bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Zirconia and Alumina Fillers on the Microstructure and Mechanical Strength of Dental Glass Ionomer Cements
Authors: Souza Júlio C. M. , Silva Joel B. , Aladim Andrea , Carvalho Oscar , Nascimento Rubens M. , Silva Filipe S. , Martinelli Antonio E. , Henriques Bruno
Published: March 2016

Background:

Glass-ionomer cements perform a protective effect on the dentin-pulp complex considering the F ions release and chemical bonding to the dental structures. On the other hand, those materials have poor physic-mechanical properties in comparison with the restorative resin composite. The main aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of zirconia and/or alumina fillers on the microstructure and strength of a resin modified glass-ionomer cement after thermal cycling.

Methods:

Anin vitroexperimental study was carried out on 9 groups (n= 10) of cylindrical samples (6 x 4 mm) made from resin modified glass-ionomer (Vitremer, 3M, USA) with different contents of alumina and/or zirconia fillers. A nano-hybrid resin composite was tested as a control group. Samples were mechanically characterized by axial compressive tests and electron scanning microscopy (SEM) coupled to energy dispersive X-ray spectrophotometry (EDS), before and after thermal cycling. Thermal cycling procedures were performed at 3000, 6000 and 10000 cycles in Fusayama´s artificial saliva at 5 and 60oC.

Results:

An improvement of compressive strength was noticed on glass-ionomer reinforced with alumina fillers in comparison with the commercial glass ionomer. SEM images revealed the morphology and distribution of alumina or zirconia in the microstructure of glass-ionomers. Also, defects such as cracks and pores were detected on the glass-ionomer cements. The materials tested were not affected by thermal cycling in artificial saliva.

Conclusion:

Addition of inorganic particles at nano-scale such as alumina can increase the mechanical properties of glass-ionomer cements. However, the presence of cracks and pores present in glass-ionomer can negatively affect the mechanical properties of the material because they are areas of stress concentration.
A Hukuhara approach to the study of hybrid fuzzy systems on time scales
Authors: Fard Omid , Torres Delfim , Zadeh Mohadeseh
Published: March 2016

We introduce a new approach to study the practical stability of hybrid fuzzy
systems on time scales in the Lyapunov sense. Our method is based on the
delta-Hukuhara derivative for fuzzy valued functions and allow us to obtain
new interesting stability criteria. We also show the validity of the results
of M. Sambandham: Hybrid fuzzy systems on time scales, Dynam. Systems Appl.
12 (2003), no. 1-2, 217{227, by embedding the space of all fuzzy subsets
into a suitable Banach space.
Value-Relevance of Corporate Social Responsibility: Evidence from Short Selling
Authors: Jain Archana , Jain Pankaj K. , Rezaee Zabihollah
Published: March 2016

We examine whether short sellers, as informed investors, take into consideration corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance and disclosure in the areas of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) sustainability in making investment decisions. We find that firms' market value and future financial performance, measured by price per share, return on equity, and return on assets, are lower, whereas operating risk, measured by the standard deviation of return on equity and the standard deviation of return on assets, is higher for firms with low composite ESG scores. We detect a negative association between ESG scores and short selling, indicating that short sellers avoid firms with high ESG scores and tend to target firms with low ESG scores. We conclude that investors consider firms' ESG scores as value relevant in making investment decisions and thus management should integrate CSR into strategic decisions and corporate reporting.

JEL Classifications: G32; M40.
Problem-based Learning Discussion: Medical Treatment of Pediatric Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Hamilos Daniel L.
Published: March 2016

This problem-based learning case focused on the approach to evaluation and management of a 5-year old girl who was “always sick” with sinus infections. The discussion unfolds in a “real life” scenario, i.e., based on information available to the clinician initially and after the acquisition of laboratory data, and, ultimately, after sinus surgery. Emphasis is placed on the differential diagnosis of the patient's symptoms, discussion of the initial management strategy for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), evolution from acute rhinosinusitis to CRS, the prevalence of and differential diagnosis of nasal polyps in children, treatment considerations specific for CRS with nasal polyps, the significance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa sinus infection, the significance of an abnormal sweat chloride test in a young child with nasal polyposis, special considerations in children with CRS who have cystic fibrosis, treatment considerations after endoscopic sinus surgery, and, finally, prognostic factors that impact the outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery. This problem-based learning case highlights many facets of managing refractory CRS in children.
Extensive versus Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps and Asthma: A 1-year Study
Authors: Chen Feng-Hong , Deng Jie , Hong Hai-Yu , Xu Rui , Guo Jie-Bo , Hou Wei-Jian , Sun Yue-Qi , Lai Yin-Yan , Li Hua-Bin , Shi Jian-Bo
Published: March 2016

Background

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is considered to be the standard procedure for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). However, for CRSwNP that accompanies asthma, the results are not satisfying. Extensive endoscopic sinus surgery (EESS) aimed at reducing the inflammatory load has been indicated as a viable option for refractory chronic rhinosinusitis.

Objective

To evaluate the clinical outcomes and safety of EESS (middle turbinate and superior turbinate resection and total ethmoidectomy) for patients with CRSwNP and with asthma.

Methods

This was a prospective, single-institute cohort study conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital. Patients with CRSwNP and with asthma who were proceeding to surgery were enrolled. There were 23 patients in the EESS group and 24 patients in the FESS group. The preoperative disease severity was evaluated by the visual analog scale (VAS), Lund-Kennedy (L-K) endoscopy score, computed tomography Lund-Mackay score, asthma control test (ACT), and pulmonary function test. Clinical outcomes were comparatively evaluated between the two groups after a 1-year follow-up by using the VAS score, the postoperative endoscopic score (E score), L-K score, ACT score, and pulmonary function test.

Results

The disease severity (general VAS score, endoscopic L-K score, computed tomography score, ACT score) showed no significant differences between the two groups before surgery (p > 0.05). One year after surgery, both groups achieved significant improvement in the VAS score and endoscopic L-K score. The EESS group showed better improvement in the olfactory VAS score and E score compared with the FESS group (mean [standard deviation] change of olfactory VAS, 6.00 ∓ 3.67 versus 3.30 ∓ 3.44, p = 0.015; mean [standard deviation] E score, 0.31 ∓ 0.18 versus 0.66 ∓ 0.26, p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the change of general nasal symptom VAS score, other individual VAS scores (nasal congestion, discharge, headache and/or facial pain), L-K score, ACT score, and pulmonary function between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

EESS for patients with CRSwNP and with asthma may help to improve the subjective olfaction and endoscopic appearance.
Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms and Positive Skin-prick Test Results in Patients with Dry Eye
Authors: Yenigun Alper , Dadaci Zeynep , Sahin Gulay Ozel , Elbay Ahmet
Published: March 2016

Background

Dry eye is characterized by decreased tear production and/or increased evaporation rates of the tear film barrier. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory disease that develops through immunoglobulin E in the rhino ocular mucosa due to allergens. To investigate the prevalence of allergic rhinitis symptoms and positive skin-prick test results in patients with dry eye.

Methods

This is a case-control study. The study included 57 patients with dry eye and 48 healthy subjects. The prevalence of allergic symptoms and skin-prick test results were assessed and compared with the control group.

Results

With regard to positive reactions to allergens in skin-prick tests, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergy (p = 0.0003), Dermatophagoides farinae allergy (p = 0.0003), grass-mix allergy (p = 0.049), Salicaces allergy (p = 0.006), and Compositae allergy (p = 0.019) were significantly observed to be higher in the group with dry eye. Nasal obstruction (p = 0.027), discharge (p = 0.0001), sneeze (p = 0.0003), itching (p = 0.0001), and postnasal drainage (p = 0.001) symptoms were observed to be significantly higher in the group with dry eye.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that there was a significant association between dry eye and allergic rhinitis with positive skin-prick test results. There may be a possible link between dry eye and allergy.
Spleen Tyrosine Kinase Induces MUC5AC Expression in Human Airway Epithelial Cell
Authors: Na Hyung Gyun , Bae Chang Hoon , Choi Yoon Seok , Song Si-Youn , Kim Yong-Dae
Published: March 2016

Background

MUC5AC, a major secreted mucin, is increased in chronic inflammatory airway disease. Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) is a mediator, which acts as an important regulator of intracellular signal transduction in the inflammatory response. SYK was originally identified in hematopoietic cells, and its expression in some nonhematopoietic cells, including respiratory epithelial cells, was recently demonstrated. However, the effects of SYK on mucin secretion in human airway epithelial cells have not been studied. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect and brief signaling pathways of SYK on MUC5AC expression in human airway epithelial cells.

Methods

In mucin-producing human NCI-H292 cells and primary cultures of human nasal epithelial cells, the effects and signaling pathways of SYK on MUC5AC expression were investigated by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction, real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme immunoassay, and immunoblot analysis with several specific inhibitors and small interfering RNA (siRNA).

Results

SYK induced MUC5AC expression. SYK activated significant phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK)1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. SYK-induced MUC5AC expression was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with U0126 (ERK1/2 MAPK inhibitor) and SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor). In addition, the knockdown of ERK2 and p38 MAPK by ERK2 and p38 MAPK siRNA significantly blocked SYK-induced MUC5AC expression.

Conclusion

These results indicated that SYK increased MUC5AC expression via ERK2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in human airway epithelial cells.
Atypical Presentations of Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma: Surgical Management and Influence on the Recurrence Rate
Authors: Akkari Mohamed , Lassave Jérome , Mura Thibault , Gascou Grégory , Pierre Guillemette , Cartier César , Garrel Renaud , Crampette Louis
Published: March 2016

Background

Sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP), classically, is a unilateral benign tumor of the nasal lateral wall. Numerous variations have been observed, depending on location, bilateral presentation, or association with nasal polyposis.

Objective

The aim of this work was to describe atypical presentations of SNIPs with their management specificities and to assess their influence on the recurrence rate in a large case series.

Methods

A retrospective single center study of 110 patients treated for SNIP. Atypical inverted papillomas were identified according to the following criteria: (1) unusual location (frontal, posterior, anterior), (2) bilateral involvement, and (3) association with nasal polyposis. Surgical management was detailed, and the influence of each atypical group on recurrence was assessed by using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the log-rank test.

Results

Distribution of atypical presentations was as follows: frontal sinus localization (10.9%); posterior localization, including sphenoid sinus (9%); nasal anterior localization (3.6%); bilateral involvement (3.6%); and nasal polyposis association (10%). The surgical approach was endoscopic (74.5%), external (5.5%), or combined endoscopic and external (20%). Except for nasal anterior localization, all the groups were associated with a higher recurrence rate, without reaching statistical significance.

Conclusion

Recurrence rates for these atypical presentations arise from their specific surgical challenges. The choice of the surgical technique is guided by tumor location and extension, and by the surgeon's experience; the main objective is a complete resection. The endoscopic endonasal approach is the most frequent procedure.
Depression in Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Controlled Cohort Study
Authors: Schlosser Rodney J. , Storck Kristina , Cortese Bernadette M. , Uhde Thomas W. , Rudmik Luke , Soler Zachary M.
Published: March 2016

Background

Depression in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is underdiagnosed but significantly impacts treatment outcomes and health care utilization.

Objective

To compare undiagnosed depression in a CRS cohort with a healthy, non-CRS control cohort.

Methods

A case-control study of patients with symptomatic CRS and a non-CRS control cohort was performed. Demographic and comorbidity factors were correlated to depression-specific outcomes by using the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI).

Results

We enrolled 42 patients with CRS and 88 control patients with no history of CRS. Physician-diagnosed depression was equivalent in CRS and control patients (6% and 9%, respectively). BDI-detected depression was higher among patients with CRS compared with controls (31% versus 14.8%, respectively; p = 0.031). BDI scores were higher in patients with CRS even when controlling for comorbid asthma, allergy, and aspirin sensitivity. When examined by polyp status, the patients without polyps had more depression than did the controls (38% versus 14.8%; p = 0.048). The somatic subscale scores of the BDI were worse in patients with CRS (p = 0.004), whereas the cognitive subscale trended toward significance (p = 0.081).

Conclusion

Depression may be more common in CRS than previously recognized, especially in patients without polyps. Somatic subscale scores of the BDI are increased in CRS and may impact future treatment outcomes.
Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Perioperative Prophylactic Antibiotics for Skull Base Surgeries
Authors: Rosen Sheri A. B. , Getz Anne E. , Kingdom Todd , Youssef A. Samy , Ramakrishnan Vijay R.
Published: March 2016

Background

Perioperative antibiotics are commonly used in endoscopic skull base surgeries as prophylaxis for infectious complications, e.g., meningitis. The role of perioperative prophylactic antibiotics in endoscopic sinus surgery is unclear, and the routine use of prophylactic antibiotics in endoscopic skull base surgery is also highly debated. Currently, there is no formal recommendation for perioperative antibiotic use in skull base surgery, and regimens vary greatly from one institution to the next.

Objective

To assess perioperative antibiotics as prophylaxis against infectious complications in patients who underwent endoscopic skull base surgery.

Data Sources

PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library.

Methods

A systematic review that examined perioperative antibiotic use in endoscopic skull base and craniofacial surgeries was conducted. Inclusion criteria were prospective or retrospective study design and clinical trials related to the use of antibiotics within 30 days of skull base surgery. End points included infectious complications such as (1) meningitis and (2) sinusitis.

Results

A total of 2543 articles were identified by the initial search, and 5 articles met inclusion criteria. The five eligible trials were all observational and involved different types of skull base surgical procedures and antibiotic regimens.

Conclusions

Despite institutional variability in antibiotic regimens, meningitis rarely occurs after skull base procedures and seems to be encountered most frequently in open craniofacial surgeries. A systematic review revealed a limited number of published studies, all observational in study design, which precluded a formal meta-analysis. A novel large-scale randomized-controlled clinical trial is needed to evaluate antibiotic selection and need in endoscopic skull base surgery.
To Break the Vicious Circle of Energy Poverty
Authors: Thapa Jayanti
Published: March 2016

Not Available.HYDRO Nepal Journal of Water Energy and EnvironmentVolume- 18, 2016, JanuaryPage -1 to 1
Hydropower Development: Before and After 1992
Authors: Shrestha Ratna Sansar
Published: March 2016

Hydropower Development Policy promulgated in 1992 by Government of Nepal (GoN) heralded domestic and foreign private investment in hydropower projects, which was instrumental in adding 255,647 MW to the system with the investment of US$ 493 million in a period of 23 years. While, public sector succeeded to add only 238.6 MW during the same period; thus adding a total of 489.14 MW to the system by public and private sectors. As cumulative total installed capacity of projects implemented prior to it in eight decades from 1911 through 1991 was only 239.33 MW, it manifests successful implementation of the policy with resultant mobilization of private investment.Only 9th five-year plan period (1997-2002) succeeded to achieve 91% of the target set for the period resulting in mismatch in the growth of demand and supply; consequently load shedding. The reasons behind the failure need an in-depth analysis and critique of the policy and improvement thereof. HYDRO Nepal Journal of Water Energy and EnvironmentVolume- 18, 2016, JanuaryPage -16 to 21
Fishing Tourism can Support Fisher’s Livelihood and Fish Conservation in Nepal: A Value Chain Analysis
Authors: Gurung Tek Bahadur , Thing Amar
Published: March 2016

Fishing tourism of recreational fisheries is a multibillion dollar outdoor activity. The fishing tourism in Nepal is yet to be systematized. Focusing on this need, the present paper attempts to pioneer how recreational fisheries in Nepal could be useful having commendable world renounced fish resources, luring pristine and suitable scenic landscapes for promoting fishing tourism. It is argued that fishing tourism should be systematically regularized and practiced in close collaboration with traditional ethnic fisher communities. Considering the potentiality, we elucidate the result of value chain analysis, arguing that promotion and streamlining of fishing tourism along with the traditional fishers could generate immense livelihood opportunities for resilience along with fish conservation. The value chain analysis showed that livelihood of fishers communities are likely to be enhanced by involving in fishing based tourism support services with fewer fishing activities, which in turn could be supportive to fish conservation. The present modality of promoting and systematizing fishing tourism might have implication to address the issues of poverty alleviation and resilience to fish conservation in many developing countries having similar socio-economic and agro ecological setups in Nepal. HYDRO Nepal Journal of Water Energy and EnvironmentVolume- 18, 2016, JanuaryPage -55 to 60
HPTLC fingerprint profile of antibacterial compound produced from forest soil Streptomyces SFA5
Authors: Ponnuswamy Shekar , Kannaiyan Sathish Kumar , Venugopal Gopikrishnan , Mannikkam Radhakrishnan
Published: March 2016

The present study investigates the presence of antimicrobial compounds from potent isolate Streptomyces sp. SFA5 from the Sabarimala forest ecosystem, Western Ghats, Kerala, India. Preliminary screening revealed Streptomyces sp. SFA5 isolate shows significant inhibition against the bacterial and fungal pathogens. The antibacterial compound from isolate SFA5 was produced by submerged fermentation using yeast extract malt extract broth and extracted using different solvents. Among the different solvent extracts tested, the ethyl acetate extract of SFA5 shows maximum zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (23mm) and Bacillus cereus (24mm). A simple, sensitive and accurate HPTLC method has been performed for the quantitative estimation of bioactive compounds from ethyl acetate extract of Streptomyces sp. SFA5. The optimized solvent system for mobile phase in HPTLC Chromatogram is toluene: ethyl acetate: methanol: acetic acid (5:3:1:0.5, v/v/v/v). Results of HPTLC finger printing of ethyl acetate extract of the strain SFA5 at UV 254 and 366 with corresponding Rf values substantiate the presence of bioactive compounds.

Video clip: 

Production and extraction of bioactive compounds: 5 min 43 sec

 

 
Remote Control of a Mobile Robot for Indoor Patrol
Authors: Juang Shih-Yao , Juang Jih-Gau
Published: March 2016

This study applies smartphone, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi wireless network to control a wheeled mobile robot (WMR) remotely. The first part of this study demonstrates that the WMR can be controlled manually by a smartphone. The smartphone can remotely control the WMR for forward, backward, left-turn, and right-turn operations. The second part of this article presents object tracking. The WMR can follow a moving object through the use of image processing for object tracking and distance detection. In the third part, infrared sensor and fuzzy system algorithms are integrated into the control scheme. Through wall-following and obstacle-avoidance control, the WMR can successfully perform indoor patrol.
Theoretical Analysis of SAW Propagation in 3C-SiC/c-AlN
Authors: Caliendo Cinzia
Published: March 2016

The anisotropic materials as the acoustic wave propagating medium introduce the dependence of the phase velocity on the wave propagation direction, as opposed to the isotropic counterparts; in addition, the profile of the particle displacement components can be quite different, depending on the crystal type and propagation direction. The propagation of surface and bulk acoustic waves (SAWs and BAWs) along the (001), (111) and (110) planes of cubic SiC crystals have been studied. For specific propagation directions in these planes, slight variations in the velocity of the elastic surface waves are found. It was observed that Rayleigh-type, generalized and pseudo-surface waves can propagate at specific directions, thus confirming how the anisotropic behavior of the bare SiC substrate modifies the existence and the field profile of the SAW that propagates at its free surface. Finally, the SAW propagation along AlN/SiC-based multilayered structures is studied for the three SiC planes, different AlN piezoelectric layer thicknesses and electrical boundary conditions.
Catalytic Pyrolysis of Wild Reed over a Zeolite-Based Waste Catalyst
Authors: Yoo Myung , Park Yong , Park Young-Kwon , Park Sung
Published: March 2016

Fast catalytic pyrolysis of wild reed was carried out at 500 °C. Waste fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst disposed from a petroleum refinery process was activated through acetone-washing and calcination and used as catalyst for pyrolysis. In order to evaluate the catalytic activity of waste FCC catalyst, commercial HY zeolite catalyst with a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of 5.1 was also used. The bio-oil produced from pyrolysis was analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). When the biomass-to-catalyst ratio was 1:1, the production of phenolics and aromatics was promoted considerably by catalysis, whereas the content of oxygenates was affected little. Significant conversion of oxygenates to furans and aromatics was observed when the biomass-to-catalyst ratio of 1:10 was used. Activated waste FCC catalyst showed comparable catalytic activity for biomass pyrolysis to HY in terms of the promotion of valuable chemicals, such as furans, phenolics and aromatics. The results of this study imply that waste FCC catalyst can be an important economical resource for producing high-value-added chemicals from biomass.
A Conceptual Framework for the Assessment of Cumulative Exposure to Air Pollution at a Fine Spatial Scale
Authors: Wahida Kihal-Talantikite , Padilla Cindy , Denis Zmirou-Navier , Olivier Blanchard , Géraldine Le , Philippe Quenel , Séverine Deguen
Published: March 2016

Many epidemiological studies examining long-term health effects of exposure to air pollutants have characterized exposure by the outdoor air concentrations at sites that may be distant to subjects’ residences at different points in time. The temporal and spatial mobility of subjects and the spatial scale of exposure assessment could thus lead to misclassification in the cumulative exposure estimation. This paper attempts to fill the gap regarding cumulative exposure assessment to air pollution at a fine spatial scale in epidemiological studies investigating long-term health effects. We propose a conceptual framework showing how major difficulties in cumulative long-term exposure assessment could be surmounted. We then illustrate this conceptual model on the case of exposure to NO2 following two steps: (i) retrospective reconstitution of NO2 concentrations at a fine spatial scale; and (ii) a novel approach to assigning the time-relevant exposure estimates at the census block level, using all available data on residential mobility throughout a 10- to 20-year period prior to that for which the health events are to be detected. Our conceptual framework is both flexible and convenient for the needs of different epidemiological study designs.
The Impact of Gender, Socioeconomic Status and Home Language on Primary School Children’s Reading Comprehension in KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Völkel Gabriela , Seabi Joseph , Cockcroft Kate , Goldschagg Paul
Published: March 2016

The current study constituted part of a larger, longitudinal, South African-based study, namely, The Road and Aircraft Noise Exposure on Children’s Cognition and Health (RANCH—South Africa). In the context of a multicultural South Africa and varying demographic variables thereof, this study sought to investigate and describe the effects of gender, socioeconomic status and home language on primary school children’s reading comprehension in KwaZulu-Natal. In total, 834 learners across 5 public schools in the KwaZulu-Natal province participated in the study. A biographical questionnaire was used to obtain biographical data relevant to this study, and the Suffolk Reading Scale 2 (SRS2) was used to obtain reading comprehension scores. The findings revealed that there was no statistical difference between males and females on reading comprehension scores. In terms of socioeconomic status (SES), learners from a low socioeconomic background performed significantly better than those from a high socioeconomic background. English as a First Language (EL1) speakers had a higher mean reading comprehension score than speakers who spoke English as an Additional Language (EAL). Reading comprehension is indeed affected by a variety of variables, most notably that of language proficiency. The tool to measure reading comprehension needs to be standardized and administered in more than one language, which will ensure increased reliability and validity of reading comprehension scores.
Hepatitis B Virus Vaccination Coverage in Medical, Nursing, and Paramedical Students: A Cross-Sectional, Multi-Centered Study in Greece
Authors: Papagiannis Dimitrios , Tsimtsiou Zoi , Chatzichristodoulou Ioanna , Adamopoulou Maria , Kallistratos Ilias , Pournaras Spyros , Arvanitidou Malamatenia , Rachiotis George
Published: March 2016

Students of health professions are at high risk of hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection during their clinical training. The aim of this cross-sectional, multi-centered study was to investigate the HBV vaccination coverage in Greek medical, nursing, and paramedical students, to look into their attitudes towards the importance of vaccines and to reveal reasons associated with not being vaccinated. A self-completed, anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 2119 students of health professions in Greece, during the academic year 2013–2014. The HBV vaccination coverage of students was high (83%), being higher among medical students (88.1%, vs. 81.4% among nursing and 80.1% among paramedical students; p < 0.001). The vast majority of them (95%) have been vaccinated during childhood. In addition, 30% of the unvaccinated students declared fear over HBV safety. Our results indicate that the healthcare students achieved higher reported immunization rates compared to the currently serving healthcare workers, but also to the students of the last decade. The fact that nursing and paramedical students have lower coverage figures underlines the importance of targeted interventions for the different subgroups of healthcare students in terms of educational programs and screening for HBV markers in order to increase HBV vaccination uptake.
Gut Microbiota and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Insights on Mechanism and Application of Metabolomics
Authors: He Xuyun , Ji Guang , Jia Wei , Li Houkai
Published: March 2016

Gut microbiota are intricately involved in the development of obesity-related metabolic diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance. In the current review, we discuss the role of gut microbiota in the development of NAFLD by focusing on the mechanisms of gut microbiota-mediated host energy metabolism, insulin resistance, regulation of bile acids and choline metabolism, as well as gut microbiota-targeted therapy. We also discuss the application of a metabolomic approach to characterize gut microbial metabotypes in NAFLD.
From Colombo to Athens: Areal and Universalist Perspectives on Bilingual Compound Verbs
Authors: Muysken Pieter
Published: March 2016

Most or all bilingual varieties of the languages spoken in the area between Sri Lanka and Greece have bilingual compound verbs, consisting of a lexical content verb from a donor language and a helping verb from the matrix language. In this paper, these verbs are described and analyzed, and the question is raised whether this widespread occurrence is specifically an areal feature, or a universally available pattern and a question of typological poise—the possibility of a construction arising due to propitious typological circumstances. Pleading for the areal perspective, it is concluded there is the fact that two large and important language families—Turkic and Indo-Iranian—either rapidly developed or already had a productive [noun + verb] construction. On the universalist side, it is clear that native [noun + verb] constructions very easily develop into [verb + verb] constructions in bilingual settings, though not in monolingual settings. This is a cross-generational change that is a contact phenomenon; that is to say, this development does not occur in monolingual, non-contact language settings.
Codon Distribution in Error-Detecting Circular Codes
Authors: Fimmel Elena , Strüngmann Lutz
Published: March 2016

In 1957, Francis Crick et al. suggested an ingenious explanation for the process of frame maintenance. The idea was based on the notion of comma-free codes. Although Crick’s hypothesis proved to be wrong, in 1996, Arquès and Michel discovered the existence of a weaker version of such codes in eukaryote and prokaryote genomes, namely the so-called circular codes. Since then, circular code theory has invariably evoked great interest and made significant progress. In this article, the codon distributions in maximal comma-free, maximal self-complementary C3 and maximal self-complementary circular codes are discussed, i.e., we investigate in how many of such codes a given codon participates. As the main (and surprising) result, it is shown that the codons can be separated into very few classes (three, or five, or six) with respect to their frequency. Moreover, the distribution classes can be hierarchically ordered as refinements from maximal comma-free codes via maximal self-complementary C3 codes to maximal self-complementary circular codes.
Dynamics and the Cohomology of Measured Laminations
Authors: Meniño Cotón Carlos
Published: March 2016

In this paper, the interconnection between the cohomology of measured group actions and the cohomology of measured laminations is explored, the latter being a generalization of the former for the case of discrete group actions and cocycles evaluated on abelian groups. This relation gives a rich interplay between these concepts. Several results can be adapted to this setting—for instance, Zimmer’s reduction of the coefficient group of bounded cocycles or Fustenberg’s cohomological obstruction for extending the ergodicity \(\mathbb{Z}\)-action to a skew product relative to an \(S^{1}\) evaluated cocycle. Another way to think about foliated cocycles is also shown, and a particular application is the characterization of the existence of certain classes of invariant measures for smooth foliations in terms of the \(L^{\infty}\)-cohomology class of the infinitesimal holonomy.
Solid-Phase Synthesis of Amine/Carboxyl Substituted Prolines and Proline Homologues: Scope and Limitations
Authors: Zhou Ziniu , Scott William , O’Donnell Martin
Published: March 2016

A solid-phase procedure is used to synthesize racemic peptidomimetics based on the fundamental peptide unit. The peptidomimetics are constructed around proline or proline homologues variably substituted at the amine and carbonyl sites. The procedure expands the diversity of substituted peptidomimetic molecules available to the Distributed Drug Discovery (D3) project. Using a BAL-based solid-phase synthetic sequence the proline or proline homologue subunit is both constructed and incorporated into the peptidomimetic by an α-alkylation, hydrolysis and intramolecular cyclization sequence. Further transformations on solid-phase provide access to a variety of piperazine derivatives representing a class of molecules known to exhibit central nervous system activity. The procedure works well with proline cores, but with larger six- and seven-membered ring homologues the nature of the carboxylic acid acylating the cyclic amine can lead to side reactions and result in poor overall yields.
Comparison of the ISU, NCI, MSM, and SPADE Methods for Estimating Usual Intake: A Simulation Study of Nutrients Consumed Daily
Authors: Laureano Greice , Torman Vanessa , Crispim Sandra , Dekkers Arnold , Camey Suzi
Published: March 2016

Various methods are available for estimating usual dietary intake distributions. Hence, there is a need for simulation studies to compare them. The methods Iowa State University (ISU), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Multiple Source Method (MSM) and Statistical Program to Assess Dietary Exposure (SPADE) were previously compared in another study, but some results were inconclusive due to the small number of replications used in the simulation. Seeking to overcome this limitation, the present study used 1000 simulated samples for 12 different scenarios to compare the accuracy of estimates yielded by the aforementioned methods. The focus is on scenarios that exhibited the most uncertainty in the conclusions of the mentioned study above, i.e., scenarios with small sample sizes, skewed intake distributions, and large ratios of the between- and within-person variances. Bias was used as a measure of accuracy. For scenarios with small sample sizes (n = 150), the ISU, MSM and SPADE methods generally achieved more accurate estimates than the NCI method, particularly for the 10th and 90th percentiles. The differences between methods became smaller with larger sample sizes (n = 300 and n = 500). With few exceptions, the methods were found to perform similarly.
Quercetin, Inflammation and Immunity
Authors: Li Yao , Yao Jiaying , Han Chunyan , Yang Jiaxin , Chaudhry Maria , Wang Shengnan , Liu Hongnan , Yin Yulong
Published: March 2016

In vitro and some animal models have shown that quercetin, a polyphenol derived from plants, has a wide range of biological actions including anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities; as well as attenuating lipid peroxidation, platelet aggregation and capillary permeability. This review focuses on the physicochemical properties, dietary sources, absorption, bioavailability and metabolism of quercetin, especially main effects of quercetin on inflammation and immune function. According to the results obtained both in vitro and in vivo, good perspectives have been opened for quercetin. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to better characterize the mechanisms of action underlying the beneficial effects of quercetin on inflammation and immunity.
On the Rate of Synthesis of Individual Proteins within and between Different Striated Muscles of the Rat
Authors: Hesketh Stuart , Srisawat Kanchana , Sutherland Hazel , Jarvis Jonathan , Burniston Jatin
Published: March 2016

The turnover of muscle protein is responsive to different (patho)-physiological conditions but little is known about the rate of synthesis at the level of individual proteins or whether this varies between different muscles. We investigated the synthesis rate of eight proteins (actin, albumin, ATP synthase alpha, beta enolase, creatine kinase, myosin essential light chain, myosin regulatory light chain and tropomyosin) in the extensor digitorum longus, diaphragm, heart and soleus of male Wistar rats (352 ± 30 g body weight). Animals were assigned to four groups (n = 3, in each), including a control and groups that received deuterium oxide (2H2O) for 4 days, 7 days or 14 days. Deuterium labelling was initiated by an intraperitoneal injection of 10 μL/g body weight of 99.9% 2H2O-saline, and was maintained by administration of 5% (v/v) 2H2O in drinking water provided ad libitum. Homogenates of the isolated muscles were analysed by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time of flight mass spectrometry. Proteins were identified against the SwissProt database using peptide mass fingerprinting. For each of the eight proteins investigated, the molar percent enrichment (MPE) of 2H and rate constant (k) of protein synthesis was calculated from the mass isotopomer distribution of peptides based on the amino acid sequence and predicted number of exchangeable C–H bonds. The average MPE (2.14% ± 0.2%) was as expected and was consistent across muscles harvested at different times (i.e., steady state enrichment was achieved). The synthesis rate of individual proteins differed markedly within each muscle and the rank-order of synthesis rates differed among the muscles studied. After 14 days the fraction of albumin synthesised (23% ± 5%) was significantly (p < 0.05) greater than for other muscle proteins. These data represent the first attempt to study the synthesis rates of individual proteins across a number of different striated muscles.
A Strip Cell in Pyroelectric Devices
Authors: Siao An-Shen , Chao Ching-Kong , Hsiao Chun-Ching
Published: March 2016

The pyroelectric effect affords the opportunity to convert temporal temperature fluctuations into usable electrical energy in order to develop abundantly available waste heat. A strip pyroelectric cell, used to enhance temperature variation rates by lateral temperature gradients and to reduce cell capacitance to further promote the induced voltage, is described as a means of improving pyroelectric energy transformation. A precision dicing saw was successfully applied in fabricating the pyroelectric cell with a strip form. The strip pyroelectric cell with a high-narrow cross section is able to greatly absorb thermal energy via the side walls of the strips, thereby inducing lateral temperature gradients and increasing temperature variation rates in a thicker pyroelectric cell. Both simulation and experimentation show that the strip pyroelectric cell improves the electrical outputs of pyroelectric cells and enhances the efficiency of pyroelectric harvesters. The strip-type pyroelectric cell has a larger temperature variation when compared to the trenched electrode and the original type, by about 1.9 and 2.4 times, respectively. The measured electrical output of the strip type demonstrates a conspicuous increase in stored energy as compared to the trenched electrode and the original type, by of about 15.6 and 19.8 times, respectively.
Analysis of the Threshold Effect of Financial Development on China’s Carbon Intensity
Authors: Pan Xiongfeng , Yan Yaobo , Peng Xiaoxue , Liu Qing
Published: March 2016

Using panel data on 30 provinces in China from 2005 to 2012, this paper conducts an empirical test on the threshold effect of the relationship between financial development and carbon emission intensity from the perspectives of financial scale and financial efficiency. The results show that at a low level of per capita GDP, the expansion of the financial scale and the enhancement of financial efficiency will increase carbon intensity. When the per capita GDP is greater than the threshold value (RMB 37,410), the expansion of the financial scale will also increase carbon intensity, but the potency of this effect will be weaker. At the same time, the improvement of financial efficiency will help reduce carbon intensity. Most provinces with per capita GDP greater than the threshold value (RMB 37,410) are located in the eastern coastal areas of China, whereas most provinces with per capita GDP less than the threshold value are located in the central and western areas of China. Both raising the level of openness and improving the industrial structure will have significantly positive effects on carbon intensity.
Targeting Staphylococcus aureus Toxins: A Potential form of Anti-Virulence Therapy
Authors: Kong Cin , Neoh Hui-min , Nathan Sheila
Published: March 2016

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen and the leading cause of a wide range of severe clinical infections. The range of diseases reflects the diversity of virulence factors produced by this pathogen. To establish an infection in the host, S. aureus expresses an inclusive set of virulence factors such as toxins, enzymes, adhesins, and other surface proteins that allow the pathogen to survive under extreme conditions and are essential for the bacteria’s ability to spread through tissues. Expression and secretion of this array of toxins and enzymes are tightly controlled by a number of regulatory systems. S. aureus is also notorious for its ability to resist the arsenal of currently available antibiotics and dissemination of various multidrug-resistant S. aureus clones limits therapeutic options for a S. aureus infection. Recently, the development of anti-virulence therapeutics that neutralize S. aureus toxins or block the pathways that regulate toxin production has shown potential in thwarting the bacteria’s acquisition of antibiotic resistance. In this review, we provide insights into the regulation of S. aureus toxin production and potential anti-virulence strategies that target S. aureus toxins.
Modeling the Impact of Ditch Water Level Management on Stream–Aquifer Interactions
Authors: Gliege Steffen , Thomas Björn , Steidl Jörg , Hohenbrink Tobias , Dietrich Ottfried
Published: March 2016

Decreasing groundwater levels in many parts of Germany and decreasing low flows in Central Europe have created a need for adaptation measures to stabilize the water balance and to increase low flows. The objective of our study was to estimate the impact of ditch water level management on stream-aquifer interactions in small lowland catchments of the mid-latitudes. The water balance of a ditch-irrigated area and fluxes between the subsurface and the adjacent stream were modeled for three runoff recession periods using the Hydrus-2D software package. The results showed that the subsurface flow to the stream was closely related to the difference between the water level in the ditch system and the stream. Evapotranspiration during the growing season additionally reduced base flow. It was crucial to stop irrigation during a recession period to decrease water withdrawal from the stream and enhance the base flow by draining the irrigated area. Mean fluxes to the stream were between 0.04 and 0.64 ls−1 for the first 20 days of the low-flow periods. This only slightly increased the flow in the stream, whose mean was 57 ls−1 during the period with the lowest flows. Larger areas would be necessary to effectively increase flows in mesoscale catchments.
The Water Abstraction License Regime in Italy: A Case for Reform?
Authors: Santato Silvia , Mysiak Jaroslav , Pérez-Blanco Carlos
Published: March 2016

The current Water Abstraction License (WAL) regime in Italy is no longer flexible enough to cope with the challenges posed by human-induced climate and global environmental changes. The cornerstones of the current regime were laid down in the 1930s and have remained essentially unchanged ever since. The sole noteworthy reform of the Italian WAL regime was the decentralization of the regulatory competences from the state to the regional authorities in the late 1990s. In this paper, we review the WAL regimes across the administrative regions comprising the Po River Basin District (PRBD), the largest and economically most important in Italy. PRBD’s WAL regime includes a rigid and scattered WAL normative that hinders the performance of bottom-up conflict resolution mechanisms at a basin scale; a water pricing scheme that does not reflect the cost of water conveyance and use, and does not encourage efficient water allocation; and the lack of a central WAL register, which delays and in some cases impedes an environmental impact assessment for issuing new licenses or renewing existing ones, and does not allow prioritizing applications according to their full economic value. We argue these deficiencies may compromise both the integrity of riverine and water dependent ecosystems and the economic uses of water. This paper offers insights that can inform reform of water allocations in the PRBD and elsewhere in Italy and in Europe.
Length-extension resonator as a force sensor for high-resolution frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy in air
Authors: Beyer Hannes , Wagner Tino , Stemmer Andreas
Published: March 2016

Frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy has turned into a well-established method to obtain atomic resolution on flat surfaces, but is often limited to ultra-high vacuum conditions and cryogenic temperatures. Measurements under ambient conditions are influenced by variations of the dew point and thin water layers present on practically every surface, complicating stable imaging with high resolution. We demonstrate high-resolution imaging in air using a length-extension resonator operating at small amplitudes. An additional slow feedback compensates for changes in the free resonance frequency, allowing stable imaging over a long period of time with changing environmental conditions.
A Family History of Psoriasis in a First-degree Relative in Children with JIA: to Include or Exclude?
Authors: Chan Mercedes O. , Petty Ross E. , Guzman Jaime ,   for the ReACCh-Out Investigators
Published: March 2016

Objective.

To determine the consequences of disregarding first-degree relatives with psoriasis (FRP) as a classification criterion in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods.

Criteria were examined in children from a prospective cohort with unclassified and psoriatic JIA.

Results.

FRP was the most common reason children were unclassified (57/85, 67%); all 57 children could be classified if FRP were disregarded as an exclusion criterion. FRP was a necessary inclusion criterion to classify 11/77 (14.3%) children with psoriatic JIA.

Conclusion.

Eliminating FRP as an exclusion criterion, but keeping it as an inclusion criterion in psoriatic JIA simplifies classification, though it is unclear whether the resulting classification would be better.