bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ẢNH HƯỞNG CỦA MÔI TRƯỜNG DINH DƯỠNG, MẬT ĐỘ BAN ĐẦU ĐẾN SINH TRƯỞNG CỦA HAI LOÀI TẢO BIỂN Chaetoceros muelleri, Tetraselmis suecica VÀ THỬ NGHIỆM NUÔI SINH KHỐI TRONG ĐIỀU KIỆN ÁNH SÁNG TỰ NHIÊN Ở THỪA THIÊN HUẾ
Authors: Phương Trần Vinh , Khanh Nguyễn Văn , Nhân Lê Thị Tuyết , Yến Phạn Thị Hải , Huyền Kiều Thị , Nghĩa Võ Đức
Published: December 2017

Tóm tắt: Nghiên cứu nhằm xác định ảnh hưởng của môi trường dinh dưỡng, mật độ ban đầu đến sinh trưởng của vi tảo Chaetoceros muelleri, Tetraselmis suecica và thử nghiệm nuôi sinh khối trong điều kiện ánh sáng tự nhiên với các điều kiện nuôi cơ bản nhất. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy chủng Chaetoceros muelleri phát triển tốt nhất trong môi trường F/2, chủng Tetraselmis suecica phát triển tốt nhất trong môi trường Walne. Với thể tích tiếp giống ban đầu chiếm 10 % tổng thể tích môi trường nuôi, chủng Chaetoceros muelleri phát triển tốt với mật độ cực đại (5,55 ± 0,05)×105 tế bào/mL sau 11 ngày nuôi cấy, có pha cân bằng ổn định; chủng Tetraselmis suecica phát triển tốt ở thể tích tiếp giống ban đầu 15 % tổng thể tích môi trường nuôi với (13,48 ± 0,09)×104 tế bào/mL ở ngày nuôi thứ 9 và có pha cân bằng ổn định. Sinh khối Chaetoceros muelleri nuôi ngoài tự nhiên sau 8 ngày ở thể tích 50 L đạt mật độ cực đại (4,31 ± 0,08)×105 tế bào/mL và ở thể tích 1000 L đạt mật độ cực đại (3,17 ± 0,10)×105 tế bào/mL. Sau 7 ngày nuôi cấy chủng, Tetraselmis suecica đạt mật độ cực đại (14,44 ± 0,14)×104 tế bào/mL ở thể tích 50 L và đạt mật độ cực đại                      (9,23 ± 0,32)×104 tế bào/mL khi nuôi sinh khối trong bể composite 1000 L sau 6 ngày nuôi cấy.Từ khóa: Chaetoceros muelleri, Tetraselmis suecica, mật độ ban đầu, môi trường nuôi thử nghiệm, vi tảo, thử nghiệm nuôi sinh khối
图书馆阅读推广理论与实践探究
Authors: 靳 艺星
Published: December 2017

从个人方面来说，人们通过阅读可以积累知识、培养思维能力，并且还能够提升自己的内在气质以及思想境界；从国家方面来说，阅读更是传承文化、提升整体国民素质的重要途径。而图书馆作为推广阅读的主要阵地，肩负着极为重大的责任。基于此，论文针对图书馆阅读推广理论与实践问题进行研究，并重点提出了一些图书馆阅读推广的有效策略，以引起更多人的关注。
新媒体背景下电台播音员能力提升对策研究
Authors: 李 浩民
Published: December 2017

随着信息技术的不断发展，中国进入到了新媒体时代。新媒体的出现使得信息传播变得更加快捷，同时也有效地提高了信息传输的安全性和可靠性。但与此同时，新媒体的出现给包括电台在内的传统媒体产生了巨大的冲击与挑战。电台作为传统的媒体，主要是通过声音和互动与听众进行交流，为了有效应对新媒体冲击下的影响，电台媒体方面必须要不断提高播音员的各项能力，使其能够适应新媒体时代下的要求。鉴于此，论文重点就新媒体背景下电台播音员应当具备的能力和提升对策进行研究分析，旨在为业内人士提供一些建议和帮助，从而促进中国传统媒体的进一步发展。
Extending the Reach of Human Milk Banking
Authors: Kent George
Published: December 2017

The banking of human milk is expanding rapidly in both high- and low-income countries. Most milk banks serve critically ill infants, including those who are born prematurely or have low birthweight. This commentary explores the potential for extending the reach of milk banking so that it also serves many infants who are not critically ill, but would benefit from human milk from women other than their own mothers.
Interference in public health policy
Authors: Granheim Ionata Sabrina , Engelhardt Katrin , Rundall Patti , Bialous Stella , Iellamo Alessandro , Margetts Barrie
Published: December 2017

Despite countries’ commitments to improve nutrition, starting with the protection of breastfeeding, aggressive marketing of breastmilk substitutes continues to promote their indiscriminate use. The baby food industry appears to use similar interference tactics as the tobacco industry to influence public health, promote their products and expand their markets.

Learning from the tobacco experience, this paper assesses whether the baby food industry uses any of the six tobacco industry interference tactics recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and summarizes examples of documented evidence.

We conclude that the baby food industry uses all six tactics: (1) manoeuvring to hijack the political and legislative process; (2) exaggerating economic importance of the industry; (3) manipulating public opinion to gain appearance of respectability; (4) fabricating support through front groups; (5) discrediting proven science; and (6) intimidating governments with litigation. There is abundant anecdotal evidence. Published evidence is limited and varies by tactic. Examples of interference are provided for the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Turkey, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Mexico and the United Kingdom, and most for Tactic 3.

Interference in public health policies shows commonalities between the two industries. The tobacco control movement offers a useful framework for classifying and addressing interference with public policy by the baby food industry. Revealing the depth and extent of interference used by the baby food industry is critical if countries are to counter interference and implement commitments to improve nutrition.
Infecções em pacientes no pós-operatório em cirurgia cardíaca: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Graça Júnior Carlos Alberto Guzman , Mendes Jadilson Rodrigues , Dourado Giovanna De Oliveira Libório , Rodrigues Emanuely Marques , Araújo Rosana Alves de , Queiroz Artur Acelino Francisco Luz Nunes
Published: December 2017

Objetivo: identificar na literatura científica, as infecções mais comuns no paciente em pós-operatório de cirurgias cardíacas. Método: revisão integrativa realizada nas bases de dados Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Literatura Latino-Americana e Caribenha em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) e Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval Sistem on-line (MEDLINE), pela Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), através da combinação dos descritores: infecção and cirurgia cardíaca, infecção and perioperatório, cirurgia cardíaca and perioperatório, entre os anos de 2002 e 2012. Resultados: de acordo com o objetivo e critérios de inclusão e exclusão dos 1543 publicações somente 7 artigos foram analisados para formação dessa revisão. Destaca-se que as principais formas de infecções que acometem pacientes que sofreram cirurgias cardíacas são as infecções em sítio cirúrgico e as mediastinites. Conclusão: há uma deficiência de trabalhos sobre essa temática. Portanto, se espera que os resultados possam contribuir para a redução da incidência das infecções.
Isolamento de staphylococcus aureus em mãos de profissionais de Unidades de terapia Intensiva
Authors: Machado Vilarinho Lilian , Vilarinho Maria Luci Costa Machado , Silva Francisco Laurindo da , Guimaraes Maria do Socorro Oliveira , Leal Adnaide Cristina Almondes de Moura
Published: December 2017

Quantitative research, of experimental delineation, whose objective was to isolate aureus suggestive colonies of Staphylococcus of the hands of the health professionals who work in the UTI of the Getúlio Hospital Vargas (GHV), to argue the importance of the laudering and antissepsia of the hands and to evaluate if isolated colonies can be correlated with cases of IH of the period of the collection of clinical specimens. Twenty professionals had participated. One collected specimens of the subungueal region and interpododáctila of one of the hands of each professional and sowed the material harvested in plates of Petri for posterior analysis of the carried through laboratoriais tests. Of the analysis, it can be concluded that, only 1% of the professionals presented aureus colonies of Staphylococcus in the hands, confirming the low index of infection in the patients interned in the UTI for these microorganisms.
Cuidados de saúde mental em serviços especializados de atenção à DST/AIDS
Authors: Cardoso Jonas Alves , Dourado Giovanna De Oliveira Libório , Moreiras Felipe De Sousa , Almeida Joelson Dos Santos , Almeida João Márcio Nunes de , Miranda Alex Barbosa Sobreira de
Published: December 2017

Objetivo: O presente artigo de natureza reflexiva objetiva refletir sobre os cuidados de saúde mental desenvolvidos em serviços especializados de atendimento à DST/AIDS. Resultado: O momento do diagnóstico representa impacto relevante na vida dos pacientes, visto que conviver com DST/AIDS modifica a Qualidade de Vida por envolver estigma e preconceito. Diante disso, os profissionais devem buscar abordagem e assistência inclusiva e acolhedora, considerando o indivíduo integralmente. O cuidado direcionada à saúde mental desses indivíduos abrange o acolhimento digno, escuta qualificada e desenvolvimento de atividades que fortaleçam o bem estar mental representando o eixo chave no atendimento à saúde mental em serviços especializados de atenção a DST/AIDS. Considerações finais: É essencial planejar a assistência em saúde mental nesses serviços e atuar de forma humanizada e singular.
Atribuição do enfermeiro na Comissão de Controle de Infecção Hospitalar: Revisão Integrativa
Authors: Santana Rosane Da Silva , De Brito Bianca Anne Mendes , Ferreira Jose Lucas Silveira , De Deus Samira Rêgo Martins , De Moraes Maria Elisabete Amaral , Gama Monica Elionor Alves
Published: December 2017

Objetivo: discutir a partir da produção científica nacional e internacional as funções desempenhadas pelo enfermeiro dentro da Comissão de Controle de Infecção Hospitalar-CCIH. Metodologia: trata-se de uma revisão integrativa, com vistas a responder a questão norteadora: Qual a importancia da enfermagem no controle da infecção, por meio das atividades gerencias desenvolvidas na CCIH? . Para isso realizou-se uma busca por evidências nas bases de dados online Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), LILACS e ScIELO, no período de 2000 – 2014 utilizando descritores controlados. Resultados: os estudos foram agrupados e analisados por meio de categorias: busca ativa de casos, medidas de prevenção e medidas educativas. Conclusão: O enfermeiro é uma peça fundamental dentro das CCIHs, e suas atividades são de grande importância para toda a comunidade hospitalar, tanto os colaboradores como os pacientes.
RESEARCH PAPER IN LITERATURE OF INCREASING THICKNESS BY INCLINED TARGET
Authors: Elias Randjbaran  , Rizal Zahari  , Dayang Laila Majid  , Mohamed Thariq Hameed  , Sultan  , Norkhairunnisa Mazlan
Published: December 2017

This paper displays the discoveries of the scientists about the impacts of slanted protection in ballistic effect resistance. The rule favoured stance to ascertaining the cautious layer of a composite plate is that it assembles the Line-of-Sight (LOS) thickness of the plate. Another favoured viewpoint of having slanted fortification is that it has a much higher plausibility of diverting shots than a vertical plate of tantamount thickness.
Hidden Markov Approach to Dynamically Modeling Car Ownership Behavior
Authors: Yang Di , Xiong Chenfeng , Nasri Arefeh , Zhang Lei
Published: December 2017

It has become apparent to researchers in various domains that choice behavior occurs in a dynamic context and decision making involves strong temporal dependency, especially when it comes to car ownership decisions, because of consumers’ forward-looking behavior. However, a substantial portion of the literature focuses on static model formulations, and limitations exist, particularly in long-term travel demand forecasting. This study proposed a hidden Markov modeling (HMM) framework to analyze car ownership behavior dynamically. The dynamic model framework was applied to the 10-wave Puget Sound (Washington) Transportation Panel data. Two hidden states were identified in this study: State 1 tended to be land use entropy sensitive and vice versa for State 2. Empirical results reveal that households with preschool-age children are more likely to live in urbanized areas where they have easy access to various facilities. Also, one more licensed driver would lead to a 13.33% increase in owning two cars for State 1 households and a 28.45% increase in owning three or more cars for State 2 households. The comparison with both the multinomial logit model and the latent class model favors the study’s dynamic model framework with respect to model performance. The HMM approach offers insights on policy development for a target population and provides more accurate forecasting for long-term planning and policy analysis.
Multicontextual Machine-Learning Approach to Modeling Traffic Impact of Urban Highway Work Zones
Authors: Bae Junseo , Choi Kunhee , Oh Jeong Ho
Published: December 2017

Impact assessments of highway construction work zones (CWZs) are mandated for all federally funded highway infrastructure improvement projects. However, most existing approaches are ad hoc or project specific, so they are incapable of being benchmarked for any particular spatial region. A novel multicontextual approach to modeling the traffic impact of urban highway CWZs is proposed and tested in this paper. The proposed approach is unique because it models the impact of CWZ operations through a multicontextual quantitative method using big data for improved accuracy. In this study, a machine-learning technique was adopted to predict long-term traffic flow rates and the corresponding truck percentages. With the use of these predicted values, stereotypical patterns of traffic volume-to-capacity ratios were created for typical urban nighttime closures. Third-order curve-fitting models to achieve potential work zone travel time delays in heavily trafficked large urban cores were then developed and validated. This study will greatly help state and local governments and the general traveling public in major cities know the potential traffic flow resulting from construction and thereby facilitate progress on highway improvement projects with the better-informed work zone traffic flow and thus improve safety and mobility in and between CWZs.
The use of alternatives to clopidogrel in flow-diversion treatment with the Pipeline embolization device
Authors: Atallah Elias , Saad Hassan , Bekelis Kimon , Chalouhi Nohra , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula , Hasan David , Eller Jorge , Stidd David , Rosenwasser Robert H. , Jabbour Pascal
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVE

Thromboembolic complications continue to be encountered with Pipeline embolization devices (PEDs) despite routine clopidogrel/aspirin antiplatelet therapy. This study examined the safety and efficacy of prasugrel in the management of clopidogrel-resistant patients treated for cerebral aneurysms.

METHODS

Four hundred thirty-seven consecutive patients were identified between January 2011 and May 2016. Patients allergic, or having less than 30% platelet inhibition, to a daily 75-mg dose of clopidogrel received 10 mg of prasugrel daily (n = 20) or 90 mg of ticagrelor twice daily (n = 2). The mean (± SD) follow-up duration was 15.8 ± 12.4 months. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score registered before discharge and at each follow-up visit. To control confounding, multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression and propensity score conditioning were used.

RESULTS

Twenty-six (5.9%) of 437 patients presented with a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The mean patient age was 56.3 years, and 62 were women (14.2%). One of the 7 patients lost to follow-up received prasugrel. One patient was allergic to clopidogrel and prasugrel simultaneously. All patients receiving prasugrel or ticagrelor (n = 22) had an mRS score ≤ 2 on their latest follow-up visit (mean score 0.67 ± 1.15). In a multivariate analysis, clopidogrel did not affect the mRS score on last follow-up (p = 0.14). Multivariable logistic regression showed that clopidogrel was not associated with an increased long-term recurrence rate (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.01–2.70, p = 0.21), an increased thromboembolic complication rate (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.12–1.67, p = 0.24), or an increased hemorrhagic event rate (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.91–1.64, p = 0.20). None of the patients receiving prasugrel or ticagrelor died or suffered a long-term recurrence or a hemorrhagic event; only 1 patient suffered from mild aphasia subsequent to a thromboembolic event. Three patients taking clopidogrel died during the study: 2 from acute SAH and 1 from intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Clopidogrel was not associated with an increased mortality rate (OR 2.18, 95% CI 0.11–43.27, p = 0.61). The same associations were present in propensity score–adjusted models.

CONCLUSIONS

In a cohort of patients treated with PEDs, prasugrel (10 mg/day) was a safe alternative to clopidogrel-resistant or clopidogrel-allergic patients, or nonresponders.
Shunt scissors: technical note
Authors: Dacey Ralph G. , Flouty Oliver E. , Grady M. Sean , Howard Matthew A. , Mayberg Marc R.
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVE

When performing ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery it is necessary to create a subgaleal pocket that is of sufficient size to accommodate a shunt valve. In most cases the valve is placed over the posterior skull where the galea begins to transition to suboccipital neck fascia. Dense fibrous attachments in this region of the skull make it technically awkward to develop the subgaleal valve pocket using standard scissors and a blunt dissection technique. In this report the authors describe a new device that enables surgeons to create the shunt valve pocket by using a simple semi-sharp dissection technique.

METHODS

The authors analyzed the deficiencies of the standard valve pocket dissection technique and designed shunt scissors that address the identified shortcomings. These new scissors allow the surgeon to sharply dissect the subgaleal space by using an efficient hand-closing maneuver.

RESULTS

Standard surgical scissors were modified to create shunt scissors that were tested on the benchtop and used in the operating room. In all cases the shunt scissors proved easy to use and allowed the efficient and reliable creation of a subgaleal valve pocket in a technically pleasing manner.

CONCLUSIONS

Shunt scissors represent an incremental technical advance in the field of neurosurgical shunt operations.
Oberlin transfer compared with nerve grafting for improving early supination in neonatal brachial plexus palsy
Authors: Chang Kate W. C. , Wilson Thomas J. , Popadich Miriana , Brown Susan H. , Chung Kevin C. , Yang Lynda J. S.
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVE

The use of nerve transfers versus nerve grafting for neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) remains controversial. In adult brachial plexus injury, transfer of an ulnar fascicle to the biceps branch of the musculocutaneous nerve (Oberlin transfer) is reportedly superior to nerve grafting for restoration of elbow flexion. In pediatric patients with NBPP, recovery of elbow flexion and forearm supination is an indicator of resolved NBPP. Currently, limited evidence exists of outcomes for flexion and supination when comparing nerve transfer and nerve grafting for NBPP. Therefore, the authors compared 1-year postoperative outcomes for infants with NBPP who underwent Oberlin transfer versus nerve grafting.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study reviewed patients with NBPP who underwent Oberlin transfer (n = 19) and nerve grafting (n = 31) at a single institution between 2005 and 2015. A single surgeon conducted intraoperative exploration of the brachial plexus and determined the surgical nerve reconstruction strategy undertaken. Active range of motion was evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 year.

RESULTS

No significant difference between treatment groups was observed with respect to the mean change (pre- to postoperatively) in elbow flexion in adduction and abduction and biceps strength. The Oberlin transfer group gained significantly more supination (100° vs 19°; p < 0.0001). Forearm pronation was maintained at 90° in the Oberlin transfer group whereas it was slightly improved in the grafting group (0° vs 32°; p = 0.02). Shoulder, wrist, and hand functions were comparable between treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The preliminary data from this study demonstrate that the Oberlin transfer confers an advantageous early recovery of forearm supination over grafting, with equivalent elbow flexion recovery. Further studies that monitor real-world arm usage will provide more insight into the most appropriate surgical strategy for NBPP.
Differential patterns of metastatic dissemination across medulloblastoma subgroups
Authors: Zapotocky Michal , Mata-Mbemba Daddy , Sumerauer David , Liby Petr , Lassaletta Alvaro , Zamecnik Josef , Krskova Lenka , Kyncl Martin , Stary Jan , Laughlin Suzanne , Arnoldo Anthony , Hawkins Cynthia , Tabori Uri , Taylor Michael D. , Bouffet Eric , Raybaud Charles , Ramaswamy Vijay
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVE

Metastatic dissemination is a major treatment challenge and cause of death in patients with medulloblastoma. However, the influence of molecular biology on the pattern of metastatic dissemination at diagnosis is not known. In this study, the authors sought to define the location, pattern, and imaging characteristics of medulloblastoma metastases across subgroups at diagnosis.

METHODS

A consecutive cohort of patients with metastatic medulloblastoma at The Hospital for Sick Children and the University Hospital Motol, who underwent up-front MRI of the craniospinal axis, was assembled and allocated to subgroups using NanoString limited gene–expression profiling. Radiological characteristics (including location, morphology, size, diffusion restriction, and contrast enhancement) were discerned through a retrospective review.

RESULTS

Forty metastatic medulloblastomas were identified with up-front neuroimaging of the craniospinal axis: 5 sonic hedgehog (SHH), 16 Group 3, and 19 Group 4 metastases. Significant subgroup-specific differences were observed, particularly with respect to tumor location, size, and morphology. Group 3 metastases were most frequently laminar compared with a more nodular pattern in Group 4 (14 of 16 in Group 3 vs 8 of 19 in Group 4; p = 0.0004). Laminar metastases were not observed in patients with SHH medulloblastoma. Suprasellar metastases are highly specific to Group 4 (p = 0.016). Two of the 5 SHH cases had multifocal lesions in the cerebellum, raising the possibility that these were in fact synchronous primary tumors and not true metastases. A minority of patients with Group 4 metastases harbored metastatic deposits that did not enhance on MRI after contrast administration, often in patients whose primary tumor did not enhance.

CONCLUSIONS

The location, morphology, and imaging characteristics of metastatic medulloblastoma differ across molecular subgroups, with implications for diagnosis and management. This suggests that the biology of leptomeningeal dissemination differs among medulloblastoma subgroups.
Periinsular anterior quadrantotomy: technical note
Authors: Cossu Giulia , Lebon Sebastien , Seeck Margitta , Pralong Etienne , Messerer Mahmoud , Roulet-Perez Eliane , Daniel Roy Thomas
Published: December 2017

Refractory frontal lobe epilepsy has been traditionally treated through a frontal lobectomy. A disconnective technique may allow similar seizure outcomes while avoiding the complications associated with large brain resections. The aim of this study was to describe a new technique of selective disconnection of the frontal lobe that can be performed in cases of refractory epilepsy due to epileptogenic foci involving 1 frontal lobe (anterior to the motor cortex), with preservation of motor function. In addition to the description of the technique, an illustrative case is also presented.

This disconnective procedure is divided into 4 steps: the suprainsular window, the anterior callosotomy, the intrafrontal disconnection, and the frontobasal disconnection. The functional neuroanatomy is analyzed in detail for each step of the surgery. It is important to perform cortical and subcortical electrophysiological mapping to guide this disconnective procedure and identify eloquent cortices and intact neural pathways.

The authors describe the case of a 9-year-old boy who presented with refractory epilepsy due to epileptogenic foci localized to the right frontal lobe. MRI confirmed the presence of a focal cortical dysplasia of the right frontal lobe. A periinsular anterior quadrant disconnection (quadrantotomy) was performed. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the patient was in Engel seizure outcome Class I at the 3-year follow-up. A significant cognitive gain was observed during follow-up.

Periinsular anterior quadrantotomy may thus represent a safe technique to efficiently treat refractory epilepsy when epileptogenic foci are localized to 1 frontal lobe while preserving residual motor functions.
Modeling and analysis of Halbach magnet array with pyramidal magnet in planar motor
Authors: Liu Guangdou , Wang Yanzhe , Xu Xingping , Ming Wuyi
Published: December 2017

In this paper, the changing of magnet shape in Halbach magnet array of planar motor is analyzed for the magnetic flux density. It is the rectangular magnets that are replaced by pyramidal magnets. The magnetic flux density of Halbach magnet array with rectangular magnets is derived by Fourier series and scalar potential. The magnetic flux density of pyramidal magnet array is obtained through superposition and dividing the magnet array in several layers. Then the harmonic model has good agreement with the finite element model (FEM) by comparing the [Formula: see text]-component of magnetic flux density. The division layer [Formula: see text] is decided by analyzing the amplitude error of [Formula: see text]-component of magnetic flux density between harmonic and FEM. The pyramidal magnet array is analyzed from the items such as the waveform, peak value and total harmonic distortion (THD) of [Formula: see text]-component of magnetic flux density. Above all, the smaller the rotation angle is, the bigger the peak value of [Formula: see text]-component of magnetic flux density will be obtained and the smaller the total harmonic distortion will be simultaneously achieved.
Calculation and analysis of magnetic force and vibration in low-speed surface-mounted permanent magnet machines accounting for eccentric and concentric magnet poles
Authors: Sun Pan , Zhou Yu , Wu Xusheng , Sun Zhaolong , Gao Wei , Jiang Chaoli
Published: December 2017

In this paper, magnetic force and vibration in low-speed surface-mounted permanent magnet (PM) machines accounting for eccentric and concentric magnet poles are investigated. It is shown that the number of harmonics and total harmonic distortion (THD) of radial flux density and radial force density, cogging torque, and displacement of stator core in concentric PM machine are much bigger than those in eccentric PM machine. The eccentric magnetic pole is helpful to reduce vibration and acoustic noise. And the ratio of the mean square error of the radial force on the teeth of the two prototype machines are approximately equal to the ratio of the peak-peak value of the displacement at the outer periphery of the stator core of the two prototype machines.
Transferring a Biomass Enhancement Biotechnology from Glasshouse to Field: A Case Study on Wheat GWD RNAi
Authors: Whan Alex , Verbyla Arunas , Mieog Jos , Howitt Crispin , Ral Jean-Philippe
Published: December 2017

In glasshouse studies we have previously shown that endosperm-specific RNAi suppression of the primary starch phosphorylation enzyme, Glucan, Water Dikinase (GWD) leads to enhanced early vigor, greater leaf biomass, and increases in both head size and yield. To confirm these affects in a field setting, trials were conducted in three Australian environments. Field results were consistent with those in the glasshouse for increased flag leaf area and rachis nodes. However, there was also a decrease in tiller number and consequently a decrease in yield for one event at two sites. These findings provide potentially important information on plant vigor enhancement and highlight the challenges of transferring the modification of complex traits from single plants in controlled environments to the field.
Wearable Current-Based ECG Monitoring System with Non-Insulated Electrodes for Underwater Application
Authors: Gradl Stefan , Cibis Tobias , Lauber Jasmine , Richer Robert , Rybalko Ruslan , Pfeiffer Norman , Leutheuser Heike , Wirth Markus , Von Tscharner Vinzenz , Eskofier Bjoern
Published: December 2017

The second most common cause of diving fatalities is cardiovascular diseases. Monitoring the cardiovascular system in actual underwater conditions is necessary to gain insights into cardiac activity during immersion and to trigger preventive measures. We developed a wearable, current-based electrocardiogram (ECG) device in the eco-system of the FitnessSHIRT platform. It can be used for normal/dry ECG measuring purposes but is specifically designed to allow underwater signal acquisition without having to use insulated electrodes. Our design is based on a transimpedance amplifier circuit including active current feedback. We integrated additional cascaded filter components to counter noise characteristics specific to the immersed condition of such a system. The results of the evaluation show that our design is able to deliver high-quality ECG signals underwater with no interferences or loss of signal quality. To further evaluate the applicability of the system, we performed an applied study with it using 12 healthy subjects to examine whether differences in the heart rate variability exist between sitting and supine positions of the human body immersed in water and outside of it. We saw significant differences, for example, in the RMSSD and SDSD between sitting outside the water (36 ms) and sitting immersed in water (76 ms) and the pNN50 outside the water (6.4%) and immersed in water (18.2%). The power spectral density for the sitting positions in the TP and HF increased significantly during water immersion while the LF/HF decreased significantly. No significant changes were found for the supine position.
The Role of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in Tourette Syndrome: A Review and Preliminary Findings
Authors: Eapen Valsamma , Baker Richard , Walter Amelia , Raghupathy Veena , Wehrman Jordan , Sowman Paul
Published: December 2017

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that is being investigated for a variety of neurological and psychiatric conditions. Preliminary evidence suggests that tDCS may be useful in the treatment of Tourette Syndrome (TS). This paper reviews the literature on the use of tDCS in commonly occurring comorbid conditions that are relevant to its proposed use in TS. We describe the protocol for a double-blind, crossover, sham-controlled trial of tDCS (Trial ID: ACTRN12615000592549, registered at www.anzctr.org.au) investigating the efficacy, feasibility, safety, and tolerability of tDCS in patients with TS aged 12 years and over. The intervention consists of cathodal tDCS positioned over the Supplementary Motor Area. Patients receive either sham tDCS for three weeks followed by six weeks of active tDCS (1.4 mA, 18 sessions over six weeks), or six weeks of active sessions followed by three weeks of sham sessions, with follow-up at three and six months. Pilot findings from two patients are presented. There was a reduction in the frequency and intensity of patients’ tics and premonitory urges, as well as evidence of improvements in inhibitory function, over the course of treatment. Larger scale studies are indicated to ascertain the maintenance of symptom improvement over time, as well as the long-term consequences of the repetitions of sessions.
Familial Screening for Left-Sided Congenital Heart Disease: What Is the Evidence? What Is the Cost?
Authors: Perry Daniel , Mullen Connor , Carvajal Horacio , Brar Anoop , Eghtesady Pirooz
Published: December 2017

Since the American Heart Association’s recommendation for familial screening of adults with congenital heart disease for bicuspid aortic valve, similar recommendations for other left-sided heart defects, such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), have been proposed. However, defining at-risk populations for these heart defects based on genetics is less straightforward due to the wide variability of inheritance patterns and non-genetic influences such as environmental and lifestyle factors. We discuss whether there is sufficient evidence to standardize echocardiographic screening for first-degree relatives of children diagnosed with HLHS. Due to variations in the inclusion of cardiac anomalies linked to HLHS and the identification of asymptomatic individuals with cardiac malformations, published studies are open to interpretation. We conclude that familial aggregation of obstructive left-sided congenital heart lesions in families with history of HLHS is not supported and recommend that additional screening should adopt a more conservative definition of what truly constitutes this heart defect. More thorough consideration is needed before embracing familial screening recommendations of families of patients with HLHS, since this could inflict serious costs on healthcare infrastructure and further burden affected families both emotionally and financially.
Low Temperature Selective Catalytic Reduction Using Molding Catalysts Mn-Ce/FA and Mn-Ce/FA-30%TiO2
Authors: Gou Xiang , Wang Yating , Wu Chunfei , Liu Shian , Zhao Dong , Li Yamei , Iram Saima
Published: December 2017

Mn-Ce/FA (M) and Mn-Ce/FA-TiO2 (M), using fly ash (FA) with and without TiO2 as the carriers, were prepared by an integral molding technique. With the increase of TiO2 content, the rates of NO conversion and denitration of Mn-Ce/FA-TiO2 (M) increased, and the NO2 and N2O formation rates decreased. It is found that TiO2 could effectively inhibit the excessive oxidation of NO and the generation of N2O. The effects of space velocity, oxygen concentration and ammonia nitrogen ratio on three types of nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2, N2O) and denitration rates of the Mn-Ce/FA (M) and Mn-Ce/FA-30%TiO2 (M) were further investigated. In addition, it is demonstrated that Mn-Ce/FA (M) and Mn-Ce/FA-30%TiO2 (M) were more suitable to be used in the environment of low sulfur and less water.
Decoding Galactic Merger Histories
Authors: Bell Eric , Monachesi Antonela , D’Souza Richard , Harmsen Benjamin , De Jong Roelof , Radburn-Smith David , Bailin Jeremy , Holwerda Benne
Published: December 2017

Galaxy mergers are expected to influence galaxy properties, yet measurements of individual merger histories are lacking. Models predict that merger histories can be measured using stellar halos and that these halos can be quantified using observations of resolved stars along their minor axis. Such observations reveal that Milky Way-mass galaxies have a wide range of stellar halo properties and show a correlation between their stellar halo masses and metallicities. This correlation agrees with merger-driven models where stellar halos are formed by satellite galaxy disruption. In these models, the largest accreted satellite dominates the stellar halo properties. Consequently, the observed diversity in the stellar halos of Milky Way-mass galaxies implies a large range in the masses of their largest merger partners. In particular, the Milky Way’s low mass halo implies an unusually quiet merger history. We used these measurements to seek predicted correlations between the bulge and central black hole (BH) mass and the mass of the largest merger partner. We found no significant correlations: while some galaxies with large bulges and BHs have large stellar halos and thus experienced a major or minor merger, half have small stellar halos and never experienced a significant merger event. These results indicate that bulge and BH growth is not solely driven by merger-related processes.
Genetic Analysis of the Major Capsid Protein of the Archaeal Fusellovirus SSV1: Mutational Flexibility and Conformational Change
Authors: Iverson Eric , Goodman David , Gorchels Madeline , Stedman Kenneth
Published: December 2017

Viruses with spindle or lemon-shaped virions are rare in the world of viruses, but are common in viruses of archaeal extremophiles, possibly due to the extreme conditions in which they thrive. However, the structural and genetic basis for the unique spindle shape is unknown. The best-studied spindle-shaped virus, Sulfolobus Spindle-shaped Virus 1 (SSV1), is composed mostly of the major capsid protein VP1. Similar to many other viruses, proteolytic cleavage of VP1 is thought to be critical for virion formation. Unlike half of the genes in SSV1, including the minor capsid protein gene VP3, the VP1 gene does not tolerate deletion or transposon insertion. To determine the role of the VP1 gene and its proteolysis for virus function, we developed techniques for site-directed mutagenesis of the SSV1 genome and complemented deletion mutants with VP1 genes from other SSVs. By analyzing these mutants, we demonstrate that the N-terminus of the VP1 protein is required, but the N-terminus, or entire SSV1 VP1 protein, can be exchanged with VP1s from other SSVs. However, the conserved glutamate at the cleavage site is not essential for infectivity. Interestingly, viruses containing point mutations at this position generate mostly abnormal virions.
Dualistic Role of BARD1 in Cancer
Authors: Cimmino Flora , Formicola Daniela , Capasso Mario
Published: December 2017

BRCA1 Associated RING Domain 1 (BARD1) encodes a protein which interacts with the N-terminal region of BRCA1 in vivo and in vitro. The full length (FL) BARD1 mRNA includes 11 exons and encodes a protein comprising of six domains (N-terminal RING-finger domain, three Ankyrin repeats and two C-terminal BRCT domains) with different functions. Emerging data suggest that BARD1 can have both tumor-suppressor gene and oncogene functions in tumor initiation and progression. Indeed, whereas FL BARD1 protein acts as tumor-suppressor with and without BRCA1 interactions, aberrant splice variants of BARD1 have been detected in various cancers and have been shown to play an oncogenic role. Further evidence for a dualistic role came with the identification of BARD1 as a neuroblastoma predisposition gene in our genome wide association study which has demonstrated that single nucleotide polymorphisms in BARD1 can correlate with risk or can protect against cancer based on their association with the expression of FL and splice variants of BARD1. This review is an overview of how BARD1 functions in tumorigenesis with opposite effects in various types of cancer.
Mitochondria and α-Synuclein: Friends or Foes in the Pathogenesis of Parkinson’s Disease?
Authors: Faustini Gaia , Bono Federica , Valerio Alessandra , Pizzi Marina , Spano PierFranco , Bellucci Arianna
Published: December 2017

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a movement disorder characterized by dopaminergic nigrostriatal neuron degeneration and the formation of Lewy bodies (LB), pathological inclusions containing fibrils that are mainly composed of α-synuclein. Dopaminergic neurons, for their intrinsic characteristics, have a high energy demand that relies on the efficiency of the mitochondria respiratory chain. Dysregulations of mitochondria, deriving from alterations of complex I protein or oxidative DNA damage, change the trafficking, size and morphology of these organelles. Of note, these mitochondrial bioenergetics defects have been related to PD. A series of experimental evidence supports that α-synuclein physiological action is relevant for mitochondrial homeostasis, while its pathological aggregation can negatively impinge on mitochondrial function. It thus appears that imbalances in the equilibrium between the reciprocal modulatory action of mitochondria and α-synuclein can contribute to PD onset by inducing neuronal impairment. This review will try to highlight the role of physiological and pathological α-synuclein in the modulation of mitochondrial functions.
Class and Health Inequality in Later Life: Patterns, Mechanisms and Implications for Policy
Authors: Nazroo James
Published: December 2017

The growth of the post-retirement population, which has occurred as a result of rapid growth in life expectancy coupled with the ageing of the baby boomer cohort, has led to significant concern. This concern, however, typically neglects the heterogeneity of later life experiences and how these are patterned by inequalities that reflect how process of social stratification continue to operate into later life. This paper draws on a programme of work, based on analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, to empirically examine questions of inequality in later life. It begins by illustrating the patterning of health inequality. It then investigates the importance of later life contexts and events in shaping inequality through and after the retirement process. In doing so it examines the extent to which later life continues to reflect stable social structures that shape inequalities and, consequently, health and wellbeing in later life. The paper then illustrates how the effects of socioeconomic position on health in later life can be theorised as a product of class processes, borrowing in part from Bourdieu. Other dimensions of inequality, such as gender, ethnicity, area and sexuality, are not discussed here. The paper concludes with a discussion of the need for a close focus on inequalities in later life in research, policy and practice.
Tackling Health Disparities for People Who Are Homeless? Start with Social Determinants
Authors: Stafford Amanda , Wood Lisa
Published: December 2017

Background: Homelessness is associated with enormous health inequalities, including shorter life expectancy, higher morbidity and greater usage of acute hospital services. Viewed through the lens of social determinants, homelessness is a key driver of poor health, but homelessness itself results from accumulated adverse social and economic conditions. Indeed, in people who are homeless, the social determinants of homelessness and health inequities are often intertwined, and long term homelessness further exacerbates poor health. Aggregated health service data can mask this, and case histories thus provide important insights. Methods: This paper presents three case histories of homeless patients seen at an inner city public hospital in Perth, Western Australia. The case histories draw on several data sources: hospital data, information collected from rough sleepers and clinical observations. Estimates of the cost to the health system of the observed hospital usage by the three patients are included. Findings: The case histories illustrate the interplay of social determinants of health in homelessness that help explain the high level of hospital usage by rough sleepers. The cumulative healthcare costs for the three individuals over a 33 months period were substantial. Hospital attendance plummeted even in the short term when housing needs were addressed. Conclusions: Treating homelessness as a combined health and social issue is critical to improving the abysmal health outcomes of people experiencing homelessness. In addition, the enormous economic costs of hospital care for people who are homeless can be reduced when housing and other social determinants are taken into account.
Using Grey Relational Analysis to Evaluate Energy Consumption, CO2 Emissions and Growth Patterns in China’s Provincial Transportation Sectors
Authors: Yuan Changwei , Wu Dayong , Liu Hongchao
Published: December 2017

The transportation sector is a complex system. Collecting transportation activity and the associated emissions data is extremely expensive and time-consuming. Grey Relational Analysis provides a viable alternative to overcome data insufficiency and gives insights for decision makers into such a complex system. In this paper, we achieved three major goals: (i) we explored the inter-relationships among transportation development, energy consumption and CO2 emissions for 30 provincial units in China; (ii) we identified the transportation development mode for each individual province; and (iii) we revealed policy implications regarding the sustainable transportation development at the provincial level. We can classify the 30 provinces into eight development modes according to the calculated Grey Relational Grades. Results also indicated that energy consumption has the largest influence on CO2 emission changes. Lastly, sustainable transportation policies were discussed at the province level according to the level of economy, urbanization and transportation energy structure.
A Meta-Analysis of Risk Factors for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Adults and Children after Earthquakes
Authors: Tang Bihan , Deng Qiangyu , Glik Deborah , Dong Junqiang , Zhang Lulu
Published: December 2017

PTSD is considered the most common negative psychological reactions among survivors following an earthquake. The present study sought to find out the determinants of PTSD in earthquake survivors using a systematic meta-analysis. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and PsycInfo) were used to search for observational studies about PTSD following earthquakes. The literature search, study selection, and data extraction were conducted independently by two authors. 52 articles were included in the study. Summary estimates, subgroup analysis, and publication bias tests were performed on the data. The prevalence of PTSD after earthquakes ranged from 4.10% to 67.07% in adults and from 2.50% to 60.00% in children. For adults, the significant predictors were being female, low education level or socio-economic status, prior trauma; being trapped, experiencing fear, injury, or bereavement during the disaster. For children, the significant predictors were being older age, high education level; being trapped, experiencing fear, injury, or bereavement, witnessing injury/death during the earthquakes. Our study provides implications for the understanding of risk factors for PTSD among earthquake survivors. Post-disaster mental health recovery programs that include early identification, on-going monitoring, and sustained psychosocial support are needed for earthquake survivors.
WHO Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region: A Systematic Review on Environmental Noise and Annoyance
Authors: Guski Rainer , Schreckenberg Dirk , Schuemer Rudolf
Published: December 2017

Background: This paper describes a systematic review and meta-analyses on effects of environmental noise on annoyance. The noise sources include aircraft, road, and rail transportation noise as well as wind turbines and noise source combinations. Objectives: Update knowledge about effects of environmental noise on people living in the vicinity of noise sources. Methods: Eligible were published studies (2000–2014) providing comparable acoustical and social survey data including exposure-response functions between standard indicators of noise exposure and standard annoyance responses. The systematic literature search in 20 data bases resulted in 62 studies, of which 57 were used for quantitative meta-analyses. By means of questionnaires sent to the study authors, additional study data were obtained. Risk of bias was assessed by means of study characteristics for individual studies and by funnel plots to assess the risk of publication bias. Main Results: Tentative exposure-response relations for percent highly annoyed residents (%HA) in relation to noise levels for aircraft, road, rail, wind turbine and noise source combinations are presented as well as meta-analyses of correlations between noise levels and annoyance raw scores, and the OR for increase of %HA with increasing noise levels. Quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE terminology. The evidence of exposure-response relations between noise levels and %HA is moderate (aircraft and railway) or low (road traffic and wind turbines). The evidence of correlations between noise levels and annoyance raw scores is high (aircraft and railway) or moderate (road traffic and wind turbines). The evidence of ORs representing the %HA increase by a certain noise level increase is moderate (aircraft noise), moderate/high (road and railway traffic), and low (wind turbines). Strengths and Limitations: The strength of the evidence is seen in the large total sample size encompassing the included studies (e.g., 18,947 participants in aircraft noise studies). Main limitations are due to the variance in the definition of noise levels and %HA. Interpretation: The increase of %HA in newer studies of aircraft, road and railway noise at comparable Lden levels of earlier studies point to the necessity of adjusting noise limit recommendations. Funding: The review was funded by WHO Europe.