bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simulation of GAP/HTPB phase behaviors in plasticizers and its application in composite solid propellant
Authors: Ma Song , Du Wenqian , Luo Yunjun 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Dissipative particle dynamics and molecular simulations were carried out to investigate the phase behaviors of glycidyl azide polymer (GAP)/hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) polymer blend in dioctyl sebacate (DOS), and mixture of DOS and bis(2,2-dinitropropyl)formal/acetal (A3), respectively. The rheology of GAP/HTPB propellant slurry plasticized by A3/DOS was studied. First, single-phase aggregations of GAP and HTPB appear slightly in A3/DOS whereas it is conspicuous in DOS, which results from the small surface tension between the GAP/HTPB plasticized by A3/DOS and the weak thermal diffusion of this blend. Furthermore, with the plasticizing ratio (po/pl) increasing to 1.2, the GAP/HTPB propellant slurry plasticized by A3/DOS exhibits small viscosity and yield stress, and the Newtonian-like behavior of slurry improves its manufacturability. Finally, integral GAP/HTPB-based propellant can be obtained using A3/DOS as plasticizers.
Online or Not? What Factors Affect Equity Crowdfunding Platforms to Launch Projects Online in the Pre-Investment Stage?
Authors: Zhang Daru , Li Yaokuang , Wu Juan , Long Dan 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
This article draws on signal theory and the research findings of local bias in VC to examine how geographic distance (GD) and different signals affect equity crowdfunding platforms launching projects online. We find that local bias still exists in the pre-investment stage of equity crowdfunding. Equity crowdfunding platforms prefer to launch local projects online. We also prove that signals of media usage and start-ups’ quality (credit) are positively correlated with the launching of projects on platforms. Moreover, the platform is more inclined to list projects initiated by firms engaging in strategic emerging industries online. Above all, the signal of project risk fully mediates the relationship between start-ups’ quality and the launching of projects online. Empirical analyses are based on the dataset of equity crowdfunding projects on the Dahuotou equity crowdfunding platform (http://www.dahuotou.cn/) during 2014–2017.
Diversity of Fungi in Rhizoplane, Rhizosphere and Edaphosphere of Sunflower at Different Stages of its Development
Authors: Kostyuchenko N.I. , Lyakh V.A. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe genus and species composition of the micromycete complex in the root zone (rhizoplane, rhizosphere and edaphosphere) of sunflower at the beginning of flowering and full maturity stages during its cultivation on leached chernozem was studied. It was established that representatives of the genera Aspergillus, Botrytis, Gliocladium, Fusarium, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Rhizopus and Trichoderma formed the complex of typical fungi of the rhizoplane and rhizosphere. At the stage of flowering in the mycocenosis, the species Paecilomyces lilacinus, Paecilomyces variotii and Trichoderma viride dominated, and in the maturity stage Rhizopus nigricans, Penicillium nigricans, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium moniliforme var. subglutinans prevailed. The phytopathogenic complex at the flowering stage formed the species of the genera Fusarium and Rhizopus, and by the end of the vegetation the variety of potential pathogens was expanded by representatives of the genera Alternaria, Botrytis and Gliocladium. A comparative analysis of the micromycete complex revealed a similarity of the dominant species of the rhizoplane and rhizosphere in different stages of sunflower development. However, by the end of the vegetation in the rhizosphere, compared to rhizoplane, the abundance of fungi of the species Fusarium moniliforme var. subglutinans and Penicillium nigricans increased significantly. As for edaphosphere, Rhizopus nigricans, Trichoderma viride and Penicillium nigricans dominated during sunflower flowering, and by the end of the crop vegetation the number of micromycetes of the genus Fusarium was reduced while the proportion of micromycetes of the genus Rhizopus increased significantly.
Immobilized enzymolysis of corn gluten meal under triple-frequency ultrasound
Authors: Qu Wenjuan , Sehemu Raya Masoud , Zhang Tian , Song Bingjie , Yang Lan , Ren Xiaofeng , Ma Haile 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

The single frequency ultrasound mode is difficult to achieve an higher enzymolysis efficiency. The cost of protein enzymatic hydrolysis, using free enzyme is higher because the enzyme cannot be used repeatedly. Therefore, the effects of triple-frequency ultrasound (TFU) treatment on the performance, kinetics, and thermodynamics of immobilized Alcalase enzymolysis of corn gluten meal (CGM) were investigated in this research. The results showed that degree of hydrolysis (DH), peptide concentration, ACE inhibitory activity, and relative enzyme activity were increased by 20.6 %, 34.4 %, 24.1 %, and 25.8 %, respectively, by TFU treatment at the optimum conditions compared to the control. Kinetics and thermodynamic analyses revealed that TFU treatment successfully decreased the apparent constant (
K

M

) by 27.0 % and increased the reaction rate constants (k) by 32.1 –200 % at 303.15–343.15 K. The energy of activation (E

a

), enthalpy of activation (ΔH), and entropy of activation (ΔS) were reduced by 17.1 %, 15.2 –15.3 %, and 24.1 –31.8 %, respectively. Immobilized enzymolysis assisted by TFU was proved to be an efficient method to increase the enzymolysis efficiency, enzyme activity, and antihypertensive activity of the peptides through performance and mechanism discussion.
Reversible Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome after right operculo-insular contusion from a spear gun trauma through the cranial base
Authors: Acioly Marcus André , Barbosa Marcílio Diogo de Oliveira , Pontes Rosemary Tavares , Müller Marcos , Aguiar Guilherme Brasileiro de 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Background and object
Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome (FCMS) is a rare type of pseudobulbar palsy, which is characterized by anarthria or severe dysarthria and bilateral central facio-linguo-velo-pharyngo-mastigatory paralysis with “automatic voluntary dissociation”. We report on a patient who suffered a reversible FCMS following a spear gun trauma through the cranial base leading to right operculo-insular contusion.

Case Report
This 28-year-old lady attempted suicide by shooting a spear gun into the head through her right submandibular region. Major vessel injury was ruled out and the patient was taken to the operating room for shaft removal. Postoperatively, we observed the mouth half open, drooling saliva, inability to move her tongue, anarthria, bilateral facial weakness, and loss of the gag reflex. Yawning was otherwise preserved resulting in a clinical diagnosis of FCMS. Postoperative imaging demonstrated a right operculoinsular contusion. Symptoms were fully recovered after two years of follow-up.

Conclusion
FCMS is a rare and severe form of pseudobulbar palsy. Unilateral lesions are exceptional but should be recognized, as we presented. Generally, the outcome is moderate to poor but the occurrence in brain trauma can be associated with complete functional recovery.
A novel mutation in the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene of a Hispanic child: metformin treatment shows a beneficial impact on the body mass index
Authors: Hilado Mark A. , Randhawa Ruvdeep S. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Background
Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is a complex polypeptide that produces a variety of biologically active substances via cleavage in a tissue-specific manner [Challis BG, Millington GW. Proopiomelanocortin deficiency. GeneReviews® [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle, 1993–2018], yielding several products including adrenocorticotrophic (ACTH) and melanocyte stimulating hormones (MSH). These peptides have roles in the regulation of food intake, energy homeostasis, adrenal steroidogenesis, melanocyte stimulation and immune modulation. Rare mutations in the POMC gene can lead to ACTH deficiency and thus isolated hypocortisolism. The first cases of POMC mutation were documented by Krude et al. in 1998 [Krude H, Biebermann H, Luck W, Horn R, Brabant G, et al. Severe early-onset obesity, adrenal insufficiency and red hair pigmentation caused by POMC mutations in humans. Nat Genet 1998;19:155–7]. Mutations in the POMC gene were linked with a clinical phenotype of adrenal insufficiency, red hair pigmentation, early onset and rapidly progressive obesity, early onset type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism and growth hormone deficiency.

Case presentation
We describe a prepubertal Hispanic boy with a novel homozygous POMC mutation with severe obesity, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency and abnormal reddish hair pigmentation. The patient presented as a 2-year-old with exponential weight gain, abnormal thyroid labs and speech delay. Laboratory testing demonstrated central adrenal insufficiency and genetic testing confirmed a homozygous mutation (nucleotide change c.20_21ins25) in exon 3 of the POMC gene. Replacement therapy with thyroid hormone and hydrocortisone was coupled to a slight decrease in the rate of weight gain, although hyperphagia persisted. Parent-directed nutrition and activity education as well as attempts to restrict access to food resulted in a plateau of the body mass index (BMI). At 4 years of age, metformin treatment was initiated with the patient showing evolving signs of insulin resistance and failure of lifestyle/dietary intervention to adequately decrease the BMI. Over a 3-year metformin treatment span, the BMI decreased from 34.9 kg/m2 to 32.9 kg/m2.

Conclusions
We demonstrate a possible role for metformin in stemming progressive weight gain, thereby impacting the early onset obesity due to hyperphagia.
Clinical and molecular genetic characterization of two patients with mutations in the phosphoglucomutase 1 (PGM1) gene
Authors: Ding Yu , Li Niu , Chang Gouying , Li Juan , Yao Ruen , Shen Yiping , Wang Jian , Huang Xiaodong , Wang Xiumin 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Background
The phosphoglucomutase 1 (PGM1) enzyme plays a central role in glucose homeostasis by catalyzing the inter-conversion of glucose 1-phosphate and glucose 6-phosphate. Recently, PGM1 deficiency has been recognized as a cause of the congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDGs).

Methods
Two Chinese Han pediatric patients with recurrent hypoglycemia, hepatopathy and growth retardation are described in this study. Targeted gene sequencing (TGS) was performed to screen for causal genetic variants in the genome of the patients and their parents to determine the genetic basis of the phenotype.

Results
DNA sequencing identified three variations of the PGM1 gene (NM_002633.2). Patient 1 had a novel homozygous mutation (c.119delT, p.Ile40Thrfs*28). In patient 2, we found a compound heterozygous mutation of c.1172G>T(p.Gly391Val) (novel) and c.1507C>T(p.Arg503*) (known pathogenic).

Conclusions
This report deepens our understanding of the clinical features of PGM1 mutation. The early molecular genetic analysis and multisystem assessment were here found to be essential to the diagnosis of PGM1-CDG and the provision of timely and proper treatment.
A multidisciplinary approach to pregnancy loss: the pregnancy loss prevention center
Authors: Young Bruce K. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Background
Pregnancy loss is probably the most common problem faced by women worldwide. There are differences in the rates of early and late pregnancy loss based on geography among the developing compared with the developed nations of the world. Most physicians worldwide have different criteria for treating pregnancy loss. Although pregnancy loss is not a disease, it might be best approached with a medical evaluation in order to define the cause and offer specific treatment.

Methods
This report describes the results obtained by a multi-disciplinary pregnancy loss prevention center in the initial 104 patients.

Results
The most common diagnoses were Asherman syndrome (intrauterine adhesions), cervical insufficiency and uterine fibroids, accounting for 47% of the patients. When the diagnosis was not obtained, which occurred in 19% of the patients, in vitro fertilization (IVF) was the treatment provided. Specifically diagnosed and treated patients achieved a 91% success rate. The 19 patients without a specific diagnosis who were treated with IVF had a 60% success rate. Thus patients for whom it was possible to specifically diagnose and treat had better results (P<0.01 t-test). There was an overall success rate of 87% including patients lost to follow-up with this multidisciplinary medical approach.

Conclusion
A pregnancy loss prevention center using the described multidisciplinary model can accomplish success rates of 85–90%. Preventing recurrent pregnancy loss we suggest can best be achieved by a dedicated center with a multidisciplinary medical approach.
Post-stroke upper limb spasticity incidence for different cerebral infarction site
Authors: Jin Yi , Zhao Yuan 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Objective
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence rate of post-stroke upper limb spasticity and its correlation with cerebral infarction site.

Methods
A total of 498 inpatient and outpatient cases are included in the present study. The post-stroke upper limb spasticity rate of different cerebral infarction site was calculated.

Results
A total of 498 patients with cerebral infarction are enrolled in this study. Of these patients, 91 have dropped out and 407 have completed the study. Of the completed cases, 172 are in the spasm group and 235 are in the non-spasm group. The total incidence of upper limb spasticity is 34.5%. The incidences of upper extremity spasms are 12.5%, 20%, 22.5%, 35%, 40%, and 42.5% in 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months, respectively. The incidence of upper extremity spasms increases with time. The incidences of upper limb spasticity are 12.1%, 63.3%, 58.5%, 9.4% and 8.3% when cerebral infarction occurs in the cortical and subcortical mixed areas, basal ganglia and internal capsule, cerebralcortex, brainstem and cerebellum respectively. The incidence of upper limb spasticity varies in different infarction sites (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
The post-stroke upper limb spasticity rates were different according to the different cerebral infarction site. Patients with the ganglia and internal capsule infarctions had the highest risk of developing post-stroke upper limb spasticity.
Effects of Combining Running and Practical Duration Stretching on Proprioceptive Skills of National Sprinters
Authors: Romero-Franco Natalia , Párraga-Montilla Juan Antonio , Molina-Flores Enrique M. , Jiménez-Reyes Pedro 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Romero-Franco, N, Párraga-Montilla, JA, Molina-Flores, EM, and Jiménez-Reyes, P. Effects of combining running and practical duration stretching on proprioceptive skills of national sprinters. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 1158–1165, 2020—Practical duration stretching after aerobic activities is a recommended component of the first part of warm-up because of its effects on performance. However, its effects on proprioceptive skills are unknown. This study aimed to analyze the effects of running and practical duration static stretching (SS) and dynamic stretching (DS) on postural balance and the joint position sense (JPS) of national sprinters. Thirty-two national sprinters were randomly classified into a SS group (n = 11), DS group (n = 11), or control group (n = 10). Static stretching performed 5 minutes of running and short-duration (20 seconds) static stretches; DS performed 5 minutes of running and short-duration dynamic (20 seconds) stretches; and the control group performed 5 minutes of running. Before and after the intervention, unipedal static postural balance and knee JPS were evaluated. Static stretching exhibited a more centralized center of pressure in the medial-lateral plane for unipedal static postural balance in right-leg support after stretching (p = 0.005, d = 1.24), whereas DS showed values further from the center after stretching for the same unipedal support compared with baseline (p = 0.042, d = 0.49), and the control group remained stable (p > 0.05). Joint position sense did not show significant differences in any group (p > 0.05). In conclusion, combining running and practical duration SS may be beneficial for right-leg postural stabilization, whereas DS may be partly and slightly deleterious. Both SS and DS combined with running and running alone have neutral effects on knee JPS. Sports professionals should consider running and practical duration SS as part of the warm-up of sprinters to partly improve unipedal static postural balance.
Development and Validation of an NDT Based on Total Sound Signal Energy
Authors: Son Moorak , Kim Moojun 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
This study proposes a new nondestructive testing (NDT) method for assessing the compressive strength of various materials. The method is based on the total sound signal energy, which is determined using the sound signal generated from impacting an object. A device was devised to generate an impact sound with a test object using a rotating, freefalling impact ball and subsequent repetitive impacts from the rebound action. First, to validate the method, soil cement, cement paste, pine wood, shale, and granite specimens were tested to examine the correlation between the direct compressive strength and the total sound signal energy. Next, the method was applied to a number of concrete test specimens with various sizes and strengths. The test results of the concrete specimens showed a direct relationship between the direct compressive strength and the total sound signal energy, which was dependent on the size of the specimen. Correlation equations between the total sound signal energy and the direct compressive strength were determined for different specimen sizes through regression analysis. The equations were then used to estimate the concrete compressive strength and validate the method. Statistical analysis indicated that the estimated compressive strength determined by the total sound signal energy quite reliably agreed with the directly measured compressive strength, regardless of the specimen size. It is expected that the new NDT method will play a meaningful role in nondestructively estimating the compressive strength of various materials in the future, including concrete.
Influence of Defects on Reinforced Concrete Fracture Performance in Improved Wedge Splitting Tests
Authors: Hu Xin , Hu Shaowei , Fan Xiangqian 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
To predict the crack propagation and failure response of reinforced concrete structure, the effect of defects on reinforced concrete fracture characteristics was investigated. Based on the improved wedge splitting test device (an authorized patent No. ZL201410085111.7, China), specimens with various defects were tested. The formulas for the reinforced concrete double-K fracture parameters were derived, and a matrix describing the influence of defects was given. By this matrix, the defects were quantitatively transformed into the sectional loss and the double-K fracture parameters of these specimens were determined. The initial cracking load, unstable load, critical effective crack length, and unstable toughness were found to be improved significantly by the steel bars, but the initial toughness reduced slightly. In addition, with the increasing of sectional loss caused by defects, the initial cracking load, unstable load, and unstable toughness decreased in different proportions. Nevertheless, the defects were irrelevant to the critical effective crack length and the initial toughness. Besides, the critical interval of sectional loss ranged from 14.78 % to 15.48 % in the tests. Once the sectional loss was beyond this range, the steel bar enhancement on unstable toughness could no longer completely offset its attenuation caused by defects.
Assessment of patient safety culture in a rural tertiary health care hospital of Central India
Authors: Goyal R. C. , Choudhari Sonali 
Published: June 2018

Background: A safety culture assessment provides an organization with a basic understanding of the safety related perceptions and attitudes of its managers and staff. While patient safety has been a major area of research in industrialized nations for over a decade, data on the root causes of unsafe care in low-income settings is sparse. The objective of the study was to assess the patient safety culture in a rural tertiary health care hospital situated in Central India.Methods: A survey conducted during year 2015, in a rural tertiary health care teaching hospital, Maharashtra (India). The study participants were the 156 hospital staff working in various clinical work areas. The agency for healthcare research and quality hospital survey on patient safety culture, a validated instrument is used as an assessment tool.Results: Total 144 participants included in the study, 75 (52%) were females and rest were males 48%. Out of these 111 (77), maximum number of staff (57.05%) was belonging to different intensive care units. 57% of participants had worked in the hospital for 1 to 5 years. For the unit level safety culture dimension, the maximum composite score of positive responses was obtained for “Organizational learning- continuous improvement” (67%) followed by “Hospital management support for patient safety” (65%). On the other hand only 48% survey participants gave an affirmative opinion with respect to “Feedback and communication about error”. For the hospital wide dimensions response rate was obtained as 62% for the “Teamwork across Hospital Units” while for the dimension “Hospital Handoffs & Transitions”, the score came out as 55%.Conclusions: The perception of patient safety and standards of patient safety were fairly good in the present rural tertiary health care hospital, but there is an ample of prospect in improvement with regard to event reporting, feedback and non punitive error.
Awareness on causes and transmission of malaria in rural Kolar of Southern India: a comparative study
Authors: Kumar S. J. Naresh , B. G. Ranganth 
Published: June 2018

Background: Malaria is a major public health problem in several parts of country. Malaria beliefs and practices are often related to culture, and can influence the effectiveness of control strategies. This study was undertaken to assess the awareness of malaria in rural areas of Kolar with varying endemicity.Methods: A cross sectional community based study was conducted. A sample of 207 Household respondents across the Kolar rural area were randomly selected and interviewed to collect information on awareness regarding Malaria. Two villages each were randomly selected from the two PHC areas in Mulbagal Taluk, Kolar District. PHC areas was taken based on annual parasite incidence more than 2 and less than 1 consistently in the past five years by using pre-tested structured proforma. Data analyzed by using epi info 2.5 version software.Results: It was observed that appropriate knowledge regarding malaria transmission from person to person is more in Devarayasamudra Primary Health Center area (69.2%) where API>2 compared to Nangli Primary Health Center area (26.2%) where API<1 and the knowledge regarding causes of malaria is also more in Devarayasamudra PHC area compared to Nangli area. Majority (87%) of the respondents got information about malaria from the health workers at Devarayasamudra PHC area.Conclusions: The Community knowledge on malaria, its transmission and its prevalence and control clearly depends on the endemicity of malaria. The communities studied under Devarayasamudra PHC area which is problematic for malaria had a better knowledge on malaria transmission and its prevention.