4 wt% of PF127 produced greatest permeate flux of 391 L m−2h−1with minimal fouling. A higher solute rejection of more than 90% was observed for the tailored membranes due to the improvement in surface properties.CONCLUSIONThe inherent hydrophilicity of the high density poly (ethylene oxide) brush‐like layer of PF127 at the membrane–water interface is utilized effectively to restrict the adsorption of the organic contaminants onto the membrane surface. After simple hydraulic washing of PAN/PF127 UF membranes, the flux recovery ratio was augmented which is ascribed to their excellent antifouling property and potential use in water treatment. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Primary care doctor fostering and clinical research training in Sweden: Implications for Japan
Authors: Watari Takashi , Hirose Masahiro , Midlöv Patrik , Tokuda Yasuharu , Kanda Hideyuki , Okayama Masanobu , Yoshikawa Hiroo , Onigata Kazumichi , Igawa Mikio 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn 2018, a new training program for primary care physicians was launched in Japan. As physicians responsible for the training of new primary care physicians, we have faced many problems, particularly in rural areas. The influence of this new program on primary care physicians in rural areas of Japan has not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this research was to improve training for primary care physicians in Japan by examining training programs in Sweden, where the population challenges are similar to those seen in Japan. In this paper, we will express our opinions and describe the differences in the primary care fostering systems and clinical research training for generalist in Japan and Sweden.
Measurement of Hydrogen Produced during Magnesium Corrosion in Hydrochloric Acid and the Effect of the Triton X‐100 Surfactant on Hydrogen Production
Authors: Eid Salah 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe goal of this article is to measure hydrogen produced during the corrosion of magnesium in HCl and the influence of the Triton X‐100 surfactant on hydrogen production. It was found that the hydrogen produced during corrosion of Mg in HCl increased with increasing HCl concentration, stirring rate, temperature, and time of immersion. The addition of the Triton X‐100 surfactant inhibits the amount of hydrogen evolved. The inhibition behavior was explained on the basis of adsorption of Triton X‐100 molecules on the Mg surface creating a barrier for mass and charge transport, which protects the Mg surface from aggressive ions. The activation thermodynamic parameter values were calculated and explicated. Some theoretical chemical parameters were also calculated. The results obtained from the theoretical calculations are in agreement with the practical results.
Biosorptive detoxification of zearalenone biotoxin by surface‐modified renewable biomass: process dynamics and application
Authors: Akar Tamer , Güray Tufan , Yilmazer Dilek Tunc , Tunali Akar Sibel 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDContamination of food, feed, beverages and even drinking water with biotoxins is a growing global concern because of their potential health risks. In this work, surface‐modified sugar beet pulp waste was used for the biosorptive removal of zearalenone biotoxin from contaminated aquatic media.RESULTSInfrared, Boehm titration, BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) surface area and point of zero charge analysis were employed for surface characterization. Kinetic and equilibrium studies showed that biotoxin biosorption was well predicted by the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model. Zearalenone was removed from the solution over a wide pH range (3.0–8.0) and within a short time (15 min). Maximum uptake capacity of modified biomass was recorded as 23.30 ± 0.17 g kg−1. Highest removal yield in a dynamic flow mode (94.56 ± 0.13%) was achieved at 2 mL min−1 flow rate using 30 mg biosorbent. Regeneration experiments revealed high reusability potential of suggested biosorbent. Moreover, its application potential was tested in spiked samples of malt, beer and canned corn liquid.CONCLUSIONDetoxification potential of this renewable biomass was significantly enhanced after modification. Modified biomass could be used as an efficient and low‐cost green‐type material with good application potential for zearalenone detoxification. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The Hadlock Method Is Superior to Newer Methods for the Prediction of the Birth Weight Percentile
Authors: Blue Nathan R. , Savabi Mariam , Beddow Meghan E , Katukuri Vivek R. , Fritts Cody M. , Izquierdo Luis A. , Chao Conrad R. 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesTo compare a traditional ultrasound (US) method for estimated fetal weight (EFW) calculation and fetal growth restriction diagnosis with 2 newer methods for the prediction of small for gestational age (SGA) at birth.MethodsWe reviewed deliveries at our institution from January 1, 2013, to March 31, 2017. Singleton, nonanomalous, well‐dated fetuses with a US examination within 2 weeks of delivery were included. Estimated fetal weights and percentiles were calculated by a traditional method (Hadlock et al; Radiology 1991; 181:129–133) and 2 newer methods: Intergrowth‐21st (INTG; Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017; 49:478–486) and Salomon et al (Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2007; 29:550–555). We calculated each method's test characteristics to predict SGA (birth weight < 10th percentile) using both traditional (EFW < 10th percentile) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC)‐derived fetal growth restriction cutoffs. Mean percentile discrepancies between EFW and birth weight measurements were calculated to compare method accuracy. We hypothesized that the INTG and Salomon methods would have superior SGA prediction compared with the Hadlock method.ResultsOf 831 pregnancies with a US examination within 2 weeks of delivery, 138 (16.7%) were SGA at birth. Hadlock had the smallest US–birth weight percentile discrepancy (P < .001 versus both INTG and Salomon). When comparing ROC curves, the Hadlock and INTG methods performed comparably, with areas under the curve of 0.91 and 0.90 (P = .08) and optimal EFW cutoffs of the 15th and 22nd percentiles, respectively. The Salomon method performed less well, with an area under the curve of 0.82 (P < .001 versus both Hadlock and INTG methods).ConclusionsIn our study cohort, the Hadlock method predicted the birth weight percentile more accurately than the INTG or Salomon methods and performed comparably with INTG to predict SGA when ROC‐derived cutoffs were used.
Methotrexate Administration to Patients With Presumed Ectopic Pregnancy Leads to Methotrexate Exposure of Intrauterine Pregnancies
Authors: Fridman Dmitry , Hawkins Eleanor , Dar Peer , Chudnoff Scott , Rotenberg Ohad , Chong Woojin , Xie Xianhong , Mehta Sukrant , Levie Mark 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveTo report clinical experience with methotrexate (MTX) treatment for suspected but not definite ectopic pregnancy (EP).MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study. All patients treated with MTX for presumed EP between 2000 and 2016 were included. Demographic, clinical, sonographic, and outcome data were collected and analyzed.ResultsA total of 820 patients were treated with MTX, 692 (84.4%) of which were lacking definitive features of EP; 155 (22.4%) failed to follow up until complete resolution and were excluded. Retrospective sonographic categorization was applied to 537 patients; of those patients, 393 (73.2%) were categorized as probable EPs, 136 (25.3%) pregnancies of unknown location (PULs), and 8 (1.5%) probable intrauterine pregnancies (IUPs). Sixteen were eventually diagnosed with IUP: 6 from the probable EPs, 9 from the PULs, and 1 from the probable IUP group. Patients with final diagnosis of IUP had higher values of β–human chorionic gonadotropin as well as lower prevalence of adnexal mass (38% versus 74%; P = .003), higher prevalence of intracavitary fluid (44% versus 9%; P = .0004) and thicker endometrium (17.1 ± 11.8 versus 9.7 ± 5.6; P = .04). None of the sonographic parameters were able to distinguish patients with IUP. One patient of the 16 with IUP was diagnosed with a viable pregnancy, and 7 additional patients had a possible viable pregnancy. None of them elected to continue the pregnancy.ConclusionsMost patients with suspected EP who are eligible for medical treatment lack definitive sonographic features of EP. Treatment with MTX in such cases should be delayed, as clinically reasonable, to improve the diagnosis and prevent inadvertent administration of MTX to patients with a viable IUP.
Effect of Ultrasound‐Guided Intercostal Nerve Block Versus Fluoroscopy‐Guided Epidural Nerve Block in Patients With Thoracic Herpes Zoster: A Comparative Study
Authors: Lee Hyo Jeong , Park Hong Souk , Moon Hyun Im , Yoon Seo Yeon 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesTo compare the efficacy of a conventional fluoroscopy‐guided epidural nerve block and an ultrasound (US)‐guided intercostal nerve block in patients with thoracic herpes zoster (HZ).MethodsThis work was a comparative study of 38 patients with thoracic HZ pain and a chest wall herpetic eruption, aged 18 years or older, with pain intensity of 5 or greater on a numeric rating scale (NRS) for less than a 1‐month duration. Patients were consecutively enrolled and assigned to 2 groups in which the intervention was either the US‐guided intercostal nerve block or the fluoroscopy‐guided epidural nerve block approach with the addition of a 5‐mL mix of 2.5 mg of dexamethasone plus 0.5% lidocaine. The primary outcome measure was the NRS score reduction for the pain. Secondary outcomes included the duration of treatment, number of repeated injections until the final visit, and proportion of patients with pain relief after the first and final visits.ResultsAll patients within both intervention groups showed significant pain relief on the NRS at the final follow‐up point (P < .05). There was no significant difference in the mean value of NRS improvement based on the intervention type. There was also no statistically significant difference in the duration of treatment and the frequency of injection for pain relief.ConclusionsThese findings showed that both the US‐guided intercostal nerve block and the fluoroscopy‐guided epidural nerve block were effective in patients with thoracic HZ. Compared data showed no significant differences in the pain reduction, duration of treatment, and frequency of injection. The US‐guided intercostal nerve block, which is more accessible than the fluoroscopy‐guided epidural nerve block, might be an alternative option for thoracic HZ.
Limited Added Value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging After Dynamic Transvaginal Ultrasound for Preoperative Staging of Endometriosis in Daily Practice: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Berger Judith P. , Rhemrev Johann , Smeets Maddy , Henneman Onno , English James , Jansen Frank W. 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesTo assess the added value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after dynamic transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) in the diagnostic pathway for preoperative staging of pelvic endometriosis.MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted between April 22, 2014, and May 1, 2015. During that period, 363 patients with a clinical suspicion of endometriosis were included. All patients underwent a history, clinical examination, and dynamic TVUS examination. Most of the patients (n = 274) underwent conservative treatment according to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology guidelines. Eighty‐nine patients were selected for surgery, of whom 72 patients underwent the complete diagnostic pathway: ie, history, clinical examination, dynamic TVUS, and MRI. All data were analyzed by the nonparametric McNemar test for comparing each step in the diagnostic algorithm.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity for the history, pelvic examination, and dynamic TVUS were 93.7% and 55.6% (P < .001), respectively; when MRI findings were included, the sensitivity and specificity were 85.9% and 62.5%. Adding MRI routinely to the diagnostic procedure of endometriosis did not significantly improve the sensitivity or specificity.ConclusionsThere is no significant added value of routine MRI after dynamic TVUS for the preoperative staging of endometriosis.
Prediction of Clinical Prognosis according to Intermetatarsal Distance and Neuroma Size on Ultrasonography in Morton Neuroma: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Park Young Hwan , Kim Tae Jin , Choi Gi Won , Kim Hak Jun 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate the clinical importance of intermetatarsal distance, size of neuroma, and proportion of neuroma in the intermetatarsal space in examinations of Morton neuroma using ultrasonography.MethodsClinical prognosis was observed prospectively after corticosteroid injections in 136 patients with Morton neuroma, and the results were compared with ultrasonographic parameters of intermetatarsal distance, size of neuroma, and proportion of neuroma in the intermetatarsal space.ResultsTwenty‐one patients (15%) did not respond to corticosteroid injections and underwent surgical treatment for Morton neuroma. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the size of the neuroma was the sole predictor of failure of corticosteroid injections (P = .002). No other factors were significant for the prediction of clinical prognosis (P > .05).ConclusionsThe size of the neuroma on ultrasonography is the sole predictor of corticosteroid injection failure, while intermetatarsal distance and proportion of neuroma in the intermetatarsal space are not significant when predicting clinical prognosis of Morton neuroma.
Evaluation of Fetal Left Ventricular Size and Function Using Speckle‐Tracking and the Simpson Rule
Authors: DeVore Greggory R. , Klas Berthold , Satou Gary , Sklansky Mark 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to evaluate left ventricular (LV) size and function in healthy fetuses and to test a cohort of fetuses at risk for abnormal function using speckle‐tracking software.MethodsTwo hundred control fetuses were examined between 20 and 40 weeks’ gestation. With the use of offline speckle‐tracking software, the end‐diastolic and end‐systolic volumes were measured and the following computed: stroke volume (SV), SV per kilogram, cardiac output (CO), CO per kilogram, and ejection fraction. These were regressed against 7 independent variables related to the size, weight, and age of the fetuses. Five fetuses with risk factors for LV dysfunction were examined to sample the validity of the data from the control group.ResultsThe R2 values for measurements of the end‐diastolic volume, SV, and CO correlated with the 7 independent variables of fetal size and age (0.7–0.78), whereas the SV/kg, CO/kg, and ejection fraction had lower R2 values (0.02–0.1). The measurements were normally distributed (Shapiro‐Wilke > 0.5). The 5 fetuses at risk for abnormal LV function had measurements of LV size and function that were consistent with the expected pathologic condition.ConclusionsSpeckle tracking can provide a comprehensive evaluation of the size and function of the fetal LV.
Fetal Tachycardia Is an Independent Risk Factor for Chromosomal Anomalies in First‐Trimester Genetic Screening
Authors: Espinoza Andres F. , Lee Wesley , Belfort Michael A. , Shamshirsaz Alireza A. , Mastrobattista Joan , Espinoza Jimmy 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesThe association of an abnormal fetal heart rate (FHR) and chromosomal anomalies in the first trimester of pregnancy remains unclear, probably because of the lack of control for known confounding factors. This study was designed to determine whether an increased FHR is an independent risk factor for chromosomal anomalies between 11 and 14 weeks’ gestation.MethodsThis cohort study included women who underwent first‐trimester genetic screening between 2011 and 2014 at a single institution. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine whether an FHR of 170 beats per minute (bpm) or higher, derived from a receiver operating characteristic curve, is an independent risk factor for all chromosomal anomalies while controlling for known confounding factors. P < .05 was considered significant.ResultsAn FHR of 170 bpm or higher was observed in 7% (228 of 3254), and chromosomal anomalies were present in 1.0% (31 of 3254) of the population. A higher proportion of fetuses with an FHR of 170 bpm or higher had chromosomal anomalies compared to those with an FHR lower than 170 bpm. An FHR of 170 bpm or higher was an independent risk factor for chromosomal anomalies after controlling for known confounding factors. Of note, in the group of fetuses with a nuchal translucency above the 95th percentile, the frequency of chromosomal anomalies was significantly higher among fetuses with an FHR of 170 bpm or higher compared to those with an FHR lower than 170 bpm.ConclusionsFetal tachycardia is a risk factor for chromosomal anomalies during first‐trimester genetic screening, independent of increased nuchal translucency, nuchal septations, and maternal age.