bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of Exifin® in treatment of mycoses of skin and nail plates
Authors: Yakovlev A. B.
Published: December 2019

The mycoses of the skin and nail plates of the feet are the second most common in the human population after pyoderma, and are the fact of a significant decrease in the quality of life of patients. In the present multicenter observational study, the results of the evaluation of the quality of life of 1 674 patients before and after successful treatment of mycosis of the skin and nails with the use of the drug Exifine®: showing a clear correlation between successful eradication of the pathogen and to improve the quality of life of the patient in all age groups. In no case was there any mention of adverse reactions to either the external or the systemic dosage form of the drug.
Effective therapy for cicatricial deformities
Authors: Stenko A. G. , Talybova A. M. , Kovalenko A. A. , Strekozova A. E.
Published: December 2019

Scars can adversely affect the physical, mental and social well-being of the patient. Common treatments for scar removal include external treatments, chemical peels, mechanical resurfacing, laser resurfacing, injection techniques, physiotherapy, and surgical excision. The search for combined treatment methods is an urgent and priority direction. Methods of phoresis are in demand in the correction of scars, when changes in the structures of the dermis and hypoderm significantly reduce the penetration of topical drugs and allow to achieve a greater therapeutic effect.
Assessment of efficiency of biorevitalization during work with skin component of aging at patients with different morphological types of involute changes of soft facial tissues
Authors: Raytseva S. S. , Matusevich S. L.
Published: December 2019

Materials and methods. 38 patients aged 35 to 55 years old were under the surveillance. Depending on the aging morphotype, all patients were divided into three groups. All the participants of the study were subjected to a biorevitalization procedure (BRV) according to a single protocol prepared ex-temporarily by a mixture of multicomponent and prolonged biorevitalizers (BR).

Results. After the course of BRV from three procedures it was reliably established that skin humidity increased from the initial level by 46.7 % at the absolute number (100.0 %) of patients regardless of morphotype (p < 0.01). Facial color improvement was recorded in 94.7 % of patients (p < 0.01). Length, width and depth of thin surface wrinkles on the face skin in patients with small and mixed morphotypes on average decreased by 41.1 %, 37.9 % and 50.0 %, respectively (p < 0.01). No convincing data have been obtained regarding the increase in skin elasticity, epidermis thickness and dermis. There is also no evident therapeutic effect on telangiectatic changes and non-tumor focal hyperpigmentation of facial skin. Clinical effects following the BRV course are most pronounced in patients with small-scale and mixed mofotypes. According to the patients themselves, the proposed program of injection therapy has high efficiency and safety.
Role of immunomodulators in treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Zuykova A. A. , Krasnorutskaya O. N. , Kotova Yu. A. , Bugrimov D. Yu. , Strakhova N. V. , Kashaeva O. V. , Paevskaya O. A.
Published: December 2019

Statistics from around the world show a steady increase in morbidity and mortality from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Currently, quite a promising direction is to assess the relationship of immunosuppression of the respiratory system and inflammatory response. Imbalance in the immune system often leads to recurrent, sluggish exacerbation of the disease, deterioration of prognosis and quality of life. The duration of the disease is directly related to more severe violations of cellular and humoral immunity. From this perspective, it is promising to assess the effectiveness of immunomodulators in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Comparison of modern quantitative methods for determining level of D-dimer based on immunoturbidimetry
Authors: Mamaev A. N. , Pykhteeva M. V. , Terekhov S. S. , Kudinov A. V. , Trukhina D. A. , Grigoryeva E. V. , Yasafova N. N.
Published: December 2019

The object of this paper is the comparative analysis of the results of determination of the D-dimer level with the new home-produced reagent on the basis of original monoclonal antibodies with the results of the widespread diagnostic analogues. The research study included blood samples of 80 patients. 22 of these patients (27.5 %) were diagnosed venous thrombosises of the lower limbs, 28 patients (35.0 %) did not have any thrombotic complications (control group). Besides, the research included 30 pregnant women (37.5 %) with different duration of gestation. Despite some distinctions when determining the D-dimer level, contemporary quantitative methods of the D-dimer level study demonstrate comparability of the research results which is documented by the high rates of correlation. The new diagnostic kit Tech-D-dimer-auto, based on the use of original monoclonal antibodies, demonstrates good comparability with analogues and is suitable for detection of thrombosis.
Retrospective determination of reference intervals of thyroid-stimulating hormone for Russian population
Authors: Olkhovik A. Yu. , Pavlov D. A. , Vasilyev A. V. , Sadovnikov P. S. , Emanuel V. L.
Published: December 2019

Among all hormonal studies, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) remains the most often deviating from reference intervals (RI), despite the fact that the analytical characteristics of methods for assessing its concentration are improved from year to year, and the functional sensitivity of each subsequent generation is improved compared to the previous one. Currently, there is no consensus in the world community on the clinically justified limit of the upper TSH value for healthy people and, in fact, the current RI combines two ranges: the zone of almost ‘complete well-being’ (0.4–2.5 μMU/ml) and the one of latent pathology and/or ‘highly normal’ values (2.5–4.0 [5.0] μIU/ml). Considering the fact that each laboratory should determine the RI for measured analytes on the basis of the characteristics of the examined population, the characteristics of the used analytical systems, the achievement of the necessary diagnostic efficiency of the technique, its own practical and economic possibilities, the aim of this work was to retrospectively determine the TSH RI for the Russian population based on the analysis of 400 394 orders, including TSH, made during one year of observation. Consistent complication of exclusion criteria and calculation algorithms allowed to conditionally distinguish seven analyzed groups and stages of determining RI, based on the results of each of which intermediate and final results of the study were determined.
Modern views on treatment of premenstrual syndrome
Authors: Kuznetsova I. V.
Published: December 2019

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common disease associated with a serious decrease in the quality of life of a woman, a violation of habitual life and working capacity. The etiology of PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) has not yet been established, but it is clear that their development is associated with fluctuations in hormone levels within the ovulatory menstrual cycle and impaired balance of neurohormones in the central nervous system (CNS). In connection with these ideas, in the treatment of PMS, two main directions are used: the suppression of hormonal fluctuations and the effect on the central nervous system. Among the large number of drugs claimed for the treatment of PMS and PMDD, the so-called alternative therapy deserves special attention, in which several methods have a worthy evidence base for positive effects.
Momentary cesarean delivery and mitral valve reprosthetics in 36-year-old primiparous patient (clinical case)
Authors: Bazylev V. V. , Evdokimov M. E. , Pantyukhina M. A.
Published: December 2019

This clinical case report represents our experience of treatment of 36 y. o. pregnant female patient who was previously undergone mitral valve replacement as she was 25. The operation was performed with the use of two leaflet mechanical prosthesis ‘MedEng No. 21’ (Russia). The patient was admitted to our hospital at 29th week of gestation with the signs of heart failure and pulmonary congestion because of prosthetic valve dysfunction. Delivery was performed by Caesarean section followed by mitral valve reprosthetics. In order to stop obstetric bleeding before heparin injection internal iliac arteries was ligated. Total time of extracorporeal circulation was 89 minutes, and myocardial ischemia — 64 minutes. Normothermic perfusion was performed. Mother and newborn were discharged from the hospital in a normal stable state. The childbearing ability of the mother was preserved.
Antiangiogenic therapy of advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer in era of immuno-oncology: role, place and optimization of treatment approaches
Authors: Artamonova E. V. , Egorova A. V.
Published: December 2019

Vascular abnormalities are a hallmark of most solid tumors including NSCLC and facilitate immune evasion. Nintedanib is oral multitarget angiokinase inhibitor, and in combination with docetaxel is an important and effective second-line treatment option for locally advanced, metastatic or locally recurrent NSCLC of adenocarcinoma tumor histology with the maximum benefit in patients who progressed within 9 months after start of first-line treatment or with progressive disease as best response to first-line chemotherapy. However, immunotherapy is now playing the main role. Recent studies showed the potential clinical benefit of nintedanib plus docetaxel in patients who failed prior immune checkpoint inhibitor. Besides nintedanib with docetaxel should be the preferred choice of a second-line treatment after platinum-based doublet chemotherapy in case of early progression, low level or negative expression of PD-L1, concomitant use of steroids.
Methodology of registration and reporting of electroencephalogram in unconsciousness patients
Authors: Sinkin M. V. , Baranova E. A. , Komoltsev I. G.
Published: December 2019

A unique feature of electroencephalography (EEG) in patients with primary and secondary brain damage, accompanied by impaired consciousness, is the possibility of reducing the number of recording electrodes and the high frequency of occurrence of stereotypical combinations of graphoelements (special patterns). In EEG reporting in these patients, it is possible to use the special classification developed in 2013, which designates them as “rhythmic and periodic patterns” (RPP). Its implementation significantly increases the degree of inter-rater agreement, and clinical use allows not only to diagnose non-convulsive epileptic status accurately but to predict its occurrence at the preclinical stage and to assess the likelihood of recovery of consciousness in patients with coma. The review outlines the features of EEG recording in unconsciousness patients and describes the reporting methodology of rhythmic and periodic EEG patterns.
A QUARTER OF THE CENTURY IS ON THE GUARD OF COLLECTIVE SECURITY AGAINST THE ASYMMETRIC CONFLICTS AND HYBRID WARS
(TO THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COLLECTIVE SECURITY TREATY AND THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CSTO)
Authors: Seleznev Igor
Published: December 2019

In 2017 was the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Collective Security Treaty and the 15 years of the establishment of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). This organization stands on guard for the regional security of Central Asian countries. In addition, countries in the region actively involved in the work of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which also builds its policy on the position of maintaining security in the Central Asian region. Only the coalition efforts of all interested States can provide an effective counteraction to threats of terrorism, Islamic extremism, separatism, drug trafficking. The organizational-institutional framework the CSTO and the SCO allow to the countries of the region to combat threats of the asymmetric conflicts and hybrid wars. The paper is devoted to the institutional forms, and future prospects, the capabilities and problem points of cooperation in the field of security in the framework of these international organizations.
Eurasian Geopolitics Importance to World Politics and China’s Geostrategy
Authors: Maisaia Vakhtang , Kobaladze Koba
Published: December 2019

Since 1990 after bipolar system demolition and setting up new world order with
liberal international order with American leadership endorsement lasted till
2014, the Eurasian space became one of the hottest spots in the world.
Considering situational changes in the international security system with
diminishing the global hegemony of the USA in case of confrontation with
Russia and China, Eurasia has been increasing its geopolitical relevance to
international politics. Several implications on endorsing new “Eurasian”
alliances (Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Collective Security Treaty
Organization, Eurasian Union, etc.) with primarily involvement of the
countries of Post-Soviet space and China, directed against to NATO policy
of enlargement could have created a rim of instability with “flexing mussels”
between three nuclear powers – the USA, Russian Federation and People's
Republic of China (PRC). Tripolarity agenda confirmed by the international
security high-level expert community, incoming world order is shaping up
in the classical balance of power game of international relations. Hence, the China-Russia alliance and strategic cooperation wrenched in the area really play an important role in fostering process at any level of the political
spectrum: local, regional and certainly global.
Russia living from its past
Authors: Gama Isabela de Andrade
Published: December 2019

Since the end of the Cold War Russia has been treated as a defeated state.
Western countries usually perceive Russia not only as a defeated state but also
relating it to Soviet Union. Beyond that the West has Orientalized Russia,
segregating it from the “western club” of developed states. But Russia’s
recovery from the collapse of the 90’s made it more assertive towards the
West. It’s proposed here that this assertiveness is due to it’s orientalization,
it’s inferior status perceived by the West. The inferior perception by the West
has triggered a process of identity’s reconstruction which will be analyzed
through a perspective of ontological security. The more Russia has it’s great
power status denied, the more aggressive it becomes regarding it’s foreign
policy. As the international hierarchy continues to treat Russia as that of
“behind” the modern states, and the more it feels marginalized, it will double
down on efforts to regain its great power status it will have to dispose power.
Russia’s ontological insecurity might lead it to a path of aggressiveness.
State Security as an Element of National Culture – The Phenomenon of The All-Russian Military-Patriotic Movement of Yunarmia
Authors: Możgin Wiktor
Published: December 2019

Nowadays, the world is back in competition for influence on the international
arena. The unipolar arrangement with the leading role of the United States,
which was formed after the collapse of the Soviet Union, has been destroyed.
Today, one of the countries that returns to the position of a superpower not
only regional but also world-wide is the Russian Federation. The factor that
testifies to the power of the Russian state is its military potential. In this
context, the issue of human resources is an important aspect that deserves
special attention. Russia treats the human factor as one of the priority elements
of state development. Today, inside the Russian state, a pragmatic cultural
tendency based on the idea of military-patriotic education of youth has been
formed. In 2016, the all-Russian military-patriotic Yunarmia movement was
created. On the scale of the Russian state, this is a phenomenon of security
culture based on the education of patriotic attitudes and defence capabilities
among the young generation of Russians. Yunarmia, through its direct
connection with the Ministry of National Defence of the Russian Federation,
provides a platform for the development of Russian military and thus the
potential that translates into Russia's international power position.
EFISIENSI BELANJA KESEHATAN DI INDONESIA: PENDEKATAN TWO-STAGE NETWORK DEA
Authors: Saiah Faslan Syam , Saputra Deri
Published: December 2019

This paper attempts to measure the efficiency of provinces in Indonesia in utilizing public resources for health where only 5% of the total amount of state and local budget is spent for health. With such budget constraints, it is important to examine the efficiency of spending in health services as small changes can have a major impact in achieving human development target. Efficiency is defined as the deviaton from frontier which represents the maximum output attainable from each input level. This efficiency frontier was estimated using the two-stage data envelopment analysis that created relative efficiency for every province as Decision Making Unit. With 2016 data, we used accumulation of state and local government expenditure for health services per capita as input variable; physicians per 100,000 population, hospital beds per 100,000 population, percentage of assisted deliveries in healthcare facilities, and percentage  of complete basic immunization on infants as output intermediate variable; and life expectancy and prevalence of stunting as outcome variable. Analysis of efficiency scores shows that most provinces are inefficient. This research is expected to contribute in the budget allocation among Indonesian provinces.
PENGARUH INFRASTUKTUR EKONOMI DAN SOSIAL DALAM PEMBANGUNAN DAERAH
Authors: Kusuma Wahyu Dede
Published: December 2019

This study describes the effect of economic and social infrastructures on regional development in Indonesia. Infrastructures were devided into two parts, they are: economic infrastructures (road, cellular phone, electricity, and clean water access) and social (education) in 33 provinces from 2012 to 2017. This study uses panel data: fixed effect model with cross-section weights (Panel EGLS). From the estimation, we can get the description that all of infrastructures and labor participation give the significant effect to regional development except road. All of those significant infrastructures and labor participation give the positive effect to the regional development. Labor participationgives the biggest impact to regional development followed by electricity and clean water access.
Implementation and Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation of a Magnetic Detumbling and Pointing Control Based on Three-Axis Magnetometer Data
Authors: Farissi M. Salim , Carletta Stefano , Nascetti Augusto , Teofilatto Paolo
Published: December 2019

The subject of this work is the implementation and experimental testing of a purely magnetic attitude control strategy, which can provide stabilization after the deployment and pointing of the spacecraft without any attitude information. In particular, the control produces the detumbling of the satellite and leads it to a desired attitude with respect to the direction of the Earth magnetic field, based on the only information provided by a three-axis magnetometer. The system is meant to be used as a backup solution, in case of failure of the primary strategy and is designed considering the constraints set on time of operations, power consumption, and peak electric current for a typical CubeSat mission. The detumbling and pointing algorithms are implemented on the FPGA core of a CubeSat on-board computer and tested by Hardware-in-the-loop simulations. The simulation setup includes a Helmholtz cage, recreating the magnetic environment along the orbit, the on-board computer, a MEMS three-axis magnetometer and Simulink software, on which the attitude dynamics is propagated. Test on the real system can provide useful information to select the parameters of the control, such as the gains, to estimate the limits of the system, the time of operations and prevent failures.
Evidence That Homeostatic Sleep Regulation Depends on Ambient Lighting Conditions during Wakefulness
Authors: Cajochen Christian , Reichert Carolin , Maire Micheline , Schlangen Luc J. M. , Schmidt Christina , Viola Antoine U. , Gabel Virginie
Published: December 2019

We examined whether ambient lighting conditions during extended wakefulness modulate the homeostatic response to sleep loss as indexed by. slow wave sleep (SWS) and electroencephalographic (EEG) slow-wave activity (SWA) in healthy young and older volunteers. Thirty-eight young and older participants underwent 40 hours of extended wakefulness [i.e., sleep deprivation (SD)] once under dim light (DL: 8 lux, 2800 K), and once under either white light (WL: 250 lux, 2800 K) or blue-enriched white light (BL: 250 lux, 9000 K) exposure. Subjective sleepiness was assessed hourly and polysomnography was quantified during the baseline night prior to the 40-h SD and during the subsequent recovery night. Both the young and older participants responded with a higher homeostatic sleep response to 40-h SD after WL and BL than after DL. This was indexed by a significantly faster intra-night accumulation of SWS and a significantly higher response in relative EEG SWA during the recovery night after WL and BL than after DL for both age groups. No significant differences were observed between the WL and BL condition for these two particular SWS and SWA measures. Subjective sleepiness ratings during the 40-h SD were significantly reduced under both WL and BL compared to DL, but were not significantly associated with markers of sleep homeostasis in both age groups. Our data indicate that not only the duration of prior wakefulness, but also the experienced illuminance during wakefulness affects homeostatic sleep regulation in humans. Thus, working extended hours under low illuminance may negatively impact subsequent sleep intensity in humans.
Investigation of Single and Binary of “Sandwich” Type Convex Liquid Capillary Bridges, Stretched between Two Flat Surfaces (Experimental Approach)
Authors: Petkov Plamen V. , Radoev Boryan
Published: December 2019

The interest to monophasic liquid capillary bridges (CB) has a long history. These shapes are attractive not only because of their interesting surface properties but also because of the possibility of their behavior to be analytically predicted by the equations of differential geometry. In the current paper we extend our previous studies by implementation of an approach for prediction of liquid gravityless CB behavior during their quasi-static stretching. It was found, that a simple linear relation, h r m ~ ln R r m , is valid the case of good wetting, 0° ≤ θ ≤ 90°, where h is the height of CB, R is the radius at the contact surface, rm is the CB waist radius, and θ is the solid/liquid (static, receding) contact angle. We experimentally studied the geometrical properties evolution of monophasic cedar oil and water CBs between two glass plates during their quasi-static (stepwise with equilibration after each step for 1–2 min.) stretching. In addition, we investigated a binary CB of a new type, resembling “sandwich”. There, due to the stronger glass wetting by the water, the oil phase is adhered at the water/gas interface, partially engulfed with a tendency to stand in the zone around the waist (minimal surface energy). During the stretching, it tends to replace the water in the CB waist region. A simple mechanism for interaction of the two immiscible liquids leading to creation of “sandwich” like binary structures, is proposed. Experiments of capillary bridges (CB) stretching between two flat surfaces have been carried for all liquids at different volume proportions. The investigation is extended also to identification of CB profile generatrix shape. We experimentally found that for monophasic CB, it can be described by a circle during the quasi-static stretching. If the CB height is increased, before the rupture, the shape evolves consecutively to an ellipse, parabola, or possibly to a hyperbola. The investigated binary CB evolves a similar way. Conclusions are drawn and directions for further investigations are given.
On the Statistical Mechanics of Life: Schrödinger Revisited
Authors: Jeffery Kate , Pollack Robert , Rovelli Carlo
Published: December 2019

We study the statistical underpinnings of life, in particular its increase in order and complexity over evolutionary time. We question some common assumptions about the thermodynamics of life. We recall that contrary to widespread belief, even in a closed system entropy growth can accompany an increase in macroscopic order. We view metabolism in living things as microscopic variables directly driven by the second law of thermodynamics, while viewing the macroscopic variables of structure, complexity and homeostasis as mechanisms that are entropically favored because they open channels for entropy to grow via metabolism. This perspective reverses the conventional relation between structure and metabolism, by emphasizing the role of structure for metabolism rather than the converse. Structure extends in time, preserving information along generations, particularly in the genetic code, but also in human culture. We argue that increasing complexity is an inevitable tendency for systems with these dynamics and explain this with the notion of metastable states, which are enclosed regions of the phase-space that we call “bubbles,” and channels between these, which are discovered by random motion of the system. We consider that more complex systems inhabit larger bubbles (have more available states), and also that larger bubbles are more easily entered and less easily exited than small bubbles. The result is that the system entropically wanders into ever-larger bubbles in the foamy phase space, becoming more complex over time. This formulation makes intuitive why the increase in order/complexity over time is often stepwise and sometimes collapses catastrophically, as in biological extinction.
Association between Social Skills and Motor Skills in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ohara Reiko , Kanejima Yuji , Kitamura Masahiro , Izawa Kazuhiro P.
Published: December 2019

Social communication and motor skill deficits are prevalent characteristics of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This systematic research review investigates whether and how broad social skills and motor skills may be related among individuals with ASD. We performed a PubMed search of articles written in English, using these study inclusion criteria: (a) an association between social and motor and skills among individuals previously diagnosed with autism; (b) one or more social skills measures were used; and (c) one or more measures of gross or fine motor skills were used. We classified data into two categories, and we based the association of these variables on correlation coefficients, p-values, coefficients of determination, and authors’ description of “may be associated” and “may not be associated.” Despite heterogeneity among these relevant studies, a highly likely association between social and motor skills emerged. Of a total of 16 studies reviewed, 12 reported associations between these skill sets. Three studies reported that fine motor skills had a stronger relationship with social skills than did gross motor skills. Among the gross motor skills associated with social skills, object control skills seemed most closely linked to social skills. Among fine motor skills, manual dexterity seemed to most closely related to social skills.
It Works—Long-Term Performance Measurement and Optimization of Six Ground Source Heat Pump Systems in Germany
Authors: Bockelmann Franziska , Fisch M. Norbert
Published: December 2019

Long-term studies of ground source heat pump (GSHP) heating and cooling systems for six different buildings (commercial, institutional and multi-family buildings) were conducted in Germany by Steinbeis-Innovationszentrum (SIZ) energy+. Three of them are equipped with borehole heat exchangers, and the others use energy piles as heat exchangers. This paper deals with a demonstration of the investigated buildings, the measured values and performance, and the obtained results include important findings and experiences, problems encountered and possible preventive measures to avoid mistakes. After ten years of operation, it can be stated that the systems work and achieve their planned efficiency but require constant control and regulation to avoid faulty operation. An analysis of the implemented control strategies shows that, for all these heating and cooling systems, holistically coordinated control strategies that are verified during commissioning are required.
Implementation and Assessment of a Model-Based Controller of Torque and Nitrogen Oxide Emissions in an 11 L Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine
Authors: Cococcetta Fabio , Finesso Roberto , Hardy Gilles , Marello Omar , Spessa Ezio
Published: December 2019

A previously developed model-based controller of torque and nitrogen oxides emissions has been implemented and assessed on a heavy-duty 11 L FPT prototype Cursor 11 diesel engine. The implementation has been realized by means of a rapid prototyping device, which has allowed the standard functions of the engine control unit to be by-passed. The activity was carried out within the IMPERIUM H2020 EU Project, which is aimed at reducing the consumption of fuel and urea in heavy-duty trucks up to 20%, while maintaining the compliance with the legal emission limits. In particular, the developed controller is able to achieve desired targets of brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) (or brake torque) and engine-out nitrogen oxides emissions. To this aim, the controller adjusts the fuel quantity and the start of injection of the main pulse in real-time. The controller is based on a previously developed low-throughput combustion model, which estimates the heat release rate, the in-cylinder pressure, the BMEP (or torque) and the engine-out nitrogen oxide emissions. The controller has been assessed at both steady-state and transient operations, through rapid prototyping tests at the engine test bench and on the road.
Synthesis of TiO2–ZrO2 Mixed Oxides via the Alginate Route: Application in the Ru Catalytic Hydrogenation of Levulinic Acid to Gamma-Valerolactone
Authors: Ruppert Agnieszka M. , Agulhon Pierre , Grams Jacek , Wąchała Malgorzata , Wojciechowska Joanna , Świerczyński Dariusz , Cacciaguerra Thomas , Tanchoux Nathalie , Quignard Francoise
Published: December 2019

In this work, high surface area mono- and binary oxide materials based on zirconia and titania synthetized via the alginate route were applied as supports of ruthenium catalysts used in levulinic acid hydrogenation towards γ–valerolactone. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were investigated using surface (like time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM)) and bulk techniques (temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), X-ray diffraction (XRD)). The obtained results exhibited that the proposed synthesis method allows for modification of the shape, morphology, and surface properties of the studied materials. These catalysts were tested in levulinic acid hydrogenation, in which catalytic support is known to be crucial. The results revealed that the titania-supported catalyst was the most active in the reaction mentioned above, while the highest mechanical stability was observed for zirconia-supported materials.
An Enhanced Two-Stage Grid-Connected Linear Parameter Varying Photovoltaic System Model for Frequency Support Strategy Evaluation
Authors: Levis Colin , O’Loughlin Cathal , O’Donnell Terence , Hill Martin
Published: December 2019

Securing a future sustainable decarbonised economy involves moving towards a system with rising penetration levels of distributed photovoltaics (PVs) within the low voltage distribution network (LVDN). This power system evolution is displacing conventional generators and has resulted in a decline in inertia that is essential for frequency stability. Emerging network codes require PV generators to maintain a scheduled curtailed active power (CAP) reserve for under-frequency contingencies. In this paper, the development, verification and application of an enhanced, two-stage grid-connected, state-space, linear parameter varying (LPV) PV system model is presented. The LPV model provides accurate and efficient modelling for PV systems over the wide range of operating points associated with curtailed active power and is suitable for power systems with large numbers of distributed PV systems capable of frequency support in the LVDN, to be simulated within reasonable simulation times. In addition, the LPV model can be used to investigate voltage rise due to reverse active power. The model performance is evaluated using recorded experimental data with step changes in irradiation and active power curtailment. The measured data is generated from a power hardware in the loop (PHIL) testbed. The model’s performance is investigated on an adapted radial European LVDN benchmark with several distributed PV systems to present some of the challenges, opportunities and benefits. Step changes in solar irradiation are used to evaluate the dynamic behaviour of the LPV model compared to a discrete-time electromagnetic transient (EMT) model. A frequency droop control characteristic for frequency support is demonstrated. The results show a computational burden reduction of 132:1 compared to the EMT model and demonstrate the voltage rise due to reverse active power from providing frequency support during under-frequency contingencies.
The Effects of a Comprehensive, Integrated Obesity Prevention Intervention Approach (SuperFIT) on Children’s Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and BMI Z-Score
Authors: van de Kolk Ilona , Gerards Sanne M. P. L. , Harms Lisa S. E. , Kremers Stef P. J. , Gubbels Jessica S.
Published: December 2019

SuperFIT is a comprehensive, integrated intervention approach aimed at promoting healthy energy balance-related behaviors in 2- to 4-year-old children in the preschool and home settings. A quasi-experimental research design was adopted to evaluate the effects of SuperFIT on physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB) and Body Mass Index (BMI) z-score. Children could participate in the preschool-based and family-based component (full intervention) or only in the preschool-based component (partial intervention). Children’s PA levels and SB were assessed with accelerometers and observations, and height and weight were measured for the BMI z-score. Measurements were performed at baseline and two follow-up time points. Effectiveness was evaluated using linear mixed-model analyses, correcting for relevant covariates. Healthy changes in PA levels occurred within all study groups over time. No significant differences were found in overall PA levels between the intervention groups and control group at both follow-ups. Nevertheless, sedentary behavior decreased more in the full intervention group (effect size (ES): −0.62), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (ES: 0.85) and counts per minute (ES: 0.45) increased more compared to the control group on preschool days at the first follow-up. No effects were found for BMI z-score. The integrated approach of SuperFIT may induce changes in PA of young children, although the effects were small.
Prevalence and Sources of Second-Hand Smoking Exposure among Non-Smoking Pregnant Women in an Urban Setting of Vietnam
Authors: Ngo Chau Quy , Phan Phuong Thu , Vu Giap Van , Chu Hanh Thi , Nguyen Toan Thi , Nguyen Mai Hong , Phan Hai Thanh , Ong Benjamin M. Y. , Vu Giang Thu , Pham Kiet Tuan Huy , Tran Bach Xuan , Latkin Carl A. , Ho Cyrus S. H. , Ho Roger C. M.
Published: December 2019

Exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) among non-smoking pregnant women can lead to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. A cross-sectional study was performed from July to August 2016 among 432 pregnant women at Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam, to assess the prevalence and sources of SHS exposure among non-smoking pregnant women. Socio-economic characteristics and information regarding SHS exposure of participants were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify associated factors. Overall, 92.6% and 64.5% of pregnant women were exposed to SHS in their lifetime and in the last 30 days, respectively. Cafeterias and restaurants had the highest proportion of pregnant women exposed to SHS. Those who reported that “smoking is allowed at home” (OR = 3.18; 95%CI = 1.97–5.13); going to working place (OR = 1.86; 95%CI = 1.08–3.19), going to state authority offices (OR = 1.98; 95%CI = 1.15–3.41), and cafeterias (OR = 1.96; 95%CI = 1.22–3.16) had the highest risk of SHS exposure in the last 30 days. We have found a high proportion of SHS exposure among non-smoking pregnant women in Vietnam. This comes from a multitude of sources, including homes, workplaces, cafeterias, and restaurants. The data emphasises the need for further intervention to address this health issue.
Factor Analysis of the Prediction of the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale
Authors: Cai Mei , Wang Yiming , Luo Qian , Wei Guo
Published: December 2019

Postpartum depression (PPD), a severe form of clinical depression, is a serious social problem. Fortunately, most women with PPD are likely to recover if the symptoms are recognized and treated promptly. We designed two test data and six classifiers based on 586 questionnaires collected from a county in North Carolina from 2002 to 2005. We used the C4.5 decision tree (DT) algorithm to form decision trees to predict the degree of PPD. Our study established the roles of attributes of the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS), and devised the rules for classifying PPD using factor analysis based on the participants’ scores on the PDSS questionnaires. The six classifiers discard the use of PDSS Total and Short Total and make extensive use of demographic attributes contained in the PDSS questionnaires. Our research provided some insightful results. When using the short form to detect PPD, demographic information can be instructive. An analysis of the decision trees established the preferred sequence of attributes of the short form of PDSS. The most important attribute set was determined, which should make PPD prediction more efficient. Our research hopes to improve early recognition of PPD, especially when information or time is limited, and help mothers obtain timely professional medical diagnosis and follow-up treatments to minimize the harm to families and societies.
Evaluating Biochar Impact on Topramezone Adsorption Behavior on Soil under No-Tillage and Rotary Tillage Treatments: Isotherms and Kinetics
Authors: Uwamungu Jean Yves , Nartey Obemah David , Uwimpaye Fasilate , Dong Wenxu , Hu Chunsheng
Published: December 2019

The evaluation of biochar application on the adsorption behavior of topramezone on soil under no-tillage (NT) and rotary tillage treatments (RT) has been assessed. Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectrometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) (BET) were used for the biochar characterization. Batch experiments were carried out in a laboratory to assess the adsorption of topramezone on soil through equilibrium and kinetic modeling under biochar addition. The clay content has been found to be higher under NT (18.24 ± 0.01) than under RT (15.91 ± 0.02). The total organic carbon was higher under NT. The topramezone adsorption equilibrium reached after 8 and 12 h, for NT and RT, respectively. The kinetic and thermodynamic analyses showed the adsorption under both treatments matched with pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir models, respectively. After biochar addition, the pesticide adsorption capacity (40 < 25 < 15 °C) increased with decreasing temperature suggesting an exothermic adsorption process while negative values of Gibbs free energy (ΔG); −1848.07 and −366.531 J mol−1; for the soil under NT and RT at 25 °C, respectively, indicated spontaneous adsorption. Negative entropy values (ΔS); −21.92 and −78.296 J mol−1K−1, for NT and RT, respectively, explained a decreased randomness process. The enthalpy was higher (p < 0.05) under RT (−23,274.6 J mol−1) than under NT (−1313.73 J mol−1). Conclusively, it was shown that the topramezone adsorption capacity was higher under NT, and biochar addition increased more pesticide adsorption under NT than under RT.
Translational Regulation of Pmt1 and Pmt2 by Bfr1 Affects Unfolded Protein O-Mannosylation
Authors: Castells-Ballester Joan , Rinis Natalie , Kotan Ilgin , Gal Lihi , Bausewein Daniela , Kats Ilia , Zatorska Ewa , Kramer Günter , Bukau Bernd , Schuldiner Maya , Strahl Sabine
Published: December 2019

O-mannosylation is implicated in protein quality control in Saccharomyces cerevisiae due to the attachment of mannose to serine and threonine residues of un- or misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This process also designated as unfolded protein O-mannosylation (UPOM) that ends futile folding cycles and saves cellular resources is mainly mediated by protein O-mannosyltransferases Pmt1 and Pmt2. Here we describe a genetic screen for factors that influence O-mannosylation in yeast, using slow-folding green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reporter. Our screening identifies the RNA binding protein brefeldin A resistance factor 1 (Bfr1) that has not been linked to O-mannosylation and ER protein quality control before. We find that Bfr1 affects O-mannosylation through changes in Pmt1 and Pmt2 protein abundance but has no effect on PMT1 and PMT2 transcript levels, mRNA localization to the ER membrane or protein stability. Ribosome profiling reveals that Bfr1 is a crucial factor for Pmt1 and Pmt2 translation thereby affecting unfolded protein O-mannosylation. Our results uncover a new level of regulation of protein quality control in the secretory pathway.
Simultaneous Enhancement of Thermostability and Catalytic Activity of a Metagenome-Derived β-Glucosidase Using Directed Evolution for the Biosynthesis of Butyl Glucoside
Authors: Yin Bangqiao , Hui Qinyan , Kashif Muhammad , Yu Ran , Chen Si , Ou Qian , Wu Bo , Jiang Chengjian
Published: December 2019

Butyl glucoside synthesis using bioenzymatic methods at high temperatures has gained increasing interest. Protein engineering using directed evolution of a metagenome-derived β-glucosidase of Bgl1D was performed to identify enzymes with improved activity and thermostability. An interesting mutant Bgl1D187 protein containing five amino acid substitutions (S28T, Y37H, D44E, R91G, and L115N), showed catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km of 561.72 mM−1 s−1) toward ρ-nitrophenyl-β-d-glucopyranoside (ρNPG) that increased by 23-fold, half-life of inactivation by 10-fold, and further retained transglycosidation activity at 50 °C as compared with the wild-type Bgl1D protein. Site-directed mutagenesis also revealed that Asp44 residue was essential to β-glucosidase activity of Bgl1D. This study improved our understanding of the key amino acids of the novel β-glucosidases and presented a raw material with enhanced catalytic activity and thermostability for the synthesis of butyl glucosides.
The Tribo-Fatigue Damage Transition and Mapping for Wheel Material under Rolling-Sliding Contact Condition
Authors: He Chenggang , Liu Jihua , Wang Wenjian , Liu Qiyue
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this work is to construct a tribo-fatigue damage map of high-speed railway wheel material under different tangential forces and contact pressure conditions through JD-1 testing equipment. The results indicate that the wear rate of the wheel material varies with tangential force and contact pressure. The wear mapping of the wheel material is constructed and divided into three regions: slight wear, severe wear, and destructive wear, based on the wear rate under each test condition. With an increase in tangential force and contact pressure, the maximum crack length and average crack length of the wheel material increases. According to the surface damage morphologies and corresponding statistical results of average crack length of wheel material under each experiment condition, a tribo-fatigue damage map is constructed and divided into three regions: slight fatigue damage region, fatigue damage region, and severe fatigue damage region. Fatigue cracks initiate on the wheel specimen surface. Some cracks may propagate into material and fracture under cyclic rolling contact; some cracks may grow into inner material with a certain depth, and then turn toward the surface to form material flaking; some cracks may always propagate parallel to the wheel roller surface.
Insights into Antagonistic Interactions of Multidrug Resistant Bacteria in Mangrove Sediments from the South Indian State of Kerala
Authors: Imchen Madangchanok , Vennapu Ravali Krishna , Ghosh Preetam , Kumavath Ranjith
Published: December 2019

Antibiotic resistance is a global issue which is magnified by interspecies horizontal gene transfer. Understanding antibiotic resistance in bacteria in a natural setting is crucial to check whether they are multidrug resistant (MDR) and possibly avoid outbreaks. In this study, we have isolated several antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) (n = 128) from the mangroves in Kerala, India. ARBs were distributed based on antibiotics (p = 1.6 × 10−5). The 16S rRNA gene characterization revealed dominance by Bacillaceae (45%), Planococcaceae (22.5%), and Enterobacteriaceae (17.5%). A high proportion of the isolates were MDR (75%) with maximum resistance to methicillin (70%). Four isolates affiliated to plant-growth promoters, probiotics, food, and human pathogens were resistant to all antibiotics indicating the seriousness and prevalence of MDR. A significant correlation (R = 0.66; p = 2.5 × 10−6) was observed between MDR and biofilm formation. Antagonist activity was observed in 62.5% isolates. Gram-positive isolates were more susceptible to antagonism (75.86%) than gram-negative (36.36%) isolates. Antagonism interactions against gram-negative isolates were lower (9.42%) when compared to gram-positive isolates (89.85%). Such strong antagonist activity can be harnessed for inspection of novel antimicrobial mechanisms and drugs. Our study shows that MDR with strong biofilm formation is prevalent in natural habitat and if acquired by deadly pathogens may create havoc in public health.
EpiExploreR: A Shiny Web Application for the Analysis of Animal Disease Data
Authors: Savini Lara , Candeloro Luca , Perticara Samuel , Conte Annamaria
Published: December 2019

Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases are a significant public and animal health threat. In some zoonosis, the early detection of virus spread in animals is a crucial early warning for humans. The analyses of animal surveillance data are therefore of paramount importance for public health authorities to identify the appropriate control measure and intervention strategies in case of epidemics. The interaction among host, vectors, pathogen and environment require the analysis of more complex and diverse data coming from different sources. There is a wide range of spatiotemporal methods that can be applied as a surveillance tool for cluster detection, identification of risk areas and risk factors and disease transmission pattern evaluation. However, despite the growing effort, most of the recent integrated applications still lack of managing simultaneously different datasets and at the same time making available an analytical tool for a complete epidemiological assessment. In this paper, we present EpiExploreR, a user-friendly, flexible, R-Shiny web application. EpiExploreR provides tools integrating common approaches to analyze spatiotemporal data on animal diseases in Italy, including notified outbreaks, surveillance of vectors, animal movements data and remotely sensed data. Data exploration and analysis results are displayed through an interactive map, tables and graphs. EpiExploreR is addressed to scientists and researchers, including public and animal health professionals wishing to test hypotheses and explore data on surveillance activities.