bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Letting the Cat out of the Bag: EFL College Students’ Attitudes towards Learning English Idioms
Authors: Al-Houti Shorouq Khalid , Aldaihani Sultan M.
Published: March 2018

Learning idioms is an uphill battle for many language learners. Thus, this quantitative study aims to shed light on English as Foreign Language (EFL) college students’ attitudes towards idiom learning. Specifically, the study is interested in revealing their attitudes towards (1) the importance of idiom learning, (2) the difficulties of idiom learning and (3) the learning strategies of idioms. Additionally, the study attempts to determine if there is an influence of age and/or year of study on the students’ attitudes towards learning English idioms. Participants were 218 female EFL college students at the College of Basic Education (CBE) in Kuwait. A five-point Likert-scale questionnaire was employed to obtain data for the study. Data analysis of the questionnaire uncovered the learners’ preferred strategies and sources of difficulties when learning idioms. Results showed that students had positive attitudes towards English idiom learning. Significant differences in the results were found when age was taken into account.
Biochemical Markers Present in a Population Susceptible to Suffering From Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Diaz Perez Anderson , Menco Consuelo Roldán , Puerta Zorayda Barrios , Badillo-Viloria María , Navarro-Quiroz Elkin , Yañez Torregroza Zuleima , Mendoza Cataño Carmenza Leonor
Published: March 2018

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (SM) according to Adult Treatment Panel III ATPIII and its relation with uric acid concentration and C-reactive protein, in people aged from 45 to 60 years old from the Getsemaní neighborhood of Cartagena city, Colombia.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Type of study: Observational, Descriptive-Correlation. Population of 802 inhabitants from the Getsemaní neighborhood of Cartagena city. We analyzed 302 inhabitants from a random sample with 95% confidence level and 5% of error level. The ATP III diagnostic criteria were applied, the applied instrument had basic data about the general context (social, demographic, economic aspects, family history, work activity and its physical characteristics: weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, calculation of BMI), as well diagnostic tests as: glycaemia, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDLc, LDLc, uric acid, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein. RESULTS: The population susceptible to metabolic syndrome presented a prevalence of 18%. The most prevalent metabolic syndrome factor was abdominal obesity with 85%, followed by an increase in triglycerides by 76%.CONCLUSION: When applying the ATP III criteria, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was considered high. There was no significant association of C-reactive protein values with the possibility of developing metabolic syndrome in both men and women, but uric acid results were found to be correlated in the group of women susceptible to MS with a p = 0.0022.
Effects of Ilex Paraguariensis Polyphenols on Magnesium Absortion and Iron Bioavailability: Preliminary Study
Authors: Sánchez  Boado Lucila , Fretes Raquel María , Brumovsky Luis Alberto
Published: March 2018

Yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis) is a native plant of South America widely consumed as hot infusion. It is a vegetable that has many bioactive compounds, such as caffeine, theobromine theophylline and saponins, phenolic compounds, mainly chlorogenic acids and dicaffeoylquinic acids, and minerals as Fe, Ca, K y Mg, which have many beneficial properties for the health. Polyphenols have the property of chelating the transition metals, as iron and magnesium, decreasing their bioavailability. Iron deficiency anaemia and subclinical hypomagnesemia is observed in the American population. Women at childbearing age belong to a specially vulnerable group. The aim of this work was to evaluate the "in vivo" effect of the polyphenols from yerba maté infusions, consumed in their traditional form, on the bioavailability of Fe and Mg in the diet. Eleven healhty young female volunteers participated in the magnesium and iron study. After the first blood sample was taken (time 0), the volunteers ingested 300 mL of yerba maté infusions, ferrous sulfate or yerba maté infusions plus ferrous sulfate at50 °C in no more than 5 minutes. They remained seated at a comfortable temperature throughout the study. Blood samples were taken 20, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100 and 120 minutes after ingestion.The yerba maté infusions prepared in their traditional form of “hot maté”, which containining an average of 4.68 ± 0.54 GAE/L of polyphenols, have an inhibitory effect on the bioavailability of the magnesium and mainly on non-heminic Fe consumed as ferrous sulphate of the 76 ± 10 % .
New Chummidae (Araneae): quadrupling the size of the clade
Authors: Jocqué Rudy , Alderweireldt Mark
Published: March 2018

The recently described family Chummidae, now the sister clade of Macrobuninae, so far only known from two South African species, is extended with seven new species, six from the southern part of South Africa and one from Lesotho: Chumma bicolor sp. nov. (♀), C. foliata sp. nov. (♂♀), C. interfluvialis sp. nov. (♂♀), C. lesotho sp. nov. (♀), C. striata sp. nov. (♂♀), C. subridens sp. nov. (♂♀) and C. tsitsikamma sp. nov. ♂. A key to the species is provided. Although Chumma is part of a clade containing the Macrobuninae, it is argued that the family name Chummidae should remain valid.
SUSTAINABILITY: HOW ENERGY SERVICE COMPANIES (ESCO) CONTRIBUTE?
Authors: MORCILLO BELLIDO JESUS , PRIDA ROMERO BERNARDO , MARTINEZ BELOTTO JAVIER
Published: March 2018

Sustainability is currently a common term used more and more frequently in the academic literature and in the public communications of companies. This is an indicative that suggests that more and more sustainability is understood as a challenge that involves not only environmental aspects, but also as an integrative concept including economic, environmental and social aspects that should be a key pillar of the most highly innovative and advanced companies in the twenty first century. This study has been developed over several years, collecting detailed information on more than two hundreds different ESCO projects (Energy Service Company) in Spain, developed during five years (2010 to 2014). The aim of this research is related to obtaining a better understanding of an issue that is a concern: to what extend these projects that are seeking the efficient reduction of energy from collaboration between companies, could contribute to the integrated vision of sustainability, as a platform for the integration of economic and environmental.

Keywords: Sustainability, energy service projects, ESCO organizations. RESUMEN:
Sostenibilidad es actualmente un término común empleado cada vez con mayor frecuencia en la literatura académica y en las comunicaciones públicas de las empresas. Esto es indicativo que hace pensar que cada vez más se entiende la sostenibilidad como un desafío que involucra no sólo aspectos ambientales, sino también como un concepto integrador que incluye aspectos económicos, ambientales y sociales que deberían ser un pilar clave de las empresas más innovadoras y avanzadas del siglo XXI. Este trabajo se ha desarrollado a lo largo de varios años, recogiendo información detallada sobre más de doscientos proyectos ESCO diferentes (Empresa de Servicios Energéticos) en España, desarrollados durante cinco años (2010 a 2014). El objetivo de esta investigación está relacionado con una mejor comprensión de un tema que preocupa: en qué medida estos proyectos, que buscan la reducción eficiente de la energía de la colaboración entre empresas, contribuyen o no a la visión integrada de sostenibilidad, como plataforma para la integración de los resultados económicos y ambientales.

Palabras clave: Sostenibilidad, proyectos de servicios energéticos, organizaciones ESE
UTICAJ ELEKTROMAGNETNOG ZRAČENJA NA MORFOLOŠKE KARAKTERISTIKE ENDOKRINOG PANKREASA PACOVA WISTAR SOJA
Authors: Paraš S. , Manojlović M. , Paraš G.
Published: March 2018

Ispitivanje sprovedeno u ovom radu ima za cilj da odredi da li postoji uticaj elektromagnetnihpolja tačno određenih karakteristika na endokrini pankreas. Posebnapažnja u esperimentu je usmerena na vrste ćelija koje grade endokrini pankreas,pošto je svaka vrsta spomenutih ćelija dala specifi čan odgovor na delovanje pomenutihpolja. Eksperimentalne životinje su bile mužjaci pacova soja Wistar i izlaganesu u elektromagnetnom polju frekvencije od 50 Hz, indukcije od 500
NAJVAŽNIJE BOLESTI PASA I MA9AKA I NOVI TRENDOVI U IMUNOPROFILAKSI
Authors: Valčić M. , Radojičić S. , Žugić G. , Knežević D. , Bjelica J. , Obrenović S. , Nedić D. N.
Published: March 2018

...
МЕТОДОЛОШКИ ПРИСТУП ОЦЕНИ ДОБРОБИТИ ФАРМАСКИХ ЖИВОТИЊА (ГОВЕДА, СВИЊЕ, ЖИВИНА)
Authors: Вучинић М. , Радисављевић К. , Раденковић Дамњановић Б. , Јанковић Љ.
Published: March 2018

...
PREBIOTICI – SAVREMENA STRATEGIJA U STIMULACIJI RASTA ŽIVOTINJA
Authors: Radulović S. , Marković R. , Petrujkić B. , Katoch S. , Šefer D.
Published: March 2018

...
KJU GROZNICA – EPIZOOTIOLOŠKA ENIGMA
Authors: Valčić M. , Živojinović M. , Živulj A. , Radojičić S. , Plavšić B.
Published: March 2018

...
УТИЦАЈ ХЕМОЛИЗЕ УЗОРАКА КРВИ МЛЕЧНИХ КРАВА НА ВРЕДНОСТ БИОХЕМИЈСКИХ ПАРАМЕТАРА У УСЛОВИМА ТРАНСПОРТА НА СТАБИЛНОЈ ТЕМПЕРАТУРИ
Authors: Белић Б. , Цинцовић М. Р. , Тохољ Б. , Стеванчевић М. , Делић Б.
Published: March 2018

...
Characterization of a new genotype of Betapapillomavirus HPV 17 through L1, E7, E7 and LCR sequences
Authors: Oliveira Ledy H , Santos Larissa Silva , Neves Felipe P G
Published: March 2018

Background. Human papillomavirus (HPV) exhibits epithelial and mucosal tropism. HPV type 17 belongs to the Betapapillomavirus genus and molecular cloning experiments have identified two subtypes (17a and 17b) isolated from epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV). HPV subtypes are characterized by dissimilarities from 2 to 10% at the nucleotide level from their referenced HPV. The aim of this study was to characterize the L1, E6, E7 and LCR sequences from an isolate from the oral mucosa of an asymptomatic woman.

Methods. The whole late gene 1 (L1) was amplified using several sets of primers. The complete early genes 6 and 7 (E6, E7) and the long control region (LCR) were amplified using specific primers. Potential binding sites for transcriptional factors within the LCR were also investigated.

Results. Within these sets, the DNA sequence was altered at 91 positions (68 in L1, 13 in E6, 8 in E7, and 2 in LCR sequences). L1 analysis showed high dissimilarity compared with the HPV 17 prototype, reaching 4% of nucleotide substitutions and leading to a probability third 17 subtype. The E6 oncoprotein presented the highest modification among the sequences !2 studied, with four amino acid changes in comparison with the prototype isolate. The amino acid was modified at a position 62 (S-T), a zinc-binding domain (CxxC(C)29 CxxC).

Discussion. Our findings provide data on genetic variations seen in this genotype, reaching to dichotomic branching and pointing to an evolutionary process. The oral cavity has a large HPV spectrum and may be implicated in the evolution of this virus, allowing it to adapt to sites other than its original niche, may drive to produce adaptive variants of this genotype
Growth and biochemical markers of preterm newborns up to six months of corrected age
Authors: Barreto Grasiely Masotti Scalabrin , Balbo Sandra Lucinei , Rover Milene Sedrez , Toso Beatriz Rosana Gonçalves de Oliveira , Oliveira Hugo Razini de , Viera Cláudia Silveira
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Due to advances in recent decades in maternal-foetal and neonatal medicine, a greater survival of preterm infants with progressively smaller birth weight and gestational age is observed, increasing the risk of future morbidities on those infants. Among these morbidities, alterations in growth and metabolism are found. Objective: To analyze the evolution of the growth and the metabolic profile of preterm infants’ cohort from birth at six months of corrected age (CA).Methods: A descriptive and prospective study with a sample of 107 mothers and 115 preterm infants at birth and 72 preterm infants and 68 mothers at the end of follow-up. Growth (body weight, height, cephalic perimeter) was evaluated at six time points. Plasma concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and insulin of premature infants were assessed during three periods, from birth to 6 months of CA. Comparative analysis of the initial sample and the sample that finished the follow-up was used in chi-square family tests. To Evaluate the growth over the 6-month period by using repeated measurements.Results: Sociodemographic variables and maternal biochemical profile without statistical differences in the comparison of the mothers of the initial sample with those who completed the follow-up. Linear growth of preterm infants at six months of CA, however without recovery of growth. Plasma concentrations of triglycerides (birth = 48.1, 6 months = 151.1) and cholesterol (birth = 82.7, 6 months = 139.9) increased during the evaluations. Glycaemia remained stable (birth 80.4, 6 months = 83.3) and insulin decreased from 11.0 to 4.2.Conclusion: Growth of preterm infants, although linear, was lower than expected for age. Lipid profiles presented an ascending curve from birth onward. Therefore, this group is prone to delayed growth and to developing cardiovascular changes throughout life.
OpenVIVO [Product Review]
Authors: Dettman David
Published: March 2018

According to the About VIVO page, “VIVO is member-supported, open source software and an ontology for representing scholarship” and “supports recording, editing, searching, browsing, and visualizing scholarly activity. VIVO encourages showcasing the scholarly record, research discovery, expert finding, network analysis,” and “assessment of research impact” (http://vivoweb.org/info/about-vivo).
Establishment and quality evaluation of a glioma biobank in Beijing Tiantan Hospital
Authors: Kong Fanhong , Zhang Wenli , Qiao Lin , Li Qi , Li Haowen , Cao Jingli , He Wenyan , Dong Chengya , He Yanjiao , He Lu , Liu Li , Fu Weilun , Liu Lijun , Li Zirui , Wang Yajie
Published: March 2018

Background

We established a glioma biobank at Beijing Tiantan Hospital in November, 2010. Specialized residents have been trained to collect, store and manage the biobank in accordance with standard operating procedures.

Methods

One hundred samples were selected to evaluate the quality of glioma samples stored in the liquid nitrogen tank during different periods (from 2011 to 2015) by morphological examination, RNA integrity determination, DNA integrity determination and housekeeping gene expression determination.

Results

The majority of samples (95%) had high RNA quality for further analysis with RIN ≥6. Quality of DNA of all samples were stable without significant degradation.

Conclusion

Storage conditions of our biobank are suitable for long-term (at least five years) sample preservation with high molecular quality.
Gender disparities in the association between socio-demographics and non-communicable disease risk factors among adults with disabilities in Shanghai, China
Authors: Zhang Youran , Chen Gang , Zhang Qi , Lu Jun , Yu Huijiong
Published: March 2018

Background

Non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors can co-exist with disability and cause a greater burden on the health status of adults with disabilities. A lack of egalitarian social policies in China may result in gender disparities in the NCD risk factors of adults with disabilities. However, little is known about the gender disparities in the association between socio-demographics and NCD risk factors among adults with disabilities in China; consequently, we examined this association among adults with disabilities in Shanghai, China.

Methods

We used the health examination data of 44,896 adults with disabilities in Shanghai in 2014. Descriptive analyses and logistic regression models were conducted to estimate gender disparities in the association between socio-demographics, disability characteristics, and four selected NCD risk factors among adults with disabilities—including high blood pressure, high blood glucose, high blood lipids, and being overweight. We estimated marginal effects (MEs) on NCD risk factors between gender and other confounders.

Results

Women with disabilities were about 11.6 percentage points more likely to suffer from high blood lipids and less likely to develop the other three risk factors than men were. The association of age group, residence permit, education level, marital status, and disability type with health outcomes varied by gender among adults with disabilities. The difference in age effects between men and women was more pronounced in older age groups. Urban residence was associated with less risk of high blood pressure risk among women (ΔME =  − 0.035, p < 0.01), but no significant difference in other NCD risk factors. Education remained a major protective factor against high blood pressure, high blood glucose and being overweight among women with disabilities (MEs < 0, p < 0.05); however, this did not hold for men. The difference in marriage effects between men and women was observed in high blood lipids (ΔME =  − 0.048 for the married group and −0.054 for the divorced or widowed group) and overweight individuals (ΔME =  − 0.091 for the married group and −0.114 for the divorced or widowed group). Women with intellectual disabilities or mental disabilities reported worse health conditions than men did.

Discussion

Preventive strategies and interventions on NCD risk factors for adults with disabilities should take into account gender disparities in these socio-demographic effects. Rural women or poorly educated women with disabilities can be a vulnerable population that requires more health education and promotion strategies. Health education for caregivers of women with intellectual or mental disabilities may also play a vital role in preventing their NCD risk factors.
Asymmetric Organocatalysis and Photoredox Catalysis for the α‐Functionalization of Tetrahydroisoquinolines
Authors: Hou Hong , Zhu Shaoqun , Atodiresei Iuliana , Rueping Magnus
Published: March 2018

The asymmetric α‐alkylation of tetrahydroisoquinolines with cyclic ketones has been accomplished in the presence of a combined catalytic system consisting of a visible‐light photoredox catalyst and a chiral primary amine organocatalyst. The desired products were obtained in good yields, high enantioselectivity, and good to excellent diastereoselectivity. (PC: photoredox cycle, EN: enamine cycle).
Gluons and gravitons at one loop from ambitwistor strings
Authors: Geyer Yvonne , Monteiro Ricardo
Published: March 2018

Abstract

We present new and explicit formulae for the one-loop integrands of scattering amplitudes in non-supersymmetric gauge theory and gravity, valid for any number of particles. The results exhibit the colour-kinematics duality in gauge theory and the double-copy relation to gravity, in a form that was recently observed in supersymmetric theories. The new formulae are expressed in a particular representation of the loop integrand, with only one quadratic propagator, which arises naturally from the framework of the loop-level scattering equations. The starting point in our work are the expressions based on the scattering equations that were recently derived from ambitwistor string theory. We turn these expressions into explicit formulae depending only on the loop momentum, the external momenta and the external polarisations. These formulae are valid in any number of spacetime dimensions for pure Yang-Mills theory (gluon) and its natural double copy, NS-NS gravity (graviton, dilaton, B-field), and we also present formulae in four spacetime dimensions for pure gravity (graviton). We perform several tests of our results, such as checking gauge invariance and directly matching our four-particle formulae to previously known expressions. While these tests would be elaborate in a Feynman-type representation of the loop integrand, they become straightforward in the representation we use.
Chiral algebras in Landau-Ginzburg models
Authors: Dedushenko Mykola
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Chiral algebras in the cohomology of the

$$ {\overline{Q}}_{+} $$

Q
¯

+

supercharge of two-dimensional

$$ \mathcal{N}=\left(0,2\right) $$

N
=

0
2

theories on flat spacetime are discussed. Using the supercurrent multiplet, we show that the answer is renormalization group invariant for theories with an R-symmetry. For

$$ \mathcal{N}=\left(0,2\right) $$

N
=

0
2

Landau-Ginzburg models, the chiral algebra is determined by the operator equations of motion, which preserve their classical form, and quantum renormalization of composite operators. We study these theories and then specialize to the

$$ \mathcal{N}=\left(2,2\right) $$

N
=

2
2

models and consider some examples.
Incorporation of a Global Surgery Rotation into an Academic General Surgery Residency Program: Impact and Perceptions
Authors: LeCompte Michael Thomas , Goldman Connor , Tarpley John L. , Tarpley Margaret , Hansen Erik N. , Nthumba Peter M. , Terhune Kyla P. , Kauffmann Rondi M.
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Global surgery is increasingly recognized as a vital component of international public health. Access to basic surgical care is limited in much of the world, resulting in a global burden of treatable disease. To address the lack of surgical workforce in underserved environments and to foster ongoing interest in global health among US‐trained surgeons, our institution established a residency rotation through partnership with an academic hospital in Kijabe, Kenya. This study evaluates the perceptions of residents involved in the rotation, as well as its impact on their future involvement in global health.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review of admission applications from residents matriculating at our institution was conducted to determine stated interest in global surgery. These were compared to post‐rotation evaluations and follow‐up surveys to assess interest in global surgery and the effects of the rotation on the practices of the participants.

Results

A total of 78 residents matriculated from 2006 to 2016. Seventeen participated in the rotation with 76% of these reporting high satisfaction with the rotation. Sixty‐five percent had no prior experience providing health care in an international setting. Post‐rotation surveys revealed an increase in global surgery interest among participants. Long‐term interest was demonstrated in 33% (n = 6) who reported ongoing activity in global health in their current practices. Participation in global rotations was also associated with increased interest in domestically underserved populations and affected economic and cost decisions within graduates’ practices.
Flow Cytometry in Pediatric Malignancies
Authors: Handoo Anil , Dadu Tina
Published: March 2018

The utility of flow cytometry as a useful diagnostic modality for the assessment of hematopoietic neoplasms has been established beyond doubt. In fact, it is now an integral part of the diagnosis and classification of various diseases like leukemias and lymphomas along with molecular studies and cytogenetics. Prognostication and disease monitoring by flow cytometry is also being recognized increasingly as one of the important fortes. This is evident by the number of articles in the published in literature on the minimal residual disease detection by flow cytometry especially in the last decade or so. To add to this, ever growing list of utilities in hematopoietic malignancies, many nonhematopoietic neoplasms can also be analyzed by flow cytometry. The examples include fluid specimens from serous cavity effusions and samples from solid tissues like lymph nodes, reticulo-endothelial tissue, central nervous system tissue, etc. Flow cytometry technique provides a unique blend of rapidity, high sensitivity and specificity compared to cyto-morphology and conventional immunohistochemical staining. It is also remarkable for simultaneous analysis of more than one marker on the cells. Evaluation of limited samples such as cerebrospinal fluid or fine needle aspiration samples makes Flow cytometry a valuable tool. DNA ploidy analysis and assessment of pediatric non-hematopoietic neoplasms by Flow cytometry has envisaged the utility vista of this technique. This review is aimed at providing an insight into the applications of flow cytometry in pediatric malignancies.
Trypanosomiasis in a Young Infant from Rural Gujarat, India
Authors: Bharodiya Dilip , Singhal Tanu , Kasodariya G. S. , Banerjee P. S. , Garg Rajat
Published: March 2018

Background

Human trypansomiasis due to infection by animal trypanosomes is rarely reported from India.

Case characteristics

We describe clinical presentation of a 2-month-old boy from a rat infested house in rural Gujarat who was diagnosed to be havinginfection with the rodent parasite Trypanosoma lewisi.

Observation

The fever and parasitemia resolved on treatment with liposomal amphotericin B, Ceftriaxone and Amikacin, and there was no recurrence of parasitemia over a 2 month follow-up.

Message

The case highlights the need for increased awareness and heightened surveillance for this rare zoonotic infection.
Excision of Distal Ulnar Exostosis: A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Yip Leung Cheuk , Choi Alexander K.Y. , Tak Chan Ping , Yin Chow Yuk
Published: March 2018

Background

Multiple Hereditary Exostoses with distal ulnar exostosis often results in forearm deformity and functional restrictions. Literature reported variable outcomes and frequent complications with an aggressive approach of ulna lengthening. The role of distal ulnar exostosis excision remained uncertain with contradictory effect in restoring growth. Our study aimed to report our outcome of simple excision and compare with the reported results in literature.

Method

Retrospective review was carried out in patients with distal ulnar exostoses excision who were operated from 2003 to 2011. Patients with less than 3 years of follow-up, radial head dislocation or subluxation, or within 3 years of skeletal maturity were excluded. Clinical outcome including range of forearm rotation was documented. Radiological outcomes including radial articular angle, carpal slip, ulnar variance and radial bowing were measured. The results were analysed statistically and compared with literature.

Results

Five cases were included in our study. All had excision of exostosis, and one case had additional ulnar lengthening. Mean age of operation was 10.4 years. Mean follow-up time was 72 months. Improvement was shown in the range of pronation, radial articular angle, carpal slip and ulnar variance, in the cases with simple excision alone. Improvements were mostly achieved at the first postoperative year. However, for the case with concomitant lengthening, ulna shortened relatively with growth, and complications were reported. This phenomenon is in keeping with the literature finding.

Conclusion

Simple excision of distal ulnar exostosis improves forearm rotation and provides some restoration of growth in skeletally immature patients with Masada type I deformity.
Tobacco Control in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Changing the Present to Help the Future
Authors: Hipple Walters Bethany , Petrea Ionela , Lando Harry
Published: March 2018

While the global smoking rate has dropped in the past 30 years (from 41.2% of men in 1980 to 31.1% in 2012 and from 10.6% of women in 1980 to 6.2% in 2012), the number of tobacco smokers has increased due to population growth (Ng et al., 2014). This tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure continue to harm people worldwide. Those harmed are often vulnerable: children, those living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), those with existing diseases, etc. As noted by the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 80% of those who smoke live in a LMIC (World Health Organization, 2017). Furthermore, it is often those who are more socio-economically disadvantaged or less educated in LMICs that are exposed to second-hand smoke at home and work (Nazar, Lee, Arora, & Millett, 2015).
On the Theory of Rotating Magnetic Stars
Authors: Wright G. A. E.
Published: March 2018

All observations of magnetic stars necessarily yield information only about their surface features. We are ignorant of the nature of the fields in the interiors of such stars, and equally we cannot be sure of the non-existence of interior fields in stars which are superficially non-magnetic. In fact, if we assume the truth of the ‘fossil’ theory – that the magnetic flux of an Ap star is a relic of the flux initially present in the gas cloud from which the star condensed – then it is surprising that magnetic stars are not observed to be much more common, since magnetic fields appear to be ubiquitous in interstellar gas clouds. For those stars with strong surface convection zones, we might expect that a fossil field of low energy would be expelled by the turbulence and would possibly be trapped in the interior. However, the majority of early-type stars with radiative envelopes also do not exhibit any observable magnetic field.
The Rotation of the Sun (Review Paper)
Authors: Dicke R. H.
Published: March 2018

The author’s 1964 article inNatureon the sun’s rotation is rediscussed in the light of new data. This article suggested that the sun might be oblate because of a gravitational quadrupole moment induced by a core rotating with a period < 2 days. Angular momentum lost from the core by molecular diffusion was assumed to be transferred to the solar wind which kept the sun’s surface rotating slowly. The estimated solar wind torque was found to be in good agreement with the torque calculated from a solution of the diffusion equation.
Spectroscopic Observations of Differential Rotation With Height in the Solar Envelope
Authors: Livingston W.C.
Published: March 2018

The problem of determining the spectroscopic rotation of the sun is not one of instrumental sensitivity, which can be about 10 m/sec, but rather of abstracting the rotational component from the hierarchy of long-lived surface currents. Required are continued daily observations over long periods of time and this task is not presently feasible at most observatories. Past observations have indicated a height gradient of rotational angular velocities. We have determined the photosphere and chromosphere angular velocity gradient from observations across the disk of C 5380 Å(h≃ -250 km), CN 3882 Â (h ≃ 0 km), Ca+K3(h≃+ 5000 km), together with other Fraunhofer lines of intermediate origin while K-line spectra of prominences are used to sense the chromosphere-corona interface.
Thermal Stability of Nonspherical Stars and the Solar Oblateness Problem
Authors: Fricke Klaus J.
Published: March 2018

A brief account of the stability of distorted stars is given. From this appropriate criteria emerge, which are subsequently applied to rotational models of the sun in connection with the solar oblateness problem.
The changing HIV-1 genetic characteristics and transmitted drug resistance among recently infected population in Yunnan, China
Authors: Chen M. , Jia M. H. , Ma Y. L. , Luo H. B. , Chen H. C. , Yang C. J. , Dai J. , Yang L. , Dong L. J. , Lu R. , Song L. J. , Han Y. , Lu J. Y. , Cheung A. K. L. , Chen Z. W. , Lu L.
Published: March 2018

Multiple human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 genotypes in China were first discovered in Yunnan Province before disseminating throughout the country. As the HIV-1 epidemic continues to expand in Yunnan, genetic characteristics and transmitted drug resistance (TDR) should be further investigated among the recently infected population. Among 2828 HIV-positive samples newly reported in the first quarter of 2014, 347 were identified as recent infections with BED-captured enzyme immunoassay (CEIA). Of them, 291 were successfully genotyped and identified as circulating recombinant form (CRF)08_BC (47.4%), unique recombinant forms (URFs) (18.2%), CRF01_AE (15.8%), CRF07_BC (14.4%), subtype C (2.7%), CRF55_01B (0.7%), subtype B (0.3%) and CRF64_BC (0.3%). CRF08_BC and CRF01_AE were the predominant genotypes among heterosexual and homosexual infections, respectively. CRF08_BC, URFs, CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC expanded with higher prevalence in central and eastern Yunnan. The recent common ancestor of CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC and CRF08_BC dated back to 1983.1, 1992.1 and 1989.5, respectively. The effective population sizes (EPS) for CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC increased exponentially during 1991–1999 and 1994–1999, respectively. The EPS for CRF08_BC underwent two exponential growth phases in 1994–1998 and 2001–2002. Lastly, TDR-associated mutations were identified in 1.8% of individuals. These findings not only enhance our understanding of HIV-1 evolution in Yunnan but also have implications for vaccine design and patient management strategies.
Zika virus epidemiology: from Uganda to world pandemic, an update
Authors: Talero-Gutiérrez C. , Rivera-Molina A. , Pérez-Pavajeau C. , Ossa-Ospina I. , Santos-García C. , Rojas-Anaya M. C. , de-la-Torre A.
Published: March 2018

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is an emergent worldwide public health problem. Historically, 84 countries have reported vector-borne ZIKV transmission, 61 of which report on-going transmission. It is a Flavivirus transmitted through arthropods belonging to the Aedes genus. Since 2015, ZIKV infections have increased dramatically; with 1.3 million people infected during 2015 in Brazil alone. This paper's objective is to highlight the conjectural epidemiological points of the virus’ dissemination. The digital archives Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane were searched for papers that assessed aspects of ZIKV transmission and epidemiology. The first isolation occurred in Uganda in 1947. Since then, important outbreaks were documented globally. Consequently, an emergent public health problem arose from a rapidly increasing incidence and its association with the development of neurological diseases such as microcephaly and Guillain–Barré syndrome. Key factors in the successful containment of outbreaks include surveillance of mosquitos in the neighbourhood, an early mosquito control treatment, an assertive information campaign, and the involvement of the local population and healthcare workers. As such, while ZIKV seems to be spreading globally in a similar manner to other arboviruses, such as Dengue and Chikungunya viruses, it can also be rapidly contained due to the pre-existing availability of necessary resources and regulatory tools as control measures. This review aims to provide a description of those characteristics of ZIKV infection that may be useful in the construction of effective outbreak control strategies.
The importance of serological and molecular analyses for the diagnosis of measles cases and for meeting elimination targets in Turkey from 2007 to 2015
Authors: Cosgun Yasemin , Guldemir Dilek , Coskun Aslihan , Yolbakan Sultan , Kalaycioglu Atila Taner , Korukluoglu Gulay , Durmaz Riza
Published: March 2018

Measles is an important childhood infection targeted to be eliminated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Virus circulation has not been interrupted in the European Region because high vaccination rates could not be achieved among some countries of the WHO European Region including Turkey. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the laboratory findings of measles cases confirmed in the last nine years, to assess the epidemiological data of the cases, to determine the molecular genotyping studies and to emphasise the importance of laboratory-based surveillance in measles. From 2007 to 2010, only 18 imported cases were detected in Turkey. However, this number increased with a local outbreak of 111 cases in 2011, followed by another outbreak in 2012 in Istanbul that spread countrywide in the following two years; a total of 8661 laboratory-confirmed measles cases were reported from 2012 to 2015. After ELISA detection of a measles IgM-positive result in serum samples of potential measles cases, RT–PCR was performed with urine or nasopharyngeal swab samples of patients, and amplicons were subjected to sequencing. In the samples of 2010 and 2011, D4 and D9 genotypes were mainly detected; as of 2012, the D8 genotype has gained importance. Although D8 was also identified in 2014, in the same year genotype H1 viruses were detected in Turkey for the first time. Therefore, it is important to perform a genotypic analysis of the virus causing the outbreak, analyse epidemiological connections of the contact, determine the source of the outbreak and plan measures based on this information.
Incidence and risk factors for healthcare utilisation among patients discharged on outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy
Authors: Jacobs D. M. , Leung W-Y. , Essi D. , Park W. , Shaver A. , Claus J. , Ruh C. , Rao G. G.
Published: March 2018

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) programmes facilitate hospital discharge, but patients remain at risk of complications and consequent healthcare utilisation (HCU). Here we elucidated the incidence of and risk factors associated with HCU in OPAT patients. This was a retrospective, single-centre, case–control study of adult patients discharged on OPAT. Cases (n = 63) and controls (n = 126) were patients that did or did not utilise the healthcare system within 60 days. Characteristics associated with HCU in bivariate analysis (P ≤ 0.2) were included in a multivariable logistic regression model. Variables were retained in the final model if they were independently (P < 0.05) associated with 60-day HCU. Among all study patients, the mean age was 55 ± 16, 65% were men, and wound infection (22%) and cellulitis (14%) were common diagnoses. The cumulative incidence of 60-day unplanned HCU was 27% with a disproportionately higher incidence in the first 30 days (21%). A statin at discharge (adjusted odds ratios (aOR) 0.23, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 0.09–0.57), number of prior admissions in past 12 months (aOR 1.48, 95% CIs 1.05–2.10), and a sepsis diagnosis (aOR 4.62, 95% CIs 1.23–17.3) were independently associated with HCU. HCU was most commonly due to non-infection related complications (44%) and worsening primary infection (31%). There are multiple risk factors for HCU in OPAT patients, and formal OPAT clinics may help to risk stratify and target the highest risk groups.
Parenthetical reporting clauses in the history of English: the development of quotative inversion
Authors: CICHOSZ ANNA
Published: March 2018

This study is a corpus-based diachronic analysis of English reporting parentheticals, i.e. clauses introducing direct speech, placed after or in the middle of the reported message. The aim of the investigation is to trace the development of the construction throughout the history of English, establishing the main factors influencing the choice between VS and SV patterns (i.e. with and without quotative inversion respectively), showing how various reporting verbs were increasingly attracted to the construction, and demonstrating the gradual morphological reduction of the main reporting verbs:quothandsay. The study is based on syntactically annotated corpora of Old, Middle, Early Modern and Late Modern English, and uses other corpora to illustrate more recent changes. The study reveals that reporting clauses do not show regular quotative inversion with all subject types until the Early Modern English period and links this development to the emergence of the comment clause withsay. It is also claimed that quotative inversion is not directly derived from the V-2 rule and that parenthetical reporting clauses have functioned as a separate construction since the Old English period.
An Introduction to the Helium Ion Microscope
Authors: Morgan John , Notte John , Hill Raymond , Ward Bill
Published: March 2018

In order to get high resolution images from any scanning beam microscope one must be able to produce a sufficiently small probe, have a small interaction volume in the substrate and have an abundance of information-rich particles to collect to create the image. A typical scanning electron microscope is able to meet all of these requirements to some degree. However, a helium ion microscope based on a Gas Field Ion Source (GFIS) has significant advantages over the SEM in all three categories.
Solutions to the Problem of Substitution of ERL 4221 for Vinyl Cyclohexene Dioxide in Spurr Low Viscosity Embedding Formulations
Authors: Ann Ellis E
Published: March 2018

Spurr low viscosity embedding medium was introduced in 1969 and used vinyl cyclohexene dioxide (VCD or ERL 4206) as the low viscosity epoxy resin together with nonenyl succinic anhydride (NSA), the flexibilizer DER 736, and the accelerator dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE or S-1). This low viscosity formulation has been used extensively for embedding plant materials, microrganisms and other difficult specimens. Over the years numerous concerns about the toxicity and carcinogenicity of VCD have been raised. VCD (Fig. 1) was finally removed from the market in 2005 and replaced with ERL 4221 (Fig. 2), a cyclic epoxide with a higher molecular weight and higher viscosity. Vendors instructed that ERL 4221 be substituted for VCD at the same rates as used in the original Spurr formulation. This direct substitution resulted in a more viscous resin and blocks were extremely hard and brittle and lacked the sectioning qualities of the original formulation. Vendors then suggested modifications to the dehydration schedule and reductions in the amount of DMAE to improve the quality of the blocks.
A Suggested Procedure for Sampling “Suspect White Powders” Where Law Enforcement Agencies Require a “Credible Threat” Before Responding
Authors: Dalbey Mike
Published: March 2018

Immediately following the bioterror associated anthrax cases in September, there were an unprecedented number of reports of “suspicious white powdery substances” nationwide. Some of these reports were hoaxes. Others were honest cases of mistaken identity. A very few involved anthrax spores.

An incident on our campus caused the temporary closing of a portion of a dormitory building and disrupted the activities of a large number of students, faculty, and staff. When campus officials contacted the FBI for assistance in evaluating the suspect material they were advised that the bureau was so overwhelmed by reports of suspicious substances that they were unable to respond effectively unless additional circumstances suggested a credible biohazard threat. The material in our incident eventually proved to be laundry detergent.
Electron Tomography in the Study of Bacterial Structure and Function
Authors: Downing Kenneth H , Sui Haixin , Comolli Luis R , Holman Hoi-Ying
Published: March 2018

Bacteria contain a wealth of mechanisms that organize their internal and external components into a highly polar structure, frequently with distinctive shape, and constrain certain metabolic functions to particular parts of the cell. For example, cell division generally takes place at the middle of the cell, and a host of interacting proteins are involved in ensuring that the division site is positioned properly. Thus, in spite of the lingering perception among some scientists that these cells are simply bags of freely diffusing enzymes, there is much to be learned from ultrastructural studies. Light microscopy has given evidence of cytoskeletal components that presumably establish and maintain cell shape and participate in cell division.
From the McArthur to the Millennium Health Microscope (MHM): Future Developments in Microscope Miniaturization for International Health
Authors: Dunning Keith , Stothard J Russell
Published: March 2018

The ambition to produce a functional miniature microscope suitable for tropical disease diagnostics in developing countries has exercised the ingenuity of many talented designers over the last 75 years. In the early 1930's the late Dr John McArthur produced the first prototype of his pioneering folded optic design and this portable gem measured a mere 102 x 63 x 51 mm, yet was able to deliver everything which would be expected from a conventional bench microscope of similar optical specification (see Fig. 1A).

To achieve this high degree of miniaturization McArthur employed a folded optical prismatic system: light entered from above the microscope via a mirror and then passed through a small condenser to the specimen, a revolutionary concept at that time. The objectives were arranged below the specimen and the image was reflected by two prisms to the eyepiece.
The Preparation of Mg, Cd and Zn Samples for Crystal Orientation Mapping with BKD in an SEM
Authors: Schwarzer RA
Published: March 2018

Backscatter Kikuchi Diffraction (BKD) from crystalline solids has been known since 1928. But only during the last decade, when sufficiently sensitive cameras, fast PCs and high-performance SEMs have been available, has this technique been developed into an invaluable tool for materials' science and geology. BKD is also known as “Backscatter Electron Diffraction” (EBSD) if referred to the commercial trademarked systems OXFORD/HKL “Channel” or EDAX-TSL “OIM”. Crystal Orientation Measurement/ Mapping (COM), without user intervention, is performed in an SEM by digitally scanning the beam spot across the specimen, acquiring and transferring one Backscatter Kikuchi Pattern (BKP) after another into the computer, indexing it, and calculating the crystal orientation of the grain under the beam spot. The sample is typically tilted by 70° towards a phosphor screen for pattern collection. Spatial resolution is in the range of <0.05 μm and accuracy is better than 0.5°.
Why Penguin Beaks are Sexy!
Authors: Carmichael Stephen W
Published: March 2018

It is well known that birds frequently attract mates by a ritual display of feathers or other ornaments. The colors for these displays are either derived from pigments, such as carotenoids, or photonic crystalline arrangements near the surface of the skin, feathers, or other ornaments. Add to this the fact that many birds can perceive light in the near-ultraviolet end of the visible spectrum and the range for these visual displays is extended. In a spectrophotometric and microscopic study by Birgitta Dresp and Keith Langley, it was demonstrated that a unique arrangement of crystal-like structures near the surface of the beak horn of the King penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) most likely accounts for a photonic effect that probably plays a role in their mating rituals.
Crystal Scanner for Nano-Metrology Applications
Authors: West Paul , Peng Zhiqiang , Starostina Natalia
Published: March 2018

Traditionally a scanning probe microscope (SPM), such as the atomic force microscope (AFM), affords spectacular images of surfaces at the nanometer scale. With advanced developments in scanner design, probe manufacturing and force sensor technology it is now possible to make quantitative metrological measurements with an SPM. Quantitative metrological measurements that are possible include: a) dimensional measurements of micro/nano fabricated structures, b) surface texture of surfaces having RMS values of only a few angstroms, and c) measurements of the number of grains, and particles on a surface as well as grain and particle sizes, areas, volumes, and distributions.
New Resin for Repair of Bell Jar Chips
Authors: Mills Owen P , Huuki Matt
Published: March 2018

As you ease the bell jar back down onto its seat, past the evaporation fixture, it is quite easy to chip a $600 jar. Chipped bell jars are a perennial problem in EM labs. They degrade vacuum in evaporators resulting in lower quality films and ultimately shorten the life of the vacuum system. This note describes a new resin that I have used for repairing bell jar chips.

A common chip can be seen in Fig. 1. It was caused by crashing the bell jar into the evaporation fixture. The chip is less than 0.5mm deep. Beside it you can see another chip that will not be treated as it does not extend to the jar edge.