bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Traditional Closed-Loop Sanitation System in a Chronic Emergency: A Qualitative Study from Afghanistan
Authors: Uddin Sayed Mohammad Nazim , Lapegue Jean , Gutberlet Jutta , Adamowski Jan Franklin , Dorea Caetano C. , Sorezo Federico
Published: February 2019

The use of closed-loop sanitation systems (CLSS), or reuse-oriented sanitation systems, has increased in recent years, and such systems have been successfully implemented in many parts of the world. However, no research has explored Traditional CLSS (T-CLSS) for a long-term humanitarian situation. This study explores the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of T-CLSS in peri-urban and rural contexts in three different provinces in Afghanistan (the first study of its kind in Afghanistan). Participatory research tools, such as transect walks, focus group discussions, smart community gatherings and interactive workshops, were applied to assess the SWOT associated with T-CLSS. The results indicate that T-CLSS has been practiced historically in both peri-urban and rural areas using local and traditional knowledge, skills and technologies. The socio-cultural acceptance of the system in both rural and peri-urban areas is an important strength of this established system. However, due to chronic development challenges in the study regions, T-CLSS may possibly lead to exposure to microbial contaminants. It is recommended that the feasibility of an improved CLSS be assessed and implemented in light of the issues that are inherent in the use of T-CLSS in Afghanistan.
Analysis of Drought Progression Physiognomies in South Africa
Authors: Botai Joel Ondego , Botai Christina M. , de Wit Jaco P. , Muthoni Masinde , Adeola Abiodun M.
Published: February 2019

The spatial-temporal variability of drought characteristics and propagation mechanisms in the hydrological cycle is a pertinent topic to policymakers and to the diverse scientific community. This study reports on the analysis of drought characteristics and propagation patterns in the hydrological cycle over South Africa. In particular, the analysis considered daily precipitation and streamflow data spanning from 1985 to 2016, recorded from 74 weather stations, distributed across South Africa and covering the country’s 19 Water Management Areas (WMAs). The results show that all the WMAs experience drought features characterized by an inherent spatial-temporal dependence structure with transition periods categorized into short (1–3 months), intermediate (4–6 months), long (7–12 months) and extended (>12 months) time-scales. Coupled with climate and catchment characteristics, the drought propagation characteristics delineate the WMAs into homogenous zones subtly akin to the broader climatic zones of South Africa, i.e., Savanna, Grassland, Karoo, Fynbos, Forest, and Desert climates. We posit that drought evolution results emanating from the current study provide a new perspective of drought characterization with practical use for the design of drought monitoring, as well as early warning systems for drought hazard preparedness and effective water resources planning and management. Overall, the analysis of drought evolution in South Africa is expected to stimulate advanced drought research topics, including the elusive drought termination typology.
Access to primary health care for asylum seekers and refugees: a qualitative study of service user experiences in the UK
Authors: Kang Cara , Tomkow Louise , Farrington Rebecca
Published: February 2019

Background

Asylum seekers and refugees (ASR) face difficulty accessing health care in host countries. In 2017, NHS charges for overseas visitors were extended to include some community care for refused asylum seekers. There is growing concern that this will increase access difficulties, but no recent research has documented the lived experiences of ASR accessing UK primary health care.

Aim

To examine ASR experiences accessing primary health care in the UK in 2018.

Design and setting

This was a qualitative community-based study. ASR were recruited by criterion-based sampling through voluntary community organisations.

Method

A total of 18 ASR completed face-to-face semi-structured recorded interviews discussing primary care access. Transcripts underwent thematic analysis by three researchers using Penchansky and Thomas’s modified theory of access.

Results

The qualitative data show that participants found primary care services difficult to navigate and negotiate. Dominant themes included language barriers and inadequate interpretation services; lack of awareness of the structure and function of the NHS; difficulty meeting the costs of dental care, prescription fees, and transport to appointments; and the perception of discrimination relating to race, religion, and immigration status.

Conclusion

By centralising the voices of ASR and illustrating the negative consequences of poor healthcare access, this article urges consideration of how access to primary care in the UK can be enhanced for often marginalised individuals with complex needs.
Efficiency versus thoroughness in medication review: a qualitative interview study in UK primary care
Authors: Duncan Polly , Cabral Christie , McCahon Deborah , Guthrie Bruce , Ridd Matthew J
Published: February 2019

Background

Medication reviews may improve the safety of prescribing and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) highlights the importance of involving patients in this process.

Aim

To explore GP and pharmacist perspectives on how medication reviews were conducted in general practice in the UK.

Design and setting

Analysis of semi-structured interviews with GPs and pharmacists working in the South West of England, Northern England, and Scotland, sampled for heterogeneity. Interviews took place between January and October 2017.

Method

Interviews focused on experience of medication review. Data saturation was achieved when no new insights arose from later interviews. Interviews were analysed thematically.

Results

In total, 13 GPs and 10 pharmacists were interviewed. GPs and pharmacists perceived medication review as an opportunity to improve prescribing safety. Although interviewees thought patients should be involved in decisions about their medicines, high workload pressures meant that most medication reviews were conducted with limited or no patient input. For some GPs, a medication review was done ‘in the quickest way possible to say that it was done’. Pharmacists were perceived by both professions as being more thorough but less time efficient than GPs, and few pharmacists were routinely involved in medication reviews even in practices employing a pharmacist. Interviewees argued that it was easier to continue medicines than it was to stop them, particularly because stopping medicines required involving the patient and this generated extra work.

Conclusion

Practices tended to prioritise being efficient (getting the work done) rather than being thorough (doing it well), so that most medication reviews were carried out with little or no patient involvement, and medicines were rarely stopped or reduced. Time and resource constraints are an important barrier to implementing NICE guidance.
Reducing Postsurgical Exudate in Breast Cancer Patients by Using San Huang Decoction to Ameliorate Inflammatory Status: A Prospective Clinical Trial
Authors: Zhu Z. Y. , Xue J. X. , Yu L. X. , Bian W. H. , Zhang Y. F. , Sohn K. C. , Shin I. H. , Yao C.
Published: February 2019

Background Reducing inflammatory factors in wound exudate is a promising treatment approach for healing wounds in postsurgical breast cancer patients. Traditional Chinese Medicine (tcm) treatments have been shown to be beneficial and safe for optimal regulation of oxidative stress during the postoperative period. In the present clinical trial, we evaluated the effectiveness of a promising Chinese herbal formula, San Huang decoction [shd (Radix astragali, Radix et rhizoma rhei, and Rhizoma curcuma longa, 3:1:1; supplemental Table 1)], on wound inflammatory response after mastectomy. Methods The study randomized 30 patients with breast cancer who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria to either a treatment (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). Patients in the treatment group received liquid shd, taken twice daily with or without food. Treatment was given for 1 day before surgery and for 7 days postoperatively. Participants in the control group received a placebo on the same schedule as the treatment group. Outcomes measured in every subject included clinical tcm and wound inflammation symptom scores, daily and total amounts of drainage fluid, and levels of inflammatory factors in the exudate [tumour necrosis factor α (tnf-α), interleukins 6 (il-6), 8 (il-8), and 2R (il-2R), human C-reactive protein (crp)] at 2 h and on days 1, 3, and 7 postoperatively. Results The total amount of drainage fluid over 7 days was significantly lower in the treatment group (572.20 ± 93.95 mL) than in the control group (700.40 ± 107.38 mL). The tcm symptom score was also lower in treatment group (day 7: 1.87 ± 0.83 vs. 4.80 ± 3.61, p = 0.049), as was the inflammatory symptom score (day 7: 0.67 ± 0.72 vs. 3.67 ± 2.50, p = 0.001). Levels of tnf-α, il-6, il-8, il-2R, and crp in drainage fluid were significantly lower with shd treatment. Conclusions Perioperative treatment with shd effectively lessened postoperative exudate and ameliorated inflammatory symptoms in patients who underwent surgery for breast cancer.
Study on the regioselectivity of the N-ethylation reaction of N-benzyl-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxamide
Authors: Batalha Pedro N , Forezi Luana da S M , Freitas Maria Clara R , Tolentino Nathalia M de C , Orestes Ednilsom , Carneiro José Walkimar de M , Boechat Fernanda da C S , de Souza Maria Cecília B V
Published: February 2019

4-Oxoquinolines are a class of organic substances of great importance in medicinal chemistry, due to their biological and synthetic versatility. N-1-Alkylated-4-oxoquinoline derivatives have been associated with different pharmacological activities such as antibacterial and antiviral. The presence of a carboxamide unit connected to carbon C-3 of the 4-oxoquinoline core has been associated with various biological activities. Experimentally, the N-ethylation reaction of N-benzyl-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxamide occurs at the nitrogen of the oxoquinoline group, in a regiosselective way. In this work, we employed DFT methods to investigate the regiosselective ethylation reaction of N-benzyl-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxamide, evaluating its acid/base behavior and possible reaction paths.
THE STUDY OF SCHOOLCHILDREN TRANSPORTATION EFFICIENCY IN LITHUANIA
Authors: Lingaitis Leonas Povilas , Bureika Gintautas
Published: February 2019

The system of Transportation of schoolchildren should also be transformed with the aim of more rational use of resources and vehicles taking children in and out of schools. Rational structure of school network and a system of children Transportation will help to save the money allocated on education as well as to ensure various educational services, taking into account social, economic, cultural and demographic changes. The research revealed considerable differences in operational costs of school buses in Lithuania. To account for this spread of values (up to 5 times), a more detailed analysis is needed. Considerable spread of operational costs of buses is questionable because they are m a good (or perfect) technical state. The repay time of the bus depends on the difference between the cost of carrying students by private and public transport covered by local government institutions and the relative expenses of busing a student per one kilometer by buses.
STUDY ON OCCUPATIONAL AND NONOCCUPATIONAL RISK FACTORS AND HEALTH OF MOTOR TRANSPORT WORKERS
Authors: Obelenis Vytautas , Gedgaudienė Daiva
Published: February 2019

The study on work conditions, lifestyle, psychosocial factors and health was carried out in three different urban motor transport companies. 788 workers of the main occupations were interviewed using a questionnaire. The main occupational hazards are low air temperature, draughts, exposure to diesel fuel, cooling oil, noise, vibration, musculoskeletal exertion. Workers do not lead a healthy lifestyle: 46,0 %-are smokers, 83,0%-use alcohol, 53,0% are physically inactive, 82,0% lead a malnutrition regimen, 27,0% experience stressful situations at work every day. Musculoskeletal disorders make up 46,2 %, respiratory 22,2 %, gastrointestinal 17,3 % and central nervous system dysfunction 32,2 %. Musculoskeletal disorders are related to poor ergonomic and workplace design, long working hours, senior age and long professional work experience (p<0,05-0,002).
A Machine Learning Based Morphological Classification of 14,245 Radio AGNs Selected from the Best–Heckman Sample
Authors: Ma Zhixian , Xu Haiguang , Zhu Jie , Hu Dan , Li Weitian , Shan Chenxi , Zhu Zhenghao , Gu Liyi , Li Jinjin , Liu Chengze , Wu Xiangping
Published: February 2019

We present a morphological classification of 14,245 radio active galactic nuclei (AGNs) into six types, i.e., typical Fanaroff–Riley Class I/II (FRI/II), FRI/II-like bent-tailed, X-shaped radio galaxy, and ringlike radio galaxy, by designing a convolutional neural network based autoencoder, namely MCRGNet, and applying it to a labeled radio galaxy (LRG) sample containing 1442 AGNs and an unlabeled radio galaxy (unLRG) sample containing 14,245 unlabeled AGNs selected from the Best–Heckman sample. We train MCRGNet and implement the classification task by a three-step strategy, i.e., pre-training, fine-tuning, and classification, which combines both unsupervised and supervised learnings. A four-layer dichotomous tree is designed to classify the radio AGNs, which leads to a significantly better performance than the direct six-type classification. On the LRG sample, our MCRGNet achieves a total precision of ∼93% and an averaged sensitivity of ∼87%, which are better than those obtained in previous works. On the unLRG sample, whose labels have been human-inspected, the neural network achieves a total precision of ∼80%. Also, using Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7 to calculate the r-band absolute magnitude (M
opt) and using the flux densities to calculate the radio luminosity (L
radio), we find that the distributions of the unLRG sources on the L
radio–M
opt plane do not show an apparent redshift evolution and could confirm with a sufficiently large sample that there could not exist an abrupt separation between FRIs and FRIIs as reported in some previous works.
Inhibitory Effect of Iota-carrageenan on Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus in Vitro
Authors: Guo Chunhe , Zhu Zhenbang , Yu Piao , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Dong Wenjuan , Wang Xiaoying , Chen Yaosheng , Liu Xiaohong
Published: February 2019

Background

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an economically important pathogen and causes significant economic losses to the swine industry worldwide each year. Current vaccination strategies do not effectively prevent and control the virus. Consequently, it is necessary to develop novel antiviral strategies. Carrageenan, extracted from marine red algae, exhibits anti-coagulant, anti-tumour, anti-virus and immunomodulatory activities.

Methods

We investigate the inhibitory effect of iota-carrageenan (CG) on PRRSV strain CH-1a via antiviral assay and viral binding, entry and release assays.

Results

We found that CG effectively inhibited CH-1a replication at mRNA and protein levels in both Marc-145 cells and porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs). The antiviral activity of CG occurred during viral attachment and entry in virus life cycle. In addition, CG suppressed viral release in Marc-145 cells, as well as blocked CH-1a-induced apoptosis during the late period of infection. Furthermore, CG inhibited CH-1a-induced NF-κB activation, thus interfering with cytokine production in Marc-145 cells and PAMs, which contributes to its anti-PRRSV activity.

Conclusions

Taken together, our data imply that CG might be an ideal candidate that is worthwhile developing into a new anti-PRRSV prophylactic and therapeutic drug.
Decomposition of growth rates for the Russian economy
Authors: Drobyshevsky Sergey , Idrisov Georgy , Kaukin Andrey , Pavlov Pavel , Sinelnikov-Murylev Sergey
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we present a methodology of GDP growth rate decomposition adapted for the Russian economy. We calculated the indicators for structural unemployment (NAWRU) and total factor productivity in Russia. We estimated the structural, foreign trade and cyclical components of GDP growth rates under various macroeconomic scenarios for the period from 2018 through 2024. The study shows that a significant contribution to growth rates for the period 2018 through 2024 will be made by the sum of the business cycle and random shock component, which, combined with the revitalization of investments in 2017, may indicate the beginning of a new cycle of economic growth in Russia. In the scenarios reviewed, the contribution from the foreign trade component will be negative from 2018 to 2024. The calculations indicate further stagnation of structural growth rates in the Russian economy from 2018 to 2024 at the level of approximately 1.5 p.p. in all of the basic macroeconomic scenarios reviewed. This points to the inexpediency in postponing structural reforms to create conditions for Russia’s economy to achieve growth rates that exceed world averages.
Formation of sects in a religious market
Authors: Bukin Kirill , Levin Mark
Published: February 2019

This paper is an extension of the recent work by the authors where a simplifying assumption of no costs of entry to the religious market was set. In the present paper, the religious market is regulated in the sense that a sect in order to establish itself in a market has to bear costs of entry. In the case of one official denomination the strict sect attracts less flock, and the monopoly church will acquire more church-goers and even marginally religious people will hesitate between joining the church and staying nonreligious. In case of prohibitively high costs the sect will shrink to zero and the church will take control over almost all population with the remaining small group of nonbelievers. A comparative statics problem in the case of the two official churches was also considered. In stage one of the game these churches choose their position in the strictness interval with the subsequent emergence of sects. The more costly is entry the less populated will be the strict sect and even the moderate sect will turn more liberal with the loss of some of its members.
Overcoming Barriers to Larger-Scale Adoption of Telepsychiatry
Authors: Mahmoud Hossam , Vogt Emily L. , Sers Mireille , Fattal Omar , Ballout Suha
Published: February 2019

Despite the staggering physical, economic, and societal costs of mental health conditions in the United States, there continues to be a significant gap in mental health service, as access lags behind the demand for them. The uneven distribution of mental health service providers contributes to this gap, making it necessary to incorporate novel approaches to the delivery of mental health services. Telepsychiatry has proven to be one of the more innovative approaches for improving access to mental health services. This article focuses on six challenges that have historically impeded larger-scale adoption of telepsychiatry: limited training, limitations of existing research, security and technology issues, clinical practice challenges, licensure, and reimbursement restrictions. The article discusses recent developments, ongoing advances, and future directions to overcoming these barriers.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2019;49(2):82–88.]
Facing Overweight and Obesity: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals
Authors: Stevens Jonathan R. , Stern Theodore A.
Published: February 2019

The number of people who are overweight and obese has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Estimates show that 78% of the adult population is either overweight, obese, or extremely obese. This represents a substantial increase from recent decades. Overwhelming scientific evidence links an increasing body mass index to increasing morbidity and mortality. Although numerous treatments for obesity are available, the cornerstone of treatment is behavioral modification, focusing on diet changes and exercise regimens. Additional therapies include a growing array of medications and surgeries. To improve care for patients who are overweight or obese, mental health providers should have a thorough understanding of overweight and obesity and its treatment to effectively address this topic with their patients. In addition, they must recognize that recidivism and failure to maintain weight loss is quite high, and that successful treatment requires a concerted and sustained effort.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2019;49(2):65–77.]
Neuroblastoma of the Iris in Children
Authors: Ocak Suheyla , Kebudi Rejin , Cebeci Zafer , Buyukbabani Nesimi , Bilgic Bilge , Tuncer Samuray
Published: February 2019

Neuroblastoma of the iris is an extremely rare clinical entity. An otherwise healthy 2-month-old male infant presented to the oncology clinic with a nodular whitish iris lesion in his right eye. The excisional tumor biopsy was consistent with a pathological diagnosis of neuroblastoma with differentiation and negative
MYCN
gene mutation. Further systemic evaluation revealed a right adrenal mass with no metastatic lesion. The biopsy of the adrenal lesion was also consistent with neuroblastoma. After four courses of chemotherapy, the adrenal mass was completely resected. The patient underwent two additional courses of postoperative chemotherapy and continued retinoic acid treatment. The patient is under regular follow-up with no evidence of recurrence 36 months after the initial diagnosis. This is the first case report to present a histopathological verification of neuroblastoma of the iris. The authors suggest that neonates and infants who are diagnosed as having neuroblastoma undergo an ophthalmologic examination after the initial diagnosis to investigate the true incidence of small iris lesions in neuroblastoma that may have been unrecognized. Neuroblastoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of amelanotic iris lesions in infants and young children.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2019;56:e12–e16.]
Gender-Based Experiences of Verbal Bullying in Adolescents: Application of Giorgi's Method
Authors: Cho Mi-Kyoung , Baek Hee Chong , Shin Gisoo
Published: February 2019

Verbal bullying among adolescents, which has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, often involves swearing or sexually ridiculing one's family members or peers. Because many factors underlying the initiation of verbal bullying remain unknown, Giorgi's phenomenological method was used to examine the essence and meaning of verbal bullying among adolescents, which is an urgent issue in the field of nursing in South Korea. In this descriptive phenomenological study, researchers examined the behavior of 16 adolescents. Four themes emerged from examination:
Egocentric Relational Violence
,
Learning Through Observation and Imitation
,
The Synchronization of Stigma and Aggression,
and
The Dilemma of Deviance and Habituation.
Findings indicated that a confluence of factors impact verbal bullying among adolescents. To prevent verbal bullying, it is necessary to understand the progress of offenders' deviance and develop intervention activities through mental health services. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57
(6), 45–51.]
An Innovative Approach to Adequate Oral Hydration in an Inpatient Geriatric Psychiatry Unit
Authors: Smith Maureen , Velasco Regina , John Sooraj , Kaufman Ryan Scott , Melzer Elizabeth
Published: February 2019

Suboptimal hydration status and dehydration are problems that often exacerbate comorbid conditions in geriatric patients. At a Veterans Administration Hospital, it was observed that suboptimal hydration status in Veterans hospitalized in the geriatric psychiatry unit was a contributing factor in the worsening of their psychiatric and medical conditions. A quality improvement project was chartered to improve hydration in this group of patients. Using a three-pronged intervention approach (i.e., providing flavored water, providing larger cups, and increasing the prompting by nurses for patients to drink more), the project was successful. The goal was to increase average daily fluid intake by 125 mL; the result was an increase of 700 mL. This project has been sustained and the interventions have also benefitted non-geriatric psychiatry in-patients. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57
(4), 15–20.]
Contraceptive Needs of Adolescents with Chronic Illness
Authors: Scott Nadia , Maslyanskaya Sofya
Published: February 2019

Contraception and sexual health form a key part of comprehensive health care for all adolescents, including those who suffer from chronic illness. Multiple studies have shown that adolescents with chronic illness have rates of sexual activity equal to or greater than their healthy counterparts. Primary care pediatricians have the most comprehensive view of the health of their medically complex patients and the benefit of a longstanding relationship. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have created a comprehensive guide that provides advice on safe contraceptive options for patients with complex medical conditions. Here we review three cases of adolescents with common chronic medical conditions: von Willebrand disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and sickle cell disease.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2019;48(2):e78–e85.

]
Contribution à la reconstitution du paléoenvironnement sur les sites du Bassin parisien de la fin du Paléolithique (18 000-12 000 cal BC)
Authors: Catz Natacha
Published: February 2019

En archéologie environnementale, un des moyens de reconstituer les paysages du passé est d’analyser les restes anthracologiques, carpologiques ou palynologiques. Or ce type d’approche n’est possible que lorsque ces restes sont présents sur le site archéologique en assez grande quantité. Dans le cas des gisements magdaléniens du Bassin parisien, malgré des contextes stratigraphiques exceptionnels, ils livrent des vestiges paléoenvironnementaux pollués ou en assez faible quantité. Comment reconstituer les paysages fréquentés par les magdaléniens dans le cas du Bassin parisien ? Nous proposons d’utiliser deux autres types de sources pour apporter de nouvelles informations sur les paléoenvironnements : la faune et les données palynologiques issues de carottages en contexte non anthropique. Les vestiges fauniques apportent des informations sur les stratégies de chasse des hommes préhistoriques et sur l’écologie des proies visées. La comparaison des données écologiques avec les données palynologiques issues des sites de référence nous permet d’apporter de nouvelles informations pour la reconstitution des environnements fréquentés par les groupes préhistoriques à la fin du Paléolithique. L’analyse des restes fauniques du site de Pincevent a permis de tester cette approche indirecte pour remédier à un manque de sources directes sur l’environnement.
Le cas des silex indéterminés dans les séries lithiques
Authors: Teurquety Gabriel
Published: February 2019

La détermination de l’origine de la matière première lithique utilisée par les chasseurs-collecteurs du Paléolithique est essentielle car elle permet de reconstituer les réseaux de circulation des matériaux et nous renseigne donc sur la mobilité et le fonctionnement de ces sociétés nomades. Cependant, l’identification des gîtes est rendue compliquée par plusieurs biais et silences, semblant interdire la détermination de l’origine de certains silex. C’est le cas des silex dits « indéterminés » mis au jour dans les séries lithiques archéologiques et de ceux associés par erreur à d’autres catégories. Ces silex « indéterminés » représentent une lacune d’information et un biais évident pour comprendre l’économie des chasseurs-collecteurs. L’indétermination dérive de deux types de biais, géologiques et méthodologiques. Tout d’abord, il existe des lacunes de connaissance des ressources naturelles localisées dans l’espace. Ensuite, les gîtes peuvent être épuisés ou recouverts par des formations sédimentaires plus récentes, et sont donc inaccessibles aujourd’hui. Enfin, le périmètre de recherche des gîtes retenu par les chercheurs, souvent local ou régional, sous-estime parfois les rayons d’acquisition de matière première des sociétés préhistoriques. Cela peut conduire à omettre l’identification de matières premières plus lointaines. Pour éviter ces biais, nous proposons une approche indirecte basée sur la reconstitution des environnements de dépôt de la craie et la prise en compte systématique des ressources potentielles sur un espace suprarégional. Nous avons donc réalisé une base de données sur le contenu pétrographique des craies puis sur la macroscopie des silex de l’ensemble du Bassin parisien pour nous affranchir de présupposés de distances d’acquisition des silex. Ces données, ensuite mises en cartes, présentent des distributions intéressantes de diverses caractéristiques pétrographiques ou macroscopiques. Finalement, l’identification de ces « silex indéterminés » des séries archéologiques peut donc être issue d’une meilleure compréhension des processus géologiques de genèse des silex.
Les instruments sonores en Égée à l’âge du Bronze : interpréter les absences
Authors: Pinto Alexandre
Published: February 2019

Si l’archéologie porte déjà son lot d’absences matérielles, les données sur les odeurs, les goûts et les sons sont d’autant plus discrètes et indirectes. Nous nous intéressons ici aux instruments de musique et, plus largement, aux objets sonores, leurs sons et leurs contextes d’utilisation. La production de sons, et par extension la musique, existe dès la préhistoire sous formes d’objets rudimentaires (petits sifflets, instruments à percussions). Les premières archives musicales connues et déchiffrées nous proviennent cependant du IIe millénaire, au Proche Orient. Nous nous intéresserons ici au cas du monde égéen, où ces documents ne sont connus qu’à partir de l’Antiquité ; quid de l’âge du Bronze ? Les études déjà menées sur le sujet ont permis de montrer différentes formes d’instruments qui coexistent ou se succèdent (harpe, lyre, luth). Si nous arrivons à identifier des instruments dans l’iconographie, parfois associés à des contextes précis, les restes archéologiques sont beaucoup plus rares. Les réflexions que nous développerons ici porteront sur : les signes de continuité et les éléments de rupture concernant les instruments sonores au fil du temps ; les sons qu’il est possible de reproduire et les restitutions qui ont déjà pu être proposées (archéologie expérimentale et théories musicologiques) ; les contextes auxquels les instruments sont associés, y compris ceux que les sources ne mentionnent pas.
Electroantennogram, behavioural responses, and field trapping of Trypophloeus klimeschi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) to eight host volatiles
Authors: Gao Guanqun , Dai Lulu , Gao Jing , Wang Jiaxing , Chen Hui
Published: February 2019

Trypophloeus klimeschi Eggers (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) was first discovered in China in 2003, and it exhibits strong species specificity to Populus alba var. pyramidalis Bunge (Salicaceae). To screen plant volatile compounds for monitoring and trapping T. klimeschi, the electroantennogram responses of adult T. klimeschi to eight plant volatiles, including nonanal, 2-methylbutanal, decanal, 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol benzoate, methyl benzoate, methyl salicylate, and geraniol were tested at various concentrations. Behavioural responses of female and male adults to various concentrations of these eight plant volatiles were also determined using a Y-tube olfactometer. We then tested the effectiveness of these compounds as lures for trapping T. klimeschi in the field. Electroantennogram tests showed that T. klimeschi possesses olfactory sensitivity for eight compounds. Additionally, walking T. klimeschi exhibited attraction to low concentrations (≤ 1 μg/μL) of all eight compounds in Y-tube olfactometer. Field experiment results indicated that baits composed of each volatile compound alone were more attractive to greater numbers of T. klimeschi than the control. The methyl benzoate bait was better attracted by T. klimeschi than other tested volatiles. These results suggest that these compounds could be used in attraction of this stem-boring pest. This study could have important implications for the development of an effective semiochemical-based management tool for T. klimeschi in the field.
Strong Selection of a Few Dominant CD8 Clones in a TLR7-Dependent Autoimmune Mouse Model
Authors: Morawski Peter A , Bolland Silvia
Published: February 2019

Systemic lupus is characterized by the expansion of a self-reactive repertoire of B cells and CD4 cells that together promote IgG Ab production against common nuclear Ags. Although several studies have suggested roles for CD8+ T cells in lupus, the full contribution of these lymphocytes to disease remains undefined. In particular, few studies have examined TCR clonotypes of the CD8 pool in lupus. We previously described activated but nonpathogenic CD8+ T cells in a mouse model of systemic autoimmune disease triggered by increased copy number of the tlr7 gene (TLR7tg mice), in which some of these T cells accumulate in the brain. In this article, we report, through the analysis of TCRβ sequences, that CD8 cells from TLR7tg animals are strongly selected for a small number of clones, some of them reaching 30% of the repertoire, compared with less than 0.4% for the top clone in any wild type mice. High frequency clones are variable in sequence among individual TLR7tg mice and are distinct from top clones in the control animals, whereas CDR3 sequences of spleen and brain-resident T cells from the same TLR7tg animals have perfect concordance. These results suggest that top CD8 clones are selected in stochastic fashion in each animal but limit further diversification, and that brain-infiltrating CD8 cells in TLR7tg mice are not selected by a common tissue Ag. This kind of extreme clonal dominance and narrowing of the CD8+ repertoire might impair anti-viral responses and should be considered as an additional detrimental feature of chronic autoimmune disease.
Brain and Spinal Cord Lesions in Leprosy: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Based Study
Authors: Polavarapu Kiran , Preethish-Kumar Veeramani , Vengalil Seena , Nashi Saraswati , Lavania Mallika , Bhattacharya Kajari , Mahadevan Anita , Yasha Thagadur Chickabasaviah , Saini Jitender , Sengupta Utpal , Jabeen Shumyla , Nandeesh Bevinahalli N. , Singh Itu , Mahajan Niranjan P. , Pradeep-Chandra-Reddy Chevula , Parry Gareth J. , Nalini Atchayaram
Published: February 2019

Neurotropism and infiltration by Mycobacterium leprae of peripheral nerves causing neuropathy are well established, but reports of central nervous system (CNS) damage are exceptional. We report CNS magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord as well as lesions in nerve roots and plexus in leprosy patients. Eight patients aged between 17 and 41 years underwent detailed clinical, histopathological, and MRI evaluation. All had prominent sensory–motor deficits with hypopigmented and hypo/anesthetic skin patches and thickened peripheral nerves. All demonstrated M. Leprae DNA in affected peripheral nerve tissue. All received multidrug therapy (MDT). Two patients had brainstem lesions with enhancing facial nuclei and nerves, and one patient had a lesion in the nucleus ambiguus. Two patients had enhancing spinal cord lesions. Follow-up MRI performed in four cases showed resolution of brainstem and cord lesions after starting on MDT. Thickened brachial and lumbosacral plexus nerves were observed in six and two patients, respectively, which partially resolved on follow-up MRI in the two cases who had reimaging. The site and side of the MRI lesions corresponded with the location and side of neurological deficits. This precise clinico-radiological correlation of proximal lesions could be explained by an immune reaction in the gray matter corresponding to the involved peripheral nerves, retrograde axonal and gray matter changes, or infection of the CNS and plexus by lepra bacilli. Further study of the CNS in patients with leprous neuropathy is needed to establish the exact nature of these CNS MRI findings.
High Morbidity Due to Murine Typhus Upsurge in Urban Neighborhoods in Central Israel
Authors: Rogozin Evgeny , Lazarovitch Tsilia , Weinberger Miriam
Published: February 2019

The incidence of murine typhus in Israel has decreased substantially since 1950 to a low of 0.04/100,000 population in 2010. We present the experience of a single university medical center in central Israel. Hospitalized patients serologically positive for Rickettsia typhi by indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay during 2006–2016 were retrospectively identified. Clinical and laboratory data from patients’ charts were used to analyze disease trends and distribution. Seventy-eight patients were studied (mean age: 27.9 years), mostly of Arab ethnicity (68, 87.2%). Seventy-one (91%) patients resided in two large mixed Jewish-Arab cities—Lod and Ramla. The incidence of murine typhus among the Arab population in Lod increased 8.4-fold from 6.4/100,000 in 2006 to a peak of 53.4/100,000 in 2013. The average annual incidence among Arabs in Ramla was 10.1/100,000. Among Jews, incidences were 0.8/100,000 in Lod and 0.4/100,000 in Ramla. The classical triad of fever, headache, and rash was noted in 20.8% patients. Substantial morbidity included prolonged fever before hospitalization and hospital stay (mean of 8.4 and 5.1 days, respectively), and severe complications in six patients, including pneumonitis in three patients, and splenic infarctions, pericardial effusion, and retinitis, each in one. One previously healthy patient died of multiorgan failure. The study describes a high incidence of murine typhus with a recent upsurge in an urban setting in central Israel. High morbidity and a single fatal outcome challenge the concept of murine typhus being a mild disease. The study calls for better rodent control and sanitation measures in the affected neighborhoods.
Comparing vocabulary learning of EFL learners by using two different strategies: mobile learning vs. flashcards
Authors: Azabdaftari Behrooz , Mozaheb Mohammad Amin
Published: February 2019

Vocabulary acquisition is one of the most important aspects of language learning. There are a number of techniques and technologies which enhance vocabulary learning in the year 2012, e.g. wordlists, flashcards and m-learning. Mobile phones are among those devices which not only meet the expectations of their users for communication, but are also good devices for language learning. Mobile phones can be used anywhere and anytime, and students are free to use them inside or outside the classroom setting. The present study compared the use of two strategies for vocabulary learning (i.e. flashcards and m-learning) among 80 students studying English Literature and Translation at BA level in a non-profit, non-governmental university in the city of Tehran, the capital of Iran. The findings showed that the use of mobile phones for language learning and vocabulary learning would be a better strategy compared to the use of other paramount techniques, such as flashcards.
The Use of Digital Storytelling for ESP in a Technical English Course for Aerospace Engineers
Authors: Sevilla-Pavón Ana , Serra-Cámara Belén , Gimeno-Sanz Ana
Published: February 2019

Digital Storytelling is a powerful pedagogical tool for both students and educators, which started to be used for teaching and learning purposes a few years ago, becoming more and more popular over time. The use of digital storytelling in non-specific language learning contexts has been widely explored, as shown in the literature. However, its use in technical-scientific contexts of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) has not been so widely studied. This paper explores a project of digital storytelling for ESP carried out at the Universitat Politècnica de València, in Spain. The methodology was divided into several stages: completing a pre- and a post-survey, learning about digital storytelling by doing a WebQuest, making decisions about their digital stories (topic, plot, software and media), sharing their stories with their classmates through the PoliformaT LMS, watching their classmates' digital stories, using the forum to write their comments about their digital stories and their classmates', keeping a log and preparing and presenting their “making of” in front of the class, and assessing both their peers’ digital stories and their oral presentations. The overall results were very positive, as students were highly satisfied with their progress in learning and developing different skills, these being mainly linguistic, research, writing, organisation, digital, presentation, interpersonal, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Relationship between Asian monsoon strength and transport of surface aerosols to the Asian Tropopause Aerosol Layer (ATAL): interannual variability and decadal changes
Authors: Yuan Cheng , Lau William K. M. , Li Zhanqing , Cribb Maureen
Published: February 2019

Abstract. In this study, we have investigated the interannual variability and the
decadal trend of carbon monoxide (CO), carbonaceous aerosols (CA) and
mineral dust in the Asian Tropopause Aerosol Layer (ATAL) in relation to
varying strengths of the South Asian summer monsoon (SASM) using MERRA-2
reanalysis data (2001–2015). Results show that during this period, the
aforementioned ATAL constituents exhibit strong interannual variability and
rising trends connected to the variations of the strength of SASM. During
strong monsoon years, the Asian monsoon anticyclone (AMA) is more expansive
and shifted northward compared to weak years. In spite of the effect of quenching
of biomass burning emissions of CO and CA by increased precipitation, as well
as the removal of CA and dust by increased washout from the surface to the mid-troposphere in monsoon regions, all three constituents are found to be
more abundant in an elongated accumulation zone in the ATAL, on the southern
flank of the expanded AMA. Enhanced transport to the ATAL by overshooting
deep convection is found over preferred pathways in the Himalayan-Gangetic Plain (HGP) and the Sichuan Basin (SB). The long-term
positive trends of ATAL CO and CA are robust, while the ATAL dust trend is weak
due to its large interannual variability. The ATAL trends are associated with
increasing strength of the AMA, with earlier and enhanced vertical transport
of ATAL constituents by enhanced overshooting convection over the HGP and SB
regions, outweighing the strong reduction of CA and dust from the surface to the
mid-troposphere.
Improving the mean and uncertainty of ultraviolet multi-filter rotating shadowband radiometer in situ calibration factors: utilizing Gaussian process regression with a new method to estimate dynamic input uncertainty
Authors: Chen Maosi , Sun Zhibin , Davis John M. , Liu Yan-An , Corr Chelsea A. , Gao Wei
Published: February 2019

Abstract. To recover the actual responsivity for the Ultraviolet Multi-Filter Rotating
Shadowband Radiometer (UV-MFRSR), the complex (e.g., unstable, noisy, and
with gaps) time series of its in situ calibration factors (V0) need to
be smoothed. Many smoothing techniques require accurate input uncertainty of
the time series. A new method is proposed to estimate the dynamic input
uncertainty by examining overall variation and subgroup means within a moving
time window. Using this calculated dynamic input uncertainty within Gaussian
process (GP) regression provides the mean and uncertainty functions of the
time series. This proposed GP solution was first applied to a synthetic
signal and showed significantly smaller RMSEs than a Gaussian process
regression performed with constant values of input uncertainty and the mean
function. GP was then applied to three UV-MFRSR V0 time series at three
ground sites. The method appropriately accounted for variation in slopes,
noises, and gaps at all sites. The validation results at the three test sites
(i.e., HI02 at Mauna Loa, Hawaii; IL02 at Bondville, Illinois; and OK02 at
Billings, Oklahoma) demonstrated that the agreement among aerosol optical
depths (AODs) at the 368 nm channel calculated using V0 determined by
the GP mean function and the equivalent AERONET AODs were consistently better
than those calculated using V0 from standard techniques (e.g., moving
average). For example, the average AOD biases of the GP method (0.0036 and
0.0032) are much lower than those of the moving average method (0.0119 and
0.0119) at IL02 and OK02, respectively. The GP method's absolute differences
between UV-MFRSR and AERONET AOD values are approximately 4.5 %,
21.6 %, and 16.0 % lower than those of the moving average method at
HI02, IL02, and OK02, respectively. The improved accuracy of in situ UVMRP
V0 values suggests the GP solution is a robust technique for accurate
analysis of complex time series and may be applicable to other fields.
Enhancing the spatiotemporal features of polar mesosphere summer echoes using coherent MIMO and radar imaging at MAARSY
Authors: Urco Juan Miguel , Chau Jorge Luis , Weber Tobias , Latteck Ralph
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Polar mesospheric summer echoes (PMSEs) are very strong radar echoes
caused by the presence of ice particles, turbulence, and free electrons in
the mesosphere over polar regions. For more than three decades, PMSEs have
been used as natural tracers of the complicated atmospheric dynamics of this
region. Neutral winds and turbulence parameters have been obtained assuming
PMSE horizontal homogeneity on scales of tens of kilometers. Recent radar
imaging studies have shown that PMSEs are not homogeneous on these scales and
instead they are composed of kilometer-scale structures. In this paper, we
present a technique that allows PMSE observations with unprecedented angular
resolution (∼0.6∘). The technique combines the concept of
coherent MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) and two high-resolution imaging
techniques, i.e., Capon and maximum entropy (MaxEnt). The resulting
resolution is evaluated by imaging specular meteor echoes. The gain in
angular resolution compared to previous approaches using SIMO (Single Input
Multiple Output) and Capon is at least a factor of 2; i.e., at 85 km, we
obtain a horizontal resolution of ∼900 m. The advantage of the new
technique is evaluated with two events of 3-D PMSE structures
showing: (1) horizontal wavelengths of 8–10 km and periods of 4–7 min,
drifting with the background wind, and (2) horizontal wavelengths of
12–16 km and periods of 15–20 min, not drifting with the background wind.
Besides the advantages of the implemented technique, we discuss its current
challenges, like the use of reduced power aperture and processing time, as
well as the future opportunities for improving the understanding of the
complex small-scale atmospheric dynamics behind PMSEs.