bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phytoestrogens
Authors: Mackey Rachel , Eden John 
Published: July 2017

Phytoestrogens are defined as naturally occurring compounds found in plants that are structurally and functionally similar to 17-ß oestradiol or that produce oestrogenic effects. They are diphenolic in structure and are most commonly found in cereals, legumes and grasses. There have been numerous classes identified, the mostly highly investigated being isoflavones and lignans. Isoflavones are attenuated oestrogens. They behave both in vivo and in vitro as agonists and antagonists. Genistein and daidzein are found in high concentrations in soy beans and soy products. Their relative potencies as compared to oestradiol are low but they exhibit equivalent levels of bioactivity when tested in high concentrations. Lignans are found in oilseeds, cereals and berries. The main urinary lignans are enterolactone and enterodiol. Most phytoestrogens are modified by gut flora from glycoside precursors to a compound with oestrogenic properties. A high dietary intake of phytoestrogens was first noted to be associated with decreased incidences of certain diseases. This epidemiological data was obtained primarily from studying Asian populations. Soy consumption is highest in Japan, where urinary levels of phytoestrogen metabolites are extremely high and there are lower rates of so-called ‘Western’ diseases, including breast, endometrial, colon cancers as well as atherosclerotic disease. Research to date has focused on the antiproliferative potential of phytoestrogens, primarily genistein both in vitro and in vivo. Their role in the relief of menopausal symptoms, their hypocholesterolaemic effects and bone resorption protection have been investigated to some extent with promising results. A brief overview of the background of, and the research into, phytoestrogens will be provided in this article.
Survey of British Women's Views on the Menopause and HRT
Authors: Hope Sally , Wager Elizabeth , Rees Margaret 
Published: July 2017

Objective To examine British women's views on the menopause and HRT. Study design Face-to-face interviews with 393 women aged 40–65 (randomly selected to be representative of the UK in terms of geographical region, social class and age) and with a different group of 244 women from across the UK selected according to their HRT use by means of a “snowballing” technique. Main outcome measures Descriptive statistics of women's responses to structured interview. Results Of the 393 women, 17% were currently using HRT (31% of those experiencing menopausal symptoms) and 11% were past users; 51% had discussed HRT with their doctor. Most claimed to know a little (57%) or a lot (25%) about HRT. Reasons for stopping HRT were: side-effects (35%), poor efficacy (24%) and concern about long-term risks (18%). Most current users expected to take HRT long-term: 29% for life, 18% for >5 years and 25% for 2–5 years. 67% of past users and 49% of non-users thought they would take HRT in the future. When considering statements about the menopause, 65% of women felt more would be done if men experienced it, 52% preferred to consult a woman doctor, 60% wanted to learn more about the menopause and 56% were glad that their periods had stopped. Conclusions Compared with past surveys, this suggests that British women's knowledge and use of HRT is increasing. Women may stop HRT if side-effects are troublesome or because of concern about long-term risks. However, many are prepared to use HRT for long periods.
Characterization of potential drug targeting folate transporter proteins from Eukaryotic Pathogens
Authors: Falade Mofolusho O. , Otarigho Benson 
Published: July 2017

Background: Medically important pathogens are responsible for the death of millions every year. For many of these pathogens, there are limited options for therapy and resistance to commonly used drugs is fast emerging. The availability of genome sequences of many eukaryotic microbes is providing critical biological information for understanding parasite biology and identifying new drug and vaccine targets. Methods: We developed automated search strategies in the Eukaryotic Pathogen Database Resources (EuPathDB) to construct a protein list and retrieve protein sequences of folate transporters encoded in the genomes of 200 eukaryotic microbes. The folate transporters were categorized according to features including mitochondrial localization, number of transmembrane helix, and protein sequence relatedness. Results: We identified 234 folate transporter proteins associated with 63 eukaryotic microbes including 48 protozoa, 13 fungi the others being algae and bacteria. Phylogenetic analysis placed 219 proteins into a major clade and 15 proteins into a minor clade. All the folate transporter sequences from the malaria parasite, Plasmodium, belonged to the major clade. The identified folate transporters include folate-binding protein YgfZ, folate/pteridine transporter, folate/biopterin transporter, reduced folate carrier family protein and folate/methotrexate transporter FT1. About 60% of the identified proteins are reported for the first time. Phylogeny computation shows the similarity of the proteins identified. Conclusion: These findings offer new possibilities for potential drug development targeting folate-salvage proteins in eukaryotic pathogens.
Amputation predictors in diabetic foot ulcers treated with hyperbaric oxygen
Authors: Kaplan S.T. , Hemsinli D. , Kaplan S. , Arslan A. 
Published: July 2017

Objective: Although hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has long been used for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), its effectiveness is still controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of HBOT in the management of DFUs and identify amputation predictors. Method: Patients with chronic DFUs (Wanger grade 2–5) were included in the study, which took place between January 2010 and December 2012. HBOT, 100% oxygen, 2.4 atmosphere absolute (ATA) for 120 minutes, was administered to all patients in addition to standard treatment. DFUs were monitored for at least 3 years, or until healing or amputation occurred. Results: Patients with a total of 146 chronic DFUswere recruited. Complete healing (69.6%) and significant improvement (17.9%) was observed in 87.5% of the patients. The cases with no improvement resulted in amputation (minor amputation: 15.0%; major amputation: 8.2%). The duration of diabetes (p=0.037), new wound formation (p=0.045), C-reactive protein (p=0.001) and Wagner grade (p=0.0001) were correlated with amputation in multiple regression analysis. Mortality was higher in the amputation group than in the non-amputation group (47.1 % versus 21.4 %, p=0.007). Conclusion: The inclusion of HBOT with standard treatment and a multidisciplinary approach may be useful in the treatment of DFUs. We found the most important predictors of amputation to be Wagner grade and wound infection. Multicentre, prospective, randomised studies are needed to provide more evidence.
Multi-level spine endoscopy
Authors: Middleton Scott D. , Wagner Ralf , Gibson J. N. Alastair 
Published: July 2017

In the last ten years, there has been an exponential increase in endoscopic spinal surgery practice. With improvements in equipment quality and the availability of high definition camera systems, cervical endoscopic disc resection is now a viable alternative to anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) or disc arthroplasty for the treatment of disc prolapse and low grade stenosis. Based on the current literature, there is now strong evidence to support the use of transforaminal endoscopic approaches for the treatment of thoracic disc prolapse. There is now level I evidence to show that outcomes following transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (TED) are at least equivalent to those after open microdiscectomy, with an expected shorter operating time, lesser requirement for analgesia, reduced duration of post-operative disability, more rapid rehabilitation and lower costs of care. However, it should be recognised that there is a significant learning curve for TED. New endoscopic techniques with interlaminar approaches allow the decompression of central and lateral recess stenosis. Future developments will facilitate vision and access to the spine with 3D imaging and robotics at the forefront. We present a case report of whole spine endoscopic decompression to illustrate the potential of endoscopic surgery at all spinal levels.Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2:317-323. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160087
Simplified Numerical Modeling of Energy Distribution in a Chinese Solar Greenhouse
Authors: Xu Hui , Zhang Yue , Li Tianlai , Wang Rui 
Published: July 2017

Abstract.Solar greenhouses are widely used in northeast China to grow vegetables in winter. The energy consumption and distribution were determined in field experiments using a solar greenhouse in northeast China by monitoring the environmental factors inside and outside. Each surface inside greenhouse irradiated with incoming solar radiation was calculated. The greenhouse temperature including the front roof, north roof, north wall, canopy, and soil was calculated based on daily meteorological variables forecast by simulation modeling of each part and comparing with the results obtained using individual meteorological data under greenhouse conditions. Chinese greenhouse day and night energy consumption was calculated and compared. During the coldest days, the conduction energy reached 45% by day and 54% at night. The front roof accounted for the conduction energy loss (day: 54%, night: 68%). When the indoor temperature of the greenhouse was maintained above 15°C, the best time for greenhouse heating was around 5 a.m. and total coal consumption in three months was approximately 5.1 t. Results show that this numerical model simulated the various paths of greenhouse energy flow and heating processes. We estimated the specific daily coal consumption to define a comprehensive heating strategy. Keywords: Chinese greenhouse, Energy balance, Energy calculation model, Energy consumption analysis.
Liquid N and S Fertilizer Solutions Effects on the Mass, Chemical, and Shear Strength Properties of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Residue
Authors: He Yuxin , Presley DeAnn R. , Tatarko John 
Published: July 2017

Abstract. To improve stand establishment in high crop residue situations, the utility of fertilizer to stimulate microbial decomposition of residue has been debated. Field experiments assessed winter wheat () straw decomposition under different fertilizer rates and application timings at three sites in western Kansas following wheat harvest in 2011 and 2012. Treatments included urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) applied at rates of 0, 22.4, 44.8, or 67.2 kg N ha-1 and ammonium thiosulfate (ATS) applied at rates of 16.8 or 33.6 kg S ha-1. Residue was collected and characterized for physical and chemical parameters. A double shear box apparatus instrumented with a load cell measured the energy required to cut wheat straw. Photomicrography and image analysis software were used to measure the cross-sectional area of each individual wheat straw after shearing, and these data were used to calculate shear stress and specific energy parameters. Total C and N contents were measured for bulk wheat straw samples from each plot. Some differences among treatments or timing of application were observed for each of the measured parameters. However, the results were inconsistent, and few sampling periods had significant differences in wheat straw decomposition indicators as compared to the no-fertilizer control. For example, fertilizer rate and timing of application during summer 2012 and fall 2013 at the Hays site had impacts on wheat straw shear stress at the break point. Across site years, earlier (fall) fertilizer application generally resulted in lower remaining residue mass as compared to spring application. However, there were no differences when compared to the no-fertilizer control. Multivariate and linear regressions suggested that N content and C:N ratio could explain the results observed with respect to treatment effects on winter wheat residue decomposition. Keywords: Liquid fertilizer, Residue decomposition, Shear stress, Specific energy.
Profile Soil Property Estimation Using a VIS-NIR-EC-Force Probe
Authors: Cho Yongjin , Sudduth Kenneth A. , Drummond Scott T. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Combining data collected in-field from multiple soil sensors has the potential to improve the efficiency and accuracy of soil property estimates. Optical diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) has been used to estimate many important soil properties, such as soil carbon, water content, and texture. Other common soil sensors include penetrometers that measure soil strength and apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) sensors. Previous field research has related these sensor measurements to soil properties such as bulk density, water content, and texture. A commercial instrument that can simultaneously collect reflectance spectra, ECa, and soil strength data is now available. The objective of this research was to relate laboratory-measured soil properties, including bulk density (BD), total organic carbon (TOC), water content (WC), and texture fractions to sensor data from this instrument. At four field sites in mid-Missouri, profile sensor measurements were obtained to 0.9 m depth, followed by collection of soil cores at each site for laboratory measurements. Using only DRS data, BD, TOC, and WC were not well-estimated (R2 = 0.32, 0.67, and 0.40, respectively). Adding ECa and soil strength data provided only a slight improvement in WC estimation (R2 = 0.47) and little to no improvement in BD and TOC estimation. When data were analyzed separately by major land resource area (MLRA), fusion of data from all sensors improved soil texture fraction estimates. The largest improvement compared to reflectance alone was for MLRA 115B, where estimation errors for the various soil properties were reduced by approximately 14% to 26%. This study showed promise for in-field sensor measurement of some soil properties. Additional field data collection and model development are needed for those soil properties for which a combination of data from multiple sensors is required. Keywords: NIR spectroscopy, Precision agriculture, Reflectance spectra, Soil properties, Soil sensing.
Dissolved Constituents in Agricultural Drainage Waters
Authors: Zimmerman Brett A , Kaleita Amy L 
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Efflux of dissolved solutes in agricultural subsurface drainage systems adversely affects the ecosystems of receiving waters, degrades soil fertility, and represents an economic loss to farmers. These solutes are frequently studied without regard to their associated ions, which play a fundamental role in their transport characteristics. In this study, we conducted a literature review to identify major dissolved constituents in agricultural drainage waters characteristic of central Iowa and pinpointed causes of variability in the leaching rate of these constituents. This literature review is complemented by a thorough field investigation that analyzes major solute concentrations with respect to seasonal conditions, common cropping systems, and relationships among ions. Results from this investigation reveal that primary dissolved constituents consist of bicarbonate, calcium, nitrate, magnesium, chloride, sodium, and sulfate (in order of decreasing ppm concentration). Analysis of seasonal drainage samples showed that bicarbonate, calcium, and magnesium were present at greater concentrations during the post-growing season, while nitrate and chloride concentrations were greatest during the growing season. Seasonal variability of sulfate and sodium was negligible. Continuous corn and corn in annual rotation with soybeans had greater magnesium and chloride concentrations than soybeans in annual rotation with corn. Conversely, calcium concentrations were greater for soybean cropping systems compared to corn cropping systems. Bicarbonate and nitrate were not significantly different among any of the cropping systems. A strong correlation between bicarbonate and calcium suggests that agricultural lime dissolution was caused by mineral weathering, rather than by acidification due to N fertilizer applications or nitrification. An analysis of observed drainage flows, pH, and temperatures suggested that these parameters were not good indicators of differences in ionic composition. Keywords: Bicarbonate, Dissolved ions, Nitrate, pH, Subsurface drainage.
Semi-Analytical Solution for Free Vibration Differential Equations of Curved Girders
Authors: Song Y. , Chai X. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
In this paper, a semi-analytical solution for free vibration differential equations of curved girders is proposed based on their mathematical properties and vibration characteristics. The solutions of in-plane vibration differential equations are classified into two cases: one only considers variable separation of non-longitudinal vibration, while the other is a synthesis method addressing both longitudinal and non-longitudinal vibration using Rayleigh’s modal assumption and variable separation method. A similar approach is employed for the out of- plane vibration, but further mathematical operations are conducted to incorporate the coupling effect of bending and twisting. In this case study, the natural frequencies of a curved girder under different boundary conditions are obtained using the two proposed methods, respectively. The results are compared with those from the finite element analysis (FEA) and results show good convergence.
Friction and Wear Behavior of 201HT Cast Aluminum Alloy with Various Competitive Material
Authors: Li R. , Chen L. J. , Su M. , Zeng Q. , Li H. , Liu Y. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The friction and wear properties of 201HT aluminum alloys and the corresponding competitive coupons were tested on an electrohydraulic servo face friction and wear testing machine (MM-U10G). The microstructures of the competitive coupons were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and consequently the corresponding friction and wear mechanisms were studied. The results demonstrated that: (1) the best competitive material of friction and wear performance of the 201HT was the 201HTC. (2) the 201HTC modified by carbon following the initial mill for oil storage of the micro-groove to be produced, increased the corresponding lubrication performance reduced the friction coefficient and wear rate effectively. (3) the 201HT-201HTC could obtain both better friction and wear mainly due to the initial process of grinding following the 201HT plastic deformation occurred in the surface and the formation of a series of re-melting welding points, whereas the 201HT material hardness would be similar to the 201HTC material hardness, which led into the competitive material friction and wear performance improvement.
Surface Analysis of Railway Buffers Heads Covered with Bronze Using Laser Cladding
Authors: Sitarz M. , Kurc-Lisiecka A. , Gamon W. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Railway buffers during the operation are staying in almost permanent contact with each other, creating friction node in the point of contact of two railway buffer heads. In consequence of overcoming track curves, turnouts and unevenness of track, the railway buffer heads moves relative to each other causing friction, which results in its wear. When the wear is excessive, it might be a reason to withdrawn vehicle from service, it causes flattening of buffer head, and in consequence its abnormal cooperation. To avoid this phenomenon the buffer heads should be covered with graphitized grease, but this method has many disadvantages. Accordingly, it was found that it would be beneficial to cover the buffer head with bronze using laser cladding. In this article the metallographic and mechanical analysis of the newly created top layer of railway buffer head are presented. In article the results from tribological tests conducted on Amsler test bench are also presented. Based on test results described in article concluded that the layer of bronze coat on working surface of railway buffer head can be beneficial from operational point of view.
Effect of Sr and Ti Addition on the Corrosion Behaviour of Al-7Si-0.3Mg Alloy
Authors: Uludağ M. , Kocabaş M. , Dışpınar D. , Çetin R. , Cansever N. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn the present study, the corrosion behaviour of A356 (Al-7Si-0.3Mg) alloy in 3.5% NaCl solution has been evaluated using cyclic/potentiodynamic polarization tests. The alloy was provided in the unmodified form and it was then modified with AlTi5B1 for grain refinement and with AlSr15 for Si modifications. These modifications yield to better mechanical properties. Tensile tests were performed. In addition, bifilm index and SDAS values were calculated and microstructure of the samples was investigated. As a result of the corrosion test, the Ecorr values for all conditions were determined approximately equal, and the samples were pitted rapidly. The degassing of the melt decreased the bifilm index (i.e. higher melt quality) and thereby the corrosion resistance was increased. The lowest corrosion rate was founded at degassing and as-received condition (3.9x10-3mm/year). However, additive elements do not show the effect which degassing process shows.
Analysis of Crystallization Process of Intensive Cooled AlSi20CuNiCoMg Alloy
Authors: Władysiak R. , Kozuń A. , Dębowska K. , Pacyniak T. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The work is a continuation of research concerning the influence of intensive cooling of permanent mold in order to increase the casting efficiency of aluminium alloys using the multipoint water mist cooling system. The paper presents results of investigation of crystallization process and microstructure of multicomponent synthetic hypereutectic alloy AlSi20CuNiCoMg. The study was conducted for unmodified silumin on the research station allowing the cooling of the special permanent sampler using a program of computer control. Furthermore, the study used a thermal imaging camera to analyze the solidification process of multicomponent alloy. The study demonstrated that the use of mold cooled with water mist stream allows in wide range to form the microstructure of hypereutectic multicomponent silumin. It leads to higher homogeneity of microstructure and refinement of crystallizing phases of casting.
Primary Structure and Mechanical Properties of AlSi2 Alloy Continuous Ingots
Authors: Wróbel T. , Szajnar J. , Bartocha D. , Stawarz M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe paper presents the research results of horizontal continuous casting of ingots of aluminium alloy containing 2% wt. silicon (AlSi2). Together with the casting velocity (velocity of ingot movement) we considered the influence of electromagnetic stirring in the area of the continuous casting mould on refinement of the ingot’s primary structure and their selected mechanical properties, i.e. tensile strength, yield strength, hardness and elongation. The effect of primary structure refinement and mechanical properties obtained by electromagnetic stirring was compared with refinement obtained by using traditional inoculation, which consists in introducing additives, i.e. Ti, B and Sr, to the metal bath. On the basis of the obtained results we confirmed that inoculation done by electromagnetic stirring in the range of the continuous casting mould guarantees improved mechanical properties and also decreases the negative influence of casting velocity, thus increasing the structure of AlSi2 continuous ingots.