bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selective acid-functionalized mesoporous silica catalyst for conversion of glycerol to monoglycerides: state of the art and future prospects
Authors: Hermida Lilis , Amani Hadis , Saeidi Samrand , Zuhairi Abdullah Ahmad , Rahman Mohamed Abdul 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The quest for efficient and selective catalysts for conversion of glycerol monoglyceride is critical for the development of reliable methods for its synthesis. Thus, various types of catalyst and methods of catalyst manufacturing for conversion of glycerol to monoglycerides have been investigated. Acid-functionalized mesoporous catalysts are emerging as highly efficient catalysts for conversion of glycerol into monoglyceride. The incorporation of acid components into different mesoporous silicas for this application is reviewed in this work. The superiority of mesostructure catalysts in comparison to microporous catalysts has been elucidated in terms of accessibility to active sites, pore diffusion, thermal stability of the catalyst and catalyst reusability. Recent direction of novel acid-functionalized mesoporous catalysts development for this application is also critically reviewed.
Original study. Effectiveness of endoscopic posterior nasal neurectomy for the treatment of intractable rhinitis
Authors: Arun Govindan Nair , Sanu Moideen P. , Mohan Mogarnad , Aparna Thampy S. , Afroze Khizer Hussain M. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
BACKGROUND. Chronic rhinitis is a clinical condition affecting more than 20% of the world population. The standard treatment strategy is medical. Surgical management can be considered in patients with intractable rhinitis. Various surgical techniques have been documented with varying success rates, but none of them is considered as a gold standard. Hence, we are studying the effectiveness of posterior nasal neurectomy (PNN) in patients who have intractable rhinitis, refractory to maximum medical therapy.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. A prospective study was conducted in the ENT Department, Padmavathy Medical Foundation, Kollam, Kerala, India, from January 2015 to February 2016. Adult patients, in the age group of 20 to 60 years, diagnosed with chronic rhinitis, presenting two or more symptoms of rhinitis, refractory to maximum medical therapy for a period of at least 3 or more years and whose quality of life was significantly affected were enrolled and PNN was done for them.
RESULTS. We observed a statistically significant improvement in subjective symptoms and patient quality of life at the end of 6 months post-operatively.
CONCLUSION. PNN is a safe and less invasive procedure, which can provide a significant relief in symptoms of intractable rhinitis. Fewer complications and better results make it superior over vidian neurectomy.
Case report. A rare case of triple-hit diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the parotid gland in a patient with Sjogren’s syndrome
Authors: Birceanu Adelina , Evsei Anca , Dumitru Adrian , Sajin Maria , Sarafoleanu Codrut 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
BACKGROUND. Primary malignant lymphomas of the salivary gland are rare, accounting for 2% of salivary gland tumors and 5% of all extranodal lymphomas. The clinical presentation is not particularly characteristic, a feature that usually leads to diagnostic and treatment delays.
CASE REPORT. We report a case of a parotid gland triple-hit diffuse large B-cell (DLBCL) lymphoma associated with follicular lymphoma in a 76-year-old female patient with a unique personal history, which included a diagnosis of Sjogren Syndrome and exposure to a toxic working environment with pesticides. Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas are uncommon given the fact that most lymphoid malignancies are low-grade lymphomas, with MALT (mucosa associated lymphoid tissue) lymphomas being the most common. Triple-hit DLBCL are extremely rare and the diagnosis can be challenging. Parotidectomy, as the first step, must be followed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry for final diagnosis and treatment.
CONCLUSION. This case highlights the fact that B-cell lymphoma in the salivary gland can be unrecognized due to unspecific symptoms and requires immunohistochemistry studies for confirmation. It is important to recognize triple-hit lymphoma due to its worse prognosis and differentiated treatment. Patients with Sjogren syndrome have additional risk factors for progression to lymphoma.
The Investigation of the Cavitation Phenomenon in the Laval Nozzle with Full and Partial Surface Wetting
Authors: Jablonská Jana , Kozubková Milada , Zavadilová Barbora , Zavadil Lukáš , Fialová Simona 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe article deals with the cavitation phenomenon affected by full and partial wetting of the wall. For the numerical computation of flow in the Laval nozzle the Schnerr-Sauer cavitation model was tested and was used for cavitation research of flow within the nozzle considering partial surface wetting. The coefficient of wetting for various materials was determined using experimental, theoretical and numerical methods of fluid flow due to partial surface wetting.
Mechanical and Wear Properties of Friction Stir Welded 0–6Wt% nAl2O3 Reinforced Al-13Wt%Si Composites
Authors: Patel Vinay Kumar , Rani Komal 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Friction Stir Welding (FSW) of an Al-13%Si alloy matrix reinforced with 0, 3 and 6 wt% Al2O3 nanoparticles (nAl2O3) is performed and the optical microstructures, tensile strength, hardness and sliding wear properties of friction stir welded joints are investigated and compared to those of base materials. Four different zones of distinct appearances were observed during FSW, which exhibited altered microstructures in the nugget zone (NZ), thermo mechanically affected zone (TMAZ), heat affected zone (HAZ), and base material zone (BMZ). The ultimate tensile strength of the base materials and their welded joints were found to be increasing with increased wt% of nano-alumina reinforcements. High joint efficiency of 89-97% was achieved in FSW. Hardness and wear resistance of friction stir welded joints were found to be better than those of the base materials.
Process Parameters Optimization for Producing AA6061/TiB2 Composites by Friction Stir Processing
Authors: Rao Santha Dakarapu , Ramanaiah Nallu 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Friction stir processing (FSP) is solid state novel technique developed to refine microstructure and to improve the mechanical properties and be used to fabricate the aluminium alloy matrix composites. An attempt is made to fabricate AA6061/TiB2 aluminium alloy composite (AMCs) and the influence of process parameters like rotational speed, transverse feed, axial load and percentage reinforcement on microstructure and mechanical properties were studied. The microstructural observations are carried out and revealed that the reinforcement particles (TiB2) were uniformly dispersed in the nugget zone. The Tensile strength and Hardness of composites were evaluated. It was observed that tensile strength, and hardness were increased with increased the rotational speed and percentage reinforcement of particles. The process parameters were optimized using Taguchi analysis (Single Variable) and Grey analysis (Multi Variable). The most influential parameter was rotational speed in single variable method and multi variable optimization method. The ANOVA also done to know the percentage contribution of each parameter.
Einkommensunterschiede in der Mortalität in Deutschland – Ein empirischer Erklärungsversuch
Authors: Kröger Hannes , Kroh Martin , Kroll Lars Eric , Lampert Thomas 
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung:
In dieser Studie gehen wir der Frage nach, welche Faktoren die einkommensbedingten Unterschiede in der Mortalität erklären können. Auf der Basis des Sozio-oekonomischen Panels (SOEP) werden ereignisanalytische Modelle der Mortalität ab dem Alter 65 geschätzt, die Auskunft über den Mediatoreffekt von acht Faktorenbündeln geben. Als Mediatoren zwischen Einkommen zum Alter 65 und Mortalität werden Bildung, Demographie, soziale Herkunft, berufliche Belastung, subjektive Bewertung der ökonomischen Situation, soziale Aktivitäten und Netzwerke, Sport sowie der Gesundheitszustand herangezogen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Berücksichtigung von Sport, Bildung, sozialen Netzwerken und Gesundheit den Zusammenhang zwischen Einkommen und Mortalität bei Männern reduzieren. Bei Frauen haben soziale Netzwerke die entscheidende Bedeutung für einkommensbedingte Unterschiede der Mortalität.
Towards the Estimation of an Efficient Benchmark Portfolio: The Case of Croatian Emerging Market
Authors: Dolinar Denis , Zoričić Davor , Kožul Antonija 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The fact that cap-weighted indices provide an inefficient risk-return trade-off is well known today. Various research approaches evolved suggesting alternative to cap-weighting in an effort to come up with a more efficient market index benchmark. In this paper we aim to use such an approach and focus on the Croatian capital market. We apply statistical shrinkage method suggested by Ledoit and Wolf (2004) to estimate the covariance matrix and follow the work of Amenc et al. (2011) to obtain estimates of expected returns that rely on risk-return trade-off. Empirical findings for the proposed portfolio optimization include out-of-sample and robustness testing. This way we compare the performance of the capital-weighted benchmark to the alternative and ensure that consistency is achieved in different volatility environments. Research findings do not seem to support relevant research results for the developed markets but rather complement earlier research (Zoričić et al., 2014).
Purification and Characterization of Schwann Cells from Adult Human Skin and Nerve
Authors: Stratton Jo Anne , Kumar Ranjan , Sinha Sarthak , Shah Prajay , Stykel Morgan , Shapira Yuval , Midha Rajiv , Biernaskie Jeff 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDespite its modest capacity for regeneration, peripheral nervous system injury often results in significant long-term disability. Supplementing peripheral nervous system injury with autologous Schwann cells (SCs) may serve to rejuvenate the postinjury environment to enhance regeneration and ultimately improve functional outcomes. However, human nerve-derived SC (hN-SC) collection procedures require invasive surgical resection. Here, we describe the characterization of SCs from adult human skin (hSk-SCs) of four male donors ranging between 27 and 46 years old. Within five weeks of isolating and culturing adherent mixed skin cells, we were able to obtain 3–5 million purified SCs. We found that hSk-SCs appeared transcriptionally indistinguishable from hN-SCs with both populations exhibiting expression of SC genes including:SOX10,SOX9,AP2A1,CDH19,EGR1,ETV5,PAX3,SOX2,CX32,DHH,NECL4,NFATC4,POU3F1,S100B, andYY1. Phenotypic analysis of hSk-SCs and hN-SCs cultures revealed highly enriched populations of SCs indicated by the high percentage of NES+ve, SOX10+ve, s100+veand p75+vecells, as well as the expression of a battery of other SC-associated proteins (PAX3, CDH19, ETV5, SOX2, POU3F1, S100B, EGR2, and YY1). We further show that both hSk-SCs and hN-SCs are capable of promoting axonal growth to similar degrees and that a subset of both associate with regenerating axons and form myelin following transplantation into the injured mouse sciatic nerve. Interestingly, although the majority of both hSk-SCs and hN-SCs maintained SOX10 immunoreactivity following transplant, only a subset of each activated the promyelinating factor, POU3F1, and were able to myelinate. Taken together, we demonstrate that adult hSk-SCs are genetically and phenotypically indistinguishable to hN-SCs.
Downregulation von LH bei der Hündin nach Anwendung des GnRH-Agonisten Buserelin in Implantatform
Authors: Piepenbrink Andrea , Failing K. , Riesenbeck A. , Schmid P. , Hoffmann B. 
Published: May 2017

ZusammenfassungGegenstand und Ziel: Darstellung der Downregulation von LH bei der Hündin nach Anwendung eines Slow-Release-GnRH-Implantats mit dem Wirkstoff Buserelin. Material und Methoden: Zur Ausschaltung negativ rückkoppelnder Wirkungen endogener Sexualhormone wurden neun Hündinnen ovariohysterektomiert. Zur Anwendung kam der Wirkstoff Buserelinacetat in Form des Slow-Release-Implantats Profact Depot®, wobei jeweils drei Hündinnen Implantate mit 3,3 mg, 6,6 mg oder 13,2 mg subkutan appliziert wurden. Die Charakterisierung der Verfügbarkeit von LH erfolgte durch punktuelle sowie durch sequenzielle Blutentnahmen über 6-stündige Zeitfenster. Folgende Parameter wurden erfasst: AUC (Area Under the Curve), Basalkonzentration, Anzahl der Pulse und maximale Pulsamplitude. Ergebnisse: Dosisabhängigkeiten waren nicht feststellbar, was darauf hindeutet, dass die niedrigste Dosis bereits maximal wirksam war. Für die weitere Auswertung wurden die Tiere daher zu einer Gruppe zusammengefasst. Ein zunehmend stärker werdender Effekt der Downregulation zeigte sich von der 2. bis zur 26. Woche nach der Implantation, die Wirkdauer lag bei ca. 34 Wochen. Eine Stunde nach der Implantation kam es zu einem signifikanten Anstieg auf fast das Doppelte des Ausgangswerts. Danach blieb das LH-Niveau über weitere 8 Stunden erhöht. Schlussfolgerung: Wie beim Rüden führt Buserelin auch bei der Hündin zu einer Downregulation der LH-Sekretion, der eine initiale, über mehrere Stunden anhaltende erhöhte LH-Freisetzung vorausgeht. Diese muss im Zusammenhang mit den unerwünschten Wirkungen gesehen werden, die bei der Downregulation der Ovarfunktion der Hündin mittels Slow-Release-GnRH-Analoga auftreten. Klinische Relevanz: Die Unterbindung des initialen Anstiegs der LH-Konzentration ist Voraussetzung für eine erfolgreiche Anwendung von Slow-Release-GnRH-Analoga zur Downregulation der Sexualfunktion der Hündin.
Phase I Dose-Escalation Study of Ramucirumab in Chinese Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Cao Junning , Ji Dongmei , Chen Zhiyu , Shen Weina , Wang Jin , Li Baoyue , Chi Haidong , Long Amanda , Gao Ling , Li Jin 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Lessons Learned
Ramucirumab was well tolerated in Chinese patients with advanced solid tumors, and adverse events were manageable in this study. Pharmacokinetics characteristics in Chinese patients were similar to those in other populations. Immunogenicity was not detected. No efficacy conclusion could be drawn, and further randomized studies are warranted.

Background
This single-arm, nonrandomized, open-label, dose-escalation, phase I study was designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of ramucirumab in Chinese patients with advanced solid tumors that were resistant to standard therapy or no standard therapy was available.

Methods
Dose escalation was a 3 + 3 design, with expansion in Cohorts 2 and 3 for PK. Ramucirumab was given intravenously at three different dosages: 6 mg/kg every 2 weeks, 10 mg/kg every 3 weeks, and 8 mg/kg every 2 weeks. Safety analyses included all patients. PK, immunogenicity, and antitumor activity were also assessed.

Results
Among 28 patients treated, 2 experienced dose-limiting toxicity, possibly related to ramucirumab. No maximum tolerated dose was determined. All patients experienced at least one treatment-emergent adverse event. Grade ≥3 adverse event was reported for 53.6% (n = 15) of patients. PK analyses indicated that ramucirumab had low clearance, small volume of distribution, and long half-life in Chinese patients, as in other populations. Immunogenicity was not detected. No patient had complete/partial response, and 64.3% (n = 18) had stable disease with a median duration of 5.55 months (95% confidence interval: 3.38−7.13 months).

Conclusion
Ramucirumab appeared to be well tolerated in Chinese patients with advanced solid tumors. PK characteristics in Chinese patients were similar to those in other populations.
Machiavellianism and Aspirations as Predictors of Quality of Life and Subjective Happiness among Interning Doctors and Practicing Doctors
Authors: Pirani Alifia , Agarwal Swati 
Published: May 2017

<div><p><em>The present quantitative study adopts a between group design to assess the difference between interning doctors and practicing doctors </em><em>in the levels of Machiavellianism, aspirations, quality of life and subjective happiness. A correlational design was also employed to determine if quality of life and subjective happiness can be predicted by Machiavellianism and its dimensions of amorality, desire for status, desire for control and distrust of others; and aspirations and its dimensions of wealth, fame, image, personal growth, relationships, community, and health. Purposive Sampling and Snowball Sampling techniques were used to collect data from 100 interning and 100 practicing doctors. Independent t-test results showed that practicing doctors were significantly higher on Machiavellianism and its dimensions of amorality, desire for status and distrust of others; aspirations, its dimension of image, community, health, and physical quality of life. Interning doctors were higher on desire for control, fame aspirations, psychological health and overall quality of life. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that personal growth and health aspirations predicted quality of life in interning doctors and Machiavellianism, amorality; wealth, fame, image, community and health aspirations predicted quality of life among practicing doctors. Health aspiration was a predictor of subjective happiness in interning doctors. In practicing doctors, amorality, desire for status, distrust of others; wealth, fame, image, personal growth, relationships, community and health aspirations were predictors of subjective happiness. In present day India the rapidly changing and overburdened healthcare system has affected the well being of health care professionals and the present study throws light on to some factors that may influence quality of life and happiness of doctors in India. </em></p></div>
Importance of Monitoring and Evaluation in the Sustainability of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Projects in Kenya
Authors: Biwott Tecla , Egesah Omar , Ngeywo Javan 
Published: May 2017

<div><p><em>The Kenya Government Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects contribute immensely in initiating and implementing sustainable development projects in all parts of Kenya, and it is essential to track processes and impact of such projects. Monitoring and Evaluation helps project managers in keeping track the implementation of the projects and its prudence in the utilization of the resources. It provides decision makers with a strategy to plan for sustainability of the projects and guidance for future endeavors. Sustainability is key to stakeholders who in real sense need to be involved throughout the project and program cycles. This study evaluates the role of monitoring and evaluation on the sustainability of Kenya Government Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects in Kenya. Literature review was used to collect information which was peer reviewed by a team of four. Findings show a great influence of monitoring and evaluation on the utility and sustainability of the projects implemented through CDF funding. It is therefore, prudent to embed Monitoring and Evaluation in all the Projects funded by the Kenya Government through constituency development fund (CDF). </em></p></div>
Presence of the Ossific Nucleus and Risk of Osteonecrosis in the Treatment of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Authors: Chen Cynthia , Doyle Shevaun , Green Daniel , Blanco John , Scher David , Sink Ernest , Dodwell Emily R. 
Published: May 2017

Background:
Concern for increased risk of osteonecrosis in hips with an absent ossific nucleus has led some surgeons to delay reduction in the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) until the ossific nucleus is present. A previous meta-analysis reported a potential protective effect against high-grade osteonecrosis (II to IV) when the ossific nucleus was present. With a greater number of publications on this topic, revisiting this analysis is warranted. The aim of this meta-analysis was to systematically review and analyze the best clinical evidence regarding the association between the status of the ossific nucleus and development of osteonecrosis following the treatment of DDH.

Methods:
MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for studies including the status of the ossific nucleus and rate of osteonecrosis after open and closed reductions for the treatment of DDH. Study characteristics and risk estimates were extracted. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled effect estimates were calculated using a random-effect model. Meta-regression assessed the relationships of reduction method, study quality, mean age at reduction, surgical approach, method of ossific nucleus assessment, and duration of follow-up to the odds of osteonecrosis.

Results:
In the 21 observational studies (18 retrospective, 3 prospective) that were included, osteonecrosis developed in 20.4% of the hips in which the ossific nucleus was present at reduction compared with 21.2% of the hips in which the ossific nucleus was absent. Presence of the ossific nucleus was not associated with decreased odds of any grade of osteonecrosis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.43 to 1.12) or of more severe osteonecrosis of Grades II to IV (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.30 to 1.17). Meta-regression did not show any effect of the mean age at reduction, reduction method, surgical approach, study quality, minimum or mean duration of follow-up, method of ossific nucleus imaging, or osteonecrosis classification system on the relationship between presence of the ossific nucleus and the risk of osteonecrosis.

Conclusions:
The current literature does not support the hypothesis that presence of the ossific nucleus at reduction is associated with lower risk of osteonecrosis. Prospective studies with long-term follow-up and blinded assessors are warranted to optimally evaluate the relationship between potential risk factors and the development of osteonecrosis.

Level of Evidence:
Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.