bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degradation of Phosphate Ester Hydraulic Fluid in Power Station Turbines Investigated by a Three-Magnet Unilateral Magnet Array
Authors: Guo Pan , He Wei , García-Naranjo Juan
Published: April 2014

A three-magnet array unilateral NMR sensor with a homogeneous sensitive spot was employed for assessing aging of the turbine oils used in two different power stations. The Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) sequence and Inversion Recovery-prepared CPMG were employed for measuring the 1H-NMR transverse and longitudinal relaxation times of turbine oils with different service status. Two signal components with different lifetimes were obtained by processing the transverse relaxation curves with a numeric program based on the Inverse Laplace Transformation. The long lifetime components of the transverse relaxation time T2eff and longitudinal relaxation time T1 were chosen to monitor the hydraulic fluid aging. The results demonstrate that an increase of the service time of the turbine oils clearly results in a decrease of T2eff,long and T1,long. This indicates that the T2eff,long and T1,long relaxation times, obtained from the unilateral magnetic resonance measurements, can be applied as indices for degradation of the hydraulic fluid in power station turbines.
A Fractional Probability Calculus View of Allometry
Authors: West Bruce
Published: April 2014

The scaling of respiratory metabolism with body size in animals is considered by many to be a fundamental law of nature. An apparent corollary of this law is the scaling of physiologic time with body size, implying that physiologic time is separate and distinct from clock time. However, these are only two of the many allometry relations that emerge from empirical studies in the physical, social and life sciences. Herein, we present a theory of allometry that provides a foundation for the allometry relation between a network function and the size that is entailed by the hypothesis that the fluctuations in the two measures are described by a scaling of the joint probability density. The dynamics of such networks are described by the fractional calculus, whose scaling solutions entail the empirically observed allometry relations.
Muju Virus, Harbored by Myodes regulus in Korea, Might Represent a Genetic Variant of Puumala Virus, the Prototype Arvicolid Rodent-Borne Hantavirus
Authors: Lee Jin , Gu Se , Baek Luck , Shin Ok , Park Kwang , Kim Heung-Chul , Klein Terry , Yanagihara Richard , Song Jin-Won
Published: April 2014

The genome of Muju virus (MUJV), identified originally in the royal vole (Myodes regulus) in Korea, was fully sequenced to ascertain its genetic and phylogenetic relationship with Puumala virus (PUUV), harbored by the bank vole (My. glareolus), and a PUUV-like virus, named Hokkaido virus (HOKV), in the grey red-backed vole (My. rufocanus) in Japan. Whole genome sequence analysis of the 6544-nucleotide large (L), 3652-nucleotide medium (M) and 1831-nucleotide small (S) segments of MUJV, as well as the amino acid sequences of their gene products, indicated that MUJV strains from different capture sites might represent genetic variants of PUUV, the prototype arvicolid rodent-borne hantavirus in Europe. Distinct geographic-specific clustering of MUJV was found in different provinces in Korea, and phylogenetic analyses revealed that MUJV and HOKV share a common ancestry with PUUV. A better understanding of the taxonomic classification and pathogenic potential of MUJV must await its isolation in cell culture.
An Input-Output Assessment of Water Productivity in the Castile and León Region (Spain)
Authors: Pérez Blanco Carlos , Thaler Thomas
Published: April 2014

The failure in the past to acknowledge the limits of water supply and to decouple economic development from water demand has resulted in a water dependent growth model currently threatened by increasing scarcity and droughts. Consequently, there is now an urgent need to use sparse water resources in a more sustainable and efficient way. This demands a comprehensive understanding of water productivity and the linkages among economic sectors to illustrate the tradeoffs in water reallocations from productive sectors to priority uses (household and urban uses). This paper develops a methodology based on the Hypothetical Extraction Method to estimate inter-temporal direct and indirect water productivity. The method is applied to the Spanish region of Castile and León. Results confirm the existence of a relevant water productivity gap between the agriculture (the largest water consumer) and that of the other sectors, which are nonetheless largely dependent on the agricultural output (and thus, on agricultural water demand). Results also show that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, say about 1%, results in an increase of indirect water productivity in the manufacturing blocks (0.49% and 0.38%), energy and water (0.39%) and service blocks (0.41%), providing evidence of the existence of a Verdoorn’s Law for water.
Etude comparée des ergs, à l'échelle continentale (Sahara et déserts d'Australie)
Authors: Mainguet Monique
Published: April 2014

Résumé. - Les ergs, constitués au Sahara par une gamme variée d'édifices sableux éoliens, et en Australie surtout par les sand-ridges, sont disposés le long de grands courants éoliens de dimension continentale le long desquels le sable est transporté selon une trajectoire grossièrement NE-SW au Sahara, en arc de cercle ouvert vers l'W en Australie. La genèse des sand-ridges a été replacée dans un contexte dynamique spatial et temporel.
A Complementary Graphical Method for Reducing and Analyzing Large Data Sets
Authors: Cimino J. J. , Jing X.
Published: April 2014

Objectives: Graphical displays can make data more understandable; however, large graphs can challenge human comprehension. We have previously described a filtering method to provide high-level summary views of large data sets. In this paper we demonstrate our method for setting and selecting thresholds to limit graph size while retaining important information by applying it to large single and paired data sets, taken from patient and bibliographic databases.

Methods: Four case studies are used to illustrate our method. The data are either patient discharge diagnoses (coded using the International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modifications [ICD9-CM]) or Medline citations (coded using the Medical Subject Headings [MeSH]). We use combinations of different thresholds to obtain filtered graphs for detailed analysis. The thresholds setting and selection, such as thresholds for node counts, class counts, ratio values, p values (for diff data sets), and percentiles of selected class count thresholds, are demonstrated with details in case studies. The main steps include: data preparation, data manipulation, computation, and threshold selection and visualization. We also describe the data models for different types of thresholds and the considerations for thresholds selection.

Results: The filtered graphs are 1%-3% of the size of the original graphs. For our case studies, the graphs provide 1) the most heavily used ICD9-CM codes, 2) the codes with most patients in a research hospital in 2011, 3) a profile of publications on “heavily represented topics” in MEDLINE in 2011, and 4) validated knowledge about adverse effects of the medication of rosiglitazone and new interesting areas in the ICD9-CM hierarchy associated with patients taking the medication of pioglitazone.

Conclusions: Our filtering method reduces large graphs to a manageable size by re -moving relatively unimportant nodes. The graphical method provides summary views based on computation of usage frequency and semantic context of hierarchical ter -minology. The method is applicable to large data sets (such as a hundred thousand records or more) and can be used to generate new hypotheses from data sets coded with hierarchical terminologies.
A Pictorial Schema for a Comprehensive User-oriented Identification of Medical Apps
Authors: Marceglia S. , Pinciroli F. , Bonacina S.
Published: April 2014

Objectives: The huge amount of released medical apps prevents medical app users from believing that medical scientific societies and other accreditation bodies as well, have the resources and the power for assigning to any medical app a quality score. By the time being, any medical app user has to take the risks related to the frequently insufficient accreditation of that app. Providing clear user-oriented schemas, to be adopted both when putting a medical App on the market and when an App comes to be evaluated by a cohort or single users, becomes crucial. The aim of our research was to define a pictorial identification one-shot schema for a comprehensive user-oriented identification of medical apps.

Methods: Adopting a pictorial approach is common in software design modeling. To build up our identification schema we started from the limited number of Apps already available on a web site of app reviews (iMedicalApps.com), and we identified an appropriately large set of attributes for describing medical apps. We arranged the attributes in six main families. We organized them in a one-shot comprehensive pictorial schema. We adopted a traffic light color code for assessing each attribute, that was sufficient to provide simple elements of alerts and alarms regarding a single App. Then, we considered apps from iMedicalApps.com web site belonging to three medical specialties: cardiology, oncology, and pharma and analyzed them according to the proposed pictorial schema.

Results: A pictorial schema having the attributes grouped in the families related to “Responsible Promoters”, “Offered Services”, “Searching Methods”, “Applications Domains”, “Envisaged Users”, and “Qualifiers and Quantifiers” has been identified. Furthermore, we produced a one-shot pictorial schema for each considered app, and for each medical specialty, we produced it also in an aggregated form.

Conclusions: The one-shot pictorial schema provides a useful perception of when and where to use a considered app. It fits positively the expectations of potential but different user’s profiles. It can be a first step towards a systematic assessment of apps from the user viewpoint.
The Utility of Imputed Matched Sets
Authors: Thomas A. M. , Dean J. M. , Olson L. M. , Cook L. J.
Published: April 2014

Objective: To compare results from high probability matched sets versus imputed matched sets across differing levels of linkage information.

Methods: A series of linkages with varying amounts of available information were performed on two simulated datasets derived from multiyear motor vehicle crash (MVC) and hospital databases, where true matches were known. Distributions of high probability and imputed matched sets were compared against the true match population for occupant age, MVC county, and MVC hour. Regression models were fit to simulated log hospital charges and hospitalization status.

Results: High probability and imputed matched sets were not significantly different from occupant age, MVC county, and MVC hour in high information settings (p > 0.999). In low information settings, high probability matched sets were significantly different from occupant age and MVC county (p < 0.002), but imputed matched sets were not (p > 0.493). High information settings saw no significant differences in inference of simulated log hospital charges and hospitalization status between the two methods. High probability and imputed matched sets were significantly different from the outcomes in low information settings; however, imputed matched sets were more robust.

Conclusions: The level of information available to a linkage is an important con -sideration. High probability matched sets are suitable for high to moderate information settings and for situations involving case- specific analysis. Conversely, imputed matched sets are preferable for low information settings when conducting population-based analyses.
Assessing Older Adults’ Perceptions of Sensor Data and Designing Visual Displays for Ambient Environments
Authors: Chung J. , Le T. , Thompson H. , Demiris G. , Reeder B.
Published: April 2014

Introduction: This article is part of the Focus Theme of Methods of Information in Medicine on “Using Data from Ambient Assisted Living and Smart Homes in Electronic Health Records“.

Objectives: Our objectives were to: 1) characterize older adult participants’ perceived usefulness of in-home sensor data and 2) develop novel visual displays for sensor data from Ambient Assisted Living environments that can become part of electronic health records.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with community-dwelling older adult participants during three and six-month visits. We engaged participants in two design iterations by soliciting feedback about display types and visual displays of simulated data related to a fall scenario. Interview transcripts were analyzed to identify themes related to perceived usefulness of sensor data.

Results: Thematic analysis identified three themes: perceived usefulness of sensor data for managing health; factors that affect perceived usefulness of sensor data and; perceived usefulness of visual displays. Visual displays were cited as potentially useful for family members and health care providers. Three novel visual displays were created based on interview results, design guidelines derived from prior AAL research, and principles of graphic design theory.

Conclusions: Participants identified potential uses of personal activity data for monitoring health status and capturing early signs of illness. One area for future research is to determine how visual displays of AAL data might be utilized to connect family members and health care providers through shared understanding of activity levels versus a more simplified view of self-management. Connecting informal and formal caregiving networks may facilitate better communication between older adults, family members and health care providers for shared decision-making.
Plasma-assisted synthesis and high-resolution characterization of anisotropic elemental and bimetallic core–shell magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Hennes M , Lotnyk A , Mayr S G
Published: April 2014

Magnetically anisotropic as well as magnetic core–shell nanoparticles (CS-NPs) with controllable properties are highly desirable in a broad range of applications. With this background, a setup for the synthesis of heterostructured magnetic core–shell nanoparticles, which relies on (optionally pulsed) DC plasma gas condensation has been developed. We demonstrate the synthesis of elemental nickel nanoparticles with highly tunable sizes and shapes and Ni@Cu CS-NPs with an average shell thickness of 10 nm as determined with scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurements. An analytical model that relies on classical kinetic gas theory is used to describe the deposition of Cu shell atoms on top of existing Ni cores. Its predictive power and possible implications for the growth of heterostructured NP in gas condensation processes are discussed.
Hepatic encephalomyelopathy: a complication following liver cirrhosis caused by Budd-Chiari syndrome and HBV
Authors: Cheng Jun , Jiang Shou-Wei , Zhou Zhong-Song , Sun Qiu-Lin
Published: April 2014

Progressive encephalomyelopathy is a rare neurological complication of chronic liver disease, even manifesting progressive spastic paraparesis. Few reports detailing the clinical and diagnostic aspects of this uncommon cause of neurological deterioration in patients with hepatic insufficiency have been published. Early recognition of this disorder will become more important in the future as patients with liver disease survive longer due to medical advances, including liver transplantation. The case of a patient with hepatic encephalomyelopathy associated with Budd-Chiari syndrome and HBV-related cirrhosis is presented.
Helicobacter pylori associated with breastfeeding, nutritional status and recurrent abdominal pain in healthy Nigerian children
Authors: Senbanjo Idowu O , Oshikoya Kazeem A , Njokanma Olisamedua F
Published: April 2014

Introduction: There is limited knowledge about the associations of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the current prevalence and associations of H. pylori infection with breastfeeding practices, nutritional status, and recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) in a group of apparently healthy children and adolescents in Lagos, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a prospective hospital-based study conducted at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital that involved 118 children who came to the hospital for routine pediatric care. Seroprevalence status of the children was determined by measuring immunoglobulin G antibodies against H. pylori using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Seventy-five (63.6%) children were seropositive for H. pylori. The prevalence of H. pylori infection increased significantly from 40.4% in children less than five years of age to 85.1% at six to ten years of age (χ2 = 20.9, p < 0.001). H. pylori infection was associated with low social class (OR = 3.24; 95% CI = 1.20-8.23, p = 0.016) and with RAP (OR = 3.47; 95% CI = 1.55-7.79, p = 0.002), but no association was observed with exclusive breastfeeding, duration of breastfeeding, and under-nutrition. Conclusions: The prevalence of H. pylori infection is high, particularly among children from low socioeconomic backgrounds in Lagos, Nigeria. It is associated with RAP. The effect of this infection on children’s health requires further studies.
Vaginal infections among pregnant women at Omdurman Maternity Hospital in Khartoum, Sudan
Authors: Abdelaziz Zeinab A , Ibrahim Mutasim E , Bilal Naser E , Hamid Mohamed E
Published: April 2014

Introduction: Microbial infections of the vagina in pregnant women are health problems that lead to serious medical complications and consequences. This study aimed to investigate and determine antimicrobial susceptibilities of the causative agents of vaginal infections in pregnant women. Methodology: A cross-sectional study of pregnant women (n = 200) was conducted between August and December 2008 at Omdurman Maternity Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan. Vaginal and cervical swabs were obtained from each subject and processed for isolation and identification of pathogenic microorganisms using standard methods of wet mount preparation, direct Gram smear, Nugent scoring system, direct immunofluorescence, and cultural techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacterial isolates was performed using standard procedures. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS program version 12.0.1. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 200 pregnant women enrolled, BV was detected in 49.8%, followed by Chlamydia trachomatis (31.3%) and Candida albicans (16.6%), with low frequencies of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (1.8%) and Trichomonas vaginalis (0.5%). Higher infection rates were recorded among subjects in the third trimester (71.6%) than in the second trimester of gestation (28.4%). No significant association (p = 0.7) between history of abortions and C. trachomatis infections was found. Gentamicin was the most active agent against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Clarythromycin was the most active against Mycoplasma species. Conclusions: Pregnant women with vaginal complaints revealed various positive microbiology results. Such cases may require specific medication. Routine culture of vaginal and cervical samples should be performed on all pregnant women during prenatal visits.
PCR deduction of invasive and colonizing pneumococcal serotypes from Venezuela: a critical appraisal
Authors: Bello Gonzalez Teresita , Rivera-Olivero Ismar Alejandra , Sisco María Carolina , Spadola Enza , Hermans Peter W , De Waard Jacobus H.
Published: April 2014

Introduction: Serotype surveillance of Streptococcus pneumoniae is indispensable for evaluating the potential impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. Serotyping by the standard Quellung reaction is technically demanding, time consuming, and expensive. A simple and economical strategy is multiplex PCR-based serotyping. We evaluated the cost effectiveness of a modified serial multiplex PCR (mPCR), resolving 24 serotypes in four PCR reactions and optimally targeting the most prevalent invasive and colonizing pneumococcal serotypes found in Venezuela. Methodology: A total of 223 pneumococcal isolates, 140 invasive and 83 carriage isolates, previously serotyped by the Quellung reaction and representing the 18 most common serotypes/groups identified in Venezuela, were serotyped with the adapted mPCR. Results: The mPCR serotyped 76% of all the strains in the first two PCR reactions and 91% after four reactions, correctly identifying 17 serotypes/groups. An isolate could be serotyped with mPCR in less than 2 minutes versus 15 minutes for the Quellung reaction, considerably lowering labor costs. A restrictive weakness of mPCR was found for the detection of 19F strains. Most Venezuelan 19F strains were not typeable using the mPCR, and two 19F cps serotype variants were identified. Conclusions: The mPCR assay is an accurate, rapid, and economical method for the identification of the vast majority of the serotypes from Venezuela and can be used in place of the standard Quellung reaction. An exception is the identification of serotype 19F. In this setting, most 19F strains were not detectable with mPCR, demonstrating a need of serology-based quality control for PCR-based serotyping.
Comparison of behaviors regarding live poultry exposure among rural residents in Vietnam and Thailand
Authors: Liao Qiuyan , Lam Wendy Wing Tak , Bich Tran Huu , Dang Vu Trung , Fielding Richard
Published: April 2014

Introduction: Live poultry exposure and risk behaviors are more prevalent in rural communities, increasing the risk of influenza A/H5N1 infection. We examined the economic and socio-cultural influences on poultry-related practices by comparing the poultry-related practices among Vietnamese and Thai rural residents by family income and consumption preference. Methods: Stratified cluster sampling was performed to select households. Within each household, one adult was randomly selected for a face-to-face interview in five Vietnamese and five Thai rural districts. Using a standardized questionnaire to assess domestic poultry husbandry, live poultry purchase, and demographics, logistic regression enabled comparisons of behaviors related to live poultry exposure and examination of associated factors. Results: Among 994 Vietnamese and 907 Thai rural residents, live poultry exposure (prevalence of raising poultry, improper handling of sick or dead poultry, touching live poultry before buying, and slaughtering poultry at home) was more prevalent among Vietnamese than Thai respondents. After adjusting for other demographics, respondents with higher family incomes were less likely to rear backyard poultry in both Vietnam and Thailand, and with more likely to buy live poultry in Vietnam, but not in Thailand. Consumption preference for live poultry was associated with being more likely to rear backyard poultry in Vietnam and Thailand, and with being more likely to buy live poultry in Thailand, but not in Vietnam. Conclusion: The findings suggest important roles of economic imperatives and cultural preference for live poultry for consumption in supporting poultry rearing and live poultry purchase among rural residents.
Bacterial and viral etiology in hospitalized community acquired pneumonia with molecular methods and clinical evaluation
Authors: Çağlayan Serin Derya , Pullukçu Hüsnü , Çiçek Candan , Sipahi Oğuz Reşat , Taşbakan Sezai , Atalay Sabri
Published: April 2014

Introduction: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method has improved the diagnosis rates for patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We aimed to evaluate the bacterial and viral etiology of hospitalized CAP cases and compare clinical and laboratory findings of patients with pure bacterial and bacterial and viral (mixed) infections. Methodology: A total of 55 patients hospitalized with CAP were enrolled into the prospective study between February 2010 and December 2010. Clinical and laboratory follow-up were performed on days 0, 7 and 14. Deep tracheal aspiration samples were examined for bacterial and viral pathogens by multiplex PCR, and standard bacteriological culture method. Results: The etiological identification rate in 50 patients for bacteria, viruses and mixed virus–bacteria combination by PCR were 62%, 4%, 32%, respectively and 60% in 55 patients by bacterial culture method. Streptococcus pneumoniae concomitant with Haemophilus influenzae (36%) and rhinovirus (16%) was very common, whereas atypical pathogens (only Mycoplasma pneumoniae) were rare (6%). Rhinovirus was the most common viral agent (20%). Recently identified viruses, human coronavirus HKU1 and human bocavirus were not detected except for human metapneumovirus (one case). There was no significant difference in terms of mean age, immune status, leukocyte count, C-reactive protein (CRP) values, hospitalization duration and CURB-65 score between bacterial and mixed viral-bacterial detections. Advanced age (p < 0.01) and higher CURB-65 score (p = 0.01) were found to be associated with increased mortality. Conclusion: Concomitance of bacterial and viral agents is frequent and resemble with bacterial infections alone. Further studies are needed for the clinical significance of mixed detections.
Expression of ompR gene in the acid adaptation and thermal resistance of Salmonella Enteritidis SE86
Authors: Ritter Ana Carolina , Bacciu Donatella , Santi Lucelia , Rubino Salvatore , Uzzau Sergio , Tondo Eduardo Cesar
Published: April 2014

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate the involvement of the ompR gene in the acid adaptation and thermal resistance of S. Enteritidis SE86, responsible agent of more than 95 % of investigated food-borne diseases, throughout the last decade in Southern Brazil. In this study, we constructed a mutant strain of S. Enteritidis SE86 (ΔompR) that was attenuated by a knockout technique. The OmpR protein expression was determined in a tagged (3XFLAG) strain of S. Enteritidis SE86. Methodology: The mutant strains were cultivated separately in nutrient broth and nutrient broth supplemented with 1% glucose (NBG) to induce acid adapted cells. The organisms were exposed to different temperature such as 37 ºC, 52 ºC, and 60ºC. The survival of the SE86 wild type (WT) and attenuated strain was determined by bacterial count, and the tagged protein (ompR::3XFLAG cat::FLAG) was detected by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting with anti-FLAG antibodies. Results: Results showed that when exposed at 52ºC, the acid-adapted SE86 WT cells were completely inactivated after 300 minutes; however, non-adapted cells (WT and ΔompR) and acid-adapted ΔompR demonstrated higher thermal sensitivity, since they were completely inactivated in 240 minutes. At 60ºC, the acid-adapted SE86 ΔompR also demonstrated higher sensitivity that SE86 WT, being totally inactivated after 15 minutes, while the WT cells were inactivated in 20 minutes. Conclusion: The acid adapted cells showed increased expression of OmpR when exposed to 52 ºC and 60ºC, this confirmed the requirement of acid adaptation  for S. Enteritidis SE86 to resist elevated temperatures.
Molecular typing of Staphylococcus aureus collected from a Major Hospital in Amman, Jordan
Authors: Bazzoun Dana A , Harastani Houda H , Shehabi Asem A , Tokajian Sima T
Published: April 2014

Introduction: Over the past decade methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been recognized as a major cause of healthcare associated infections. Recently, however, epidemiology of this pathogen has changed drastically with the emergence of new clones in the community. Efficient epidemiological typing methods are essential to monitor and limit the occurrence and spread of epidemic clones. Methodology: A total of sixty S. aureus isolates were collected from the Jordan University hospital in Amman-Jordan. All isolates were characterized using Staphylococcus protein A (spa) typing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Samples were tested for their susceptibility patterns against seven antimicrobial agents and for their potential to form biofilms. Results: spa typing showed that spa type t044 was the most common representing 28% of the isolates studied and 38% of the MRSA population. PFGE revealed fourty-six pulsotypes among the sixty tested isolates clustering similar spa types together. The predominant resistance was detected against levofloxacin, chloramphenicol and clindamycin. One MSSA isolate typed as spa t955 showed biofilm formation potential through protein deposition.. Conclusion: The study results are based on one hospital, but the findings of this and other studies conducted in the region indicate that there is an urgent need for standardized surveillances combined with the application of well-validated typing methods to assess the occurrence of MRSA and to control its spread.
Identification of the most common pathogenic bacteria in patients with suspected sepsis by multiplex PCR
Authors: Arabestani Mohammad Reza , Fazzeli Hossein , Nasr Esfahani Bahram
Published: April 2014

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Enterococcus spp., Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumanii have been found to be the most prevalent bacteremia-causing bacteria in patients with septicemia. Early detection of bloodstream infection (BSI) is crucial in the clinical setting. A multiplex PCR method for identification of these agents in clinical samples has been developed in parallel by conventional microbiological methods. Methodology: The target genes selected for each of the organisms were very specific for designing primers. Design of primers was done using Mega4, Allel ID6, Oligo6, and Oligo analyzer software. The test comprises a universal PCR from the 16S rDNA gene and multiplex PCR from the rpoB, gyrA, sss, and chromosome X (as an internal control). Results: The sensitivity and specificity for universal PCR and multiplex PCR in comparison with BC were 83.87% and 91.58%, and 74.19% and 91.58%, respectively. The positive predictive value (PPV) and the negative predictive value (NPV) for these two PCRs were 76.47% and 94.57%, and 74.19% and 91.58%, respectively. PCR failed to identify bacteria which were found conventionally in only 3.96% and 6.34% of the cases by universal and multiplex PCR (mostly bacteria not included in the PCR cassette). In 6.34% of the cases, multiplex PCR afforded identification of bacteria, but BC showed no bacteria in the sample. Conclusions: The multiplex PCR approach facilitates the detection of bacteremia in blood samples within a few hours. Rapid detection of bacteria by multiplex PCR appears to be a valuable tool, allowing earlier pathogen-adopted antimicrobial therapy in critically ill patients.
Comparative evaluation of six phenotypic methods for detecting extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Singh Rajkumar Manojkumar , Singh Huidrom Lokhendro
Published: April 2014

Introduction: Various conventional phenotypic methods and automated systems have been evaluated for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) detection. There is a paucity of data comparing these methods using the same clinical isolates in eastern and north-eastern parts of India. The present study was designed to compare the capacity of six phenotypic methods to detect ESBLs in clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae. Methodology: A total of 206 non-duplicate clini­cal isolates of Enterobacteriaceae, obtained over a period of six months (July to December, 2012), were tested by the Vitek 2, double disk synergy tests (30 mm, 20 mm, and modified method), combined disk test, and ESBL Etest to evaluate their ability to detect ESBLs. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) by the agar dilution method was used as the reference method. Result: The reference method detected ESBLs in 57 (27.7%) isolates. Among the six methods, the combined disk test demonstrated an overall agreement of 100% with the MIC. The Vitek 2 showed a sensitivity and specificity of 91.8% and 97.24%, respectively, with a positive predictive value of 93.33%. The sensitivities of the conventional methods ranged from 83% to 94%. The highest sensitivity and specificity were shown by combined disk (93.44%) and double disk synergy (100%) techniques, respectively. Conclusion: In our setting, Vitek 2 showed an acceptable capacity to detect ESBL isolates as it improved the turnover time (6 to 8 hours) in comparison to conventional phenotypic methods, which took a minimum of 24 hours. However, the combined disk test achieved the highest sensitivity.
Knowledge and practice of universal precautions among health care workers in four national hospitals in Kabul, Afghanistan
Authors: Fayaz Said Hafizullah , Higuchi Michiyo , Hirosawa Tomoya , Sarker Mohammad Abul Bashar , Djabbarova Zakhro , Hamajima Nobuyuki
Published: April 2014

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of health care workers (HCWs) towards universal precautions (UPs) and to look into any associations between knowledge and practice. Methodology:A cross-sectional study was undertaken between August and October 2012, involving 300 HCWs from four national public hospitals in Kabul, Afghanistan. A self-administered questionnaire assessing the knowledge and practice of UPs was used. Results: Among the 300 respondents, the mean knowledge score was 5.2 with a standard deviation (SD) of 1.5. On the practice score, the mean was 8.7 (SD = 2.2). A total of 90.6% and 70.8% of HCWs believed that UPs were necessary in contact with urine/feces and tears, respectively, although UPs are not necessary in these cases. On the other hand, 57.8% reported that they always recapped the needle after giving an injection, and 31.8% did not always change gloves in between patients. There were no associations between the knowledge and self-reported practice of UPs. Conclusions: The HCWs in Kabul had inadequate knowledge and poor practice of UPs. Training for HCWs is needed to encourage them to adhere to practice based on improved knowledge.
La sillería del coro del desaparecido convento de Santo Tomás de Aquino (Madrid): un trabajo germinal y olvidado de José Benito Churriguera
Authors: González Santos Javier
Published: April 2014

Se da noticia de un trabajo juvenil de José Benito Churriguera (1665-1725): la sillería del coro del desaparecido convento de Santo Tomás de Aquino (orden de Predicadores) de Madrid, labrada en 1688-1691 y destruida, al parecer, en 1872. La referencia está publicada en la Vida, virtudes y exercicios del Illmo. y Revmo. Sr. D. F. Thomás Reluz, obispo de Oviedo, escrita por fray Manuel José de Medrano, un raro impreso publicado en Oviedo en 1718. Al hilo de esta investigación hemos estudiado la relación de los Churriguera con los dominicos y el obispo Reluz, lo que ha permitido puntualizar algunos extremos y circunstancias de la intervención de José Benito y sus hijos en las obras arquitectónicas del madrileño convento de Santo Tomás que venía siéndoles atribuida.
Nuevas noticias sobre dos tapicerías tejidas en la manufactura de Gerard Peemans: Historia de Tito y Vespasiano y Los Meses
Authors: García Calvo Margarita
Published: April 2014

En este artículo se presenta una documentación inédita que amplía la información que se tiene de dos series de tapices tejidas en uno de los talleres más importantes de Bruselas, el de Gerard Peemans: la Historia de Tito y Vespasiano y la de Los Meses, de las que se conservan ejemplares, prácticamente desconocidos, en el Museo del Prado y en el Banco de España (Madrid) respectivamente.
Francisco de Velasco y los catalanes. Sitio y capitulación de Barcelona, 1705
Authors: Arroyo Vozmediano Julio Luis
Published: April 2014

La capitulación de Barcelona de 1705 fue un episodio de gran relevancia en la Guerra de Sucesión. El presente trabajo trata las alternativas, la decisión y los preparativos de la operación aliada, de la defensa de la ciudad condal por el virrey de Cataluña Francisco de Velasco, del desarrollo de las operaciones militares, y de la actitud de los catalanes durante el sitio. Para su elaboración se ha acudido a diversos archivos españoles y británicos. Las conclusiones a las que llega son que el elemento determinante, por encima de todos los demás factores que intervinieron en el desenlace final, fue la pobre actuación del virrey Velasco durante el asedio de Barcelona.
Agua: discurso higienista y práctica municipal (Mallorca, 1855-1936)
Authors: Pujadas-Mora Joana Maria , Salas Vives Pere
Published: April 2014

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar la relación existente entre el discurso higienista en torno al ciclo del agua y las actuaciones realizadas en esta materia por los ayuntamientos de Mallorca entre 1855 y 1936. Este discurso tenía por finalidad concienciar a la población y, sobre todo, las autoridades municipales de la necesidad de mejorar la provisión del agua de uso público. Las fuentes principales han sido las actas municipales, la prensa de la época y publicaciones científico-técnicas. Nuestra principal conclusión es que, si bien existió un desfase entre las propuestas de los higienistas y las reformas llevadas a cabo, no puede obviarse el avance que supuso el aumento de la cantidad y la calidad del agua que recibían los ciudadanos. Y, sobre todo, no puede desligarse de otras actuaciones sanitarias, tales como las medidas de resguardo o el derribo de las murallas, que protagonizaron en las mismas fechas los ayuntamientos y la diputación, las cuales también tenían el correspondiente respaldo científico.
El juez Josep Maria Bertran de Quintana (1884-1960): compromiso político y cementerios clandestinos
Authors: Dueñas Oriol , Solé Queralt
Published: April 2014

El presente artículo forma parte de un trabajo más extenso centrado en el estudio biográfico de Josep Maria Bertran de Quintana (1884-1960), destacado político catalán durante la Segunda República, con un papel relevante en la proclamación de la República Catalana y, posteriormente, como regidor en el Ayuntamiento de Barcelona. Presidente del Comitè Català contra la Guerra y prolífico autor en los años 30, su implicación en las investigaciones de la violencia en la retaguardia de la República con el sumario llamado de los cementerios clandestinos durante la Guerra Civil le comportó adquirir, además, un importante perfil como juez preocupado por la aplicación de la ley hasta que, en 1938, le cesaron del cargo. Su participación política en la República le supuso el exilio a México y ser objeto de represión por parte del régimen franquista.
La imagen del «moro» en la formulación e instrumentalización del africanismo franquista
Authors: Velasco de Castro Rocío
Published: April 2014

Este artículo pretende analizar el discurso ideológico sobre el que se cimentó la política colonial franquista en Marruecos, y especialmente la recuperación e instrumentalización de la imagen del «moro» para la supervivencia y consolidación de la Dictadura que dio lugar al llamado «protectorado sentimental». De su análisis se infieren las bases de la maquinaria propagandística del régimen y su utilización en la política exterior, pero también las contradicciones y el doble juego desplegado por Franco con respecto a Marruecos y a los países árabes.
Estudio de la interacción entre el servicescape de comida y bebida y la experiencia de espera de los clientes
Authors: Yang Chih-Yun
Published: April 2014

Estudios previos sobre la experiencia de espera de los clients suelen centrarse sobre todo en dos áreas: la gestión de la espera y la gestión de la experiencia de espera. Existen muy pocos estudios que hayan realizado análisis y discusiones en profundidad sobre cómo los factores ambientales externos afectan a la experiencia de espera de los clientes, que se ha considerado siempre como un factor negativo que reduce la satisfacción del cliente hacia el servicio. Sin embargo, la experiencia de espera puede incrementar en reali¬dad la satisfacción del cliente hacia el servicio. Este estudio pretende profundizar en la influencia potencial de los factores que surgen del “servicescape” durante el proceso de espera del cliente, así como la interacción entre el “servicescape” y los clientes durante el tiempo de espera. Ese artículo se basa en el bucle de retroa¬limentación causal. Desde la perspectiva de la dinámica de sistemas se construye un modelo de sistemas conceptuales que muestra la interacción entre el “servicescape” y el cliente en la experiencia de espera.
Mobile Applications and Destination Branding in Spain
Authors: Scolari Carlos Alberto , Fernández-Cavia José
Published: April 2014

The article sets out the findings of research carried out in 2013 on the Spanish tourism mobile applications. The research that covered 66 apps combined a quantitative description of this sector with qualitative categories based on a semiotic analysis. The article evaluates and compares the apps, identifies their main traits, and proposes a taxonomy: the content-based app, the participatory app and the leisure app.
Innovations in Environmental Monitoring Using Mobile Phone Technology – A Review
Authors: Aitkenhead Matt , Donnelly David , Coull Malcolm , Hastings Emily
Published: April 2014

In recent years, the use of mobile phones and tablets for personal communication has increased dramatically, with over 1 billion smartphones out of a total of 5 billion mobile phones worldwide. The infrastructure and technology underlying these devices has improved to a level where it is now possible to integrate sensor technology directly and use them to acquire new data. Given the available resources and the number of technical challenges that have already been overcome, it would seem a natural progression to use mobile communication technology for field-based environmental monitoring. In this work, we review existing technology for acquiring, processing and reporting on environmental data in the field. The objective is to demonstrate whether or not it is possible to use off-the-shelf technology for environmental monitoring. We show several levels at which this challenge is being approached, and discuss examples of technology that have been produced.
Exploring the Secret of Successful University Brands
Authors: Chapleo Chris
Published: April 2014

This chapter contributes to the topical area of higher education marketing by exploring how branding adds value to universities. The primary focus of exploring branding concepts associated with successful higher education brands in a UK context was chosen for this work with a view to later comparison with other countries such as the United States, where branding of universities has a longer practical and academic history. The concept of “successful” brands was explored through the extant literature, and the subsequent research identified constructs underpinning a successful university brand. These constructs were then tested among a larger sample of UK university stakeholders. The findings explored the variables associated with successful university brands and suggested significant relationships among these variables. A further stage involved qualitative exploration of current perceptions and practices in HE branding, designed to maintain currency and build ongoing research possibilities. Overall, the chapter offers suggestions for both academia and practice on what underpins a successful university brand, and the variables associated with these brands.
An Integrated Model of Success in IT Outsourcing Relationships
Authors: Duhamel Francois , Gutiérrez-Martínez Isis , Picazo-Vela Sergio , Luna-Reyes Luis Felipe
Published: April 2014

Possible remedies for the failure of IT outsourcing in the public sector include the improvement of knowledge-sharing processes over organizational boundaries between partners, who may learn more about the problems that occur while looking at possible solutions together. Ensuring the right flow of knowledge in the two directions is central to the success of IT outsourcing operations. However, these solutions do not fully acknowledge the different interrelationships between the main factors affecting knowledge transfer in outsourcing relationships in a dynamic way. In this chapter, the authors apply previous research on modeling knowledge-sharing across boundaries to IT outsourcing contracts during the transition phase where both partners initiate an IT outsourcing relationship. Simulation experiments suggest that four reinforcing processes play key roles in the progress of the outsourcing relationship: trust, outsourcers' and providers´ knowledge, commitment, and interfacing. The authors propose future research directions to conduct empirical test of the conceptual model in the context of the Mexican Public Administration.
Notes on distribution, host associations, and bionomics of Erythmelus klopomor Triapitsyn (Hymenoptera, Mymaridae), an egg parasitoid of lace bugs in Missouri, USA, with particular reference to its primary host Corythucha arcuata (Say)(Hemiptera, Tingida)
Authors: Puttler B. , Bailey W. C. , Triapitsyn S.
Published: April 2014

The fairyfly Erythmelus klopomor Triapitsyn (Hymenoptera, Mymaridae) is an idiobiont, multivoltine egg parasitoid of lace bugs (Hemiptera, Tingidae). The parasitoid apparently reproduces thelytokously and at present is only known in the USA from 36 counties in Missouri, two in Illinois, four in Florida and one each in North Carolina and Maryland. At least a somewhat wider occurrence of the parasitoid is indicated because of the ease by which it has been reared from its primary host the oak lace bug, Corythucha arcuata (Say). It also has been reared in Missouri from the additional hosts C. cydoniae (Fitch), C. marmorata (Uhler), C. pergandei Heidemann, C. ciliata (Say), and also from Gargaphia solani Heidemann (a new host record). The parasitoid is short lived with an average life cycle of 14.5 days and apparently overwinters as an adult. Erythmelus klopomor should be considered as a candidate classical biological control agent against the recently introduced C. arcuata in Bulgaria, northern Italy, Switzerland, and Turkey, and also possibly against the well-established invasive C. ciliata in Europe.
Pseudosmittia fabioi sp. n., a new species from Sardinia (Diptera: Chironomidae, Orthocladiinae)
Authors: Boggero A. , Zaupa S. , Rossaro B.
Published: April 2014

A new species of Pseudosmittia Edwards 1932, P. fabioi, from Sardinia (Palearctic region), is described and figured as male and female. The generic diagnosis is emended based on characters found in the new species. The species is characterized by a triangular anal point with microtrichia at apex (not projecting beyond tergite IX), an inferior volsella characterized by a rounded lobe with a setose accessory lobe adpressed to the gonocoxite, a well developed tooth-like projection on the outer margin of the gonostylus, the lack of acrostichals and an antenna with 6 flagellomeres in female.