bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomised controlled trial comparing skin closure in total knee arthroplasty in the same knee: nylon suturesversusskin staples
Authors: Yuenyongviwat V. , Iamthanaporn K. , Hongnaparak T. , Tangtrakulwanich B. 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesNylon sutures and skin staples are used commonly in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgical wound closure. However, there is no study that compares the wound healing efficacy and patient satisfaction scores of both techniques in the same knee.MethodsWe randomised 70 patients who underwent primary TKA into two groups. In one group of 34 patients, the skin at the upper half of the wound was closed with skin staples and the lower half of the wound was closed with simple interrupted nylon sutures. In the other group of 36 patients, the skin at the upper half of the wound was closed with nylon stitches and the lower half of the wound was closed with skin staples. We recorded the wound closure time, pain score at the time of stitch removal, wound complication rate, patient satisfaction score, and the Hollander wound evaluation score at the post-operative periods of five days, 14 days, six weeks, three months, and six months. Each half wound was analysed separately.ResultsThe mean patient body mass index was 26.8 kg/m2(standard deviation 6.3). A total of 70 nylon stitched wounds and 70 skin stapled wounds were analysed. There were no significant differences in wound complication rates, patient satisfaction score, and the Hollander wound evaluation score between both types of wounds (p > 0.05). The wound closure time for skin stapled wounds was significantly lower than the nylon stitched wounds (p < 0.001). However, the skin stapled wounds had a significantly higher pain score at the time of stitch removal (p < 0.001).ConclusionSkin staples and nylon stitches had comparable results with respect to wound healing and patient satisfaction in TKA wound closure in non-obese patients. The benefit of skin staples over nylon stitches was a decrease in operative time, but was more painful upon removal. Cite this article: V. Yuenyongviwat. A randomised controlled trial comparing skin closure in total knee arthroplasty in the same knee: nylon sutures versus skin staples. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:185–190. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.55.2000629.
Sewage sludge as barrier material for heavy metals in waste landfill
Authors: Zhang Huyuan , Yang Bo , Zhang Guangwei , Zhang Xuechao 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Heavy metal pollutants in the leachate of waste landfill are a potential threat to the environment. In this study, the feasibility of using municipal sewage sludge as barrier material for the containment of heavy metal pollutants from solid waste landfills was evaluated by compaction test and hydraulic conductivity test concerning compaction property, impermeability and heavy metal retardation. Results of the compaction test showed that the maximum dry density of 0.79 g·cm−3 was achieved at the optimum water content of about 60%. The hydraulic conductivities of compacted sewage sludge permeated with synthetic heavy metal solutions were in the range of 1.3×10−8 – 6.2×10−9 cm·s−1, less than 1.0 ×10−7cm·s−1 recommended by regulations for barrier materials. Chemical analyses on the effluent from the hydraulic conductivity tests indicated that the two target heavy metals, Zn and Cd in the permeants were all retarded by compacted sewage sludge, which might be attributed to the precipitation and adsorption of heavy metal ions. The results of this study suggest that specially prepared material from sewage sludge could be used as a barrier for waste landfills for its low permeability and strong retardation to heavy metal pollutants.
Identification and characterisation of oil sludge degrading bacteria isolated from compost
Authors: Ubani Onyedikachi , Atagana Harrison Ifeanyichukwu , Thantsha Mapitsi Silvester , Rasheed Adeleke 
Published: May 2016

AbstractCompounds present in oil sludge such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known to be cytotoxic, mutagenic and potentially carcinogenic. Microorganisms including bacteria and fungi have been reported to degrade oil sludge components to innocuous compounds such as carbon dioxide, water and salts. In the present study, we isolated different bacteria with PAH-degrading capabilities from compost prepared from oil sludge and animal manures. These bacteria were isolated on a mineral base medium and mineral salt agar plates. A total of 31 morphologically distinct isolates were carefully selected from 5 different compost treatments for identification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the 16S rRNA gene with specific primers (universal forward 16S-P1 PCR and reverse 16S-P2 PCR). The amplicons were sequenced and sequences were compared with the known nucleotides from the GenBank. The phylogenetic analyses of the isolates showed that they belong to 3 different clades; Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. These bacteria identified were closely related to the generaBacillus, Arthrobacter, Staphylococcus, Brevibacterium, Variovorax, Paenibacillus, Ralstonia and Geobacillus.The results showed thatBacillus species were predominant in all composts. Based on the results of the degradation of the PAHs in the composts and results of previous studies on bacterial degradation of hydrocarbons in oil, the characteristics of these bacterial isolates suggests that they may be responsible for the breakdown of PAHs of different molecular weights in the composts. Thus, they may be potentially useful for bioremediation of oil sludge during compost bioremediation.
Dynamic Control for Gas Pipeline Systems
Authors: Osiadacz Andrzej J. , Chaczykowski Maciej 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
An algorithm for optimal control of a gas network with any configuration based upon hierarchical control and decomposition of the network is described. Local problems are solved using a gradient technique. The subsystems are coordinated using „good coordination” method to find the overall optimum. Discrete state equation for the case in which output pressures are treated as elements of the control vector has been formulated. Results of investigations are included.
The Calculation of Methane Concentration Emitted from the Coal Face
Authors: Zapletal Pavel , Prokop Pavel , Štemberka Martin , Gibesová Beáta , Vavříková Eva , Trčková Helena 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The Paskov Mine belongs to the company OKD, a.s. with the production of hard coking coal from 1970. The applied mining method is the slabbing method in controlled caving, excavating the coal pillar by means of coal plough equipment loading mine run on rake conveyers and securing the excavation area with individual hydraulic or mechanical supports. The coal face is planned as one of the coal faces in continuous extraction of the seam by a shearer.
Using the shearer at mines in the Paskov Mine is not a novelty. Shearer mining represents some problems. Besides the hazard of methane-air ignition, there is a mixture of coal dust - methane - air, which is more dangerous even in the case of lower concentrations of dust and methane than their individual lower limits of explosiveness. A decision was made then that shearers would gradually be replaced with coal ploughs in all coal faces.
The article contains the calculation of the volume of methane emitted as a result of excavation, determining methane concentration during excavation, lowering the hazard of methane layers being formed, and finally evaluating the suitability of the proposed system of the coal face ventilation.
Estimation of the Parameters Affecting the Water Pipelines on the Mining Terrains with A Use of An Adaptive Fuzzy System
Authors: Malinowska Agnieszka , Hejmanowski Ryszard , Rusek Janusz 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The research presented in this paper is basically focused on two objectives. Firstly, the selection of parameters affecting the water supply network damage. The causes of failures were selected from a population of tens of breakdown cases and then classified in view of their importance. Secondly, attention was paid to the selection of the most suitable linguistic model which could be commonly used for selecting factors which generate failures. Finally a Mamdani-based model could be worked out as a system possessing best generalization qualities. This model can create bases for an adaptative decision system which can show the type of water supply-sewage network, depending on continuous surface strains due to the mining activity.
Seasonal mortality patterns and regional contrasts in Portugal
Authors: Almendra Ricardo , Santana Paula , Freire Elisabete , Vasconcelos João 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The main aim of this study is to identify the geographical seasonal mortality patterns in Portugal and, for the first time, to assess the relationship between seasonal and overall mortality. Monthly data from the Portuguese mortality database (2000-2009) by major cause of death were analysed and standardized to 30 days with adjustments for leap years. The chi-square goodness-of-fit test was used to compare the observed monthly deaths with deaths that could be expected if mortality were randomly distributed throughout the year. The seasonal burden was measured using the excess winter deaths (EWD) rate and the seasonal impact of winter on mortality was assessed through the EWD Index. The regions were clustered according to the overall mortality rate and the seasonal impact: 1-low seasonality and high values of overall mortality; 2-high seasonality and high values of overall mortality; 3-low values of seasonality and low overall mortality; 4-high seasonality and low overall mortality. Significant seasonal mortality increases were found in all causes of death. There were 86,000 EWDs, mostly through circulatory and respiratory diseases. 73% of the population lives in regions with high winter vulnerability to respiratory mortality and 60% in regions with high winter vulnerability to circulatory mortality. This study reinforces the idea that vulnerability to cold weather may play an important role in the public health in Portugal. This knowledge may be used to construct a set of regulations or policies designed to implement better health planning procedures and more effective warning systems.
Anne Sexton’s Confessional Tradition and Individual Talent
Authors: Gad Barsoom Fikry Barsoom 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
In his influential essay “Tradition and the Individual Talent,” T. S. Eliot emphasizes the significance of tradition as well as the inevitability of the present talent of the artist. He argues that every artist has his own original and individual themes and techniques that separate him from and link him with his predecessors at the same time. Anne Sexton, the Confessional American woman poet, is a good example that proves this everlasting notion of the allusion to “the dead poets” of the past together with the inevitable existence of the innovative original talent of the poet. Chiefly, Sexton is labeled “Confessional” and is compared with the most remarkable Confessional poets. However, the Confessional mode is not a new movement; it has its roots in the British tradition of the Metaphysical lyrics. It is also manifest in the American tradition of Puritan Poetry. Moreover, Confessional themes and techniques can be seen in the poetry of some Modernists. Meanwhile, Anne Sexton’s exceptional Confessional “individual talent” makes her a unique Confessional poet: the uncommon imperfect raw confessions, the unconventional bold sexual imagery, the fearful and astonishing religious symbols and the excessive degrees of “impersonality” are all characteristic examples of Sexton’s creative Confessional art.
Construction of Scalar and Vector Finite Element Families on Polygonal and Polyhedral Meshes
Authors: Gillette Andrew , Rand Alexander , Bajaj Chandrajit 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
We combine theoretical results from polytope domain meshing, generalized barycentric coordinates, and finite element exterior calculus to construct scalar- and vector-valued basis functions for conforming finite element methods on generic convex polytope meshes in dimensions 2 and 3.
Our construction recovers well-known bases for the lowest order Nédélec, Raviart–Thomas, and Brezzi–Douglas–Marini elements on simplicial meshes and generalizes the notion of Whitney forms to non-simplicial convex polygons and polyhedra.
We show that our basis functions lie in the correct function space with regards to global continuity and that they reproduce the requisite polynomial differential forms described by finite element exterior calculus.
We present a method to count the number of basis functions required to ensure these two key
properties.
Associated forms and hypersurface singularities: The binary case
Authors: Alper Jarod , Isaev Alexander 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
In the recent articles [5, 1], it was conjectured that all rational

GL
n

{\mathrm{GL}_{n}}

-invariant functions of forms of degree

d
≥
3

{d\geq 3}

on

ℂ
n

{\mathbb{C}^{n}}

can be extracted, in a canonical way, from those of forms of degree

n
⁢

(

d
-
2

)

{n(d-2)}

by means of assigning to every form with nonvanishing discriminant the so-called associated form. The conjecture was confirmed in [5] for binary forms of degree

d
≤
6

{d\leq 6}

as well as for ternary cubics. Furthermore, a weaker version of it was settled in [1] for arbitrary n and d. In the present paper, we focus on the case

n
=
2

{n=2}

and establish the conjecture, in a rather explicit way, for binary forms of an arbitrary degree.
Block-preconditioners for the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations discretized by a finite volume method
Authors: He Xin , Vuik Cornelis , Klaij Christiaan 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The modified augmented Lagrangian preconditioner has attracted much attention in solving nondimensional Navier–Stokes equations discretized by the finite element method. In industrial applications the governing equations are often in dimensional form and discretized using the finite volume method. This paper assesses the capability of this preconditioner for dimensional Navier–Stokes equations in the context of the finite volume method. Two main contributions are made. First, this paper introduces a new dimensionless parameter that is involved in the modified augmented Lagrangian preconditioner. Second, with a number of academic test problems this paper reveals that the convergence of both nonlinear and linear iterations depend on this dimensionless parameter. A way to choose the optimal value of the dimensionless parameter is suggested and it is found that the optimal value is dependent of the Reynolds number, instead of the fluid’s properties, e.g.,
density and dynamic viscosity. The outcomes of this paper yield a potential rule to choose the optimal dimensionless parameter in practice, namely, correspondingly increasing with enlarging the Reynolds number.
The Running Performance Profile of Elite Gaelic Football Match-Play
Authors: Malone Shane , Solan Barry , Collins Kieran 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Malone, S, Solan, B, and Collins, K. Title: The running performance profile of elite Gaelic football match-play. J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 30–36, 2017—The current study examined (a) the match running performance of Gaelic football and (b) the decrement in match running performance with respect to position. Global positioning satellite system technologies (4-Hz; VX Sport) were used with 3 elite intercounty teams across 3 full seasons with 250 full game data sets collected. Game movements were classified according to game actions and distance covered across speed zone thresholds (total distance [TD], high-speed running distance [HSRD; ≥17 km·h−1], sprint distance [SD; ≥22 km·h−1]; accelerations [n]; peak speed [km·h−1]). The influence of running performance in each quarter on the subsequent quarter was analyzed across all positional roles. The mean (±SD) TD and HSRD covered during the game were 8,889 ± 1,448 m and 1,596 ± 594 m, respectively. Results show a temporal profile for TD with reductions in the second (−4.1%), third (−5.9%) and fourth (−3.8%) quarters, respectively. There was a significant reduction in HSRD in the second (−8.8%), third (−15.9%), and fourth (−19.8%) quarters when compared to the first quarter (p < 0.001). Positional differences were observed for distance-based measures with the middle 3 positions (half-back, midfield, and half-forward) completing the highest running performances. These positions also showed increased decrements in TD and HSRD and SD across quarters. The current data indicate a reduction in exercise intensity over the duration of elite Gaelic football match-play. It is unclear if this reduction is because of fatigue, pacing, contextual factors, or nutritional strategies employed by players.
Adaptation of Perceptual Responses to Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction Training
Authors: Martín-Hernández Juan , Ruiz-Aguado Jorge , Herrero Azael J. , Loenneke Jeremy P. , Aagaard Per , Cristi-Montero Carlos , Menéndez Héctor , Marín Pedro J. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Martín-Hernández, J, Ruiz-Aguado, J, Herrero, AJ, Loenneke, JP, Aagaard, P, Cristi-Montero, C, Menéndez, H, and Marín, PJ. Adaptation of perceptual responses to low-load blood flow restriction training. J Strength Cond Res 31(3): 765–772, 2017—The purpose of this study was to determine the adaptive response of ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and pain over 6 consecutive training sessions. Thirty subjects were assigned to either a blood flow restriction training (BFRT) group or a high-intensity resistance training (HIT) group. Blood flow–restricted training group performed 4 sets (30 + 15 + 15 + 15, respectively) of unilateral leg extension at an intensity of 20% one repetition maximum (1RM) while a restrictive cuff was applied to the most proximal part of the leg. The HIT group performed 3 sets of 8 repetitions with 85% 1RM. Ratings of perceived exertion and pain were assessed immediately after each exercise set along the 6 training sessions and were then averaged to obtain the overall RPE and pain per session. Statistical analyses showed significant main effects for group (p ≤ 0.05) and time (p < 0.001). Ratings of perceived exertion values dropped from session 1 to session 6 in both BFRT (8.12 ± 1.3 to 5.7 ± 1.1, p < 0.001) and HIT (8.5 ± 1.2 to 6.40 ± 1.2, p < 0.001). Similar results were observed regarding pain ratings (BFRT: 8.12 ± 1.3 to 5.90 ± 1.55, p < 0.001; HIT: 6.22 ± 1.7 to 5.14 ± 1.42, p < 0.01). Our results indicate that RPE was higher after HIT, whereas differences did not reach significance regarding pain. These perceptual responses were attenuated over time, and the time course of this adaptive response was similar between BFRT and HIT. In summary, BFRT induces a marked perceptual response to training, comparable with that observed with HIT. However, this response becomes attenuated with continuous practice, leading to moderate values of RPE and pain. Perceptual responses may not limit the application of BFRT to highly motivated individuals.
Urokinase links plasminogen activation and cell adhesion by cleavage of the RGD motif in vitronectin
Authors: De Lorenzi Valentina , Sarra Ferraris Gian Maria , Madsen Jeppe B , Lupia Michela , Andreasen Peter A , Sidenius Nicolai 
Published: May 2016

AbstractComponents of the plasminogen activation system including urokinase (uPA), its inhibitor (PAI‐1) and its cell surface receptor (uPAR) have been implicated in a wide variety of biological processes related to tissue homoeostasis. Firstly, the binding of uPA to uPAR favours extracellular proteolysis by enhancing cell surface plasminogen activation. Secondly, it promotes cell adhesion and signalling through binding of the provisional matrix protein vitronectin. We now report that uPA and plasmin induces a potent negative feedback on cell adhesion through specific cleavage of the RGD motif in vitronectin. Cleavage of vitronectin by uPA displays a remarkable receptor dependence and requires concomitant binding of both uPA and vitronectin to uPAR. Moreover, we show that PAI‐1 counteracts the negative feedback and behaves as a proteolysis‐triggered stabilizer of uPAR‐mediated cell adhesion to vitronectin. These findings identify a novel and highly specific function for the plasminogen activation system in the regulation of cell adhesion to vitronectin. The cleavage of vitronectin by uPA and plasmin results in the release of N‐terminal vitronectin fragments that can be detected in vivo, underscoring the potential physiological relevance of the process.
A thymic neuroendocrine tumour in a young female: a rare cause of relapsing and remitting Cushing’s syndrome
Authors: Trott M J , Farah G , Stokes V J , Wang L M , Grossman A B 
Published: May 2016

Summary
We present a case of a young female patient with a rare cause of relapsing and remitting Cushing’s syndrome due to ectopic ACTH secretion from a thymic neuroendocrine tumour. A 34-year-old female presented with a constellation of symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome, including facial swelling, muscle weakness and cognitive impairment. We use the terms ‘relapsing and remitting’ in this case report, given the unpredictable time course of symptoms, which led to a delay of 2 years before the correct diagnosis of hypercortisolaemia. Diagnostic workup confirmed ectopic ACTH secretion, and a thymic mass was seen on mediastinal imaging. The patient subsequently underwent thymectomy with complete resolution of her symptoms. Several case series have documented the association of Cushing’s syndrome with thymic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), although to our knowledge there are a few published cases of patients with relapsing and remitting symptoms. This case is also notable for the absence of features of the MEN-1 syndrome, along with the female gender of our patient and her history of non-smoking.

Learning points

Ectopic corticotrophin (ACTH) secretion should always be considered in the diagnostic workup of young patients with Cushing’s syndrome
There is a small but growing body of literature describing the correlation between ectopic ACTH secretion and thymic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)
The possibility of a MEN-1 syndrome should be considered in all patients with thymic NETs, and we note the observational association with male gender and cigarette smoking in this cohort
An exception to these associations is the finding of relatively high incidence of thymic NETs among female non-smoking MEN-1 patients in the Japanese compared with Western populations
The relapsing and remitting course of our patient’s symptoms is noteworthy, given the paucity of this finding among other published cases