Effects of nanoparticle on the dynamic behaviors of recycled aggregate concrete under impact loading

Publication date: 15 December 2016
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 112
Author(s): Wengui Li, Zhiyu Luo, Chu Long, Chengqing Wu, Wen Hui Duan, Surendra P. Shah
A 100mm-diameter split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) was applied to investigate effects of nanoparticles on the dynamic mechanical properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) under impact loading. The nano-SiO2 (NS) and nano-CaCO3 (NC) were incorporated to replace cement by mass of 1 and 2% in RACs. The impact velocities were set as 7.7, 9.8 and 11.6m/s in the SHPB tests. The effects of nanoparticles on failure patterns, compressive strengths, elastic modulus, peak strain and dynamic increase factor (DIF) of RACs under different strain rates were analyzed and discussed. The results show that nanomodified RACs exhibit higher both quasi-static and dynamic compressive strengths compared to control RAC. Dynamic elastic modulus of RAC seems not be affected by nanoparticle dosages and impact velocities. Compared to NC, NS is more effective to improve dynamic compressive strengths of RAC. On the other hand, the nanoparticles modified RACs exhibit lower DIF values than that of the control RAC. Moreover, NC obviously more reduces the DIF values of nanomodified RAC than NS.

Graphical abstract

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Scholar : These new articles for Bulletin of Spanish Studies are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Bulletin of Spanish Studies and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles The Fabric of Saintly Proof: Leocadia of Toledo from Orrente to Calderón Peter Cherry & Arantza Mayo Pages: 1-32 | DOI: 10.1080/14753820.2016.1224500 Passionate about social media? Read our Social Media Research collection. This message is personalised to your status as a society member. Please do not forward this email. To recommend content, please use the social sharing tools on the website. To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Riedel's thyroiditis association with IgG4-related disease

Abstract

Context

IgG4 positive (+) plasma cells have been reported in both Riedel's thyroiditis (RT) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). These cells are the hallmark of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD).

Objective

We sought to determine if RT is part of IgG4-RD spectrum.

Design, Setting and Patients

This was a case-control study performed at a tertiary medical center. We included RT cases from the period 1958-2008 that had sufficient paraffin-embedded tissue for IgG4 immunostaining. Controls were HT patients, age and gender matched, with similar pathology criteria.

Main Outcome Measure

The main outcome measures were the intensity of the IgG4 staining and the clinical and histological correlates with IgG4-RD.

Results

Six pairs of RT and HT were analyzed. The mean age was 44.7 years. In both groups 5/6 cases had positive IgG4 staining. The mean number of IgG4+ cells/ HPF, normalized to the degree of inflammation, was 3.2 ± 3.0 SD (RT) vs. 0.9 ± 0.7 (HT), p=0.15, for fibrotic areas and 2.1 ± 2.3 SD vs. 1.0 ± 0.8 (p=0.39) for areas with lymphoid aggregates. We found the number of IgG4+ cells in RT to be inversely correlated with the duration of disease (p=0.046). Three RT cases had associated co-morbidities from the IgG4-RD spectrum while none of the HT cases had such conditions.

Conclusions

RT is a component of IgG4-RD with the density of the IgG4+ lymphocytic infiltrate being time dependent. In this small study we did not identify differences in IgG4 infiltration between RT and HT, minimizing the utility of this marker in RT diagnosis.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Adherence to treatment in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

Summary

Objective

Men with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) typically require lifelong hormonal therapy and discontinuing treatment can have negative health consequences. Little is known about adherence to treatment or the psychosocial impact of CHH.

Design

A sequential, multiple methods approach was used. A quantitative online survey assessed adherence to treatment, depressive symptoms, and illness perceptions. Subsequently, qualitative focus groups explored patient-reported factors for adherence.

Patients

Adult men with CHH on at least one year of treatment were recruited internationally.

Measurements

Adherence (Morisky medication adherence scale), depressive symptoms (Zung self-rating depression scale), and patient perception of CHH (revised illness perception questionnaire) were assessed in an online survey and comparisons were made to reference groups. Patient focus group discussions were conducted and thematic analysis was employed to identify patient-reported factors for adherence.

Results

In total, 101 men on long-term treatment were included (mean age 37±11 yrs). More than half 58/101 (57%) exhibited low medication-adherence and a significantly elevated prevalence of mild, moderate, or severe depressive symptoms (27%, 17%, 20% respectively, all p<0.001 vs. reference population). Patients reported negative illness perceptions and significant psychosocial consequences. Focus group discussions (n=3, 26 total patients) identified patient-, health professional- and healthcare system- related barriers as targets for improving adherence.

Conclusions

CHH men are challenged to adhere to long-term treatment. Poor adherence may contribute to adverse effects on bone, sexual and psychological health. The psychosocial morbidity of CHH is significant and appears to be underappreciated by healthcare providers.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Erratum

Dermatology 2016;232:522

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Stretch Mark Removal: Treatments and Home Remedies

Stretch marks are a common problem affecting men and women of nearly all ages and skin types. Learn about the treatments and home remedies for them here.

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Sequential development of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver angiosarcoma in a vinyl chloride–exposed worker

Publication date: November 2016
Source:Human Pathology, Volume 57
Author(s): Maria Guido, Samantha Sarcognato, Guido Pelletti, Matteo Fassan, Bruno Murer, Rossella Snenghi
Strong experimental and clinical evidences have definitely linked occupational vinyl chloride exposure to development of angiosarcoma of the liver. In contrast, despite the International Agency for Research on Cancer having included vinyl chloride among the causes of hepatocellular carcinoma, the association between vinyl chloride exposure and hepatocellular carcinoma remains debated. This issue is relevant, because occupational exposure to high levels of vinyl chloride may still occur. We report a unique case of sequential occurrences of hepatocellular carcinoma and angiosarcoma of the liver, in a vinyl chloride–exposed worker without cirrhosis and any known risk factor for chronic liver disease. Both the hepatocellular carcinoma and the surrounding normal liver showed micronucleus formation, which reflects genotoxic effect of vinyl chloride. Angiosarcoma showed a KRAS G12D point mutation, which is considered to be characteristic of vinyl chloride–induced angiosarcoma. This case supports the pathogenic role of vinyl chloride in both hepatocellular carcinoma and angiosarcoma development.



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Cerebellar Control of Eye Movements.

Background: The cerebellum plays a central role in the online, real-time control, and long-term modulation of eye movements. Evidence acquisition: We reviewed the latest (fifth) edition of Leigh and Zee's textbook, The Neurology of Eye Movements, and literature in PUBMED using the following terms: cerebellum, flocculus, paraflocculus, vermis, oculomotor vermis, dorsal vermis, caudal fastigial nucleus, fastigial oculomotor region, uvula, nodulus, ansiform lobule, eye movements, saccades, ipsipulsion, contrapulsion, smooth pursuit, vergence, convergence, divergence, gaze-holding, down beat nystagmus, vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), angular VOR, translational VOR, skew deviation, velocity storage. Results: The cerebellum is vital in optimizing the performance of all classes of gaze-shifting and gaze-stabilizing reflexes. The flocculus-paraflocculus are crucial to VOR gain and direction, pulse-step matching for saccades, pursuit gain, and gaze-holding. The oculomotor vermis and caudal fastigial nuclei are essential in saccadic adaptation and accuracy, and pursuit gain. The nodulus and ventral uvula are involved in processing otolothic signals and VOR responses, including velocity storage. Conclusions: The cerebellum guarantees the precision of ocular movements to optimize visual performance and occupies a central role in all classes of eye movements both in real-time control and in long-term calibration and learning (i.e., adaptation). (C) 2016 by North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society

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Texture Segregation Causes Early Figure Enhancement and Later Ground Suppression in Areas V1 and V4 of Visual Cortex

Segregation of images into figures and background is fundamental for visual perception. Cortical neurons respond more strongly to figural image elements than to background elements, but the mechanisms of figure–ground modulation (FGM) are only partially understood. It is unclear whether FGM in early and mid-level visual cortex is caused by an enhanced response to the figure, a suppressed response to the background, or both.

We studied neuronal activity in areas V1 and V4 in monkeys performing a texture segregation task. We compared texture-defined figures with homogeneous textures and found an early enhancement of the figure representation, and a later suppression of the background. Across neurons, the strength of figure enhancement was independent of the strength of background suppression.

We also examined activity in the different V1 layers. Both figure enhancement and ground suppression were strongest in superficial and deep layers and weaker in layer 4. The current–source density profiles suggested that figure enhancement was caused by stronger synaptic inputs in feedback-recipient layers 1, 2, and 5 and ground suppression by weaker inputs in these layers, suggesting an important role for feedback connections from higher level areas. These results provide new insights into the mechanisms for figure–ground organization.

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Adolescent Development of Cortical and White Matter Structure in the NCANDA Sample: Role of Sex, Ethnicity, Puberty, and Alcohol Drinking

Brain structural development continues throughout adolescence, when experimentation with alcohol is often initiated. To parse contributions from biological and environmental factors on neurodevelopment, this study used baseline National Consortium on Alcohol and NeuroDevelopment in Adolescence (NCANDA) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, acquired in 674 adolescents meeting no/low alcohol or drug use criteria and 134 adolescents exceeding criteria. Spatial integrity of images across the 5 recruitment sites was assured by morphological scaling using Alzheimer's disease neuroimaging initiative phantom-derived volume scalar metrics. Clinical MRI readings identified structural anomalies in 11.4%. Cortical volume and thickness were smaller and white matter volumes were larger in older than in younger adolescents. Effects of sex (male > female) and ethnicity (majority > minority) were significant for volume and surface but minimal for cortical thickness. Adjusting volume and area for supratentorial volume attenuated or removed sex and ethnicity effects. That cortical thickness showed age-related decline and was unrelated to supratentorial volume is consistent with the radial unit hypothesis, suggesting a universal neural development characteristic robust to sex and ethnicity. Comparison of NCANDA with PING data revealed similar but flatter, age-related declines in cortical volumes and thickness. Smaller, thinner frontal, and temporal cortices in the exceeds-criteria than no/low-drinking group suggested untoward effects of excessive alcohol consumption on brain structural development.

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Does Exposure to Diagnostic Ultrasound Modulate Human Nerve Responses to Magnetic Stimulation?

Publication date: Available online 19 September 2016
Source:Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology
Author(s): Neil W. Bailey, Philip M. Lewis, Richard H.S. Thomson, Jerome J. Maller, Paul Junor, Paul B. Fitzgerald
Ultrasound (US) at diagnostic frequency and power is known to alter nerve potentials; however, the precise mechanism of action is unknown. We investigated whether US alters resting nerve potential to lower the threshold for magnetic nerve stimulation. Seventeen healthy subjects were recruited. For each subject, a 1.5 MHz US imaging probe was placed onto the elbow with the beam directed at the ulnar nerve. The probe was coupled to the skin using standard acoustic coupling gel as would be done for a routine clinical US scan. Ulnar nerve stimulation was performed simultaneously with magnetic stimulation (MS). Successful magnetic stimulation of the ulnar nerve was confirmed with nerve potentials measured by electromyography. There was no significant change in electromyography signal when MS was performed during US exposure. US at the diagnostic frequency and power tested does not alter nerve thresholds with MS. Testing at other frequencies is required, however, before US is negated as a technique to modify MS thresholds.



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Structural-Functional Relationship of Phenolic Antioxidants in Topical Skin Health Products

Abstract

Objectives

The present work analyzed the antioxidative activity of phenol-based antioxidants by using an Electron Spin Resonance method to predict the activity and stability of these antioxidants in cosmetic products.

Methods

The Antioxidative Power (AP) method was chosen to measure both the capacity and kinetics of an antioxidative reaction by detecting the DPPH (diphenylpicrylhydrazyl) radical. The antioxidative capacity (w_c) relates to the amount of free radicals that can be reduced, whereas the antioxidative reactivity (t_r) relates to the reaction speed and offers a fingerprinting of the redox state of the antioxidant molecules. Fifteen phenolic molecules, have been analyzed. They differed in the position of the hydroxyl groups and substituents on the aromatic ring. The AP of two distinct formulations containing hydroxytyrosol are presented as well as three phenol based antioxidants within the same formulation vehicle.

Results

The rate at which phenol (ArOH) reacts with DPPH radicals, defined by the term reactivity (t_r) in this paper, was dependent upon the bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE) of the OH bond. Molecules having weak OH bonds and consequently low BDE values showed high antioxidant reactivity. On the other hand, the capacity factor (w_c), which is the concentration of phenol required to reduce a fixed concentration of DPPH radical, depends on the number and position of hydroxyl groups. The results showed that ortho and para positions of the two hydroxyl groups are important for higher capacity. If one of the two hydroxyl-groups is blocked by methylation, both the antioxidative capacity and reactivity are reduced, mainly for ortho disubstituted compounds. The presence of a vinylic side chain improved reactivity and capacity tremendously. AP values may be useful in formulation design when identifying antioxidants that are likely to be physically and chemically stable. The importance of optimization of the formulation vehicle itself for a given antioxidant is also illustrated.

Conclusion

Based on the presented findings, it is possible to predict the antioxidative performance of a phenol-based molecule and its stability and oxidation-resistance within a cosmetic formulation. This is essential for antioxidant containing dermal formulations designed to combat skin ageing.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Clinical and molecular cytogenetic studies in ten patients with hematological malignancies characterized by t(20;21)(q11;q11) resulted from del(20q)

Publication date: Available online 19 September 2016
Source:Cancer Genetics
Author(s): Chunxiao Wu, Jun Zhang, Shuxiao Bai, jianxin Yao, Huiying Qiu, Yongquan Xue, Suning Chen, Yafang Wu, Juan Shen, Jinlan Pan
This study reports on 10 patients with hematological malignances with t(20;21)(q11;q11) resulting from del(20q) (for example, der(20)del(20)(q11q13)t(20;21)(q11;q11) and der(21)t(20;21)(q11;q11)) and described their clinical features and the possible prognostic significance of this abnormality. The t(20;21)(q11;q11) was a rare but recurrent abnormality secondary to del(20q) besides i(20q-). The frequency of der(20)del(20)(q11q13)t(20;21)(q11;q11) among our patients with del(20q) was 2.4%. It was considered that the 20q deletion preceded translocation with chromosome 21. This abnormality is often cryptic, occurs predominantly in older men and is observed most often in myelodysplastic syndromes. Patients with this abnormality have an unfavorable prognosis, similar to patients with i(20q-). The molecular consequences of der(20)del(20)(q11q13)t(20;21)(q11;q11) may be different from patients with i(20q-). To the best of our knowledge this is the largest dataset published to date.



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The Head and Neck Tumor Biobank

Condition:   Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Intervention:  
Sponsor:   Maastricht Radiation Oncology
Recruiting - verified September 2016

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Cytokeratin-positive fibroblastic reticular cell: a pitfall for dermatopathologists assessing lymph nodes for Merkel cell carcinoma

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Oxidative stress responses in Wistar rats on subacute exposure to pharmaceutical wastewater

Abstract

Water pollution has been a major concern for agrarian societies like Pakistan. Pharmaceutical industries are amongst the foremost contributor to industrial waste. Present study addresses the generation of oxidative stress caused by 2 months exposure to pharmaceutical wastewater in rats and their response to oral treatment with vitamin E, a potent antioxidant. The rats were randomized into five groups (n = 5) named as negative control, pharmaceutical wastewater (PEW) 100 %, PEW 10 %, PEW 1 %, and PEW 100 % + vitamin E. Oxidative damage in rats was evaluated by estimation of the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in the liver, kidney, and blood/plasma. Exposure to pharmaceutical wastewater significantly decreased the activities of T-SOD and CAT and concentration of H₂O₂ in the liver and kidney and blood/plasma. Exposure to 100 % pharmaceutical wastewater exhibited a maximum decline in T-SOD activity, and activity was reduced to only 63.57 U/mL, 32.65, and 43.57 U/mg of protein in the plasma, kidney, and liver, respectively. Exposure to wastewater minimized activity CAT to 89.25 U/g of hemoglobin, 54.36, and 62.95 U/mg of protein in the blood, kidney, and liver, respectively. Treatment with vitamin E significantly increased the activity of T-SOD and CAT. However, increase in concentration of H₂O₂ was also observed in vitamin E exposed rats. Histopathology of the kidney revealed coagulative necrosis of renal epithelial cells and peritubular congestion. Endocardium showed infiltration of inflammatory cells and cellular breakdown in some areas. Lung sections exhibited atelectasis and emphysema of alveoli suggesting decline in lung function. The anatomy of the liver was also compromised due to severe degeneration and cellular swelling. The present study concluded that pharmaceutical wastewater induced severe oxidative stress in Wistar rats and ensued in histopathological lesions in several vital organs suggesting its high toxicity. Non-enzymatic antioxidant vitamin E may ameliorate oxidative stress induced by pharmaceutical wastewater.

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Hydrological controls on cascade reservoirs regulating phosphorus retention and downriver fluxes

Abstract

Many coastal rivers have a system of cascade reservoirs, but the role of these reservoirs in regulating nutrient transport from watershed to coast is still unknown. In this study, phosphorus (P) in surface water and top sediment was investigated along the North Jiulong River (southeast China) under three hydrological conditions (high flow, medium flow and low flow) in 2012–2013, and P dynamics in a cascade reservoir (Xipi Reservoir) were studied on a monthly scale. Results showed that the concentrations of dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) consistently decreased longitudinally in the upper river with the lowest values observed in the section of cascade reservoirs, likely due to tributary inputs and in situ uptakes. The decrease was most rapid during base flow when DRP was highest in the free-flowing river section and lowest in cascade reservoirs. Results from monthly monitoring on the Xipi Reservoir showed general downriver decreases in DRP, total particulate phosphorus (TPP) and total phosphorus (TP) in the riverine zone and transition zone. Mass balance results on an annual basis suggest that the Xipi Reservoir (lacustrine zone) was an overall sink for TPP (6 % retention) but somewhat a source of DRP (−0.3 %) with TP retention (1 %). Even scaled up to the whole cascade reservoir system, P retention was low compared with worldwide reservoirs, which we ascribe to the high P loading and short hydraulic residence time. Nevertheless, major processes controlling P retention in coastal rivers with cascade reservoirs varied from sedimentation in the dry-cold season to biotic transformation in the wet-warm season, thereby affecting loading and composition of P from watershed to the coast. This study highlights the hydrological controls on the role of cascade reservoirs in regulating P retention and downriver fluxes in different seasons.

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The effect of phytogenic feed additives to substitute in-feed antibiotics on growth traits and blood biochemical parameters in broiler chicks challenged with Salmonella typhimurium

Abstract

There is a growing concern over the use of antibiotics due to the increased resistance of pathogens in broiler. The present study was designed to find the comparative effect of an antibiotic, and some phytogenic on performance traits, blood biochemical parameters, and antioxidant status during starter phase exposed to Salmonella typhimurium challenge. A total of 560-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to seven treatments (eight replicates). Control (basal diet); T1, infected with Salmonella enterica subsp. typhimurium; T2, infected + avilamycin at the rate of 0.2 g/kg; T3, infected + essential oil of thymol; T4, infected + phytogenic; T5, infected + anti-Salmonella organic acid; and T6, infected + essential oils of thyme, anise, and other components. Body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly (P < 0.05) high in the T2 and T5 at the end of the first and the second week and similar to T4. During the second week, European production efficiency factor (EPEF) was also significantly (P < 0.05) high in T2, T4 and T5. Blood albumin increased significantly (P < 0.05) in birds of T2 in the first week, while during the second week, blood glucose and triglyceride concentration decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in T5. Blood ALT concentration decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in T6 compared to other treatments in the second week. Total antioxidant capacity (at the end of the second week) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) did not change significantly. From the results of the present study, it was concluded that different feed additives could be substituted with antibiotics in the feed of broiler exposed to S. typhimurium challenge.

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Quantifying PM 2.5 capture capability of greening trees based on leaf factors analyzing

Abstract

As PM_2.5 affect human health, it is important to target tree planting in the role of reducing air pollution concentrations. PM_2.5 capture capability of greening trees is associated with leaf morphology, while quantitative research is scanty. In this paper, the PM_2.5 capture capability of 25 species in Beijing and Chongqing were examined by a chamber device. Groove proportion, leaf hair, stomatal density, and stomata size were selected as indexes of leaf morphology. Results showed that groove proportion and stomata size significantly relate to PM_2.5 capture quantity, while no significantly positive correlations were found for leaf hairs and stomatal density. Broadleaf species are conducive to PM_2.5 capture for their rich leaf morphology and have an edge over coniferous in PM_2.5 capture per leaf area. However, coniferous had a larger PM_2.5 capture capability per tree due to the advantage of a large leaf area. Significant difference existed between the species in Beijing and Chongqing due to the different leaf morphology. Urban greening trees are diverse and the structures are complicated. Complex ecological environment may lead to different morphology characteristics. Climate and pollution conditions should be considered when greening.

http://ift.tt/2coNMhS

Tourism in Austria: biodiversity, environmental sustainability, and growth issues

Abstract

This study examined the long-run and causal relationships between international tourism, biodiversity loss, environmental sustainability, and specific growth factors under the premises of sustainable tourism in Austria, by using a consistent time series data from 1975 to 2015. The results reveal that inbound tourism, per capita income, and population density affected the potential habitat area while population density largely affected the food production in a country. Inbound tourism and population density both deteriorate the environmental quality in a form of increasing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and fossil fuel energy consumption while per capita income reduces the fossil fuel energy consumption. Food exports increase per capita income, while food imports and population density both decrease economic growth. Inbound tourism and economic growth advance population density while forest area and food exports decrease the population density. The study supports growth-led tourism and growth-led food production in a country.

http://ift.tt/2cMI9r7