bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementación de escáner 3d y fotogrametría digital para la documentación de la iglesia de La Merced de Panamá
Authors: Martínez Rubio José , Fernández Martín Juan José , San José Alonso Jesús Ignacio
Published: March 2018

En el proceso de estudio e intervención en el patrimonio edificado, la captura de datos y la documentación gráfica a redactar constituye un aspecto decisivo no solo por la necesidad de describir la forma arquitectónica, sino por cuantificar con precisión su geometría, dimensión y, de manera especial, las alteraciones formales que afectan al edificio. En este sentido las tecnologías láser y de fotogrametría digital usada en el registro de datos:

• Constituye una especial fuente de información a la hora de valorar las deformaciones estructurales y todas aquellas patologías formales que afectan las estructuras del edificio, dadas las precisiones y posibilidades de procesado digital de los datos capturados.

• El procesado digital de la información obtenida hace posible la construcción de modelos digitales sólidos, a partir de los que elaborar propuestas de intervención e hipótesis de funcionamiento.

El trabajo realizado sobre la iglesia de la Merced en Panamá, complementa y da soporte gráfico y geométrico a los ensayos de caracterización y resistencia de materiales realizados por los expertos de AIDICO sobre el estado estructural del edificio. El texto expone el proceso metodológico desarrollado, la satisfacción de las dificultades surgidas en el proceso, así como el desarrollo de construcciones virtuales del sistema estructural del templo y de su fachada histórica, como documentos de referencia en la elaboración del proyecto de intervención arquitectónica.
Central Diabetes Insipidus Unmasked by Corticosteroid Therapy for Cerebral Metastases: Beware the Case with Pituitary Involvement and Hypopituitarism
Authors: Chin HX , Quek TPL , Leow MKS
Published: March 2018

Patients with intra-cerebral metastases often receive glucocorticoids, particularly in the presence of peri-lesional vasogenic cerebral oedema. We present a case of presumptive lung carcinoma with cerebral metastases where central diabetes insipidus was unmasked after glucocorticoid administration and correction of undiagnosed central hypocortisolism.
Medicine and the Mcnamara Fallacy
Authors: O'Mahony S
Published: March 2018

The ‘McNamara fallacy’ (also known as quantitative fallacy) is named after the US Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam War. The fallacy consists of over-reliance on metrics, and may be summarised as: ‘if it cannot be measured, it is not important'. This paper describes the McNamara fallacy as it applies to medicine and healthcare, taking as examples hospital mortality data, NHS targets and quality assurance.
Errors in Nanoparticle Growth Rates Inferred from
Measurements in Chemically Reacting Aerosol Systems
Authors: Li Chenxi , McMurry Peter H.
Published: March 2018

Abstract. In systems where aerosols are being formed by chemical transformations, individual particles grow due to the addition of molecular species. Efforts to improve our understanding of growth often focus on attempts to reconcile observed growth rates with values calculated from models. However, because it is typically not possible to measure the growth rates of individual particles in chemically reacting systems, they must be inferred from measurements of aerosol properties such as size distributions, particle number concentrations, etc. This work quantifies errors in growth rates obtained using methods that are commonly employed for analyzing atmospheric data. We analyze data obtained by simulating the formation of aerosols in a system where a single chemical species is formed at a constant rate, R. We show that the maximum possible error in measured growth rates occurs for collision-controlled nucleation in a single-component system in the absence of a pre-existing aerosol, wall losses, evaporation or dilution, as this leads to the highest concentrations of nucleated particles. Those high concentrations lead to high coagulation rates that cause the nucleation mode to grow faster than would be caused by vapor condensation alone. We also show preexisting particles, when coupled with evaporation, can significantly decrease the concentration of nucleated particles. This leads to decreased discrepancies between measured growth rate and true growth rate by reducing coagulation. Conversely, the same concentration of preexisting particles has much less effect on growth rates during collision-controlled nucleation.
Impact of varying lidar measurement and data processing techniques in evaluating cirrus cloud and aerosol direct radiative effects
Authors: Lolli Simone , Madonna Fabio , Rosoldi Marco , Campbell James R. , Welton Ellsworth J. , Lewis Jasper R. , Gu Yu , Pappalardo Gelsomina
Published: March 2018

Abstract. In the past 2 decades, ground-based lidar networks have drastically
increased in scope and relevance, thanks primarily to the advent of lidar
observations from space and their need for validation. Lidar observations of
aerosol and cloud geometrical, optical and microphysical atmospheric
properties are subsequently used to evaluate their direct radiative effects
on climate. However, the retrievals are strongly dependent on the lidar
instrument measurement technique and subsequent data processing
methodologies. In this paper, we evaluate the discrepancies between the use
of Raman and elastic lidar measurement techniques and corresponding data
processing methods for two aerosol layers in the free troposphere and for
two cirrus clouds with different optical depths. Results show that the
different lidar techniques are responsible for discrepancies in the
model-derived direct radiative effects for biomass burning (0.05 W m−2
at surface and 0.007 W m−2 at top of the atmosphere) and dust aerosol
layers (0.7 W m−2 at surface and 0.85 W m−2 at top of the
atmosphere). Data processing is further responsible for discrepancies in both thin
(0.55 W m−2 at surface and 2.7 W m−2 at top of the atmosphere)
and opaque (7.7 W m−2 at surface and 11.8 W m−2 at top of the
atmosphere) cirrus clouds. Direct radiative effect discrepancies can be
attributed to the larger variability of the lidar ratio for aerosols
(20–150 sr) than for clouds (20–35 sr). For this reason,
the influence of the applied lidar technique plays a more fundamental role in
aerosol monitoring because the lidar ratio must be retrieved with relatively
high accuracy. In contrast, for cirrus clouds, with the lidar ratio being much
less variable, the data processing is critical because smoothing it modifies
the aerosol and cloud vertically resolved extinction profile that is used as
input to compute direct radiative effect calculations.
Molecular characterization of organic matter mobilized from Bangladeshi aquifer sediment: tracking carbon compositional change during microbial utilization
Authors: Pracht Lara E. , Tfaily Malak M. , Ardissono Robert J. , Neumann Rebecca B.
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Bioavailable organic carbon in aquifer recharge waters and sediments can fuel microbial reactions with implications for groundwater quality. A previous incubation experiment showed that sedimentary organic carbon (SOC) mobilized off sandy sediment collected from an arsenic-contaminated and methanogenic aquifer in Bangladesh was bioavailable; it was transformed into methane. We used high-resolution mass spectrometry to molecularly characterize this mobilized SOC, reference its composition against dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in surface recharge water, track compositional changes during incubation, and advance understanding of microbial processing of organic carbon in anaerobic environments. Organic carbon mobilized off aquifer sediment was more diverse, proportionately larger, more aromatic, and more oxidized than DOC in surface recharge. Mobilized SOC was predominately composed of terrestrially derived organic matter and had characteristics signifying that it evaded microbial processing within the aquifer. Approximately 50 % of identified compounds in mobilized SOC and in DOC from surface recharge water contained sulfur. During incubation, after mobilized SOC was converted into methane, new organosulfur compounds with high S-to-C ratios and a high nominal oxidation state of carbon (NOSC) were detected. We reason that these detected compounds formed abiotically following microbial reduction of sulfate to sulfide, which could have occurred during incubation but was not directly measured or that they were microbially synthesized. Most notably, microbes transformed all carbon types during incubation, including those currently considered thermodynamically unviable for microbes to degrade in anaerobic conditions (i.e., those with a low NOSC). In anaerobic environments, energy yields from redox reactions are small and the amount of energy required to remove electrons from highly reduced carbon substrates during oxidation decreases the thermodynamic favorability of degrading compounds with a low NOSC. While all compound types were eventually degraded during incubation, NOSC and compound size controlled the rates of carbon transformation. Large, more thermodynamically favorable compounds (e.g., aromatics with a high NOSC) were targeted first, while small, less thermodynamically favorable compounds (e.g., alkanes and olefinics with a low NOSC) were used last. These results indicate that in anaerobic conditions, microbial communities are capable of degrading and mineralizing all forms of organic matter, converting larger energy-rich compounds into smaller energy-poor compounds. However, in an open system, where fresh carbon is continually supplied, the slower degradation rate of reduced carbon compounds would enable this portion of the organic carbon pool to build up, explaining the apparent persistence of compounds with a low NOSC in anaerobic environments.
Carbon dioxide emissions from the flat bottom and shallow Nam Theun 2 Reservoir: drawdown area as a neglected pathway to the atmosphere
Authors: Deshmukh Chandrashekhar , Guérin Frédéric , Vongkhamsao Axay , Pighini Sylvie , Oudone Phetdala , Sopraseuth Saysoulinthone , Godon Arnaud , Rode Wanidaporn , Guédant Pierre , Oliva Priscia , Audry Stéphane , Zouiten Cyril , Galy-Lacaux Corinne , Robain Henri , Ribolzi Olivier , Kansal Arun , Chanudet Vincent , Descloux Stéphane , Serça Dominique
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Freshwater reservoirs are a significant source of CO2 to the atmosphere.
CO2 is known to be emitted at the reservoir surface by diffusion at the
air–water interface and downstream of dams or powerhouses by degassing and
along the river course. In this study, we quantified total CO2 emissions
from the Nam Theun 2 Reservoir (Lao PDR) in the Mekong River watershed. The
study started in May 2009, less than a year after flooding and just a few
months after the maximum level was first reached and lasted until the end of
2013. We tested the hypothesis that soils from the drawdown area would be a
significant contributor to the total CO2 emissions. Total inorganic carbon, dissolved and particulate organic carbon and
CO2 concentrations were measured in 4 pristine rivers of the Nam Theun
watershed, at 9 stations in the reservoir (vertical profiles) and at 16
stations downstream of the monomictic reservoir on a weekly to monthly
basis. CO2 bubbling was estimated during five field campaigns between
2009 and 2011 and on a weekly monitoring, covering water depths ranging from
0.4 to 16 m and various types of flooded ecosystems in 2012 and 2013. Three
field campaigns in 2010, 2011 and 2013 were dedicated to the soils
description in 21 plots and the quantification of soil CO2 emissions
from the drawdown area. On this basis, we calculated total CO2
emissions from the reservoir and carbon inputs from the tributaries. We
confirm the importance of the flooded stock of organic matter as a source of
carbon (C) fuelling emissions. We show that the drawdown area contributes, depending
on the year, from 40 to 75 % of total annual gross emissions in this
flat and shallow reservoir. Since the CO2 emissions from the drawdown
zone are almost constant throughout the years, the large interannual
variations result from the significant decrease in diffusive fluxes and
downstream emissions between 2010 and 2013. This overlooked pathway in terms
of gross emissions would require an in-depth evaluation for the soil organic matter and
vegetation dynamics to evaluate the actual contribution of this area in
terms of net modification of gas exchange in the footprint of the reservoir,
and how it could evolve in the future.
Assessing the large-scale impacts of environmental change using a coupled hydrology and soil erosion model
Authors: Eekhout Joris P. C. , Terink Wilco , de Vente Joris
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Assessing the impacts of environmental change on soil erosion and sediment yield at the large catchment scale remains one of the main challenges in soil erosion modelling studies. Here, we present a process-based soil erosion model, based on the integration of the Morgan-Morgan-Finney erosion model in a daily-based hydrological model. The model overcomes many of the limitations of previous large-scale soil erosion models, as it includes a more complete representation of crucial processes like surface runoff generation, dynamic vegetation development, and sediment deposition, and runs at the catchment scale with a daily time step. This makes the model especially suited for evaluation of the impacts of environmental change on soil erosion and sediment yield at large spatial scales. The model was successfully applied in a large catchment in southeastern Spain. We demonstrate the models capacity to perform impact assessments of environmental change scenarios, specifically simulating the scenario impacts of intra- and inter-annual variations in climate, land management and vegetation development on soil erosion and sediment yield.
Extreme temperature events on Greenland in observations and the MAR regional climate model
Authors: Leeson Amber A. , Eastoe Emma , Fettweis Xavier
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Meltwater from the Greenland Ice Sheet contributed 1.7–6.12 mm to global
sea level between 1993 and 2010 and is expected to contribute 20–110 mm to
future sea level rise by 2100. These estimates were produced by regional
climate models (RCMs) which are known to be robust at the ice sheet scale but
occasionally miss regional- and local-scale climate variability (e.g. Leeson
et al., 2017; Medley et al., 2013). To date, the fidelity of these models in
the context of short-period variability in time (i.e. intra-seasonal) has not
been fully assessed, for example their ability to simulate extreme
temperature events. We use an event identification algorithm commonly used in
extreme value analysis, together with observations from the Greenland Climate
Network (GC-Net), to assess the ability of the MAR (Modèle
Atmosphérique Régional) RCM to reproduce observed extreme
positive-temperature events at 14 sites around Greenland. We find that MAR is
able to accurately simulate the frequency and duration of these events but
underestimates their magnitude by more than half a degree Celsius/kelvin,
although this bias is much smaller than that exhibited by coarse-scale
Era-Interim reanalysis data. As a result, melt energy in MAR output is
underestimated by between 16 and 41 % depending on global forcing applied.
Further work is needed to precisely determine the drivers of extreme
temperature events, and why the model underperforms in this area, but our
findings suggest that biases are passed into MAR from boundary forcing data.
This is important because these forcings are common between RCMs and their
range of predictions of past and future ice sheet melting. We propose that
examining extreme events should become a routine part of global and regional
climate model evaluation and that addressing shortcomings in this area should
be a priority for model development.
Application of a Monte Carlo procedure for probabilistic fatigue design of floating offshore wind turbines
Authors: Müller Kolja , Cheng Po Wen
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Fatigue load assessment of floating offshore wind turbines poses new challenges on the feasibility of numerical procedures. Due to the increased sensitivity of the considered system with respect to the environmental conditions from wind and ocean, the application of common procedures used for fixed-bottom structures results in either inaccurate simulation results or hard-to-quantify conservatism in the system design. Monte Carlo-based sampling procedures provide a more realistic approach to deal with the large variation in the environmental conditions, although basic randomization has shown slow convergence. Specialized sampling methods allow efficient coverage of the complete design space, resulting in faster convergence and hence a reduced number of required simulations. In this study, a quasi-random sampling approach based on Sobol sequences is applied to select representative events for the determination of the lifetime damage. This is calculated applying Monte Carlo integration, using subsets of a resulting total of 16 200 coupled time–domain simulations performed with the simulation code FAST. The considered system is the Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU) 10 MW reference turbine installed on the LIFES50+ OO-Star Wind Floater Semi 10 MW floating platform. Statistical properties of the considered environmental parameters (i.e., wind speed, wave height and wave period) are determined based on the measurement data from the Gulf of Maine, USA. Convergence analyses show that it is sufficient to perform around 200 simulations in order to reach less than 10 % uncertainty of lifetime fatigue damage-equivalent loading. Complementary in-depth investigation is performed, focusing on the load sensitivity and the impact of outliers (i.e., values far away from the mean). Recommendations for the implementation of the proposed methodology in the design process are also provided.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation and land use: Lessons from West Coast states
Authors: Lewis Rebecca , Zako Robert , Biddle Alexis , Isbell Rory
Published: March 2018

Planners and policymakers in the United States increasing-ly recognize climate change as a critical challenge. Because the trans-portation sector accounts for one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) linked to climate change, some states—including California, Oregon, and Washington—have passed legislation to reduce GHGs from transportation. Much of the work to date has focused on model-ing impacts and evaluating performance of different strategies. Instead, this paper focuses on policy adoption and implementation. This re-search relies on document analysis and stakeholder interviews to ex-amine state efforts to reduce GHGs by examining goals, plans, actions, and results. While these states have all established statutory goals to reduce GHGs, planning, implementation, and monitoring vary across states. California and Oregon rely on state- and metropolitan-level planning, while Washington relies on a state approach. California has enacted funding programs to implement strategies to achieve reduc-tions and worked to reduce regulatory barriers to compact develop-ment. All states monitor levels of GHGs, but the impact of plans is often unexamined. Though West Coast states have taken initial steps to enact goals and require scenario plans, states must provide funding or regulatory relief while improving monitoring in order to achieve ambitious goals to reduce GHGs from transportation.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Vol. 6, No. 1, March 2018
Authors: Williams Richard
Published: March 2018

Journal of Agricultural Studies would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JAS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issueReviewers for Volume 6, Number 1 Gerardo Ojeda, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, ColombiaLuisa Pozzo, "Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology (IBBA) of Pisa, National Research Council", ItalySahar Bahmani, University of Wisconsin at Parkside, USASelmi Houc, University of Jandouba, TunisiaZakaria Fouad Abdallah, National Research Centre, EgyptZhao Chen, Clemson University, US Richard Williams,EditorJournal of Agricultural Studies-------------------------------------------Macrothink Institute5348 Vegas Dr.#825Las Vegas, Nevada 89108United StatesPhone: 1-702-953-1852 ext.521Fax: 1-702-420-2900Email: jas@macrothink.orgURL: http://jas.macrothink.org
Can Greenbelt Microgreens Expand its Model? A Discussion on the Future of Microgreens
Authors: Charlebois Sylvain
Published: March 2018

Microgreens are considered as an emerging superfood, which are young seedlings of vegetables and herbs, produced in seven to fourteen days. Known as “vegetable confetti”, they gained popularity in upscale restaurants. But microgreens’ nutritional value is only starting to be identified through scientific research. Microgreens are nutrient-dense and make a healthy addition to salads, sandwiches, dishes, and other portable food solutions. According to some recent studies, vitamin and mineral levels can exceed full grown vegetables by more than forty times, requiring less water and energy throughout the process. This case study is about a company called Greenbelt Microgreens, based in Hamilton, Canada. Greenbelt Microgreens grows, harvests and distributes certified organic microgreens. The aim of the case study is to better understand the model and how it could be expanded beyond the region by capitalizing on a growing trend of local, organically grown food products. The case presents how microgreens are positioned in the marketplace. It also describes the company itself, its challenges and a discussion on specific, strategic elements to consider.
The efficiency of STAT’s order throughout alert technology for the nurse’s mobile station in Taiwan: A trajectory study
Authors: Chen Bi-Lian
Published: March 2018

Nursing information system combined with computerized physician order entry is a new technology on patient medication safety. With the help of clinical decision support and the alert reminder of the mobile station, the medication administration will be more precise. The purpose of this study was to predict the change of time on Stat Order before and after the implementation of the decision alert system. Design: Throughout a longitudinal study and a nested design--level 1 was the frequency of time on Stat Order (including the baseline, one up to six times); level 2 was the subject (nurses). Settings: The subjects were divided into two groups: before (paper group) and after (computer group with flash of alert to remind nurses) implementation. The data of nursing information system was used to collect the administration medication of time on Stat Order. Participants: There were 198 nurses enrolled and 2,376 time on Stat Order in this study. The study was carried out between July to October 2008. STATA 12.0 was adopted for descriptive statistics and multilevel regression analysis. The result showed that the mixed regression model of time on Stat Order on computer group was significantly reduced than on paper group (95% CI: -99.05~-61.65, p < .001). Furthermore, it also showed a significantly reduced time on each visit (95% CI: -13.63~-9.89, p < .00). The inter-correlation value was .66~.67. We recommended integrating this new alert technology, a high quality and timely method, with nurse’s routine work to improve medication administration on health care service.
Clinicopathological significance of galectin-1 expression and percentage of galectin-1-expressing T cells in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Su Yajuan , Wang Wentao , Xu Yongpeng , Liangjun Wei , Wang Yanjie , Li Changfu , Teng Lichen
Published: March 2018

Introduction: This study investigates the clinical significance of galectin-1 expression in carcinoma tissues, plasma, and lymphocytes of patients with clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Methods: Galectin-1 expression was investigated, using immunohistochemistry, in 91 clear-cell RCC tissue sections, five angioleiolipomas tissue sections, and three oncocytomas tissue sections. As controls, normal tissue sections adjacent to each tumour and six benign renal tumour sections were examined. Plasma galectin- 1 levels as measured by ELISA were compared in 39 patients. Proportions of galectin-1 expressing CD4+ and galectin-1 expressing CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood of these patients were detected by flow cytometry.Results: The positive expression rate of galetin-1 in 91 clear-cell RCC tissues sections by immunohistochemistry was 87 (95.6%), with weak expression rate of 35.2 (32/91), moderate expression rate of 51.6% (47/91), and strong expression rate of 13.2% (12/91); whereas 25% (2/8) of renal benign tumour sections showed weak galectin-1 expression, 91.2% (83/91) of non-tumor tissues adjacent to carcinomas had negative expression of galectin-1, and another six (75%) renal benign tumour sections had negative galectin-1 expression. Plasma galectin-1 levels between patients with clearcell RCC and with benign tumours were not significantly difference (p>0.05). In patients with clear-cell RCC, we found a significantly higher proportion of galectin-1-expressing CD4+ lymphocytes (p<0.05) and galectin-1-expressing CD8+ lymphocytes (p<0.05) than in patients with benign tumours. Moreover, the level of galectin- 1 expression was positively associated with stage and Fuhrman grade of clear-cell RCC.Conclusions: Our results suggest that high level of galectin-1 expression in clear-cell RCC tissues may be a useful marker for clear-cell RCC. Our findings also reveal a new clinical significance of galectin-1 — that high proportions of galectin-1-expressing CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes were positively associated with poor clinicopathological features.
CPNT Model Analysis on New Media and “Gangnam Style”
Authors: Kyoung Kim Yong
Published: March 2018

PSY’s “GangNam Style” got the most views on various search engines for music around the world in 2012. The world has tremendously caught on the “GangNam Style” across borders regardless of race, nation and culture. “Oppa GangNam Style”, this lyric of the song by a funny Korean singer who looks fat with sunglasses has been hummed everywhere over the world. Main interest of people also has focused on this song recently. The song, “GangNam Style”, enraptured the world in a few months. A music video of “GangNam Style” was a huge hit on a great variety of video websites as well. Take “YouTube”, the most famous websites in the world, for an example. On this websites, PSY’s music video got about 1.8 billion views. It was listed as the largest number of “like” clicks on YouTube in the Guinness Book of World Record. Therefore, this article analyzes this case on the spread of PSY’s “GangNam Style” through the new mass media in order to determine reasons to hit the world as well as backgrounds to be popular. Due to this research, we can expect to predict a future trend of international spread through the new media.
Evaluation of the interactions between human serum albumin (HSA) and warfarin or diflunisal by using molecular fluorescence using two approaches
Authors: Amézqueta Susana , Bolioli Anna Bolioli Maria , Beltrán José Luis , Ràfols Clara
Published: March 2018

Serum albumin is the main drug transporter of the bloodstream and contains two main binding sites:  Sudlow I or acidic drug binding site, and Sudlow II or benzodiazepine binding site. Warfarin, a well-known anticoagulant drug commonly used in the prevention of thrombosis and thromboembolism, binds to Sudlow I site, whereas non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diflunisal bind preferentially to Sudlow II site.  Albumin is a fluorophore that modifies its fluorescence (quenching or enhancement effect) when it is bound to a drug. The application of the double logarithm Stern-Volmer equation allows the calculation of the stoichiometry and the binding constant of the process. This procedure does not consider the possible interferences coming from the fluorescence of the drug though. Another strategy to evaluate the binding constants is to consider the whole spectrum, taking into account all the possible species in equilibrium; in this case we have used an extended version of the STAR program, which can deal with 300 spectra, each containing up to 300 data points. The aim of this work is to compare both approaches to evaluate the interaction between warfarin (Sudlow I) and diflunisal (Sudlow II) and HSA: the double logarithm Stern-Volmer equation and the STAR program.
Dissolution rate of ciprofloxacin and its cocrystal with resorcinol
Authors: Ràfols Clara , Fael Hanan , Fuguet Elisabet , Outhwaite Breeze , Lee Samuel , Ruiz Rebeca
Published: March 2018

The synthesis of cocrystals is presented as an alternative to improve the properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients, especially those related to solubility and dissolution rate. In this work the dissolution rate of ciprofloxacin, a zwitterionic fluoroquinolone antibiotic, has been compared to its cocrystal with resorcinol. To this end, dissolution rate has been determined at several biorelevant pH values, and also in two simulated gastrointestinal fluids (FeSSIF and FaSSIF). Results show that both, ciprofloxacin and the cocrystal, dissolve more slowly as pH increases (from 2.0 to 7.4), as ionization degree of ciprofloxacin decreases. In addition, dissolution is not enhanced by the components of the gastrointestinal fluids.
Pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms of denture plaque – literature review
Authors: Majchrzak Krzysztof
Published: March 2018

Removable dentures, which restore oral cavity lost tissues, regain functionality and aesthetics of the dentition, constitute a foreign body that promotes the accumulation of microorganisms in multi-species ecosystems called biofilms. Biofilms are a living environment for many species of bacteria and fungi that may be potentially pathogenic. This document reviews and characterizes selected pathogenic microorganisms that have been isolated from the surface of prostheses.
Overdentures and overlay dentures in therapy of patients in the developmental age – review of the literature
Authors: Pawlaczyk-Kamieńska Tamara , Idzior-Haufa Małgorzata , Hędzelek Wiesław
Published: March 2018

Prosthetic treatment of edentulous children or those with residual dentition requires a long-term and highly complex rehabilitation. To ensure proper course of treatment, the knowledge of facial skeleton development and growth is essential. Early rehabilitation is aimed at restoring malformed tissues and providing proper growth and functioning of the stomatognatic system. The applied restorations cannot interfere with bone growth and should be replaced at given time intervals. Throughout the therapy cooperation of a prosthetician with an orthodontist, oral surgeon, periodontologist, and paedodontist is needed. Such treatment is fundamental in the psycho-social formation of young patients as it results in a significant improvement in their quality of life. The aim of the paper was to present, basing on the literature, modern methods of prosthetic rehabilitation of developmental age patients with morpho-functional disorders of the stomatognatic system, using removable overdentures and overlay dentures. These restorations are of temporary character in children and are used to stimulate growth of the system in a way which would provide best conditions, after the development is completed, for the application of fixed restorations supported on patient’s own teeth or on implants.
Dental support for African residents
Authors: Osiak Martyna
Published: March 2018

Central African Republic is the poorest country in the world (Global Finance Magazine, 2017). In Monasao, a small town located in the heart of the savannah, surrounded by virgin jungles, I spent three months working as a dentist in a small health clinic.
A Comparison of Cost-Benefit and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in Practice: Divergent Policy Practices in Sweden
Authors: Svensson Mikael , Hultkrantz Lars
Published: March 2018

This paper compares the implementation of the two economic evaluation methods Cost-Effectiveness/Utility (CEA/CUA) and Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) as tools for allocation of national public funds in the health and transport sector in Sweden, respectively. We compare the recommended values for important economic parameters such as the social discount rate, the marginal cost of public funds, and the explicit and implicit valuation of health, and document a number of substantial and unexplained differences in implementation. Such differences are problematic considering that the increasing use of economic evaluations to guide policy decisions also has implied an overlap of application areas. We conclude with a discussion on the need of a harmonized procedure for economic evaluations in the public sector in order to reduce the risk of inefficient allocations purely due to different applications of the methods. Published: Online February 2017. In print December 2017.
DEFLECTION CALCULATION OF PARTIALLY PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BEAMS UNDER HEAVY DUTY
Authors: XIN QIN , DOU YUANMING , ZHANG JINGJING , LI SHA
Published: March 2018

To predict bridge deformation laws under existing traffic loads and identifies the main influencing factors of midspan deflection of the structure, this study performed static and fatigue tests on seven pieces of prestressed concrete scale model beams using the pre-tensioning method. The general variation laws and characteristics of deflection were studied, and the calculation method of deflection of partially prestressed concrete beams under heavy loads was discussed. Results demonstrate that the changes of concrete strain along the section height conform to the plane hypothesis. The deflection of prestressed concrete beams under heavy load basically conforms to the "quick-stable-quick" variation law, and the change rate is significantly higher than that under normal operating loads. The deflection after the fatigue cracking of prestressed concrete beams under heavy load can be calculated from the residual and load deflections. Based on the established formula of fitting deflection, the amplification coefficient of deflection during the fatigue steady state is approximately 20%-35%, and the amplification coefficient at critical failure is approximately 80%-100%. This study provides references for the fatigue performance assessment of prestressed concrete beams under heavy traffic loads and the selection of reinforcement time.

Keywords: Heavy duty, Fatigue test, Partially prestressed concrete beams, Deflection calculation
Seabird Expert Network (CBird): Findings and recommendations from the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program’s State of the Arctic Marine Biodiversity Report
Authors: Kuletz Kathy , Mallory Mark , Gilchrist Grant , Robertson Gregory J , Merkel Flemming , Olsen Bergur , Hansen Erpur , Rönkä Mia , Anker-Nilssen Tycho , Strøm Hallvard , Descamps Sebastien , Gavrilo Maria , Kaler Robert , Irons David , Below Antii
Published: March 2018

Seabirds provide ecosystem services, notably as human food in many Arctic regions, major tourist attractions, as well as being an important link to the Arctic food web and returning nutrients from the oceans to coastal areas. Changes in seabird populations and diversity will affect regional sustainability for Arctic communities and ecosystems. The CBird Expert Network aggregated and reviewed data on the population status and trends of eight seabird Focal Ecosystem Components (FECs) across eight Arctic Marine Areas as well as the state of current monitoring efforts for these species. Population trends for seabirds vary within and among regions, making it difficult to assess circumpolar trends. Nonetheless, among key sites, current trends indicate that most of the stable or increasing populations are in the Pacific Arctic and Arctic Archipelago, while most of the declining populations are in the Atlantic Arctic. Most circumpolar nations have at least one source of long-term seabird monitoring datasets, but efforts vary across regions. Long-term monitoring efforts are crucial to examining the effects of environmental drivers to changes in seabird populations. The presentation will summarize current level of monitoring across the Arctic, the status and trends of FECs, drivers of observed trends, and knowledge and monitoring gaps.
Neurovascular sequestration in paediatric P. falciparum malaria is visible clinically in the retina
Authors: Barrera Valentina , MacCormick Ian James Callum , Czanner Gabriela , Hiscott Paul Stephenson , White Valerie Ann , Craig Alister Gordon , Beare Nicholas Alexander Venton , Culshaw Lucy Hazel , Zheng Yalin , Biddolph Simon Charles , Milner Danny Arnold , Kamiza Steve , Molyneux Malcolm Edward , Taylor Terrie Ellen , Harding Simon Peter
Published: March 2018

Retinal vessel changes and retinal whitening, distinctive features of malarial retinopathy, can be directly observed during routine eye examination in children with P. falciparum cerebral malaria. We investigated their clinical significance and underlying mechanisms through linked clinical, clinicopathological and image analysis studies. Orange vessels and severe foveal whitening (clinical examination, n = 817, OR, 95% CI: 2.90, 1.96–4.30; 3.4, 1.8–6.3, both p<0.001), and arteriolar involvement by intravascular filling defects (angiographic image analysis, n = 260, 2.81, 1.17–6.72, p<0.02) were strongly associated with death. Orange vessels had dense sequestration of late stage parasitised red cells (histopathology, n = 29; sensitivity 0.97, specificity 0.89) involving 360° of the lumen circumference, with altered protein expression in blood-retinal barrier cells and marked loss/disruption of pericytes. Retinal whitening was topographically associated with tissue response to hypoxia. Severe neurovascular sequestration is visible at the bedside, and is a marker of severe disease useful for diagnosis and management.
Differential 3’ processing of specific transcripts expands regulatory and protein diversity across neuronal cell types
Authors: Jereb Saša , Hwang Hun-Way , Van Otterloo Eric , Govek Eve-Ellen , Fak John J , Yuan Yuan , Hatten Mary E , Darnell Robert B
Published: March 2018

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) regulates mRNA translation, stability, and protein localization. However, it is unclear to what extent APA regulates these processes uniquely in specific cell types. Using a new technique, cTag-PAPERCLIP, we discovered significant differences in APA between the principal types of mouse cerebellar neurons, the Purkinje and granule cells, as well as between proliferating and differentiated granule cells. Transcripts that differed in APA in these comparisons were enriched in key neuronal functions and many differed in coding sequence in addition to 3’UTR length. We characterize Memo1, a transcript that shifted from expressing a short 3’UTR isoform to a longer one during granule cell differentiation. We show that Memo1 regulates granule cell precursor proliferation and that its long 3’UTR isoform is targeted by miR-124, contributing to its downregulation during development. Our findings provide insight into roles for APA in specific cell types and establish a platform for further functional studies.
A conserved function for pericentromeric satellite DNA
Authors: Jagannathan Madhav , Cummings Ryan , Yamashita Yukiko M
Published: March 2018

A universal and unquestioned characteristic of eukaryotic cells is that the genome is divided into multiple chromosomes and encapsulated in a single nucleus. However, the underlying mechanism to ensure such a configuration is unknown. Here, we provide evidence that pericentromeric satellite DNA, which is often regarded as junk, is a critical constituent of the chromosome, allowing the packaging of all chromosomes into a single nucleus. We show that the multi-AT-hook satellite DNA-binding proteins, Drosophila melanogaster D1 and mouse HMGA1, play an evolutionarily conserved role in bundling pericentromeric satellite DNA from heterologous chromosomes into ‘chromocenters’, a cytological association of pericentromeric heterochromatin. Defective chromocenter formation leads to micronuclei formation due to budding from the interphase nucleus, DNA damage and cell death. We propose that chromocenter and satellite DNA serve a fundamental role in encapsulating the full complement of the genome within a single nucleus, the universal characteristic of eukaryotic cells.
Factors Associated With Osteopathic Primary Care Residency Choice Decisions
Authors: Dogbey Godwin Y. , Collins Karen , Russ Ronald , Brannan Grace D. , Mivsek Matt , Sewell Sarah
Published: March 2018

Context

The osteopathic medical profession traditionally emphasized the education of primary care physicians. A common thread for both osteopathic and allopathic residency matches, however, has been an increase in the interest in specialties outside of primary care.

Objective

To determine whether there are critical points in medical school associated with residency selection decision-making, what factors affect residency selection decisions, and whether any identifiable shifts or trends exist.

Methods

This mixed-methods study sequentially used qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The study population was a convenience sample of osteopathic medical students, interns and residents, and practicing physicians from partner medical schools, associated hospitals, and a regional association of osteopathic physicians. In the first phase, interviews and focus group discussions were analyzed for codes, categories, and themes relating to factors that influence residency selection. In the second phase, a survey was created from the results of the first phase and administered to study participants.

Results

Of the 3450 potential participants, 282 completed the survey. Ninety-one of 209 participants (43.5%) indicated that the third year of medical school was the time they will or did decide what type of residency program to pursue. There were no significant differences in the mean scores between the respondent groups (ie, students, residents, and physicians) when ranking the importance of the 10 influential factors associated with residency selection decision-making (P>.05 for all).

Conclusion

The highest percentage of participants indicated the third year of medical school was the time that they made residency selection decisions regarding what specialty they were interested in entering. No shifts regarding the importance of specific primary care residency choice factors were found between training status of respondents.
Interprofessional Collaborative Practice: Use of Simulated Clinical Experiences in Medical Education
Authors: Carpenter Adriana M. , Hirthler Maureen A. , King Cathy J.
Published: March 2018

Context

Mastering the art of assessing interprofessional outcomes has been a topic of interest in academic research. Specifically, the Interprofessional Education Collaborative has been publishing thorough bodies of work that aim to strengthen teamwork among health professionals and reinforce competencies that will lead to better patient care.

Objective

To determine osteopathic medical students’ perceived effectiveness of simulated clinical experiences in cultivating interprofessional competencies with nursing students.

Methods

Second-year osteopathic medical students (classes of 2016 and 2017) and nursing students participated in a simulated clinical experience using a simulated patient mannequin. Students were assessed on clinical and humanistic skills using graded evaluations performed by faculty and actors portraying family members and given feedback on their performance. Evaluation grades were not analyzed. Students were asked to complete an anonymous survey that assessed their attitudes toward the collaborative experience.

Results

A total of 743 medical students participated in the study—371 from the class of 2016 and 372 from the class of 2017. Incomplete surveys (1 from the class of 2016 and 3 from the class of 2017) were included in the analysis. Statistically significant differences were found between the 2 classes of medical students in their responses to 2 items. With regard to appropriate patient data collection, the ranked distribution of scores was significantly greater for the class of 2014-2015 than for the class of 2013-2014 (mean rank, 389.3 vs 354.64, respectively; U=75,445.50; P=.017). For the item on effective communication with family members, the ranked distribution of scores was significantly greater for the class of 2014-2015 than for the class of 2013-2014 (mean rank, 390.61 vs 353.34, respectively; U=75,928.50; P=.006). Overall, medical students reported feeling better prepared to care for real patients after the simulation.

Conclusion

Simulated interprofessional experiences during the second year of medical school may help prepare students to collaborate with other health care professionals in a clinical setting, take care of patients, and communicate with patients’ family members.
Assessment Considerations for Core Entrustable Professional Activities for Entering Residency
Authors: Linsenmeyer Machelle , Wimsatt Leslie , Speicher Mark , Powers James , Miller Stephen , Katsaros Emmanuel
Published: March 2018

Context

In the process of analyzing entrustable professional activities (EPAs) for use in medical education, ten Cate and others identified challenges, including the need for valid and reliable EPA assessment strategies.

Objective

To provide osteopathic medical schools with a database of assessment tools compiled from the literature to assist them with the development and implementation of robust, evidence-based assessment methods.

Methods

MEDLINE, ERIC, PubMed, and other relevant databases were searched using MeSH keywords for articles outlining robust, evidence-based assessment tools that could be used in designing assessments for EPAs 1 through 6.

Results

A total of 55 publications were included in content analysis and reporting. All but 2 of the assessment articles were conducted in an undergraduate or graduate medical education setting. The majority of the 55 articles related to assessment of competencies affiliated with EPA 2 (16 articles) and EPA 4 (15 articles). Four articles focused on EPA 3.

Conclusion

Osteopathic medical schools can use this database of assessment tools to support the development of EPA-specific assessment plans that match the unique context and needs of their institution.