bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reality of having bed nets at home, their status and pattern of using it at night among the population of Lakhantari Village Development Committee of Nepal
Authors: Thapa Bijay Kumar , Pokharel Kapil Kumar , Chaurasia Nitendra , Acharya Alok , Mishra Rimu , Sharma Ganesh
Published: March 2018

Background & Objectives:The use of insecticide treated nets has been advocated for the prevention of the vector borne transmitted disease (malaria) by the World Health Organization and UNICEF for more than a decade. In spite of this, there is no significant reduction in the transmission of the disease. Main objectives of study were to find out the real pattern of using it, to find out the physical integrity of the bed nets being used, and to prove the correlation in between the physical integrity of bed nets and the disease outcome. Torn bed nets with holes size more than 1.2 mm were considered as “holes” in this study.Materials & Methods:A community based cross- sectional study was carried out in Lakhantari VDC within the duration of two weeks. This VDC has been named recently as Gramthan Gaupalika one of State one.  Sample size of 384 was determined by the WHO sample size calculator. Face to face interview technique was used after taking consent from individual. Confidentiality was maintained. It was ethically approved by the IRC (Institutional Review Committee) of Nobel Medical College.Results:A total of 384 household were studied. Total household had bed nets but the physical integrity of bed nets was not intact. Almost 73% of the bed nets were torn having more than four holes in them. Nearly 94% of household used bed nets only for three to four days a week. Nearly half of the   Malaria was found among 22% and encephalitis in 17% of household. Conclusion:Use of bed nets do not prevent and provide guarantee from vector borne disease unless it is properly used. Torn bed nets are of almost no use unless people are using other preventive measures.
Reduced risk of venous thromboembolism with the use of intermittent pneumatic compression after craniotomy: a randomized controlled prospective study
Authors: Prell Julian , Schenk Grit , Taute Bettina-Maria , Scheller Christian , Marquart Christian , Strauss Christian , Rampp Stefan
Published: March 2018

OBJECTIVE

The term “venous thromboembolism” (VTE) subsumes deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. The incidence of DVT after craniotomy was reported to be as high as 50%. Even clinically silent DVT may lead to potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. The risk of VTE is correlated with duration of surgery, and it appears likely that it develops during surgery. The present study aimed to evaluate intraoperative use of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) of the lower extremity for prevention of VTE in patients undergoing craniotomy.

METHODS

A total of 108 patients undergoing elective craniotomy for intracranial pathology were included in a single-center controlled randomized prospective study. In the control group, conventional compression stockings were worn during surgery. In the treatment group, IPC of the calves was used in addition. The presence of DVT was evaluated by Doppler sonography pre- and postoperatively.

RESULTS

Intraoperative use of IPC led to a significant reduction of VTE (p = 0.029). In logistic regression analysis, the risk of VTE was approximately quartered by the use of IPC. Duration of surgery was confirmed to be correlated with VTE incidence (p < 0.01); every hour of surgery increased the risk by a factor of 1.56.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative use of IPC significantly lowers the incidence of potentially fatal VTE in patients undergoing craniotomy. The method is easy to use and carries no additional risks.

■ CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE Type of question: therapeutic; study design: randomized controlled trial; evidence: class I.

Clinical trial registration no.: DRKS00011783 (https://www.drks.de)
A case of junctional neural tube defect associated with a lipoma of the filum terminale: a new subtype of junctional neural tube defect?
Authors: Florea Simona Mihaela , Faure Alice , Brunel Hervé , Girard Nadine , Scavarda Didier
Published: March 2018

The embryological development of the central nervous system takes place during the neurulation process, which includes primary and secondary neurulation. A new form of dysraphism, named junctional neural tube defect (JNTD), was recently reported, with only 4 cases described in the literature. The authors report a fifth case of JNTD.

This 5-year-old boy, who had been operated on during his 1st month of life for a uretero-rectal fistula, was referred for evaluation of possible spinal dysraphism. He had urinary incontinence, clubfeet, and a history of delayed walking ability. MRI showed a spinal cord divided in two, with an upper segment ending at the T-11 level and a lower segment at the L5–S1 level, with a thickened filum terminale.

The JNTDs represent a recently classified dysraphism caused by an error during junctional neurulation. The authors suggest that their patient should be included in this category as the fifth case reported in the literature and note that this would be the first reported case of JNTD in association with a lipomatous filum terminale.
Simple Preparation of Cuprous Oxide Nanoparticles for Catalysis of Azide–alkyne Cycloaddition
Authors: Amini Mojtaba , Ramezani Sakine , Anbari Alireza Pourvahabi , Beheshti Abolghasem , Gautam Sanjeev , Chae Keun Hwa
Published: March 2018

Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles were prepared by two simple methods and their structural, morphological and electronic properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis, X-ray absorption near-edge structure, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Cuprous oxide nanoparticles efficiently catalyse 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of a variety terminal alkynes and organic azides producing the corresponding 1,2,3-triazole derivatives in excellent yields without use of any additives. Phenylacetylene and benzyl chloride were chosen as model starting compounds for the optimisation of the reaction conditions, such as effect of solvent, reaction temperature and time of reaction in the presence of a-Cu2O nanoparticles as a catalyst. The results showed that using cuprous oxide nanoparticles (0.035 mmol) and heating at 70 °C in water, the reaction of phenylacetylene with benzyl chloride and sodium azide gave 1-benzyl-4-phenyl-1 H-1,2,3-triazole almost quantitatively in 6 h of reaction time. A study of the recyclability and reusability of the catalyst revealed that a-Cu2O could be reused at least five times without significant loss of yield.
Henry Ward and John James Audubon, 1831–1837
Authors: Jackson Christine E.
Published: March 2018

Edwin Henry Ward was a member of the illustrious Ward family of taxidermists. The first reference to Henry Ward was when he boarded the ship Columbia off Portsmouth on 31 July 1831 when he set sail for North America with Lucy and John James Audubon. As a teenager, Henry was already a skilled taxidermist, his ability being appreciated by the bird author John James Audubon. On his return from the USA, Henry established a business in London at a time when owning mounted birds became fashionable.
Daniel Weiman and Libri picturati A 16–31
Authors: Simonini G.
Published: March 2018

The history of the collection of zoological and botanical watercolours known as Libri Picturati A 16–31 is a long and complex one. Scholars have mainly focused on its origin and vicissitudes during the sixteenth century. Daniel Weiman (originally Weimann), Chancellor of Kleve, was possibly the third known owner of the 16-volume collection, but so far little attention has been paid to the vital role he played in the compilation of Libri Picturati A 16–31. This paper sets out to analyse the importance of Daniel Weiman and to chart the history of the volumes during the seventeenth century, when the collection assumed its final shape.
Eliot Howard's “law of territory” in birds: the influence of Charles Moffat and Edmund Selous
Authors: Kinlen L. J.
Published: March 2018

Eliot Howard presented his theory of territory in the nine-part The British warblers published between 1907 and 1914. He is generally considered to have been unaware of significant earlier accounts of this theory, in particular by Altum and by Moffat in 1903 in The Irish naturalist. This periodical was perhaps little read outside Ireland, but Howard's wife came from Donegal, and his regular birdwatching there make early familiarity probable. In 1904, he began planning an ambitious work on warblers that would draw attention to supposed defects in the theory of sexual selection. Probably hastened by Selous highlighting sexual selection in The zoologist in 1906, part one of The British warblers in 1907 carried a forthright attack on Darwin's theory. Territory was first mentioned in part two in 1908, but without elaboration, after Selous in 1907 described the Ruff's territory on its assembly ground. In November 1910, in part five of The British warblers, after Selous that year had stressed territory on Eurasian Black Grouse leks, Howard's writing became more focused, and a “law of territory” was stated to be widespread in birds: males struggle, not for females, but for territory, and if won, a mate is won also. Many common features point to the crucial influence of Moffat's article on the theory proposed by Howard. His awareness of Moffat's work is further evidenced by a newspaper report found among his papers, about a Dublin lecture in January 1910 by R. M. Barrington, who stated that Moffat's theory was supported by Howard.
Rare red eggs of the Common Guillemot (Uria aalge): birds, biology and people at Bempton, Yorkshire, in the early 1900s
Authors: Birkhead T. R. , Montgomerie R.
Published: March 2018

Huge numbers of Common Guillemot (Uria aalge) eggs were harvested by local men known as “climmers” (climbers) at Bempton Cliffs, Flamborough, Yorkshire, until 1954 when egg collecting became illegal. Guillemot eggs are more variable in colour and pattern than those of any other bird. Egg collectors (oologists) particularly favoured sets of unusually coloured eggs laid by the same bird. Red guillemots eggs were extremely rare and eagerly sought. An example of one such egg known as the “Bempton Belle” was found in the collection of J. W. Goodall (active between about 1896 and 1909), and was celebrated in a poem. What was probably another red egg, known as the “Metland Egg”, was collected each year at Bempton between 1912 and 1938. The current whereabouts of the Metland eggs is unknown. We estimate that females laying red eggs occur less than once in a thousand (or ten thousand). We also speculate about the factors responsible for red eggs and why such eggs are so rare.
Fate of Fertilizer-Derived N Applied to Enhance Rice Straw Decomposition in a Paddy Field during the Fallow Season under Cool Temperature Conditions
Authors: Takakai Fumiaki , Hirano Seiya , Harakawa Yuka , Hatakeyama Keiko , Yasuda Kentaro , Sato Takashi , Kimura Kazuhiko , Kaneta Yoshihiro
Published: March 2018

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the fate of nitrogen (N) derived from fertilizer (fertilizer-derived N) applied to a paddy field after rice harvesting to promote rice straw decomposition during the fallow season, and to determine its effect on soil N fertility in northern Japan. A frame containing soil mixed with rice straw and 15N-labeled fertilizer (4.3 g N m−2 ammonium sulfate [AS] or lime-nitrogen [LN]) was placed into a paddy field on a gray lowland soil during the fallow season (October–April), and the following rice-growing season (May–September). Before cultivation (April), the percentages of fertilizer-derived N in soil + straw were higher for LN (55–72%) than for AS (41–63%). At the harvesting stage (September), the percentages of fertilizer-derived N in plants were significantly higher for LN (4.9–6.2%) than for AS (3.4–5.3%), and the percentages in soil were also significantly higher for LN (42–61%) than for AS (31–38%). This could be attributed to the nitrification inhibitory effect of LN and result in the suppression of N losses via leaching. Consequently, fertilizer-derived N could contribute to the maintenance of soil N fertility, and this effect could be higher for LN than AS.
A Topological View on Optical and Phononic Fabry–Perot Microcavities through the Su–Schrieffer–Heeger Model
Authors: Esmann Martin , Lanzillotti-Kimura Norberto
Published: March 2018

Advances in nanofabrication technologies have enabled the study of acoustic wave phenomena in the technologically relevant GHz–THz range. First steps towards applying concepts from topology in nanophononics were made with the proposal of a new topological acoustic resonator, based on the concept of band inversion. In topology, the Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) model is the paradigm that accounts for the topological properties of many one-dimensional structures. Both the classical Fabry–Perot resonator and the reported topological resonators are based on Distributed Bragg Reflectors (DBRs). A clear and detailed relation between the two systems, however, is still lacking. Here, we show how a parallelism between the standard DBR-based acoustic Fabry–Perot type cavity and the SSH model of polyacetylene can be established. We discuss the existence of surface modes in acoustic DBRs and interface modes in concatenated DBRs and show that these modes are equivalent to Fabry–Perot type cavity modes. Although it is not possible to assign topological invariants to both acoustic bands enclosing the considered minigap in the nanophononic Fabry–Perot case, the existence of the confined mode in a Fabry–Perot cavity can nevertheless be interpreted in terms of the symmetry inversion of the Bloch modes at the Brillouin zone edge.
Chemical and Molecular Variations in Commercial Epoxide Photoresists for X-ray Lithography
Authors: Vlnieska Vitor , Zakharova Margarita , Börner Martin , Bade Klaus , Mohr Jürgen , Kunka Danays
Published: March 2018

The quality of high aspect ratio microstructures fabricated by deep X-ray lithography is highly dependent on the photoresist material used and the process parameters applied. Even with photoresists more suitable to this process, it is common to face defects in the final optical components, such as in case of X-ray gratings. The gratings need to be fabricated with critical dimensions on a sub-micrometer and micrometer scale, with periods of few micrometers and heights of hundreds of micrometers to be used in X-ray imaging techniques such as Talbot–Lau Interferometry. During the fabrication process, these features lead to challenges such as mechanical stability, homogeneity, and defect-free grating patterns. Usually, an epoxy-based negative photoresist is used in X-ray lithography, which needs to account for the shrinkage that takes place during polymer crosslinking in order to avoid defects in the final pattern. Nowadays, photoresist material still lacks certain suitable properties (chemical and mechanical) to fabricate gratings of high quality and with acceptable reproducibility. This work presents the results of TGA, FTIR, and MALDI-TOF analysis made on photoresists commercially available and suitable for X-ray lithography. The photoresists presented different profiles regarding the solvent content and oligomers composition, and in the case of some samples, there were high amounts of non-epoxidized oligomers.
A Collaborative Multiplicative Holt-Winters Forecasting Approach with Dynamic Fuzzy-Level Component
Authors: Kays H. , Karim A. , Daud Mohd , Varela Maria , Putnik Goran , Machado José
Published: March 2018

The adoption of forecasting approaches such as the multiplicative Holt-Winters (MHW) model is preferred in business, especially for the prediction of future events having seasonal and other causal variations. However, in the MHW model the initial values of the time-series parameters and smoothing constants are incorporated by a recursion process to estimate and update the level (LT), growth rate (bT) and seasonal component (SNT). The current practice of integrating and/or determining the initial value of LT is a stationary process, as it restricts the scope of adjustment with the progression of time and, thereby, the forecasting accuracy is compromised, while the periodic updating of LT is avoided, presumably due to the computational complexity. To overcome this obstacle, a fuzzy logic-based prediction model is developed to evaluate LT dynamically and to embed its value into the conventional MHW approach. The developed model is implemented in the MATLAB Fuzzy Logic Toolbox along with an optimal smoothing constant-seeking program. The new model, proposed as a collaborative approach, is tested with real-life data gathered from a local manufacturer and also for two industrial cases extracted from literature. In all cases, a significant improvement in forecasting accuracy is achieved.
Practices of Built Heritage Post-Disaster Reconstruction for Resilient Cities
Authors: Jeleński Tomasz
Published: March 2018

The concept of resilience has become increasingly important to our understanding of sustainable planning. Post-disaster urban and architectural reconstruction might be treated as a strategy for resilient cities, helping them to reinvent themselves after possible destruction. The purpose of this study is to analyse several cases of nearly total reconstruction of historical urban complexes. Specifically, it explores how urban heritage conservation and recreation could contribute to the resilience agenda, giving traumatised societies a sense of continuity and localness. It analyses the changes in the conservation doctrine, highlighting the growing acceptance of architectural reconstructions. Drawing on historical examples, mainly derived from the Polish School of Conservation practice, this paper argues that the methods and processes attempted to regain identity for the thoroughly rebuilt structures proved effective in recreating the identity of such cities as Kalisz, Warsaw, Gdańsk, and Wrocław. The article argues that while processes at the governmental level emphasised the strengthening of national identity, the experiences of the reconstructed townscapes eventually involved forms of more diverse municipal identities. The article highlights that the strategy of recreating traditional images of cities after their mutilation in disastrous events might be a key to becoming a more resilient city and the formation of the post-disaster citizenry.
The Immunomodulatory Capacity of an Epstein-Barr Virus Abortive Lytic Cycle: Potential Contribution to Viral Tumorigenesis
Authors: Morales-Sánchez Abigail , Fuentes-Panana Ezequiel M.
Published: March 2018

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is characterized by a bipartite life cycle in which latent and lytic stages are alternated. Latency is compatible with long-lasting persistency within the infected host, while lytic expression, preferentially found in oropharyngeal epithelial tissue, is thought to favor host-to-host viral dissemination. The clinical importance of EBV relates to its association with cancer, which we think is mainly a consequence of the latency/persistency mechanisms. However, studies in murine models of tumorigenesis/lymphomagenesis indicate that the lytic cycle also contributes to cancer formation. Indeed, EBV lytic expression is often observed in established cell lines and tumor biopsies. Within the lytic cycle EBV expresses a handful of immunomodulatory (BCRF1, BARF1, BNLF2A, BGLF5 & BILF1) and anti-apoptotic (BHRF1 & BALF1) proteins. In this review, we discuss the evidence supporting an abortive lytic cycle in which these lytic genes are expressed, and how the immunomodulatory mechanisms of EBV and related herpesviruses Kaposi Sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) result in paracrine signals that feed tumor cells. An abortive lytic cycle would reconcile the need of lytic expression for viral tumorigenesis without relaying in a complete cycle that would induce cell lysis to release the newly formed infective viral particles.
Treatment Options for Paediatric Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL): Current Standard and beyond
Authors: Prokoph Nina , Larose Hugo , Lim Megan , Burke G. , Turner Suzanne
Published: March 2018

Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK)-positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL), remains one of the most curable cancers in the paediatric setting; multi-agent chemotherapy cures approximately 65–90% of patients. Over the last two decades, major efforts have focused on improving the survival rate by intensification of combination chemotherapy regimens and employing stem cell transplantation for chemotherapy-resistant patients. More recently, several new and ‘renewed’ agents have offered the opportunity for a change in the paradigm for the management of both chemo-sensitive and chemo-resistant forms of ALCL. The development of ALK inhibitors following the identification of the EML4-ALK fusion gene in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) has opened new possibilities for ALK-positive ALCL. The uniform expression of CD30 on the cell surface of ALCL has given the opportunity for anti-CD30 antibody therapy. The re-evaluation of vinblastine, which has shown remarkable activity as a single agent even in the face of relapsed disease, has led to the consideration of a revised approach to frontline therapy. The advent of immune therapies such as checkpoint inhibition has provided another option for the treatment of ALCL. In fact, the number of potential new agents now presents a real challenge to the clinical community that must prioritise those thought to offer the most promise for the future. In this review, we will focus on the current status of paediatric ALCL therapy, explore how new and ‘renewed’ agents are re-shaping the therapeutic landscape for ALCL, and identify the strategies being employed in the next generation of clinical trials.
Technical Aspects and Energy Effects of Waste Heat Recovery from District Heating Boiler Slag
Authors: Tańczuk Mariusz , Masiukiewicz Maciej , Anweiler Stanisław , Junga Robert
Published: March 2018

Coal continues to dominate in the structure of the heat production system in some European countries. Coal-fired boilers in district heating and power generation systems are accompanied by the formation of large quantities of slag and ash. Due to considerable high temperature, slag may be used as a source of waste energy. In this study, the technical possibilities of recovery slag’s physical enthalpy from grate-fired district heating boiler of 45 MW thermal capacity are analyzed. The aim of the work is to estimate the waste energy potential of the slag in analyzed boiler and proposition of the heat recovery system. The construction and design of the existing deslagging system was examined. Studies have shown that high water temperature accelerates system wear. Recovering heat from this system decreases the water temperature, which extends the trouble-free working time. The slag parameters were determined, including the temperature at the outlet of the boiler and the temperature after leaving the slag water tub. The annual amount of heat regenerative potential was estimated. On the basis of the research, the authors propose a waste heat recovery facility with high temperature R134a heat pump system. The result of the conducted research is that the proposed heat pump provides energy savings that are worth considering by recovering from 58.8% to 88.0% of energy slag potential.
Reliability Field Test of the Air–Surface Temperature Ratio Method for In Situ Measurement of U-Values
Authors: Kim Seo-Hoon , Kim Jong-Hun , Jeong Hak-Geun , Song Kyoo-Dong
Published: March 2018

This study proposes the air–surface temperature ratio (ASTR) method as an in situ measurement method to rapidly and accurately measure wall U-values in existing houses. Herein, the wall U-values were measured in situ applying the heat flow meter (HFM) method of ISO 9869-1 and the ASTR method. The results obtained using the HFM and ASTR methods were compared, and the relative error rate and accuracy of the measurements were analyzed. The aging rates of the wall U-values were compared and analyzed by comparing them with the wall U-values before and after the installation of retrofit insulation. Subsequently, the ASTR method was used to analyze the U-value measurement error rates according to the number of measurement days (one day to seven days). In addition, this method calculated the appropriate measurement period required to satisfy the measurement conditions. As a result, the mean relative measurement errors rates of the HFM and ASTR methods were ±3.21%. The short-term (one day) and long-term (seven days or longer) measurement results indicated the average error rates as approximately ±2.63%. These results were included in the tolerance range. Therefore, it was determined that the ASTR method can rapidly and accurately measure wall U-values.
Verification of Heat and Mass Transfer Closures in Industrial Scale Packed Bed Reactor Simulations
Authors: Singhal Arpit , Cloete Schalk , Quinta-Ferreira Rosa , Amini Shahriar
Published: March 2018

Particle-resolved direct numerical simulation (PR-DNS) is known to provide an accurate detailed insight into the local flow phenomena in static particle arrays. Most PR-DNS studies in literature do not account for reactions taking place inside the porous particles. In this study, PR-DNS is performed for catalytic reactions inside the particles using the multifluid approach where all heat and mass transfer phenomena are directly resolved both inside and outside the particles. These simulation results are then used to verify existing 1D model closures from literature over a number of different reaction parameters including different reaction orders, multiple reactions and reactants, interacting reactions, and reactions involving gas volume generation/consumption inside the particle. Results clearly showed that several modifications to existing 1D model closures are required to reproduce PR-DNS results. The resulting enhanced 1D model was then used to accurately simulate steam methane reforming, which includes all of the aforementioned reaction complexities. The effect of multiple reactants was found to be the most influential in this case.
Seasonal Changes in Photosynthetic Energy Utilization in a Desert Shrub (Artemisia ordosica Krasch.) during Its Different Phenophases
Authors: Ren Cai , Wu Yajuan , Zha Tianshan , Jia Xin , Tian Yun , Bai Yujie , Bourque Charles P.-A. , Ma Jingyong , Feng Wei
Published: March 2018

Our understanding of the mechanisms of plant response to environment fluctuations during plants’ phenological phases (phenophases) remains incomplete. Continuous chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) measurements were acquired from the field to quantify the responses in a desert shrub species (i.e., Artemesia ordosica Krasch. (A. ordosica)) to environmental factors by assessing variation in several ChlF-linked parameters and to understand plant acclimation to environmental stresses. Maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm) was shown to be reduced by environmental stressors and to be positively correlated to air temperature (Ta) during the early and late plant-growing stages, indicating a low temperature-induced inhibition during the leaf expansion and coloration phases. Effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (ΦPSII) was negatively correlated to incident photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) irrespective of phenophase, suggesting excessive radiation-induced inhibition at all phenophases. The main mechanism for acclimating to environmental stress was the regulatory thermal dissipation (ΦNPQ) and the long-term regulation of relative changes in Chl a to Chl b. The relative changes in photosynthetic energy utilization and dissipation in energy partitioning meant A. ordosica could acclimatize dynamically to environmental changes. This mechanism may enable plants in arid and semi-arid environments to acclimatize to increasingly extreme environmental conditions under future projected climate change.
Sequence and Haplotypes Variation of the Ovine Uncoupling Protein-1 Gene (UCP1) and Their Association with Growth and Carcass Traits in New Zealand Romney Lambs
Authors: An Qingming , Zhou Huitong , Hu Jiang , Luo Yuzhu , Hickford Jon
Published: March 2018

Uncoupling protein-1 gene (UCP1) plays an important role in the regulation of thermogenesis, energy expenditure, and protection against oxidative stress. In this study, six separate UCP1 regions: region-1 and region-2 (two parts of the promoter), region-3 and region-4 (two parts of intron 1), region-5 (spanning part of intron 5 and part of exon 6), and region-6 (spanning part of exon 6 and part of the 3′-UTR) from a variety of sheep breeds, were analysed using polymerase chain reaction-single-stranded conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analyses. In total, 30 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected. Of these, 14 were located in the promoter, eight were found in intron 1, six were found in intron 5, and one was found in the 3′-UTR. One substitution in exon 6 (c.910A/G) would putatively result in an amino acid change (p.Thr304Ala). Twenty-eight novel SNPs and nine new haplotypes spanning region-2 to region-5 were identified. Of these nine haplotypes, five were common (B2-A5, C2-A5, C2-C5, A2-A5, and A2-B5) and four were rare (C2-B5, A2-C5, B2-C5, and B2-B5) in the sheep investigated. Of the five common haplotypes found in 314 New Zealand Romney sheep for which growth and carcass trait data were available, the presence of A2-B5 was associated with decreased hot carcass weight (HCW) and loin lean-meat yield (p = 0.006, p = 0.032, respectively), and the presence of C2-C5 was associated with a decreased proportion of leg lean-meat yield (p = 0.047) in the carcasses. No associations were found with growth traits. These results confirm that ovine UCP1 is a variable gene and may have value as a genetic marker for sheep breeding.
Impact of Climate Change on Flood Frequency and Intensity in the Kabul River Basin
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad , Dahri Zakir , Querner Erik , Khan Asif , Hofstra Nynke
Published: March 2018

Devastating floods adversely affect human life and infrastructure. Various regions of the Hindukush-Karakoram-Himalayas receive intense monsoon rainfall, which, together with snow and glacier melt, produce intense floods. The Kabul river basin originates from the Hindukush Mountains and is frequently hit by such floods. We analyses flood frequency and intensity in Kabul basin for a contemporary period (1981–2015) and two future periods (i.e., 2031–2050 and 2081–2100) using the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios based on four bias-corrected downscaled climate models (INM-CM4, IPSL-CM5A, EC-EARTH, and MIROC5). Future floods are modelled with the SWAT hydrological model. The model results suggest an increasing trend due to an increasing precipitation and higher temperatures (based on all climate models except INM-CM4), which accelerates snow and glacier-melt. All of the scenario results show that the current flow with a 1 in 50 year return period is likely to occur more frequently (i.e., 1 in every 9–10 years and 2–3 years, respectively) during the near and far future periods. Such increases in intensity and frequency are likely to adversely affect downstream population and infrastructures. This, therefore, urges for appropriate early precautionary mitigation measures. This study can assist water managers and policy makers in their preparation to adequately plan for and manage flood protection. Its findings are also relevant for other basins in the Hindukush-Karakoram-Himalayas region.
Burden and Risk Factors for Cold-Related Illness and Death in New York City
Authors: Lane Kathryn , Ito Kazuhiko , Johnson Sarah , Gibson Elizabeth A. , Tang Andrew , Matte Thomas
Published: March 2018

Exposure to cold weather can cause cold-related illness and death, which are preventable. To understand the current burden, risk factors, and circumstances of exposure for illness and death directly attributed to cold, we examined hospital discharge, death certificate, and medical examiner data during the cold season from 2005 to 2014 in New York City (NYC), the largest city in the United States. On average each year, there were 180 treat-and-release emergency department visits (average annual rate of 21.6 per million) and 240 hospital admissions (29.6 per million) for cold-related illness, and 15 cold-related deaths (1.8 per million). Seventy-five percent of decedents were exposed outdoors. About half of those exposed outdoors were homeless or suspected to be homeless. Of the 25% of decedents exposed indoors, none had home heat and nearly all were living in single-family or row homes. The majority of deaths and illnesses occurred outside of periods of extreme cold. Unsheltered homeless individuals, people who use substances and become incapacitated outdoors, and older adults with medical and psychiatric conditions without home heat are most at risk. This information can inform public health prevention strategies and interventions.
The Relationship between Sleep Time and Mental Health Problems According to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in Children after an Earthquake Disaster: The Fukushima Health Management Survey
Authors: Itagaki Shuntaro , Ohira Tetsuya , Nagai Masato , Yasumura Seiji , Maeda Masaharu , Suzuki Yuriko , Mashiko Hirobumi , Shiga Tetsuya , Miura Itaru , Yabe Hirooki
Published: March 2018

A cross-sectional study was performed on the adverse effects of sleep time on the mental health of children after the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent nuclear reactor accident in March 2011. The target participants were children aged 4–15 years living inside the government-designated evacuation zone as of 11 March 2011 (n = 29,585). The participants’ parents/guardians completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and sleep time data were obtained from the 2011 Fukushima Health Management Survey. A total of 18,745 valid responses were returned. We excluded questionnaires with incomplete answers leaving 13,272 responses for the final analysis. First, we divided the children into three age groups for analysis. Second, we divided each age group into four or five groups based on sleep time per day. We used SDQ scores ≥16 to indicate a high risk of mental health problems. In the 4–6-year-old group, those with a sleep time of <9 h had a higher risk. In the 7–12-year-old group, those with ≥10 h of sleep time had a higher risk. In the 13–15-year-old group, those with ≥9 h of sleep time had a higher risk. Shorter sleep time was associated with a higher risk of mental health in 4–6-year-olds. On the other hand, oversleeping was associated with a high risk of mental health in 7–15-year-olds.
Demographics and Psychological Factors Associated with Adiposity in Nurses
Authors: Sánchez-Jiménez Bernarda , Sámano Reyna , Chinchilla-Ochoa Daniela , Morales-Hernández Rosa , Rodríguez-Ventura Ana
Published: March 2018

Adiposity-based chronic disease (ABCD), overweight-Ow- or obesity-Ob-) in health personnel is as frequent as in the general population, even though they understand well the importance of maintaining a healthy weight. Thus, it is highly likely that certain demographic and psychological conditions, independently of knowledge, are contributing to develop ABCD. The aim of this study was to examine the association between these factors and ABCD in nurses. Data were collected from a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary level institute in Mexico City from 2012 to 2013. All the nurses of the institute of any age, shift, service area and seniority were invited to participate and 55% (265) accepted. We found that ABCD was present in 79.6%, and low self-esteem and emotional distress in 26% and 10%, respectively. Working in the night shift (p = 0.031), labor seniority ≥15 years (p = 0.006), having 1 or more children (p = 0.021) and sessions of physical activity <30 min (p = 0.03) were associated with ABCD. Low self-esteem (OR = 2, 95% CI 1.150–3.07, p = 0.023) and emotional distress (OR = 4, 95% CI 1.472–13.078, p = 0.012) were associated with unhealthy lifestyle (less of 3 days per week and/or less of 30 min per session of physical activity and poor dietary habits). Therefore, strategies to prevent and treat ABCD must consider each context among nurses and psychological disorders need be identified to avoid an unhealthy lifestyle.
A Community-Driven Approach to Generate Urban Policy Recommendations for Obesity Prevention
Authors: Díez Julia , Gullón Pedro , Sandín Vázquez María , Álvarez Belén , Martín María , Urtasun María , Gamarra Maite , Gittelsohn Joel , Franco Manuel
Published: March 2018

There is an increasing research interest in targeting interventions at the neighborhood level to prevent obesity. Healthy urban environments require including residents’ perspectives to help understanding how urban environments relate to residents’ food choices and physical activity levels. We describe an innovative community-driven process aimed to develop environmental recommendations for obesity prevention. We conducted this study in a low-income area in Madrid (Spain), using a collaborative citizen science approach. First, 36 participants of two previous Photovoice projects translated their findings into policy recommendations, using an adapted logical framework approach. Second, the research team grouped these recommendations into strategies for obesity prevention, using the deductive analytical strategy of successive approximation. Third, through a nominal group session including participants, researchers, public health practitioners and local policy-makers, we discussed and prioritized the obesity prevention recommendations. Participants identified 12 policy recommendations related to their food choices and 18 related to their physical activity. The research team grouped these into 11 concrete recommendations for obesity prevention. The ‘top-three’ ranked recommendations were: (1) to adequate and increase the number of public open spaces; (2) to improve the access and cost of existing sports facilities and (3) to reduce the cost of gluten-free and diabetic products.
The Mental Health Status and Intellectual Ability of Unwed Mothers Dwelling in Korean Shelter Homes
Authors: Jo Suyeon , Park Soowon , Youn Jung , Sohn Bo , Choi Hyo , Lee Ji , Lee Jin , Lee Jun-Young
Published: March 2018

Although many unwed mothers have issues concerning mental health and intellectual ability, little research has focused on their mental and cognitive status. Due to the public stigma attached to unwed mothers in South Korea, they tend to conceal their status and are less likely to seek psychiatric and psychological help. In this context, this study aims to assess the current status of their mental health and intellectual characteristics. A total of 48 unwed mothers from two shelter homes in South Korea agreed to participate in the study. We compared the mental health status of these unwed mothers with that of the general female population. Unwed mothers were more likely than those of the general female population to have mood disorders, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol and nicotine use disorders, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Among the 48 unwed mothers, 20 (41.7%) had an IQ of less than 70, and the mean IQ (78.31) was significantly lower than the normalized mean IQ of the general female population. This study confirmed that unwed mothers dwelling in Korean shelter homes are more likely than the general female population to have mental disorders.
Assessing Vulnerability to Urban Heat: A Study of Disproportionate Heat Exposure and Access to Refuge by Socio-Demographic Status in Portland, Oregon
Authors: Voelkel Jackson , Hellman Dana , Sakuma Ryu , Shandas Vivek
Published: March 2018

Extreme urban heat is a powerful environmental stressor which poses a significant threat to human health and well-being. Exacerbated by the urban heat island phenomenon, heat events are expected to become more intense and frequent as climate change progresses, though we have limited understanding of the impact of such events on vulnerable populations at a neighborhood or census block group level. Focusing on the City of Portland, Oregon, this study aimed to determine which socio-demographic populations experience disproportionate exposure to extreme heat, as well as the level of access to refuge in the form of public cooling centers or residential central air conditioning. During a 2014 heat wave, temperature data were recorded using a vehicle-traverse collection method, then extrapolated to determine average temperature at the census block group level. Socio-demographic factors including income, race, education, age, and English speaking ability were tested using statistical assessments to identify significant relationships with heat exposure and access to refuge from extreme heat. Results indicate that groups with limited adaptive capacity, including those in poverty and non-white populations, are at higher risk for heat exposure, suggesting an emerging concern of environmental justice as it relates to climate change. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusion, in combination with effectively distributing cooling centers in areas where the greatest burden befalls vulnerable populations.
MetStabOn—Online Platform for Metabolic Stability Predictions
Authors: Podlewska Sabina , Kafel Rafał
Published: March 2018

Metabolic stability is an important parameter to be optimized during the complex process of designing new active compounds. Tuning this parameter with the simultaneous maintenance of a desired compound’s activity is not an easy task due to the extreme complexity of metabolic pathways in living organisms. In this study, the platform for in silico qualitative evaluation of metabolic stability, expressed as half-lifetime and clearance was developed. The platform is based on the application of machine learning methods and separate models for human, rat and mouse data were constructed. The compounds’ evaluation is qualitative and two types of experiments can be performed—regression, which is when the compound is assigned to one of the metabolic stability classes (low, medium, high) on the basis of numerical value of the predicted half-lifetime, and classification, in which the molecule is directly assessed as low, medium or high stability. The results show that the models have good predictive power, with accuracy values over 0.7 for all cases, for Sequential Minimal Optimization (SMO), k-nearest neighbor (IBk) and Random Forest algorithms. Additionally, for each of the analyzed compounds, 10 of the most similar structures from the training set (in terms of Tanimoto metric similarity) are identified and made available for download as separate files for more detailed manual inspection. The predictive power of the models was confronted with the external dataset, containing metabolic stability assessment via the GUSAR software, leading to good consistency of results for SMOreg and Naïve Bayes (~0.8 on average). The tool is available online.
Pulse Oximetry Screening Adapted to a System with Home Births: The Dutch Experience
Authors: Narayen Ilona , Blom Nico , Te Pas Arjan
Published: March 2018

Neonatal screening for critical congenital heart defects is proven to be safe, accurate, and cost-effective. The screening has been implemented in many countries across all continents in the world. However, screening for critical congenital heart defects after home births had not been studied widely yet. The Netherlands is known for its unique perinatal care system with a high rate of home births (18%) and early discharge after an uncomplicated delivery in hospital. We report a feasibility, accuracy, and acceptability study performed in the Dutch perinatal care system. Screening newborns for critical congenital heart defects using pulse oximetry is feasible after home births and early discharge, and acceptable to mothers. The accuracy of the test is comparable to other early-screening settings, with a moderate sensitivity and high specificity.
PMMA-g-OEtOx Graft Copolymers: Influence of Grafting Degree and Side Chain Length on the Conformation in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Muljajew Irina , Weber Christine , Nischang Ivo , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: March 2018

Depending on the degree of grafting (DG) and the side chain degree of polymerization (DP), graft copolymers may feature properties similar to statistical copolymers or to block copolymers. This issue is approached by studying aqueous solutions of PMMA-g-OEtOx graft copolymers comprising a hydrophobic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) backbone and hydrophilic oligo(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (OEtOx) side chains. The graft copolymers were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and OEtOx-methacrylate macromonomers of varying DP. All aqueous solutions of PMMA-g-OEtOx (9% ≤ DG ≤ 34%; 5 ≤ side chain DP ≤ 24) revealed lower critical solution temperature behavior. The graft copolymer architecture significantly influenced the aggregation behavior, the conformation in aqueous solution and the coil to globule transition, as verified by means of turbidimetry, dynamic light scattering, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and analytical ultracentrifugation. The aggregation behavior of graft copolymers with a side chain DP of 5 was significantly affected by small variations of the DG, occasionally forming mesoglobules above the cloud point temperature (Tcp), which was around human body temperature. On the other hand, PMMA-g-OEtOx with elongated side chains assembled into well-defined structures below the Tcp (apparent aggregation number (Nagg = 10)) that were able to solubilize Disperse Orange 3. The thermoresponsive behavior of aqueous solutions thus resembled that of micelles comprising a poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx) shell (Tcp > 60 °C).
Novel Anisotropic Ductility of a High Strength Annealed Ti-20Zr-6.5Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Zhang Bing , Zhang Xing , Jia Yuanzhi , Zhang Xinyu , Ma Mingzhen , Liu Riping , Jing Qin
Published: March 2018

In this work, we investigate the mechanical properties of an annealed high strength Ti-20Zr-6.5Al-4V alloy in uniaxial tensile tests in different directions. The results show that the alloy exhibits obvious anisotropic ductility in different directions, while the tensile strength of the alloy remains almost unchanged. This phenomenon is closely related to α laths with similar orientations along the prior-β grain boundaries. These α laths significantly affect the initiation and propagation of cracks when the alloy reaches its yield limit, thereby affecting the ductility of the alloy, such that it exhibits anisotropic ductility.