bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facial exposure to ultraviolet radiation: Predicted sun protection effectiveness of various hat styles
Authors: Backes Claudine , Religi Arianna , Moccozet Laurent , Vuilleumier Laurent , Vernez David , Bulliard Jean‐Luc
Published: April 2018

Background/Purpose

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) doses received by individuals are highly influenced by behavioural and environmental factors. This study aimed at quantifying hats’ sun protection effectiveness in various exposure conditions, by predicting UVR exposure doses and their anatomical distributions.

Methods

A well‐defined 3‐dimensional head morphology and 4 hat styles (a cap, a helmet, a middle‐ and a wide‐brimmed hat) were added to a previously published model. Midday (12:00‐14:00) and daily (08:00‐17:00) seasonal UVR doses were estimated at various facial skin zones, with and without hat wear, accounting for each UVR component. Protection effectiveness was calculated by the relative reduction in predicted UVR dose, expressed as a predictive protection factor (PPF).

Results

The unprotected entire face received 2.5 times higher UVR doses during a summer midday compared to a winter midday (3.3 vs 1.3 standard erythema dose [SED]) with highest doses received at the nose (6.1 SED). During a cloudless summer day, the lowest mean UVR dose is received by the entire face protected by a wide‐brimmed hat (1.7 SED). No hat reached 100% protection at any facial skin zone (PPFmax: 76%). Hats’ sun protection effectiveness varied highly with environmental conditions and was mainly limited by the high contribution of diffuse UVR, irrespective of hat style. Larger brim sizes afforded greater facial protection than smaller brim sizes except around midday when the sun position is high.

Conclusion

Consideration of diffuse and reflected UVR in sun educational messages could improve sun protection effectiveness.
Investigation of Some Biomatoric and Physiological Effects of People's Plays in Individuals in Regenarian Folk Player Exercises (Van Sample)
Authors: Sargin Kemal , Selçuk Muzaffer
Published: April 2018

This study has been performed on 44 volunteers all of whom are students in Yüzüncü Yıl University and participating in the university’s folk dances activities. A twelve week program was carried out. The data was obtained in a relaxed mood before the programme, on the first day after the exercise, and at the end of the programme it was obtained first in relaxed mood and then after the exercise. Before starting the program while The level of LDH was observed as being 321,818 ± in relaxed mood, it was found to be 265,136 ± (p<0.001) after the program in relaxed mood. The difference is considered to be meaningful. Before the program, in relaxed mood, while the level of CK was found to be 169.772± after the program, in relaxed mood again, it was found as being 113.227± (p<0.001) This difference has been considered to be important. The level of HDL, before the programme in relaxed mood, was observed to be 44,690± after the programme in relaxed mood it was observed having risen to 62,490± (p<0.001). The difference has been considered important. While LDL level, before the programme in relaxed mood, was observed to be 85,426±, after the programme in relaxed mood it was found to be 67,299 ± (p<0.001) The difference has been considered important.
Wnt Signaling–Related Osteokines at Rest and Following Plyometric Exercise in Prepubertal and Early Pubertal Boys and Girls
Authors: Klentrou Panagiota , Angrish Kirina , Awadia Nafisa , Kurgan Nigel , Kouvelioti Rozalia , Falk Bareket
Published: April 2018

Purpose: This study examined osteokines related to Wnt signaling at rest and in response to plyometric exercise in 12 boys [10.2 (0.4) y] and 12 girls [10.5 (0.4) y]. Methods: One resting (preexercise) and 3 postexercise (5 min, 1 h, and 24 h) blood samples were analyzed for sclerostin, dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK-1), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-β ligand (RANKL). Results: Girls had higher resting sclerostin than boys [187.1 (40.1) vs 150.4 (36.4) pg·mL−1, respectively; P = .02]. However, boys had higher DKK-1 [427.7 (142.3) vs 292.8 (48.0) pg·mL−1, respectively; P = .02] and RANKL [3.9 (3.8) vs 1.0 (0.4) pg·mL−1, respectively; P < .01] than girls. In girls, sclerostin significantly decreased 5-minute and 1-hour postexercise (χ2 = 12.7, P = .01), and RANKL significantly decreased 5-minute postexercise (χ2 = 19.1, P < .01) and continued to decrease up to 24-hour postexercise, with large effect sizes. In boys, DKK-1 significantly decreased 1-hour postexercise and remained lower than preexercise 24-hour postexercise (χ2 = 13.0, P = .01). OPG increased in both boys (χ2 = 13.7, P < .01) and girls (χ2 = 11.4, P = .01), with boys having significantly higher OPG at 5-minute and 1-hour postexercise, whereas in girls, this increase was only seen 24-hour postexercise. Conclusion: Plyometric exercise induces an overall anabolic osteokine response favoring osteoblastogenesis over osteoclastogenesis in both boys and girls although the timeline and mechanism(s) may be different.
Extensive Gene Amplification as a Mechanism for Piperacillin-Tazobactam Resistance in Escherichia coli
Authors: Schechter Lisa M. , Creely David P. , Garner Cherilyn D. , Shortridge Dee , Nguyen Hoan , Chen Lei , Hanson Blake M. , Sodergren Erica , Weinstock George M. , Dunne W. Michael , van Belkum Alex , Leopold Shana R.
Published: April 2018

Although the TEM-1 β-lactamase (Bla
TEM-1
) hydrolyzes penicillins and narrow-spectrum cephalosporins, organisms expressing this enzyme are typically susceptible to β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations such as piperacillin-tazobactam (TZP). However, our previous work led to the discovery of 28 clinical isolates of
Escherichia coli
resistant to TZP that contained only
bla
TEM-1
. One of these isolates,
E. coli
907355, was investigated further in this study.
E. coli
907355 exhibited significantly higher β-lactamase activity and Bla
TEM-1
protein levels when grown in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of TZP. A corresponding TZP-dependent increase in
bla
TEM-1
copy number was also observed, with as many as 113 copies of the gene detected per cell. These results suggest that TZP treatment promotes an increase in
bla
TEM-1
gene dosage, allowing Bla
TEM-1
to reach high enough levels to overcome inactivation by the available tazobactam in the culture. To better understand the nature of the
bla
TEM-1
copy number proliferation, whole-genome sequence (WGS) analysis was performed on
E. coli
907355 in the absence and presence of TZP. The WGS data revealed that the
bla
TEM-1
gene is located in a 10-kb genomic resistance module (GRM) that contains multiple resistance genes and mobile genetic elements. The GRM was found to be tandemly repeated at least 5 times within a p1ESCUM/p1ECUMN-like plasmid when bacteria were grown in the presence of TZP.

IMPORTANCE
Understanding how bacteria acquire resistance to antibiotics is essential for treating infected patients effectively, as well as preventing the spread of resistant organisms. In this study, a clinical isolate of
E. coli
was identified that dedicated more than 15% of its genome toward tandem amplification of a ~10-kb resistance module, allowing it to escape antibiotic-mediated killing. Our research is significant in that it provides one possible explanation for clinical isolates that exhibit discordant behavior when tested for antibiotic resistance by different phenotypic methods. Our research also shows that GRM amplification is difficult to detect by short-read WGS technologies. Analysis of raw long-read sequence data was required to confirm GRM amplification as a mechanism of antibiotic resistance.
A strong sense of coherence associated with reduced risk of anxiety disorder among women in disadvantaged circumstances: British population study
Authors: Remes Olivia , Wainwright Nicholas W J , Surtees Paul , Lafortune Louise , Khaw Kay-Tee , Brayne Carol
Published: April 2018

Objective

Many patients receiving medical treatment for anxiety relapse or do not improve. Research has therefore been turning to coping mechanisms as a way to decrease anxiety rates. Previously, we showed that living in a deprived area significantly increases the risk of anxiety in women, but not in men. The objective of this study is to assess whether sense of coherence (coping mechanism) buffers the influence of area deprivation on women’s risk of generalised anxiety disorder using data from the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer-Norfolk.

Design

Large, population study.

Setting

UK population-based cohort.

Participants

30 445 people over the age of 40 years were recruited through general practice registers in England. Of these, 20 919 completed a structured health and lifestyle questionnaire used to assess generalised anxiety disorder and sense of coherence. Area deprivation was measured using 1991 Census data, and sense of coherence and anxiety were examined in 1996–2000. 10 183 women had data on all variables.

Main outcome measure

Past-year generalised anxiety disorder defined according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition.

Results

In this study, 2.6% (260/10 183) of women had generalised anxiety disorder. In those with a strong sense of coherence, area deprivation was not significantly associated with anxiety (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.77 to 2.17). However, among women with a weak sense of coherence, those living in deprived areas were almost twice as likely to have generalised anxiety disorder compared with those living in more affluent areas (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.91).

Conclusion

The number of women living in deprived conditions is large worldwide, and significant numbers are affected by generalised anxiety disorder. Sense of coherence moderates the association between area deprivation and anxiety in women; therefore, interventions targeting coping mechanisms may need to be considered for people with anxiety.
Multicentre, cross-cultural, population-based, case–control study of physical activity as risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Visser Anne E , Rooney James P K , D’Ovidio Fabrizio , Westeneng Henk-Jan , Vermeulen Roel C H , Beghi Ettore , Chiò Adriano , Logroscino Giancarlo , Hardiman Orla , Veldink Jan H , van den Berg Leonard H
Published: April 2018

Objective

To investigate the association between physical activity (PA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in population-based case–control studies in three European countries using a validated and harmonised questionnaire.

Methods

Patients with incident ALS and controls were recruited from five population-based registers in The Netherlands, Ireland and Italy. Demographic and data regarding educational level, smoking, alcohol habits and lifetime PA levels in both leisure and work time were gathered by questionnaire, and quantified using metabolic equivalent of task scores. Logistic regression models adjusting for PA-related factors were used to determine the association between PA and ALS risk, and forest plots were used to visualise heterogeneity between regions.

Results

1557 patients and 2922 controls were included. We found a linear association between ALS and PA in leisure time (OR 1.07, P=0.01) and occupational activities (OR 1.06, P<0.001), and all activities combined (OR 1.06, P<0.001), with some heterogeneity between regions: the most evident association was seen in the Irish and Italian cohorts. After adjustment for other occupational exposures or exclusion of patients with a C9orf72 mutation, the ORs remained similar.

Conclusion

We provide new class I evidence for a positive association between PA and risk of ALS in a large multicentre study using harmonised methodology to objectively quantify PA levels, with some suggestions for population differences.
Dirac operators with Lorentz scalar shell interactions
Authors: Holzmann Markus , Ourmières-Bonafos Thomas , Pankrashkin Konstantin
Published: April 2018

This paper deals with the massive three-dimensional Dirac operator coupled with a Lorentz scalar shell interaction supported on a compact smooth surface. The rigorous definition of the operator involves suitable transmission conditions along the surface. After showing the self-adjointness of the resulting operator, we switch to the investigation of its spectral properties, in particular, to the existence and non-existence of eigenvalues. In the case of an attractive coupling, we study the eigenvalue asymptotics as the mass becomes large and show that the behavior of the individual eigenvalues and their total number are governed by an effective Schrödinger operator on the boundary with an external Yang–Mills potential and a curvature-induced potential.
Nonperturbative functions for SIDIS and Drell–Yan processes
Authors: Sun Peng , Isaacson Joshua , Yuan C.-P. , Yuan Feng
Published: April 2018

We update the well-known BLNY fit to the low transverse momentum Drell–Yan lepton pair productions in hadronic collisions, by considering the constraints from the semi-inclusive hadron production in deep inelastic scattering (SIDIS) from HERMES and COMPASS experiments. We follow the Collins–Soper–Sterman (CSS) formalism with the [Formula: see text]-prescription. A nonperturbative form factor associated with the transverse momentum dependent quark distributions is found in the analysis with a new functional form different from that of BLNY. This releases the tension between the BLNY fit to the Drell–Yan data with the SIDIS data from HERMES/COMPASS in the CSS resummation formalism.
Left 3-Engel elements in groups of exponent 60
Authors: Tracey Gareth , Traustason Gunnar
Published: April 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be a group and let [Formula: see text] be a left [Formula: see text]-Engel element of order dividing [Formula: see text]. Suppose furthermore that [Formula: see text] has no elements of order [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We show that [Formula: see text] is then contained in the locally nilpotent radical of [Formula: see text]. In particular, all the left [Formula: see text]-Engel elements of a group of exponent [Formula: see text] are contained in the locally nilpotent radical.
A posteriori error estimators for hierarchical B-spline discretizations
Authors: Buffa Annalisa , Garau Eduardo M.
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we develop a function-based a posteriori error estimators for the solution of linear second-order elliptic problems considering hierarchical spline spaces for the Galerkin discretization. We obtain a global upper bound for the energy error over arbitrary hierarchical mesh configurations which simplifies the implementation of adaptive refinement strategies. The theory hinges on some weighted Poincaré-type inequalities where the B-spline basis functions are the weights appearing in the norms. Such inequalities are derived following the lines in [A. Veeser and R. Verfürth, Explicit upper bounds for dual norms of residuals, SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 47 (2009) 2387–2405], where the case of standard finite elements is considered. Additionally, we present numerical experiments that show the efficiency of the error estimators independently of the degree of the splines used for the discretization, together with an adaptive algorithm guided by these local estimators that yields optimal meshes and rates of convergence, exhibiting an excellent performance.
Color–flavor locked strangelets with confinement and perturbative interactions
Authors: Zhou K. , Xia C. J. , Peng G. X.
Published: April 2018

The properties of color–flavor locked (CFL) strangelets are investigated with the latest quark mass scaling that includes both linear confinement and leading-order perturbative interactions. With a self-consistent thermodynamics, we find that the perturbative interaction increases CFL strangelets’ radius and energy per baryon, while the one-gluon-exchange interaction has the opposite effects. With the increasing of the baryon number [Formula: see text], the energy per baryon decreases the electric charge per baryon and approaches to zero eventually. Specially at comparatively large [Formula: see text], the electric charge is nearly proportional to the two-third power of [Formula: see text] with the proportional coefficient to be about half of that in the conventional bag model.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF Fe–ZnO THIN FILMS FOR ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY
Authors: AL-JAWAD SELMA M. H. , SABEEH SABAH H. , TAHA ALI A. , JASSIM HUSSEIN A.
Published: April 2018

Pure and Fe-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) sol–gel thin films were deposited by spin-coating process. Pure ZnO and Fe–ZnO films, containing Fe of 2–8[Formula: see text]wt.%, were annealed at 500∘C for 2[Formula: see text]h. All prepared thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and UV–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy. XRD studies show the polycrystalline nature with hexagonal wurtzite structure of pure ZnO and Fe–ZnO thin films. The crystallite size of the prepared samples reduced with increasing Fe doping concentrations. AFM and SEM results indicated that the average grain size decreased as Fe doping concentration increased. The transmittance spectra were then recorded at wavelengths ranging from 300[Formula: see text]nm to 1000[Formula: see text]nm. The films produced yielded high transmission at visible regions. The optical bandgap energy of spin-coated films also decreased as Fe doping concentration increased. In particular, their optical bandgap energies were 3.75, 3.6, 3.5, 3.45 and 3.3 eV at 0-, 2-, 4-, 6- and 8-wt.% Fe concentrations, respectively. Antibacterial activities of pure ZnO and Fe–ZnO against E. coli and S. aureus were evaluated by international recognized test (JIS Z 2801). The results showed that pure and Fe-doped ZnO thin films have antibacterial inhibition zone against E. coli and S. aureus. Gram-positive bacteria seemed be more resistant to pure and Fe-doped ZnO thin films than gram-negative bacteria. The test shows an incremental increase in antibacterial activity of the thin films when dopant ratio increased under UV light.
DFT STUDY OF METHYL (CH3) AND HYDROXYL (OH) ADSORPTION ON A GOLD (001) SURFACE
Authors: BOUKA-PIVOTEAU G. B. , N’DOLLO M. , MALONDA-BOUNGOU B. R. , MALOUMBI B. , MOUSSOUNDA P. S. , DINTZER T.
Published: April 2018

We used the DACAPO code with the GGA-PW91 approximation to study the adsorption of methyl (CH3) and hydroxyl (OH) for four- and five-layer gold (Au) (001) slabs. We have determined for each species the best binding site, adsorption energy, the change in the work function, surface energy, surface dipole moment, geometrical parameters and projected density of states (PDOS). We performed spin-unpolarized and spin-polarized DFT calculations for free and adsorbed CH3 and OH species. The most important point is that the spin polarization diminishes the adsorption energies but does not change the geometrical parameters. For the CH3 species, only the top site was found to be stable for different coverages. We found that during the optimization phase, the hollow and bridge sites were found to be unstable. In both cases the CH3 species moves toward the top site. We observe that the adsorption energy decreases when increasing the coverage. However, the OH species was stable in all investigated sites (top, bridge and hollow). We notice that the adsorption energy is dependent on the number of slab layers and the bridge is the best site in adsorption energy. The analysis of the calculated O PDOS of OH radical shows a mixing between the O orbitals and the Au bands.
On the Reynaud-Bouret–Rivoirard–Tuleau-Malot problem
Authors: Cao Kaikai , Liu Youming
Published: April 2018

By using biorthogonal wavelets, Reynaud-Bouret, Rivoirard and Tuleau-Malot provide the adaptive and optimal [Formula: see text]-risk estimation for density functions (not necessarily having compact support) in a Besov space [Formula: see text] [P. Reynaud-Bouret, V. Rivoirard and C. Tuleau-Malot, Adaptive density estimation: A curse of support?, J. Stat. Plan. Inference 141(1) (2011) 115–139]. The authors pose an open problem: Can [Formula: see text]-risk ([Formula: see text]) estimation be given in their setting? In this paper, we try to solve that problem for [Formula: see text] by using wavelet estimators.
The most discriminant subbands for face recognition: A novel information-theoretic framework
Authors: Alim Affan , Naseem Imran , Togneri Roberto , Bennamoun Mohammed
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we propose a consolidated framework for the automatic selection of the most discriminant subbands for the problem of face recognition. Essentially, the face images are transformed into textures using the linear binary pattern (LBP) approach, these texturized-faces undergo the wavelet packet decomposition resulting in several subband images. We propose to use the energy features to effectively represent these subband images. The underlying statistical patterns of the data are harnessed in form of information-theoretic metrics to select the most discriminant subbands. The proposed algorithms are extensively evaluated on several standard databases and are shown to always pick the most significant subbands resulting in better performance. The proposed algorithms are entirely generic and do not depend on the selection of features or/and classifiers.
Enhanced photocatalytic degradation and UV protection properties of BiOCl nanosheets coating for cotton fabric
Authors: Jin Jiarui , Feng Kejun , Liu Xiaohong
Published: April 2018

BiOCl nanosheets were prepared through a simple solvothermal method. The obtained BiOCl nanosheets were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV spectroscopy. The average size of BiOCl nanosheets was 210[Formula: see text]nm. The BiOCl nanosheets were applied as a finishing agent for cotton fabric, which can give the UV protection and photocatalytic degradation of RhB properties to cotton fabric. We made four different concentrations of finishing agents to coat the fabric by pad-dry-cure method. Furthermore, the UPF ratting and photocatalytic degradation of RhB were conducted. The finished cotton fabric exhibited excellent UV protection and photocatalytic property.
Effect of some dopants on piezomodulus d33 of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-0.06BaTiO3 lead-free relaxor ferroelectrics ceramics
Authors: Dul’kin E. , Tiagunova J. , Mojaev E. , Roth M.
Published: April 2018

Na[Formula: see text]Bi[Formula: see text]TiO3–0.06BaTiO3 relaxor ferroelectrics ceramics samples, doped with 1[Formula: see text]wt.% of CuO, Fe2O3, Sb2O3, La2O3 and Ta2O5, were investigated. The grain structures were observed and corresponding piezomodulus [Formula: see text] were measured for all the compounds at room temperature. It was shown that the piezomodulus [Formula: see text] enhanced as the grain size increased, and in the same time, the piezomodulus [Formula: see text] weakened as the radius of incorporated ion enlarged. The mechanisms of such dependence of piezomodulus [Formula: see text] on both grain sizes and radii were discussed.
CO2 hydrogenation into CH4 over Ni–Fe catalysts
Authors: Meshkini Far Reza , Ischenko Olena V. , Dyachenko Alla G. , Bieda Oleksandr , Gaidai Snezhana V. , Lisnyak Vladyslav V.
Published: April 2018

Here, we report, for the first time, on the catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to methane at atmospheric pressure. For the preparation of hydrogenation catalysts based on Ni and Fe metals, a convenient method is developed. According to this method, low-temperature reduction of the co-precipitated Ni and Fe oxides with hydrogen gives the effective and selective bimetallic Ni[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text], Ni[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text] and Ni[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text] catalysts. At the temperature range of 300–400[Formula: see text]C, they exhibit a high efficiency of CH4 production with respect to monometallic Ni and Fe catalysts. The results imply a synergistic effect between Ni and Fe which caused the superior activity of the Ni[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text] catalyst conversing [Formula: see text]% of CO2 into CH4 at 350[Formula: see text]C. To adapt the Ni–Fe catalysts in the industry, the effect of two different carriers on the efficiency of the alumina-supported Ni[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text] catalyst was investigated. It is found that the Ni[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text]-Al2O3 catalyst effectively conversed CO2 giving 100% methane yield already at 275[Formula: see text]C.
Using a combinatorial auction-based approach for simulation of cooperative rescue operations in disaster relief
Authors: Zhu Kejun , Tang Jian , Guo Haixiang , Gong Chengzhu , Li Jinling
Published: April 2018

In practice, we experience low efficiency of search and rescue (SAR) frequently in disaster relief. Here, we will optimize the SAR through agent-based simulation. In the kind of cases described here, rescue teams are characterized by different capabilities, and the tasks often require different capabilities to complete. To this end, a combinatorial auction-based task allocation scheme is used to develop a cooperative rescue plan for the heterogeneous rescue teams. Then, we illustrate the proposed cooperative rescue plan in different scenarios with the case of landslide disaster relief. The simulation results indicate that the combinatorial auction-based cooperative rescue plan would increase victims’ relative survival probability by 13.8–16.3%, increase the ratio of survivors getting rescued by 10.7–12.7%, and decrease the average elapsed time for one site getting rescued by 19.0–26.6%. The proposed rescue plan outperforms the rescue plan based on the F-Max-Sum a little bit. The robustness analysis shows that the proposed rescue plan is relatively reliable on condition that both the search radius and scope of cooperation are larger than thresholds. Furthermore, we have investigated how the number of rescue teams influences the rescue efficiency.
Manifestation of magnetoelastic interactions in Raman spectra of HoxNd1−xFe3(BO3)4 crystals
Authors: Krylov A. S. , Sofronova S. N. , Gudim I. A. , Krylova S. N. , Kumar Rajesh , Vtyurin A. N.
Published: April 2018

Raman spectra of Ho[Formula: see text]NdxFe(BO3)4 ([Formula: see text], 0.75, 0.5, 0.25) have been studied in temperature range 10–400[Formula: see text]K. Two compositions ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) demonstrate structural phase transition with soft mode restoration. The addition of Nd atoms increases interatomic spacing and decreases the temperature of structural phase transition. The solid solutions ([Formula: see text], 0.5, 0.25) demonstrate the emergence of the peaks corresponding to magnetoelastic interaction below Néel temperature. The order parameter of the magnetic phase transition has been determined. The equal concentrations of holmium and neodymium atoms prevent magnon soft modes condensation caused by exchange interactions in Fe–O–Fe chains are observed. Calculations confirm the data obtained in the experiment.
Evaluation of City Prosperity Index in Iranian-Islamic Cities: A Case Study of Ahvaz Metropolis
Authors: SAFAEE POUR Masoud , MALEKI Said , HATAMINEJAD Hoseen , MODANLOU Masoud
Published: April 2018

The rapid growth and development of Ahwaz city has many problems, such as the formation of marginal areas without a waste-water treatment system, the existence of industrial, agricultural and domestic waste water sources around Karun and the presence of undesirable dust deposits. Paying attention to the development of Ahvaz city is an inevitable necessity. Accordingly, this study aims to measure, analyze and prioritize the urban areas of Ahvaz in terms of prosperity components, including productivity, development infrastructure, quality of life, equality and social inclusion, environmental sustainability and urban governance, which are very important for the realization of urban development. The data required in this research are collected from organizations and statistics of 2015. The weight of the criteria and the incompatibility ratio are calculated by the method of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). In this research, ELECTRE I method is used to prioritize options. After calculating the standardized matrix, the matrix of compatibility and incompatibility, the difference between the values of mastery and failure was calculated. ArcGis 10.4 software is used to draw the map.
Combining geochemistry and geochronology of transported regolith to reveal bedrock-hosted mineralization in the arid east Wongatha area of south central Western Australia
Authors: Morris Paul , Pillans Bradley , Williams Frances , Spooner Nigel , Krapf Carmen , de Souza Kovacs Nadir
Published: April 2018

Metal anomalies in transported regolith that overlie bedrock-hosted mineralization indicate that a component of mineralization (the exogenic component) can migrate through regolith. In the east Wongatha area of Western Australia, the exogenic component in the fine fraction of sandplain deposits is spatially linked to known and/or inferred bedrock-hosted Au mineralization. In three regolith profiles, the concentration of Au in aqua regia and deionized water Au are correlated, and in two of the profiles Au varies in concentration independent of changes in regolith composition. In one profile, the Au concentration in chemically-mature regolith dominated by quartz sand decreases from 31 ppb at
c.
180 cm depth to 7.3 ppb at 15 cm. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages of stratigraphically-controlled regolith samples ranging from 166.9 ± 46.6 ka to 5.4 ± 1.1 ka show a strong correlation with depth (r
2
 = 0.99) over a three-metre interval, indicating a sandplain accumulation rate of
c.
17 mm/1000 years. The decrease in Au concentration in east Wongatha regolith can be related to the migration rate of the exogenic component and the rate of sandplain accumulation.

Supplementary material:
Screening and analytical data for the < 50-µm fraction of regolith from three profile sites in the east Wongatha area are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4074413
MS-Based Analytical Techniques: Advances in Spray-Based Methods and EI-LC-MS Applications
Authors: Bianchi Federica , Riboni Nicolò , Termopoli Veronica , Mendez Lucia , Medina Isabel , Ilag Leopold , Cappiello Achille , Careri Maria
Published: April 2018

Mass spectrometry is the most powerful technique for the detection and identification of organic compounds. It can provide molecular weight information and a wealth of structural details that give a unique fingerprint for each analyte. Due to these characteristics, mass spectrometry-based analytical methods are showing an increasing interest in the scientific community, especially in food safety, environmental, and forensic investigation areas where the simultaneous detection of targeted and nontargeted compounds represents a key factor. In addition, safety risks can be identified at the early stage through online and real-time analytical methodologies. In this context, several efforts have been made to achieve analytical instrumentation able to perform real-time analysis in the native environment of samples and to generate highly informative spectra. This review article provides a survey of some instrumental innovations and their applications with particular attention to spray-based MS methods and food analysis issues. The survey will attempt to cover the state of the art from 2012 up to 2017.
Sequential Observations of Conversion from Nonischemic to Ischemic Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Fukutomi Akira , Tsuboi Kotaro , Ono Hikari , Ishida Yuichiro , Kamei Motohiro
Published: April 2018

We report the sequential changes of retinal vessels observed by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in a case of nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) that converted to ischemic CRVO. An 81-year-old woman visited our Retina Clinic because of visual acuity loss in the left eye. Funduscopic examination showed venous tortuosity and intraretinal hemorrhage in all four quadrants of the fundus. OCT showed macular edema. Fluorescein angiography (FA) and OCTA showed loss of small capillaries. Nonischemic CRVO was diagnosed. Antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment resolved the edema and improved visual acuity. However, during follow-up, capillary dropout was observed on OCTA, which gradually enlarged. Eventually, FA confirmed the conversion to ischemic CRVO. In this case, sequential observations using OCTA showed that nonischemic CRVO did not convert to ischemic CRVO abruptly but occurred stepwise. Additionally, vascular changes began around the veins and blood flow changes were observed more clearly in deep capillary plexus than in superficial capillary plexus.
Reference Intervals of Central Aortic Blood Pressure and Augmentation Index Assessed with an Oscillometric Device in Healthy Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults from Argentina
Authors: Diaz Alejandro , Zócalo Yanina , Bia Daniel , Cabrera Fischer Edmundo
Published: April 2018

Age-related reference intervals (RIs) of central (aortic) systolic blood pressure (cSBP) and augmentation index (cAIx) obtained from large healthy population are lacking in Argentina (South America). Aims. To analyze the existence of associations among cSBP and cAIx with demographic, anthropometric, and hemodynamic parameters and to generate percentile curves and RIs adjusted to each level of age and gender and/or body height. cSBP and cAIx were measured in 1038 healthy children, adolescents, and young adults. First, we evaluated if RIs for males and females were necessary using correlation and covariate analysis. Second, mean (M) and standard deviation (SD) age-related equations were obtained for cSBP and cAIx, using parametric regression methods based on fractional polynomials. Third, age specific percentiles curves were generated. Fourth, body height specific percentiles curves were generated using a similar procedure. The obtained equations (considering age as independent variable) for all subjects (cSBP0.26 and (cAIx + 12.001)0.5) were as follows: cSBP Mean = 3.0581 + 0.2189 log(Age) − 0.001044Age; cSBP SD = −0.03919 + 0.1535 log(Age) − 0.004564Age; cAIx mean = 9.5226 − 6.1599 log(Age) + 0.1450Age; cAIx SD = 1.3880 − 0.8468 log(Age) + 0.03212Age. This study, performed in Argentinean healthy children, adolescents, and young adults with ages of 5 to 22 years, provides the first RIs and percentile curves of cSBP and cAIx. Additionally, specific body height-related cAIx percentiles are reported for the analyzed population. The RIs and percentiles contribute to the knowledge of arterial dynamic evolution along the normal aging process and the interpretation of data obtained in clinical research and daily clinical practice.
Texture, Color, and Sensory Features of Low-Sugar Gooseberry Jams Enriched with Plant Ingredients with Prohealth Properties
Authors: Banaś Anna , Korus Anna , Korus Jarosław
Published: April 2018

The aim of this research was to evaluate texture, color, and sensory parameters of low-sugar gooseberry jams with added black chokeberry, elderberry, Japanese quince, flax seeds, wheat germ, and inulin. The jams were stored at two temperatures of 10°C and 20°C. The highest gel strength(Fe)was recorded in the jams with wheat germ (2.75 N), flax seeds (2.74 N), and inulin (1.95 N). The brightest colorL⁎was noted in the gooseberry jams enriched with flax seeds and wheat germ, while the darkest color was noted in those with added black chokeberry and elderberry fruit. In the sensory evaluation, the gooseberry jam without plant ingredients, along with the products enriched with black chokeberry, elderberry, and inulin, scored high at almost 5 on a 5-point scale. The remaining jams had scores of 4.4–4.8 points. Cool storage of jams had a better effect on color and texture, while sensory features were affected to a lesser degree.
Transient Neurologic Symptoms following Spinal Anesthesia with Isobaric Mepivacaine: A Decade of Experience at Toronto Western Hospital
Authors: Sankar Ashwin , Behboudi Minou , Abdallah Faraj W. , Macfarlane Alan , Brull Richard
Published: April 2018

Background. Transient neurologic symptoms (TNSs) can be distressing for patients and providers following uneventful spinal anesthesia. Spinal mepivacaine may be less commonly associated with TNS than lidocaine; however, reported rates of TNS with intrathecal mepivacaine vary considerably. Materials and Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study reviewing the internal medical records of surgical patients who underwent mepivacaine spinal anesthesia at Toronto Western Hospital over the last decade to determine the rate of TNS. We defined TNS as new onset back pain that radiated to the buttocks or legs bilaterally. Results. We found one documented occurrence of TNS among a total of 679 mepivacaine spinal anesthetics (0.14%; CI: 0.02–1.04%) that were performed in 654 patients. Conclusion. Our retrospective data suggest that the rate of TNS associated with mepivacaine spinal anesthesia is lower than that previously reported in the literature.
Human Leukocyte Antigen-A, B, C, DRB1, and DQB1 Allele and Haplotype Frequencies in a Subset of 237 Donors in the South African Bone Marrow Registry
Authors: Tshabalala Mqondisi , Ingram Charlotte , Schlaphoff Terry , Borrill Veronica , Christoffels Alan , Pepper Michael S.
Published: April 2018

Human leukocyte antigen- (HLA-) A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DRB1, and HLA-DQB1 allele and haplotype frequencies were studied in a subset of 237 volunteer bone marrow donors registered at the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR). Hapl-o-Mat software was used to compute allele and haplotype frequencies from individuals typed at various resolutions, with some alleles in multiple allele code (MAC) format. Four hundred and thirty-eight HLA-A, 235 HLA-B, 234 HLA-DRB1, 41 HLA-DQB1, and 29 HLA-C alleles are reported. The most frequent alleles were A∗02:02g (0.096), B∗07:02g (0.082), C∗07:02g (0.180), DQB1∗06:02 (0.157), and DRB1∗15:01 (0.072). The most common haplotype was A∗03:01g~B∗07:02g~C∗07:02g~DQB1∗06:02~DRB1∗15:01 (0.067), which has also been reported in other populations. Deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were observed in A, B, and DRB1 loci, with C~DQB1 being the only locus pair in linkage disequilibrium. This study describes allele and haplotype frequencies from a subset of donors registered at SABMR, the only active bone marrow donor registry in Africa. Although the sample size was small, our results form a key resource for future population studies, disease association studies, and donor recruitment strategies.
Extracellular Vesicles: A New Perspective in Tumor Therapy
Authors: Sun Yan-Zi , Ruan Jun-Shan , Jiang Zong-Sheng , Wang Ling , Wang Shao-Ming
Published: April 2018

In recent years, the study of extracellular vesicles has been booming across various industries. Extracellular vesicles are considered one of the most important physiological endogenous carriers for the specific delivery of molecular information (nucleonic acid, cytokines, enzymes, etc.) between cells. It has been discovered that they perform a critical role in promoting tumor cell growth, proliferation, tumor cell invasion, and metastatic ability and regulating the tumor microenvironment to promote tumor cell communication and metastasis. In this review, we will discuss (1) the mechanism of extracellular vesicles generation, (2) their role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression (cell growth and proliferation, tumor microenvironment, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, and metastasis), (3) the role of extracellular vesicles in immune therapy, (4) extracellular vesicles targeting in tumor therapy, and (5) the role of extracellular vesicles as biomarkers. It is our hope that better knowledge and understanding of the extracellular vesicles will offer a wider range of effective therapeutic targets for experimental tumor research.
Increased Rate of Incidental Colorectal Malignant Polyps: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Buchbjerg T. , Kroijer R. , Al-Najami I. , Hansen K. Urth , Baatrup G.
Published: April 2018

Background and Aims. To investigate the incidence and treatment of colorectal malignant polyps before and after colorectal cancer screening initiation in March 2014 in a single Danish center. Materials and Methods. 71 patients with colorectal malignant polyps in a single center from 2012 to 2015 were reported retrospectively. Results. There was a significant increase (P<0.01) in the incidence of colorectal malignant polyps from 2012 to 2013 and 2014 to 2015 (8 versus 63) relative to the increase in colonoscopies with polypectomy (1029 versus 2706). It coincides with the initiation of screening in March 2014. A positive, nonradical, or undeterminable resection margin was found in 57% (36/63), and this was the primary indication for surgery. Additional surgery was done in 49% of the cases (31/63) with 27 bowel resections and 4 transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) procedures. Nineteen percent (5/27) had either residual cancer cells at the polypectomy site or lymph node metastasis in the resection specimens. Conclusion. Colorectal malignant polyps have become more frequent after the initiation of screening. The primary, and operator-dependent, indicator for surgery is the positive, nonradical, or undeterminable resection margin, and 1 in 5 operated has remaining cancer in the resection specimens.
Evaluation of Clinical and Immunological Characteristics of Children with Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Authors: Alkan Gülsüm , Keles Sevgi , Reisli İsmail
Published: April 2018

Background. Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary immunodeficiency disorder (PID) that typically presents with hypogammaglobulinemia and impaired antibody production. Objectives. This study aimed to promote the awareness of CVID, whose clinical spectrum is quite broad. Methods. The demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of 12 children (seven males and five females) with CVID were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were diagnosed using the diagnostic criteria of the European Society for Primary Immunodeficiencies. Results. The median disease onset age was 7.2±4.1 years, and the mean diagnosis age was 11.6±3.7 years. The diagnosis delay was 4.3±2.6 years, and the parental consanguinity rate was 75%. Most patients presented with recurrent infections, including upper respiratory tract infections (n=8), lower respiratory tract infections (n=9), and gastroenteritis (n=5). In addition, growth retardation (n=9) and bronchiectasis (n=5) were common comorbidities. Two patients presented with autoimmune thrombocytopenia and anemia, and one patient exhibited lung empyema. All the patients had immunoglobulin G deficiencies. Conclusion. CVID is a heterogeneous disease, so the diagnosis is frequently delayed. In the CVID patients with pulmonary complications, relationships were seen with the diagnosis delay, symptom onset age, and lung infection prevalence. Overall, the early diagnosis and treatment of PIDs can preclude life-threatening complications.
Association between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Respiratory Allergic Diseases in Korean Adults: A Propensity Score Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Jeong Han Eol , Jung Sung-Mok , Cho Sung-Il
Published: April 2018

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and allergic diseases are result of a poor functioning immune system, giving dominance to either T-helper 1 (Th1) or T-helper 2 (Th2) diseases, respectively. Studies have stated that there seems to be a relationship present between the immune response subsets. This study was designed to examine the association between RA and respiratory allergic diseases in Korean adults. The study utilized the KNHANES 2013–2015 data and excluded individuals diagnosed with RA before being diagnosed with allergic diseases, using age at clinical diagnosis. Total of 253 RA patients were matched 1 : 1 with non-RA patients by a propensity score, using sex and age as matched variables. Multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate for association between RA and respiratory allergic diseases in the matched 506 participants. RA was associated with an increased risk of prevalence of respiratory allergic diseases with an OR of 1.51 (95% CI, 1.31–1.75), adjusted for socioeconomic demographic variables. The adjusted OR for prevalence of RA among participants with prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis was as follows: 3.12 (95% CI, 2.77–3.51) and 1.39 (95% CI, 1.16–1.67). Participants with prevalence of asthma in particular had an increased risk of developing prevalence of RA. Based on our findings, Th1 and Th2 diseases may indeed coexist, and one pathway may stimulate or contribute towards the onset of the other.
An Image Encryption Scheme of Logistic Modulation Using Computer-Generated Hologram and Chaotic Map
Authors: Ren Hui , Wang Jun , Wang Qiong-Hua
Published: April 2018

We introduce an image encryption method based on computer-generated hologram (CGH) and two-dimensional Sine Logistic modulation map (2D-SLMM). We combine CGH and 2D-SLMM to improve encryption security. During the encryption process, the hologram needs to be logistically modulated by 2D-SLMM. This logistic modulation technique can avoid complex algorithms. Simulation results and security analysis demonstrate that the proposed approach has a high security level, good invisibility of image information in ciphertext, large key space, and strong robustness.
Computerized Casts for Orthodontic Purpose Using Powder-Free Intraoral Scanners: Accuracy, Execution Time, and Patient Feedback
Authors: Sfondrini Maria Francesca , Gandini Paola , Malfatto Maurizio , Di Corato Francesco , Trovati Federico , Scribante Andrea
Published: April 2018

Introduction. Intraoral scanners allow direct images of oral situation, with fewer steps than conventional impressions. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of digital impressions, traditional impressions, and digitalization of full-arch gypsum models, to evaluate timing of different methods and finally to study perception of patients about conventional and digital impression techniques. Methods. Dental arches of fourteen patients were evaluated by alginate impression, titanium dioxide powder-free intraoral scanning (Trios, 3Shape), and digitalization obtained from gypsum models using the same scanner. Conventional and digital techniques were evaluated through measurements (lower and upper arch anteroposterior length, lower and upper intercanine distance, and lower and upper intermolar distance) with a caliber for analogic models and using a computer software for digital models (Ortho Analyzer, Great Lakes Orthodontics). In addition, chairside and processing times were recorded. Finally, each patient completed a VAS questionnaire to evaluate comfort. Statistical analyses were performed with ANOVA and Tukey tests for accuracy measurements and paired t-test for times and VAS scores. Significance was predetermined at P<0.05. Results. The measurements obtained with intraoral scanning, gypsum models after conventional impression, and digitalized gypsum models were not significantly different. Both chairside and processing times of digital scanning were shorter than the traditional method. VAS reporting patients comfort were significantly higher when evaluating digital impression. Conclusions. Intraoral scanners used for orthodontic applications provide useful data in clinical practice, comparable to conventional impression. This technology is more time efficient than traditional impression and comfortable for patients. Further evolution with more accurate and faster scanners could in future replace traditional impression methods.