bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dialysis Reimbursement: What Impact Do Different Models Have on Clinical Choices?
Authors: Piccoli Giorgina Barbara , Cabiddu Gianfranca , Breuer Conrad , Jadeau Christelle , Testa Angelo , Brunori Giuliano
Published: February 2019

Allowing patients to live for decades without the function of a vital organ is a medical miracle, but one that is not without cost both in terms of morbidity and quality of life and in economic terms. Renal replacement therapy (RRT) consumes between 2% and 5% of the overall health care expenditure in countries where dialysis is available without restrictions. While transplantation is the preferred treatment in patients without contraindications, old age and comorbidity limit its indications, and low organ availability may result in long waiting times. As a consequence, 30–70% of the patients depend on dialysis, which remains the main determinant of the cost of RRT. Costs of dialysis are differently defined, and its reimbursement follows different rules. There are three main ways of establishing dialysis reimbursement. The first involves dividing dialysis into a series of elements and reimbursing each one separately (dialysis itself, medications, drugs, transportation, hospitalisation, etc.). The second, known as the capitation system, consists of merging these elements in a per capita reimbursement, while the third, usually called the bundle system, entails identifying a core of procedures intrinsically linked to treatment (e.g., dialysis sessions, tests, intradialyitc drugs). Each one has advantages and drawbacks, and impacts differently on the organization and delivery of care: payment per session may favour fragmentation and make a global appraisal difficult; a correct capitation system needs a careful correction for comorbidity, and may exacerbate competition between public and private settings, the latter aiming at selecting the least complex cases; a bundle system, in which the main elements linked to the dialysis sessions are considered together, may be a good compromise but risks penalising complex patients, and requires a rapid adaptation to treatment changes. Retarding dialysis is a clinical and economical goal, but the incentives for predialysis care are not established and its development may be unfavourable for the provider. A closer cooperation between policymakers, economists and nephrologists is needed to ensure a high quality of dialysis care.
Unity Makes Strength: A Review on Mutualistic Symbiosis in Representative Insect Clades
Authors: Gil Rosario , Latorre Amparo
Published: February 2019

Settled on the foundations laid by zoologists and embryologists more than a century ago, the study of symbiosis between prokaryotes and eukaryotes is an expanding field. In this review, we present several models of insect–bacteria symbioses that allow for the detangling of most known features of this distinctive way of living, using a combination of very diverse screening approaches, including molecular, microscopic, and genomic techniques. With the increasing the amount of endosymbiotic bacteria genomes available, it has been possible to develop evolutionary models explaining the changes undergone by these bacteria in their adaptation to the intracellular host environment. The establishment of a given symbiotic system can be a root cause of substantial changes in the partners’ way of life. Furthermore, symbiont replacement and/or the establishment of bacterial consortia are two ways in which the host can exploit its interaction with environmental bacteria for endosymbiotic reinvigoration. The detailed study of diverse and complex symbiotic systems has revealed a great variety of possible final genomic products, frequently below the limit considered compatible with cellular life, and sometimes with unanticipated genomic and population characteristics, raising new questions that need to be addressed in the near future through a wider exploration of new models and empirical observations.
Integration of SWOT-AHP Approach for Measuring the Critical Factors of Dairy Supply Chain
Authors: Mor Rahul S. , Bhardwaj Arvind , Singh Sarbjit
Published: February 2019

Dairy farming is a subsidiary profession of agriculture in India where dairy cooperatives are an important part of rural development. The current study explores the critical factors in the dairy supply chain, and provides an initial decision framework for its implications. The necessary data were collected from dairy producer members including dairy farmers, executives, and key informants of processing units, to summarize the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) of the milk processing system in India. This includes identifying the objectives of the dairy industry, along with the internal and external critical factors (CFs). SWOT exploration does not offer any investigative basis for evaluating the priorities of CFs, therefore the analytic hierarchy process is applied to define the priorities of identified CFs. The CFs have also been ordered according to relative importance. The findings of this study depict that the SWOT based methodology offers vital sensitivity in assessing the supply chain strategies for the dairy industry.
“Traditional” Sol-Gel Chemistry as a Powerful Tool for the Preparation of Supported Metal and Metal Oxide Catalysts
Authors: Esposito Serena
Published: February 2019

The sol-gel method is an attractive synthetic approach in the design of advanced catalytic formulations that are based on metal and metal oxide with high degree of structural and compositional homogeneity. Nowadays, though it originated with the hydrolysis and condensation of metal alkoxides, sol-gel chemistry gathers plenty of fascinating strategies to prepare materials from solution state precursors. Low temperature chemistry, reproducibility, and high surface to volume ratios of obtained products are features that add merit to this technology. The development of different and fascinating procedure was fostered by the availability of new molecular precursors, chelating agents and templates, with the great advantage of tailoring the physico-chemical properties of the materials through the manipulation of the synthesis conditions. The aim of this review is to present an overview of the “traditional” sol-gel synthesis of tailored and multifunctional inorganic materials and their application in the main domain of heterogeneous catalysis. One of the main achievements is to stress the versatility of sol-gel preparation by highlighting its advantage over other preparation methods through some specific examples of the synthesis of catalysts.
Nonlocal Fractional Evolution Inclusions of Order α ∈ (1,2)
Authors: He Jia Wei , Liang Yong , Ahmad Bashir , Zhou Yong
Published: February 2019

This paper studies the existence of mild solutions and the compactness of a set of mild solutions to a nonlocal problem of fractional evolution inclusions of order α ∈ ( 1 , 2 ) . The main tools of our study include the concepts of fractional calculus, multivalued analysis, the cosine family, method of measure of noncompactness, and fixed-point theorem. As an application, we apply the obtained results to a control problem.
Amino Acid Composition, Antioxidant, and Cytoprotective Effect of Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis) Hydrolysate through the Inhibition of Caspase-3 Activation in Oxidative Stress-Mediated Endothelial Cell Injury
Authors: Oh Yunok , Ahn Chang-Bum , Nam Ki-Ho , Kim Yeon-Kye , Yoon Na Young , Je Jae-Young
Published: February 2019

Enhanced oxidative stress plays a central role in promoting endothelial dysfunction, leading to the development of atherosclerosis. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of the hydrolysates derived from blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) against H2O2-mediated oxidative injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The blue mussel hydrolysates were prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis with eight proteases, and blue mussel-α-chymotrypsin hydrolysate (BMCH) showed the highest antioxidant activities in DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS+ radical scavenging, and ORAC value compared to those of the other hydrolysates. BMCH also inhibited Cu2+-mediated low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. Treatment of H2O2 resulted in the decreased HUVEC viability whereas pre-treatment with BMCH increased HUVEC viability and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. BMCH pre-treatment increased cellular antioxidant capacities, including levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) against H2O2-mediated oxidative stress in HUVECs. Flow cytometry and western blot analysis revealed that BMCH pre-treatment significantly reduced H2O2-mediated HUVEC apoptosis through inhibition of caspase-3 activation. Real-time-qPCR analysis showed that BMCH down-regulated expression of p53 and caspase-3 genes, as well as decreased the bax/bcl-2 ratio. Taken together, these results indicate that BMCH may be useful as functional food ingredients for protecting endothelial dysfunction or related disease.
Cannabis and Its Secondary Metabolites: Their Use as Therapeutic Drugs, Toxicological Aspects, and Analytical Determination
Authors: Gonçalves Joana , Rosado Tiago , Soares Sofia , Simão Ana Y. , Caramelo Débora , Luís Ângelo , Fernández Nicolás , Barroso Mário , Gallardo Eugenia , Duarte Ana Paula
Published: February 2019

Although the medicinal properties of Cannabis species have been known for centuries, the interest on its main active secondary metabolites as therapeutic alternatives for several pathologies has grown in recent years. This potential use has been a revolution worldwide concerning public health, production, use and sale of cannabis, and has led inclusively to legislation changes in some countries. The scientific advances and concerns of the scientific community have allowed a better understanding of cannabis derivatives as pharmacological options in several conditions, such as appetite stimulation, pain treatment, skin pathologies, anticonvulsant therapy, neurodegenerative diseases, and infectious diseases. However, there is some controversy regarding the legal and ethical implications of their use and routes of administration, also concerning the adverse health consequences and deaths attributed to marijuana consumption, and these represent some of the complexities associated with the use of these compounds as therapeutic drugs. This review comprehends the main secondary metabolites of Cannabis, approaching their therapeutic potential and applications, as well as their potential risks, in order to differentiate the consumption as recreational drugs. There will be also a focus on the analytical methodologies for their analysis, in order to aid health professionals and toxicologists in cases where these compounds are present.
Porosity and Microstructure Iron-Based Graded Materials Sintered by Spark Plasma Sintering and the Conventional Method
Authors: Zarębski Krzysztof , Putyra Piotr , Mierzwiński Dariusz
Published: February 2019

Using PNC-60 powder with the addition of graphite, cylindrical products characterized by different compositions of core and outer layers were made. Some compacts were sintered via the conventional process, while others were subjected to the spark plasma sintering method (SPS) at different times and temperatures. The gradient microstructure was obtained in the transition zone by mixing powders during die filling, followed by pressing and diffusion during sintering. The effect of sintering parameters on the nature of the gradient zone and the morphology of the pores was shown. After conventional sintering, the gradient zone was wider than it was after SPS. Via SPS, the short sintering time confined the diffusion to a local range, making its influence on the gradient structure negligible. Differences in the microstructure were confirmed by functional description.
Effects of Heating Rate on Formation of Globular and Acicular Austenite during Reversion from Martensite
Authors: Zhang Xianguang , Miyamoto Goro , Toji Yuki , Furuhara Tadashi
Published: February 2019

The effects of heating rate on the formation of acicular and globular austenite during reversion from martensite in Fe–2Mn–1.5Si–0.3C alloy have been investigated. It was found that a low heating rate enhanced the formation of acicular austenite, while a high heating rate favored the formation of globular austenite. The growth of acicular γ was accompanied by the partitioning of Mn and Si, while the growth of globular γ was partitionless. DICTRA simulation revealed that there was a transition in growth mode from partitioning to partitionless for the globular austenite with an increase in temperature at high heating rate. High heating rates promoted a reversion that occurred at high temperatures, which made the partitionless growth of globular austenite occur more easily. On the other hand, the severer Mn enrichment into austenite at low heating rate caused Mn depletion in the martensite matrix, which decelerated the reversion kinetics in the later stage and suppressed the formation of globular austenite.
Size Distribution Analysis with On-Chip Multi-Imaging Cell Sorter for Unlabeled Identification of Circulating Tumor Cells in Blood
Authors: Odaka Masao , Kim Hyonchol , Nakamura Yoshiyasu , Hattori Akihiro , Matsuura Kenji , Iwamura Moe , Miyagi Yohei , Yasuda Kenji
Published: February 2019

We report a change of the imaging biomarker distribution of circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters in blood over time using an on-chip multi-imaging flow cytometry system, which can obtain morphometric parameters of cells and those clusters, such as cell number, perimeter, total cross-sectional area, aspect ratio, number of nuclei, and size of nuclei, as “imaging biomarkers”. Both bright-field (BF) and fluorescent (FL) images were acquired at 200 frames per second and analyzed within the intervals for real-time cell sorting. A green fluorescent protein-transfected prostate cancer cell line (MAT-LyLu-GFP) was implanted into Copenhagen rats, and the blood samples of these rats were collected 2 to 11 days later and measured using the system. The results showed that cells having BF area of 90 μm2 or larger increased in number seven days after the cancer cell implantation, which was specifically detected as a shift of the cell size distribution for blood samples of implanted rats, in comparison with that for control blood. All cells with BF area of 150 μm2 or larger were arranged in cell clusters composed of at least two cells, as confirmed by FL nucleus number and area measurements, and they constituted more than 1% of all white blood cells. These results indicate that the mapping of cell size distribution is useful for identifying an increase of irregular cells such as cell clusters in blood, and show that CTC clusters become more abundant in blood over time after malignant tumor formation. The results also reveal that a blood sample of only 50 μL is sufficient to acquire a stable size distribution map of all blood cells to predict the presence of CTC clusters.
Interactive Effects of Rarefaction and Surface Roughness on Aerodynamic Lubrication of Microbearings
Authors: Wu Yao , Yang Lihua , Xu Tengfei , Xu Haoliang
Published: February 2019

The aerodynamic lubrication performance of gas microbearing has a particularly critical impact on the stability of the bearing-rotor system in micromachines. Based on the Duwensee’s slip correction model and the fractal geometry theory, the interactive effects of gas rarefaction and surface roughness on the static and dynamic characteristics were investigated under various operation conditions and structure parameters. The modified Reynolds equation, which governs the gas film pressure distribution in rough bearing, is solved by employing the partial derivative method. The results show that high values of the eccentricity ratio and bearing number tend to increase the principal stiffness coefficients significantly, and the fractal roughness surface considerably affects the ultra-thin film damping characteristics compared to smooth surface bearing.
Refined versus Extra Virgin Olive Oil High-Fat Diet Impact on Intestinal Microbiota of Mice and Its Relation to Different Physiological Variables
Authors: Martínez Nieves , Prieto Isabel , Hidalgo Marina , Segarra Ana Belén , Martínez-Rodríguez Ana M. , Cobo Antonio , Ramírez Manuel , Gálvez Antonio , Martínez-Cañamero Magdalena
Published: February 2019

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has been reported to have a distinct influence on gut microbiota in comparison to other fats, with its physiological benefits widely studied. However, a large proportion of the population consumes olive oil after a depurative process that not only mellows its taste, but also deprives it of polyphenols and other minority components. In this study, we compare the influence on the intestinal microbiota of a diet high in this refined olive oil (ROO) with other fat-enriched diets. Swiss Webster mice were fed standard or a high-fat diet enriched with EVOO, ROO, or butter (BT). Physiological parameters were also evaluated. At the end of the feeding period, DNA was extracted from feces and the 16S rRNA was pyrosequenced. The group fed ROO behaved differently to the EVOO group in half the families with statistically significant differences among the diets, with higher comparative levels in three families—Desulfovibrionaceae, Spiroplasmataceae, and Helicobacteraceae—correlating with total cholesterol. These results are again indicative of a link between specific diets, certain physiological parameters and the prevalence of some taxa, but also support the possibility that polyphenols and minor components of EVOO are involved in some of the proposed effects of this fat through the modulation of the intestinal microbiota
Grinding Optimization of Cassiterite-Polymetallic Sulfide Ore
Authors: Yang Jinlin , Shuai Zhichao , Zhou Wentao , Ma Shaojian
Published: February 2019

Due to the differences in beneficiation methods and mineral properties between cassiterite ore and polymetallic sulfide ore, there is an inherent contradiction between cassiterite overgrinding and sulfide ore undergrinding. A method to optimize and characterize the grinding performance is presented in this paper. In this method, the grinding characteristics are defined by the qualified particle size range index under unit energy consumption. By changing the grinding time, grinding concentration, and filling ratio, the optimized grinding conditions were evaluated, and they were predicted and verified by the response surface method. The results corroborate that when the grinding time of cassiterite is 4 min and the grinding time of sulfide ore is 8 min, the grinding qualified size range index under unit energy consumption is the largest. Cassiterite is brittle and easy to grind due to low hardness, while sulfide is difficult to grind due to high hardness. Hence, the time to beneficiate tin ore is when the grinding time is 4 min, and that to beneficiate sulfide ore is when the regrinding time is approximately 4 min. In this way, the contradiction between overgrinding cassiterite and undergrinding sulfide ore can be alleviated on the basis of the most effective utilization of grinding energy. The optimal grinding concentration and filling ratio are 65% and 37%, respectively. The response surface prediction and test results are almost identical, with an error of ±2%. Thus, the effectiveness of grinding characterization method is verified.
Genetic Damage in Workers from the Rare Metal Ore Production Region
Authors: Petrashova Dina , Martynova Alla , Megorskiy Vladimir
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to assess the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects that occur in miners working underground in rare metal ore mines at ionizing radiation levels within the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) standards using the buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay. At the same time, we attempted to identify possible relationships between cytogenetic abnormalities in the buccal epithelium and such physiological indicators as cardiodynamics and the body mass index. The study involved a total of 269 individuals, 236 miners working underground in production related to the mining and enrichment of loparite ores and 33 non-exposed individuals (Russia, Murmansk region). Buccal micronucleus cytome assay and heart rate variability parameters were used. Micronucleus frequency was revealed to be a higher in the exposed group (8.3 ± 1.08‰) than in the non-exposed group (3.3 ± 0.49‰). The repair index showed a statistically significant increase in the non-exposed group (14.9 ± 2.90) compared with the exposed group (6.1 ± 0.74). The frequency of nuclear protrusions correlates significantly with the body mass index in the young miners (≤30 years (r = 0.45)). There is a negative relationship between the micronucleus frequency and the level of organism adaptation (r = −0.24), the vegetative regulation rate (r = −0.20) and the psycho-emotional state (r = −0.30) for miners older than 30 years. The results testify to the possible induction of clastogenic effects and a decrease in the level of reparation in the buccal epithelium cells due to the exposure of a various of production factors in the extraction of loparite ore.
The Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Multi-Atom Doped Black Phosphorene
Authors: Wang Ke , Wang Hai , Zhang Min , Zhao Wei , Liu Yan , Qin Hongbo
Published: February 2019

Recently, substitutional doping is proved to be an effective route to induce magnetism to black phosphorene for its application in spintronics. Herein, we investigate the thermodynamic stability, electronic and magnetic properties of doped black phosphorene with multi Al or Cl atoms using first-principles calculations. We find these doped phosphorenes are thermodynamically stable at 0 K and the stability first improves and then deteriorates with the number of dopant atom increasing. Corresponding to the variety of stability, the amount of electrons transferred between impurity and neighboring phosphorus atoms also first increase and then reduce. However, the band gap of Al-doped phosphorene reduces monotonically from 0.44 eV to 0.13 eV while that of Cl-doped phosphorene first decreases from 0.10 eV to 0 and then becomes flat, which is a result of the impurity levels emerging and splitting. Besides, in doped phosphorenes with an even number of impurity atoms, the antiferromagnetic order is favored by energy. Through computing the magnetic moment and spin distribution, we further confirm the antiferromagnetic order existing only in the doped phosphorenes with two and four Cl atoms. These results may provide some help for future applications of black phosphorene in spintronics.
Effect of Fish Oil Supplementation on Hepatic and Visceral Fat in Overweight Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Parker Helen M. , Cohn Jeffrey S. , O’Connor Helen T. , Garg Manohar L. , Caterson Ian D. , George Jacob , Johnson Nathan A.
Published: February 2019

Being overweight increases the risk of the development of metabolic conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is itself an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation is recommended for prevention of chronic disease, and is thought to reduce raised liver fat, yet there have been few randomized controlled trials with accurate measurement of liver fat. We assessed the effect of 12 weeks of supplementation with omega-3 PUFA from fish oil versus placebo on quantified liver fat, liver tests, and body composition including visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Fifty apparently healthy overweight men (BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m2; waist > 94 cm) were randomly allocated to consume fish oil (total daily dose: 1728 mg marine triglycerides, of which 588 mg EPA and 412 mg DHA, combined with 200 mg antioxidant, coenzyme Q10) or placebo (olive oil capsules) daily for 12 weeks. Liver fat was assessed using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and following 6 and 12 weeks of supplementation. Baseline liver fat was 4.6 ± 0.5% (range: 0.6 to 18.2%); 16 (32%) participants met the criteria for NAFLD (>5.5% liver fat). Repeated measures ANOVA revealed no significant time or group × time effect for fish oil versus placebo for liver fat, liver enzymes, anthropometry, or body composition including VAT (p > 0.05 for all), with similar finding for sub-analysis of participants with NAFLD. Omega-3 PUFA did not appear to be an effective agent for reducing liver fat in overweight men. The factors determining the health benefits of omega-3 PUFA supplementation on an individual level need to be clarified.
Consumption of Animal-Source Protein is Associated with Improved Height-for-Age z Scores in Rural Malawian Children Aged 12–36 Months
Authors: Kaimila Yankho , Divala Oscar , Agapova Sophia E. , Stephenson Kevin B. , Thakwalakwa Chrissie , Trehan Indi , Manary Mark J. , Maleta Kenneth M.
Published: February 2019

Linear growth faltering, caused by insufficient diet, recurrent infections and environmental enteric dysfunction (EED), continues to plague young children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Diets in LMICs are primarily plant based, and thus have poor-quality protein and low levels of essential micronutrients. The aim of this study was to assess the association of the type and protein quality of food consumed with stunting, EED and acute malnutrition in children aged 6–36 months in Limera and Masenjere, two rural Southern Malawian communities. This is a secondary analysis of two randomized controlled trials that tested the effects of common bean and cowpea flour on stunting in children aged 6–36 months. We used data from two interactive 24-h dietary recalls conducted 12 weeks after enrolment into each trial. Food intakes were compared between the regions using Chi-square and Student’s t-test. There were 355 children that participated in the dietary recalls. The diets of children were of poor quality, but the children from Limera consumed more fish (54% vs. 35%, p = 0.009) and more bioavailable protein (26.0 ± 10.3 g/day vs. 23.1 ± 8.1 g/day, p = 0.018, respectively) than children in Masenjere. Food type and protein quality were not associated with any of the outcomes except an association between animal protein consumption and improvement in height-for-age z scores in children aged 12–36 months (p = 0.047). These findings support the notion that animal-source food (ASF) consumption in this vulnerable population promotes linear growth.
Pharmacy Practice and Education in Finland
Authors: Hirvonen Jouni , Salminen Outi , Vuorensola Katariina , Katajavuori Nina , Huhtala Helena , Atkinson Jeffrey
Published: February 2019

The Pharmacy Education in Europe (PHARMINE) project studies pharmacy practice and education in the European Union (EU) member states. The work was carried out using an electronic survey sent to chosen pharmacy representatives. The surveys of the individual member states are now being published as reference documents for students and staff interested in research on pharmacy education in the EU, and in mobility. This paper presents the results of the PHARMINE survey on pharmacy practice and education in Finland. Pharmacies have a monopoly on the dispensation of medicines. They can also provide diagnostic services. Proviisori act as pharmacy owners and managers. They follow a five-year (M.Sc. Pharm.) degree course with a six-month traineeship. Farmaseutti, who follow a three-year (B.Sc. Pharm.) degree course (also with a six-month traineeship), can dispense medicines and counsel patients in Finland. The B.Sc. and the first three years of the M.Sc. involve the same course. The current pharmacy curriculum (revised in 2014) is based on five strands: (1) pharmacy as a multidisciplinary science with numerous opportunities in the working life, (2) basics of pharmaceutical sciences, (3) patient and medication, (4) optional studies and selected study paths, and (5) drug development and use. The learning outcomes of the pharmacy graduates include (1) basics of natural sciences: chemistry, physics, technology, biosciences required for all the students (B.Sc. and M.Sc.), (2) medicine and medication: compounding of medicines, holism of medication, pharmacology and biopharmaceutics (side-effects and interactions), patient counseling, efficacy and safety of medicines and medication, (3) comprehensive and supportive interactions of the various disciplines of pharmacy education and research: the role and significance of pharmacy as a discipline in society, the necessary skills and knowledge in scientific thinking and pharmaceutical research, and (4) basics of economics and management, multidisciplinarity, hospital pharmacy, scientific writing skills, management skills. In addition, teaching and learning of “general skills”, such as the pharmacist’s professional identity and the role in society as a part of the healthcare system, critical and creative thinking, problem-solving skills, personal learning skills and life-long learning, attitude and sense of responsibility, and communication skills are developed in direct association with subject-specific courses. Professional specialization studies in industrial pharmacy, and community and hospital pharmacy are given at the post-graduate level at the University of Helsinki.
Administration, Billing, and Payment for Pharmacy Student-Based Immunizations to Medicare Beneficiaries at Mobile Medicare Clinics
Authors: Woelfel Joseph A. , Rogan Edward L. , Patel Rajul A. , Ho Winnie , Nguyen Hong Van , Highsmith Emily , Chang Claire , Nguyen Nhat-Thanh , Sato Morgan , Nguyen Daniel
Published: February 2019

Training student pharmacists to administer vaccinations requires a substantial investment in vaccines, supplies, and time. Few schools of pharmacy seek out or receive any reimbursement for the provision of vaccines, despite the fact it is a covered service. This study sought to implement, deliver, and demonstrate an innovative, financially sustainable curriculum-based immunization program by trained pharmacy students as part of their experiential learning. Thirty-nine community health clinics targeting Medicare beneficiaries were conducted throughout Northern/Central California during Medicare’s fall open enrollment periods between 2014–2016. American Pharmacists Association (APhA)-trained student pharmacists (under licensed pharmacist supervision) administered 1777 vaccinations. Vaccines were billed via a secure Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)-compliant web-based portal. The total net income was $11,905 and $8032 for 2015 and 2016, respectively. Return on investment was greatest for the influenza vaccine > Tdap > pneumococcal. Pharmacy students are already being trained to provide immunizations and can utilize their skills to deliver financially viable public health programs.
A Novel Microtiter Plate Format High Power Open Source LED Array
Authors: Kagel Heike , Jacobs Hannes , Bier Frank , Glökler Jörn , Frohme Marcus
Published: February 2019

Many photochemical or photobiological applications require the use of high power ultraviolet light sources, such as high-pressure mercury arc lamps. In addition, many photo-induced chemical, biochemical and biological applications require either a combinatorial setting or a parallel assay of multiple samples under the same environmental conditions to ensure reproducibility. To achieve this, alternative, controllable light sources, such as ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV LEDs) with high power and spatial control are required. Preferably, LEDs are arranged in a suitable standardized 96-well microtiter plate format. We designed such an array and established the methods required for heat management and enabling stable, controllable illumination over time.
Subwavelength Hexahedral Plasmonic Scatterers: History, Symmetries, and Resonant Characteristics
Authors: Tzarouchis Dimitrios , Ylä-Oijala Pasi , Sihvola Ari
Published: February 2019

In this work, we investigate the resonant characteristics of hexahedral (cubical) inclusions at the plasmonic domain. After an introduction to the notion of superquadric surfaces, i.e., surfaces that model various versions of a rounded cube, we present the main resonant spectrum and the surface distributions for two particular cases of a smooth and a sharp cube in the plasmonic domain. We present a historical comparative overview of the main contributions available since the 1970s. A new categorization scheme of the resonances of a cube is introduced, based on symmetry considerations. The obtained results are compared against several recent works, exposing that the higher-order modes are extremely susceptible to both the choice of sharpness of the cube and the modeling mesh. This work can be readily used as a reference for both historical and contemporary studies of the plasmonic aspects of a cube.
Calculated Terahertz Spectra of Glycine Oligopeptide Solutions Confined in Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Ling Dongxiong , Zhang Mingkun , Song Jianxun , Wei Dongshan
Published: February 2019

To reduce the intense terahertz (THz) wave absorption of water and increase the signal-to-noise ratio, the THz spectroscopy detection of biomolecules usually operates using the nanofluidic channel technologies in practice. The effects of confinement due to the existence of nanofluidic channels on the conformation and dynamics of biomolecules are well known. However, studies of confinement effects on the THz spectra of biomolecules are still not clear. In this work, extensive all-atom molecular dynamics simulations are performed to investigate the THz spectra of the glycine oligopeptide solutions in free and confined environments. THz spectra of the oligopeptide solutions confined in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with different radii are calculated and compared. Results indicate that with the increase of the degree of confinement (the reverse of the radius of CNT), the THz absorption coefficient decreases monotonically. By analyzing the diffusion coefficient and dielectric relaxation dynamics, the hydrogen bond life, and the vibration density of the state of the water molecules in free solution and in CNTs, we conclude that the confinement effects on the THz spectra of biomolecule solutions are mainly to slow down the dynamics of water molecules and hence to reduce the THz absorption of the whole solution in confined environments.
Synthesis and Physical Properties of Non-Crystalline Nylon 6 Containing Dimer Acid
Authors: Huang Ching-Nan , Wu Chang-Mou , Lo Hao-Wen , Lai Chiu-Chun , Teng Wei-Feng , Liu Lung-Chang , Chen Chien-Ming
Published: February 2019

In this study, a long carbon chain dimer acid is introduced into a nylon 6 structure and is copolymerized with different structural amines to produce amorphous nylon 6 by 4,4′-methylenebis(2-methylcyclohexylamine) (MMCA) in different copolymerization ratios. The effect of different structures and copolymerization ratios on the properties of nylon 6 is determined, along with the thermal properties, crystallinity, water absorption, dynamic mechanical properties, and optical properties. It is found that the melting point and the thermal cracking temperature Td10 of nylon 6 are respectively between 176 °C and 213 °C and 378 °C to 405 °C. The effect of introducing a bicyclohexane group containing a methyl side chain is greater than that of a meta-benzene ring, so COMM (synthesized by Caprolactam (C), dimer oleic acid (OA), and 4,4′-Methylenebis(2-methylcyclohexylamine) (MMCA)) has the lowest melting point, enthalpy, and crystallinity. As the copolymerization ratio increases, its thermal properties decrease. 10% is the lowest crystallinity. The amine structure containing a bicycloalkyl group has lower water absorption and a 10% copolymerization ratio gives the lowest water absorption. It contains the bicycloalkyl group, COM (synthesized by Caprolactam (C), dimer oleic acid (OA) and 4,4′-Methylenebis(cyclohexylamine) (MCA)), which has the highest loss modulus. The lowest loss modulus is noted for a copolymerization ratio of 7% and the value of tan δ increases as the copolymerization ratio increases. The introduction of nylon 6 with the bicycloalkyl groups, COMM and COM, significantly increases transparency. As the copolymerization ratio increases, the transparency increases and the haze decreases. The best optical properties are achieved for 10% copolymerization.
Balancing the Performance and Environmental Concerns of Used Motor Oil as Rejuvenator in Asphalt Mixes
Authors: Deef-Allah Eslam , Abdelrahman Magdy , Fitch Mark , Ragab Mohyeldin , Bose Mousumi , He Xiaolong
Published: February 2019

Road deterioration inspires researchers to enhance the properties of asphalt binder for better performing mixes. Recycled tire rubber, or crumb rubber modifier (CRM), and used motor oil (UMO) are two modifiers that enhance asphalt binder performance through two different mechanisms. CRM affects high-temperature properties while UMO modifies low-temperature properties. Potential environmental concerns arising from the use of UMO have been raised in the literature. In this paper, the two recycled materials were investigated for their ability to complement each other. Both performance benefits of using both materials and the environmental concerns of using UMO were studied. Four CRM asphalt binders were investigated: two with UMO and two without UMO. Environmental impacts were evaluated using gas chromatography to check air emissions for benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene, and xylenes (BTEX). The potential for toxic leaching of elements from modified hot mix asphalt (HMA) were checked using the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Protocol (TCLP). For asphalt binders modified by CRM-UMO combinations, CRM decreased the amounts of released BTEX components, presumably by absorbing UMO and slowing the release of BTEX. Leaching results concluded that UMO mixtures showed a notable percentage of sulfur (S) as compared to non-UMO mixes. All these leachate components were under EPA limits.
Translation as an Ethical Relationship between Ethics and Politics. An Interpretive Reading of Emmanuel Levinas
Authors: Guzun Mădălina
Published: February 2019

The otherness of the other, considered as foreignness, is deeply intertwined with the problem of translation and with the one of morality. How can the two of them be brought together based on the work of Emmanuel Levinas? The main question which leads my analysis is the following: does morality limit itself to the relationship with another person or does it concern society in its entirety? In the thought of Levinas, ethics is placed on the side of the dual relationship with the other, while the presence of the third institutes the realm of politics. At first glance, the two dimensions contradict each other, for the first one is characterized by infinity, overabundance, and love, while the second one comports a dimension of finitude, measure, symmetry, and justice. Yet these two domains always exist contemporaneously, each of them needing the limitation brought by its counterpart. How is their relationship to be thought? I will argue that the answer can be found within the domain of translation, understood as an essential asymmetry that is both harmonic and disruptive.
Multi-Frequency, Multi-Sonar Mapping of Shallow Habitats—Efficacy and Management Implications in the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, Greece
Authors: Fakiris Elias , Blondel Philippe , Papatheodorou George , Christodoulou Dimitris , Dimas Xenophon , Georgiou Nikos , Kordella Stavroula , Dimitriadis Charalampos , Rzhanov Yuri , Geraga Maria , Ferentinos George
Published: February 2019

In this work, multibeam echosounder (MBES) and dual frequency sidescan sonar (SSS) data are combined to map the shallow (5–100 m) benthic habitats of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos (NMPZ), Greece, a Marine Protected Area (MPA). NMPZ hosts extensive prairies of the protected Mediterranean phanerogams Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa, as well as reefs and sandbanks. Seafloor characterization is achieved using the multi-frequency acoustic backscatter of: (a) the two simultaneous frequencies of the SSS (100 and 400 kHz) and (b) the MBES (180 kHz), as well as the MBES bathymetry. Overall, these high-resolution datasets cover an area of 84 km2 with ground coverage varying from 50% to 100%. Image texture, terrain and backscatter angular response analyses are applied to the above, to extract a range of statistical features. Those have different spatial densities and so they are combined through an object-based approach based on the full-coverage 100-kHz SSS mosaic. Supervised classification is applied to data models composed of operationally meaningful combinations between the above features, reflecting single-sonar or multi-sonar mapping scenarios. Classification results are validated against a detailed expert interpretation habitat map making use of extensive ground-truth data. The relative gain of one system or one feature extraction method or another are thoroughly examined. The frequency-dependent separation of benthic habitats showcases the potentials of multi-frequency backscatter and bathymetry from different sonars, improving evidence-based interpretations of shallow benthic habitats.
Source Parameter Estimation of the 2009 Ms6.0 Yao’an Earthquake, Southern China, Using InSAR Observations
Authors: Qu Wei , Zhang Bing , Lu Zhong , Kim Jin Woo , Zhang Qin , Gao Yuan , Hao Ming , Zhu Wu , Qu Feifei
Published: February 2019

On 9 July 2009, an Ms6.0 earthquake occurred in mountainous area of Yao’an in Yunnan province of Southern China. Although the magnitude of the earthquake was moderate, it attracted the attention of many Earth scientists because of its threat to the safety of the population and its harm to the local economy. However, the source parameters remain poorly understood due to the sparse distribution of seismic and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) stations in this mountainous region. Therefore, in this study, the two L-band ALOS (Advanced Land Observing Satellite-1) PALSAR (Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar) images from an ascending track is used to investigate the coseismic deformation field, and further determine the location, fault geometry and slip distribution of the earthquake. The results show that the Yao’an earthquake was a strike-slip event with a down-dip slip component. The slip mainly occurred at depths of 3–8 km, with a maximum slip of approximately 70 cm at a depth of 6 km, which is shallower than the reported focal depth of ~10 km. An analysis of the seismic activity and tectonics of the Yao’an area reveals that the 9 July 2009 Yao’an earthquake was the result of regional stress accumulation, which eventually led to the rupture of the northwestern most part of the Maweijing fault.
Information Needs of Next-Generation Forest Carbon Models: Opportunities for Remote Sensing Science
Authors: Boisvenue Céline , White Joanne
Published: February 2019

Forests are integral to the global carbon cycle, and as a result, the accurate estimation of forest structure, biomass, and carbon are key research priorities for remote sensing science. However, estimating and understanding forest carbon and its spatiotemporal variations requires diverse knowledge from multiple research domains, none of which currently offer a complete understanding of forest carbon dynamics. New large-area forest information products derived from remotely sensed data provide unprecedented spatial and temporal information about our forests, which is information that is currently underutilized in forest carbon models. Our goal in this communication is to articulate the information needs of next-generation forest carbon models in order to enable the remote sensing community to realize the best and most useful application of its science, and perhaps also inspire increased collaboration across these research fields. While remote sensing science currently provides important contributions to large-scale forest carbon models, more coordinated efforts to integrate remotely sensed data into carbon models can aid in alleviating some of the main limitations of these models; namely, low sample sizes and poor spatial representation of field data, incomplete population sampling (i.e., managed forests exclusively), and an inadequate understanding of the processes that influence forest carbon accumulation and fluxes across spatiotemporal scales. By articulating the information needs of next-generation forest carbon models, we hope to bridge the knowledge gap between remote sensing experts and forest carbon modelers, and enable advances in large-area forest carbon modeling that will ultimately improve estimates of carbon stocks and fluxes.
Mapping of River Terraces with Low-Cost UAS Based Structure-from-Motion Photogrammetry in a Complex Terrain Setting
Authors: Li Hui , Chen Lin , Wang Zhaoyang , Yu Zhongdi
Published: February 2019

River terraces are the principal geomorphic features for unraveling tectonics, sea level, and climate conditions during the evolutionary history of a river. The increasing availability of high-resolution topography data generated by low-cost Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and modern photogrammetry offer an opportunity to identify and characterize these features. In this paper, we assessed the capabilities of UAS-based Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry, coupled with a river terrace detection algorithm for mapping of river terraces over a 1.9 km2 valley of complex terrain setting, with a focus on the performance of this latest technology over such complex terrains. With the proposed image acquisition approach and SfM photogrammetry, we constructed a 3.8 cm resolution orthomosaic and digital surface model (DSM). The vertical accuracy of DSM was assessed against 196 independent checkpoints measured with a real-time kinematic (RTK) GPS. The results indicated that the root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) were 3.1 cm and 2.9 cm, respectively. These encouraging results suggest that this low-cost, logistically simple method can deliver high-quality terrain datasets even in the complex terrain, competitive with those obtained using more expensive laser scanning. A simple algorithm was then employed to detect river terraces from the generated DSM. The results showed that three levels of river terraces and a high-level floodplain were identified. Most of the detected river terraces were confirmed by field observations. Despite the highly erosive nature of fluvial systems, this work obtained good results, allowing fast analysis of fluvial valleys and their comparison. Overall, our results demonstrated that the low-cost UAS-based SfM technique could yield highly accurate ultrahigh-resolution topography data over complex terrain settings, making it particularly suitable for quick and cost-effective mapping of micro to medium-sized geomorphic features under such terrains in remote or poorly accessible areas. Methods discussed in this paper can also be applied to produce highly accurate digital terrain data over large spatial extents for some other places of complex terrains.