bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação do estresse ocupacional em agentes comunitários de saúde de uma estratégia saúde da família
Authors: Reis Cleverton Chaves dos , Malcher Sérgio Alexandre Oliveira
Published: July 2018

Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência dos casos de estresse ocupacional em agentes comunitários de saúde lotados na USF águas brancas localizada no município de Ananindeua-PA. Método: Um estudo quantitativo, observacional, transversal e descritivo durante o período de fevereiro a outubro de 2017. Constituída pelo total de 20 agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS) que estão devidamente lotados e trabalhando regularmente nas 3 estratégias saúde da família que compõe a UESF das Águas Brancas. Sendo 7 ACS na ESF águas brancas I, 7 ACS na ESF águas brancas II e 6 ACS na ESF Dom Bosco. Resultados: O perfil sócio demográfico foram encontrados 70% do sexo feminino, faixa etária de 50-59 anos com 35%, raça 65% são pardos, estado civil 50% são casados, com escolaridade 35% tem o ensino médio completo; Em relação aos fatores preceptores do estresse no trabalho a partir do inquérito ocupacional temos 70% que classificaram como média a satisfação com o trabalho, 75% consideram baixo o conforto no ambiente de trabalho, 40% consideram a temperatura é que mais causa incomoda quanto as condições do ambiente, 70% afirmaram que as tarefas não são monótonas já que estão intensamente executando seu trabalho, 40% afirmaram que o volume de serviço é excessivo sazonal, 40% são estudantes e 25% realizam trabalhos extras e 15% sofreram acidente de trabalho. Todos trabalham 8h durante a semana e 25% trabalham nos fim de semana na informalidade. Em relação aos sinais e sintomas mais prevalentes estão fadiga, dor nos músculos pescoço e ombro com 85% dos casos seguidas de dor de cabeça, indigestão e dor lombar com 80%. Em relação ao estresse ocupacional tivemos 45% para faixa moderada e o mesmo valor percentual para estresse intenso totalizando 90% dos casos.Considerações finais: Essa situação serve de alerta para que medidas corretivas e preventivas possam ser tomadas a fim de evitarmos a queda de desempenho e o adoecimento desses trabalhadores.
Seguimento ambulatorial de prematuros: acompanhamento nutricional
Authors: Pereira Ada Yukari Kanashiro , Ozela Ciléa Maria dos Santos , Ribeiro Nalu de Moraes , Almeida Ana Caroline Vieira de , Souza Gabriela Theresinha de Paula
Published: July 2018

Objetivo: Descrever o seguimento ambulatorial de prematuros com o profissional nutricionista e apresentar o perfil nutricional destes no ambulatório de uma maternidade estadual de referência. Método: Estudo descritivo com método retrospectivo, transversal e abordagem quantitativa. Observaram-se os procedimentos realizados pelo profissional durante os atendimentos. A amostra foi de 668 pacientes, considerando os critérios de inclusão como o registro completo dos dados (número do prontuário, nome, idade, peso e estatura) e idade entre 0 a 36 meses. Excluíram-se prematuros neuropatas. Para a classificação de Peso para Idade, Estatura para Idade e Peso para Estatura, utilizaram-se as curvas da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Na análise estatística descritiva, foram utilizadas as frequências absolutas e relativas. Resultados: 50,45% era do sexo feminino e 33,99% encontravam-se na faixa etária de 13 a 24 meses. A maioria apresentou peso adequado para a idade (84,73%), estatura para idade adequada (69,16%) e peso para estatura na faixa da eutrofia (76,50%). No entanto, 30,83% apresentaram baixa ou muito baixa estatura para a idade. Algumas das atividades desenvolvidas pelo nutricionista são relativas às orientações quanto ao aleitamento materno exclusivo, e aferição do peso e da estatura para acompanhamento do crescimento dos pacientes. Conclusão: A maioria dos prematuros encontrava-se com o peso e estatura adequados, porém uma menor e significativa parcela apresentava baixa ou muito baixa estatura para idade. Um fator limitante é a ausência de informações como idade gestacional e peso de nascimento. Este estudo poderá ser utilizado em outras pesquisas, já que há poucos acerca desta temática.
Effects of vibration techniques and expiratory flow acceleration on pain parameters in premature infants with pneumonia
Authors: Moura Hévila Aragão , Cardoso Rebekah Cintiah Carneiro , Torres Daniel da Costa , Normando Valéria Marques Ferreira , Rocha Rodrigo Santiago Barbosa , Avila Paulo Eduardo Santos
Published: July 2018

Purpose: to evaluate the effects of vibration techniques and expiratory flow acceleration on pain parameters in preterm infants diagnosed with pneumonia hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit of the Santa Casa de Misericórdia Foundation of Pará, Brazil. Method: Randomized clinical trial, in which 28 preterm newborns were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 - submitted to vibration technique and Group 2 - to expiratory flow acceleration. Both techniques were applied in a range of up to ten minutes, for three consecutive days. Pain indicators were assessed according to the Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) at three times. For statistical analysis, the Friedman tests and Analysis of Variance were applied, the level of significance adopted was 5% (p <0.05). Results: Among the preterm infants in Group 1, 64.29% were male, with a mean gestational age of 33.50 ± 2.65 weeks; in Group 2, 57.14% were male, with mean gestational age 33.07 ± 2.84 weeks. Significant changes were observed in the heart rate index, between days, in Group 1 (p <0.05), and in facial mimetic aspects, between times (p <0.05) in both groups. Conclusion: The two techniques used did not cause changes that characterized the presence of pain in the newborns studied. However, it is suggested that new research is carried out in order to further elucidate the subject.
Effects of Local Infiltration of Autologous Platelet Supernatant in Supraspinatus Tendinopathies
Authors: Gubba Abhinav , Dwidmuthe Samir C , Golhar Anil , Joshi Nilesh
Published: July 2018

Aim: The study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in promoting healing of rotator cuff tendinopathies over short term by evaluating pain, range of motion (ROM) using Constant–Murley score (CMS).

Design: This prospective, cohort study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedics at a tertiary care teaching hospital between December 2013 and April 2015. Patients with supraspinatus tendinopathies (partial tear) based on either ultrasonography (USG) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included in the study. Patients with complete rotator cuff tear were excluded.

Materials and methods: Thirty consecutive patients with supraspinatus tendinopathies were administered subacromial injections of PRP. Platelet-rich plasma was made from 20 mL of patient's blood after subjecting it to two centrifugal spins and injected into the supraspinatus tendon. All patients were evaluated at the end of 3 months.

Results: Shoulder function was assessed by CMS in present study. Mean score at baseline was 33.87 ± 5.91. After 1 and 3 months, significant reduction in CMS was found with mean score of 27.80 ± 5.17 at 1 month (p < 0.0001) and 21.93 ± 6.17 at 3 months (p < 0.0001). There was a significant difference in score at 1 and 3 months (p < 0.0001). At 6, 12, and 17 months, the CMS was still significantly low but there was no difference in scores when compared with scores at 3 months.

Conclusion: Platelet-rich plasma injection for supraspinatus tendinopathies gives good results at the end of 3 months.
Role of Chest in Respiratory Distress of Neonates
Authors: Mehta Nikhil , Parihar Pratapsingh , Khan Saherish , Rajimwale Garima
Published: July 2018

Introduction: The initial diagnosis of an infant with respiratory distress is crucial as life-saving measures can be started immediately. Despite all the improved diagnostic modalities out there, a roentgenogram of the chest is still considered the most reliable diagnostic tool to establish respiratory distress. The aim of this study was to assess and evaluate the role of chest X-ray (CXR) in neonatal respiratory distress.

Materials and methods: This study was a prospective correlational hospital-based study done in 300 neonates in Acharya Vinobha Bhave Rural Hospital, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha. The neonates who were clinically diagnosed having respiratory distress were evaluated using chest radiograph. In all these patients, the chest radiography findings were noted and correlated with clinical findings.

Results: Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTNB) was the most common cause of respiratory distress (35.7%). Chest radiography had the highest sensitivity and specificity in pneumothorax (PTX), tracheoesophageal fistula, lobar emphysema, and diaphragmatic hernia (100%). Followed by pneumonia, radiography had 81.2% sensitivity and 86.5% specificity; for hyaline membrane disease (HMD), sensitivity and specificity were 80 and 89% respectively; for meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), sensitivity was 60.5 and specificity was 81.7%; and for TTNB, sensitivity was 36.4% and specificity was 96%. Overall diagnostic accuracy was 59.7%, i.e., the final clinical diagnosis confirmed by CXR.

Conclusion: A chest radiograph has high sensitivity for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), PTX, congenital lobar emphysema, tracheoesophageal fistula, pneumonia, and HMD and low sensitivity for TTNB. To sum up, a plain chest radiograph is an indispensable tool in neonates with respiratory distress, but as with any diagnostic modality, it has its own limitations.
Burkitt Lymphoma with Multiorgan Involvement
Authors: Kumar Venus , Chandrashekhar H R , Hanagavadi Suresh
Published: July 2018

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is classified as a poorly differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma of B lymphocytes. It mainly affects children. It is one of the rapidly growing tumors in humans, with profuse proliferation. It is a rare malignancy comprised of only 0.76% of solid malignant tumors among Indian children.

Symptoms occur because of rapid turnover of the mature B lymphocytes with involvement of the extranodal sites and involvement of adjacent organs. Initially, this tumor was identified in Africans. The cause of this tumor is uncertain, but shows strong evidence with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in its development. A case of BL with multiorgan involvement in a 7-year-old girl was reported, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC).
Acromesomelic Dysplasia with Interstitial Lung Disease: A Unique Association
Authors: Sasikumar Chinnu , Utpat Ketaki , Desai Unnati , Joshi Jyotsna M
Published: July 2018

Acromesomelic dysplasia is an extremely uncommon skeletal dysplasia with an autosomal recessive inheritance. It is characterized by a constellation of skeletal anomalies. Respiratory impediments have been sporadically reported earlier in various skeletal dysplasias. However, respiratory affection in acromesomelic dysplasia has not been elucidated earlier. We herein report a case of acromesomelic dysplasia associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Diagnosis of acromesomelic dysplasia was based on radiographs of whole skeleton.
Effect of Pyrite Oxidation in Soils on Corrosion Behavior of Steel
Authors: Kato Yusuke , Kamimura Takayuki , Sugae Kiyonobu , Harada Yoshiyuki
Published: July 2018

The oxidation of pyrite in soils causes their acidification under aerated conditions, which may promote the corrosion of buried steel structures. Hence, the purpose of this study was to elucidate the effect produced by the presence of pyrite minerals in soils on the corrosion behavior of steel. In order to assess the fundamental corrosiveness of pyrite toward steel, the chemical properties of its aqueous solution were investigated by conducting short-term laboratory tests. In addition, electrochemical measurements were performed to evaluate the effect produced by the soil particles on the diffusion rates of oxygen and hydrogen ions in the soil medium. The obtained results revealed that the corrosion rate of steel in the pyrite-containing solution was accelerated due to the continuous production of hydrogen ions during the pyrite oxidation under the aerated conditions. However, its magnitude in a water-saturated soil system was not influenced by the oxidation of pyrite, owing to the relatively low diffusion rates of dissolved oxygen and hydrogen ions.
Multi-Satellite Retrieval of SSA using OMI-MODIS algorithm
Authors: Eswaran Kruthika , Satheesh Sreedharan Krishnakumari , Srinivasan Jayaraman
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Single scattering albedo (SSA) represents a unique identification of aerosol type and aerosol radiative forcing. However, SSA retrievals are highly uncertain due cloud contamination and aerosol composition. Recent improvement in the SSA retrieval algorithm has combined the superior cloud masking technique of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the better sensitivity of Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) to aerosol absorption. The combined OMI-MODIS algorithm has been validated over a small spatial and temporal scale only. The present study validates the algorithm over global oceans for the period 2008–2012. The geographical heterogeneity in the aerosol type and concentration over the Atlantic Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal was useful to delineate the effect of aerosol type on the retrieval algorithm. We also noted that OMI overestimates SSA when absorbing aerosols were present closer to the surface. We attribute this overestimation to data discontinuity in the aerosol height climatology derived from Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) satellite. OMI uses pre-defined aerosol heights over regions where CALIPSO climatology is not present leading to overestimation of SSA. The importance of aerosol height was also studied using the Santa Barbara DISORT radiative transfer (SBDART) model. The results from the joint retrieval were validated with ground-based measurements and it was seen that OMI-MODIS SSA retrievals were better constrained than OMI only retrieval.
High spatial resolution mapping of aerosol composition and sources
in Oakland, California using mobile aerosol mass spectrometry
Authors: Shah Rishabh U. , Robinson Ellis S. , Gu Peishi , Robinson Allen , Apte Joshua S. , Presto Albert A.
Published: July 2018

Abstract. We investigated spatial and temporal patterns in concentration and composition of sub-micron particulate matter (PM1) in Oakland, California in the summer of 2017 using an aerosol mass spectrometer mounted in a mobile laboratory. We performed ∼ 160 hours of mobile sampling in the city over a 20-day period. Measurements are compared for three adjacent neighborhoods with distinct land uses: a central business district (downtown), a residential district (West Oakland), and a major shipping port. The average organic aerosol (OA) concentration is 5.3 μgm−3 and contributes ∼ 50 % of the PM1 mass. OA concentrations in downtown are, on average, 1.5 μgm−3 higher than in West Oakland and Port. We decomposed OA into three factors using positive matrix factorization: hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA; 20 % average contribution), cooking OA (COA; 25 %) and semi-volatile oxidized OA (SV-OOA; 55 %). The collective 45 % contribution from primary OA (HOA + COA) emphasizes the importance of primary emissions in Oakland. The dominant source of primary OA shifts from HOA-rich in the morning to COA-rich after lunch time. COA in downtown is consistently higher than West Oakland and Port due to a large number of restaurants. HOA exhibits variability in space and time. Morning-time HOA concentration in downtown is twice that in Port, but Port HOA increases more than two-fold during mid-day, likely because trucking activity at the Port peaks at that time. Despite the expectation of being spatially uniform, SV-OOA also exhibits spatial differences. Morning-time SV-OOA in downtown is roughly 25 % (∼ 0.6 μgm−3) higher than the rest of Oakland. Even as the entire domain approaches a more uniform photo-chemical state in the afternoon, downtown SV-OOA remains statistically higher than West Oakland and Port, suggesting that downtown is a microenvironment with higher photochemical activity. Higher concentrations of particulate sulfate (also of secondary origin) with no direct sources in Oakland further reflect higher photochemical activity in downtown. A combination of several factors (poor ventilation of air masses in street canyons, higher concentrations of precursor gases, higher concentrations of the hydroxyl radical) likely result in the proposed high photochemical activity in downtown. Lastly, through Van Krevelen analysis of elemental ratios (H/C, O/C) of the OA, we show that OA in Oakland is more chemically reduced than several other urban areas. This underscores the importance of primary emissions in Oakland. We also show that mixing of oceanic air masses with these primary emissions in Oakland is an important processing mechanism that governs the overall OA composition in Oakland. The findings of this study are important because the pollutants we find contributing the most to OA variability, both of primary and secondary origin, are ubiquitous in other urban locations.
A comparison between the GNSS tomography technique and the WRF model in retrieving 3D wet refractivity field in Hong Kong
Authors: Xiong Zhaohui , Zhang Bao , Yao Yibin
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Water vapor plays an important role in various scales of weather processes. However, there are limited means to monitor its 3-dimensional (3D) dynamical changes. The Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model and the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) tomography technique are two of the limited means. Here, we conduct an interesting comparison between the GNSS tomography technique and the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model (a representative of the NWP models) in retrieving Wet Refractivity (WR) in Hong Kong area during a rainy period and a rainless period. The GNSS tomography technique is used to retrieve WR from the GNSS slant wet delay. The WRF Data Assimilation (WRFDA) model is used to assimilate GNSS Zenith Tropospheric Delay (ZTD) to improve the background data. The WRF model is used to generate reanalysis data using the WRFDA output as the initial values. The radiosonde data are used to validate the WR derived from the GNSS tomography and the reanalysis data. The Root Mean Square (RMS) of the tomographic WR, the reanalysis WR that assimilate GNSS ZTD, and the reanalysis WR that without assimilating GNSS ZTD are 6.50 mm/km, 4.31 mm/km and 4.15 mm/km in the rainy period. The RMS becomes 7.02 mm/km, 7.26 mm/km and 6.35 mm/km in the rainless period. The lower accuracy in the rainless period is mainy due to the sharp variation of WR in the vertical direction. The results also show that assimilating GNSS ZTD into the WRFDA model only slightly improves the accuracy of the reanalysis WR and that the reanalysis WR is better than the tomographic WR in most cases. However, in a special experimental period when the water vapor is highly concentrated in the lower troposphere, the tomographic WR outperforms the reanalysis WR in the lower troposphere. When we assimilate the tomographic WR in the lower troposphere into the WRFDA model, the reanalysis WR is improved.
Version 2 of the EUMETSAT OSI SAF and ESA CCI Sea Ice Concentration Climate Data Records
Authors: Lavergne Thomas , Sørensen Atle Macdonald , Kern Stefan , Tonboe Rasmus , Notz Dirk , Aaboe Signe , Bell Louisa , Dybkjær Gorm , Eastwood Steinar , Gabarro Carolina , Heygster Georg , Killie Mari Anne , Kreiner Matilde Brandt , Lavelle John , Saldo Roberto , Sandven Stein , Pedersen Leif Toudal
Published: July 2018

Abstract. We introduce the OSI-450, the SICCI-25km and the SICCI-50km climate data records of gridded global sea-ice concentration. These three records are derived from passive microwave satellite data and offer three distinct advantages compared to existing records: First, all three records provide quantitative information on uncertainty and possibly applied filtering at every grid point and every time step. Second, they are based on dynamic tie points, which capture the time evolution of surface characteristics of the ice cover and accommodate potential calibration differences between satellite missions. Third, they are produced in the context of sustained services offering committed extension, documentation, traceability, and user support. The three records differ in the underlying satellite data (SMMR & SSM/I & SSMIS or AMSR-E & AMSR2), in the imaging frequency channels (37 GHz and either 6 GHz or 19 GHz), in their horizontal resolution (25 km or 50 km) and in the time period they cover. We introduce the underlying algorithms and provide an initial evaluation. We find that all three records compare well with independent estimates of sea-ice concentration both in regions with very high sea-ice concentration and in regions with very low sea-ice concentration. We hence trust that these records will prove helpful for a better understanding of the evolution of the Earth's sea-ice cover.
An Essay about Development of Public Policies on Social Rights in Brazil: Between Human Rights, Dignity, and Grounds for Governance
Authors: Santos Rafael Seixas
Published: July 2018

The implementation of social rights through public policies may be validly justified in the discussion of human rights. The public policies for the area are important factors in the development process and to the governance of public actions in the sector. Nonetheless, those policies are not often formulated or voluntarily produced by the public power due to lack of planning, budgetary nature, or even the lack of effective and practical’s recognition as grounds for a complete elucidation of the human rights development. Then, human, social and economic rights in Brazil and its political-juridical importance can be investigated by the possibility and effectiveness of the invocation of human dignity as a foundation. This way, it must offer an alternative to the development crisis of this category of rights to the Brazilian state.
Los deportados como agentes de cambio para el desarrollo comunitario en El Salvador
Authors: Ríos César
Published: July 2018

Este artículo hace una caracterización de los salvadoreños deportados de Estados Unidos, quienes traen al país capacidades acumuladas y con una visión emprendedora, lo que hace que se conviertan en dinamizadores de la economía nacional. Para ello se propone aprovechar las competencias con las que retornan al país para potenciar economías en comunidades concretas.Entorno, diciembre 2015, número 60: 22-24
Programa : jóvenes emprendiendo su futuro por medio del autoempleo para la dinamización de la economía local
Authors: Chávez Alicia , Morazán Adel
Published: July 2018

La Fundación Agencia de Desarrollo Económico Local de Morazán (Adel) es una organización privada, sin fines de lucro, apolítica y de funcionamiento participativo. Fue creada en 1993 por diferentes organizaciones económicas productivas, organizaciones de base, con el apoyo del gobierno central, gobiernos locales, el Programa para Desplazados, Repatriados y Refugiados para Centro América (Prodere) y el Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo (PNUD). Este proceso fue promovido mediante el diálogo, la concertación y la propuesta participativa de los distintos actores locales del departamento.Desde su creación, Adel Morazán ha formulado, gestionado y ejecutado proyectos en las áreas de desarrollo local, créditos, diversificación productiva agroindustrial, prevención de desastres y mitigación de riesgos, seguridad alimentaria, protección de los recursos naturales, medio ambiente, desarrollo empresarial y de sistemas de información geográfica. Adel Morazán es una entidad que ha estado trabajando muy de cerca con el PNUD, contribuyendo al tema de migración y desarrollo.Entorno, diciembre 2015, número 60: 45-49
A Field Concept of the Black Hole
Authors: Obande Ogaba Philip
Published: July 2018

A new perspective of the black hole BH is introduced. Based on the assumption that space and matter are fundamentally fields and governed by same deterministic quantum laws, the field dynamics is analyzed with classical (Newtonian) mechanics to argue that: i) the BH is not a singularity but Hawking’s ‘apparent horizon’; ii) the Schwarzschild BH does not exist; iii) the naked ‘singularity’ NS might not be ruled out in observational atomic and molecular emissions; iv) the Kerr-Newman black hole KBH functions to modulate and transform frequency of matter waves and re-orient same across the three particle-generations universes in perpetual energy re-cycles, no new creation but endless energy re-cycling; vi) the BH process is not thermodynamics but electrodynamics; vii) accretion is not random, it is motivated by a universal ‘aging’ process in which matter progresses from one symmetry group to another; viii) spatial alignment arises from universal diagonal orientation of constituent elements of intrinsic cubic geometry of nature’s periodic envelopes; ix) all spatial periodic envelopes are binaries, the causality is illustrated in some detail. It is suggested that a frequency modulator/transformer circuitry might be a better model for simulating the BH than thermodynamics.
Angiogenic parameters and the risk factors for thrombosis in polycythemia vera
Authors: Boinska Joanna , Gadomska Grażyna , Ziołkowska Katarzyna , Woźniak Karolina , Bartoszewska-Kubiak Alicja , Rość Danuta
Published: July 2018

Aim: The assessment of angiogenic parameters in so-called “liquid tumors”, such as myeloproliferative neoplasms, remains an open clinical issue. The aim of the study is to evaluate the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and soluble receptors sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 in relations to risk factors of thrombosis in patients with polycythemia vera (PV).
Material/Methods: A total of 45 patients suffering from newly diagnosed PV and 30 healthy volunteers were enrolled into the study. Polycythemia vera was diagnosed according to the WHO (2008) criteria. In the citrated plasma samples VEGF-A, sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 were measured using ELISA tests.
Results: VEGF-A concentration was three-fold higher and sVEGFR-2 significantly lower in PV patients as compared to the control group. VEGF-A concentration was significantly higher in PV patients with JAK2V617F mutation, as compared to patients without this mutation. SVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 concentrations were similar in the analyzed subgroups. In PV patients with an increased number of white blood cells (WBCs), the above upper reference value (≥10 G/l), VEGF-A concentration was two-fold higher than in patients with WBCs number <10 G/l. However, sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 concentrations did not differ between the analyzed subgroups. Analysis of correlations revealed only one relation between VEGF-A and WBCs number.
Conclusions: Increased VEGF-A and decreased sVEGFR-2 concentrations in polycythemia vera patients as compared to the control group indicate an intensification of the process of angiogenesis. A higher concentration of VEGF-A in PV patients with leukocytosis and a positive correlation between WBCs number and VEGF-A reflect the potential role of VEGF-A in the pathogenesis of thrombotic complications in hypercoagulable state in PV patients.
Impact network analysis: Evaluating the success of interventions
Authors: Garrett Karen A
Published: July 2018

The success of intervention projects in ecological systems depends not only on the quality of a management strategy, but also how that strategy plays out among decision makers. Impact network analysis (INA) is a framework for evaluating the likely regional success of interventions before, during, and after projects, for project implementers, policy makers, and funders. INA integrates across three key system components: (a) the quality of a management strategy and the quality of information about it, (b) the socioeconomic networks through which managers learn about the management strategy and decide whether to use it, and (c) the biophysical network that results from those decisions. A common example where INA can be useful is management of an invasive (or endangered) species or genotype. A management strategy to reduce (or increase) the probability of establishment of a species may or may not be adopted by each land manager in a region, depending on the quality of the management strategy and the information they have available about it. The resulting management landscape will determine whether the intervention project is successful, in terms of how much of the region the species can spread through and the resulting effects on the desired ecosystem services. INA can be applied in general to evaluate the success of immediate intervention strategies, and to contribute to fundamental understanding about what makes interventions successful.
Hypoxia-inducible factor cell non-autonomously regulates C. elegans stress responses and behavior via a nuclear receptor
Authors: Pender Corinne L , Horvitz H Robert
Published: July 2018

The HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor) transcription factor is the master regulator of the metazoan response to chronic hypoxia. In addition to promoting adaptations to low oxygen, HIF drives cytoprotective mechanisms in response to stresses and modulates neural circuit function. How most HIF targets act in the control of the diverse aspects of HIF-regulated biology remains unknown. We discovered that a HIF target, the C. elegans gene cyp-36A1, is required for numerous HIF-dependent processes, including modulation of gene expression, stress resistance, and behavior. cyp-36A1 encodes a cytochrome P450 enzyme that we show controls expression of more than a third of HIF-induced genes. CYP-36A1 acts cell non-autonomously by regulating the activity of the nuclear hormone receptor NHR-46, suggesting that CYP-36A1 functions as a biosynthetic enzyme for a hormone ligand of this receptor. We propose that regulation of HIF effectors through activation of cytochrome P450 enzyme/nuclear receptor signaling pathways could similarly occur in humans.
Membrane insertion of α-xenorhabdolysin in near-atomic detail
Authors: Schubert Evelyn , Vetter Ingrid R , Prumbaum Daniel , Penczek Pawel A , Raunser Stefan
Published: July 2018

α-Xenorhabdolysins (Xax) are α-pore-forming toxins (α-PFT) that form 1–1.3 MDa large pore complexes to perforate the host cell membrane. PFTs are used by a variety of bacterial pathogens to attack host cells. Due to the lack of structural information, the molecular mechanism of action of Xax toxins is poorly understood. Here, we report the cryo-EM structure of the XaxAB pore complex from Xenorhabdus nematophila and the crystal structures of the soluble monomers of XaxA and XaxB. The structures reveal that XaxA and XaxB are built similarly and appear as heterodimers in the 12–15 subunits containing pore, classifying XaxAB as bi-component α-PFT. Major conformational changes in XaxB, including the swinging out of an amphipathic helix are responsible for membrane insertion. XaxA acts as an activator and stabilizer for XaxB that forms the actual transmembrane pore. Based on our results, we propose a novel structural model for the mechanism of Xax intoxication.
Assessment of bias in morphological identification of carnivore scats confirmed with molecular scatology in north-eastern Himalayan region of Pakistan
Authors: Akrim Faraz , Mahmood Tariq , Max Tamara , Nadeem Muhammad Sajid , Qasim Siddiqa , Andleeb Shaista
Published: July 2018

Scats are often used to study ecological parameters of carnivore species. However, field identification of carnivore scats, based on their morphological characteristics, becomes difficult if many carnivore species are distributed in the same area. We assessed error rates in morphological identification of five sympatric carnivores’ scats in north-eastern Himalayan region of Pakistan during 2013–2017. A sample of 149 scats were subjected to molecular identification using fecal DNA. We used a confusion matrix to assess different types of errors associated with carnivore scat identification. We were able to amplify DNA from 96.6% (n = 144) of scats. Based on field identification of carnivore scats, we had predicted that out of 144 scats: 11 (7.6%) scats were from common leopard, 38 (26.4%) from red fox, 29 (20.1%) from Asiatic jackal, 37 (25.7%) from yellow throated martin, 14 (9.7%) from Asian palm civet and 15 (10.4%) from small Indian civet. However, molecular identification revealed and confirmed nine were scats (6.24%) from common leopard, 40 (27.8 %) from red fox, 21 (14.6%) from Asiatic jackal, 45 (31.25%) from Asian palm civet, 12 (8.3%) scats from small Indian civet, while 11 scats (7.6%) were found from Canis lupus Spp., three (2%) from dog, one (0.7 %) scat sample from porcupine, and two (1.4%) from rhesus monkey. Misidentification rate was highest for Asian palm civet (25.7%), followed by red fox (11.1%) and Asiatic jackal (9.7%) but least for common leopard scats (4.2%). The results specific to our study area concur with previous studies that have recommended that carnivore monitoring programs utilize molecular identification of predator scats. Using only morphological identification of scats can be misleading and may result in wrong management decisions.
Theranostic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Cargo Defines Extracellular Vesicle‐Dependent Modulation of Macrophage Activation and Migratory Behavior
Authors: Mulens‐Arias Vladimir , Nicolás‐Boluda Alba , Silva Amanda K Andriola , Gazeau Florence
Published: July 2018

Cells shed submicronic extracellular vesicles (EVs), containing a variety of soluble and membrane‐embedded factors, to mediate intercellular communication. EVs show differential immunomodulatory features depending on the cell source and physiological status, endowing these nanosystems with intrinsic immunotherapeutic potential. EVs could be used to mount a potent immune response against tumor cells, by regulating inflammatory cues in tumors and modulating macrophage activation and migratory behavior. On the other part, EVs are loaded with theranostic nanoparticles, such as superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), to confer them magnetic detection, manipulation, and heating capabilities. However, little is known about the impact that SPION may have on intrinsic immunomodulatory properties of EVs. Here, the effects are characterized on the activation and dynamics of macrophages induced by EVs derived from mouse mesenchymal stem cells and mouse/human endothelial cells, loaded or not with SPION. EVs differently activate macrophages as determined by cytokine secretion, phagocytosis capacity, migratory behavior, and extracellular matrix degradation capacity. SPION loading prove to amplify the immunoregulatory properties of EVs, increasing the macrophage ability to migrate, and degrade extracellular matrix. Altogether, EVs might potentiate natural or induced immune response by modulating macrophage activation/migratory behavior, suggesting their use as nanocarriers in combinatorial therapeutic approaches with SPION.
Polymer Derived Si–B–C–N Ceramics: 30 Years of Research
Authors: Viard Antoine , Fonblanc Diane , Lopez‐Ferber David , Schmidt Marion , Lale Abhijeet , Durif Charlotte , Balestrat Maxime , Rossignol Fabrice , Weinmann Markus , Riedel Ralf , Bernard Samuel
Published: July 2018

Long term stability of ceramics at high temperatures is one of the great challenges of the contemporary technology developments. Multi‐component ceramics such as Si–B–C–N systems gain a lot of interest for high temperature applications due to the stability of their amorphous inorganic network arising from strong covalent bonding. The polymer derived ceramics (PDC) route enables the synthesis of such materials from preceramic polymers as well as their manufacturing as specific ceramic geometries, which are difficult to obtain otherwise. This review proposes an overview of the works related to the development of Si–B–C–N ceramics through the PDC route in the last 30 years. A particular focus is made on the relation between the chemical structure of the precursors and the properties of the resulting ceramics. The main topics reviewed are related to the synthesis of tailor‐made polymeric precursors, to their processing to ceramic components, and to the characterization of the material properties and functionalities. The various strategies adopted for the development of shaped Si–B–C–N ceramics as functional materials are presented and the trend of nowadays research for future evolution of Si–B–C–N materials is discussed.
Mechanical and Corrosion Testing of Magnesium WE43 Specimens for Pitting Corrosion Model Calibration
Authors: Boland Enda L. , Shirazi Reyhaneh Neghabat , Grogan James A. , McHugh Peter E.
Published: July 2018

Computational modeling can play an important role in the analysis, design, and development of complex medical devices such as biodegradable coronary stents. In this study, experimental mechanical and corrosion testing is conducted to characterize the mechanical and corrosion behavior of magnesium WE43 alloy, a candidate base material for biodegradable magnesium alloy stents. Previously developed uniform and pitting corrosion models are calibrated based on in vitro mechanical and corrosion testing of magnesium WE43 alloy specimens. The calibrated pitting corrosion model can capture the mechanical and corrosion behavior of magnesium WE43, including the experimentally observed non‐linear reduction in failure strength with mass loss, whereas the uniform corrosion model is incapable of capturing this trend. The calibrated corrosion models will be used in future research on magnesium alloy stents.
On‐Demand Laser Printing of Picoliter‐Sized, Highly Viscous, Adhesive Fluids: Beyond Inkjet Limitations
Authors: Makrygianni Marina , Milionis Athanasios , Kryou Christina , Trantakis Ioannis , Poulikakos Dimos , Zergioti Ioanna
Published: July 2018

Novel printing methods represent a class of emerging technologies, with applications ranging from biomedical to energy devices, attracting significant attention because of their ability to handle new classes of materials. Typically, popular printing technologies, such as inkjet printing, deposit low‐viscosity inks (1–15 mPa s). In a broad range of emerging applications, alternative printing techniques will enable the handling of materials with much higher viscosities. Here, Laser‐induced forward transfer (LIFT) is employed as a direct, nozzleless printing method, enabling the processing of fluids with viscosities far beyond the inkjet printing regime. Specifically, exploiting the capability of LIFT being a high‐speed processing technique, maintaining at the same time high printing resolution, the printing of highly viscous cyanoacrylate adhesives (from 30 to 1700 mPa s) is demonstrated achieving printing resolution down to 30 µm. The volume of the LIFT‐ejected adhesive droplets lies in the picoliter scale. As a further advantage compared with inkjet techniques, the printing resolution can be tuned on demand by adjusting the laser fluence during the process. Finally, as an application example, the attachment of chemical indicator powders (i.e., dimethylglyoxime powder) on printed adhesives patterns is illustrated, creating heavy metal sensors with remarkable fabrication facility.
Oscillatory Strain Promotes Vessel Stabilization and Alignment through Fibroblast YAP‐Mediated Mechanosensitivity
Authors: Landau Shira , Ben‐Shaul Shahar , Levenberg Shulamit
Published: July 2018

Endothelial cells form the interior layer of blood vessels and, as such, are constantly exposed to shear stress and mechanical strain. While the impact of shear stress on angiogenesis is widely studied, the role of mechanical strain is less understood. To this end, endothelial cells and fibroblasts are cocultured under oscillatory strain to create a vessel network. The two cell types show distinctly different sensitivities to the mechanical stimulation. The fibroblasts, sense the stress directly, and respond by increased alignment, proliferation, differentiation, and migration, facilitated by YAP translocation into the nucleus. In contrast, the endothelial cells form aligned vessels by tracking fibroblast alignment. YAP inhibition in constructs under mechanical strain results in vessel destruction whereas less damage is observed in the YAP‐inhibited static control. Moreover, the mechanical stimulation enhances vessel development and stabilization. Additionally, vessel orientation is preserved upon implantation into a mouse dorsal window chamber and promotes the invading host vessels to orient in the same manner. This study sheds light on the mechanisms by which mechanical strain affects the development of blood vessels within engineered tissues. This can be further utilized to engineer a more organized and stable vasculature suitable for transplantation of engineered grafts.
Local Joule Heating Mimicking Electroresistance‐Like Behavior in Antiperovskite Mn3GaC
Authors: Deng Sihao , Fischer Gerda , Srichandan Sasmita , Wang Lielin , Wang Cong , Sürgers Christoph
Published: July 2018

Electroresistance has become a stimulating research topic because of its potential applications in next‐generation nonvolatile memory technology. Here, an electroresistance‐like behavior of the antiperovskite Mn3GaC compound around the antiferromagnetic–intermediate phase transition is reported. A high sensing current significantly decreases the fraction of the antiferromagnetic phase of higher resistivity relative to the intermediate phase of lower resistivity upon warming, showing a resistivity change up to 50%. Through extensive studies of the resistivity at different sample locations and of the magnetization under applied current, it is unambiguously shown that this electroresistance‐like behavior originates from the local Joule heating of the sample due to high‐resistive lead contacts and not from an intrinsic effect. These findings open an available avenue to explore electroresistance‐like behavior by achieving phase coexistence of a high‐ and low‐resistivity phase under the driving force of local Joule heating.
Crosslinked Poly(tetrahydrofuran) as a Loosely Coordinating Polymer Electrolyte
Authors: Mackanic David G. , Michaels Wesley , Lee Minah , Feng Dawei , Lopez Jeffrey , Qin Jian , Cui Yi , Bao Zhenan
Published: July 2018

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) promise to improve the safety and performance of lithium ion batteries (LIBs). However, the low ionic conductivity and transference number of conventional poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)‐based SPEs preclude their widespread implementation. Herein, crosslinked poly(tetrahydrofuran) (xPTHF) is introduced as a promising polymer matrix for “beyond PEO” SPEs. The crosslinking procedure creates thermally stable, mechanically robust membranes for use in LIBs. Molecular dynamics and density functional theory (DFT) simulations accompanied by 7Li NMR measurements show that the lower spatial concentration of oxygen atoms in the xPTHF backbone leads to loosened O–Li+ coordination. This weakened interaction enhances ion transport; xPTHF has a high lithium transference number of 0.53 and higher lithium conductivity than a xPEO SPE of the same length at room temperature. It is demonstrated that organic additives further weaken the O–Li+ interaction, enabling room temperature ionic conductivity of 1.2 × 10−4 S cm−1 with 18 wt% N,N‐dimethylformamide in xPTHF. In a solid‐state LIB application, neat xPTHF SPEs cycle with near theoretical capacity for 100 cycles at 70 °C, with rate capability up to 1 C. The plasticized xPTHF SPEs operate at room temperature while maintaining respectable rate capability and capacity. The novel PTHF system demonstrated here represents an exciting platform for future studies involving SPEs.
Nitrogen‐Doped Wrinkled Carbon Foils Derived from MOF Nanosheets for Superior Sodium Storage
Authors: Kong Lingjun , Zhu Jian , Shuang Wei , Bu Xian‐He
Published: July 2018

Preparation of hierarchical carbon nanomaterials from metal−organicframeworks (MOFs) offers immense potential in the improvement of energy density, tunability, and stability of functional materials for energy storage and conversion. How interconnected nitrogen (N)‐doped wrinkled carbon foils derived from MOF nanosheets can serve as high‐performance sodium storage materials due to their multiscale porous structure is shown here. The novel N‐doped carbon nanomaterials are synthesized through the pyrolysis of 2D Mn‐based MOFs, which are produced through the assistance of monodentate ligands to enable the planar growth of MOFs. Subsequent acid etching creates hierarchical pores and channels to allow rapid ion transport. The resulting materials achieve high‐rate capability (165 and 150 mA h g−1 at current densities of  8 and 10 A g−1, respectively) and high stability (capacity retention 72.8% after 1000 cycling at 1.0 A g−1), when they are used as anode in sodium‐ion capacitors.
Overcoming Space‐Charge Effect for Efficient Thick‐Film Non‐Fullerene Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Guichuan , Xia Ruoxi , Chen Zhen , Xiao Jingyang , Zhao Xuenan , Liu Shiyuan , Yip Hin‐Lap , Cao Yong
Published: July 2018

Organic solar cells (OSCs) containing non‐fullerene acceptors have realized high power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 14%. However, most of these high‐performance non‐fullerene OSCs have been reported with optimal active layer thickness of about 100 nm, mainly due to the low electron mobility (≈10−4–10−5 cm2 V−1 s−1) of non‐fullerene acceptors, which are not suitable for roll‐to‐roll large‐scale processing. In this work, an efficient non‐fullerene OSC based on poly[(5,6‐difluoro‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazol‐4,7‐diyl)‐alt‐(3,3′″‐di(2‐octyldodecyl)‐2,2′;5′,2″;5″,2′″‐quaterthiophen‐5,5′′′‐diyl)] (PffBT4T‐2OD):EH‐IDTBR (consists of electron‐rich indaceno[1,2‐b:5,6‐b′]dithiophene as the central unit and an electron‐deficient 5,6‐benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole unit flanked with rhodanine as the peripheral group) with thickness‐independent PCE (maintaining a PCE of 9.1% with an active layer thickness of 300 nm) is presented by optimizing device architectures to overcome the space‐charge effects. Optical modeling reveals that most of the incident light is absorbed near the transparent electrode side in thick‐film devices. The transport distance of electrons with lower mobility will therefore be shortened when using inverted device architecture, in which most of the excitons are generated close to the cathode side and therefore substantially reduces the accumulation of electrons in the device. As a result, an efficient thick‐film non‐fullerene OSC is realized. These results provide important guidelines for the development of more efficient thick‐film non‐fullerene OSCs.