bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Newborn Screening for Lysosomal Storage Diseases: A Concise Review of the Literature on Screening Methods, Therapeutic Possibilities and Regional Programs
Authors: Schielen Peter , Kemper Evelien , Gelb Michael
Published: March 2017

Newborn screening for lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) is increasingly being considered as an option. The development of analytical screening methods, of second-tier methods, and of therapeutic possibilities, are paving the way for routine screening for LSDs in the coming years. Here, we give a brief description of the current status quo, what screening methods are currently available or are in the pipeline, what is the current status of therapeutic possibilities for LSDs, what LSDs are the most obvious candidates for introduction in screening programs, and what LSDs are already part of regional or national pilot or routine screening programs worldwide.
Aerogels for Optofluidic Waveguides
Authors: Özbakır Yaprak , Jonas Alexandr , Kiraz Alper , Erkey Can
Published: March 2017

Aerogels—solid materials keeping their internal structure of interconnected submicron-sized pores intact upon exchanging the pore liquid with a gas—were first synthesized in 1932 by Samuel Kistler. Overall, an aerogel is a special form of a highly porous material with a very low solid density and it is composed of individual nano-sized particles or fibers that are connected to form a three-dimensional network. The unique properties of these materials, such as open pores and high surface areas, are attributed to their high porosity and irregular solid structure, which can be tuned through proper selection of the preparation conditions. Moreover, their low refractive index makes them a remarkable solid-cladding material for developing liquid-core optofluidic waveguides based on total internal reflection of light. This paper is a comprehensive review of the literature on the use of aerogels for optofluidic waveguide applications. First, an overview of different types of aerogels and their physicochemical properties is presented. Subsequently, possible techniques to fabricate channels in aerogel monoliths are discussed and methods to make the channel surfaces hydrophobic are described in detail. Studies in the literature on the characterization of light propagation in liquid-filled channels within aerogel monoliths as well as their light-guiding characteristics are discussed. Finally, possible applications of aerogel-based optofluidic waveguides are described.
Rapid Determination of 30 Polyphenols in Tongmai Formula, a Combination of Puerariae Lobatae Radix, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and Chuanxiong Rhizoma, via Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wang Fu-Rong , Zhang Ying , Yang Xin-Bao , Liu Chun-Xu , Yang Xiu-Wei , Xu Wei , Liu Jian-Xun
Published: March 2017

Tongmai formula (TMF) is a herbal preparation composed of three traditional Chinese medicinal materials: Puerariae Lobatae Radix (Gegen), Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Danshen) and Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong). It has been used to treat cardiovascular diseases for decades. To develop a reliable and convenient analytical method for a comprehensive determination of polyphenols in TMF and the ascertainment of their chemical correlations with its herbal components, a method combining high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) was developed and validated for rapid determination of 30 polyphenols in TMF and its three herbal components. The chromatographic separation was carried out on a Chromolith Fastgradient RP-18 endcapped 50-2 column using an optimized gradient elution. Statistical analysis of obtained data demonstrated that the method had a desirable linearity, precision, and accuracy, as well as excellent sensitivity. The obtained results indicated that, among the 30 polyphenols in TMF, 22 originated from Gegen, 6 originated from Danshen, and 2 originated from Chuanxiong. The major polyphenols in TMF have been identified as puerarin, mirificin, salvianolic acid B, salvianic acid A, 3’-hydroxypuerarin, 3’-methoxypuerarin, and salvianolic acid A, with a combined contribution of 19.2% of the preparation. The development and validation of this method will greatly facilitate future pharmacological studies of TMF and its herbal components, as well as polyphenols in cardiovascular therapies.
Effects of Two Different Dietary Patterns on Inflammatory Markers, Advanced Glycation End Products and Lipids in Subjects without Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomised Crossover Study
Authors: Kim Yoona , Keogh Jennifer , Clifton Peter
Published: March 2017

Epidemiological studies suggest that consumption of red and processed meat and refined grains are associated with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome and increased inflammatory and fibrinolytic markers. We hypothesised that a diet high in red and processed meat and refined grains (HMD) would increase inflammatory markers and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) compared with a diet high in dairy, whole grains, nuts and legumes (HWD). We performed a randomised crossover study of two four-week interventions in 51 participants without type 2 diabetes (15 men and 36 women aged 35.1 ± 15.6 years; body mass index: 27.7 ± 6.9 kg/m2). No baseline measurements were performed. Plasma fluorescent AGEs, carboxymethyllysine, glucose, insulin, lipids, hs-CRP, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were analysed after four weeks on each diet. IL-6, hs-CRP, AGEs and carboxymethyllysine were not different between diets but PAI-1 was higher after the HMD than after HWD ((median and interquartile range) 158, 81 vs. 121, 53 ng/mL p < 0.001). PAI-1 on the HWD diet was inversely correlated with whole grains intake (p = 0.007). PAI-1 was inversely correlated with insulin sensitivity index (r = −0.45; p = 0.001) and positively correlated with serum total cholesterol (r = 0.35; p = 0.012) and serum triglyceride (r = 0.32; p = 0.021) on HMD. This trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12614000519651).
Inhibitory Effect of Lychee Seed Saponins on Apoptosis Induced by Aβ25-35 through Regulation of the Apoptotic and NF-κB Pathways in PC12 Cells
Authors: Wang Xiuling , Zhang Hong , Liu Jian , Chen Rong , Tang Yong , Chen Haixia , Gu Li , Li Mao , Cao Shousong , Qin Dalian , Wu Jianming
Published: March 2017

Neuronal apoptosis plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Previous studies have shown that lychee seed saponins (LSS), isolated and extracted from traditional Chinese medicine lychee seeds, possess many beneficial activities including anti-oxidation, anti-diabetes, anti-AD, etc. In the present study, we established an in vitro neuronal apoptotic model of PC12 cells induced by Aβ25-35 and studied the effect of LSS on apoptosis by the methods of Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide (PI) fluorescence double staining, Annexin V/PI double staining, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). We also investigated the effects of LSS on mitochondria membrane potential, the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins, and the mRNA expression and the nuclear translocation of NF-κBp65 in PC12 cells. The results showed that LSS markedly inhibited apoptosis, improved the mitochondria membrane potentials, upregulated the expression of Bcl-2 protein, downregulated the expression of Bax protein, and decreased the mRNA expression and nuclear translocation of NF-κBp65 in PC12 cells. The study demonstrated that LSS significantly inhibited apoptosis induced by Aβ25-35 via regulation of the apoptotic and NF-κB pathways in PC12 cells. Therefore, LSS has the potential to be developed as a novel agent or nutrient supplement for the prevention and/or treatment of AD.
Correction: Chen, N. et al. NIR-Red Spectra-Based Disaggregation of SMAP Soil Moisture to 250 m Resolution Based on OzNet in Southeastern Australia. Remote Sens. 2017, 9, 51
Authors: Chen Nengcheng , He Yuqi , Zhang Xiang
Published: March 2017

n/a
Assessment of Atmospheric Correction Methods for Sentinel-2 MSI Images Applied to Amazon Floodplain Lakes
Authors: Martins Vitor , Barbosa Claudio , De Carvalho Lino , Jorge Daniel , Lobo Felipe , Novo Evlyn
Published: March 2017

Satellite data provide the only viable means for extensive monitoring of remote and large freshwater systems, such as the Amazon floodplain lakes. However, an accurate atmospheric correction is required to retrieve water constituents based on surface water reflectance ( R W ). In this paper, we assessed three atmospheric correction methods (Second Simulation of a Satellite Signal in the Solar Spectrum (6SV), ACOLITE and Sen2Cor) applied to an image acquired by the MultiSpectral Instrument (MSI) on-board of the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-2A platform using concurrent in-situ measurements over four Amazon floodplain lakes in Brazil. In addition, we evaluated the correction of forest adjacency effects based on the linear spectral unmixing model, and performed a temporal evaluation of atmospheric constituents from Multi-Angle Implementation of Atmospheric Correction (MAIAC) products. The validation of MAIAC aerosol optical depth (AOD) indicated satisfactory retrievals over the Amazon region, with a correlation coefficient (R) of ~0.7 and 0.85 for Terra and Aqua products, respectively. The seasonal distribution of the cloud cover and AOD revealed a contrast between the first and second half of the year in the study area. Furthermore, simulation of top-of-atmosphere (TOA) reflectance showed a critical contribution of atmospheric effects (>50%) to all spectral bands, especially the deep blue (92%–96%) and blue (84%–92%) bands. The atmospheric correction results of the visible bands illustrate the limitation of the methods over dark lakes ( R W < 1%), and better match of the R W shape compared with in-situ measurements over turbid lakes, although the accuracy varied depending on the spectral bands and methods. Particularly above 705 nm, R W was highly affected by Amazon forest adjacency, and the proposed adjacency effect correction minimized the spectral distortions in R W (RMSE < 0.006). Finally, an extensive validation of the methods is required for distinct inland water types and atmospheric conditions.
Slip Model for the 25 November 2016 Mw 6.6 Aketao Earthquake, Western China, Revealed by Sentinel-1 and ALOS-2 Observations
Authors: Wang Shuai , Xu Caijun , Wen Yangmao , Yin Zhi , Jiang Guoyan , Fang Lihua
Published: March 2017

On 25 November 2016 (UTC 14:24:30), an Mw 6.6 dextral strike-slip earthquake ruptured Aketao county in the northwestern portion of the Kongur Shan extensional system, western China. We extracted surface deformation maps and investigated the distribution of the coseismic slip of the 2016 Aketao earthquake by exploiting the Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar data imaged by the Sentinel-1 satellites of the European Space Agency and the ALOS-2 satellite of the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency. Assuming the crust of the earth is an elastic half-space homogeneous medium, the best fitting slip model suggests a dip angle of 78° for the seismogenic fault. The rupture of the 2016 Aketao earthquake may have consisted of two sub-events that occurred in rapid succession within a few seconds, resulting in two large discrete asperities with maximum slip of ~0.85 m, which were separated by a ~6 km-wide small slip gap. The maximum slip for the sub-event near the epicenter was mainly concentrated at a depth of ~10 km and that of the other at a depth of ~5 km. The estimated total seismic moment from the optimal slip model is 1.58 × 1019 N•m, corresponding to an event with a moment magnitude of 6.74. More than 65% of the aftershocks occurred in the areas of increased Coulomb failure stress, in which the stress was estimated to have been increased by at least 0.1 bar. Matching the potential barrier on the fault with the depth distribution of aftershocks implies that friction on the causative fault was heterogeneous, which may play a primary role in controlling the active behavior of the Muji fault.
Industry Interdependence Dynamics and Structure Change Causal Analysis: An Empirical Study on China’s Shipbuilding Industry
Authors: Xu Xiaofeng , Hao Jun , Deng Yirui
Published: March 2017

Based on empirical evidence from Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta and Circum-Bohai-Sea region, this study applies the Input-Output (I-O) model and ArcGIS to analyze the interdependence and its dynamic evolution of the shipbuilding industry. In order to study the change cause of shipbuilding industrial structure, we decompose the I-O model to obtain the influential factors including domestic final demand, overseas export demand, intermediate input, intermediate demand import and final demand import. The results indicate that (1) the shipbuilding industry has a significant interdependence, which has showed the characteristics of high integration and interaction. Among the three different regions, the degree of interdependence of the Yangtze River Delta is most significant, followed by the Pearl River Delta and the Circum-Bohai region. (2) The interaction and integration of the shipbuilding industry have the trend of synchronous development. From the initial S-shapes of coastal distribution, the interaction gradually expands to inland cities radially. (3) The dependence of the shipbuilding industry has reduced but the self-supporting effect continuously strengthened, and industrialization is accelerating, which indicates the shipbuilding industry will further promote the optimization of industrial structure. (4) Shipbuilding industry has been expanding a lot, the main causes of changes in industrial structure are different, and the effect of intermediate inputs change plays a significant role in the Yangtze River Delta. In the Pearl River Delta, it is the changes effect of foreign export demand that counts. However, it is the effect of the final demand that makes contribution to the industrial structure change in Circum-Bohai-Sea region.
Screening Indicators for the Sustainable Child Development Index (SCDI)
Authors: Chang Ya-Ju , Lehmann Annekatrin , Finkbeiner Matthias
Published: March 2017

Since children are the key stakeholders supporting and being affected by sustainable development, the framework for the Sustainable Child Development Index (SCDI) was proposed. It addresses social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development by considering seven relevant themes of child development, i.e., health, education, safety, economic status, relationship, environmental aspects and participation. However, an indicator set for initiating the SCDI is still missing. In this study, indicators for the themes, subthemes and criteria of SCDI are identified from literature and then analyzed regarding data availability. Sixty-six indicators with statistical data covering at least 100 countries are selected as the indicator set for the SCDI. The results indicate that data availability is best for indicators describing the themes of health and education, and worst for indicators addressing the themes of relationship and participation. Furthermore, 21 subthemes and 50 criteria described by indicators with limited data availability are identified for future indicator and data development. By providing an initial indicator set and screening the indicators with regard to data availability, the practicality of the SCDI framework is expected. Furthermore, the indicator set can serve as a potential indicator pool for other child and sustainable development related studies.
Application of System Dynamics to Evaluate the Social and Economic Benefits of Infrastructure Projects
Authors: Nguyen Tiep , Cook Stephen , Ireland Vernon
Published: March 2017

Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) is often employed to inform decision makers about the desirability of transport infrastructure investment options. One of the main limitations of traditional CBA approaches is that they do not provide a dynamic view that explicitly illustrates the cost and benefit relationships between component entities over time. This paper addresses this issue by describing a System Dynamics (SD) approach that can perform transport infrastructure CBA through the application of systems thinking to develop a causal-loop model that can subsequently be operationalised into an executable stock-and-flow model. Execution of this model readily enables sensitivity analysis of infrastructure investment options and visualisation of the cost-benefit behaviour of each variant over time. The utility of the approach is illustrated through a case study, the Co Chien Bridge project in Vietnam, using a model that incorporates conventional economic metrics and factors that measure indirect project benefits, such as impact on gross domestic product, unemployment rate, and total taxes gained from affected economic sectors.
Changes in the Fusarium Head Blight Complex of Malting Barley in a Three-Year Field Experiment in Italy
Authors: Beccari Giovanni , Prodi Antonio , Tini Francesco , Bonciarelli Umberto , Onofri Andrea , Oueslati Souheib , Limayma Marwa , Covarelli Lorenzo
Published: March 2017

In this study, conducted for three years on eleven malting barley varieties cultivated in central Italy, the incidence of different mycotoxigenic fungal genera, the identification of the Fusarium species associated with the Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) complex, and kernels contamination with deoxynivalenol (DON) and T-2 mycotoxins were determined. The influence of climatic conditions on Fusarium infections and FHB complex composition was also investigated. Fusarium species were always present in the three years and the high average and maximum temperatures during anthesis mainly favored their occurrence. The FHB complex was subject to changes during the three years and the main causal agents were F. poae, F. avenaceum, F. tricinctum and F. graminearum, which, even if constantly present, never represented the principal FHB agent. The relative incidence of Fusarium species changed because of climatic conditions occurring during the seasons. The FHB complex was composed of many different Fusarium species and some of them were associated with a specific variety and/or with specific weather parameters, indicating that the interaction between a certain plant genotype and climatic conditions may influence the presence of Fusarium spp. causing infections. With regard to mycotoxin contamination, T-2 toxin, in some cases, was found in kernels at levels that exceeded EU recommended values.
Use of Carabids for the Post-Market Environmental Monitoring of Genetically Modified Crops
Authors: Skoková Habuštová Oxana , Svobodová Zdeňka , Cagáň Ľudovít , Sehnal František
Published: March 2017

Post-market environmental monitoring (PMEM) of genetically modified (GM) crops is required by EU legislation and has been a subject of debate for many years; however, no consensus on the methodology to be used has been reached. We explored the suitability of carabid beetles as surrogates for the detection of unintended effects of GM crops in general PMEM surveillance. Our study combines data on carabid communities from five maize field trials in Central Europe. Altogether, 86 species and 58,304 individuals were collected. Modeling based on the gradual elimination of the least abundant species, or of the fewest categories of functional traits, showed that a trait-based analysis of the most common species may be suitable for PMEM. Species represented by fewer than 230 individuals (all localities combined) should be excluded and species with an abundance higher than 600 should be preserved for statistical analyses. Sixteen species, representing 15 categories of functional traits fulfill these criteria, are typical dominant inhabitants of agroecocoenoses in Central Europe, are easy to determine, and their functional classification is well known. The effect of sampling year is negligible when at least four samples are collected during maize development beginning from 1 April. The recommended methodology fulfills PMEM requirements, including applicability to large-scale use. However, suggested thresholds of carabid comparability should be verified before definitive conclusions are drawn.
Les espèces végétales protégées des étangs de la plaine du Forez (Loire)
Authors: Guillerme Nicolas , Galtier Justin
Published: March 2017

Les étangs de la plaine du Forez (Loire) sont considérés comme une zone humide d'importance nationale et européenne sur le plan de l'avifaune. La flore présente au sein de cet écosystème se révèle tout aussi remarquable. Ainsi, vingt-huit espèces protégées sont recensées ; trois sont inscrites à l'annexe II de la directive Habitats et protégées sur le plan national, cinq sont protégées sur le plan national et 20 font l'objet une protection à l'échelle régionale. Dans cet article, nous nous proposons de présenter la répartition et la fréquence de ces différents taxons.
Statistics of Reconnection-driven Turbulence
Authors: Kowal Grzegorz , Falceta-Gonçalves Diego A. , Lazarian Alex , Vishniac Ethan T.
Published: March 2017

Magnetic reconnection is a process that changes magnetic field topology in highly conducting fluids. Within the standard Sweet–Parker model, this process would be too slow to explain observations (e.g., solar flares). In reality, the process must be ubiquitous as astrophysical fluids are magnetized and motions of fluid elements necessarily entail crossing of magnetic frozen-in field lines and magnetic reconnection. In the presence of turbulence, the reconnection is independent of microscopic plasma properties and may be much faster than previously thought, as proposed in Lazarian & Vishniac and tested in Kowal et al. However, the considered turbulence in the Lazarian–Vishniac model was imposed externally. In this work, we consider reconnection-driven magnetized turbulence in realistic three-dimensional geometry initiated by stochastic noise. We demonstrate through numerical simulations that the stochastic reconnection is able to self-generate turbulence through interactions between the reconnection outflows. We analyze the statistical properties of velocity fluctuations using power spectra and anisotropy scaling in the local reference frame, which demonstrates that the reconnection produces Kolmogorov-like turbulence, compatible with the Goldreich & Sridhar model. Anisotropy statistics are, however, strongly affected by the dynamics of flows generated by the reconnection process. Once the broad turbulent region is formed, the typical anisotropy scaling

is formed, especially for high resolution models, where the broader range of scales is available. The decay of reconnection outflows to turbulent-like fluctuations, characterized by different anisotropy scalings, strongly depends on the β plasma parameter. Moreover, the estimated reconnection rates are weakly dependent on the model resolution, suggesting that no external processes are required to make reconnection fast.
Galaxy Cluster Pressure Profiles as Determined by Sunyaev Zel’dovich Effect Observations with MUSTANG and Bolocam. II. Joint Analysis of 14 Clusters
Authors: Romero Charles E. , Mason Brian S. , Sayers Jack , Mroczkowski Tony , Sarazin Craig , Donahue Megan , Baldi Alessandro , Clarke Tracy E. , Young Alexander H. , Sievers Jonathan , Dicker Simon R. , Reese Erik D. , Czakon Nicole , Devlin Mark , Korngut Phillip M. , Golwala Sunil
Published: March 2017

We present pressure profiles of galaxy clusters determined from high-resolution Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (SZ) effect observations of 14 clusters, which span the redshift range of

. The procedure simultaneously fits spherical cluster models to MUSTANG and Bolocam data. In this analysis, we adopt the generalized NFW parameterization of pressure profiles to produce our models. Our constraints on ensemble-average pressure profile parameters, in this study γ, C
500, and P
0, are consistent with those in previous studies, but for individual clusters we find discrepancies with the X-ray derived pressure profiles from the ACCEPT2 database. We investigate potential sources of these discrepancies, especially cluster geometry, electron temperature of the intracluster medium, and substructure. We find that the ensemble mean profile for all clusters in our sample is described by the parameters 

, cool core clusters are described by 

, and disturbed clusters are described by 

. Of the 14 clusters, 4 have clear substructure in our SZ observations, while an additional 2 clusters exhibit potential substructure.
A History of H i Stripping in Virgo: A Phase-space View of VIVA Galaxies
Authors: Yoon Hyein , Chung Aeree , Smith Rory , Jaffé Yara L.
Published: March 2017

We investigate the orbital histories of Virgo galaxies at various stages of H i gas stripping. In particular, we compare the location of galaxies with different H i morphology in phase space. This method is a great tool for tracing the gas stripping histories of galaxies as they fall into the cluster. Most galaxies at the early stage of H i stripping are found in the first infall region of Virgo, while galaxies undergoing active H i stripping mostly appear to be falling in or moving out near the cluster core for the first time. Galaxies with severely stripped, yet symmetric, H i disks are found in one of two locations. Some are deep inside the cluster, but others are found in the cluster outskirts with low orbital velocities. We suggest that the latter group of galaxies belong to a “backsplash” population. These present the clearest candidates for backsplashed galaxies observationally identified to date. We further investigate the distribution of a large sample of H i-detected galaxies toward Virgo in phase space, confirming that most galaxies are stripped of their gas as they settle into the gravitational potential of the cluster. In addition, we discuss the impact of tidal interactions between galaxies and group preprocessing on the H i properties of the cluster galaxies, and link the associated star formation evolution to the stripping sequence of cluster galaxies.
Relativistic Disk Reflection in the Neutron Star X-Ray BinaryXTE J1709-267 with NuSTAR
Authors: Ludlam R. M. , Miller J. M. , Cackett E. M. , Degenaar N. , Bostrom A. C.
Published: March 2017

We perform the first reflection study of the soft X-ray transient and Type 1 burst source XTE J1709-267 using NuSTAR observations during its 2016 June outburst. There was an increase in flux near the end of the observations, which corresponds to an increase from ∼0.04 L
Edd to ∼0.06 L
Edd assuming a distance of 8.5 kpc. We have separately examined spectra from the low- and high-flux intervals, which are soft and show evidence of a broad Fe K line. Fits to these intervals with relativistic disk reflection models have revealed an inner-disk radius of

(where

) for the low-flux spectrum and

for the high-flux spectrum at the 90% confidence level. The disk is likely truncated by a boundary layer surrounding the neutron star (NS) or the magnetosphere. Based on the measured luminosity and the accretion efficiency for a disk around an NS, we estimate that the theoretically expected size for the boundary layer would be

from the NS’s surface, which can be increased by spin or viscosity effects. Another plausible scenario is that the disk could be truncated by the magnetosphere. We place a conservative upper limit on the strength of the magnetic field at the poles (assuming

and

) of

G, though X-ray pulsations have not been detected from this source.
Decline and Changing Profile of Hepatitis Delta among Injection Drug users in Spain
Authors: Aguilera Antonio , Trastoy Rocio , Barreiro Pablo , Costa José Javier , de Mendoza Carmen , Peña Jose M , Soriano Vicente
Published: March 2017

Background

Roughly 15 million people worldwide have hepatitis delta, the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis that often leads to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Injection drug users (IDUs) are the largest HDV reservoir. Their resurgence in North America and Europe may represent a new opportunity for HDV to spread more widely.

Methods

We examined all consecutive active IDUs seen for the first time and enrolled in detoxification programmes at two clinics in Spain during two periods (1993–1996 and 2011–2014, respectively). Serum markers of HIV, HBV and HDV infection were tested.

Results

A total of 209 IDUs were examined in the first period. Mean age was 27-years-old. All had markers of past or current HBV infection. The rate of HIV-antibody (Ab), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HDV-Ab was as follows: 122 (58.4%), 73 (34.9%) and 62 (29.7%), respectively. Serum HDV-Ab was recognized in 53.4% of HBsAg+ and 16.9% of HBsAg- patients ( P<0.001). Positivity for HDV-Ab was associated with HIV regardless HBsAg status. In the second period we tested 47 active IDUs. Anti-HDV was found in only two (4.2%), both immigrants from HDV endemic countries and with HBsAg+.

Conclusions

Acute HBV–HDV coinfections and self-limited HDV infections were frequent in the 1990s among IDUs in Spain, especially in HIV+ individuals. In contrast, circulation of HDV has dramatically declined among active IDUs in Spain and is currently very rare, being concentrated in foreign immigrants. It may refect the benefit of universal HBV vaccination as well as the success of needle exchange programmes in Spain.
Redes neuronales (RN) aplicadas a la valoración de locales comerciales
Authors: Núñez Tabales J. M. , Rey Carmona F. J. , Caridad y Ocerin J. M.ª
Published: March 2017

La estimación de precios de inmuebles mediante la utilización de métodos objetivos es de interés para compradores, vendedores y para la propia Administración. Existen diferentes metodologías que permiten la determinación del precio de un inmueble, siendo numerosas las aportaciones cuyo propósito es la estimación de precios de inmuebles residenciales. No obstante, el presente trabajo es pionero en la aplicación de técnicas de Inteligencia Artificial (IA) para la determinación de precios de locales comerciales. Se presenta un estudio de esta tipología de inmueble en la ciudad de Córdoba (España). Los resultados evidencian que las Redes Neuronales (RN) constituyen una alternativa atractiva a los tradicionales Modelos Hedónicos (MH), registrando un mejor ajuste a las no linealidades del mercado y resultando con menores errores. Asimismo, se obtienen los precios implícitos correspondientes a los atributos determinantes del precio de un local comercial a partir de la ecuación de la RN diseñada.
Métodos de trabajo y resultados de refuerzos en madera de un forjado del siglo XVII de la Sacristía de San Miguel en Morón de la Frontera (Sevilla)
Authors: Ariza López I. , Guerrero Vega J. M. , Pinto Puerto F.
Published: March 2017

Durante el pasado siglo se pusieron en práctica numerosas soluciones de refuerzo de antiguos forjados de madera mediante losas que pretendían suplir las carencias de funcionamiento por causas reológicas o por deterioro de algunas de sus piezas. Algunas de estas soluciones, sin embargo, supusieron una sobrecarga innecesaria que agravó las patologías previas con el paso del tiempo, hasta el punto de requerir su apuntalamiento. Éste es el caso de uno de los forjados de la sacristía de la parroquia de San Miguel de Morón, un edificio levantado en el transcurso del siglo XVII anexo al templo. Los pisos de sus dos plantas estaban solucionados mediante forjados de vigas de madera y bovedillas de yeso. Como parte de los trabajos de restauración realizados en 2013, se desmontó un refuerzo previo realizado en 1970 mediante losa de hormigón, para ejecutar posteriormente un novedoso tipo de refuerzo con madera laminada, pretensando la unión entre las piezas nuevas y viejas, lo que ha permitido reducir de forma notable las flechas, mantener todos sus elementos principales y obtener un comportamiento más eficiente. La presente aportación expone las condiciones previas a la intervención, el proceso seguido y los resultados obtenidos durante esta restauración valorando los cálculos y previsiones realizadas.
Estudio del estado de conservación de las yeserías del Oratorio de la Madraza de Granada. Identificación, evaluación y análisis
Authors: Ramos Molina J. , Durán Suárez J. A. , Sebastián Pardo E. , Sáez Pérez M.ª P.
Published: March 2017

La realización de estudios sobre el estado de conservación previo a las intervenciones rehabilitadoras y restauradoras permite conocer y actuar de forma coherente sobre el patrimonio arquitectónico. En esta línea se ha llevado a cabo la investigación de localización gráfica de alteraciones, estudio puntual de materiales de alteración y medición de parámetros ambientales (T y H) en las yeserías del Oratorio de la Madraza de Granada, espacio singular por sus antecedentes históricos y constructivos.

Los resultados obtenidos determinan el nivel de alteración y presencia de los diferentes deterioros, así como la justificación de las causas de alteración que los han motivado. Igualmente se valida la metodología seguida en este estudio, consistente en diversos protocolos sucesivos que facilitan la determinación de las intervenciones restauradoras. De igual manera este método puede ser extrapolable a otros edificios con alto nivel de protección patrimonial.
Which Mobile Learning is More Suitable on Physics Learning in Indonesian High School?
Authors: Sulisworo Dwi , Yunita Lia , Komalasari Arif
Published: March 2017

The use of mobile learning tool has controversy in Indonesian schools. Some teachers feel that it would interfere with the learning process in the classroom, but at the same time teachers saw a lot of potential of mobile technology. The goal of this study is to observe secondary schools on facilitating students through the use of mobile learning. This research is descriptive qualitative evaluations on the assembling mobile learning in several secondary schools in several regions in Indonesia during 2014-2015. The results of this study indicate that some of the schools that have implemented mobile learning, there is a tendency that mobile learning was not in a planned and structured as a school program. Two things are important to solve this condition are the availability of government policy and increase literacy teachers in managing mobile learning application.
Speech Synthesis for Gender Classification
Authors: AlDhlan Kawthar
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a gender identification system to be used for call forwarding in health related communications. The system listens to the caller then using speech synthesis, image processing, and linear support vector machine SVM identifies either he or she is a male or a female. This solution is imperative in a conservative country such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in order to forward the call to a male or female practitioner. The originality of the approach is that no transcription is used to learn SVM models. To identify the gender of the caller, the trained SVM model of the reference pieces are compared to transcripts of the audio frequency record and are using the Levenshtein distance. For the identification of gender, we obtain an accuracy rate of 94% on a test flow containing 449 pieces of speech clips.
Update on Bolognese surgeon Dr. Benedetto Schiassi: the importance of Schiassi’s tentorium
Authors: Sabbatani Sergio , Ansaloni Luca , Sartelli Massimo , Coccolini Federico , Di Saverio Salomone , De Simone Belinda , Catena Rodolfo , Catena Fausto
Published: March 2017

Risk of infection remains a major concern for surgeons. The expansion of surgery towards the end of the 19th century determined a noticeable increase in septicemia and gangrene, and surgeons developed various techniques to limit them. In a previous publication, we reminded our readers of one of the gems of Italian surgery, Dr. Giuseppe Ruggi, who operated in Bologna from the end of 19th to the beginning of the 20th century. To him we owe the introduction and dissemination of the antiseptic method in Bologna. His scientific activity continued with Dr. Benedetto Schiassi, his successor. The techniques used to avoid microbial contamination by the Italian surgeon Dr. Schiassi, are particularly interesting, as Schiassi’s tentorium is still useful. Despite advances in surgical technologies, many innovations to prevent infection in surgery proposed in the past are still relevant today.
Il dibattito in Biogiuridica - Nota giuridica sulla necessaria integrazione del foglietto illustrativo dei prodotti farmaceutici contenenti ulipristal acetato (UPA) e levonorgestrel (LNG) (nome commerciale: EllaOne e Norlevo) classificati come strumenti di “contraccezione d’emergenza” / The debate in Biolaw – Legal note on the necessary integration of the information leaflet about drug containing ulipristal acetate (UPA) and levonorgestrel (LNG) (brand name: EllaOne and Norlevo) classified as tool for “emergency contraception”
Authors: Casini Carlo
Published: March 2017

Non disponibile / Not available
Severe neonatal chlamydial conjunctivitis with unilateral corneal perforation after unattended home delivery in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Cirri Lorenzo , Hailu Abel , Riedel Frank
Published: March 2017

Background. Neonatal chlamydial conjunctivitis is an easily preventable, though still highly prevalent infectious disease in low-income countries and if left untreated it is associated with major local and systemic complications that threat new-borns’ health.
Case presentation. We present two cases of severe neonatal chlamydial conjunctivitis with unilateral corneal involvement in new-born children, after unattended home deliveries in rural Ethiopia. Despite antibiotic treatment, in one case, surgical corneal repair was necessary in order to avoid excessive scarring and subsequent unilateral blindness of the child.
Conclusions. As the presence of an ophthalmologist in sub-Saharan Africa is very rare, many children in the same condition may become blind due to lack of trained surgeons. For these reasons, screening programmes for sexually transmitted infections in pregnant women with suspect vaginal discharge should be implemented by local authorities; as well as local prophylaxis with tetracyclin eye-ointment being made available in rural communities.
Reexamining the Schmalensee effect
Authors: Kim Jeong-Yoo , Berg Nathan
Published: March 2017

The authors reexamine the Schmalensee effect from a dynamic perspective. Schmalsensee’s argument suggesting that high quality can be signaled by high prices is based on the assumption that higher quality necessarily incurs higher production cost. In this paper, the authors argue that firms producing high-quality products have a stronger incentive to lower the marginal cost of production cost because they can then sell larger quantities than low-quality firms can. If this dynamic effect is large enough, then the Schmalensee effect degenerates and, thus, low prices signal high quality. This result is different from the Nelson effect relying on the assumption that only the high-quality product can generate repeat purchase, because the result is valid even if low-quality products can also be purchased repeatedly. The authors characterize a separating equilibrium in which a highquality monopolist invests more to reduce cost and, as a result, charges a lower price. Separation is possible due to a difference in quantities sold in the second period across qualities.
Atmospheric trace metals measured at a regional background site (Welgegund) in South Africa
Authors: Venter Andrew D. , van Zyl Pieter G. , Beukes Johan P. , Josipovic Micky , Hendriks Johan , Vakkari Ville , Laakso Lauri
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Atmospheric trace metals can cause a variety of health-related and environmental problems. Only a few studies on atmospheric trace metal concentrations have been conducted in South Africa. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine trace metal concentrations in aerosols collected at a regional background site, i.e. Welgegund, South Africa. PM1, PM1–2. 5 and PM2. 5–10 samples were collected for 13 months, and 31 atmospheric trace metal species were detected. Atmospheric iron (Fe) had the highest concentrations in all three size fractions, while calcium (Ca) was the second-most-abundant species. Chromium (Cr) and sodium (Na) concentrations were the third- and fourth-most-abundant species, respectively. The concentrations of the trace metal species in all three size ranges were similar, with the exception of Fe, which had higher concentrations in the PM1 size fraction. With the exception of titanium (Ti), aluminium (Al) and manganese (Mg), 70 % or more of the trace metal species detected were in the smaller size fractions, which indicated the influence of industrial activities. However, the large influence of wind-blown dust was reflected by 30 % or more of trace metals being present in the PM2. 5–10 size fraction. Comparison of trace metals determined at Welgegund to those in the western Bushveld Igneous Complex indicated that at both locations similar species were observed, with Fe being the most abundant. However, concentrations of these trace metal species were significantly higher in the western Bushveld Igneous Complex. Fe concentrations at the Vaal Triangle were similar to levels thereof at Welgegund, while concentrations of species associated with pyrometallurgical smelting were lower. Annual average Ni was 4 times higher, and annual average As was marginally higher than their respective European standard values, which could be attributed to regional influence of pyrometallurgical industries in the western Bushveld Igneous Complex. All three size fractions indicated elevated trace metal concentrations coinciding with the end of the dry season, which could partially be attributed to decreased wet removal and increases in wind generation of particulates. Principal component factor analysis (PCFA) revealed four meaningful factors in the PM1 size fraction, i.e. crustal, pyrometallurgical-related and Au slimes dams. No meaningful factors were determined for the PM1–2. 5 and PM2. 5–10 size fractions, which was attributed to the large influence of wind-blown dust on atmospheric trace metals determined at Welgegund. Pollution roses confirmed the influence of wind-blown dust on trace metal concentrations measured at Welgegund, while the impact of industrial activities was also substantiated.
What controls the stable isotope composition of precipitation in the Asian monsoon region?
Authors: Nguyen Le Duy , Heidbüchel Ingo , Meyer Hanno , Merz Bruno , Apel Heiko
Published: March 2017

Abstract. This study analyzes the influence of local and regional climatic factors on the stable isotopic composition of rainfall in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta as part of the Asian monsoon region. It is based on 1.5 years of weekly rainfall samples. Their isotopic content is analyzed by Local Meteoric Water Lines (LMWL) and single-factor regressions. Additionally, the contribution of several regional and local factors is quantified by multiple linear regressions (MLR) of all possible factor combinations and by relative importance analysis, a novel approach for the interpretation of isotopic records. The local factors are extracted from local climate records, while the regional factors are derived from atmospheric backward trajectories of water particles. The regional factors, i.e. precipitation, temperature, relative humidity and moving distance of the backward trajectories, are combined with equivalent local climatic parameters to predict the response variables δ18O, δ2H, and d-excess of precipitation at the station of measurement. The results indicate that (i) MLR can much better explain the isotopic variation of precipitation (R2 = 0.8) compared to single-factor linear regression (R2 = 0.3); (ii) the isotopic variation in precipitation is controlled dominantly by regional moisture regimes (~ 70 %) compared to local climatic conditions (~ 30 %); (iii) the most important climatic parameter during the early rainy season is the precipitation amount along the trajectories of air mass movements; (iv) the influence of local precipitation amount and temperature is not significant during the early rainy season, unlike the regional precipitation amount effect; (v) secondary fractionation processes (e.g. sub-cloud evaporation) take place mainly in the dry season, either locally for δ18O and δ2H, or along the air mass trajectories for d-excess. The analysis shows that regional and local factors vary in importance over the seasons, and that the source regions and transport pathways, and in particular the climatic conditions along the pathways, have a large influence on the isotopic composition of rainfall. The proposed methods thus proved to be valuable for the interpretation of the isotopic records in rainfall and the factors controlling it. The results illustrate that the interpretation of the isotopic composition in precipitation as a recorder of local climatic conditions, as for example performed for paleo records of water isotopes, may not be adequate in the Southern part of the Indochinese Peninsula, and likely also not in other regions affected by monsoon processes. However, the presented approach could open a pathway towards better and seasonally differentiated reconstruction of paleoclimates based on isotopic records.
Financial Twilight Re-Appraisal: Ending the Judicially Created Quagmire of Fiduciary Duties to Creditors
Authors: Hargovan Anil , Todd Timothy M.
Published: March 2017

Directors owe fiduciary duties of care and loyalty to their corporations, and by extension to their shareholders. When a corporation approaches or enters insolvency, however, courts have recently found that the fiduciary duty calculus may change. Recognizing that creditors have financial interests similar to those of shareholders at or near insolvency, courts in several countries have extended fiduciary duty protection to creditors on equitable grounds. This trend has led to a state of flux and uncertainty in corporate law. Consequently, courts and commentators are battling to fully comprehend the controversial subject of director fiduciary duties to creditors in various jurisdictions. Due to this jurisprudential flux, unresolved issues include, for example, the core notion that the duty arises when the company enters into an “ill-defined sphere” known as the “zone” or “vicinity” of insolvency. The law is remarkably short of specific judicial guidance as to how directors who engage in commercial risk-taking with a view to corporate rescue should discharge their duties without harming the interests of creditors. Indeed, the debate continues even on the critical doctrinal question of whether such a duty is even needed.This Article uses corporate law in both the United States and Australia as emblematic of the real practical concerns inherent in the expansion of fiduciary duties. Consequently, the Article argues that the judicial recognition of directors’ fiduciary duties to creditors when at or near insolvency is objectionable, both from a policy and a doctrinal standpoint, and that any further attempt to develop the common law in this regard should be jettisoned in favor of reliance upon the existing, or modified, statutory regime aimed at creditor protection during times of financial distress.