bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Main issues and challenges for sustainable development of salmon farming in Chile: a socio‐economic perspective
Authors: Chávez Carlos , Dresdner Jorge , Figueroa Yanina , Quiroga Miguel
Published: March 2019

We identify and discuss the main problems and challenges in sustainable development faced by the salmon farming industry in Chile from a socio‐economic perspective. This perspective is broad, in that it includes how the industry interacts with society and the environment, but also limited, in that it only assesses the impact on different social groups and economic agents. First, we present a brief description of the structure and socio‐economic relevance of salmon farming in the country. Second, we identify and discuss the primary current issues in the sustainable development of salmon farming in Chile. Third, we identify and discuss the challenges for developing sustainable salmon farming in Chile, including regulatory design and sectoral management, options for future expansion of the industry, responses and adjustments in the face of climate change and climatic variability, and the proper handling and growth of public‐private cooperation and goods governance.
Co‐existing monophasic teratoma and uterine adenocarcinoma in a female dog
Authors: Pires Maria dos Anjos , Catarino José Carlos , Vilhena Hugo , Faim Susana , Neves Tiago , Freire Andreia , Seixas Fernanda , Orge Leonor , Payan‐Carreira Rita
Published: March 2019

Contents

Ovarian teratomas are occasionally reported in dogs; the rarest type is the monophasic teratoma, composed of tissues originating from only one germ layer. Canine endometrial adenocarcinomas are also rare in dogs and mainly affect geriatric females. This report describes the case of co‐existing ovarian teratoma and uterine adenocarcinoma in a 10‐year‐old nulliparous female Boxer presented with lethargy, anorexia and purulent vaginal discharge. Abdominal ultrasonography evidenced pyometra and a mass in the left ovary. This was composed of a uniform whitish tissue with multiple cystic structures. The histology revealed an atrophy of the ovarian parenchyma, compressed by a proliferation of well‐differentiated nervous tissue staining positively to vimentin, S100 and neuronal specific enolase (NSE), and negatively to keratin and inhibin. The left uterine horn, whose diameter was markedly increased, showed foci of endometrial cellular atypia, evident nucleoli and mitoses, at light microscopy. To our best knowledge, this is the first report of a co‐existing ovarian monophasic teratoma and endometrial adenocarcinoma, two rare reproductive neoplasia in dogs.
A Definition and Categorization System for Advanced Materials: The Foundation for Risk‐Informed Environmental Health and Safety Testing
Authors: Kennedy Alan , Brame Jonathon , Rycroft Taylor , Wood Matthew , Zemba Valerie , Weiss Charles , Hull Matthew , Hill Cary , Geraci Charles , Linkov Igor
Published: March 2019

Novel materials with unique or enhanced properties relative to conventional materials are being developed at an increasing rate. These materials are often referred to as advanced materials (AdMs) and they enable technological innovations that can benefit society. Despite their benefits, however, the unique characteristics of many AdMs, including many nanomaterials, are poorly understood and may pose environmental safety and occupational health (ESOH) risks that are not readily determined by traditional risk assessment methods. To assess these risks while keeping up with the pace of development, technology developers and risk assessors frequently employ risk‐screening methods that depend on a clear definition for the materials that are to be assessed (e.g., engineered nanomaterial) as well as a method for binning materials into categories for ESOH risk prioritization. The term advanced material lacks a consensus definition and associated categorization or grouping system for risk screening. In this study, we aim to establish a practitioner‐driven definition for AdMs and a practitioner‐validated framework for categorizing AdMs into conceptual groupings based on material characteristics. Results from multiple workshops and interviews with practitioners provide consistent differentiation between AdMs and conventional materials, offer functional nomenclature for application science, and provide utility for future ESOH risk assessment prioritization. The definition and categorization framework established here serve as a first step in determining if and when there is a need for specific ESOH and regulatory screening for an AdM as well as the type and extent of risk‐related information that should be collected or generated for AdMs and AdM‐enabled technologies.
The Magnitude of the Task Ahead: Macro Implications of Heterogeneous Technology
Authors: Eberhardt Markus , Teal Francis
Published: March 2019

The empirical growth literature is dominated by accounting and regression methods that assume common production technology across countries. Our empirical model relaxes this assumption and further allows unobservable determinants of output (total factor productivity, TFP) to differ across countries and time, while accounting for endogeneity and cross‐section correlation arising from global shocks. Using manufacturing sector data for 48 economies, we show that the assumption of common technology is rejected in our regressions. We illustrate that the erroneous choice of homogeneous technology has a substantial impact on the patterns and magnitudes of the resulting TFP estimates.
Valuation of the Quality Attributes of Online Banking Services by Small and Medium Enterprises Engaged in International Trade
Authors: Shahnoori Parvaneh , Jenkins Glenn P.
Published: March 2019

This study investigates the important attributes of online banking system for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and their willingness to pay for each attribute. Zero travel and waiting time, high security, and 24/7 accessibility are the key attributes for this service. The results show that SMEs engaged in international trade value online banking services significantly more than the others. Domestically focused firms value high‐quality service at about $163 a month, while import‐focused businesses value such a service at approximately US$646 per month. Export‐intensive SMEs value high‐quality online services 14% further, for an average of $736 per month.
Cardiovascular adaptations associated with exercise in patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Graham‐Brown Matthew P.M. , Jardine Meg J. , Burton James O.
Published: March 2019

Patients on hemodialysis are physically inactive. Less than 50% of hemodialysis patients undertake exercise once a week and such patients have increased mortality compared to patients who undertake regular exercise. The reasons for physical inactivity and reduced functional capacity are complex and inter‐related, with skeletal muscle catabolism, chronic inflammation, anemia, malnutrition, uremia, the burden of co‐morbid diseases, and “enforced” sedentary time during hemodialysis all contributing. Many of these factors drive cardiovascular disease (CVD) processes in this cohort of patients and in the general population, exercise interventions have been shown to modify many of these risk factors. Whilst there is increasing evidence about the beneficial effects of exercise interventions on quality of life, functional capacity, aerobic fitness, and muscular strength, there are few compelling data on the effects of such programs on cardiovascular outcome measures. The reasons for this are manifold and include: limitations in study size; inconsistencies in study design; the heterogeneous nature of exercise interventions; assessment of nonstandardized outcome measures and; a lack of understanding of what changes in certain traditional measures of CVD (such as blood pressure or lipid profile) mean for patients on hemodialysis. This review summarizes the current evidence base for the effects of exercise on traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors and the effects of exercise interventions on cardiovascular structure and function, including a review of study limitations and future research priorities.
Psychometric properties of the Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT‐10) and problematic gaming behavior among Finnish vocational school students
Authors: Männikkö Niko , Ruotsalainen Heidi , Tolvanen Asko , Kääriäinen Maria
Published: March 2019

This study was conducted to investigate the psychometric properties of the Finnish version of the Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT‐10), identify the proportion displaying problematic gaming behavior (PGB) among Finnish vocational school students, and characterize the relationships between sociodemographic factors and gaming characteristics predicting PGB in this population. This cross‐sectional study involving 773 students (mean age 17.5 years). Socio‐demographic and gaming behavior characteristics were established using a web‐based survey. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed that the IGDT‐10 test has appropriate psychometric properties. The proportion of students exhibiting PGB based on the DSM‐5 cut‐off threshold was 1.3%. Regression analysis showed that male gender, preference for gaming on a personal computer, gaming time, poor self‐perceived health status, and a preference for the solo and multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBA) game genres related positively to PGB scores. These findings demonstrate the appropriateness of the IGDT‐10 test for the assessment of problematic gaming among adults, and support further research on PGB in Finland.
The role of resilience in student‐athletes' sport and school burnout and dropout: A longitudinal person‐oriented study
Authors: Sorkkila Matilda , Tolvanen Asko , Aunola Kaisa , Ryba Tatiana V.
Published: March 2019

Although it has been shown that student‐athletes who pursue upper secondary school alongside with an athletic career may be prone to sport and school burnout, the concrete life changes resulting from burning out, such as dropping out of sport or school, have not been investigated. Moreover, it is unknown why some student‐athletes do not burnout. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether there are different kinds of profiles—based on the level and development of sport and school burnout symptoms across upper secondary school—that can be identified among student‐athletes and how resilience and the likelihood of dropping out from sport or school differ between the profiles. The sample consisted of 491 (49% females) Finnish student‐athletes who filled in questionnaires four times during the three years of upper secondary school. The data were analyzed by using growth mixture modeling. Three burnout profiles were identified: (a) Average profile, (b) Increased burnout profile, and (c) Non‐risk profile. The profiles differed significantly in terms of student‐athletes’ resilience and the likelihood of dropping out, as those in the Increased burnout group symptoms were less resilient and more likely to dropout from sport than those in the other two groups. Furthermore, those in the Non‐risk profile were more resilient than athletes in the other two groups. The results can be used in teaching student‐athletes resilience‐related skills which can prevent them from burning out and dropping out from sport and school.
Elementary teachers’ mathematical beliefs and mathematics anxiety: How do they shape instructional practices?
Authors: Hughes Pamela , Swars Auslander Susan , Stinson David W. , Fortner C. Kevin
Published: March 2019

This quantitative study investigated the relationships among practicing elementary teachers’ (N = 153) beliefs about mathematics and its teaching and learning, mathematics anxiety, and instructional practices in mathematics. When viewed singly, the findings reveal the teachers with higher levels of mathematics anxiety tend to use less standards‐based instruction and those with beliefs oriented toward a problem‐solving view of mathematics reported more standards‐based teaching. A combined analysis shows that after controlling for mathematical beliefs, teaching longevity, and educational degree attainment, there is no relationship between teachers’ mathematics anxiety and instructional practices. These findings suggest a spurious relationship between anxiety and practices, with beliefs having the strongest relationship with practices. Several suggestions for positively influencing the mathematical beliefs and affect in general of elementary teachers while learning mathematics are offered.
HLA‐G, HLA‐E, and IDO overexpression predicts a worse survival of Tunisian patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Boujelbene Nadia , Ben Yahia Hamza , Babay Wafa , Gadria Selma , Zemni Ines , Azaiez Houda , Dhouioui Sabrine , Zidi Nour , Mchiri Rim , Mrad Karima , Ouzari Hadda‐Imene , Charfi Lamia , Zidi Inès
Published: March 2019

Little is known about non‐classical HLA molecules in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC). Because of the indoleamine‐2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) immune tolerant role in association with HLA‐G, we evaluated the clinical and prognostic value of HLA‐G, HLA‐E, and IDO in VSCC. HLA‐G, HLA‐E, and IDO expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in VSCC and associated with clinicopathological parameters and disease outcome. These three molecules were highly represented in tumoral tissues vs healthy matched vulvar tissues (P = 0.0001). Significant differences in HLA‐G expression in stages, tumor size, tumor invasion depth, and resection margins subgroups were reported (P < 0.05). At 5 years, the cumulative survival rates was of 79.8% in patients with HLA‐Glow expression vs 12.5% in those with HLA‐Ghigh expression (P < 3 × 10−5). Similarly, patients with IDOhigh expression were at a significantly reduced overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) rates (P = 0.011 and 0.045, respectively). The overexpression of the three molecules together worsen survival rates of VSCC patients (OS: P = 0.000038, DFS: P = 0.000085). Altogether, our results showed that HLA‐G, HLA‐E, and IDO may represent novel candidate markers for patients' prognosis and potential targets for VSCC therapy.
Enhanced activity of multiple TRIC‐B channels: an endoplasmic reticulum/sarcoplasmic reticulum mechanism to boost counterion currents
Authors: O'Brien Fiona , Eberhardt David , Witschas Katja , El‐Ajouz Sam , Iida Tsunaki , Nishi Miyuki , Takeshima Hiroshi , Sitsapesan Rebecca , Venturi Elisa
Published: March 2019

Key points

There are two subtypes of trimeric intracellular cation (TRIC) channels but their distinct single‐channel properties and physiological regulation have not been characterized. We examined the differences in function between native skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) K+‐channels from wild‐type (WT) mice (where TRIC‐A is the principal subtype) and from Tric‐a knockout (KO) mice that only express TRIC‐B.

We find that lone SR K+‐channels from Tric‐a KO mice have a lower open probability and gate more frequently in subconducting states than channels from WT mice but, unlike channels from WT mice, multiple channels gate with high open probability with a more than six‐fold increase in activity when four channels are present in the bilayer.

No evidence was found for a direct gating interaction between ryanodine receptor and SR K+‐channels in Tric‐a KO SR, suggesting that TRIC‐B–TRIC‐B interactions are highly specific and may be important for meeting counterion requirements during excitation–contraction coupling in tissues where TRIC‐A is sparse or absent.

The trimeric intracellular cation channels, TRIC‐A and TRIC‐B, represent two subtypes of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) K+‐channel but their individual functional roles are unknown. We therefore compared the biophysical properties of SR K+‐channels derived from the skeletal muscle of wild‐type (WT) or Tric‐a knockout (KO) mice. Because TRIC‐A is the major TRIC‐subtype in skeletal muscle, WT SR will predominantly contain TRIC‐A channels, whereas Tric‐a KO SR will only contain TRIC‐B channels. When lone SR K+‐channels were incorporated into bilayers, the open probability (Po) of channels from Tric‐a KO mice was markedly lower than that of channels from WT mice; gating was characterized by shorter opening bursts and more frequent brief subconductance openings. However, unlike channels from WT mice, the Po of SR K+‐channels from Tric‐a KO mice increased as increasing channel numbers were present in the bilayer, driving the channels into long sojourns in the fully open state. When co‐incorporated into bilayers, ryanodine receptor channels did not directly affect the gating of SR K+‐channels, nor did the presence or absence of SR K+‐channels influence ryanodine receptor activity. We suggest that because of high expression levels in striated muscle, TRIC‐A produces most of the counterion flux required during excitation‐contraction coupling. TRIC‐B, in contrast, is sparsely expressed in most cells and, although lone TRIC‐B channels exhibit low Po, the high Po levels reached by multiple TRIC‐B channels may provide a compensatory mechanism to rapidly restore K+ gradients and charge differences across the SR of tissues containing few TRIC‐A channels.
Neurons of the inferior olive respond to broad classes of sensory input while subject to homeostatic control
Authors: Ju Chiheng , Bosman Laurens W.J. , Hoogland Tycho M. , Velauthapillai Arthiha , Murugesan Pavithra , Warnaar Pascal , van Genderen Romano M. , Negrello Mario , De Zeeuw Chris I.
Published: March 2019

Key points

Purkinje cells in the cerebellum integrate input from sensory organs with that from premotor centres.

Purkinje cells use a variety of sensory inputs relaying information from the environment to modify motor control.

Here we investigated to what extent the climbing fibre inputs to Purkinje cells signal mono‐ or multi‐sensory information, and to what extent this signalling is subject to recent history of activity.

We show that individual climbing fibres convey multiple types of sensory information, together providing a rich mosaic projection pattern of sensory signals across the cerebellar cortex.

Moreover, firing probability of climbing fibres following sensory stimulation depends strongly on the recent history of activity, showing a tendency to homeostatic dampening.

Cerebellar Purkinje cells integrate sensory information with motor efference copies to adapt movements to behavioural and environmental requirements. They produce complex spikes that are triggered by the activity of climbing fibres originating in neurons of the inferior olive. These complex spikes can shape the onset, amplitude and direction of movements and the adaptation of such movements to sensory feedback. Clusters of nearby inferior olive neurons project to parasagittally aligned stripes of Purkinje cells, referred to as ‘microzones’. It is currently unclear to what extent individual Purkinje cells within a single microzone integrate climbing fibre inputs from multiple sources of different sensory origins, and to what extent sensory‐evoked climbing fibre responses depend on the strength and recent history of activation. Here we imaged complex spike responses in cerebellar lobule crus 1 to various types of sensory stimulation in awake mice. We find that different sensory modalities and receptive fields have a mild, but consistent, tendency to converge on individual Purkinje cells, with climbing fibres showing some degree of input‐specificity. Purkinje cells encoding the same stimulus show increased events with coherent complex spike firing and tend to lie close together. Moreover, whereas complex spike firing is only mildly affected by variations in stimulus strength, it depends strongly on the recent history of climbing fibre activity. Our data point towards a mechanism in the olivo‐cerebellar system that regulates complex spike firing during mono‐ or multi‐sensory stimulation around a relatively low set‐point, highlighting an integrative coding scheme of complex spike firing under homeostatic control.
Evaluation of Rotor–Stator Interface Models for the Prediction of the Hydraulic and Suction Performance of a Centrifugal Pump
Authors: Shim Hyeon-Seok , Kim Kwang-Yong
Published: March 2019

The effects of a rotor–stator interface model on the hydraulic and suction performance of a single-stage centrifugal pump have been evaluated. A three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) analysis was performed using the shear-stress transport turbulence model. The cavitating flow was simulated using a homogeneous two-phase mixture model and a simplified Rayleigh–Plesset cavitation model. Three performance parameters were selected to compare different cases: the hydraulic efficiency, head coefficient, and critical cavitation number for a head-drop of 3%. Frozen-rotor and stage models were evaluated for the rotor–stator interface. The evaluation was done using three different computational domains: one with a single passage of the impeller with a vaneless diffuser, one with a single passage of the impeller with the whole shape of volute casing, and another with the whole passage of the impeller with the whole shape of volute casing. Two different volute shapes were also tested. The results show that it is desirable to use the whole domain of the impeller and volute with the frozen-rotor model for accurate prediction of the suction performance. The stage model is not recommended for the prediction of the suction performance of the centrifugal pump with the volute in severe off-design conditions.
Metabolism and Development during Conidial Germination in Response to a Carbon-Nitrogen-Rich Synthetic or a Natural Source of Nutrition in
Neurospora crassa
Authors: Wang Zheng , Miguel-Rojas Cristina , Lopez-Giraldez Francesc , Yarden Oded , Trail Frances , Townsend Jeffrey P.
Published: March 2019

One of the most remarkable successes of life is its ability to flourish in response to temporally and spatially varying environments. Fungi occupy diverse ecosystems, and their sensitivity to these environmental changes often drives major fungal life history decisions, including the major switch from vegetative growth to asexual or sexual reproduction. Spore germination comprises the first and simplest stage of vegetative growth. We examined the dependence of this early life history on the nutritional environment using genome-wide transcriptomics. We demonstrated that for developmental regulatory genes, expression was generally conserved across nutritional environments, whereas metabolic gene expression was highly labile. The level of activation of developmental genes did depend on current nutrient conditions, as did the modularity of metabolic and developmental response network interactions. This knowledge is critical to the development of future technologies that could manipulate fungal growth for medical, agricultural, or industrial purposes.
AToxoplasmaProlyl Hydroxylase Mediates Oxygen Stress Responses by Regulating Translation Elongation
Authors: Florimond Celia , Cordonnier Charlotte , Taujale Rahil , van der Wel Hanke , Kannan Natarajan , West Christopher M. , Blader Ira J.
Published: March 2019

Because oxygen plays a key role in the growth of many organisms, cells must know how much oxygen is available. O2-sensing proteins are therefore critical cellular factors, and prolyl hydroxylases are the best-studied type of O2-sensing proteins. In general, prolyl hydroxylases trigger cellular responses to decreased oxygen availability. But, how does a cell react to high levels of oxygen? Using the protozoan parasiteToxoplasma gondii, we discovered a prolyl hydroxylase that allows the parasite to grow at elevated oxygen levels and does so by regulating protein synthesis. Loss of this enzyme also reduces parasite burden in oxygen-rich tissues, indicating that sensing both high and low levels of oxygen impacts the growth and physiology ofToxoplasma.
Antagonism of dsRNA-Induced Innate Immune Pathways by NS4a and NS4b Accessory Proteins during MERS Coronavirus Infection
Authors: Comar Courtney E. , Goldstein Stephen A. , Li Yize , Yount Boyd , Baric Ralph S. , Weiss Susan R.
Published: March 2019

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is the second novel zoonotic coronavirus to emerge in the 21st century and cause outbreaks of severe respiratory disease. More than 2,200 cases and 800 deaths have been reported to date, yet there are no licensed vaccines or treatments. Coronaviruses encode unique accessory proteins that are not required for replication but most likely play roles in immune antagonism and/or pathogenesis. Our study describes the functions of MERS-CoV accessory proteins NS4a and NS4b during infection of a human airway-derived cell line. Loss of these accessory proteins during MERS-CoV infection leads to host antiviral activation and modestly attenuates replication. In the case of both NS4a and NS4b, we have identified roles during infection not previously described, yet the lack of robust activation suggests much remains to be learned about the interactions between MERS-CoV and the infected host.
Infection by Anaplasma phagocytophilum Requires Recruitment of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol by Flotillins
Authors: Xiong Qingming , Lin Mingqun , Huang Weiyan , Rikihisa Yasuko
Published: March 2019

Cholesterol is essential for animal cells, but most bacteria do not depend on cholesterol and instead lack cholesterol. However, the intracellular Gram-negative bacterium
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
that causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is unusual, as it contains significant amount of cholesterol and depends on cholesterol for survival and infection.
A. phagocytophilum
lacks genes for cholesterol biosynthesis or modification but acquire cholesterol from host cells exclusively from the LDL uptake pathway by a yet-to-be defined mechanism. Here, we uncovered a role of cholesterol-binding proteins FLOT1 and FLOT2 in LDL-derived cholesterol trafficking to
Anaplasma
inclusions and cholesterol acquisition by
Anaplasma
species. Importantly, we found that FLOTs localize to
A. phagocytophilum
-containing inclusions and the compartments containing LDL, and the acid lipase inhibitor orlistat significantly inhibits
Anaplasma
replication. Our data suggest a fundamental role of FLOTs in intracellular vesicular transport of LDL-derived free cholesterol and may provide insight regarding a new therapeutic target for HGA treatment.
Dynamic Dystroglycan Complexes Mediate Cell Entry of Lassa Virus
Authors: Herrador Antonio , Fedeli Chiara , Radulovic Emilia , Campbell Kevin P. , Moreno Hector , Gerold Gisa , Kunz Stefan
Published: March 2019

Recognition of cellular receptors allows emerging viruses to break species barriers and is an important determinant for their disease potential. Many virus receptors have complex tissue-specific interactomes, and preexisting protein-protein interactions may influence their function. Combining shotgun proteomics with a biochemical approach, we characterize the molecular composition of the functional receptor complexes used by the highly pathogenic Lassa virus (LASV) to invade susceptible human cells. We show that the specific composition of the receptor complexes affects productive entry of the virus, providing proof-of-concept. In uninfected cells, these functional receptor complexes undergo dynamic turnover involving an endocytic pathway that shares some characteristics with viral entry. However, steady-state receptor uptake and virus endocytosis critically differ in kinetics and underlying signaling, indicating that the pathogen can manipulate the receptor complex according to its needs. Our study highlights a remarkable complexity of LASV-receptor interaction and identifies possible targets for therapeutic antiviral intervention.
Causes and consequences of unintended pregnancies in the Gaza Strip: a qualitative study
Authors: Böttcher Bettina , Abu-El-Noor Mysoon Abdelaziz , Abu-El-Noor Nasser Ibrahim
Published: March 2019

Background

Little is known about unintended pregnancies in the Gaza Strip. This study explored causes and consequences of unintended pregnancies among women in the Gaza Strip.

Methods

This was a qualitative study, and included 21 women who had experienced unintended pregnancies previously. Data collection took place in three focus groups of 5–12 participants, which were facilitated by one female researcher. Structured questions on reasons for, causes and impact of unintended pregnancies were answered by all participants. Sessions were audiotaped and responses were transcribed and read by all the researchers to extract themes.

Results

The mean age of participants was 34.2±6.0 years, parity was 2.7±0.6 and 16 participants (76.2%) had benefitted from secondary level education or above.

Five main themes were identified: (1) economic hardship was the main reason for pregnancies to be unwanted; (2) high pressure was exerted on women for male babies, exposing women to gender-based violence; (3) advanced maternal age was perceived as a social stigma; (4) complete lack of support for women facing unintended pregnancy led to self-management of terminations including attempts of unsafe methods; and (5) changes of methods and incorrect use leading to contraceptive failure was the most frequent cause.

Conclusions

Unintended pregnancies in the Gaza Strip are a common cause of distress for women. The most effective way of preventing unintended pregnancies remains access to reliable contraception. However, a service designated to support women facing unintended pregnancies is needed in the Gaza Strip. Local policymakers have to address this when planning healthcare services.
Prevalence of heart failure and other risk factors among first-degree relatives of women with peripartum cardiomyopathy
Authors: Christiansen Mia Nielsen , Køber Lars , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Smith J Gustav , Gustafsson Finn , Vejlstrup Niels G , Damm Peter , Johansen Marianne , Andersson Charlotte , Ersbøll Anne S
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare disease carrying a risk of death and chronic heart failure.It is unknown if women with PPCM have a family history of heart failure. We investigated the prevalence of heart failure and hypertension in first-degree relatives to women with PPCM.

Methods

A cohort of 61 women with PPCM was identified through the nationwide Danish registers from 2005 to 2014, and each individual diagnosis of PPCM was validated through review of patient records. We excluded 13 women due to lack of data on relatives. In a case–control design, the 48 remaining women were matched (on age, year of childbirth, parity and number of siblings) to 477 birth-giving Danish women without heart failure. We obtained information on first-degree relatives (parents and siblings) through the National Danish Registers.

Results

The cohort of 48 women with PPCM had a mean age of 31 years (SD 6). The prevalence of heart failure in any first-degree relative was higher in women with PPCM, compared with controls (23% vs 10%, p=0.011). A first-degree relative with any cardiovascular diagnosis was not more frequent in women with PPCM versus controls (77% vs 70%, p=0.280), but for siblings only, any cardiovascular diagnosis was more frequent in siblings to women with PPCM (29% vs 16%, p=0.026).

Conclusion

Having a first-degree relative with heart failure was significantly more frequent in a cohort of validated PPCM cases than in controls, supporting the notion of shared aetiology between PPCM and other forms of heart failure.
Impact and importance of a centralised review panel for lymphoma diagnostics in the WHO era: a single-centre experience
Authors: Dinneen Kate , Ryan Ciara , Grant Cliona , Dunne Barbara , Bacon Larry , Vandenberghe Elisabeth , Jeffers Michael , Flavin Richard
Published: March 2019

Lymphoma diagnosis is complex, requiring a wide array of adjunctive tests to reach accurate diagnoses. We retrospectively examined the rates of concordance between referral and review lymphoma diagnoses on cases referred to St James’s Hospital, Dublin for multidisciplinary team review between 2013 and 2016. Frequency and cost of adjunctive diagnostic tests performed were also analysed. The overall discordance rate was 7.8% (14/179), compared with rates of 6%–48% in the published literature. 13 discordant cases required a change in clinical management following review of the referred diagnosis. Of all referred cases, 33.5% (60/179) required extra analyses to reach a final diagnosis, costing the reference laboratory €35463.40. We conclude that establishment of centralised haematopathology diagnostic networks would help reduce the rate of revision made to lymphoma diagnoses by providing specialist haematopathologist input and access to ancillary testing.
Laboratory-scale assessment of a capillary barrier using fibre optic distributed temperature sensing (FO-DTS)
Authors: Wu Robert , Martin Vincent , McKenzie Jeffrey , Broda Stefan , Bussière Bruno , Aubertin Michel , Kurylyk Barret L.
Published: March 2019

Recent waste rock pile designs have been proposed to incorporate a fine-grained layer to create a capillary barrier to prevent surface water from draining into the pile interior. This study analyses active fibre optic distributed temperature sensing (FO-DTS) as a tool to measure the effectiveness a capillary barrier system following an infiltration test. A laboratory waste rock column was built with anorthosite waste rock overlain by sand. Volumetric water content is calculated during heat cycles lasting 15 min powered at 15 W/m in the column. A new algorithm is employed to circumvent several requirements for soil specific calibration. The inferred moisture contents were verified by soil moisture probes located adjacent to the cable. The FO-DTS data indicate, at vertical resolutions up to 2 cm, that water is retained in the sand and does not drain into the anorthosite following the infiltration test. The coefficient of determination, R2, between the inferred and measured volumetric water content in the fine cover sand layer is 0.90, while the screened anorthosite maintained an R2 of 0.94 with constant moisture content throughout the test. This study will ultimately help guide future waste rock storage design initiatives incorporating fibre optic sensors, leading to improved environmental mine waste management.
Effects of repeated hydraulic loads on microstructure and hydraulic behaviour of a compacted clayey silt
Authors: Azizi Arash , Musso Guido , Jommi Cristina
Published: March 2019

Soils used in earth construction projects are mostly unsaturated, and they undergo frequent drying–wetting cycles (repeated hydraulic loads) due to changes in climatic conditions or variations of the ground water level, particularly at shallow depths. After compaction, changes in water content can significantly influence the hydromechanical response of the construction material, which therefore must be assessed for repeated hydraulic loads. This research investigates the effect of such loads on the microstructure and hydraulic behaviour of a silty soil, typically used in the construction of embankments and dykes, with the aim of providing a better understanding of the consequences of drying–wetting cycles on the response of the material over time. Experimental tests were performed to study the impact of drying–wetting cycles on the water retention, hydraulic conductivity, and fabric of compacted specimens. Fabric changes are documented to take place even without significant volumetric strains, promoting an irreversible increase in the hydraulic conductivity and a reduction in the capacity to retain water compared to the as-compacted soil. The fabric changes are interpreted and quantified by means of a hydromechanical model, which accounts for the evolving pore-size distribution at different structural levels. The proposed model reproduces quite well the microstructural observations, together with the evolution of the water retention behaviour and hydraulic conductivity.
New method to calculate apparent phase velocity of open-ended pipe pile
Authors: Wu Wenbing , Liu Hao , Yang Xiaoyan , Jiang Guosheng , El Naggar M. Hesham , Mei Guoxiong , Liang Rongzhu
Published: March 2019

The apparent phase velocity of open-ended pipe piles after installation is difficult to predict owing to the soil-plug effect. This paper derives an analytical solution to calculate the apparent phase velocity of a pipe pile segment with soil-plug filling inside (APVPSP) based on the additional mass model. The rationality and accuracy of the developed solution are confirmed through comparison with the solution derived using the soil-plug Winkler model and experimental results. A parameter combination of the additional mass model that can be applied to concrete pipe piles used most commonly is recommended. The attenuation mechanism of the soil plug on the APVPSP is clarified. The findings from this study demonstrate that the APVPSP decreases with the mass per unit length of the pile, but has nothing to do with the material longitudinal wave velocity of the pipe pile. The APVPSP decreases significantly as the impulse width increases; however, for pipe piles without soil-plug filling inside, the impulse width has negligible influence on the apparent phase velocity.
Optimization of reaction parameters affecting crystal phase growth and purity of BaCeO3 and BaCe1-xYbxO3-δ nanopowders and investigating high protonic conductivity of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) – BaCe0.85Yb0.15O3-δ composite membrane
Authors: Salehi Artimani Javad , Ardjmand Mehdi , Enhessari Morteza , Javanbakht Mehran
Published: March 2019

Pure and ytterbium-doped BaCeO3 nanostructures were synthesized by solid-state reaction with the mixtures of Ba(NO3)2, BaCO3, (NH4)2Ce(NO3)6, and Yb2O3 at 800 °C for 10 and 24 h. Doping of ytterbium ions in the BaCeO3 host matrix has been studied and confirmed using powder X-ray diffraction. The results from the Rietveld analysis indicated that the sample has a main BaCeO3 structure with the space group of [Formula: see text]. Through intensive experiments and analysis, optimum reaction conditions for the synthesis of doped nanoparticles including the crystal phase impurity and reaction time are proposed. The results of the study showed that for the reaction time of 24 h, BaCO3 reacted more effectively with (NH4)2Ce(NO3)6 than Ba(NO3)2 did. On the other hand, the purity values of 97% and 95% were obtained for pure and Yb3+ doped BaCeO3 samples, respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscope images revealed that the synthesized BaCeO3 nanomaterials have mono-shaped sphere morphology. Furthermore, ytterbium-doped nanoparticles were incorporated into the matrix of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) membranes (SPYb) with the aim of enhancing proton conductivity. The prepared SPYb nanocomposite membrane containing 1.7 wt.% of BaCe0.85Yb0.15O3-δ nanoparticles exhibited a high proton conductivity (67 mS/cm) at 80 °C.
Adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) by bare magnetite nanoparticles with surface oxidative impurities that prevent aggregation
Authors: Rahdar Somayeh , Rahdar Abbas , Ahmadi Shahin , Trant John F.
Published: March 2019

Bare, uncoated magnetite nanoparticles, synthesized using an electrochemical surfactant-free synthesis, have highly oxidized surfaces that prevent aggregation. These particles have demonstrated highly intriguing biological activity showing extremely potent antibiotic activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria with little toxicity to rats. This difference in activity could be ascribed to the nature of the protein corona. The kinetics and thermodynamics of the binding of bovine serum albumin (BSA), used as a model serum protein, to these magnetite nanoparticles were analyzed. There is no significant change in particle diameter by dynamic light scattering following adsorption, indicating corona formation does not induce aggregation. The maximum adsorption capacity of the particles was determined to be 300 mg of BSA per gram of magnetite. The particles are able to adsorb 90% of the BSA at protein concentrations as high as 500 mg/L. The adsorption is best described using a pseudo second order model and a Langmuir Type III isotherm model. Thermodynamic analysis showed that the process is entropically driven and is spontaneous at all tested temperatures and conditions. However, it appears to be a weak to moderate physical adsorption. This moderate binding affinity could indicate the differential biological activity of these particles towards bacteria and mammalian cells and further support the contention that these are potentially useful new tools for targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Alterations in myocardial connexin-43 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 signaling in response to pregnancy and oxygen deprivation of Wistar rats: a pilot study
Authors: Sykora Matus , Kamocsaiova Lucia , Egan Benova Tamara , Frimmel Karel , Ujhazy Eduard , Mach Mojmir , Barancik Miroslav , Tribulova Narcis , Szeiffova Bacova Barbara
Published: March 2019

Two important aspects of cardiac adaptive response to pregnancy have been studied in normal as well as hypoxic conditions: (1) intercellular signaling mediated by myocardial connexin-43 (Cx43) that is crucial to synchronize heart function; (2) extracellular signaling mediated by matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) that is an early marker of extracellular matrix remodeling. Myocardial Cx43 distribution and functional capillary density were determined as well. Hypoxia was induced by exposure of rats to 10.5% O2and 89.5% N2in a hermetically sealed chamber. Findings showed that pregnancy resulted in a significant increase of Cx43 protein expression, its functional phosphorylated forms, and enhanced capillary density while did not affect either expression of total MMP-2 or its activity. Maternal hypoxia for 12 or 16 h did not affect elevated Cx43 but enhanced its distribution on lateral sides of the cardiomyocytes. In contrast, hypoxia of nonpregnant rats resulted in upregulation of Cx43, its lateral distribution, and enhanced capillary density. Hypoxia did not affect myocardial MMP-2 either in pregnant or nonpregnant rats. Cardiac adaptive response to pregnancy is accompanied by enhanced Cx43 without changes in MMP-2 signaling. Pregnant rat heart is tolerant to short-term hypoxemia, while nonpregnant rat heart reacts by upregulation of Cx43 and increased capillary density.
Periodic orbit scar in wavepacket propagation
Authors: Tomiya Mitsuyoshi , Sakamoto Shoichi , Heller Eric J.
Published: March 2019

This study analyzed the scar-like localization in the time-average of a time-evolving wavepacket on a desymmetrized stadium billiard. When a wavepacket is launched along the orbits, it emerges on classical unstable periodic orbits as a scar in stationary states. This localization along the periodic orbit is clarified through the semiclassical approximation. It essentially originates from the same mechanism of a scar in stationary states: piling up of the contribution from the classical actions of multiply repeated passes on a primitive periodic orbit. To achieve this, several states are required in the energy range determined by the initial wavepacket.
SEARCHING FOR THE OPTIMAL LEVEL: INFLATION AND PRICE VARIABILITY IN TURKEY
Authors: KARAHAN HATICE , YAZGAN M. EGE
Published: March 2019

This paper explores the relationship between inflation and relative price variability (RPV) in Turkey for the period 2004–2017 to shed further light on the issue with relatively recent data. For this purpose, we use monthly price data for 12 main item groups and 414 specific items thereof. Analyses show that RPV for the period of interest exhibits large fluctuations, being particularly salient in the categories of communications and food. Regarding the underlying functional form, semi-parametric estimation results indicate a U-shaped relationship between inflation and RPV, where the latter reaches its minimum at an inflation level close to 8%.
Realization Approach for Sinusoidal Signal Generation and Circuit with Easy Control
Authors: Maheshwari S.
Published: March 2019

A new approach for realizing sinusoidal signal with quadrature property is proposed, which employs simple analog building blocks and facilitates easy tuning of the oscillation frequency, through a gain factor. The proposed approach is used for realizing a novel quadrature oscillator circuit, which requires three current feedback operational amplifiers and passive components. The proposed circuit provides outputs at low impedance terminals, and benefits from easy control over the frequency of oscillation (FO), which depends on resistive ratio, rather than absolute resistor values. The frequency control is also independent of the condition of oscillation (CO). The nonideal effects and the parasitic studies are presented. The verification of the proposed realization scheme for quadrature oscillators and the new circuit is carried out through both simulation studies and experimental results, using the commercially available chips.
The pseudovariety of all nilpotent groups is tame
Authors: Alibabaei Khadijeh
Published: March 2019

It has been shown that for every prime number [Formula: see text], the pseudovariety [Formula: see text] of all finite [Formula: see text]-groups is tame with respect to an implicit signature containing the canonical implicit signature. In this paper, we generalize this result and we show that the pseudovariety of all finite nilpotent groups is tame but it is not completely tame.
Minimal length estimation on the basis of studies of the Sun–Earth–Moon system in deformed space
Authors: Gnatenko Kh. P. , Tkachuk V. M.
Published: March 2019

A space with deformed Poisson brackets for coordinates and momenta leading to the minimal length is considered. Features of description of motion of a body in the space are examined. We propose conditions on the parameters of deformation on which Poisson brackets for coordinates and momenta of the center-of-mass reproduce relations of deformed algebra, kinetic energy of a body is independent of its composition, and the weak equivalence principle is preserved in the deformed space. Influence of minimal length on the motion of the Sun–Earth–Moon system is studied. We find that deformation of the Poisson brackets leads to corrections to the accelerations of the Earth and the Moon toward the Sun, as a result the Eotvos-parameter does not vanish even if we consider equality of gravitational and inertial masses. The upper bound for the minimal length is estimated using results of the Lunar laser ranging experiment.
A MULTI-LINEAR FRACTAL MODEL FOR PRESSURE TRANSIENT ANALYSIS OF MULTIPLE FRACTURED HORIZONTAL WELLS IN TIGHT OIL RESERVOIRS INCLUDING IMBIBITION
Authors: WANG ZHIYUAN , YANG ZHENGMING , DING YUNHONG , HE YING , LIN WEI , WANG WENDONG , SHENG GUANGLONG
Published: March 2019

Most models for multiple fractured horizontal wells (MFHWs) in tight oil reservoirs (TORs) are based on classical simplified dual-porosity model that ignores the influence of imbibition, while the distribution of fracture system is heterogeneous, multi-scale and self-similar, which can be described by fractal dual-porosity model on fractal theory, and imbibition production is the important part of fracture system production. In this paper, a multi-linear fractal model (MFM) considering imbibition for MFHWs in TORs was established based on fractal theory and semi-analytical method. In this model, fractal theory was used to describe the heterogeneous, complex fracture network, and imbibition was considered by analogy of fluid crossflow law in fractured-porous dual media. And the approximate analytic solution was given by using the Laplace transformation and iteration method. The pressure responses in the domain of real time were obtained with Stehfest numerical inversion algorithms. The pressure transient and production rate were used to analyze, and sensitivity analysis of some related parameters were discussed. The results show that the fluid flow in MFHWs can be divided into nine main flow periods by analysis of type curves, and the fractal parameters of fracture system have great effect on the middle and later periods and imbibition influences the period of crossflow.