bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) Vaccine Design: Reviewing Virus Glycoprotein Interactions with CD163 and Targets of Virus Neutralization
Authors: Stoian Ana M. M. , Rowland Raymond R. R.
Published: January 2019

One of the main participants associated with the onset and maintenance of the porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) syndrome is porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), an RNA virus that has plagued the swine industry for 30 years. The development of effective PRRS vaccines, which deviate from live virus designs, would be an important step towards the control of PRRS. Potential vaccine antigens are found in the five surface proteins of the virus, which form covalent and multiple noncovalent interactions and possess hypervariable epitopes. Consequences of this complex surface structure include antigenic variability and escape from immunity, thus presenting challenges in the development of new vaccines capable of generating broadly sterilizing immunity. One potential vaccine target is the induction of antibody that disrupts the interaction between the macrophage CD163 receptor and the GP2, GP3, and GP4 heterotrimer that protrudes from the surface of the virion. Studies to understand this interaction by mapping mutations that appear following the escape of virus from neutralizing antibody identify the ectodomain regions of GP5 and M as important immune sites. As a target for antibody, GP5 possesses a conserved epitope flanked by N-glycosylation sites and hypervariable regions, a pattern of conserved epitopes shared by other viruses. Resolving this apparent conundrum is needed to advance PRRS vaccine development.
The Po River Water Isotopes during the Drought Condition of the Year 2017
Authors: Marchina Chiara , Natali Claudio , Bianchini Gianluca
Published: January 2019

The year 2017 was anomalously warm and dry across the whole Italian Peninsula, and the paucity of precipitation was emphasized during the extreme summer drought of the main Italian river, i.e., the Po river, which was characterized by a discharge persistently below 600 m3/s (in spite of the average discharge of 1500 m3/s). During these extreme conditions, the Po river oxygen and hydrogen stable isotopes (δD, δ18O) displayed a relation (δD = 6.1*δ18O − 6.6) significantly different from that recorded in the previous investigation of the years 2012–2014 (δD = 7.5*δ18O + 6.5). The lowering of the slope and the negative intercept clearly reflect the transition toward arid conditions that characterized the investigated period. The difference is expressed by the derivative parameter Line-Conditioned excess (LC-exc), which better describes the compositional difference of Po river water in the year 2017 with respect to that of the period 2012–2014, when the system was less affected by warm or dry conditions and the river discharge was more similar to the historical trends. The isotopic anomaly observed in 2017 throughout the river is even greater in the terminal part of the river, where in the meanders of the deltaic branches, the river flow progressively slows down, suffering significant evaporation. The isotopic signature of the water appears, therefore, an appropriate tool to monitor the watershed response to evolving environmental conditions. These sensitive isotopic parameters could be interpreted as “essential climate variables” (ECV) that are physical, chemical, or biological geo-referenced parameters that critically contribute to the characterization of Earth’s climate. Future research needs to find relationships between ECV (including the water stable isotopes) and the evolution of ecosystems, which especially in the Mediterranean area, appear to be fragile and severely affected by natural and anthropogenic processes.
The Performance and Microbial Community Identification in Mesophilic and Atmospheric Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor for Municipal Wastewater Treatment Associated with Different Hydraulic Retention Times
Authors: Ding Yi , Liang Zhenlin , Guo Zhansheng , Li Zhipeng , Hou Xuguang , Jin Chao
Published: January 2019

The anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBR) with ring membrane module were operated under mesophilic temperature (M-AnMBR) and atmospheric temperature (A-AnMBR). Compared to the M-AnMBR, the removal efficiency of the A-AnMBR was found to be lower and the faster membrane fouling occurred in the A-AnMBR under corresponding hydraulic retention time (HRT). The MiSeq high-throughput sequencing was applied to analyze the microbial community structure. The HRT change had different effects on the community richness and diversity of the cake and bulk sludge. The abundance of phylum Proteobacteria in the M-AnMBR was higher than that in the A-AnMBR, which should account for the higher removal of nutrients in the M-AnMBR. The faster membrane fouling would occur in the A-AnMBR due to the relatively high abundance of Bacteroidetes in the bulk sludge and cake sludge. Moreover, specific comparison down to the genus level showed that the dominant abundant bacterial genera were Candidate division OP8 norank and Anaerolineaceae uncultured in the cake sludge for M-AnMBR, and were VadinHA17 norank, WCHB1-69 norank, VadinBC27 wastewater-sludge group, and Synergistaceae uncultured in the cake sludge for A-AnMBR The different representative genera with the variation of the HRTs for the two bioreactors might indicate the different performance between the two AnMBRs.
Analysis of the Recent Trends of Two Climate Parameters over Two Eco-Regions of Ethiopia
Authors: Gedefaw Mohammed , Yan Denghua , Wang Hao , Qin Tianling , Wang Kun
Published: January 2019

The changes in climatic variables in Ethiopia are not entirely understood. This paper investigated the recent trends of precipitation and temperature on two eco-regions of Ethiopia. This study used the observed historical meteorological data from 1980 to 2016 to analyze the trends. Trend detection was done by using the non-parametric Mann-Kendall (MK), Sen’s slope estimator test, and Innovative Trend Analysis Method (ITAM). The results showed that a significant increasing trend was observed in the Gondar, Bahir Dar, Gewane, Dembi-Dolo, and Negele stations. However, a slightly decreasing trend was observed in the Sekoru, Degahabur, and Maichew stations regarding precipitation trends. As far as the trend of temperature was concerned, an increasing trend was detected in the Gondar, Bahir Dar, Gewane, Degahabur, Negele, Dembi-Dolo, and Maichew stations. However, the temperature trend in Sekoru station showed a sharp decreasing trend. The effects of precipitation and temperature changes on water resources are significant after 1998. The consistency in the precipitation and temperature trends over the two eco-regions confirms the robustness of the changes. The findings of this study will serve as a reference for climate researchers, policy and decision makers.
Method for the Calculation of the Underwater Effective Wake Field for Propeller Optimization
Authors: Li Jianing , Zhao Dagang , Wang Chao , Sun Shuai , Ye Liyu
Published: January 2019

A quasi-steady prediction model of propeller hydrodynamic performance was established here using the surface panel method to determine the effective wake field of a propeller. The apparent wake field was accurately determined in advance by CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics). The average of the induced velocity near the front of the propeller was determined by coupling the steady calculation and the unsteady forecast to render the induced velocity field more consistent with the actual situation when the propeller works in a non-uniform flow field. By superimposing the induced velocity near the front of the propeller with the apparent wake field, the effective wake field was able to be determined. Then the induced velocity field was calculated again to determine the new effective wake. An iterative calculation method was used until the hydrodynamic performance converged. The case described here shows that the effective wake obtained by this method can better predict the hydrodynamic performance of the propeller, and it can provide a basis for the design and optimization of the propeller. It was found that the results of the prediction were consistent with the experimental values.
Charge for Less: An Analysis of Hourly Electricity Pricing for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Zethmayr Jeff , Kolata David
Published: January 2019

By motivating Electric Vehicle (EV) owners to charge their vehicles when power supply exceeds demand, dynamic pricing can improve system load shape and capacity utilization, reduce consumer costs, and cut pollution. We compare what perfectly rational EV drivers would pay to charge their vehicle on ComEd’s hourly pricing program with costs associated with the utility’s flat-rate energy price. We find that ComEd’s hourly pricing program would have saved EV owners significantly over its flat-rate tariff in both 2016 and 2017, with cost reductions from 52 percent to 59 percent. Using price signals to manage charging is almost certainly one of the best (and cheapest) strategies to implement in order to achieve the traditional regulatory goals of a safe, reliable, and affordable service while advancing system efficiency, enhancing environmental sustainability, and facilitating the integration of distributed energy resources.
ASSESSING EXTERNAL THREATS TO STRUCTURES USING LIMITED STATISTICAL DATA: AN APPROACH BASED ON DATA RESAMPLING
Authors: Vaidogas Egidijus R. , Juocevičius Virmantas
Published: January 2019

The paper deals with an estimation of risk to structures posed by extreme, dangerous phenomena called in brief the external threats. It is considered how to calculate risk values when a limited amount of data on actions imposed by these phenomena is available. The key methodology suggested in the paper for estimating the risk is the so‐called bootstrap resampling, known also as statistical or Efron's resampling. The paper presents a procedure allowing to apply the limited data to calculating bootstrap confidence intervals for probabilities of damage which can be caused by the actions. The application of the procedure is based on the assumption that the limited data can be expressed in the form of statistical sample which possesses the property of representativeness. It is discussed how to incorporate the confidence intervals in an expression of the risk induced by external threats. The proposed procedure can be viewed as a way of utilising limited and often very expensive data gained from experiments imitating occurrences of external threats. Findings described in this paper can be applied to design the structures for the so‐called accidental situations.
NON-LINEAR DYNAMIC SOIL‐STRUCTURE INTERACTION ANALYSIS OF BUILDINGS
Authors: Gouasmia Abdelhacine , Djeghaba Kamel
Published: January 2019

The objective of this research is to evaluate the effects of soil‐structure interaction (SSI) on the modal characteristics and on the dynamic response of structures. The stress had an impact on the overall behaviour of five storeys reinforced concrete (R/C) buildings typically encountered in Algeria. Sensitivity studies are undertaken in order to study the effects of frequency content of the input motion, frequency of the soil structure system, rigidity and depth of the soil layer on the dynamic response of such structures. This investigation indicated that the rigidity of the soil layer is the predominant factor in soil‐structures interaction and its increases would definitely reduce the deformation of the R/C structures. On the other hand, increasing the period of the underlying soil will cause an increase in the lateral displacements at storey levels and create irregularity in the distribution of storey shears. Possible resonance between the frequency content of the input motion and soil could also play an important role in increasing the structural response.
A SURVEY OF METHODS USED FOR ASSESSING THE PERFORMANCE OF DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES
Authors: Juršėnas Vidmantas , Vaičiūnas Gediminas
Published: January 2019

The present paper is aimed at evaluating the methods used for determining the performance of Diesel locomotives. Therefore, two main approaches to assessing the locomotive performance can be distinguished: a method based on individual indicators; a method based on an integrated indicator. The analysis of the available methods for complex evaluation of the locomotive condition has shown that overall performance of the locomotive can be described by a dimensionless indicator. In determining the state of Diesel locomotives, researchers rely on the criteria commonly used in assessing the performance of any machine. They are as follows: technical, economical, functional (operational).
AXLE LOAD VARIATIONS AND VEHICLE GROWTH PROJECTION MODELS FOR SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF TRANSPORTATION STRUCTURES
Authors: Sriramula Srinivas , Menon Devdas , Prasad Anumolu Meher
Published: January 2019

The design formulations of pavements and bridges are significantly influenced by the uncertainties associated with the prevailing vehicle weight characteristics. Accurate modelling of load spectra and the estimation of possible vehicle growth and composition are the main components in the safety assessment of transportation structures. The vehicle weights from the existing traffic form the basis for load spectra development, and the vehicle projections are subjective to the socio‐economic conditions. In this paper, the methodologies of appropriate data consideration for such representation are discussed and demonstrated based on the data from India. The load spectra are also developed for vehicular data from Interstate 95 (I‐95) in New York State. In lieu of the current status of the design codes for pavements and bridges worldwide, most of the developing countries are in need of analogous models for the calibration of the design basis.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF DISRUPTIVE FACTORS OF DRIVING IN SIMULATED ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Pauer Gábor , Sipos Tibor , Török Árpád
Published: January 2019

Distracting activities (such as using mobile phones, writing text messages) become increasingly common with the widespread use of telecommunication devices, becoming an increasing problem of road safety. Our research aimed to show the effects of these disruptive factors on driving. To quantify the effects, simulator tests have been performed. To analyse the significance of the changes caused by the disruptive factors, mathematical-statistical methods have been applied and conclusions for all drivers have been drawn. The effects of the disruptive factors have been quantified. On the one hand, the cognitive distraction and the hindrance of movements affects negatively the road safety, and on the other hand results in negative environmental and economic effects. Based on the numerical results of the research, hitting speeds caused by the disruptive factors have been determined as an example. The results of the research can be used as input data for the quantification of economic and environmental effects of road safety caused by disruptive factors and for the establishment of the background of legislation related to the prohibition of these factors.
EVALUATION OF SUPPLIERS UNDER UNCERTAINTY: A MULTIPHASE APPROACH BASED ON FUZZY AHP AND FUZZY EDAS
Authors: Stević Željko , Vasiljević Marko , Puška Adis , Tanackov Ilija , Junevičius Raimundas , Vesković Slavko
Published: January 2019

A decision-making process requires a prior definition and fulfilment of certain factors, especially when it refers to complex fields such as supply chain management. One of the most important items in the initial stage of a supply chain, which strongly influences its further flow, is making a decision on the most suitable supplier. In this paper, a model for evaluation and supplier selection has been proposed, which has been considered in more than ten different production areas. The model consists of twenty quantitative and qualitative criteria, which are reduced to a total of nine by the application of the fuzzy AHP and the assessment of managers in production companies. The verification of the model has been presented throughout a selection of suppliers in a company for the production of plastic bags and foils, where the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy AHP) method has been used to determine the significance of the criteria, and the Fuzzy Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (Fuzzy EDAS) to evaluate and select suppliers. The obtained results have been considered throughout a sensitivity analysis in which a total of 15 different scenarios have been formed and where the stability of the model has been determined, since the supplier one is the best solution in all the cases.
High-resolution MEGARA Integral-field Unit Spectroscopy and Structural Analysis of a Fast-rotating, Disky Bulge in NGC 7025
Authors: Dullo Bililign T. , Chamorro-Cazorla Mario , Paz Armando Gil de , Castillo-Morales África , Gallego Jesús , Carrasco Esperanza , Iglesias-Páramo Jorge , Cedazo Raquel , García-Vargas María Luisa , Pascual Sergio , Cardiel Nicolás , Pérez-Calpena Ana , Gómez-Alvarez Pedro , Martínez-Delgado Ismael , Catalán-Torrecilla Cristina
Published: January 2019

Disky bulges in spiral galaxies are commonly thought to form out of disk materials (mainly) via bar-driven secular processes. They are structurally and dynamically distinct from “classical bulges,” which are built in violent merger events. We use high-resolution GTC/MEGARA integral-field unit spectroscopic observations of the Sa galaxy NGC 7025, obtained during the MEGARA commissioning run, together with detailed 1D and 2D decompositions of this galaxy’s Sloan Digital Sky Survey i-band data to investigate the formation of its disky (bulge) component, which makes up ∼30% of the total galaxy light. With a Sérsic index

, a half-light radius

, and stellar mass

, this bulge dominates the galaxy light distribution in the inner

(∼4.7 kpc). Measuring the spins (λ) and ellipticities (ϵ) enclosed within nine different circular apertures with radii

, we show that the bulge, which exhibits a spin track of outwardly rising λ and ϵ, is a fast rotator for all the apertures considered. Our findings suggest that this inner disky component is a pseudo-bulge, consistent with the stellar and dust spiral patterns seen in the galaxy down to the innermost regions but in contrast to the classical bulge interpretation favored in the past. We propose that a secular process involving the tightly wound stellar spiral arms of NGC 7025 may be driving gas and stars out of the disk into the inner regions of the galaxy, building up the massive pseudo-bulge.
Geometry, Kinematics, and Heliospheric Impact of a Large CME-driven Shock in 2017 September
Authors: Liu Ying D. , Zhu Bei , Zhao Xiaowei
Published: January 2019

A powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) occurred on 2017 September 10 near the end of the declining phase of the historically weak solar cycle 24. We obtain new insights concerning the geometry and kinematics of CME-driven shocks in relation to their heliospheric impacts from the optimal, multispacecraft observations of the eruption. The shock, which together with the CME driver can be tracked from the early stage to the outer corona, shows a large oblate structure produced by the vast expansion of the ejecta. The expansion speeds of the shock along the radial and lateral directions are much larger than the translational speed of the shock center, all of which increase during the flare rise phase, peak slightly after the flare maximum and then decrease. The near simultaneous arrival of the CME-driven shock at the Earth and Mars, which are separated by 156.°6 in longitude, is consistent with the dominance of expansion over translation observed near the Sun. The shock decayed and failed to reach STEREO A around the backward direction. Comparison between ENLIL MHD simulations and the multipoint in situ measurements indicates that the shock expansion near the Sun is crucial for determining the arrival or nonarrival and space weather impact at certain heliospheric locations. The large shock geometry and kinematics have to be taken into account and properly treated for accurate predictions of the arrival time and space weather impact of CMEs.
A Giant Dark Channel across the Solar Equator Consisting of Two Filament Channels with Different Chiralities
Authors: Song Zhiping , Hou Yijun , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2019

Solar filaments are the largest magnetic structure that can be physically traced to the chromosphere. The structure and evolution of solar filaments are important for our understanding of solar atmosphere physics. In this work, we investigate a giant dark channel, which consists of two filament channels with different chiralities, crossing the solar equator. From 2016 April 22 to April 27, this giant dark channel occupied the solar disk. Within this giant channel, a filament channel with dextral chirality was detected in the northern hemisphere, and another filament channel with sinistral chirality was observed in the southern hemisphere. At the junction of the two filament channels, a cusp structure was observed associated with active region (AR) 12532 near the solar equator. The extrapolated three-dimensional magnetic fields reveal that this cusp structure was composed of two sets of field lines belonging to two different filament channels and was rooted in the AR positive-polarity fields. In addition, dark material flows from filaments in the two channels to the cusp structure were detected as well as flux emergence and cancellation around the cusp footpoints. On 2016 May 21, after a solar rotation, the cusp structure disappeared, and the giant dark channel broke in the middle, where another AR, 12546, emerged completely. We propose that the magnetic flux emergence and cancellation around the cusp region resulted in the disappearance of the cusp structure and the breaking of the giant dark channel.
The Impact of Radio AGN Bubble Composition on the Dynamics and Thermal Balance of the Intracluster Medium
Authors: Yang H.-Y. Karen , Gaspari Massimo , Marlow Carl
Published: January 2019

Feeding and feedback of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are critical for understanding the dynamics and thermodynamics of the intracluster medium (ICM) within the cores of galaxy clusters. Although radio bubbles inflated by AGN jets could be dynamically supported by cosmic rays (CRs), the impact of CR-dominated jets is not well understood. In this work, we perform three-dimensional simulations of CR-jet feedback in an isolated cluster atmosphere; we find that CR jets impact the multiphase gas differently than jets dominated by kinetic energy. In particular, CR bubbles can more efficiently uplift the cluster gas and cause an outward expansion of the hot ICM. Due to adiabatic cooling from the expansion and less efficient heating from CR bubbles by direct mixing, the ICM is more prone to local thermal instabilities, which will later enhance chaotic cold accretion onto the AGN. The amount of cold gas formed during the bubble formation and its late-time evolution sensitively depend on whether or not CR transport processes are included. We also find that low-level, subsonic driving of turbulence by AGN jets holds for both kinetic and CR jets; nevertheless, the kinematics is consistent with the Hitomi measurements. Finally, we carefully discuss the key observable signatures of each bubble model, focusing on gamma-ray emission (and related comparison with Fermi), as well as thermal Sunyaev–Zel’dovich constraints.
The Flared Gas Structure of the Transitional Disk around Sz 91
Authors: Tsukagoshi Takashi , Momose Munetake , Kitamura Yoshimi , Saito Masao , Kawabe Ryohei , Andrews Sean , Wilner David , Kudo Tomoyuki , Hashimoto Jun , Ohashi Nagayoshi , Tamura Motohide
Published: January 2019

We report 0.″14 resolution observations of the dust continuum at band 7, and the CO(3–2) and HCO+(4–3) line emissions toward the transitional disk around Sz 91 with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. The dust disk appears to be an axisymmetric ring, peaking at a radius of ∼95 au from a Gaussian fit. The Gaussian fit widths of the dust ring are 24.6 and 23.7 au for the major and the minor axes, respectively, indicating that the dust ring is not geometrically thin. The gas disk extends out to ∼320 au and is also detected in the inner hole of the dust ring. A twin-line pattern is found in the channel maps of CO, which can be interpreted as the emission from the front and rear of the flared gas disk. We perform radiative transfer calculations using RADMC-3D to check whether the twin-line pattern can be reproduced assuming that the flared gas disk has a power-law form for the column density and T
gas = T
dust. The thermal Monte Carlo calculation in RADMC-3D shows that the disk temperature has a gradient along the vertical direction beyond the dust ring, as it blocks the stellar radiation, and thus the twin-line pattern can be naturally explained by the flared gas disk in combination with the dust ring. In addition, no significant depletion of the CO molecules in the cold midplane achieves a reasonable agreement with the observed twin-line pattern. This result indicates that the CO emission from the rear surface must be heavily absorbed in the cold midplane.
A Secondary Fan-spine Magnetic Structure in Active Region 11897
Authors: Hou Yijun , Li Ting , Yang Shuhong , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2019

Fan-spine is a special topology in solar atmosphere and is closely related to magnetic null point, as well as circular-ribbon flares, which can provide important information for understanding the intrinsic 3D nature of solar flares. However, the fine structure within the fan has rarely been investigated. In present paper, we investigate a secondary fan-spine (SFS) structure within the fan of a larger fan-spine topology. On 2013 November 18, this large fan-spine structure was traced out owing to the partial eruption of a filament, which caused a circular-ribbon flare in NOAA Active Region 11897. The extrapolated 3D magnetic fields and squashing factor Q maps depict distinctly this fan-spine topology, its surrounding quasi-separatrix layer (QSL) halo, and a smaller quasi-circular ribbon with high Q located in the center, which implies the existence of fine structure within the fan. The imaging observations, extrapolated 3D fields, and Q maps on November 17 show that there indeed exists an SFS surrounded by a QSL, which is enveloped by another QSL halo corresponding to the overlying larger dome-shaped fan. Moreover, the material flows caused by the null-point reconnection are also detected along this SFS. After checking the evolution of the underneath magnetic fields, we suggest that the continuous emergence of magnetic flux within the central parasitic region encompassed by the opposite-polarity fields results in the formation of the SFS under the large fan.
Statistical Study of Chromospheric Evaporation in Impulsive Phase of Solar Flares
Authors: Sadykov Viacheslav M , Kosovichev Alexander G , Sharykin Ivan N , Kerr Graham S
Published: January 2019

We present a statistical study of chromospheric evaporation in solar flares using simultaneous observations by the RHESSI X-ray telescope and the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph UV spectrograph. The results are compared with radiation hydrodynamic flare models from the F-CHROMA RADYN database. For each event, we study spatially resolved Doppler shifts of spectral lines formed in the transition region (C ii 1334.5 Å) and hot coronal plasma (Fe xxi 1354.1 Å) to investigate the dynamics of the solar atmosphere during the flare impulsive phase. We estimate the energy fluxes deposited by high-energy electrons using X-ray imaging spectroscopy and assuming the standard thick-target model. Using the RADYN flare models, the RH 1.5D radiative transfer code, and the Chianti atomic line database, we calculate C ii and Fe xxi line profiles and compare with the observations. While the RADYN models predict a correlation between the Doppler shifts and deposited energy flux for both lines, this was only observed in the C ii data. Several quantitative discrepancies are found between the observations and models: the Fe xxi Doppler shifts are substantially stronger in the models than in the data, and the C ii mean blueshifts are absent in the observations but predicted by the models. The transition energies between “gentle” and “explosive” evaporation regimes estimated from the observations (

erg cm−2 s−1) and derived from the models (

erg cm−2 s−1) are comparable with each other. The results illustrate relationships among the processes of chromospheric evaporation, the response of the colder layers, and the flare energy flux deposited by high-energy electrons, although demonstrating discrepancy between analyzed observations and RADYN models.
Modelling and Simulation of Surface to Surface Missile General Platform
Authors: Elbaioumy M. K. , Elkhatib M. M. , Khalifa A. E.
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a general platform of a surface-to-surface missile model is presented. An accurate missile system model was made with consideration of the rigid body dynamics in space with six degrees of freedom and equation of motion starting from Newton second law to the non-linear state space model of the missile. Computer simulations have been executed using the MATLAB / Simulink software. Verification of the system model has been made.
Gonatopus jaliscanus sp. n., a new Pincer wasp from Jalisco, Mexico (Hymenoptera, Dryinidae)
Authors: Speranza Stefano , Olmi Massimo , Guglielmino Adalgisa , Contarini Mario
Published: January 2019

A new species ofGonatopusLjungh, 1810,G.jaliscanussp. n., from Jalisco, Mexico, is described and illustrated. In the Neotropical region,G.jaliscanusis similar toG.forestalisOlmi, 1998, but it is distinguished by the black mesosoma (except prothorax, mesoscutum, and mesoscutellum that are yellow), and the metapostnotum being granulated and not rugose; inG.forestalisthe mesosoma is completely black and the metapostnotum is granulated and strongly rugose. In the Nearctic region, the new species is morphologically similar toG.currieiKrombein, 1962, but it is distinguished by the dull and granulated metapostonotum; inG.currieithe metapostnotum is shiny and unsculptured. The new species belongs toGonatopusgroup 7. The keys to the females of the Nearctic and Neotropical species of this group are modified to include the new taxon.
A comparison of the effects of mirror therapy and phantom exercises on phantom limb pain
Authors: KÜLÜNKOĞLU BAHAR , ERBAHÇECİ FATİH , ALKAN Afra
Published: January 2019

Background and aim: Although mirror therapy (MT) and phantom exercises (PE) have been shown to reduce pain, the efficacy of these methods in terms of pain, quality of life (QoL) and psychological status (PS) has not been investigated and compared to date. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is any difference between MT and PE in the treatment of phantom limb pain (PLP).
Materials and methods: Forty unilateral transtibial amputees (aged 18-45 YR) participated in this study. Subjects were randomly divided into ‘MT group’ and ‘PE group’. QoL was assessed using Short-Form 36 (SF-36), psychological status using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and pain intensity using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), before and at the end of the program, and on the 3rd and 6th months thereafter.
Results: All assessments for all parameters improved significantly in both groups (p<0.05). Comparison of the two groups revealed a significant difference in changes for VAS and BDI in all measurements, and in pre- and post-treatment scores for all SF-36 parameters (except for Role-Emotional) in favor of MT group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: While pain intensity decreased and QoL and PS improved in both MT and PE groups, these improvements were greater in the MT group.
Keywords: Mirror therapy, Phantom exercises, Phantom limb pain, Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation
Comparison of three - dimensional endoscopic thyroidectomy to two - dimensional thyroidectomy via areola approach in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC)
Authors: DAI HUIJUAN , SUN AIJUN , WANG CHONGGAO , SONG YONGGANG
Published: January 2019

Background: To explore clinical advantages and benefits of three-dimensional (3D) endoscopic thyroidectomy through areola approach in patients with papillary
thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) and compare it to two - dimensional (2D) endoscopic thyroidectomy.
Methods: 103 female patients diagnosed with PTMC in our department from January 2015 to December 2016 were reported. They underwent thyroid lobectomy and isthmus resection with dissection of central group lymph nodes endoscopically. 60 cases chose 3D endoscopy, and 43 cases chose 2D endoscopy. We observed the differences of the operation time, intraoperative error rates, intraoperative suction drain, number of lymph nodes dissection, postoperative serum calcium, parathyroid hormone, postoperative drain time, postoperative drain, postoperative hospital stay and hospital costs between the two groups.
Results: Total operation time and operation time of every part during the whole thyroidectomy process in 3D group were evidently lower than those in 2D group (P < 0.05). Intraoperative error rates reduced obviously by employing 3D endoscopy (P < 0.05); there were no significant differences in other parameters between the two groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusions: Using areola approach through 3D endoscopy for PTMC patients is convenient and safe. It provides significant improvement in operation time and intraoperative error rates for endoscopic surgeons during endoscopic thyroidectomy.
Key words： two / three - dimensional, endoscopic thyroidectomy, papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Relationship between plasma YKL-40 levels and endothelial dysfunction in chronic kidney disease
Authors: YILDIRAN KESKİN GÜL SEMA , HELVACI ÖZANT , YAYLA ÇAĞRI , PAŞAOĞLU ÖZGE TUĞÇE , KESKİN ÇAĞLAR , ARINSOY SELİM TURGAY , DERİCİ ÜLVER
Published: January 2019

Aims: We aimed to evaluate relationship between YKL-40 and endothelial dysfunction in chronic kidney disease.
Patients/methods: Twenty-nine hemodialysis patients, 101 patients with non-dialytic (stage 2, 3, 4, 5ND) chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 38 healthy individuals as a control group were included. YKL-40 levels were measured with ELISA. Endothelial dysfunction was indirectly measured with Flow-mediated dilatation percentage (FMD) in the brachial artery.
Results: YKL-40 levels were higher in CKD patients than controls and highest in HD patients (p=.001). Adversely FMD values were lower in non-dialytic CKD patients and lowest in HD patients (p=.001). YKL-40 negatively correlated with eGFR and FMD values (r=-0,674 and r=-0,471 respectively).
Conclusion: This study shows that YKL-40 increases with CKD stage and is negatively correlated with FMD measurements.
Validity and reliability of the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale in the Turkish population
Authors: ÇETİNKAYA FUNDA , KAVURAN ESİN , ÜNAL ASLAN KEVSER SEVGİ
Published: January 2019

Background/aim: This study aimed to adapt the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) to measure the preoperative anxiety of adult Turkish patients undergoing surgery.
Materials and methods: The sample of this methodological study included 210 patients. Data were collected by using personal information forms, the APAIS, and the State Anxiety Scale (STAI). Cronbach’s ɑ-coefficient was calculated, and test–retest reliability was tested.
Results: Cronbach’s ɑ-coefficients of the APAIS anxiety and information requirement subscales were 0.897 and 0.786, respectively. The mean test and retest scores of the APAIS were not different. The test and retest scores of the patients were significantly, positively, and strongly related. The APAIS and STAI-I were correlated. Factorial analysis revealed that two factors accounted for 81.435% of the total variance with an eigenvalue of >1. These results showed that the Turkish version of the APAIS is a valid and reliable scale.
Conclusion: The Turkish translation of the APAIS is valid and can be reliably used to determine the preoperative anxiety experienced by patients who are undergoing elective surgery.
Key words: Patients, preoperative anxiety, reliability, validity
Evaluation of the efficacy of epiduroscopic adhesiolysis in Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Authors: CEYLAN AYŞEGÜL , AŞIK İBRAHİM , ÖZGENCİL GÜNGÖR ENVER , ERKEN BURAK
Published: January 2019

Backgraund and Aim:
We aimed to compare the results of the treatment of the patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) by mechanical lysis and steroid hylase injection via epiduroscopy due to their stabilization status and to detect the effect of pathological diagnostic markers on prognosis and ongoing tretment protocol.
Methods:
Eighty-two patients with FBSS symtoms were included. Two groups were composed as group I (stabilized) and group II (non-stabilized). All patients were evaluated using the oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores before and after treatment at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and using the Patient Satisfaction Scale at 12 months following treatment. Epidural scar tissue visual and mechanical signs were also recorded.
Results:
Mean VAS scores were as 7.8 and 3.28 points in group I (p<0.001) and as 7.51 and 2.74 points in group II (p<0.001) at the beginning and 12th months, respectively. Mean ODI scores were as 34.05 and 22.16 points in group I (p<0.001) and as 30.74 and 19.46 points in group II (p<0.001) at the beginning and 12th months. VAS and ODI scores decreased significantly in both groups, but were more significant in non-stabilized group (p<0.001).
Moderate or severe fibrous tissue was observed in 86.58% and patient satisfaction scores were very good or good in 78.06%.
During the procedure, a dura rupture developed in four patients in the stabilization group and in two patients in the non-stabilization group, although none of these patients developed a spinal headache, and no significant permanent complication arose.
Conclusion:
We suggest that epidural adhesiolysis, hyaluronidase and steroid injection in patients with FBSS chronic low back pain and/or radicular symptoms may give reliable information about the quality of life, accuracy of diagnosis and the possible course of the present findings and may be more effective in unstabilized patients.
Key Words: Failed back surgery syndrome, epiduroscopic adhesiolysis, hyaluronidase.
Polypharmacy and drug-related problems among people living with HIV/AIDS: a single center experience
Authors: KARA EMRE , İNKAYA AHMET ÇAĞKAN , AYDIN HAKLI DUYGU , DEMİRKAN SALİH KUTAY , ÜNAL SERHAT
Published: January 2019

Background/aim: The HIV-infected population is aging, and the concomitant comorbidities increase the likelihood of polypharmacy. There is a scarcity of data for determining drug-related problems in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).
Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out between September 1, 2015, and July 1, 2016. All patients underwent a face-to-face interview with a clinical pharmacist. The 'PCNE Classification V 7.0.' was used classify incident drug-related problems (DRPs).
Results: The mean age of the patients was 40.4±13.06 years. The rate of polypharmacy was 66.1% in patients with comorbidities and 12.3% in those without comorbidities (p<0.001). DRPs were more prominent in older patients (46 vs. 37 years, p<0.001), with longer duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) (45 vs. 27 months, p=0.014), and with lower education level (p=0.013). Receiving >3 ART drugs was associated with more DRPs in the logistic regression model (odds ratio: 8.299, 95% confidence interval: 1.924–35.803). Fifty-eight interventions were performed in 45 (24.9%) patients. Clinical pharmacist interventions were performed in 18.9% of patients without polypharmacy and in 38.9% of patients with polypharmacy (p<0.001).
Conclusion: DRPs and polypharmacy are common among elderly PLWHA. More interventions are warranted to boost the quality of life in aging PLWHA.
Keywords: human immunodeficiency virus, polypharmacy, drug-related problems
Le monde de l’école pour les enfants autistes
Authors: Pelloux Anne-Sylvie , Farret Hadda , Le Run Jean-Louis , Marchand Sandrine , Taborelli Emma , Vouillon Vanina
Published: January 2019

À partir, de leur expérience de deux classes pour enfants autistes à l’école élémentaire, les auteurs décrivent un modèle d’Unité d’enseignement ( ue ) pour enfants tsa externalisée et conventionnée entre l’Éducation nationale et l’hôpital. Après avoir témoigné de leur pratique de terrain, ils exposent quels sont les facteurs rendant le modèle opérant, notamment l’alliance des soins et de la pédagogie, et l’adaptation spécifique du cadre au trouble du spectre autistique.
The Effects of Burnout Prevention Training on Burnout Symptoms in Nurses
Authors: Randolph Gretchen Lay , Price Joseph L , Collins James R
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT

Burnout results from extended occupational stress, and is attended by energy loss, reduced patient concern, avoidance and pessimism. This study is a systematic attempt to understand this process in nursing, with 72 nurses employed in direct care positions volunteering to participate.

The SCL-90R, a validated self-report questionnaire, which includes the prominent features of burnout, was used to compare participants in a two-day Burnout Prevention Workshop, conducted at three medical centers, with a control group which received no such experience. Each workshop included both cognitive and experiential features, including self-regulation techniques, imagery, meditation, philosophical considerations and conceptual information on stress, depression and burnout. The content was specifically designed for nurses and the unique characteristics of the stressors they encounter.

The Burnout Prevention Workshop experience group differed significantly from the control group (utilizing a two-way analysis of covariance, treatment by hospital, covarying on the pretest score) when both were evaluated before and six weeks after the training dates. Differences were in terms of the workshop groups reporting less depression, somatization, obsessive-compulsive qualities, feelings of interpersonal inadequacy, hostility and two summary scores. There was also a reduction in anxiety, phobic behavior, paranoid sensitivity and psychoticism, but these fell short of a statistically significant level. Overall, the three workshop sites revealed the same pattern of responses, with the exception of the depressive and anxiety scales. Essentially, the treatment effects were consistent across hospitals.

The results establish that a two-day experiential-conceptual Burnout Prevention Training Workshop can significantly reduce stress related symptoms in a nursing population.
The Moving Dynamic Random Dot Stereosize Test: Validity and Repeatability
Authors: Moussa Mohamed A , Leat Susan J , Faubert Jocelyn
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT

Purpose: We have developed a new test suitable for measuring stereopsis in young children and individuals with communication difficulties. It consists of a drifting, computer-generated red and green, dynamic random dot, disparate shape. The motion direction is indicated by the subject (subjective response) or by a naive observer judging the eye movements of the subject (objective response). Disparity is maintained at 616 sec arc and the dependent variable is the angular subtense of the target, which varies from 1 1 ° to 1 1 ft. In this study, precision (ie, measuring repeatability and objective-subjective agreement) and validity were assessed.

Subjects and Methods: Sixteen subjects with normal vision participated in the repeatability study and 10 in the validity studies. A two-up/onedown, 2 alternative forced choice staircase procedure was used to measure objective and subjective threshold on two occasions with a 1 -week separation. Sensitivity for detecting anisometropia was estimated with simulated anisometropia (0 to 3 D) and by comparison with the Randot test. Sensitivity for detecting amblyopia or strabismus was tested in 10 subjects.

Results: Subjective repeatability was 0.31 log units (2 levels of the test) and objective repeatability was 0.49 log units (3.2 levels of the test). The test was able to detect 2.0 D of simulated anisometropia in 8 of 10 cases (above the 95% confidence interval). None of the amblyopic subjects demonstrated stereopsis.

Conclusion: This test of dynamic global stereopsis has potential as a clinical or screening tool for anisometropia, amblyopia, and strabismus.

J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2003;40:341-348.
Chorioretinal Topography and Histopathology in Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization
Authors: Lai Wico W , Shahidi Mahmaz , Mori Marek , Pulido Jose S
Published: January 2019

* OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correspondence between topographic mapping of the vitreoretinal and chorioretinal surfaces in vivo and histopathology findings.

* MATERIALS AND METHODS: Choroidal neovascularization was induced in the retina of a primate by an argon laser. Serial optical section images of the retina were obtained using an optical imaging system based on the Retinal Thickness Analyzer. Topography of the vitreoretinal and chorioretinal surfaces was mapped. The animal was killed and the eyes enucleated for histopathologic examination.

* RESULTS: In the normal retina, the topography of the vitreoretinal surface showed a depression at the center of the fovea while the chorioretinal surface was relatively flat, corresponding to normal anatomy. In the retina with choroidal neovascularization, the topography of the vitreoretinal surface indicated a smooth elevation while there were irregular elevations in the topography of the chorioretinal surface. Histological sections displayed focal serous retinal detachment, metaplasia of retinal pigment epithelium, and choroidal neovascularization.

* CONCLUSION: Topographic mapping of the vitreoretinal and chorioretinal surfaces in vivo corresponds with histological findings and shows promise for quantitative evaluation of pathologic alterations caused by chorioretinal diseases.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2003:34:38-43]
Needle Revision of Failed Filtering Blebs Augmented With Subconjunctival Injection of Mitomycin C
Authors: Ben-Simon Guy J , Glovinsky Yoseph
Published: January 2019

* OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of needle revision of failed filtering blebs augmented with subconjunctival injection of mitomycin C.

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: Needle revision of failed filtering blebs followed by subconjunctival injection of 10 to 20 µg of mitomycin C was performed in 41 eyes. Short-term results were analyzed 6 months postoperatively.

* RESULTS: The mean (± standard deviation [SD]) intraocular pressure decreased from 26.4 ± 6.2 to 16.4 ± 6.5 mm Hg (P< .001), and the mean (± SD) number of medications decreased from 2.8 ± 1.4 to 0.7 ± 1.1 (P < .001). The overall success rate (defined as intraocular pressure between 5 and 21 mm Hg and no serious complications) was 76%. Initial intraocular pressure, number of previous surgical procedures, type of glaucoma, and lens status did not influence the success rate. The resulting bleb was significantly larger in the successful cases (2 ± 0.8 vs 0.33 ± 0.5; P < .001). Complications included one case of late suprachoroidal hemorrhage. The mean (± SD) visual acuity remained stable (delta visual acuity in Snellen lines = 0.023 ± 1.1).

* CONCLUSION: Needle revision followed by subconjunctival injection of mitomycin C is an alternative to more complicated surgical procedures in cases of failed filtering blebs. Bleb formation was essential for successful reduction of intraocular pressure, which suggests subconjunctival injection of mitomycin C by itself may not lower intraocular pressure.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2003;34:94-99.]