bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causal factors and treatment outcome of genitourinary fistula in a teaching hospital
Authors: Fatema Muckti Kaniz , Saha Eti , Begum Fouzia , Lucky Shamsun Nahar , Rahman Farzana
Published: March 2018

Background: Urogenital fistula, majority of which is vesicovaginal fistula is a public health problem especially of developing countries. It is commonly caused by prolonged and obstructed labor. With the advancement of health care delivery system etiology of urogenital fistula is changing in our country.Objective: This study was done to find out the causal factors and to determine the success rate of operative procedure for treatment of urogenital fistula.Method: This was an observational type of cross sectional study, carried out in Department of Obs and Gynae in Khulna Medical College Hospital from January 2013 to June 2014 among 30 women at different ages suffering from urogenital fistula due to gynaecological or obstetrical causes or malignancy.Result: Majority of the patients were young primipara, short stature and malnourished, coming from lower socioeconomic condition of rural areas. Prolonged labor 12 (40%) was the most common cause of urogenital fistula, followed by gynaecological surgeries mainly hysterectomies 9 (30%) and malignancy 2 (6.6%) rare cause. The success rate of repair following first and second attempt was 92% and 8% respectively. Overall success rate was 24 (96%) and functionally failed with a failure in 1 (4%) cases. This study showed main cause for developing fistula showing prolonged labor and majority of patient were treated pervaginally. Most of the cases (96%) had successful repair which is very encouraging and correlates well with recently published series.Conclusion: Fistula can be totally preventable by proper antenatal care, identification of high risk cases, timely referral, proper intranatal, postnatal care, and proper training. So improvement of health care services and dedication will prevent this type of morbidity. The best results are obtained when repair of urogenital. fistulae is carried out under optimal conditions.Bang Med J (Khulna) 2017; 50 : 18-21
Fanconi anemia
Authors: Ahammad Forrukh , Rupa Habiba Sultana , Rashid AKM Mamunur , Rasul Choudhury Habibur
Published: March 2018

Fanconi Anemia (FA) is a rare potentially life threatening autosomal recessive disorder characterized by progressive pancytopenia, multiple congenital anomalies with multiple type of cancer risk. The presentation may be variable but typical presentation make the diagnosis easy. Diagnosis of FA can be confirmed by chromosome break study which is regarded as the gold standard diagnostic test for FA. Only one case report of FA had been published from Bangladesh till now. Here is the second variety of FA. If FA is confirmed then a set of preventive strategy can be applied. On the other hand misdiagnosis may lead to mismanagement which is not uncommon.Bang Med J (Khulna) 2017; 50 : 46-48
A Novel Evolutionary Algorithm for Designing Robust Analog Filters
Authors: Li Shaobo , Zou Wang , Hu Jianjun
Published: March 2018

Designing robust circuits that withstand environmental perturbation and device degradation is critical for many applications. Traditional robust circuit design is mainly done by tuning parameters to improve system robustness. However, the topological structure of a system may set a limit on the robustness achievable through parameter tuning. This paper proposes a new evolutionary algorithm for robust design that exploits the open-ended topological search capability of genetic programming (GP) coupled with bond graph modeling. We applied our GP-based robust design (GPRD) algorithm to evolve robust lowpass and highpass analog filters. Compared with a traditional robust design approach based on a state-of-the-art real-parameter genetic algorithm (GA), our GPRD algorithm with a fitness criterion rewarding robustness, with respect to parameter perturbations, can evolve more robust filters than what was achieved through parameter tuning alone. We also find that inappropriate GA tuning may mislead the search process and that multiple-simulation and perturbed fitness evaluation methods for evolving robustness have complementary behaviors with no absolute advantage of one over the other.
Application of Auxetic Foam in Sports Helmets
Authors: Foster Leon , Peketi Prashanth , Allen Thomas , Senior Terry , Duncan Olly , Alderson Andrew
Published: March 2018

This investigation explored the viability of using open cell polyurethane auxetic foams to augment the conformable layer in a sports helmet and improve its linear impact acceleration attenuation. Foam types were compared by examining the impact severity on an instrumented anthropomorphic headform within a helmet consisting of three layers: a rigid shell, a stiff closed cell foam, and an open cell foam as a conformable layer. Auxetic and conventional foams were interchanged to act as the helmet’s conformable component. Attenuation of linear acceleration was examined by dropping the combined helmet and headform on the front and the side. The helmet with auxetic foam reduced peak linear accelerations (p < 0.05) relative to its conventional counterpart at the highest impact energy in both orientations. Gadd Severity Index reduced by 11% for frontal impacts (38.9 J) and 44% for side impacts (24.3 J). The conformable layer within a helmet can influence the overall impact attenuating properties. The helmet fitted with auxetic foam can attenuate impact severity more than when fitted with conventional foam, and warrants further investigation for its potential to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries in sport specific impacts.
Numerical Analysis to Improve the Ballistic Trajectory of an Air-Based Material Density Separator System
Authors: Ali Haider , Kim Kyung , Bang Sung , Chae Hyun , Shin Seung , Park Cheol
Published: March 2018

A material density separator utilizes a high velocity channel of air with a ballistic trajectory to separate materials based on their different densities and sizes. Light materials are carried with the airflow, leaving behind the separated heavy materials. A vibrating bed is then used to collect both heavy and light plastic materials for further separation and recycling processes. The effectiveness of the separation process mainly depends on the ballistic trajectory of the air stream and the slanting position of the vibrating bed. In this study, flow characteristics inside the density separation system were investigated to optimize the ballistic trajectory of air and the slanting position of the vibrating bed to improve the separation process. Various inlet air velocities, duct shapes, and the slanting angles of the mechanical separators were used to study their effects on flow properties (velocity magnitude, pressure, shear stress, and vorticity). Results show that the ballistic trajectory of air strongly depends on the diameter and shape of the duct hole, the inclination angle of the vibrating bed, and the air inlet velocity. The selection of the suitable values of these parameters is necessary to improve the plastic separation process.
Automatic Analysis of Trough Lines Based on Curvature Tracing
Authors: Li Qian , Huang Yan , Fan Yin , Tang Shaoen , Hu Yuntao
Published: March 2018

To solve the problems that arise in traditional automatic methods for trough line analysis with regard to low processing efficiency and analytical accuracy, an automatic method for trough line analysis was proposed in this study, comprising the following steps. Firstly, the curvature of contour lines was calculated using geopotential height field data to extract tracing start points, and candidate and non-candidate trough points were classified and recognized based on their curvature and relative positions. Afterwards, among the candidates, the eligible trough points were connected from tracing start point. Finally, the automatically analyzed trough lines were obtained after some post-processing steps. The experimental results indicate that the method is able to effectively identify meteorological trough lines, and that its performance is superior to some previous analysis methods of trough line in terms of analytical accuracy and processing speed.
Air Quality Monitoring and Forecasting
Authors: Lee Pius , Saylor Rick , McQueen Jeff
Published: March 2018

Air quality forecasting is a vital tool for local health and air managers to make informed decisions on mitigation measures to reduce public exposure risk.[...]
Analysis and Comparison of Shading Strategies to Increase Human Thermal Comfort in Urban Areas
Authors: Lee Ivan , Voogt James , Gillespie Terry
Published: March 2018

With the expected increase in warmer conditions caused by climate change, heat-related illnesses are becoming a more pressing issue. One way that humans can protect themselves from this is to seek shade. The design of urban spaces can provide individuals with a variety of ways to obtain this shade. The objective of this study was to perform a detailed evaluation and comparison of three shading strategies that could be used in an urban environment: shade from a building, from a tree, and from an umbrella. This was done through using field measurements to calculate the impact of each strategy on a thermal comfort index (Comfort Formula (COMFA)) in two urban settings during sunny days of the summer of 2013 and 2014 in London, Canada. Building shade was found to be the most effective cooling strategy, followed by the tree strategy and the umbrella strategy. As expected, the main determinant of this ranking was a strategy’s ability to block incoming shortwave radiation. Further analysis indicated that changes in the convective loss of energy and in longwave radiation absorption had a smaller impact that caused variations in the strategy effectiveness between settings. This suggests that under non-sunny days, these rankings could change.
Effects of Fining Agents, Reverse Osmosis and Wine Age on Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys) Taint in Wine
Authors: Mohekar Pallavi , Osborne James , Tomasino Elizabeth
Published: March 2018

Trans-2-decenal and tridecane are compounds found in wine made from brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB)-contaminated grapes. The effectiveness of post-fermentation processes on reducing their concentration in finished wine and their longevity during wine aging was evaluated. Red wines containing trans-2-decenal were treated with fining agents and put through reverse osmosis filtration. The efficacy of these treatments was determined using chemical analysis (MDGC-MS) and sensory descriptive analysis. Tridecane and trans-2-decenal concentrations in red and white wine were determined at bottle aging durations of 0, 6, 12 and 24 months using MDGC-MS. Reverse osmosis was found to be partially successful in removing trans-2-decenal concentration from finished wine. While tridecane and trans-2-decenal concentrations decreased during bottle aging, post-fermentative fining treatments were not effective at removing these compounds. Although French oak did not alter the concentration of tridecane and trans-2-decenal in red wine, it did mask the expression of BMSB-related sensory characters. Because of the ineffectiveness of removing BMSB taint post-fermentation, BMSB densities in the grape clusters should be minimized so that the taint does not occur in the wine.
Sensory Impact of Polyphenolic Composition on the Oxidative Notes of Chardonnay Wines
Authors: Ballester Jordi , Magne Mathilde , Julien Perrine , Noret Laurence , Nikolantonaki Maria , Coelho Christian , Gougeon Régis
Published: March 2018

Chardonnay wines have a long-standing reputation regarding their aging potential. However, in some cases, they face premature oxidation a few years after bottling. Scientific reports are, for now, multiparametric and unclear. Polyphenols seem to be an important factor involved in the oxidative stability of white wines, but their role has not yet been completely characterized. The present study aimed to investigate the link between polyphenol content and the emergence of oxidative odors of bottle-aged Chardonnay wines. In order to obtain samples with noticeable differences in polyphenol content, as well as in sensory oxidative notes, wines from two different vintages were used. For each vintage, three levels of must clarification and two wine closures were implemented. Polyphenol content was analyzed chemically, and the oxidative character was assessed sensorially by a trained panel using a specific intensity scale. The results showed significant effects for closure type and turbidity. However, these effects were strongly affected by vintage. Concerning the polyphenol content, a clear difference was also found between vintages, closures and turbidity levels. Significant linear regression models for REDOX scores pointed out Flavon-3-ols as the main negative predictor, and grape reaction product (GRP) as the main positive predictor. The enological implications are discussed.
Brain Response to Non-Painful Mechanical Stimulus to Lumbar Spine
Authors: Mansour Zaid , Martin Laura , Lepping Rebecca , Kanaan Saddam , Brooks William , Yeh Hung-Wen , Sharma Neena
Published: March 2018

Pressure application to the lumbar spine is an important assessment and treatment method of low back pain. However, few studies have characterized brain activation patterns in response to mechanical pressure. The objective of this study was to map brain activation associated with various levels of mechanical pressure to the lumbar spine in healthy subjects. Fifteen healthy subjects underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning while mechanical pressure was applied to their lumbar spine with a custom-made magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible pressure device. Each subject received three levels of pressure (low/medium/high) based on subjective ratings determined prior to the scan using a block design (pressure/rest). Pressure rating was assessed with an 11-point scale (0 = no touch; 10 = max pain-free pressure). Brain activation differences between pressure levels and rest were analyzed. Subjective pressure ratings were significantly different across pressure levels (p < 0.05). The overall brain activation pattern was not different across pressure levels (all p > 0.05). However, the overall effect of pressure versus rest showed significant decreases in brain activation in response to the mechanical stimulus in regions associated with somatosensory processing including the precentral gyri, left hippocampus, left precuneus, left medial frontal gyrus, and left posterior cingulate. There was increase in brain activation in the right inferior parietal lobule and left cerebellum. This study offers insight into the neural mechanisms that may relate to manual mobilization intervention used for managing low back pain.
Humans’ Relationship to Flowers as an Example of the Multiple Components of Embodied Aesthetics
Authors: Huss Ephrat , Bar Yosef Kfir , Zaccai Michele
Published: March 2018

This paper phenomenologically and qualitatively explores the relationship between humans and flowers as a relationship that throws light on the synergetic dynamics of embodied aesthetics. Its methods include qualitative description and thematic analyses of preferred flower types, as well as concept maps of the general term ‘flower’ by 120 students in Israel. The results revealed the interactive perceptual-compositional elements, as well as embodied, relational, and socially embedded elements of the aesthetic pleasure associated with flowers. Implications of this case study are generalized to understand the multiple and interactive components of embodied aesthetic experiences as a deep source of pleasure through interactive stimulation by and connection to the natural world.
Seismic Strengthening and Energy Efficiency: Towards an Integrated Approach for the Rehabilitation of Existing RC Buildings
Authors: Manfredi Vincenzo , Masi Angelo
Published: March 2018

In Italy, most of the residential buildings (77%) were constructed before 1981, when only 25% of the national territory was classified as seismic. Further, the first provisions addressing thermal performance criteria were introduced in 1991, when about 88% of the existing Italian buildings had already been realized. Therefore, the Italian building stock is characterized by a large deficit in terms of both seismic capacity and thermal insulation. The large number of buildings having inadequate performance, both seismic and thermal, calls for rehabilitation interventions that are based on an integrated and sustainability-oriented approach. In the paper, the influence on seismic performance deriving from some retrofitting techniques, generally adopted to enhance the thermal performance of infill walls, has been evaluated. A common residential RC building representative of existing buildings designed only for vertical loads has been studied. The seismic performances have been evaluated through Incremental Dynamic Analyses (IDA). A first comparison is related to a thermal retrofitting intervention made by replacing the existing masonry infill walls with new elements that are able to ensure an adequate thermal protection. Further, a retrofitting intervention based on the “double skin” technique, where new infilled RC frames are added and connected to the existing ones, has been investigated in terms of seismic and thermal performance.
Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Films for Liquid Crystal Alignment
Authors: Huang Chun-Wei , Jeng Shie-Chang
Published: March 2018

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSSs) with nano-size cage structures have been conventionally incorporated into polymers to improve the polymers’ physical properties. In this work, POSS films formed by using POSS nanomaterials with different thermal treatments have been implemented as liquid crystal (LC) alignment films instead of using conventional polyimide alignment films adopted in the LC displays industry. The homeotropic alignment of LCs anchored on POSS films was observed. The morphology and surface energy of POSS films were measured to study their effects on LC orientation anchored on the POSS films.
A New Method of Histogram Computation for Efficient Implementation of the HOG Algorithm
Authors: Ilas Mariana-Eugenia , Ilas Constantin
Published: March 2018

In this paper we introduce a new histogram computation method to be used within the histogram of oriented gradients (HOG) algorithm. The new method replaces the arctangent with the slope computation and the classical magnitude allocation based on interpolation with a simpler algorithm. The new method allows a more efficient implementation of HOG in general, and particularly in field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), by considerably reducing the area (thus increasing the level of parallelism), while maintaining very close classification accuracy compared to the original algorithm. Thus, the new method is attractive for many applications, including car detection and classification.
Efficient Use of Clickers: A Mixed-Method Inquiry with University Teachers
Authors: Cheung George , Wan Kelvin , Chan Kevin
Published: March 2018

With the advancement of information technology and policies encouraging interactivities in teaching and learning, the use of students’ response system (SRS), commonly known as clickers, has experienced substantial growth in recent years. The reported effectiveness of SRS has varied. Based on the framework of technological-pedagogical-content knowledge (TPACK), the current study attempted to explore the disparity in efficiency of adopting SRS. A concurrent mixed method design was adopted to delineate factors conducive to efficient adoption of SRS through closed-ended survey responses and qualitative data. Participants were purposefully sampled from diverse academic disciplines and backgrounds. Seventeen teachers from various disciplines (i.e., tourism management, business, health sciences, applied sciences, engineering, and social sciences) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University formed a teacher focus group for the current study. In the facilitated focus group, issues relating to efficient use of clickers, participants explored questions on teachers’ knowledge on various technologies, knowledge relating to their subject matters, methods and processes of teaching, as well as how to integrate all knowledge into their teaching. The TPACK model was adopted to guide the discussions. Emergent themes from the discussions were extracted using NVivo 10 for Windows, and were categorized according to the framework of TPACK. The survey, implemented on an online survey platform, solicited participants on teachers’ knowledge and technology acceptance. The close-ended survey comprised 30 items based on the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework and 20 items based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Participating teachers concurred with the suggestion that use of clickers is instrumental in engaging students in learning and assessing formative students’ progress. Converging with the survey results, several major themes contributing to the successful implementation of clickers, namely technology, technological-pedagogical, technological-content, technological-pedagogical-content knowledge, were identified from the teacher focus groups. The most and second most frequently cited themes were technological-pedagogical-content Knowledge and the technological knowledge respectively. Findings from the current study triangulated with previous findings on TPACK and use of clickers, particularly, the influence of technological-pedagogical-content Knowledge and technological knowledge on successful integration of innovations in class. Furthermore, the current study highlighted the impact of technological-pedagogical and technological-content knowledge for further research to unfold technology adoption with these featured TPACK configurations, as well as rendering support to frontline academics related to integration of technology and pedagogy.
Single-Wire Electric-Field Coupling Power Transmission Using Nonlinear Parity-Time-Symmetric Model with Coupled-Mode Theory
Authors: Shu Xujian , Zhang Bo
Published: March 2018

The output power and transmission efficiency of the traditional single-wire electric-field coupling power transmission (ECPT) system will drop sharply with the increase of the distance between transmitter and receiver, thus, in order to solve the above problem, in this paper, a new nonlinear parity-time (PT)-symmetric model for single-wire ECPT system based on coupled-mode theory (CMT) is proposed. The proposed model for single-wire ECPT system not only achieves constant output power but also obtains a high constant transmission efficiency against variable distance, and the steady-state characteristics of the single-wire ECPT system are analyzed. Based on the theoretical analysis and circuit simulation, it shows that the transmission efficiency with constant output power remains 60% over a transmission distance of approximately 34 m without the need for any tuning. Furthermore, the application of a nonlinear PT-symmetric circuit based on CMT enables robust electric power transfer to moving devices or vehicles.
The Optimal Contract under Adverse Selection in a Moral-Hazard Model with a Risk-Averse Agent
Authors: Maréchal François , Thomas Lionel
Published: March 2018

This paper studies the optimal contract offered by a risk-neutral principal to a risk-averse agent when the agent’s hidden ability and action both improve the probability of the project being successful. We show that if the agent is sufficiently prudent and able, the principal induces a higher probability of success than under moral hazard, despite the costly informational rent given up. Moreover, there is distortion at the top. Finally, the conditions to avoid pooling are difficult to satisfy because of the different kinds of incentives to be managed and the overall trade-off between rent extraction, insurance, and efficiency involved.
Biological Sexing of a 4000-Year-Old Egyptian Mummy Head to Assess the Potential of Nuclear DNA Recovery from the Most Damaged and Limited Forensic Specimens
Authors: Loreille Odile , Ratnayake Shashikala , Bazinet Adam , Stockwell Timothy , Sommer Daniel , Rohland Nadin , Mallick Swapan , Johnson Philip , Skoglund Pontus , Onorato Anthony , Bergman Nicholas , Reich David , Irwin Jodi
Published: March 2018

High throughput sequencing (HTS) has been used for a number of years in the field of paleogenomics to facilitate the recovery of small DNA fragments from ancient specimens. Recently, these techniques have also been applied in forensics, where they have been used for the recovery of mitochondrial DNA sequences from samples where traditional PCR-based assays fail because of the very short length of endogenous DNA molecules. Here, we describe the biological sexing of a ~4000-year-old Egyptian mummy using shotgun sequencing and two established methods of biological sex determination (RX and RY), by way of mitochondrial genome analysis as a means of sequence data authentication. This particular case of historical interest increases the potential utility of HTS techniques for forensic purposes by demonstrating that data from the more discriminatory nuclear genome can be recovered from the most damaged specimens, even in cases where mitochondrial DNA cannot be recovered with current PCR-based forensic technologies. Although additional work remains to be done before nuclear DNA recovered via these methods can be used routinely in operational casework for individual identification purposes, these results indicate substantial promise for the retrieval of probative individually identifying DNA data from the most limited and degraded forensic specimens.
Stable Hydrogen and Oxygen Isotopes for Groundwater Sources of Penghu Islands, Taiwan
Authors: Yeh Hsin-Fu , Lee Jhe-Wei
Published: March 2018

This study used stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes as natural tracers to investigate their isotopic composition in precipitation, and in shallow and deep groundwater in the Penghu Islands in the Taiwan Strait. We aimed to understand the differences and relationships in isotope compositions within various water bodies and to evaluate the source of groundwater recharge. The hydrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions of sampled groundwater are mainly distributed along the meteoric water line in the Penghu Islands, the variations in the distribution range being minor (the δD values are distributed from −48.2‰ to −37.7‰, with a mean value of −43.14 ± 2.4‰; the δ18O values are distributed from −6.96‰ to −5.46‰, with a mean value of −6.34 ± 0.34‰). The data suggest that the groundwater is sourced mainly from local precipitation. In addition, a comparison of the hydrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions of groundwater and precipitation in Taiwan shows that the δ values for groundwater are distributed between those for precipitation during the northeast monsoon and the southwest monsoon seasons. However, some of the δ values trends towards the isotopic composition of the precipitation during the southwest monsoon season. Thus, the source of groundwater may have a closer association with precipitation during this time.
‘You think your writing belongs to you?’: Intertextuality in Contemporary Jewish Post-Holocaust Literature
Authors: Gwyer Kirstin
Published: March 2018

This article examines a sub-category of recent Jewish post-Holocaust fiction that engages with the absent memory of the persecution its authors did not personally witness through the medium of intertextuality, but with intertextual recourse not to testimonial writing but to literature only unwittingly or retrospectively shadowed by the Holocaust. It will be proposed that this practice of intertextuality constitutes a response to the post-Holocaust Jewish author’s ‘anxiety of influence’ that, in the wake of the first generation’s experience of atrocity, their own life story and literature will always appear derivative. With reference to works by four such post-Holocaust authors, Jonathan Safran Foer’s Tree of Codes (2010), Maxim Biller’s Im Kopf von Bruno Schulz (2013), Helen Maryles Shankman’s In the Land of Armadillos (2016), and Nicole Krauss’s The History of Love (2005) and Forest Dark (2017), all of which engage intertextually with Franz Kafka and Bruno Schulz, it will be suggested that these authors are looking to return to a Kristevan practice of intertextuality after the predominantly citational recourse to antecedent material that has often characterized post-Holocaust literature. In the process, they also succeed in troubling recently popular conceptualizations of ‘postmemory’ literature as the ‘belated’ and ‘evacuated’ recipient of encrypted traumatic content inherited from the first generation that it must now seek either to preserve or to work through vicariously.
Molecular Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori Infection in a Minor Ethnic Group of Vietnam: A Multiethnic, Population-Based Study
Authors: Binh Tran , Tuan Vo , Dung Ho , Tung Pham , Tri Tran , Thuan Ngo , Tam Le , Nam Bui , Giang Do , Hoan Phan , Uchida Tomohisa , Trang Tran , Khien Vu , Yamaoka Yoshio
Published: March 2018

The Helicobacter pylori-induced burden of gastric cancer varies based on geographical regions and ethnic grouping. Vietnam is a multiethnic country with the highest incidence of gastric cancer in Southeast Asia, but previous studies focused only on the Kinh ethnic group. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted using 494 volunteers (18–78 years old), from 13 ethnic groups in Daklak and Lao Cai provinces, Vietnam. H. pylori status was determined by multiple tests (rapid urease test, culture, histology, and serology). cagA and vacA genotypes were determined by PCR-based sequencing. The overall H. pylori infection rate was 38.1%. Multivariate analysis showed that variations in geographical region, age, and ethnicity were independent factors associated with the risk of H. pylori acquisition. Therefore, multicenter, multiethnic, population based study is essential to assess the H. pylori prevalence and its burden in the general population. Only the E De ethnicity carried strains with Western-type CagA (82%) and exhibited significantly lower gastric mucosal inflammation compared to other ethnic groups. However, the histological scores of Western-type CagA and East-Asian-type CagA within the E De group showed no significant differences. Thus, in addition to bacterial virulence factors, host factors are likely to be important determinants for gastric mucosal inflammation and contribute to the Asian enigma.
Early Detection with Pulse Oximetry of Hypoxemic Neonatal Conditions. Development of the IX Clinical Consensus Statement of the Ibero-American Society of Neonatology (SIBEN)
Authors: Sola Augusto , Golombek Sergio
Published: March 2018

This article reviews the development of the Ninth Clinical Consensus Statement by SIBEN (the Ibero-American of Neonatology) on “Early Detection with Pulse Oximetry (SpO2) of Hypoxemic Neonatal Conditions”. It describes the process of the consensus, and the conclusions and recommendations for screening newborns with pulse oximetry.
Determination of Processing Parameters for Thermoplastic Biocomposites Based on Hybrid Yarns Using Finite Elements Simulation
Authors: Vogt Sarah , Baghaei Behnaz , Kadi Nawar , Skrifvars Mikael
Published: March 2018

This paper investigates the processing parameters for the compression molding of hemp/PLA hybrid yarn biocomposites and their effect on the final mechanical properties. Finite element simulations are used to develop and assess the processing parameters, pressure, temperature, and time. These parameters are then evaluated experimentally by producing the composites by two different methods, to compare the results of experimentally determined processing conditions to parameters determined by the simulation analysis. The assessment of mechanical properties is done with several experimental tests, showing small improvements for the composites produced with the simulation method. The application of the simulation analysis results in considerably reduced processing times, from the initial 10 min to only three minutes, thereby vastly improving the processing method. While the employed methods are not yet able to produce composites with greatly improved mechanical properties, this study can be seen as a constructive approach, which has the ability to lead to further improvements.
The Burden of Fungal Diseases in Romania
Authors: Mareș Mihai , Moroti-Constantinescu Valentina , Denning David
Published: March 2018

Objective: To estimate for the first time the burden of fungal infections in Romania. Methods: Data derived from the World Health Organization (WHO), National Institute of Statistics, Romanian public health agencies and non-profit health organizations, and published annual reports on local epidemiology were used in the present study. When no data were available, specific at-risk populations were used to calculate frequencies of serious fungal diseases, using previously published epidemiological parameters. All data refer to the year 2016. Results: The estimated number of serious fungal infections in Romanian population was 436,230 in 2016. Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis accounted for up to 80% of total cases (more than 350,000 women annually). Concerning HIV-related infections, among 14,349 infected persons, Pneumocystis pneumonia occurred in about 10% of late presenters (30 cases in 2016), while cryptococcal meningitis was rarely diagnosed (less than 20 cases). Annually, the total number of oesophageal candidiasis and oral thrush cases in HIV-positive patients may have been as high as 1229 and 3066, respectively. In immunocompromised and cancer patient populations, the annual incidence of candidaemia was 295, and at least 458 invasive aspergillosis cases and 4 mucormycosis cases occurred yearly. With 4966 critical care beds and approximately 200,000 abdominal surgeries performed, the estimated annual incidence of candidaemia and Candida peritonitis was 689 and 344, respectively. The annual incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis is still high in Romania (12,747 cases). Thus, the prevalence of post-TB chronic pulmonary aspergillosis is estimated to be 8.98/100,000 (1768 cases). The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in adults is 6% and 6.5%, respectively. Therefore, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis prevalence is estimated at 29,387 and severe asthma with fungal sensitisation at 38,731 cases annually. Conclusions: Not being on the list of reportable diseases, the number of patients presenting with severe mycoses in Romania can only be roughly estimated. Based on local reports and prevalence estimation, we consider that at least 2.23% of Romanians suffer from a serious form of fungal disease.
Comparative Study of Ferroelectric and Piezoelectric Properties of BNT-BKT-BT Ceramics near the Phase Transition Zone
Authors: Fernandez-Benavides David , Gutierrez-Perez Aixa , Benitez-Castro Angelica , Ayala-Ayala Maria , Moreno-Murguia Barbara , Muñoz-Saldaña Juan
Published: March 2018

We report a comprehensive comparative study of ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of BNT-BKT-BT ceramics through the MPB (morphotropic phase boundary) zone, from the rhombohedral to the tetragonal phases in the system (97.5−x)(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 + x(Bi0.5K0.5)TiO3 + 2.5(BaTiO3), where x = 0 to 24.5 mol %. The structural transitions were studied by XRD patterns and Raman spectra. The MPB was confirmed between x = 10 and 12.5 mol % BKT. The dielectric/ferroelectric/piezoelectric properties of the BNT-BKT-BT system are maximized in the MPB region exhibiting a dielectric constant of 1506, a remanent polarization of 34.4 μC/cm2, a coercive field = 36.9 kV/cm, and piezoelectric values of d33 = 109 pC/N, kt = 0.52, and kp = 0.24. Changes in microstructure as a function of BKT content are also presented and discussed.
Novel Precursor-Derived Meso-/Macroporous TiO2/SiOC Nanocomposites with Highly Stable Anatase Nanophase Providing Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity and Superior Adsorption of Organic Dyes
Authors: Wasan Awin Eranezhuth , Lale Abhijeet , Kumar Kollamala , Bilge Demirci Umit , Bernard Samuel , Kumar Ravi
Published: March 2018

Titania (TiO2) is considered to have immense potential as a photocatalyst, the anatase phase in particular. There have been numerous attempts to push the limits of its catalytic activity to higher wavelengths to harness the visible electromagnetic radiation. Most of the investigations till date have been restricted to fine-tuning the bandgap by doping, control of defect chemistry at the surface and several to first principle simulations either with limited success or success at the cost of complexities in processing. Here, we report a simple and elegant way of preparing ceramics through precursor chemistry which involves synthesis of macroporous and mesoporous nanocomposites with in situ formation of TiO2 nanocrystals into a robust and protecting SiOC matrix. The in situ nanoscaled TiO2 is anatase of size 9–10 nm, which is uniformly distributed in an amorphous SiOC matrix forming a new generation of nanocomposites that combine the robustness, structural stability and durability of the SiOC matrix while achieving nanoscaled TiO2 functionalities. The stabilization of the anatase phase even at temperature as high as 1200 °C was evident. With an average pore size of 6.8 nm, surface area of 129 m2/g (BET) and pore volume of 0.22 cm3/g (BET), mesoporosity was achieved in the nanocomposites. The composites exhibited visible light photocatalytic activity, which is attributed to the Ti–O–C/TiC bonds resulting in the reduction of band gap by 0.2 to 0.9 eV. Furthermore, the heterojunction formed between the amorphous SiOC and crystalline TiO2 is also expected to minimize the recombination rate of electron-hole pair, making these novel nanocomposites based on TiO2 extremely active in visible wavelength regime.
Synthesis and Effect of Hierarchically Structured Ag-ZnO Hybrid on the Surface Antibacterial Activity of a Propylene-Based Elastomer Blends
Authors: Bazant Pavel , Sedlacek Tomas , Kuritka Ivo , Podlipny David , Holcapkova Pavlina
Published: March 2018

In this study, a hybrid Ag-ZnO nanostructured micro-filler was synthesized by the drop technique for used in plastic and medical industry. Furthermore, new antibacterial polymer nanocomposites comprising particles of Ag-ZnO up to 5 wt % and a blend of a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO) with polypropylene were prepared using twin screw micro-compounder. The morphology and crystalline-phase structure of the hybrid Ag-ZnO nanostructured microparticles obtained was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffractometry. The specific surface area of this filler was investigated by means of nitrogen sorption via the Brunauer-Emmet-Teller method. A scanning electron microscope was used to conduct a morphological study of the polymer nanocomposites. Mechanical and electrical testing showed no adverse effects on the function of the polymer nanocomposites either due to the filler utilized or the given processing conditions, in comparison with the neat polymer matrix. The surface antibacterial activity of the compounded polymer nanocomposites was assessed against Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P, according to ISO 22196:2007 (E). All the materials at virtually every filler-loading level were seen to be efficient against both species of bacteria.
The Dimensional Precision of Forming Windows in Bearing Cages
Authors: Rîpanu Marius , Nagîţ Gheorghe , Slătineanu Laurenţiu , Dodun Oana
Published: March 2018

In the case of double row tapered roller bearings, the windows found in bearing cages could be obtained using various machining methods. Some such machining methods are based on the cold forming process. There are many factors that are able to affect the machining accuracy of the windows that exist in bearing cages. On the dimensional precision of windows, the clearance between punches and die, the work stroke length, and the workpiece thickness could exert influence. To evaluate this influence, experimental research was developed taking into consideration the height and the length of the cage window and the distance between the contact elements of the cage. By mathematical processing of the experimental results, empirical mathematical models were determined and analyzed. The empirical models highlighted the intensity of the influence exerted by the considered forming process input factors on the dimensional precision of the windows obtained in bearing cages.
ATG5 Promotes Death Signaling in Response to the Cyclic Depsipeptides Coibamide A and Apratoxin A
Authors: Wan Xuemei , Serrill Jeffrey , Humphreys Ian , Tan Michelle , McPhail Kerry , Ganley Ian , Ishmael Jane
Published: March 2018

Our understanding of autophagy and lysosomal function has been greatly enhanced by the discovery of natural product structures that can serve as chemical probes to reveal new patterns of signal transduction in cells. Coibamide A is a cytotoxic marine natural product that induces mTOR-independent autophagy as an adaptive stress response that precedes cell death. Autophagy-related (ATG) protein 5 (ATG5) is required for coibamide-induced autophagy but not required for coibamide-induced apoptosis. Using wild-type and autophagy-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) we demonstrate that coibamide-induced toxicity is delayed in ATG5−/− cells relative to ATG5+/+ cells. Time-dependent changes in annexin V staining, membrane integrity, metabolic capacity and caspase activation indicated that MEFs with a functional autophagy pathway are more sensitive to coibamide A. This pattern could be distinguished from autophagy modulators that induce acute ER stress (thapsigargin, tunicamycin), ATP depletion (oligomycin A) or mTORC1 inhibition (rapamycin), but was shared with the Sec61 inhibitor apratoxin A. Coibamide- or apratoxin-induced cell stress was further distinguished from the action of thapsigargin by a pattern of early LC3-II accumulation in the absence of CHOP or BiP expression. Time-dependent changes in ATG5-ATG12, PARP1 and caspase-3 expression patterns were consistent with the conversion of ATG5 to a pro-death signal in response to both compounds.
Antimicrobial Activity and Chemical Composition of Essential Oils from Verbenaceae Species Growing in South America
Authors: Pérez Zamora Cristina , Torres Carola , Nuñez María
Published: March 2018

The Verbenaceae family includes 2600 species grouped into 100 genera with a pantropical distribution. Many of them are important elements of the floras of warm-temperature and tropical regions of America. This family is known in folk medicine, and its species are used as digestive, carminative, antipyretic, antitussive, antiseptic, and healing agents. This review aims to collect information about the essential oils from the most reported species of the Verbenaceae family growing in South America, focusing on their chemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and synergism with commercial antimicrobials. The information gathered comprises the last twenty years of research within the South American region and is summarized taking into consideration the most representative species in terms of their essential oils. These species belong to Aloysia, Lantana, Lippia, Phyla, and Stachytarpheta genera, and the main essential oils they contain are monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, such as β-caryophyllene, thymol, citral, 1,8-cineole, carvone, and limonene. These compounds have been found to possess antimicrobial activities. The synergism of these essential oils with antibiotics is being studied by several research groups. It constitutes a resource of interest for the potential use of combinations of essential oils and antibiotics in infection treatments.
Interlaminar Glia and Other Glial Themes Revisited: Pending Answers Following Three Decades of Glial Research
Authors: Colombo Jorge
Published: March 2018

This review aims to highlight the various significant matters in glial research stemming from personal work by the author and associates at the Unit of Applied Neurobiology (UNA, CEMIC-CONICET), and some of the pending questions. A reassessment and further comments on interlaminar astrocytes—an astroglial cell type that is specific to humans and other non-human primates, and is not found in rodents, is presented. Tentative hypothesis regarding their function and future possible research lines that could contribute to further the analysis of their development and possible role(s), are suggested. The possibility that they function as a separate entity from the “territorial” astrocytes, is also considered. In addition, the potential significance of our observations on interspecies differences in in vitro glial cell dye coupling, on glial diffusible factors affecting the induction of this glial phenotype, and on their interference with the cellular toxic effects of cerebrospinal fluid obtained from l-DOPA treated patients with Parkinson´s disease, is also considered. The major differences oberved in the cerebral cortex glial layout between human and rodents—the main model for studying glial function and pathology—calls for a careful assessment of known and potential species differences in all aspects of glial cell biology. This is essential to provide a better understanding of the organization and function of human and non-human primate brain, and of the neurobiological basis of their behavior.
Periconceptional Folic Acid Supplementation Benefit to Development of Early Sensory-Motor Function through Increase DNA Methylation in Rat Offspring
Authors: Li Wen , Li Zhenshu , Li Shou , Wang Xinyan , Wilson John , Huang Guowei
Published: March 2018

Periconceptional maternal folate levels may alter DNA methylation patterns and health outcomes in offspring. We hypothesized that maternal folic acid supplementation alters fetal neural development through DNA methylation in the fetal brain. Twenty-eight rats were randomly assigned to four groups: three groups of the female rats were fed folate-normal, folate-deficient or folate-supplemented diets from seven days before mating to delivery. In another group, folic acid supplementation diet short-period group was fed a folate-normal diet, except for 10 days (begin mating) when this group was fed a folate-supplemented diet. After delivery, the diets were changed to folate-normal diet for all four groups. The cliff avoidance and forelimb grip tests were used to assess sensory motor function of rat offspring. The results indicate that maternal folic acid supplementation improved the early development of sensory-motor function in offspring. Maternal folic acid supplementation increased the methylation potential, global DNA methylation (5-mC) and DNA methyltransferase expression and activity in the brains of the offspring. In conclusion, maternal folic acid supplementation increases DNA methylation pattern in offspring brain and improves the early development of sensory-motor function.