bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nosocomial infections in the pediatric intensive care units in Lithuania
Authors: Ašembergienė Jolanta , Gurskis Vaidotas , Kėvalas Rimantas , Valintėlienė Rolanda
Published: June 2018

Objective. The aim of the study was to collect the data on incidence rates, pathogens of nosocomial infections, and antimicrobials for treatment of nosocomial infections. Material and methods. Data were collected between March 2003 and December 2005 in five pediatric intensive care units using a modified patient-based HELICS protocol. Nosocomial infection was identified using the Centers for Disease Control definitions. All patients aged between 1 month and 18 years that stayed in the units for more than 48 hours were eligible for inclusion in this study. Results. A total of 1239 patient admissions and 7601 patient-days were evaluated. In 169 children (13.6%), 186 nosocomial infections occurred. The incidence density was 24.5 per 1000 patient-days, the incidence rate – 15.0 per 100 admissions. The highest incidence density was observed in the 6–12-year age group (31.2 per 1000 bed-days). Nosocomial infection rates per 1000 device-days were 28.8 for ventilator-associated pneumonia, 7.7 – for bloodstream infection, and 3.4 – for urinary tract infection. The most common site of infection was respiratory tract (58.8%). Secondary bacteremia developed in 18 (10.6%) patients. Haemophilus influenzae (20.1%), Acinetobacter spp. (14.2%), and Staphylococcus aureus (17.6%) were the most frequently isolated microorganisms. The most common antimicrobials used were first- and second-generation cephalosporins 74 (31.0%) and broad-spectrum penicillins 70 (29.3%). Conclusions. In Lithuanian pediatric intensive care units, the incidence rates of nosocomial infections were comparable to the available data from other countries, except for the ventilatorassociated pneumonia rate, which was relatively high. H. influenzae, Acinetobacter spp., and S. aureus were the most prevalent pathogens. The first- and second-generation cephalosporins and broad-spectrum penicillins were the most common antimicrobials in the treatment of nosocomial infections
The comparison of two methods of treatment evaluating complications and deficiency of functions of hands after deep partial skin thickness hand burns
Authors: Maslauskas Kęstutis , Rimdeika Rytis , Rapolienė Jolita , Saladžinskas Žilvinas , Samsanavičius Donatas , Kaikaris Vygintas
Published: June 2018

Hands actively participate in daily activities of a human; therefore, hands are the most vulnerable parts of the human body. People injure hands so often because namely hands are in the closest position to the dangerous equipment. According to the data of various authors, the injuries of hands and fingers make even 30–75% of all industrial traumas, and burns of hands account for about 6% of all traumas of hands. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of active surgical treatment method with conservative treatment method, applied for the treatment of deep dermal partial skin thickness burns of the hands, wrists, and forearms of distal third. Materials and methods. A total of 49 patients with burned hands participated in the perspective study of random sample (totally 79 hands). All these patients were treated in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hospital of Kaunas University of Medicine, during the period of 2001–2005. The patients were assessed after 3, 6, and 12 months. Results. Applying conservative method of treatment of deep partial skin thickness burns, the frequency of infectious complications was increased. In order to evaluate the state of scar, we applied the scale of Vancouver and analyzed the pigmentation of a scar, its height, flexibility, and color. After statistical analysis had been performed, we determined that more changes of skin were seen in the group, which received active surgical treatment (P<0.05). Conclusions. Statistically significantly fewer complications were in the group of active surgical treatment in the early (fewer infectious complications, smaller area of unnaturalized autograft) and in the late (scars were less rough, with less changes of pigmentation) postoperative periods
Postnatal growth in children born small and appropriate for gestational age during the first years of life
Authors: Valūnienė Margarita , Danylaitė Agnė , Kryžiūtė Dovilė , Ramanauskaitė Giedrė , Lašienė Danutė , Lašas Liudvikas , Verkauskienė Rasa
Published: June 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate growth pattern of small- and appropriate-for-gestationalage children and to identify prenatal and postnatal risk factors for short stature and development of components of metabolic syndrome. A total of 109 small- and 239 appropriate-for-gestational-age infants were enrolled in the study. Within 24 hours after birth and at 2, 5, 9, 12, 18, 24 months, and 6 years of age, anthropometric data were recorded for study children. Cord blood samples from study infants were collected, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF), IGF-binding protein-3, and leptin levels were measured. Birth weight and height (P<0.001) and insulin-like growth factor-1, IGF-binding protein-3, and leptin levels (P<0.05) were lower in children born small for gestational age vs. children born appropriate for gestational age. At 2, 5, 12, 18, and 24 months and 6 years of age, children born small for gestational age remained shorter and weighed less (P<0.001). Waist-to-hip ratio, heart rate at 6 years of age and gain in body mass index from birth up to 6 years of age was higher in children born small for gestational age. Height gain during the first year of life was mainly influenced by birth length and target height. Maternal weight before pregnancy and cord leptin levels were the most significant factors influencing postnatal weight gain during the first years of life. Conclusions. During the first 6 years of life, children born small for gestational age remained shorter and lighter. A greater catch-up in body mass index and tendency towards central pattern of fat distribution during the first years of life might be predisposing factors for the development of long-term metabolic complications in these individuals.
Associations of emotional state and quality of life with lipid concentration, duration of the disease, and the way of treating the disease in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lašaitė Lina , Lašienė Jūratė , Kazanavičius Gintautas , Goštautas Antanas
Published: June 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate associations of emotional state and quality of life with lipid concentration, duration of the disease, and the way of treating the disease in males and females with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 53 persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (27 males and 26 females; mean age, 58.7±8.9 years) and 56 healthy persons (26 males and 30 females; mean age, 54.7±8.3 years) participated in the study. Emotional state was evaluated by means of Profile of Mood State and quality of life by means of WHO Brief Quality of Life Questionnaire. Emotional state and quality of life were significantly worse, tension-anxiety and fatigue-inertia were significantly higher, vigor-activity was significantly lower in male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus than in healthy males. In females, no significant differences in emotional state and quality of life comparing type 2 diabetes mellitus group and controls were detected. In females with type 2 diabetes mellitus, emotional state and quality of life were significantly better, scores of tension-anxiety, depression dejection, anger-hostility, and fatigue-inertia were significantly lower, and score of vigor-activity was significantly higher than in males with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Some significant correlations were found. In males, vigor-activity correlated with total cholesterol level and negatively correlated with triglyceride level. In females, significant correlations were found between scores of emotional state (tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, confusion-bewilderment, and total score of emotional state) and lipid levels (total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels). There were no significant associations of emotional state and quality of life with duration of the disease in males and females with type 2 diabetes mellitus. No significant differences in emotional state and quality of life were found between males and females with type 2 diabetes mellitus, who were treated with oral antidiabetic preparations and insulin preparations.
Histology of human glioblastoma transplanted on chicken chorioallantoic membrane
Authors: Balčiūnienė Neringa , Tamašauskas Arimantas , Valančiūtė Angelija , Deltuva Vytenis , Vaitiekaitis Gintautas , Gudinavičienė Inga , Weis Joachim , Von Keyserlingk Dietrich
Published: June 2018

Glioblastoma is the most malignant tumor in the range of cerebral astrocytic gliomas. A lot of experimental models are used to evaluate various properties of glioblastoma. Chicken chorioallantoic membrane model is one of them. Objective. To evaluate histology and survival of glioblastoma tumors taken immediately from operating theatre and transplanted on chicken chorioallantoic membrane. Materials and methods. Glioblastoma samples obtained from 10 patients were transplanted onto 200 eggs. Overall, we used 15 tumors; only 5 of them were not glioblastomas as it was revealed later. Results. The transplanted tumors survive up to 6 days. Transplants do not survive longer because during embryo’s development the nourishing membrane dries. Transplanted glioblastomas exhibited the same features as original glioblastomas – necrosis, endothelium proliferation, cellular polymorphism – while transplanted glioblastomas also showed glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin, Ki67, S100 protein, neurofilament immunoreactivity, and infiltration of macrophages (CD68) and T cells (CD3+, CD8+). Transplanted glioblastomas did not show any immunoreactivity of p53. Invasion of vessels from the chicken into transplanted tumor is not observed. Chicken erythrocytes did not appear within the transplants, and tumor cells invade chicken tissue at the minimum. Conclusion. Our data show that transplanted pieces of glioblastoma survive with all cytological features. The presence of macrophages (marker CD68) and T cells (markers CD3+ and CD8+) can be registered in the transplant. The data revealed that transplanted glioblastoma remains as insulated unit, which survives from nourishment of the chorioallantoic membrane apparently only by diffusion. The features of original tumor-host reaction of the patient remained too.
The types of deliberate self-harm and its prevalence among Lithuanian teenagers
Authors: Laskytė Agnė , Žemaitienė Nida
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study is to identify how widely deliberate self-harm is spread and the types of deliberate self-harm among 15–17-year-old teenagers in Lithuania. Material and methods. The anonymous Lifestyle and Coping Questionnaire was used for the study carried out in 2006. This countrywide study involved 3848 respondents (2200 girls (57.2 %) and 1648 boys (42.8%)) aged 15–17 years from all 10 regions of Lithuania. Results. According to the findings of this study, 7.3% of 15–17-year-old Lithuanian teenagers (9.9% girls and 3.8% boys) stated that they had deliberately overdosed drugs or tried to inflict self-injury in other ways. Less than half of them (43.4%) reported that they were thinking to repeat such behavior. Half of the adolescents who inflicted self-injury were living in a two-parent family, 27.4% – with one of the parents, 7% – with other member of the family, and 9% – with other people. One-third of adolescents (34.2%) choose internal ways of self-harm, 26% – external self-injury, 11% – tried to harm themselves in mixed way, and 28.8% – did not indicate the way. In case of a self-injury mentioned above, 13.5% of adolescents were admitted to hospital. Conclusions. In Lithuania, adolescent self-harm is relatively frequent: 7.3% of 15–17-year-old Lithuanian adolescents deliberately self-harmed during their life. The most frequent way to self-harm is to overdose. This study confirms the need for preventive activities and necessity of further studies in this field.
The prevalence of malocclusion among 7–15-year-old Lithuanian schoolchildren
Authors: Šidlauskas Antanas , Lopatienė Kristina
Published: June 2018

The epidemiological data on the prevalence of malocclusion is an important determinant in planning appropriate levels of orthodontic services. The occurrence of occlusal anomalies varies between different countries, ethnic and age groups. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of malocclusion among Lithuanian schoolchildren in the 7–9-, 10– 12-, and 13–15-year age groups assessing occlusal morphology. The study included 1681 schoolchildren aged 7–15 years. The crowding, spacing, overbite, overjet, the relationship of the first upper and lower molars according Angle’s classification, and posterior crossbite were assessed. The study demonstrated that only 257 children had normal occlusion, and 44 had undergone orthodontic treatment among them. The greatest overjet in the studied contingent was 11 mm, and the negative overjet – 3 mm. The overbite ranged between 0 and 6 mm with a mean of 2.29±1.23 mm. Posterior crossbite was recorded in 148 children (8.8%). This study showed that the prevalence of malocclusion among 7–15-year-old Lithuanian schoolchildren is 84.6%. The most common malocclusion was dental crowding. The upper dental arch crowding was registered for 44.1% and lower for 40.3% of all schoolchildren. The class I molar relationship was detected in 68.4% of the subjects, class II – in 27.7%, and class III – in 2.8%.
Synthesis of Core-Shell Carbon Encapsulated Fe2O3 Composite through a Facile Hydrothermal Approach and Their Application as Anode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Yongguang , Bakenov Zhumabay , Tan Taizhe , Huang Jin
Published: June 2018

Carbon encapsulated Fe2O3 nanoparticles (C@Fe2O3) were successfully synthesized via a facile and environmentally friendly hydrothermal method and prototyped in anode materials for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). High-resolution transmission and scanning electronic microscopy observations exhibited the formation of a highly core-shelled C@Fe2O3 composite consisting of carbon layers coated onto uniform Fe2O3 nanoparticles with a median diameter of 46.1 nm. This core-shell structure can repress the aggregation of Fe2O3 nanoparticles, preventing the harsh volume change of the electrode, enhancing the electric conductivity of the active materials, and promoting Na-ion transformation during cycling. The electrochemical performances of the C@Fe2O3 composite, as anodes for SIBs, retained a reversible capacity of 305 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 50 mA g−1 and exhibited an excellent cyclability at various current densities due to the synergistic effect between the carbon layers and Fe2O3. These results suggest that C@Fe2O3 composites present much potential as anode materials for rechargeable SIBs.
A Fog Computing Based Cyber-Physical System for the Automation of Pipe-Related Tasks in the Industry 4.0 Shipyard
Authors: Fernández-Caramés Tiago M. , Fraga-Lamas Paula , Suárez-Albela Manuel , Díaz-Bouza Manuel A.
Published: June 2018

Pipes are one of the key elements in the construction of ships, which usually contain between 15,000 and 40,000 of them. This huge number, as well as the variety of processes that may be performed on a pipe, require rigorous identification, quality assessment and traceability. Traditionally, such tasks have been carried out by using manual procedures and following documentation on paper, which slows down the production processes and reduces the output of a pipe workshop. This article presents a system that allows for identifying and tracking the pipes of a ship through their construction cycle. For such a purpose, a fog computing architecture is proposed to extend cloud computing to the edge of the shipyard network. The system has been developed jointly by Navantia, one of the largest shipbuilders in the world, and the University of A Coruña (Spain), through a project that makes use of some of the latest Industry 4.0 technologies. Specifically, a Cyber-Physical System (CPS) is described, which uses active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags to track pipes and detect relevant events. Furthermore, the CPS has been integrated and tested in conjunction with Siemens’ Manufacturing Execution System (MES) (Simatic IT). The experiments performed on the CPS show that, in the selected real-world scenarios, fog gateways respond faster than the tested cloud server, being such gateways are also able to process successfully more samples under high-load situations. In addition, under regular loads, fog gateways react between five and 481 times faster than the alternative cloud approach.
Non-Destructive Methodology to Determine Modulus of Elasticity in Static Bending of Quercus mongolica Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Liang Hao , Zhang Meng , Gao Chao , Zhao Yandong
Published: June 2018

This article presents a non-destructive methodology to determine the modulus of elasticity (MOE) in static bending of wood through the use of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Wood specimens were obtained from Quercus mongolica growing in Northeast of China. The NIR spectra of specimens were acquired by using a one-chip NIR fiber optic spectrometer whose spectral range was 900~1900 nm. The raw spectra of specimens were pretreated by multiplication scatter correlation and Savitzky-Golay smoothing and differentiation filter. To reduce the dimensions of data and complexity of modeling, the synergy interval partial least squares and successive projections algorithm were applied to extract the characteristic wavelengths, which had closing relevance with the MOE of wood, and five characteristic wavelengths were selected from full 117 variables of a spectrum. Taking the characteristic wavelengths as input values, partial least square regression (PLSR) and the propagation neural network (BPNN) were implemented to establish calibration models. The predictive ability of the models was estimated by the coefficient of determination (rp) and the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) and in the prediction set. In comparison with the predicted results of the models, BPNN performed better results with the higher rp of 0.91 and lower RMSEP of 0.76. The results indicate that it is feasible to accurately determine the MOE of wood by using the NIR spectroscopy technique.
TM02 Quarter-Mode Substrate-Integrated Waveguide Resonator for Dual Detection of Chemicals
Authors: Salim Ahmed , Lim Sungjoon
Published: June 2018

The detection of multiple fluids using a single chip has been attracting attention recently. A TM02 quarter-mode substrate-integrated waveguide resonator designed at 5.81 GHz on RT/duroid 6010LM with a return loss of 13 dB and an unloaded quality factor of Q ≈ 13 generates two distinct strong electric fields that can be manipulated to simultaneously detect two chemicals. Two asymmetric channels engraved in a polydimethylsiloxane sheet are loaded with analyte to produce a unique resonance frequency in each case, regardless of the dielectric constants of the liquids. Keeping in view the nature of lossy liquids such as ethanol, the initial structure and channels are optimized to ensure a reasonable return loss even in the case of loading lossy liquids. After loading the empty channels, Q is evaluated as 43. Ethanol (E) and deionized water (DI) are simultaneously loaded to demonstrate the detection of all possible combinations: [Air, Air], [E, DI], [DI, E], [E, E], and [DI, DI]. The proposed structure is miniaturized while exhibiting a performance comparable to that of existing multichannel microwave chemical sensors.
The Perceptions of Police-Black Civilian Deadly Encounters in North America among Black Immigrants in a Western Canadian City
Authors: Ayoyo Damilohun
Published: June 2018

This study investigates black immigrants’ perceptions of police-black civilian deadly encounters in North America. Twenty semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted among black immigrants in Edmonton, western Canada. The respondents perceived racism, police brutality, black criminality, gun violence and police perception of black people as ‘violent’ as the causal factors in deadly encounters. There was also the perception of criminal injustice and conspiracy among the agents of the criminal justice system (CJS) in the treatment of victims and suspects. This study suggests that personal and media experiences can influence how people de/re/construct deadly encounters and the treatment of victims and suspects by the CJS. Findings also reveal that when members of a racial (immigrant) minority perceive themselves as the target of a discriminatory CJS, they may adopt cautious and cooperative actions rather than aggressive or deviant behaviour to avoid criminalization and victimization. The study concludes that the perception of criminal injustice in police deadly violence against black (minority) civilians could influence: (i) where (black) immigrants locate themselves within the CJS in North America, and (ii) how (black) immigrants perceive and respond to the agents of the CJS, such as the police, when they encounter them.
Research on Characteristics of Groundwater Recharge in the Weishan Irrigated District Based on a Bromide Tracer
Authors: Cong Xin , Xu Zhenghe , Wang Tong
Published: June 2018

Bromide was used as tracer in the Weishan Irrigated District to determine the groundwater recharge as well as to evaluate the impacts of different irrigation basin locations, irrigation regimes, and crop types on the recharge. The comprehensive recharge coefficient and the Kriging Spatial Interpolation methods were used to distinguish the effects of precipitation and surface water irrigation on the groundwater recharge rate. The results show that the recharge rates ranged from 85.8 to 243 mm/a, with an average of 168 mm/a. The average recharge rate in the upstream district is greater in the downstream and the average recharge rate of irrigated land (193 mm/a) is greater than non-irrigated land (110 mm/a). The recharge rates in fields of winter wheat-summer maize and cotton with irrigation are 210 mm/a and 140 mm/a, respectively, while they are 115 mm/a and 94.1 mm/a under no irrigation conditions. The comprehensive recharge coefficient of groundwater in the upstream irrigation area is larger than that in the downstream. By comparing the spatial distribution of the groundwater level and the comprehensive recharge coefficient, it is found that there is a positive relationship between the groundwater level and the comprehensive recharge coefficient. The results of this study can provide reference and guidance to a water resources analysis of the Weishan Irrigated District.
Improving the catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution of monolayered SnSe2(1−x)S2x by mechanical strain
Authors: Dong Sha , Wang Zhiguo
Published: June 2018

Exploring efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen production with non-noble metals and earth-abundant elements is a promising pathway for achieving practical electrochemical water splitting. In this work, the electronic properties and catalytic activity of monolayer SnSe2(1−x)S2x (x = 0–1) under compressive and tensile strain were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) computations. The results showed SnSe2(1−x)S2x alloys with continuously changing bandgaps from 0.8 eV for SnSe2 to 1.59 eV for SnS2. The band structure of a SnSe2(1−x)S2x monolayer can be further tuned by applied compressive and tensile strain. Moreover, tensile strain provides a direct approach to improve the catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on the basal plane of the SnSe2(1−x)S2x monolayer. SnSeS and SnSe0.5S1.5 monolayers showed the best catalytic activity for HER at a tensile strain of 10%. This work provides a design for improved catalytic activity of the SnSe2(1-x)S2x monolayer.
MANAGEMENT OF TIME AND COST CONTINGENCIES IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: A CONTRACTOR PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Ortiz José I. , Pellicer Eugenio , Molenaar Keith R.
Published: June 2018

The management of threats and opportunities plays a key-role in enhancing project performance. However, there is a gap in literature concerning how general contractors manage threats and opportunities in construction projects, in particular in the use of time and cost contingencies. This research partially addresses this gap through a case study of two large Spanish construction companies. The research presented two key factors determining how the contractors analyzed manage time and cost contingencies: project objectives and existing mistrust among the contractor’s team members. The research also found that managers use time and cost contingencies not only to manage threats, but also as tools for managing opportunities, thereby providing insight into a previously undescribed form of contingency: the negative contingency. The research results enable a better understanding of the actual behavior of general contractors, which contributes to paving the way for developing enhanced methods for contingencies management.
Binary Companions of Evolved Stars in APOGEE DR14: Search Method and Catalog of ∼5000 Companions
Authors: Price-Whelan Adrian M. , Hogg David W. , Rix Hans-Walter , De Lee Nathan , Majewski Steven R. , Nidever David L. , Troup Nicholas , Fernández-Trincado José G. , García-Hernández Domingo A. , Longa-Peña Penélope , Nitschelm Christian , Sobeck Jennifer , Zamora Olga
Published: June 2018

Multi-epoch radial velocity measurements of stars can be used to identify stellar, substellar, and planetary-mass companions. Even a small number of observation epochs can be informative about companions, though there can be multiple qualitatively different orbital solutions that fit the data. We have custom-built a Monte Carlo sampler (The Joker) that delivers reliable (and often highly multimodal) posterior samplings for companion orbital parameters given sparse radial velocity data. Here we use The Joker to perform a search for companions to 96,231 red giant stars observed in the APOGEE survey (DR14) with ≥3 spectroscopic epochs. We select stars with probable companions by making a cut on our posterior belief about the amplitude of the variation in stellar radial velocity induced by the orbit. We provide (1) a catalog of 320 companions for which the stellar companion’s properties can be confidently determined, (2) a catalog of 4898 stars that likely have companions, but would require more observations to uniquely determine the orbital properties, and (3) posterior samplings for the full orbital parameters for all stars in the parent sample. We show the characteristics of systems with confidently determined companion properties and highlight interesting systems with candidate compact object companions.
Multiplexed Division Tracking Dyes for Proliferation-Based Clonal Lineage Tracing
Authors: Horton Miles B. , Prevedello Giulio , Marchingo Julia M. , Zhou Jie H. S. , Duffy Ken R. , Heinzel Susanne , Hodgkin Philip D.
Published: June 2018

The generation of cellular heterogeneity is an essential feature of immune responses. Understanding the heritability and asymmetry of phenotypic changes throughout this process requires determination of clonal-level contributions to fate selection. Evaluating intraclonal and interclonal heterogeneity and the influence of distinct fate determinants in large numbers of cell lineages, however, is usually laborious, requiring familial tracing and fate mapping. In this study, we introduce a novel, accessible, high-throughput method for measuring familial fate changes with accompanying statistical tools for testing hypotheses. The method combines multiplexing of division tracking dyes with detection of phenotypic markers to reveal clonal lineage properties. We illustrate the method by studying in vitro–activated mouse CD8+ T cell cultures, reporting division and phenotypic changes at the level of families. This approach has broad utility as it is flexible and adaptable to many cell types and to modifications of in vitro, and potentially in vivo, fate monitoring systems.
Moyamoya syndrome in hemoglobin E-beta thalassemia
Authors: Doctor PN , Choudhari A , Verma M , Merchant RH
Published: June 2018

Moyamoya disease is an idiopathic, nonatherosclerotic, noninflammatory, chronic progressive cerebrovascular disease characterized by bilateral stenosis or occlusion of the arteries around the circle of Willis, typically the supraclinoid internal carotid arteries, followed by extensive collateralization, which are prone to thrombosis, aneurysm, and hemorrhage. Secondary moyamoya phenomenon or moyamoya syndrome (MMS) occurs in a wide range of clinical scenarios including prothrombotic states such as sickle cell anemia, but the association with other hemoglobinopathies is less frequently observed. We describe a case of a 25-year-old female with hemoglobin E-beta thalassemia who had a rare presentation of MMS in the form of choreoathetoid movements in the left upper and lower extremities. We describe this association, primarily to emphasize thalassemia as an extremely rare but a potential etiology of MMS. Since MMS is a progressive disease, it is important to diagnose and initiate treatment to prevent worsening of the disease and recurrence of stroke.
Exchange rates expectations and chaotic dynamics: a replication study
Authors: Belaire-Franch Jorge
Published: June 2018

In this paper the author analyzes the behavior of exchange rates expectations for four currencies, by considering a re-calculation and an extension of Resende and Zeidan (Expectations and chaotic dynamics: empirical evidence on exchange rates, Economics Letters, 2008). Considering Lyapunov exponent-based tests results, they are not supportive of chaos in exchange rates expectations, although the so-called 0–1 test strongly supports the chaos hypothesis.
Reconstrucción de la agricultura prehispánica en El Salvador previo a la erupción volcánica, a través del análisis de suelos
Authors: Ito Nobuyuki , Watanabe Takeshi , Kimura Makoto
Published: June 2018

En El Salvador se han realizado hallazgos arqueológicos substanciales relacionados con las prácticas de agricultura prehispánica en diversos sitios arqueológicos. En Joya de Cerén se encontraron muy bien conservadas evidencias de surcos de milpas correspondientes al periodo Clásico Tardío, así como cultivos de maíz, frijoles, chiles, maguey, cacao, yuca, y otros. En el Antiguo Cuscatlán, abajo de una capa de tefra de Cuzcatán (900-650 a.C.) hallaron varios surcos y zanjas, en las cuales se encontró un macrofósil de hoja de maíz con un fechamiento de 820 a.C. Por otra parte, en los sitios arqueológicos, como Cerrón Grande, Bulevar Monseñor Oscar Arnulfo Romero, Chalchuapa, se reportaron surcos abajo la capa de ceniza volcánica de Ilopango (T.B.J./siglo IV-VI d.c.), aunque no se informó que tipo de plantas se cultivaron ahí.El humus o sostenimiento húmico del suelo se constituye por una capa de tierra fértil de color obscuro, la cual se forma a través de los residuos y descomposición de plantas originarias que se desarrollan y mueren en la superficie. Por esta razón, el valor de δ13C (%) del suelo es variable, dependiendo del tipo de plantas que crecieron en el pasado.Se ha realizado el análisis de valor de δ13C a través del analizador de masa de isótopos estables para identificar los cultivos de la época anterior a la erupción volcánica del Ilopango, ya que no se ha encontrado ningún material de flora o de cultivo. Por análisis de valor de δ13C, se puede decir que se cultivaba plantas del tipo C4 en la milpa de Bulevar Monseñor Oscar Arnulfo Romero.Revista de Museología "Kóot" No.9 2018: 26-36
Los restos de Cristobal Colón en Santo Domingo
Authors: López Nuila Jaime Alberto
Published: June 2018

La posesión de los restos de Cristóbal Colón es una cuestión de honor y de honra para los dominicanos, que afirman disponer históricamente del cariño del descubridor, quien expresamente declaro que sus restos descansaran en el territorio dominicano.Este hecho histórico se complica, ya que España, por su parte, siempre ha querido recuperar los restos de este audaz navegante y descubridor.España, que históricamente había ocupado la isla, se ve enfrascada con una potencia enemiga, Francia, que asume el control de todo el territorio, hecho que complica el quehacer socioeconómico, político e histórico.No obstante, para España, siempre sigue siendo una cuestión de orgullo y dignidad, recuperar los restos de tan importante personaje para el reino y por ende para la historia. El material bibliográfico utilizado en este artículo por el autor, es un fiel referente, con datos fidedignos sobre este tan importante hecho histórico.Revista de Museología "Kóot" No.9 2018: 70-78
La artesanía: patrimonio e identidad cultural
Authors: Rivas Ramón D.
Published: June 2018

En este artículo se plantea la importancia que tiene el sector artesanal en el fenómeno de la identidad cultural de los pueblos y además, conceptualiza lo que entendemos como artesanía desde la perspectiva antropológica; la diferencia que se debe hacer entre artesanía tradicional y la artesanía contemporánea. Analiza además, brevemente, la importancia que tiene la artesanía como parte del patrimonio cultural, la identidad de los pueblos y como recurso económico.El artículo finaliza haciendo referencia sobre la artesanía y su diferenciación con las manualidades, con la única finalidad de crear insumos que ayuden a reflexionar sobre la importancia de proteger este rubro, apropiarse de él y así poderlo heredar a las futuras generaciones.El interés se ubica desde la perspectiva antropológica, y de ello lo importante que es para la sociedad, su valor patrimonial y cultural.Revista de Museología "Kóot" No.9 2018: 80-96
¿Existe la filosofía o sólo es un fantasma sin valor real? Un análisis de la importancia de la filosofía en el tiempo contemporáneo.
Authors: Rojas Marcelino R.
Published: June 2018

El presente artículo versa sobre la importancia de la filosofía para el conocimiento y para la práctica de la vida humana en el tiempo contemporáneo. Se distingue entre dos aspectos o temas de estudio en la filosofía, su índole de conocimiento y su importancia. Para la índole de la filosofía se utiliza como ejemplo a Xavier Zubiri. Y para inferir la importancia de la filosofía el pensamiento de Georg Simmel. Para Zubiri la filosofía es rigurosamente metafísica o filosofía de la realidad. Y desde Simmel, se optó por enfatizar las ideas que nos señalan algunas pistas sobre la importancia de la filosofía. Sirva el presente artículo como un tema abierto a discusión y a disensión.Revista de Museología "Kóot" No.9 2018: 98-112
Prólogo No. 9
Authors: Loucel José Mauricio
Published: June 2018

Revista de Museología "Kóot" No.9 2018: i-ii
A pós-graduação no Brasil: a expansão de doutores no novo Plano Nacional de Educação
Authors: Ferreira Luciana Rodrigues , Chaves Vera Lucia Jacob
Published: June 2018

Considerando o Plano Nacional de Educao (PNE) aprovado pela Lei n. 13.005/2014, objetiva-se com este artigo analisar a poltica de expanso da ps-graduao brasileira, em especial a formao de doutores para atender meta 14 (estratgia 14.12). Para tanto, procedeu-se realizao de um estudo exploratrio de abordagem qualitativa, com a utilizao de documentos e dados estatsticos coletados no sistema de informaes georreferenciadas (Geocapes) e no Diretrio dos Grupos de Pesquisa do CNPq (DGP/ CNPq). A anlise permite concluir que o Brasil deve aprimorar os mecanismos de fomento ps-graduao para que possa ampliar o nmero de doutores titulados, visto que, em 2014, os ndices ainda demonstravam a existncia de apenas um doutor por mil habitantes, sendo necessrio quintuplicar esse nmero para o atendimento da meta.
Molecular Auditing: An Evaluation of Unsuspected Tissue Specimen Misidentification
Authors: Demetrick Douglas J.
Published: June 2018

Context.—

Specimen misidentification is the most significant error in laboratory medicine, potentially accounting for hundreds of millions of dollars in extra health care expenses and significant morbidity in patient populations in the United States alone. New technology allows the unequivocal documentation of specimen misidentification or contamination; however, the value of this technology currently depends on suspicion of the specimen integrity by a pathologist or other health care worker.

Objective.—

To test the hypothesis that there is a detectable incidence of unsuspected tissue specimen misidentification among cases submitted for routine surgical pathology examination.

Design.—

To test this hypothesis, we selected specimen pairs that were obtained at different times and/or different hospitals from the same patient, and compared their genotypes using standardized microsatellite markers used commonly for forensic human DNA comparison in order to identify unsuspected mismatches between the specimen pairs as a trial of “molecular auditing.” We preferentially selected gastrointestinal, prostate, and skin biopsies because we estimated that these types of specimens had the greatest potential for misidentification.

Results.—

Of 972 specimen pairs, 1 showed an unexpected discordant genotype profile, indicating that 1 of the 2 specimens was misidentified. To date, we are unable to identify the etiology of the discordance.

Conclusions.—

These results demonstrate that, indeed, there is a low level of unsuspected tissue specimen misidentification, even in an environment with careful adherence to stringent quality assurance practices. This study demonstrates that molecular auditing of random, routine biopsy specimens can identify occult misidentified specimens, and may function as a useful quality indicator.
Elaboração e análise de orçamento empresarial em indústria de esquadrias
Authors:   Universidade do Vale do Taquari, Heineck Fernando , Feil Alexandre André
Published: June 2018

O orçamento empresarial elaborado com base nos objetivos empresariais pode representar o diferencial competitivo das Micro e Pequenas Empresas (MPE). Neste contexto, este estudo objetiva elaborar e analisar o orçamento empresarial em MPE indústria de esquadrias, neste estudo denominada de Alfa. A metodologia empregada vincula-se a pesquisa quantitativa-descritiva, utilizando o procedimentos técnico de estudo de caso por meio de pesquisa documental e entrevista não estruturada. A elaboração do orçamento permitiu visualizar a evolução da eficiência econômica da indústria Alfa no período orçado, em especial, no período posterior ao investimento planejado na ampliação de infraestrutura. Os principais resultados revelam que a elaboração do orçamento da indústria Alfa deve observar as características específicas do porte MPE, em especial, as relacionadas as limitações dos recursos financeiros, mão de obra e o tempo disponível. Além disso, a previsão futura deve ser realizada com prudência e cautela, por meio de um orçamento flexível para adaptar-se as mudanças de mercado. A avaliação do orçamento projetado preserva a saúde financeira, patrimonial e econômica da indústria alfa no período de 2017 a 2021. Portanto, conclui-se que a elaboração e análise do orçamento na indústria de esquadria Alfa apresenta uma contribuição em direção a implementação das práticas adequadas ao seu uso e performance.
The Provision of Mobile Services in US Urban Libraries
Authors: Guo Ya Jun , Liu Yan Quan , Bielefield Arlene
Published: June 2018

To determine the present situation regarding services provided to mobile users in US urban libraries, the authors surveyed 138 Urban Libraries Council members utilizing a combination of mobile visits, content analysis, and librarian interviews. The results show that nearly 95% of these libraries have at least one mobile website, mobile catalog, or mobile app. The libraries actively applied new approaches to meet each local community’s remote-access needs via new technologies, including app download links, mobile reference services, scan ISBN, location navigation, and mobile printing. Mobile services that libraries provide today are timely, convenient, and universally applicable.
Large-scale network integration in the human brain tracks temporal fluctuations in memory encoding performance
Authors: Keerativittayayut Ruedeerat , Aoki Ryuta , Sarabi Mitra Taghizadeh , Jimura Koji , Nakahara Kiyoshi
Published: June 2018

Although activation/deactivation of specific brain regions has been shown to be predictive of successful memory encoding, the relationship between time-varying large-scale brain networks and fluctuations of memory encoding performance remains unclear. Here, we investigated time-varying functional connectivity patterns across the human brain in periods of 30–40 s, which have recently been implicated in various cognitive functions. During functional magnetic resonance imaging, participants performed a memory encoding task, and their performance was assessed with a subsequent surprise memory test. A graph analysis of functional connectivity patterns revealed that increased integration of the subcortical, default-mode, salience, and visual subnetworks with other subnetworks is a hallmark of successful memory encoding. Moreover, multivariate analysis using the graph metrics of integration reliably classified the brain network states into the period of high (vs. low) memory encoding performance. Our findings suggest that a diverse set of brain systems dynamically interact to support successful memory encoding.
Is perfectionism associated with academic burnout through repetitive negative thinking?
Authors: Garratt-Reed David , Howell Joel , Hayes Lana , Boyes Mark
Published: June 2018

Academic burnout is prevalent among university students, although understanding of what predicts burnout is limited. This study aimed to test the direct and indirect relationship between two dimensions of perfectionism (Perfectionistic Concerns and Perfectionistic Strivings) and the three elements of Academic Burnout (Exhaustion, Inadequacy, and Cynicism) through Repetitive Negative Thinking. In a cross-sectional survey, undergraduate students (n = 126, Mage = 23.64, 79% female) completed well-validated measures of Perfectionism, Repetitive Negative Thinking, and Academic Burnout. Perfectionistic Concerns was directly associated with all elements of burnout, as well as indirectly associated with Exhaustion and Cynicism via Repetitive Negative Thinking. Perfectionistic Strivings was directly associated with less Inadequacy and Cynicism; however, there were no indirect associations between Perfectionistic Strivings and Academic Burnout operating through Repetitive Negative Thinking. Repetitive Negative Thinking was also directly related to more burnout Exhaustion and Inadequacy, but not Cynicism. It is concluded that future research should investigate whether interventions targeting Perfectionistic Concerns and Repetitive Negative Thinking can reduce Academic Burnout in university students.
Pressure‐Induced Metallization and Robust Superconductivity in Pristine 1T‐SnSe2
Authors: Zhou Yonghui , Zhang Bowen , Chen Xuliang , Gu Chuanchuan , An Chao , Zhou Ying , Cai Kaiming , Yuan Yifang , Chen Chunhua , Wu Hao , Zhang Ranran , Park Changyong , Xiong Yimin , Zhang Xiuwen , Wang Kaiyou , Yang Zhaorong
Published: June 2018

Band engineering in layered metal dichalcogenides leads to a variety of physical phenomena and has obtained considerable attention recently. In this work, pressure‐induced metallization and superconductivity in pristine 1T‐SnSe2 is reported via electrical transport and synchrotron X‐ray diffraction experiments. Electrical transport results show that the metallization emerges above 15.2 GPa followed by appearance of superconducting transition at 18.6 GPa. The superconductivity is robust with a nearly constant Tc ≈ 6.1 K between 30.1 and 50.3 GPa. High‐pressure synchrotron X‐ray diffraction experiments indicate that the 1T‐SnSe2 phase maintains up to 46.0 GPa. Although the theoretical predicted structural transition and decomposition of SnSe2 into Sn3Se4 and Se are not detected, it is argued that the structural instability under high pressure might be crucial for the superconductivity. These findings demonstrate that 1T‐SnSe2 is a very rare system from which superconductivity can be driven via multiple ways.
Fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing of skin grafts: long‐term results of a prospective, randomized, split‐scar, evaluator‐blinded study
Authors: Datz Elisabeth , Schönberger Carmen , Zeman Florian , Koller Michael , Berneburg Mark , Landthaler Michael , Karrer Sigrid , Hohenleutner Ulrich , Hohenleutner Silvia
Published: June 2018

Background

Fractional ablative resurfacing is frequently used for treating atrophic and acne scars as well as for the early improvement of scars after surgery. No evidence‐based clinical data on improving the appearance of skin grafts by fractional CO2‐laser resurfacing have been available so far.

Objectives

The primary outcome parameter was the adaptation of the skin graft to the surrounding skin 2, 6, and 12 months after the second laser treatment. Secondary outcome parameters were melanin variation, skin roughness, resizing of the skin graft, and patient satisfaction with cosmetic results.

Methods

The randomized half of the skin graft was treated with the fractional CO2‐laser two times in a 4‐week interval, whereby the first laser treatment was conducted 3–8 weeks after surgery. Two independent dermatologists assessed the adaptation of the treated area and the untreated control of the skin graft to the surrounding skin using follow‐up pictures and an 11‐point scale (0 representing no adaptation at all and 10 complete adaptation).

Results

Adaptation to the surrounding skin was significantly improved after laser therapy. The mean investigator ratings showed poor adaptation to the surrounding skin before the first treatment (treatment: 2.24 ± 1.00; control group: 1.95 ± 1.27; P < .001; n = 26) but significant improvement at the follow‐up visits (8 weeks: treatment: 6.38 ± 1.47; control group 5.29 ± 1.27; P < .001; 6 months: treatment: 7.31 ± 1.24; control group 6.04 ± 0.91; 12 months: treatment: 7.6 ± 1.26; control group: 6.57 ± 1.02; n = 26). After fractional ablative laser treatment, appearance of the skin grafts was significantly improved for all time points. Profilometric analysis showed significantly reduced skin roughness 1 year after laser treatment compared to control (P = .003). Pigmentary irregularities were improved. Melanin distribution was significantly more uniform 1 year after laser treatment compared to control (P = .034). Patients were reasonably satisfied with both sides of the skin graft before treatment but more satisfied with the laser‐treated side at the other time points (P < .001).

Conclusions

Adaptation of the skin graft to the surrounding skin was significantly improved after ablative fractional skin resurfacing. Skin roughness and melanin variation were also improved. Patient satisfaction with the appearance of the skin graft was significantly higher after graft resurfacing. Thus, this treatment modality can be recommended for patients wishing to improve the appearance of their skin graft. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:1010–1016, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Slovakia’s perspective on NATO
Authors: Ušiak Jaroslav
Published: June 2018

Security, as expressed by the security policy of a state, is one of the most fundamental aspects of a foreign and defense policies of a state. Together, they create a foreign orientation of the state which may alter with time, space and under the influence of political decision-making. This paper presents the sources of the strategic orientation of Slovakia that emerged in reaction to historical events that the faced country Slovakia gradually integrated into the European and Euro—Atlantic structures with the emphasis on coalition changes in the governance of the state. This paper, through analysis and comparison, shows the dominant changes in the Slovakian security environment. In any case, it has been the destiny of small countries to maintain their security through cooperation and integration.