bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total quality index of ultrasound-treated blueberry and cranberry juices and nectars
Authors: Režek Jambrak Anet , Šimunek Marina , Djekic Ilija
Published: March 2018

The influence of ultrasound in combination with elevated temperature (thermosonication) is important in inactivation effects on microorganisms. However, overall quality of these products can be deteriorated. The aim of this study was to examine the use of a single quality index in evaluating effects of ultrasound technology on quality characteristics of blueberry and cranberry juices and nectars. For the purpose of this study based on 10 quality parameters, two mathematical models for calculating a single total quality index have been introduced. Samples were treated according to the experimental design, with high power ultrasound frequency of 20 kHz under various conditions (treatment time: 3, 6 and 9 min, sample temperature: 20 ℃, for thermosonication: 40 and 60 ℃ and amplitude: 60, 90 and 120 µm). Mathematical index of total quality index in order to evaluate total quality of ultrasound-treated juices and nectars was established. For cranberry juices, treatments ‘11’ (amplitude 120 µm) and ‘16’ (amplitude 60 µm) both for 9 min and the temperature of 20 ℃ were best scored for both models. Treatment ‘6’ (amplitude 120 µm, 3 min treatment time and the sample temperature of 20 ℃) for cranberry nectars was among the best for both models. Ultrasound treatments ‘6’ of amplitude 120 µm, 3 min and the temperature of 20 ℃ and ‘11’ same amplitude 120 µm and temperature, but 9 min were best scored blueberry juices for both models. Blueberry nectar had best total quality index for treatments ‘5’ (amplitude 120 µm, 6 min treatment time and the sample temperature of 40 ℃) and ‘6’ (amplitude 120 µm, 3 min treatment time and the sample temperature of 20 ℃).
Are ADHD Screeners Safe to Use?
Authors: Lovett Benjamin J. , Jordan Alexander H.
Published: March 2018

Objective: To investigate whether administration of a common ADHD screener followed by generic feedback would affect college students’ subsequent symptom reports and cognitive performance. Method: Participants were 157 college students randomly assigned to an experimental group—which completed the World Health Organization Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale screener and received standard generic feedback—or a control group. All participants then completed a battery of cognitive tasks and a long-form symptom rating scale. Results: The experimental and control groups did not differ significantly in terms of their subsequent symptom reports or their performance on any cognitive tasks. These null results remained after considering possibilities such as unequal group variances and interactions between screening effects and gender. Conclusion: When administered judiciously alongside generic feedback in a group setting, this common ADHD screener does not appear to affect college students’ self-perceptions or cognitive abilities.
Effects of internal limiting membrane peeling during vitrectomy for macula-off primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Blanco-Teijeiro María José , Bande Rodriguez Manuel , Mansilla Cuñarro Raquel , Paniagua Fernández Laura , Ruiz-Oliva Ruiz Francisco , Piñeiro Ces Antonio
Published: March 2018

Purpose:

To determine the effectiveness of internal limiting membrane peeling during vitrectomy for macula-off primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in the prevention of postoperative epiretinal membrane formation and achievement of good visual outcomes and to identify preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for epiretinal membrane formation.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed data from 62 eyes of 62 consecutive patients with macula-off primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment who underwent vitrectomy with (n = 30) or without (n = 32) internal limiting membrane peeling between January 2014 and March 2016 and were followed up for at least 12 months. The effects of internal limiting membrane peeling on visual outcomes and postoperative recovery of the macular structure were determined. We subsequently divided patients into an epiretinal membrane group and a non-epiretinal membrane group and assessed the effects of various preoperative and intraoperative factors on postoperative epiretinal membrane formation.

Results:

Postoperative epiretinal membrane developed in 10 patients in the no internal limiting membrane peeling group and three patients in the internal limiting membrane peeling group. Postoperative visual acuity significantly improved in both groups. Epiretinal membrane formation was found to be correlated with a higher number of retinal breaks.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that internal limiting membrane peeling during macula-off primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery can reduce the occurrence of postoperative epiretinal membrane, is safe, and results in favorable visual outcomes.
Development of a zero-dimensional turbulence model for a spark ignition engine
Authors: Kim Namho , Ko Insuk , Min Kyoungdoug
Published: March 2018

The necessity for the use of one-dimensional simulation is growing because cost and time required for hardware optimization and optimal calibration of engines based on experiment are increasing dramatically as engines are equipped with growing numbers of technologies. For one-dimensional simulation results to be more reliable, the accuracy and applicability of the combustion model of a one-dimensional simulation tool must be guaranteed. Because the combustion process in a spark ignition engine is driven by the turbulence, many of existing models focus on the prediction of mean turbulence intensity. Although many successes in the previous models can be found, the previous models contain a large number of adjustable constants or require information supplemented from three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulation results. For improved applicability of a model, the number of adjustable constants and inputs to the model must be kept as small as possible. Thus, in this study, a new zero-dimensional (0D) turbulence model was proposed that requires information on the basic characteristics of the engine geometry and has only one adjustable constant. The model was developed based on the energy cascade model with additional consideration of following aspects: loss of kinetic energy during the intake stroke, the effect of piston motion during the compression and the expansion stroke, modifications to correlations for integral length scale, geometric length scale, and production rate of turbulent kinetic energy. An adjustable constant to consider engine design which determines tumble strength was also introduced. The comparison of the simulation results with those of three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics confirmed that the developed model can predict the mean turbulence intensity without case-dependent adjustment of the model constant.
‘The pumpkins are coming…vienen las calabazas…that sounds funny’: Translanguaging practices of young emergent bilinguals
Authors: Axelrod Ysaaca , Cole Mikel W
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we utilize the theory of translanguaging to make sense of the biliterate activities of young emergent bilinguals in a before-school program for Latinx students at an elementary school. Our findings show that even early writers are able to draw from their full linguistic repertoire, utilizing orthographic and syntactic resources consciously, and continue to do so with increasing complexity as they get older and gain greater competence. The children in our study show how emergent bilinguals exhibit exceptionally sophisticated considerations of audience as they write across linguistically and culturally-diverse communities, navigating these in their writing, as they do in their daily lives. Opportunities for students to demonstrate and develop these skills are critical, especially in monolingual settings.
Service-dominant logic as a framework for exploring research utilization
Authors: Hughes Tim , Vafeas Mario
Published: March 2018

This article links service-dominant (S-D) logic to the call for better theoretical frameworks to understand research utilization in business and management. It contributes to explaining what happens in cocreating knowledge between researchers and research users and also contributes to the development of midrange theory on S-D logic. A framework is utilized, based on Vargo and Lusch’s (2016) update on S-D logic. To demonstrate application, the framework is applied to an example of the authors’ research on marketing agencies and their clients. Implications for theory and academic practice and policy are put forward. The S-D logic framework is not tied to any particular research method or way of working and has benefits in being applicable to marketing research and across the wider field of business and management. The idea of resource enhancement is put forward as a learning process in explaining what happens to the actors’ resources in the course of resource integration.
High-Dose Deferoxamine Treatment Disrupts Intracellular Iron Homeostasis, Reduces Growth, and Induces Apoptosis in Metastatic and Nonmetastatic Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Bajbouj Khuloud , Shafarin Jasmin , Hamad Mawieh
Published: March 2018

Mounting evidence suggest that iron overload enhances cancer growth and metastasis; hence, iron chelation is being increasingly used as part of the treatment regimen in patients with cancer. Now whether iron chelation depletes intracellular iron and/or disrupts intracellular iron homeostasis is yet to be fully addressed. MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells treated with increasing concentrations of the iron chelator deferoxamine were assessed for intracellular iron status, the expression of key proteins involved in iron metabolism, cell viability, growth potential, and apoptosis at different time points following treatment. Treatment with deferoxamine at 1, 5, or 10 μM for 24 or 48 hours, while not leading to significant changes in intracellular labile iron content, upregulated the expression of hepcidin, ferroportin, and transferrin receptors 1 and 2. In contrast, deferoxamine at 30, 100, or 300 μM for 24 hours induced a significant decrease in intracellular labile iron, which was associated with increased expression of hepcidin, ferritin, and transferrin receptors 1 and 2. At 48 hours, there was an increase in intracellular labile iron, which was associated with a significant reduction in hepcidin and ferritin expression and a significant increase in ferroportin expression. Although low-dose deferoxamine treatment resulted in a low to moderate decrease in MCF-7 cell growth, high-dose treatment resulted in a significant and precipitous decrease in cell viability and growth, which was associated with increased expression of phosphorylated Histone 2A family member X and near absence of survivin. High-dose deferoxamine treatment also resulted in a very pronounced reduction in wound healing and growth in MDA-MB-231 cells. These findings suggest that high-dose deferoxamine treatment disrupts intracellular iron homeostasis, reduces cell viability and growth, and enhances apoptosis in breast cancer cells. This is further evidence to the potential utility of iron chelation as an adjunctive therapy in iron-overloaded cancers.
EU–Turkey relations need an honest new start
Authors: Weber Manfred
Published: March 2018

The EU has a fundamental interest in having a constructive relationship with Turkey. However, the EU–Turkey relationship has become strained over recent years. This is why EU–Turkey relations need a new start, based on honesty about the long-term goal: EU membership is not an option for Turkey. Instead, the EU and Turkey should focus on concrete fields of cooperation. Humanitarian aid in the refugee crisis is a good example of a field in which a joint solution has been successful, as is the protection of the common external border. More joint action from the EU and Turkey is needed as regards the situation in Syria and Iraq. Turkey must overcome its democratic shortcomings. Further economic cooperation will depend on the application of the rule of law in Turkey.
Behavioral Mapping of Patient Activity to Explore the Built Environment During Rehabilitation
Authors: Blennerhassett Jannette Maree , Borschmann Karen Nancy , Lipson-Smith Ruby Adelaide , Bernhardt Julie
Published: March 2018

Aim:

To explore the use of a rehabilitation-focused behavioral mapping method to identify changes in patient physical activity, location, and social interaction following the relocation of a rehabilitation ward.

Background:

Rehabilitation wards are unique healthcare environments where patient activity is encouraged to improve recovery. Little is known about the impact of building design on patient behavior within a rehabilitation setting. We examined this issue when a rehabilitation ward was relocated without altering other aspects of the healthcare service.

Method:

The setting was a publicly funded inpatient general rehabilitation ward with a separate therapy area. Before and after ward relocation, patient behavior (location, physical, and social activities) was observed at 10-min intervals between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Patients and staff performed their usual activities during data collection.

Results:

Twenty-three patients participated in the old ward and 24 in the new ward, resulting in 1,150 and 1,200 observation time points, respectively. Patient location and behaviors were similar between wards ( p > .05). Participants were in bedrooms for more than half of the observations (67% old ward, 58% new ward), sitting down (62.8% old ward, 59.0% new ward), and alone (42.0% old ward, 38.0% new ward). Design features, such as separation of the therapy area and ward, may have impacted on patient behavior.

Conclusions:

The rehabilitation-focused behavioral mapping method provided a rich description of relevant patient behaviors, indicating that it is a feasible and useful method for exploring the impact of the built environment in rehabilitation settings.
Synovial Fluid Eotaxin-1 Levels May Reflect Disease Progression in Primary Knee Osteoarthritis Among Elderly Han Chinese: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Li Bei , Zhang Yi-Li , Yu Shou-Yi
Published: March 2018

Objective

The CC chemokine family member eotaxin-1, also named chemokine C-C motif ligand 11 (CCL11), has been detected in knee osteoarthritis (OA) and could induce breakdown of cartilage matrix. This study was performed to investigate the plasma and synovial fluid eotaxin-1 levels with the disease progression in elderly Han Chinese with primary knee OA.

Design

A total of 143 elderly primary knee OA patients and 135 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) was performed to evaluate the clinical severity. The radiographic severity was assessed by Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading. Plasma and synovial fluid (SF) eotaxin-1 levels were explored using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The SF levels of matrix metalloproteinase–3 (MMP-3) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were also examined.

Results

Elevated plasma eotaxin-1 levels were found in knee OA patients compared with healthy controls. Eotaxin-1 levels in SF of knee OA patients with K-L grade 4 were significantly elevated compared with those with K-L grades 2 and 3. Meanwhile, knee OA patients with K-L grade 3 had significantly increased SF levels of eotaxin-1 compared with those with K-L grade 2. Plasma eotaxin-1 levels in different K-L grading did not reach significant difference. Eotaxin-1 levels in SF of knee OA patients were significantly associated with disease severity evaluated by KL grading criteria. In addition, eotaxin-1 levels in SF were positively related to clinical severity illustrated by WOMAC as well as biochemical markers MMP-3 and IL-6.

Conclusions

Eotaxin-1 levels in SF instead of plasma, were independently and positively related to the disease severity in elderly knee OA patients. The inhibition of eotaxin-1 and its related signaling pathways may serve as a novel therapeutic approach for OA progression.
Riociguat treatment for portopulmonary hypertension: a subgroup analysis from the PATENT‐1/‐2 studies
Authors: Cartin‐Ceba Rodrigo , Halank Michael , Ghofrani Hossein‐Ardeschir , Humbert Marc , Mattson John , Fritsch Arno , Krowka Michael
Published: March 2018

In patients with portopulmonary hypertension (n = 13) included in the 12‐week randomized placebo‐controlled PATENT‐1 trial, riociguat was well tolerated and improved 6‐min walking distance (6MWD), World Health Organization functional class (WHO FC), and other efficacy parameters; 6MWD and WHO FC improvements were sustained over two years in the open‐label extension, PATENT‐2.
Evaluating Postoperative Complications and Outcomes of Orthopedic Fracture Repair in Nonagenarian Patients
Authors: Scarano Kyle A. , Philp Frances H. , Westrick Edward R. , Altman Gregory T. , Altman Daniel T.
Published: March 2018

Introduction:

The United States and the world are currently experiencing a tremendous growth in the elderly population. Moreover, individuals surpassing the ages of 80 and 90 are also continuing to increase. As this unique division of society expands, it is critical that the medical community best understands how to assess, diagnose, and treat this population. The purpose of this study was to analyze morbidity, mortality, and overall outcome of patients aged 90 years and older after orthopedic surgical fracture repair. Such knowledge will guide patients and their families in making decisions when surgery is required among nonagenarians.

Methods:

The trauma registry of our level I academic medical center was queried to identify potential study participants over the past decade. Two hundred and thirty-three surgical procedures among 227 patients were included and retrospectively assessed. Parameters of specific interest were injury type, mechanism of injury (including high energy vs low energy and height of falls), injury severity score, preoperative comorbidities, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, discharge destination, and postoperative mortality rate.

Results:

Overall, 4.3% of the cohort died in the hospital following surgery. Of the patients who survived, 89.7% were discharged to a professionally supervised setting. The nonagenarian population displayed a considerable follow-up rate, as 82.8% of individuals returned for their first postoperative office visit.

Discussion:

Historically, surgical morbidity and mortality are highly associated with this age group. However, the number of nonagenarians in the United States is increasing, as are these surgical procedures. The epidemiologic and clinical findings of our study support this trend and add further insight into the matter.

Conclusion:

This investigation demonstrates that orthopedic surgery is an appropriate treatment in this population with an acceptable complication rate. Furthermore, nonagenarians have the potential to demonstrate a substantial follow-up rate, but postoperative discharge to a professionally supervised setting may be necessary.
Trace-element geochemistry of molybdenite from porphyry Cu deposits of the Birgilda-Tomino ore cluster (South Urals, Russia)
Authors: Plotinskaya Olga Y. , Abramova Vera D. , Groznova Elena O. , Tessalina Svetlana G. , Seltmann Reimar , Spratt John
Published: March 2018

Mineralogical, electron microprobe analysis and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry data from molybdenite within two porphyry copper deposits (Kalinovskoe and Birgilda) of the Birgilda-Tomino ore cluster (South Urals) are presented.† The results provide evidence that molybdenites from these two sites have similar trace-element chemistry. Most trace elements (Si, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Ag, Sb, Te, Pb, Bi, Au, As and Se) form mineral inclusions within molybdenite. The Re contents in molybdenite vary from 8.7 ppm to 1.13 wt.%. The Re distribution within single molybdenite flakes is always extremely heterogeneous. It is argued that a temperature decrease favours the formation of Re-rich molybdenite. The high Re content of molybdenite observed points to a mantle-derived source.
Vector-wave-based elastic reverse time migration of ocean-bottom 4C seismic data
Authors: Yu Pengfei , Geng Jianhua , Ma Jiqiang
Published: March 2018

The acoustic-elastic coupled equation (AECE) has several advantages when compared with conventional scalar-wave-based elastic reverse time migration (ERTM) methods used to image ocean-bottom multicomponent seismic data. In particular, vector-wave-based ERTM requires vectorial P- and S-waves on the source and receiver sides, but these cannot be directly obtained from wavefield extrapolation using AECE. Therefore, we have developed a P- and S-wave vector decomposition (VD) approach within AECE; this approach enables the deduction of a novel VD-based AECE, from which vectorial P- and S-waves can be obtained directly via wavefield extrapolation. We are also able to derive a new formulation suitable for vector-wave-based ERTM of ocean-bottom multicomponent seismic data that can generate a phase-preserved PS-image. Three synthetic examples illustrate the validity and effectiveness of our new method.
Computational Model of Progression to Multiple Myeloma Identifies Optimum Screening Strategies
Authors: Altrock Philipp M. , Ferlic Jeremy , Galla Tobias , Tomasson Michael H. , Michor Franziska
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Recent advances have uncovered therapeutic interventions that might reduce the risk of progression of premalignant diagnoses, such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to multiple myeloma (MM). It remains unclear how to best screen populations at risk and how to evaluate the ability of these interventions to reduce disease prevalence and mortality at the population level. To address these questions, we developed a computational modeling framework.

Materials and Methods

We used individual-based computational modeling of MGUS incidence and progression across a population of diverse individuals to determine best screening strategies in terms of screening start, intervals, and risk-group specificity. Inputs were life tables, MGUS incidence, and baseline MM survival. We measured MM-specific mortality and MM prevalence after MGUS detection from simulations and mathematic modeling predictions.

Results

Our framework is applicable to a wide spectrum of screening and intervention scenarios, including variation of the baseline MGUS to MM progression rate and evolving MGUS, in which progression increases over time. Given the currently available point estimate of progression risk reduction to 61% risk, starting screening at age 55 years and performing follow-up screening every 6 years reduced total MM prevalence by 19%. The same reduction could be achieved with starting screening at age 65 years and performing follow-up screening every 2 years. A 40% progression risk reduction per patient with MGUS per year would reduce MM-specific mortality by 40%. Specifically, screening onset age and screening frequency can change disease prevalence, and progression risk reduction changes both prevalence and disease-specific mortality. Screening would generally be favorable in high-risk individuals.

Conclusion

Screening efforts should focus on specifically identified groups with high lifetime risk of MGUS, for which screening benefits can be significant. Screening low-risk individuals with MGUS would require improved preventions.
Longitudinal Assessment of Illnesses, Stress Dosing, and Illness Sequelae in Patients With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: El-Maouche Diala , Hargreaves Courtney J , Sinaii Ninet , Mallappa Ashwini , Veeraraghavan Padmasree , Merke Deborah P
Published: March 2018

Context

Patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are at risk for life-threatening adrenal crises. Management of illness episodes aims to prevent adrenal crises.

Objective

We evaluated rates of illnesses and associated factors in patients with CAH followed prospectively and receiving repeated glucocorticoid stress dosing education.

Methods

Longitudinal analysis of 156 patients with CAH followed at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center over 23 years was performed. The rates of illnesses and stress-dose days, emergency room (ER) visits, hospitalizations, and adrenal crises were analyzed in relation to phenotype, age, sex, treatment, and hormonal evaluations.

Results

A total of 2298 visits were evaluated. Patients were followed for 9.3 ± 6.0 years. During childhood, there were more illness episodes and stress dosing than adulthood (P < 0.001); however, more ER visits and hospitalizations occurred during adulthood (P ≤ 0.03). The most robust predictors of stress dosing were young age, low hydrocortisone and high fludrocortisone dose during childhood, and female sex during adulthood. Gastrointestinal and upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) were the two most common precipitating events for adrenal crises and hospitalizations across all ages. Adrenal crisis with probable hypoglycemia occurred in 11 pediatric patients (ages 1.1 to 11.3 years). Undetectable epinephrine was associated with ER visits during childhood (P = 0.03) and illness episodes during adulthood (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Repeated stress-related glucocorticoid dosing teaching is essential, but revised age-appropriate guidelines for the management of infectious illnesses are needed for patients with adrenal insufficiency that aim to reduce adrenal crises and prevent hypoglycemia, particularly in children.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Chronic Postoperative Opioid Use After Major Spine Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study With Longitudinal Outcome
Authors: Dunn Lauren K. , Yerra Sandeep , Fang Shenghao , Hanak Mark F. , Leibowitz Maren K. , Tsang Siny , Durieux Marcel E. , Nemergut Edward C. , Naik Bhiken I.
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND:

Chronic opioid use is a significant public health concern. Surgery is a risk factor for developing chronic opioid use. Patients undergoing major spine surgery frequently are prescribed opioids preoperatively and may be at risk for chronic opioid use postoperatively. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of and perioperative risk factors associated with chronic opioid use after major spine surgery.

METHODS:

The records of patients who underwent elective major spine surgery at the University of Virginia between March 2011 and February 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome was chronic opioid use through 12 months postoperatively. Demographic data, medical comorbidities, preoperative pain scores, and medication use including daily morphine-equivalent (ME) dose, intraoperative use of lidocaine and ketamine, estimated blood loss, postoperative pain scores and medication use, and postoperative opioid use were collected. Logistic regression models were used to examine factors associated with chronic opioid use.

RESULTS:

Of 1477 patient records reviewed, 412 patients (27.9%) were opioid naive and 1065 patients (72.3%) used opioids before surgery. Opioid data were available for 1325 patients, while 152 patients were lost to 12-month follow-up and were excluded. Of 958 preoperative opioid users, 498 (52.0%) remained chronic users through 12 months. There was a decrease in opioid dosage (mg ME) from preoperative to 12 months postoperatively with a mean difference of −14.7 mg ME (standard deviation, 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], −17.8 to −11.7). Among 367 previously opioid-naive patients, 67 (18.3%) became chronic opioid users. Factors associated with chronic opioid use were examined using logistic regression models. Preoperative opioid users were nearly 4 times more likely to be chronic opioid users through 12 months than were opioid-naive patients (odds ratio, 3.95; 95% CI, 2.51–6.33; P < .001). Mean postoperative pain score (0–10) was associated with increased odds of chronic opioid use (odds ratio for a 1 unit increase in pain score 1.25, 95% CI, 1.13–1.38; P < .001). Use of intravenous ketamine or lidocaine was not associated with chronic opioid use through 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

Greater than 70% of patients presenting for major spine surgery used opioids preoperatively. Preoperative opioid use and higher postoperative pain scores were associated with chronic opioid use through 12 months. Use of ketamine and lidocaine did not decrease the risk for chronic opioid use. Surveillance of patients for these factors may identify those at highest risk for chronic opioid use and target them for intervention and reduction strategies.
Evaluation of Trichoderma spp., Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis for biological control of Ralstonia wilt of tomato
Authors: Yendyo Shiva , G.C. Ramesh , Pandey Binayak Raj
Published: March 2018

Background:Ralstoniaspp. is a major pathogenic microbe for tomato, which invades the roots of diverse plant hosts and colonizes xylem vessels causing wilt, especially in tropical, subtropical and warm-temperate regions.Ralstoniaspp.produces several virulence factors helping it to invade the plant’s natural defense mechanism. Native isolates ofTrichoderma spp., Pseudomonas fluorescensandBacillus subtiliscan be used as biocontrol agents to control the bacterial wilt and combined application of these beneficial microbes can give better results.

Methods:Bacterial wilt infection in the field was identified by field experts and the infected plant part was used to isolateRalstoniaspp.in CPG media and was positively identified. Subsequently, the efficacy of the biocontrol agents was tested and documented using agar well diffusion technique and digital microscopy. 2ml of the microbial concentrate (109cells/ml) was mixed in one liter of water and was applied in the plant root at the rate of 100 ml per plant as a treatment method.

Results:It was observed that the isolatedTrichodermaspp. AA2 andPseudomonas fluorescensPFS were most potent in inhibiting the growth ofRalstoniaspp.,showing ZOI 20.67 mm and 22.33 mm, respectively. Digital microscopy showed distinct inhibitory effect on the growth and survival ofRalstoniaspp.The results from the field data indicated thatTrichodermaspp. andPseudomonas fluorescensalone were able to prevent 92% and 96% of the infection and combination of both were more effective, preventing 97% of infection. Chemical control methods prevented 94% of infection.Bacillus subtiliscould only prevent 84 % of the infection.  

Conclusions:Antagonistic effect againstRalstonia spp.shown by native isolates ofTrichodermaspp. andP. fluorescensmanifested the promising potential as biocontrol agents. Combined application gave better results. Results shown byBacillus subtiliswere not significant.
Recent advances in managing tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Del Forno Benedetto , Lapenna Elisabetta , Dalrymple-Hay Malcom , Taramasso Maurizio , Castiglioni Alessandro , Alfieri Ottavio , De Bonis Michele
Published: March 2018

Isolated tricuspid valve surgery is usually carried out with very high morbidity and mortality given the complexity of the affected patients. In light of this, trans-catheter tricuspid valve interventions have been emerging as an attractive alternative to surgery over the last few years. Although feasibility has been shown with a number of devices, clinical experience remains preliminary and associated with significant clinical and technical challenges. Here we describe currently available trans-catheter treatment options for severe tricuspid regurgitation implanted in different locations.
METHOD OF INCREASING BY ENERGY SATURATION OF HIGH-PRODUCTIVE COWS DIETES
Authors: Головин Александр , Golovin Aleksandr
Published: March 2018

The purpose of the research is increase the concentration of energy in the dry matter of cows diets with a productivity of 7-8 thousand kg of milk per year in the first third of lactation with the use of dry palm fats prepared by various technologies. In the experiment carried out on three groups of Holstein dams
cows of Black-Motley Breed with the productivity of about 7.500 kg of milk per year for 9 cows each, it was found that the inclusion of dry palm fat (II experimental group – 300 g of fractionated fat with a predominance of saturated fatty acids and III experimental group – 368 g of fat in the form of calcium salt) in the composition of the rations of cows experimental groups with the aim of balancing the metabolizable energy content to the level of crude fat in an amount of 5% of the dry matter, has no adverse effect on dry matter intake of the ration, the digestibility of nutrients of feed and the use of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus. The result of balancing the ration of cows of the experimental groups the concentration of metabolizable energy in dry matter from 10.3 MJ/kg in the control to 10.7 MJ/kg in the experimental groups, the increase in cow milk yield, standard (4%) fat content for 100 days of lactation was 8.8% (P≤0.05) and 7.6% increase in the yield of milk fat and protein. Feed costs per 1 kg of milk of cows of experimental groups, expressed in exchange energy, were below control by 3.7 and 2.6%, respectively. According to the results of biochemical blood tests, against the background of the tendency of increasing the intensity of nitrogenic and lipid metabolism, a significant decrease in the concentration of ketone bodies in the blood of cows of experimental groups was found. Feeding by dry palm fats in tested quantities does not reduce the reproductive function of cows and is economically justified.
TECHNOLOGY, MEANS OF MECHANIZATION AND POWER EQUIPMENT IN AGRICULTURE
Authors: Курочкин Анатолий , Kurochkin Anatoli
Published: March 2018

The purpose of the research is theoretical substantiation of the influence of the thermal vacuum effect for the volume consumption of raw materials in the extruder with vacuum chamber. Theoretical studies of the working process of single screw extruders allowed us to obtain analytical expressions, which can be used to determine the volume flow rate of extruded raw materials serial machine. For extruders using thermal vacuum effect in their work, this theory does not allow to obtain acceptable results, since it does not take into account the fact that the technical solution implemented in the experimental extruder, compared with the serial machine allows to increase the coefficient of explosion of the extrudate in 1,5...2 times. In turn, this significantly affects the volume performance of the extruder and does not allow to determine with the necessary accuracy the structural and technological parameters of the vacuum chamber and its sluice gate. In this regard, in the carried out researches, on the basis of the equation of balance of mass of the processed raw materials which is in a path of the extruder and its vacuum chamber, the coefficient consid-ering influence of thermal vacuum effect on volume consumption of raw materials in the experimental extruder is theoretically proved, and also communication of this coefficient with other significant parameters of process of extrusion is established. The obtained results can be useful for further theoretical studies of extruders with thermal vacuum principle of operation and allow to calculate by analytical methods the main parameters of the vacuum chamber of machines performing thermoplastic extrusion of vegetable raw mate-rials.
Libertarianizm i teoria tożsamości
Authors: Dominiak Łukasz
Published: March 2018

Libertarianism and the Theory of Personal Identity. Robert Nozick’s Closest Continuer Theory as a Background Theory of the Principle of Self‑Ownership The research problem of the present paper is the following question: May the closest continuer theory serve as a background theory for the principle of self‑ownership? This issue is a peculiar instance of the more general problem of the anthropological presuppositions of the libertarian political philosophy that can be phrased in a Kantian manner: How is self‑ownership possible?; or in a more detailed way: What sort of entity a human being has to be, if it is possible for him to be a self‑owner? The research thesis that is argued for in the paper says that: 1) the closest continuer theory may not serve as a background theory for a wide principle of self‑ownership since as an example of reductionist theory of personal identity it excludes the possibility of possessing this set of psychological facts which the personal identity is reducible to and possession of which is presupposed by the wide principle of self‑ownership; 2) the closest continuer theory may though serve as a background theory for a narrow principle of self‑ownership since this principle assumes that one can own only scarce resources and psychological facts are not instances thereof.
Wizerunek prezydenta elekta Andrzeja Dudy w polskich tygodnikach katolickich „Gość Niedzielny” i „Niedziela”
Authors: Leśniczak Rafał
Published: March 2018

The Image of President‑Elect Andrzej Duda in the Polish Catholic Weekly Magazines Gość Niedzielny and Niedziela The article concerns the research area of political science and media studies, and in particular refers to the issue of mediatization of political communication. The purpose of the text is to establish the press image of president‑elect Andrzej Duda after winning the second round of Poland’s presidential elections in 2015, based on content analysis of Catholic weekly magazines Gość Niedzielny and Niedziela. This study covers the period of time between 25 May 2015 and 15 August 2015. The author examined the degree of interest in the mentioned newspapers for the person of president elect, size and placement of texts, interpretative framework in which he was presented (politico‑social, familial, scientific and religious), and the nature of the texts depicting Andrzej Duda (information, publications).
Metanarracja dla Europy? Według Hanny Arendt
Authors: Łojek Stanisław
Published: March 2018

Meta‑narrative for Europe? According to Hannah Arendt

When we think about the principles organizing the life of a community, we usually refer them to particular areas: social, political, moral, economic… There are, however, principles that seem to be total. As they define all domains of social life, governed by the particular principles, they can be called ‘metanarrations’. In this paper, I explore the possibility of finding such fundamental principles that could unify and organize Europe. I assume that they must exceed (national) particularism without approaching (cosmopolitan) universalism, since the ‘European homeland’ – if it exists (and/or should exist) – must be the unity in plurality and diversity. Basing my considarations on the works of Hannah Arendt, who in turn refers to the experience of Greek polis, I argue that the idea of freedom, closely related with direct participation in government, might be the principle needed. Following Arendt, I point out that this principle means not only that no one canbe ruled by anyone, but also that no opinion, no idea and no way of living and thinking can rise ultimately above others; none of them, in otwher words, can turn into truth.
A High-Order Hidden Markov Model and Its Applications for Dynamic Car Ownership Analysis
Authors: Xiong Chenfeng , Yang Di , Zhang Lei
Published: March 2018

This paper extends the dynamically formulated hidden Markov models to a high-order hidden Markov model (HO-HMM) formulation. In the HO-HMM, the Markovian assumption that the future states (interpreted as the states of preferences or attitudes) depend only on the current state has been relaxed. Instead, the HO-HMM generalizes that the future states will depend on a number of states occurring beforehand. This paper develops the theoretical formulation of a HO-HMM framework. A recursive algorithm of likelihood computation is derived for model estimation. The algorithm significantly reduces the complexity of estimation and ensures the applicability of high-order hidden Markov modeling. The proposed methodology is further demonstrated on a vehicle ownership choice application using Puget Sound Transportation Panel data coupled with a few supplementary data sources. Long-term life-cycle stage changes in households are used as proxies for the high-order Markov transitions in car ownership hidden states. Results indicate that the HO-HMM has superior explanatory power in fitting longitudinal data.
Understanding change management: a clinical improvement programme to transform your practice
Authors: Fronzo Camila
Published: March 2018

Improving the patient experience often involves changing aspects of service delivery. Hollister Education organised a symposium designed to help clinical nurse specialists in urology implement vitally needed change. Camila Fronzo, Editorial Project Manager and Coordinator, MA Healthcare, describes its themes
Nailing it…
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: March 2018

In her final woodwork article, Karen Hart focuses on encouraging children to work with wood in a way which lets their imaginations run freely, while developing important practical skills to fulfil their ideas.
Nursing homes with lifestyle profiles – part of the marketisation of Swedish eldercare
Authors: Nilsson Magnus , Jönson Håkan , Carlstedt Elisabeth , Harnett Tove
Published: March 2018

Swedish nursing home residents are very frail, but a new trend is for nursing homes to adopt a lifestyle profile. Based on interviews with 16 representatives of care organisations, this study investigates the reasons for adopting profiles in this way. The analysis shows that the existence of lifestyle profiles is strongly linked to a market discourse centred on freedom of choice. It is concluded that lifestyle profiles are used as a differentiation strategy in order to justify marketisation, exposing the Swedish eldercare system – which does not permit competition on the basis of price or standards of care – to market forces.
Job demand, control and unresolved stress within the emotional work of long-term care in England
Authors: Hussein Shereen
Published: March 2018

Long-term care work is known for its difficult working conditions, with potential implications for workers’ well being. In England, long-term care policies are moving progressively towards marketisation, while public social care funding is under considerable strain. Little evidence exists on the job demand and control of long-term care workers who provide personal and direct care to adults and older people. The article uses survey data from long-term care workers in England (n = 991) to examine the levels of, and differentials in, job strain among long-term care workers. The findings highlight the vulnerability of certain groups of workers, with potential negative impacts on their well being.
Reviews
Authors: Evans Gareth Llŷr , Raw Laurence
Published: March 2018

Theatre and Adaptation: Return, Rewrite, Repeat, Margherita Laera (ed.) (2014) UK: Bloomsbury Publishing, 296 pp., ISBN: 9781408184721, h/bk, £90.00; p/bk, £28.99

The Forgotten Adaptations of D. H. Lawrence Short Stories, Jason Mark Ward (2016) Leiden: Brill Rodopi, 275 pp., ISBN: 9789004309043, h/bk, €82.00
Hydrophilic Modified Polyester Based on Waste PET Bottles
Authors: Chen Shuang , Guo Jing , Zhang Bo , Zhang Sen , Gong Yumei , Gong Xueyong
Published: March 2018

In this study, a hydrophilic modified polyester/PET fiber was prepared with waste PET bottles as a raw material. The PET bottles were first pelletized and used as both feed stock and for purified terephthalic acid (PTA) preparation. Glycolysis of PET bottle chips was performed to give purified PTA that was used in copolymer synthesis. Hydrophilic modified polyester was prepared from 5-sodiosulfoisophthalic acid (SIPA) and ethylene glycol, and this was copolymerized with purified PTA. The resulting alkali-soluble modified polyester and PET bottle chips were blended. After hollow spinning and alkali treatment, a good hydrophilic modified polyester fiber was obtained. Rheological properties of the modified fiber were studied, and the effect of alkali treatment on the thermal properties, water absorption, and morphology of the fibers were investigated.
PENGUKURAN PENGARUH BELANJA DESA TERHADAP KINERJA PEMBANGUNAN DESA DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN GEOGRAPHICALLY WEIGHTED REGRESSION
Authors: Yudha Eka Purna , Juanda Bambang , Kolopaking Lala M , Kinseng Rilus A
Published: March 2018

In 2014, the Government enacted Law No. 6/2014 on Villages with a view to reconstructing village financial and asset management arrangements to accelerate the inclusive and sustainable development of rural areas. The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of village financial management on the performance of rural development. The study was conducted on 326 Villages in Pandeglang District. The analytical tool of the study using Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) modeling will look at how the village expenditure is included in the Village Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBDes). Expenditure of development (infrastructure) of the village has the greatest impact on the performance of village development with the value of elasticity of 0.637. The influence of village expenditure on the GWR model is strongly influenced by the geographical, demographic, and socio-economic conditions of rural communities, resulting in varying outcomes in each village.
Niosomes: a review of their structure, properties, methods of preparation, and medical applications
Authors: Yeo Pei Ling , Lim Chooi Ling , Chye Soi Moi , Kiong Ling Anna Pick , Koh Rhun Yian
Published: March 2018

Target-specific drug-delivery systems for the administration of pharmaceutical compounds enable the localization of drugs to diseased sites. Various types of drug-delivery systems utilize carriers, such as immunoglobulins, serum proteins, synthetic polymers, liposomes, and microspheres. The vesicular system of niosomes, with their bilayer structure assembled by nonionic surfactants, is able to enhance the bioavailability of a drug to a predetermined area for a period. The amphiphilic nature of niosomes promotes their efficiency in encapsulating lipophilic or hydrophilic drugs. Other additives, such as cholesterol, can be used to maintain the rigidity of the niosomes’ structure. This narrative review describes fundamental aspects of niosomes, including their structural components, methods of preparation, limitations, and current applications to various diseases.
Potassium channel inhibitors induce oxidative stress in breast cancer cells
Authors: Öner Çağri , Çolak Ertuğrul , Coşan Didem Turgut
Published: March 2018

Background

Antioxidant levels increase to protect cell homeostasis when oxidant generation is increased by drug or inhibitor treatment. If the oxidant–antioxidant equilibrium is disrupted, oxidative stress will occur.

Objectives

To determine the effects of various potassium channel inhibitors in the disruption of oxidant–antioxidant equilibrium in breast cancer cell lines with various phenotypes.

Methods

MCF-7 or MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were treated with tetraethylammonium chloride (5 mM; TEA), 4-aminopyridine (5 mM; 4-AP), margatoxin (25 nM; MgTX), or astemizole (200 nM; AST). After treatment, total antioxidant, oxidant, and oxidative stress levels were determined.

Results

Incubation with TEA, 4-AP, MgTX, and AST increased oxidative stress in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells (P < 0.001). Specific inhibitors of calcium-activated potassium channels and ether á go-go 1-related potassium channels produce greater oxidative stress than other inhibitors in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, whereas in MDA-MB-231 cells, the nonselective channel inhibitor 4-AP produces the greatest oxidative stress.

Conclusions

Potassium channel inhibitors used in our study disrupted the antioxidant–oxidant equilibrium and increased oxidative stress in the cancer cell lines. Although all of the channel inhibitors increased oxidative stress in cells, TEA and AST were the most effective inhibitors in MCF-7 cells. 4-AP was the most effective inhibitor in MDA-MB-231 cells. Voltage-gated potassium channels are attractive targets for anticancer therapy, and their inhibitors may enhance the effects of anticancer drugs.