bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optofluidic Tunable Lenses for In-Plane Light Manipulation
Authors: Chen Qingming , Li Tenghao , Li Zhaohui , Long Jinlin , Zhang Xuming
Published: February 2018

Optofluidics incorporates optics and microfluidics together to construct novel devices for microsystems, providing flexible reconfigurability and high compatibility. Among many novel devices, a prominent one is the in-plane optofluidic lens. It manipulates the light in the plane of the substrate, upon which the liquid sample is held. Benefiting from the compatibility, the in-plane optofluidic lenses can be incorporated into a single chip without complicated manual alignment and promises high integration density. In term of the tunability, the in-plane liquid lenses can be either tuned by adjusting the fluidic interface using numerous microfluidic techniques, or by modulating the refractive index of the liquid using temperature, electric field and concentration. In this paper, the in-plane liquid lenses will be reviewed in the aspects of operation mechanisms and recent development. In addition, their applications in lab-on-a-chip systems are also discussed.
Identification of Uncultured Bacterial Species from Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and CANDIDATUS Saccharibacteria as Candidate Cellulose Utilizers from the Rumen of Beef Cows
Authors: Opdahl Lee , Gonda Michael , St-Pierre Benoit
Published: February 2018

The ability of ruminants to utilize cellulosic biomass is a result of the metabolic activities of symbiotic microbial communities that reside in the rumen. To gain further insight into this complex microbial ecosystem, a selection-based batch culturing approach was used to identify candidate cellulose-utilizing bacterial consortia. Prior to culturing with cellulose, rumen contents sampled from three beef cows maintained on a forage diet shared 252 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs), accounting for 41.6–50.0% of bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences in their respective samples. Despite this high level of overlap, only one OTU was enriched in cellulose-supplemented cultures from all rumen samples. Otherwise, each set of replicate cellulose supplemented cultures originating from a sampled rumen environment was found to have a distinct bacterial composition. Two of the seven most enriched OTUs were closely matched to well-established rumen cellulose utilizers (Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Fibrobacter succinogenes), while the others did not show high nucleotide sequence identity to currently defined bacterial species. The latter were affiliated to Prevotella (1 OTU), Ruminococcaceae (3 OTUs), and the candidate phylum Saccharibacteria (1 OTU), respectively. While further investigations will be necessary to elucidate the metabolic function(s) of each enriched OTU, these results together further support cellulose utilization as a ruminal metabolic trait shared across vast phylogenetic distances, and that the rumen is an environment conducive to the selection of a broad range of microbial adaptations for the digestion of plant structural polysaccharides.
World-Wide Variation in Incidence of Staphylococcus aureus Associated Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Meta-Regression
Authors: Hurley James
Published: February 2018

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) isolate. The objective here is to define the extent and possible reasons for geographic variation in the incidences of S. aureus-associated VAP, MRSA-VAP and overall VAP. A meta-regression model of S. aureus-associated VAP incidence per 1000 Mechanical Ventilation Days (MVD) was undertaken using random effects methods among publications obtained from a search of the English language literature. This model incorporated group level factors such as admission to a trauma ICU, year of publication and use of bronchoscopic sampling towards VAP diagnosis. The search identified 133 publications from seven worldwide regions published over three decades. The summary S. aureus-associated VAP incidence was 4.5 (3.9–5.3) per 1000 MVD. The highest S. aureus-associated VAP incidence is amongst reports from the Mediterranean (mean; 95% confidence interval; 6.1; 4.1–8.5) versus that from Asian ICUs (2.1; 1.5–3.0). The incidence of S. aureus-associated VAP varies by up to three-fold (for the lowest versus highest incidence) among seven geographic regions worldwide, whereas the incidence of VAP varies by less than two-fold. Admission to a trauma unit is the most important group level correlate for S. aureus-associated VAP.
Rare Earth Element Phases in Bauxite Residue
Authors: Vind Johannes , Malfliet Annelies , Blanpain Bart , Tsakiridis Petros , Tkaczyk Alan , Vassiliadou Vicky , Panias Dimitrios
Published: February 2018

The purpose of present work was to provide mineralogical insight into the rare earth element (REE) phases in bauxite residue to improve REE recovering technologies. Experimental work was performed by electron probe microanalysis with energy dispersive as well as wavelength dispersive spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. REEs are found as discrete mineral particles in bauxite residue. Their sizes range from <1 μm to about 40 μm. In bauxite residue, the most abundant REE bearing phases are light REE (LREE) ferrotitanates that form a solid solution between the phases with major compositions (REE,Ca,Na)(Ti,Fe)O3 and (Ca,Na)(Ti,Fe)O3. These are secondary phases formed during the Bayer process by an in-situ transformation of the precursor bauxite LREE phases. Compared to natural systems, the indicated solid solution resembles loparite-perovskite series. LREE particles often have a calcium ferrotitanate shell surrounding them that probably hinders their solubility. Minor amount of LREE carbonate and phosphate minerals as well as manganese-associated LREE phases are also present in bauxite residue. Heavy REEs occur in the same form as in bauxites, namely as yttrium phosphates. These results show that the Bayer process has an impact on the initial REE mineralogy contained in bauxite. Bauxite residue as well as selected bauxites are potentially good sources of REEs.
Peat-Forming Environments and Evolution of Thick Coal Seam in Shengli Coalfield, China: Evidence from Geochemistry, Coal Petrology, and Palynology
Authors: Shen Jian , Qin Yong , Wang Jinyue , Shen Yulin , Wang Geoff
Published: February 2018

Due to the importance of the wide occurrence of thick coal seams for Chinese coal resources, the origins of these seams have received considerable attention. Using the Early Cretaceous No. 5 coal seam with a thickness of 16.8 m in Inner Mongolia as a case study, this paper presents a systematic investigation of the coal petrology, geochemistry, and palynology of 19 coal samples to explain the origin and evolution of peat accumulation. The results indicate that the No. 5 coal seam is generally characterized by low rank (lignite), dominant huminite (average = 82.3%), intermediate ash yield (average = 16.03%), and sulfur content (average = 1.12%). The proportion of spores generally increases from the bottom to the top of the coal seam, whereas the proportion of pollen decreases. The vegetation in the coal seam is dominated by gymnosperms at the bottom and by ferns at the top. The paleographic precursor peat was most likely accumulated in the lakeshore where herbaceous and bushy helophytes were dominant. The total sulfur content was positively related to the huminite content. The sulfur content was possibly derived from bacterial action with sulfur brought in via marine incursions. Three overall declining-increasing values of carbon isotopes within the No. 5 coal seam possibly indicated three general cooling trends during peat accumulation. The environment of peat accumulation included three cycles, including one drying-wetting-drying in the bottom part and two drying-upwards cycles in the upper part. These cycles of the peat-accumulation environment could likely be ascribed to climate change because of their good agreement with humidity signals from plant types at that stage.
Multiple Stage Ore Formation in the Chadormalu Iron Deposit, Bafq Metallogenic Province, Central Iran: Evidence from BSE Imaging and Apatite EPMA and LA-ICP-MS U-Pb Geochronology
Authors: Heidarian Hassan , Lentz David R. , Alirezaei Saeed , McFarlane Christopher R. M. , Peighambari Sima
Published: February 2018

The Chadormalu magnetite-apatite deposit in Bafq metallogenic province, Central Iran, is hosted in the late Precambrian-lower Cambrian volcano-sedimentary rocks with sodic, calcic, and potassic alterations characteristic of iron oxide copper-gold (IOCG) and iron oxide-apatite (IOA) ore systems. Apatite occurs as scattered irregular veinlets and disseminated grains, respectively, within and in the marginal parts of the main ore-body, as well as apatite-magnetite veins in altered wall rocks. Textural evidence (SEM-BSE images) of these apatites shows primary bright, and secondary dark areas with inclusions of monazite/xenotime. The primary, monazite-free fluorapatite contains higher concentrations of Na, Si, S, and light rare earth elements (LREE). The apatite was altered by hydrothermal events that led to leaching of Na, Si, and REE + Y, and development of the dark apatite. The bright apatite yielded two U-Pb age populations, an older dominant age of 490 ± 21 Ma, similar to other iron deposits in the Bafq district and associated intrusions, and a younger age of 246 ± 17 Ma. The dark apatite yielded a U-Pb age of 437 ± 12 Ma. Our data suggest that hydrothermal magmatic fluids contributed to formation of the primary fluorapatite, and sodic and calcic alterations. The primary apatite reequilibrated with basinal brines in at least two regional extensions and basin developments in Silurian and Triassic in Central Iran.
Structural Characterization of the Body Frame and Spicules of a Glass Sponge
Authors: Arasuna Akane , Kigawa Masahito , Fujii Shunsuke , Endo Takatsugu , Takahashi Kenji , Okuno Masayuki
Published: February 2018

The nanostructure (atomic-scale structure) and water species in the body frame and spicules of the marine glass sponge, Euplectella aspergillum, collected from the sea floor around Cebu Island was characterized in detail by thermogravimetric differential thermal analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Raman and infrared spectroscopies, and X-ray diffraction method. The structural features of the nanostructure in the body frame and spicules were essentially similar to each other, although these were different from those of inorganic amorphous silica materials, such as silica gel and silica glass. In addition, the averaged short and medium range structures of the sponge may be similar to those of tridymite. The water content and water species included in the body frame and spicules were almost the same. More than half of the contained water was physisorbed water molecules, and the rest was attributed to Q3 and Q2 silanol groups. Most of the water species may be present at the surface and involved in hydrogen bonding.
Carbon Nitride Decorated Ball-Flower like Co3O4 Hybrid Composite: Hydrothermal Synthesis and Ethanol Gas Sensing Application
Authors: Gong Yuxiao , Wang Yan , Sun Guang , Jia Tiekun , Jia Lei , Zhang Fengmei , Lin Long , Zhang Baoqing , Cao Jianliang , Zhang Zhanying
Published: February 2018

Recently, semiconducting metal oxide (SMO) gas sensors have attracted the attention of researchers for high conductivity, labile features by environment, low cost, easy preparation, etc. However, traditional SMOs have some defects such as higher operating temperature and lower response value, which greatly limit their application in the field of gas sensor. In this work, the carbon nitride decorated ball-flower like Co3O4 composite was successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method, the composition and morphology of the as-synthesized samples were studied by the techniques of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) and N2-sorption. As a consequence, the pure Co3O4 and the carbon nitride decorated Co3O4 both possess ball-flower like structure, and the as-synthesized carbon nitride decorated Co3O4 composite exhibits significant sensing properties to ethanol which is 1.6 times higher than that of pure Co3O4, furthermore, the composite possesses high selectivity and stability towards ethanol detection.
Eucommia ulmoides Ameliorates Glucotoxicity by Suppressing Advanced Glycation End-Products in Diabetic Mice Kidney
Authors: Do Moon Ho , Hur Jinyoung , Choi Jiwon , Kim Mina , Kim Min Jung , Kim Yoonsook , Ha Sang Keun
Published: February 2018

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (EU), also known as Du-Zhong, is a medicinal herb commonly used in Asia to treat hypertension and diabetes. Despite evidence of the protective effects of EU against diabetes, its precise effects and mechanisms of action against advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of EU on AGEs-induced renal disease and explored the possible underlying mechanisms using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. STZ-induced diabetic mice received EU extract (200 mg/kg) orally for 6 weeks. EU treatment did not change blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in diabetic mice. However, the EU-treated group showed a significant increase in the protein expression and activity of glyoxalase 1 (Glo1), which detoxifies the AGE precursor, methylglyoxal (MGO). EU significantly upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression but downregulated that of receptor for AGE (RAGE). Furthermore, histological and immunohistochemical analyses of kidney tissue showed that EU reduced periodic acid–Schiff (PAS)-positive staining, AGEs, and MGO accumulation in diabetic mice. Based on these findings, we concluded that EU ameliorated the renal damage in diabetic mice by inhibiting AGEs formation and RAGE expression and reducing oxidative stress, through the Glo1 and Nrf2 pathways.
Ocular Drug Delivery Barriers—Role of Nanocarriers in the Treatment of Anterior Segment Ocular Diseases
Authors: Bachu Rinda , Chowdhury Pallabitha , Al-Saedi Zahraa , Karla Pradeep , Boddu Sai
Published: February 2018

Ocular drug delivery is challenging due to the presence of anatomical and physiological barriers. These barriers can affect drug entry into the eye following multiple routes of administration (e.g., topical, systemic, and injectable). Topical administration in the form of eye drops is preferred for treating anterior segment diseases, as it is convenient and provides local delivery of drugs. Major concerns with topical delivery include poor drug absorption and low bioavailability. To improve the bioavailability of topically administered drugs, novel drug delivery systems are being investigated. Nanocarrier delivery systems demonstrate enhanced drug permeation and prolonged drug release. This review provides an overview of ocular barriers to anterior segment delivery, along with ways to overcome these barriers using nanocarrier systems. The disposition of nanocarriers following topical administration, their safety, toxicity and clinical trials involving nanocarrier systems are also discussed.
Intuition and Awareness of Abstract Models: A Challenge for Realists
Authors: Kilakos Dimitris
Published: February 2018

It is plausible to think that, in order to actively employ models in their inquiries, scientists should be aware of their existence. The question is especially puzzling for realists in the case of abstract models, since it is not obvious how this is possible. Interestingly, though, this question has drawn little attention in the relevant literature. Perhaps the most obvious choice for a realist is appealing to intuition. In this paper, I argue that if scientific models were abstract entities, one could not be aware of them intuitively. I deploy my argumentation by building on Chudnoff’s elaboration on intuitive awareness. Furthermore, I shortly discuss some other options to which realists could turn in order to address the question of awareness.
Immunomodulatory and Inhibitory Effect of Immulina®, and Immunloges® in the Ig-E Mediated Activation of RBL-2H3 Cells. A New Role in Allergic Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Appel Kurt , Munoz Eduardo , Navarrete Carmen , Cruz-Teno Cristina , Biller Andreas , Thiemann Eva
Published: February 2018

Immulina®, a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide extract from the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) is a potent activator of innate immune cells. On the other hand, it is well documented that Spirulina exerts anti-inflammatory effects and showed promising effects with respect to the relief of allergic rhinitis symptoms. Taking into account these findings, we decided to elucidate whether Immulina®, and immunLoges® (a commercial available multicomponent nutraceutical with Immulina® as a main ingredient) beyond immune-enhancing effects, might also exert inhibitory effects in the induced allergic inflammatory response and on histamine release from RBL-2H3 mast cells. Our findings show that Immulina® and immunLoges® inhibited the IgE-antigen complex-induced production of TNF-α, IL-4, leukotrienes and histamine. The compound 48/80 stimulated histamine release in RBL-2H3 cells was also inhibited. Taken together, our results showed that Immulina® and immunLoges® exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and inhibited the release of histamine from mast cells.
Mathematical Modeling and Parameter Estimation of Intracellular Signaling Pathway: Application to LPS-induced NFκB Activation and TNFα Production in Macrophages
Authors: Lee Dongheon , Ding Yufang , Jayaraman Arul , Kwon Joseph
Published: February 2018

Due to the intrinsic stochasticity, the signaling dynamics in a clonal population of cells exhibit cell-to-cell variability at the single-cell level, which is distinct from the population-average dynamics. Frequently, flow cytometry is widely used to acquire the single-cell level measurements by blocking cytokine secretion with reagents such as Golgiplug™. However, Golgiplug™ can alter the signaling dynamics, causing measurements to be misleading. Hence, we developed a mathematical model to infer the average single-cell dynamics based on the flow cytometry measurements in the presence of Golgiplug™ with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NF κ B signaling as an example. First, a mathematical model was developed based on the prior knowledge. Then, average single-cell dynamics of two key molecules (TNF α and I κ B α ) in the NF κ B signaling pathway were measured through flow cytometry in the presence of Golgiplug™ to validate the model and maximize its prediction accuracy. Specifically, a parameter selection and estimation scheme selected key model parameters and estimated their values. Unsatisfactory results from the parameter estimation guided subsequent experiments and appropriate model improvements, and the refined model was calibrated again through the parameter estimation. The inferred model was able to make predictions that were consistent with the experimental measurements, which will be used to construct a semi-stochastic model in the future.
Facilities in Quantum Beam Science
Authors: Liss Klaus-Dieter
Published: February 2018

The year 2017 saw the birth of the journal Quantum Beam Science [1] which is dedicated to the sources and properties of quantum beam radiation [...]
The Vital Minimum Amount of Drinking Water Required in Ecuador
Authors: Martínez Moscoso Andrés , Aguilar Feijó Víctor , Verdugo Silva Teodoro
Published: February 2018

In 2017, the government of Ecuador established the minimum quantity of water required to be provided for free by drinking water utilities. Ecuador recognized the access to water as a fundamental human right because it guarantees the good living, known as “Sumak kawsay”, an indigenous Andean concept, in the Ecuadorian Constitution. This represents a novel approach to water rights in the world, as it is the first attempt to establish a minimum quantity of water under a constitutional guarantee by legislation, rather than regulation or judicial decision. However, this novel legislative approach raises the question of how this minimum amount of free water will impact the most vulnerable members of the Ecuadorian community. This paper provides the results of the first comprehensive research of the minimum required water provision in Ecuador. In order to measure the impact on the income of households, we built a methodology integrating: doctrinaire analyses, normative studies, and economic analyses. According to the Ecuadorian legislation, over-consumption of raw water generates additional costs that must be paid by water companies to the central government. In that regard, there is an inevitable relationship between the efficiency of the service and those additional costs. Efficiency, on this case, is the capacity of water companies (public or private) to provide water services at an adequate price, observing the following parameters: quantity, quality and sufficiency. Our research found that with this legislation in three Ecuadorian local governments (Cuenca, Gualaceo and Suscal), the most vulnerable households (i.e., low-income and/or indigenous households) will be affected the most. This means that and those families will spend the most part of their income on water services otherwise they would have to reduce their water consumption.
Dread Disease and Cause-Specific Mortality: Exploring New Forms of Insured Loans
Authors: D’Amato Valeria , Di Lorenzo Emilia , Sibillo Marilena
Published: February 2018

The relevance of critical illness coverage and life insurance in cause-specific mortality conditions is increasing in many industrialized countries. Specific conditions on the illness and on death event, providing cheapest premiums for the insureds and lower obligations for the insurers, constitute interesting products in an insurance market looking to offer appealing products. On the other hand, the systematic improvement in longevity gives rise to a market with agents getting increasingly older, and the insurer pays attention to this trend. There are financial contracts joined with insurance coverage, and this particularly happens in the case of the so-called insured loan. Insured loans are financial contracts often proposed together with a term life insurance in order to cover the lender and the heirs against the borrower’s death event within the loan duration. This paper explores new insurance products that, linked to an insured loan, are founded on specific illness hypotheses and/or cause-specific mortality. The aim is to value how much the insurance costs lighten with respect to the traditional term insurance. The authors project cause-specific mortality rates and specific diagnosis rates, in this last case overcoming the discontinuities in the data. The new contractual schemes are priced. Numerical applications also show, with several graphs, the rates projection procedure and plenty of tables report the premiums in the new proposed contractual forms. The complete amortization schedule closes the work.
Lab-on-a-Disc Platform for Automated Chemical Cell Lysis
Authors: Seo Moo-Jung , Yoo Jae-Chern
Published: February 2018

Chemical cell lysis is an interesting topic in the research to Lab-on-a-Disc (LOD) platforms on account of its perfect compatibility with the centrifugal spin column format. However, standard procedures followed in chemical cell lysis require sophisticated non-contact temperature control as well as the use of pressure resistant valves. These requirements pose a significant challenge thereby making the automation of chemical cell lysis on an LOD extremely difficult to achieve. In this study, an LOD capable of performing fully automated chemical cell lysis is proposed, where a combination of chemical and thermal methods has been used. It comprises a sample inlet, phase change material sheet (PCMS)-based temperature sensor, heating chamber, and pressure resistant valves. The PCMS melts and solidifies at a certain temperature and thus is capable of indicating whether the heating chamber has reached a specific temperature. Compared to conventional cell lysis systems, the proposed system offers advantages of reduced manual labor and a compact structure that can be readily integrated onto an LOD. Experiments using Salmonella typhimurium strains were conducted to confirm the performance of the proposed cell lysis system. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system has great potential in realizing chemical cell lysis on an LOD whilst achieving higher throughput in terms of purity and yield of DNA thereby providing a good alternative to conventional cell lysis systems.
A Global Generation? Youth Studies in a Postcolonial World
Authors: Philipps Joschka
Published: February 2018

Today’s young people navigate a world that becomes simultaneously more interconnected and less capable of silencing long-standing inequities. What analytical perspectives does a sociology of youth and generations require in such a context? This paper makes two suggestions: to conceptualize generations as global rather than regionally bound (cf. Mannheim 1928) and to transgress the colonial bifurcation of academia between sociology for the so-called ‘modern’ world and area studies and anthropology for the so-called ‘developing’ world. Drawing from a large body of literature on African youth that has hitherto remained unheeded in youth studies, as well as from postcolonial theory and ethnographic fieldwork in Guinea and Uganda, I argue that academic representations of African youth constitute a particularly insightful repertoire for investigating the methodological challenges and potentials of a global sociological perspective on youth.
Humus Forms and Soil Microbiological Parameters in a Mountain Forest: Upscaling to the Slope Scale
Authors: Hellwig Niels , Gómez-Brandón María , Ascher-Jenull Judith , Bardelli Tommaso , Anschlag Kerstin , Fornasier Flavio , Pietramellara Giacomo , Insam Heribert , Broll Gabriele
Published: February 2018

Humus forms are the morphological results of organic matter decay and distribution in the topsoil, and thus important indicators for decomposer activities in forest ecosystems. The first aim was to examine if humus forms are suitable indicators of microbiological properties of the topsoil in a high mountain forest (Val di Rabbi, Trentino, Italian Alps). The second aim was to predict microbiological parameters based on the topsoil pH value on two slopes of the study area (ca. 1200-2200 m a.s.l.). We investigated humus forms and determined pH values and microbiological parameters (enzymatic activities, carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio and the ratio of bacterial/archaeal abundance) of the uppermost mineral horizon. The results reveal significant correlations between pH value and microbiological parameters (except for bacterial/archaeal abundance), which enable upscaling to the landscape scale using linear models. Based on a random forest with kriging of model residuals, predictive maps of humus form, pH value and microbiological parameters show that decomposition processes in our study area correspond with the topography. As compared to locations on south-facing slopes or close to the valley bottom, locations on north-facing slopes or close to the upper treeline exhibit Moder (scarcely Mull or Amphimull), more acidic topsoil (around pH 4), a lower activity of leucine-aminopeptidase, a lower ratio of alkaline/acid phosphomonoesterase activity and a higher soil C/N ratio (above 20). Our results suggest a high potential of humus forms to indicate soil microbiological properties in a high mountain forest. Together with the pH values of the topsoil, humus forms proved to be a useful tool as a basis for predictive maps of leucine-aminopeptidase activity, ratio of alkaline/acid phosphomonoesterase activity and C/N ratio of the mineral topsoil.
Toward an Integrated Approach to Environmental and Prosocial Education
Authors: Neaman Alexander , Otto Siegmar , Vinokur Eli
Published: February 2018

Environmental education programs neglect the aspect of prosocial behavior as a correlate of pro-environmental behavior. This article examines the possible benefits of increasing the emphasis on prosocial behavior as a way to reinforce environmental education. In our study, prosocial behavior was positively related to pro-environmental behavior (r = 0.34, p < 0.001), and even a combined scale consisting of prosocial and pro-environmental behavior items showed an acceptable reliability (separation reliability = 0.82, at the level of the separated scales), which implies that prosocial and pro-environmental behaviors are a similar class of behavior. We can assume that the two underlying propensities (prosocial behavior and pro-environmentalism) are probably only two facets of an overarching common propensity that supports both kinds of behavior. Therefore, promoting one facet will, through its relationship with the other facet, also foster the respective other facet. Even more so, it might be most effective to relate to both propensities equally.
Melioidosis in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean
Authors: Sanchez-Villamil Javier , Torres Alfredo
Published: February 2018

Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis, an endemic disease in tropical areas around the world. Cumulative human cases have demonstrated that melioidosis is prevalent and increasingly recognized in the American continent. Even though the first reports of melioidosis in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands date back to the late 1940s, the potential of the disease as a public health concern in the region has not been fully appreciated. Unfortunately, recent studies predicting the global distribution of the disease and the demonstration of melioidosis endemicity in Puerto Rico have not increased recognition of the disease by health professionals in this region. Furthermore, a lack of both diagnostic capacity and awareness of the disease has resulted in a limited number of studies that have attempted to accurately determine its prevalence and geographical distribution. In this review, a summary of reported cases in the countries of this region are presented, as well as recommendations to increase the diagnosis and awareness of the disease as an important public health problem in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean islands.
Melioidosis in Malaysia: Incidence, Clinical Challenges, and Advances in Understanding Pathogenesis
Authors: Nathan Sheila , Chieng Sylvia , Kingsley Paul , Mohan Anand , Podin Yuwana , Ooi Mong-How , Mariappan Vanitha , Vellasamy Kumutha , Vadivelu Jamuna , Daim Sylvia , How Soon-Hin
Published: February 2018

Malaysia is an endemic hot spot for melioidosis; however, a comprehensive picture of the burden of disease, clinical presentations, and challenges faced in diagnosis and treatment of melioidosis is not available. This review provides a nonexhaustive overview of epidemiological data, clinical studies, risk factors, and mortality rates from available literature and case reports. Clinical patterns of melioidosis are generally consistent with those from South and Southeast Asia in terms of common primary presentations with diabetes as a major risk factor. Early diagnosis and appropriate management of Malaysian patients is a key limiting factor, which needs to be addressed to reduce serious complications and high mortality and recurrence rates. Promoting awareness among the local healthcare personnel is crucial to improving diagnostics and early treatment, as well as educating the Malaysian public on disease symptoms and risk factors. A further matter of urgency is the need to make this a notifiable disease and the establishment of a national melioidosis registry. We also highlight local studies on the causative agent, Burkholderia pseudomallei, with regards to bacteriology and identification of virulence factors as well as findings from host–pathogen interaction studies. Collectively, these studies have uncovered new correlations and insights for further understanding of the disease.
Many Aspects of Magnetic Fields in Neutron Stars
Authors: Negreiros Rodrigo , Bernal Cristian , Dexheimer Veronica , Troconis Orlenys
Published: February 2018

In this work, we explore different aspects in which strong magnetic fields play a role in the composition, structure and evolution of neutron stars. More specifically, we discuss (i) how strong magnetic fields change the equation of state of dense matter, alter its composition, and create anisotropies, (ii) how they change the structure of neutron stars (such mass and radius) and the formalism necessary to calculate those changes, and (iii) how they can affect neutron stars’ evolution. In particular, we focus on how a time-dependent magnetic field modifies the cooling of a special group known as X-ray dim neutron stars.
Point-of-care urine culture for managing urinary tract infection in primary care: a randomised controlled trial of clinical and cost-effectiveness
Authors: Butler Christopher C , Francis Nick A , Thomas-Jones Emma , Longo Mirella , Wootton Mandy , Llor Carl , Little Paul , Moore Michael , Bates Janine , Pickles Timothy , Kirby Nigel , Gillespie David , Rumsby Kate , Brugman Curt , Gal Micaela , Hood Kerenza , Verheij Theo
Published: February 2018

Background

The effectiveness of using point-of-care (POC) urine culture in primary care on appropriate antibiotic use is unknown.

Aim

To assess whether use of the Flexicult™ SSI-Urinary Kit, which quantifies bacterial growth and determines antibiotic susceptibility at the point of care, achieves antibiotic use that is more often concordant with laboratory culture results, when compared with standard care.

Design and setting

Individually randomised trial of females with uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in primary care research networks (PCRNs) in England, the Netherlands, Spain, and Wales.

Method

Multilevel regression compared outcomes between the two groups while controlling for clustering.

Results

In total, 329 participants were randomised to POC testing (POCT) and 325 to standard care, and 324 and 319 analysed. Fewer females randomised to the POCT arm than those who received standard care were prescribed antibiotics at the initial consultation (267/324 [82.4%] versus 282/319 [88.4%], odds ratio [OR] 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.35 to 0.88). Clinicians indicated the POCT result changed their management for 190/301 (63.1%). Despite this, there was no statistically significant difference between study arms in antibiotic use that was concordant with laboratory culture results (primary outcome) at day 3 (39.3% POCT versus 44.1% standard care, OR 0.84, 95% CI = 0.58 to 1.20), and there was no evidence of any differences in recovery, patient enablement, UTI recurrences, re-consultation, antibiotic resistance, and hospitalisations at follow-up. POCT culture was not cost-effective.

Conclusion

Point-of-care urine culture was not effective when used mainly to adjust immediate antibiotic prescriptions. Further research should evaluate use of the test to guide initiation of ‘delayed antibiotics’.
Paradigmaticity effects in Spanish verb stress
Authors: Ambadiang Omengele Théophile
Published: February 2018

Although much of what has been written on Spanish verb stress shares the intuition that it depends on the interaction of phonological and morphological factors, its study is hindered by the fact that it is focused from an exclusively morphosyntactic or phonological point of view in some cases whereas in others relevance is given only to morphological structure. This paper places the interaction of phonology and morphology in the center of the reflection on Spanish verb stress. After briefly examining the correlation that exists between so-called inflectional segments and lexical stress, we review the most relevant analyses concerning Spanish verb stress from a morphosyntactic and morphological point of view. We suggest that one of the most serious flaws of the former has to do with the fact that they lose sight of the more characteristic specificity of verbal forms, namely that they are part of subparadigms that have stress uniformity as one of their essential features. On the other hand, morphological analyses tend to be based on the idea of a strict symmetry between temporal and accentual subparadigms, and, therefore, to propose morphological explanations, which, however, do not seem to be consistent with the stress patterns typical of present forms and so-called strong preterites.
We aim to show that the interest of the notion of subparadigm manifests itself most clearly in an analysis that takes into account the phonological and morphological factors associated with stress regularity and markedness, besides distinguishing morphological and accentual subparadigms.
We also suggest that the effects of these factors are best examined on the basis of the subsets (temporal, tempomodal subparadigms) that make up the verbal system, i.e., taking into account the characteristics of the forms included in each subset as well as the relationships in which they are involved. From this point of view, the accentual profile of each subparadigm depends on the interaction of strictly prosodic requirements with morphological factors such as morphoprosodic leveling, lexical stress, and what we will call subparadigmatic or positional stress. Whereas the effects of this interaction have a more or less local range, the factors involved in it determine the paradigmaticity effects observed in Spanish conjugation and, ultimately, the degree of morphologization of verb stress in Spanish
Factors Influencing Academic Performance of Students in Blended and Traditional Domains
Authors: Ismail Ahmed Omer , Mahmood Ahmad K. , Abdelmaboud Abdelzahir
Published: February 2018

This paper aims to identify the most important and significant factors in two different areas of learning: combined and traditional learning. Several critical issues have not yet been resolved to achieve the full potential of the learning outcomes in the two domains. The objective of this paper is to review the critical factors that have a great influence on academic performance. The document focuses specifically on a set of factors such as the use of technology, the interaction processes, the characteristics of the students and the class. These identified factors were classified and discussed. The document also determines the technical and pedagogical limitations of the two declared domains. The technical and pedagogical challenges were proposed and future works were recommended.
Evaluation of antiseptic disinfectant activity with static light scattering technology
Authors: Ortalli Gaia , Cosentino Marina , Vailati Francesca , Farina Claudio
Published: February 2018

Background and aims. Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are an increasingly important issue, for this reason disinfection and antisepsis practices acquire importance. The use of products with antiseptic activity and reports of resistance to these molecules, pose the need to test, in the local area, the sensitivity pattern. The aim of this study is to verify the ability of the analytical system Alfred 60AST (Alifax Spa Isola dell’Abbà, Polverara - PD - Italy) in evaluating the antimicrobial effectiveness in vitro of different molecules in comparison to the membrane filtration reference method, in accordance with the procedure NF T72- 152 proposed by the Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR). Materials and Methods. We used four antiseptic-disinfectant substances, commonly used in hospital practic: Iodopovidone, Ethanol, Chlorhexidine and DECS. ATCC strains were assessed both with clinical isolates. The eventual development occurs by means of microbial ALFRED AST60 was carried out in progressive times (30, 60 and 120 minutes) with different dilutions for each of the disinfectant molecules tested. Results and Conclusions. Comparison tests carried out between membrane filtration method and instrumentation Alfred 60AST gave results almost totally concordant. The analyzer Alfred 60AST can then be appropriately adapted to the in vitro evaluation of antiseptics, representing a valuable aid in the periodic monitoring of their activities and the prior assessment of sensitivity for therapeutic use. Though preliminary, the study confirms the existence of bacteria resistant to alcohols and biguanides, and it emphasizes the opportunity to verify the in vitro sensitivity profile.
Measles outbreaks in the Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy, during 2016
Authors: Piccirilli Giulia , Chiereghin Angela , Turello Gabriele , Zuntini Roberta , Felici Silvia , Baggieri Melissa , Nicoletti Loredana , Magurano Fabio , Frasca Gabriella , Pascucci Maria Grazia , Gabrielli Liliana , Lazzarotto Tiziana
Published: February 2018

Background and aim. Despite the availability of a vaccine,measles continues to be endemic in Italy, where an increase of cases was reported during 2016. This study describes the measles outbreaks in Emilia-Romagna Region (ERR), one of the Italian regions mostly affected. Materials and Methods. A total of 101 suspected cases were reported in ERR during 2016. Laboratory diagnosis by serological and/or molecular methods was performed on 142 specimens (78 urine, 19 oral fluid and 45 sera) related to 97 suspected cases. For positive cases, measles virus (MV) strains involved were identified. Results. Among 101 suspected cases, 72 (71.3%) were confirmed. Vaccination status was known for 61 (84.7%) cases, of which 56 (91.8%) were unvaccinated. The highest incidence was found in the age group 15-39 years. In addition, for the 34.7% (25/72) of confirmed cases, the transmission occurred in nosocomial settings, where healthcare workers were involved (60% of cases). Roma/Sinti population were also involved in 12.5% (9/72)or confirmed cases. Both groups are considered hard-to-reach for immunization. The phylogenetic analysis showed circulation of MV strains belonging to genotype B3 and D8 in 45 (80.4%) and 11 cases (19.6%), respectively. In 94.7% of cases, the measles endemic transmission was demonstrated. Conclusions. This data obtained through active surveillance showed the endemic transmission of MV within a population with immunity gaps including healthcare workers (20.8% of confirmed cases), among which the spread of two endemic MV strains was observed.
Molecular techniques for the detection of the antimicrobial sensitivity: friend or foe?
Authors: Sambri Vittorio
Published: February 2018

Not available
Editorial
Authors: Els Gideon
Published: February 2018

No abstract available
30 anos do Protocolo de Montreal: uma história de sucesso do Direito Ambiental Internacional
Authors: Rei Fernando , Farias Valéria Cristina
Published: February 2018

Diante da descoberta científica da destruição da camada de ozônio e seus efeitos desastrosos à saúde humana, plantas e animais, surgiu a necessidade de enfrentamento global do problema e as tratativas internacionais evoluíram para a construção de um regime jurídico internacional, iniciado em 1985, com a Convenção de Viena para a Proteção da Camada de Ozônio e aperfeiçoado dois anos depois com o Protocolo de Montreal sobre as Substâncias que Destroem a Camada de Ozônio, que completa 30 anos. Atualmente, a partir dos acordos, o comércio de substâncias que destroem a camada de ozônio (SDOs) teve que ser reduzido em todo o planeta, seguindo-se cotas pré-definidas, ao mesmo tempo em que foram desenvolvidas tecnologias alternativas para reduzir ou eliminar os riscos à camada de ozônio. O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar o regime jurídico do ozônio ao longo dos trinta anos de vigência do Protocolo de Montreal, com destaque ao exercício da governança desenvolvido ao longo do período, que permitiu uma participação ampliada e foi capaz de encontrar alternativas seguras ao enfrentamento do problema, destacando sua contribuição para o Direito Ambiental Internacional, como exemplo de tutela participativa e eficiente.
Direito Global: Uma teoria adequada para se pensar o direito ambiental?
Authors: Van Waeyenberge Arnaud
Published: February 2018

A globalização tem proporcionado o surgimento e a ascensão de novas formas normativas e de instituições que, na prática, têm assumido as funções de governança global. Essas novas normatividades não passaram despercebidas pelos juristas. Diversos são os autores e escolas de pensamento que têm utilizado este fenômeno para desenvolver teorias que se encontram, recorrentemente, sob os rótulos de "direito global" ou de "direito transnacional". Portanto, esse artigo tem como objetivo inicial o mapeamento das principais teorias de direito global em debate, além de apresentar, ainda que sucintamente, a abordagem pragmática que defendemos no Centro Perelman de Filosofia do Direito. Em seguida, analisaremos ainda a maneira como essa abordagem pode ser aplicada ao direito ambiental, por meio do exemplo da luta contra o aquecimento global. E, por fim, sustentaremos que o direito global, ao menos na sua versão pragmática, representa uma estrutura teórica adequada para pensarmos o direito ambiental.
O desafio do estabelecimento da governança energética a partir do modelo do Direito Administrativo Global: estudo de caso das energias renováveis
Authors: Rocha da Silva Alice , Pantoja Oliveira de Azevedo Othon
Published: February 2018

O Direito Administrativo Global – DAG pode ser considerado enquanto metodologia ou instrumental de efetivação de políticas ambientais, sendo interessante a análise de tal aplicabilidade no caso específico das políticas relacionadas às energias renováveis no combate ao aquecimento global. Partindo da demonstração das limitações do Direito Internacional Público para com a formação de uma governança global de energias renováveis, em razão de suas dificuldades diplomáticas, ocasionando uma descentralização de atores privados em paralelo com a atuação híbridas entre público e privado, utiliza-se a metodologia do DAG para o aperfeiçoamento de tal governança. Tal desafio mostra-se passível de superação ou ao menos aperfeiçoamento a partir da criação de novas instituições trans-governamentais capazes de reunir preocupações ambientais, do apoio ao investimento em setor energético e da transferência tecnológica e aproximação regulatória. Nesse sentido, a formulação de políticas públicas ambientais de forma eficaz perpassa substancialmente pelo fortalecimento da democracia participativa através da sociedade civil organizada e pelo controle jurisdicional, passando por um importante precedente que é o Caso Urgenda, na Holanda.