bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of influent pH on hydrolytic acidification performance and bacterial community structure in EGSB for pretreating crotonaldehyde manufacture wastewater after ozonation
Authors: Liu Tao , Shen Zhiqiang , Zhang Chunyu , Song Yudong , Li Jie , Yang Zongpu , Song Guangqing , Han Zhenfeng , Zhou Yuexi
Published: April 2019

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of influent pH on the hydrolytic acidification (HA) performance and microbial community structure in an expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) pretreating crotonaldehyde manufacture wastewater (CMW) after ozonation. The results showed that higher chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate (40.1%) and acidification degree (27.6%) were obtained at pH 8.0 than those at pH 6.0 and pH 4.0. The concentration of extractable extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) in the sludge gradually decreased with the pH decreasing from 8.0 to 4.0. A similar change was also observed for the concentration of total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) in the effluent. The optimal detoxification efficiency by the HA process was obtained at pH 8.0, with higher removal efficiency (all higher than 90%) of the main toxic pollutants (crotonaldehyde, 5-formyl-6-methyl-4,5-dihydropyran, etc.) and higher anaerobic biodegradation rate (44.5%) in biochemical methane potential (BMP) assay. Among the predominant genera, the Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas were possibly related to biodegradation of pollutants, since their higher relative abundance also coincided with the better performance of the HA process at pH 8.0.
High rate filtration for local treatment of combined sewer overflow
Authors: Helness H. , Sun C. , Damman S. , Ahmadi M. , Raspati G. , Bjerkelund V. , Moldestad G. , Hattori K. , Kato T. , Ando N.
Published: April 2019

Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) pollute receiving waters and have a negative impact on ecosystem services. In urban areas rehabilitation of the sewer system to avoid CSOs is associated with high investment costs. Furthermore, not all CSOs can be closed due to the need for hydraulic reliability of the system. Local treatment of CSO with high rate filtration offers an alternative to rehabilitation of the sewer system that is flexible with respect to design and has lower investment cost than separating sewage and storm water runoff. Results from DESSIN, a 4-year EU demonstration project, are presented. The results showed on average 50% removal of particulate matter during CSO events, with higher removal (80%) in the initial first flush period. Other constituents, for example heavy metals, were removed through their association with particles. Potential impacts on ecosystem services in the catchment and the sustainability of the solution were assessed.
The problem of stability of the spherical shape of a bubble during its supercompression
Authors: Nigmatulin R.I. , Ilgamov M.A. , Aganin A.A.
Published: April 2019

Deviation of the bubble shape from the spherical one during supercompression of a bubble in liquid is considered. The main attention is focused on determining the law of the initial bubble nonsphericity distribution in the spherical harmonics. The most probable one is that with the amplitude reducing as the harmonics number increases. Such distribution is confirmed by the analysis of the bubble sphericity perturbation evolution at the bubble collapse near a solid wall and at coalesce of two identical bubbles. The influence of the bubble sphericity distortion during bubble compression on the deformation of a shock wave arising in the bubble and the dependence of the bubble nonsphericity evolution on the nonlinear interaction between the distortions in the form of different harmonics are also discussed.
Features of the flow of dispersions liquid-liquid type through a cylindrical microchannel
Authors: Akhmetov A.T. , Sametov S.P.
Published: April 2019

A surprising property of W/O water-hydrocarbon emulsions is revealed which is manifested during flow in microchannels called the phenomenon of dynamic blocking. Effect essence is emulsion flow through the microchannel section ceases with time despite the constantly acting pressure drop. It was experimentally obtained that the phenomenon is observed during the flow of various emulsions of different compositions. It is shown that the phenomenon manifests itself at high pressure gradients although a partial disruption of the dispersions occurs. The paper suggests a physical mechanism for blocking water-hydrocarbon emulsions in microchannels associated with the interaction of nanoscale shells of microdroplets of water.
Ultrasonic sensor system for the uses in intelligent motion control system of a mobile robots group
Authors: Darintsev O.V. , Migranov A.B. , Yudintsev B.S.
Published: April 2019

The article deals with the development of a high-speed sensor system for a mobile robot, used in conjunction with an intelligent method of planning trajectories in conditions of high dynamism of the working space.
To an estimate of the propagation velocities of acoustic waves in a relaxing saturated porous medium
Authors: Lukin S.V. , Urmancheev S.F.
Published: April 2019

Studies have been carried out on the propagation of acoustic pulses in saturated porous media with a viscoelastic skeleton are presented in this work. The mathematical model of wave processes is considered within the framework of the mechanics of multiphase media. Estimates are given for the propagation velocities of ”fast“ and ”slow“ waves in limiting cases. The surfaces of phase velocities and damping decrements are constructed as a function of the logarithm of dimensionless relaxation times and frequencies. Areas of intense wave attenuation in the adopted model of a saturated porous medium are established.
Aspects of modeling the effect of temperature stratification in the vortex tube channel
Authors: Marin D.F. , Mikhaylenko C.I. , Khaziev L.H.
Published: April 2019

A direct numerical simulation of the Ranque-Hilsch effect in a counterflow vortex tube with a diameter of the hot air diaphragm coinciding with the diameter of the tube was performed. We used DNS-modeling on the basis of the large-particle method in a cylindrical coordinate system, which allows us to take into account the scale of large turbulent vortices. An analysis of the energy distribution in the system under consideration gave a picture of the temperature distribution in the volume of the vortex tube.
Damage detection of a flywheel shaft
Authors: Khakimov A.G.
Published: April 2019

Using three natural frequencies of torsional vibrations, it is possible to define the location and size of a transverse notch on the flywheel shaft.
Using Small Peptide Segments of Amyloid-β and Humanin to Examine their Physical Interactions
Authors: Heyl Deborah L. , Iwaniec Brandon , Esckilsen Daniel , Price Deanna , Guttikonda Prathyusha , Cooper Jennifer , Lombardi Julia , Milletti Maria , Evans Hedeel Guy
Published: April 2019

Background:

Amyloid fibrils in Alzheimer’s disease are composed of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides of variant lengths. Humanin (HN), a 24 amino acid residue neuroprotective peptide, is known to interact with the predominant Aβ isoform in the brain, Aβ (1-40).

Methods:

Here, we constructed smaller segments of Aβ and HN and identified residues in HN important for both HN-HN and HN-Aβ interactions. Peptides corresponding to amino acid residues 5- 15 of HN, HN (5-15), HN (5-15, L11S), where Leu11 was replaced with Ser, and residues 17-28 of Aβ, Aβ (17-28), were synthesized and tested for their ability to block formation of the complex between HN and Aβ (1-40).

Results:

Co-immunoprecipitation and binding kinetics showed that HN (5-15) was more efficient at blocking the complex between HN and Aβ (1-40) than either HN (5-15, L11S) or Aβ (17-28). Binding kinetics of these smaller peptides with either full-length HN or Aβ (1-40) showed that HN (5- 15) was able to bind either Aβ (1-40) or HN more efficiently than HN (5-15, L11S) or Aβ (17-28). Compared to full-length HN, however, HN (5-15) bound Aβ (1-40) with a weaker affinity suggesting that while HN (5-15) binds Aβ, other residues in the full length HN peptide are necessary for maximum interactions.

Conclusion:

L11 was more important for interactions with Aβ (1-40) than with HN. Aβ (17-28) was relatively ineffective at binding to either Aβ (1-40) or HN. Moreover, HN, and the smaller HN (5-15), HN (5-15 L11S), and Aβ (17-28) peptides, had different effects on regulating Aβ (1-40) aggregation kinetics.
The Inducing Roles of the New Isolated Bursal Hexapeptide and Pentapeptide on the Immune Response of AIV Vaccine in Mice
Authors: Hao Shan Shan , Zong Man Man , Zhang Ze , Cai Jia Xi , Zheng Yang , Feng Xiu Li , Wang Chen
Published: April 2019

Background:

Bursa of Fabricius is the acknowledged central humoral immune organ.
The bursal-derived peptides play the important roles on the immature B cell development and
antibody production.

Objective:

Here we explored the functions of the new isolated bursal hexapeptide and pentapeptide
on the humoral, cellular immune response and antigen presentation to Avian Influenza Virus (AIV)
vaccine in mice immunization.

Methods:

The bursa extract samples were purified following RP HPLC method, and were analyzed
with MS/MS to identify the amino acid sequences. Mice were twice subcutaneously injected with
AIV inactivated vaccine plus with two new isolated bursal peptides at three dosages, respectively.
On two weeks after the second immunization, sera samples were collected from the immunized
mice to measure AIV-specific IgG antibody levels and HI antibody titers. Also, on 7th day after the
second immunization, lymphocytes were isolated from the immunized mice to detect T cell subtype
and lymphocyte viabilities, and the expressions of co-stimulatory molecule on dendritic cells in the
immunized mice.

Results:

Two new bursal hexapeptide and pentapeptide with amino acid sequences KGNRVY and
MPPTH were isolated, respectively. Our investigation proved the strong regulatory roles of bursal
hexapeptide on AIV-specific IgG levels and HI antibody titers, and lymphocyte viabilities, and the
significant increased T cells subpopulation and expressions of MHCII molecule on dendritic cells
in the immunized mice. Moreover, our findings verified the significantly enhanced AIV-specific
IgG antibody and HI titers, and the strong increased T cell subpopulation and expressions of CD40
molecule on dendritic cells in the mice immunized with AIV vaccine and bursal pentapeptide.

Conclusion:

We isolated and identified two new hexapeptide and pentapeptide from bursa, and
proved that these two bursal peptides effectively induced the AIV-specific antibody, T cell and
antigen presentation immune responses, which provided an experimental basis for the further
clinical application of the bursal derived active peptide on the vaccine improvement.
Bioactive Peptides Sensitize Cells to Anticancer Effects of Oxaliplatin in Human Colorectal Cancer Xenografts in Nude Mice
Authors: Li Xian , Xia Long , Ouyang Xiaohui , Suyila Qimuge , Su Liya , Su Xiulan
Published: April 2019

Background: Despite new agent development and short-term benefits in patients with
Colorectal Cancer (CRC), metastatic CRC cure rates have not improved due to high rates of
oxaliplatin resistance and toxicity. There is an urgent need for effective tools to prevent and treat
CRC and reduce morbidity and mortality of CRC patients. Exploring the effects of bioactive
peptides on the antitumor to CRC was of vital importance to the clinical application.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic impact of Anticancer Bioactive Peptides
(ACBP) on anticancer effect of oxaliplatin (LOHP) in human colorectal cancer xenografts models
in nude mice.

Methods: HCT-116 cells were cultured in vitro via CCK-8 assays and the absorbance was
measured at 450 nm. Apoptosis and cell cycle were assessed by Flow Cytometry (FCM) in vitro.
HCT-116 human colorectal cancer cells inoculated subcutaneously in nude mice of treatment with
PBS (GG), ACBP, LOHP, ACBP+LOHP (A+L) in vivo. The quality of life was assessed by dietary
amount of nude mice, the weight of nude mice, inhibition rates, tumor weight and tumor volume.
Immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR method was conducted to determine the levels of apoptosisregulating
proteins/genes in transplanted tumors.

Results: ACBP induced substantial reductions in viable cell numbers and apoptosis of HCT116
cells in combined with LOHP in vitro. Compared with the control GG group, ACBP combined low
dose oxaliplatin (U) group demonstrated significantly different tumor volume, the rate of apoptosis,
the expression levels of Cyt-C, caspase-3,8,9 proteins and corresponding RNAs (P<0.05). The
expression of pro-apoptotic proteins in the cytoplasm around the nucleus was significantly
enhanced by ACBP. Short term intermittent use of ACBP alone indicted a certain inhibitory effect
on tumor growth, and improve the quality of life of tumor bearing nude mice.

Conclusion: ACBP significantly increased the anti-cancer responses of low dose oxaliplatin
(L-LOHP), thus, significantly improving the quality of life of tumor-bearing nude mice.
JAK Inhibition: The Most Promising Agents in the IBD Pipeline?
Authors: Fernández-Clotet Agnès , Castro-Poceiro Jesús , Panés Julián
Published: April 2019

Under current therapeutic algorithms, half of the patients with moderate-severe ulcerative colitis or
Crohn’s disease fail in achieving a sustained remission. New drugs with different mechanisms of action are
needed. After two decades of new drug avenues in inflammatory bowel disease dominated by the development of
monoclonal antibodies, in recent years we are witnessing promising developments of small molecules for these
conditions. Their intrinsic characteristics make them attractive compared to the monoclonal antibodies based on
their oral administration, short plasma half-life, lack of immunogenicity and predictable pharmacokinetics.
Among them, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are a promising new class that have demonstrated efficacy with a
favorable safety profile in clinical trials. Tofacitinib has been the first JAK inhibitor approved for the treatment of
ulcerative colitis. This review discusses the molecular aspects of the JAK-STAT pathway, its role in the pathogenesis
of inflammatory bowel disease, and the rational use of JAK inhibitors in these conditions. The different
compounds with JAK inhibitory activity tested are reviewed and we provide an overview of recent evidence from
clinical trials. Finally, we consider the positioning of these drugs in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.
Human Placental Vascular Reactivity in Health and Disease: Implications for the Treatment of Pre-eclampsia
Authors: Hitzerd Emilie , Broekhuizen Michelle , Neuman Rugina I. , Colafella Katrina M. Mirabito , Merkus Daphne , Schoenmakers Sam , Simons Sinno H.P. , Reiss Irwin K.M. , Danser A.H. Jan
Published: April 2019

Adequate development of the placenta is essential for optimal pregnancy outcome. Pre-eclampsia (PE) is increasingly recognized to be a consequence of placental dysfunction and can cause serious maternal and fetal complications during pregnancy. Furthermore, PE increases the risk of neonatal problems and has been shown to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease of the mother later in life. Currently, there is no adequate treatment for PE, mainly because its multifactorial pathophysiology remains incompletely understood. It originates in early pregnancy with abnormal placentation and involves a cascade of dysregulated systems in the placental vasculature. To investigate therapeutic strategies it is essential to understand the regulation of vascular reactivity and remodeling of blood vessels in the placenta. Techniques using human tissue such as the ex vivo placental perfusion model provide insight in the vasoactive profile of the placenta, and are essential to study the effects of drugs on the fetal vasculature. This approach highlights the different pathways that are involved in the vascular regulation of the human placenta, changes that occur during PE and the importance of focusing on restoring these dysfunctional systems when studying treatment strategies for PE.
The Immune Functions of α1Acid Glycoprotein
Authors: Ceciliani Fabrizio , Lecchi Cristina
Published: April 2019

α1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid, AGP) is an Acute Phase Protein produced by liver and peripheral tissues in response to systemic reaction to inflammation. AGP functions have been studied mostly in human, cattle and fish, although the protein has been also found in many mammalian species and birds. AGP fulfils at least two set of functions, which are apparently different from each other but in fact intimately linked. On one hand, AGP is an immunomodulatory protein. On the other hand, AGP is one of the most important binding proteins in plasma and, beside modulating pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of many drugs, it is also able to bind and transport several endogen ligands related to inflammation. The focus of this review is the immunomodulatory activity of AGP. This protein regulates every single event related to inflammation, including binding of pathogens and modulating white blood cells activity throughout the entire leukocyte attacking sequence. The regulation of AGP activity is complex: the inflammation induces not only an increase in AGP serum concentration, but also a qualitative change in its carbohydrate moiety, generating a multitude of glycoforms, each of them with different, and sometimes opposite and contradictory, activities. We also present the most recent findings about the relationship between AGP and adipose tissue: AGP interacts with leptin receptor and, given its immunomodulatory function, it may be included among the potential players in the field of immunometabolism.
Revealing the Synergistic Mechanism of Multiple Components in Compound Fengshiding Capsule for Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapeutics by Network Pharmacology
Authors: Duan Hong , Zhai Ke-feng , Khan Ghulam J. , Zhou Jie , Cao Ting-yan , Wu Yu-qi , Zhou Ya-ru , Cao Wen-gen , Gao Gui-zhen , Shan Ling-ling
Published: April 2019

Background:

Compound Fengshiding capsule (CFC), is a Chinese formulation from herbal origin including Alangium platanifolium, Angelicae dahurica, Cynanchum paniculatum and Glycyrrhiza uralensis. CFC is widely used as clinical therapy against rheumatoid arthritis. However, its exact mechanism of action has not been explored yet.

Methods:

In order to explore the synergistic mechanism of CFC, we designed a study adopting network pharmacology scheme to screen the action targets in relation to the CFC components. The study analyses target facts of salicin, paeonol, liquiritin and imperatorin from PubMed database, and explores the potential pharmacological targets of rheumatoid arthritis, cervical neuralgia and sciatica related diseases for their interaction.

Results:

The results of boosted metabolic pathway showed that the chemical components of CFC interrupted many immune-related pathways, thus participating in immunity regulation of the body and playing a role in the treatment of rheumatism. Collectively, CFC has apoptotic, oxidative stress modulatory and anti-inflammatory effects that accumulatively serve for its clinical application against rheumatoid arthritis.

Conclusion:

Conclusively, our findings from present study reconnoiters and compacts systematic theoretical approach by utilizing the network pharmacology mechanism of four effective components for the treatment of rheumatism indicating sufficient potential drug targets associated with CFC against rheumatism. These interesting findings entreaties for further in vitro and in vivo studies on the mechanism of compound active ingredient against rheumatism.
Attitudes toward Social Media among Practicing Dentists and Dental Students in Clinical Years in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aboalshamat Khalid , Alkiyadi Sharifah , Alsaleh Sarah , Reda Rana , Alkhaldi Sharifa , Badeeb Arwa , Gabb Najwa
Published: April 2019

Background:

Recently, social media use has been rising among dental students and practitioners.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the usage, attitudes, and professionalism on social media among dental students and dentists in Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study investigated 779 dental students, interns, and dentists recruited from university hospitals and private clinics in three major cities (Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam), representing the eastern, central, and western regions of Saudi Arabia. Validated questionnaires were distributed to the participants asking about the use of social media for general purposes and professional purposes, attitudes on the social media, professionalism on social media, and the use of social media for marketing purposes. This study was ethically reviewed and approved by the Faculty of Dentistry Institutional Review Board, Umm Al-Qura University with application number (102-18).

Results:

Among the participants, the social media platforms most frequently used on a weekly basis are WhatsApp (m = 6.13 days/week, SD = 2.10), Snapchat (m = 5.33, SD = 2.65), and Instagram (m = 4.63, SD = 2.84). LinkedIn was the least frequently used platform. The most common professional uses were to watch clinical procedures (80.49%), find new information (79.59%), learn from peers (61.1%), and communicate with patients (5.76%). Only 47.75% followed their university or workplace professionalism guidelines, and 31.74% do not have any professionalism guidelines for using social media. There were 28.75% of participants who had considered posting information/photos about a patient without the patient’s permission, those who had criticized a dental colleague numbered 49.04%, and 59.69% had criticized a dental organization. However, only a few items had statistically significant differences between dental students and dentists.

Conclusion:

More stringent guidelines regarding proper conduct online should be implemented and included in the dental continuous education material.
Micro-CT Analysis of Morphological Changes in Mandibles of Growing Rats with Unilateral Occlusal Elevation
Authors: Morohoshi Takahiro , Ishii Takenobu , Ishikawa Munetada , Choi Daehwan , Ariizumi Dai , Morikawa Taiki , Sueishi Kenji
Published: April 2019

Objectives:

This study investigated the effect of unilateral occlusal elevation in the molar region on facial and mandibular development in growing rats.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty 5-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to three groups (n = 10). The control group was allowed to develop naturally until 9 weeks of age. A device fitted on the caused unilateral occlusal elevation at 5 weeks in the removal group. The device was removed at 7 weeks and the rats were observed until 9 weeks. In the continuation group, the same device fitted on the left-side molars caused unilateral occlusal elevation continuously for 9 weeks. All groups underwent craniofacial scanning with three-dimensional micro-computed tomography at 5, 7, and 9 weeks.

Results:

In the removal and continuation groups, the mandible was displaced to the unelevated side. At 7 weeks, both these groups showed greater skeletal growth and molar extrusion on the elevated side, with significant differences between the elevated and unelevated sides. At 9 weeks, there were significant differences in both skeletal and alveolar growth between these groups; the asymmetry ameliorated in the removal group.

Limitations:

We evaluated three-dimensional morphometry by fitting a device to rat molars for a short observation period; thus, future studies are warranted to acquire data following long-term observation.

Conclusion:

Unilateral occlusal elevation during the growth period suppressed molar eruption and extrusion on the elevated and unelevated sides, respectively. The height of the mandibular ramus increased on the elevated side, resulting in asymmetric growth.
Effectiveness of Surgical versus Conservative Treatment for Distal Femoral Growth Plate Fractures: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hayes Nicholas , Umapathysivam Kandiah , Foster Bruce
Published: April 2019

Background and Objective:

The objective of this review was to determine whether surgery, in comparison to conservative treatment, is a safe and effective intervention for the management of distal femoral growth plate fractures.

Methods:

A systematic literature review was performed using a three-step search strategy. The PubMed, Embase and Scopus databases were utilized to identify current studies from 1 January 1990 to 8 January 2017. Papers selected for retrieval were assessed by two independent reviewers for methodological validity prior to inclusion in the review using standardized critical appraisal instruments. Primary outcomes of interest were rates of growth arrest and angular deformity.

Results:

Of the 7740 studies identified with the search, 15 case studies with data inclusive of outcomes of interest were selected for inclusion. A total of 466 patients were included.

The rate of complication in the surgical population was 37.8%. In the conservative population the rate of complication was 34.0%. Five of the 15 papers showed Salter-Harris (SH) classification to correlate with prognosis, three papers showed the presence of displacement to correlate with prognosis which would have had an influence on the results of these higher graded injuries likely to have been managed operatively. A high rate of position loss and subsequent growth abnormalities was observed when conservative management was instituted.

Conclusion:

The rate of complication was marginally higher in the surgical population than that in the conservative population. This study also identified that higher severity distal femur physeal fractures, determined by the amount of displacement and Salter Harris grade, may associate a poorer outcome. It appears that managing higher severity distal femoral physeal injuries conservatively would be less likely to achieve and maintain reduction and therefore associate higher risks of malunion with subsequent growth arrest, leg length discrepancy and angular deformity as compared with surgical intervention. Further studies with higher patient numbers and comparable cohorts are needed to compare surgical and conservative interventions for the lower severity distal femoral physeal fractures.
Immunosuppressive Drugs in Heart Transplantation
Authors: Apikoglu-Rabus Sule , Rabus Murat B. , Umar Rashida Muhammad
Published: April 2019

Congestive heart failure affects 23 million people worldwide [1]. Cardiac transplantation provides a lifesaving treatment for patients with end-stage heart disease. It offers a longer life with a higher quality to those who have no other treatment alternative. Although cardiac transplantation offers a relief from heart immunosuppression. The goal of immunosuppression immediately following surgery is to prevent hyperacute and acute rejections. Transplantation immunosuppression must be balanced in order to prevent rejection while minimizing the serious adverse effects of therapy including life-threatening infections and malignancies. Immunosuppressive regimens are classified as induction, maintenance, or anti-rejection regimens. Induction regimens consist of intense early post-operative immunosuppression while maintenance regimens are used indefinitely for prevention of acute and chronic rejection. This chapter will review the induction and maintenance immunosuppressive regimens used in heart transplantation with summaries of selected literature as well as the most common complications of these therapies and significant drug-drug interactions.
Development of CliniPup, a Serious Game Aimed at Reducing Perioperative Anxiety and Pain in Children: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Verschueren Sarah , van Aalst June , Bangels Anne-Marie , Toelen Jaan , Allegaert Karel , Buffel Connor , Vander Stichele Geert
Published: April 2019

Background

An increasing number of children undergo ambulatory surgery each year, and a significant proportion experience substantial preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain. The management of perioperative anxiety and pain remains challenging in children and is inadequate, which negatively impacts the physical, psychosocial, and economic outcomes. Existing nonpharmacological interventions are costly, time consuming, vary in availability, and lack benefits. Therefore, there is a need for an evidence-based, accessible, nonpharmacological intervention as an adjunct to existing pharmacological alternatives to reduce perioperative anxiety and pain in children undergoing ambulatory surgery. Technology-enabled interventions have been proposed as a method to address the unmet need in this setting. In particular, serious games hold a unique potential to change health beliefs and behaviors in children.

Objective

The objective of this research was to describe the rationale, scientific evidence, design aspects, and features of CliniPup, a serious game aimed at reducing perioperative anxiety and pain in children undergoing ambulatory surgery.

Methods

The SERES Framework for serious game development was used to create the serious game, CliniPup. In particular, we used a mixed methods approach that consisted of a structured literature review supplemented with ethnographic research, such as expert interviews and a time-motion exercise. The resulting scientific evidence base was leveraged to ensure that the resulting serious game was relevant, realistic, and theory driven. A participatory design approach was applied, wherein clinical experts qualitatively reviewed several versions of the serious game, and an iterative creative process was used to integrate the applicable feedback.

Results

CliniPup, a serious game, was developed to incorporate a scientific evidence base from a structured literature review, realistic content collected during ethnographic research such as expert interviews, explicit pedagogical objectives from scientific literature, and game mechanics and user interface design that address key aspects of the evidence.

Conclusions

This report details the systematic development of CliniPup, a serious game aimed at reducing perioperative anxiety and pain in children undergoing ambulatory surgery. Clinical experts validated CliniPup’s underlying scientific evidence base and design foundations, suggesting that it was well designed for preliminary evaluation in the target population. An evaluation plan is proposed and briefly described.
Validación de un algoritmo de clasificación para la identificación de interacciones farmacológicas
Authors: Colmenares Guillén Luis Enrique , Carillo Ruiz Maya , Morales Murillo Victor Giovanni , López Y López José Gustavo
Published: April 2019

La interacción farmacológica es la modificación del efecto de un fármaco por la acción de otro fármaco. En México, se ha incrementado año con año el número de reacciones no deseadas de medicamentos provocadas por interacciones farmacológicas. En este artículo se realizó un análisis de los diccionarios médicos iDoctus México, PLM México y Vademécum. Con este análisis, se desarrolló un corpus con 540 interacciones farmacológicas que pueden presentarse en los medicamentos más frecuentes del Hospital Universitario de Puebla. Se generó un modelo de clasificación en la plataforma Weka utilizando un algoritmo Naïve Bayes que predice la posibilidad de una interacción farmacológica, clasificada en leve, moderada o grave. Se realizaron las pruebas con el algoritmo Naïve Bayes utilizando el método de validación cruzada con 10 pliegues. Posteriormente, las pruebas de validación, se compararon con el resultado obtenido con el algoritmo Random Forest, utilizando nuevamente el método de validación cruzada con 10 pliegues. Los resultados en el algoritmo Naïve Bayes son en precisión 79.1%, en recuerdo 75.7% y en F-measure 74.8%. En el algoritmo Random Forest son en precisión 51.7%, en recuerdo 51.7% y en F-measure 50.7%. Finalmente, los resultados obtenidos beneficiarían a la farmacovigilancia para aproximarse a predecir nuevas interacciones farmacológicas antes de la comercialización de un medicamento.
Smart Grids en México: Situación actual, retos y propuesta de implementación
Authors: León Trigo Luz Ireri , Reyes Archundia Enrique , Gutiérrez Gnecchi José Antonio , Méndez Patiño Arturo , Chávez Campos Gerardo Marx
Published: April 2019

Una Red Eléctrica Inteligente o Smart Grid (SG) es una red eléctrica que integra, a través de una comunicación bidireccional, las acciones de proveedores de servicio y usuarios conectados a ella. En la actualidad uno de los retos que enfrenta la Red Eléctrica Mexicana debido al crecimiento poblacional e industrial es el incremento de la demanda energética, así como la introducción de generación distribuida basada en recursos renovables. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar un panorama general del estado que guardan las redes inteligentes en México, así como la viabilidad de construir Micro Redes Eléctricas o Micro Grids (MGs), para proveer energía eléctrica a sectores de la sociedad no atendidos o para hacer más eficientes los servicios actuales. Para ello, se realiza un análisis de los alcances y las limitaciones del sector eléctrico en México y, a diferencia de otros trabajos, se presenta un caso de estudio en el que se compara el consumo real de energía eléctrica de un usuario residencial y la generación estimada por medio de paneles solares, con base en datos de irradiación proporcionados por la NASA. Utilizando las coordenadas geográficas del lugar bajo estudio se obtiene una radiación solar promedio de 5.58 kWh/m2/día, con la que se calcula el número de paneles solares necesarios para atender la demanda. El estudio comparativo está limitado a datos de 22 meses de consumo real. El resultado muestra una diferencia entre generación y consumo de 2 kWh, lo que valida la correcta estimación del estudio. En adición, se presenta un análisis de recuperación económica que justifica la instalación de Micro Redes aisladas, con medios de generación alternativos, para llevar la energía a lugares de difícil acceso con redes convencionales
Distribución espacial de variables hidrológicas. Implementación y evaluación de métodos de interpolación
Authors: Aragón Hernández José Luis , Aguilar Martínez Germán Adrían , Velázquez Ríos Ulises , Jiménez Magaña Martín Rubén , Maya Franco Alejandro
Published: April 2019

Las variables hidrológicas, por un lado, presentan una distribución espacial y temporal importante y por el otro son registradas con equipos de medición de forma puntual. Para su empleo en aplicaciones ingenieriles, en ocasiones es necesario considerar su distribución espacial o el valor medio de la zona de estudio; para ello, es necesario utilizar métodos de interpolación de variables, los cuales permiten realizar dichas distribuciones a partir de datos puntuales. Para realizar la distribución espacial de variables hidrológicas se desarrolló un código de cálculo a través de información en formato ASCII, que incorpora tres métodos de interpolación de variables (polígonos de Thiessen, inverso de la distancia y Kriging ordinario); además, permite calcular la precipitación media de la zona de estudio con información distribuida y puntual; esta última con dos métodos tradicionales (aritmético y polígonos de Thiessen), cuyos resultados pueden ser empleados muy fácilmente como insumos en otros modelos, por ejemplo, en modelos lluvia-escurrimiento. Los métodos de interpolación implementados se aplicaron y evaluaron en un dispositivo físico de laboratorio y en una cuenca hidrológica, a través de la precipitación media obtenida con el método de las isoyetas, mediante correlación cruzada y regresión lineal. Además, se evaluó la sensibilidad de dichos métodos en función del tamaño de celda con que se discretiza el área de estudio y también con el exponente en el método del inverso de la distancia; con el método de Kriging ordinario se emplearon tres modelos de variogramas teóricos (exponencial, Gaussiano y esférico), cuyos parámetros se determinaron mediante regresión no lineal. La comparación de los métodos mediante la precipitación media a partir de datos puntuales favorece al método de los polígonos de Thiessen, en cambio, a partir de la información distribuida, el más adecuado es el método inverso de la distancia. Por otra parte, la evaluación de los métodos de interpolación a través de correlación cruzada es liderada por el método de Kriging ordinario.
DYNAMICS OF METAPHORICAL VERBALIZATION IMAGE OF KANZLERIN ANGELA MERKEL
Authors: Tameryan Tatiana Yu , Tsagolova Victoria A
Published: April 2019

The paper presents the results of modeling the multilayer structure of the image of Kanzlerin Angela Merkel , the core of which is the metaphorical layer of the political concept. The relevance of the study is due to the growing role of political communication in society and the lack of study of its image aspect. policy in terms of the objectives of the communication of power, the relationship of language and culture, emotion and cognition, the reflection in the language of the value picture of the world of the speakers of the German language. The article is carried out in the framework of cultural anthropology, linguocognitology, political linguistics and discoursology. As methodological basis of the study the following methods and approaches are used: the method of continuous sampling, the classification method, the method of cognitive modeling, the cognitive-interpretative method, the conceptual analysis, the method of statistical data processing. The analysis is based on the articles from the German information and political journals Der Spiegel and Focus for the period of 2005-2017. In the study, based on 8180 text fragments, metaphorical models and their subtypes are described, cognitive features and dominants of each period of the Chancellery A. Merkel are revealed.
CANTONESE DIALECT IN MODERN CHINA: THE PROBLEM OF CONSERVATION
Authors: Barov Sergey A , Egorova Maia A
Published: April 2019

The artice is devoted to the problem of preserving the Cantonese dialect (language) in modern China, where for several decades the government persistently pursued a policy of disseminating of the nation-wide Chinese language (“pǔtōnghuà”). Cantonese is the largest language by speakers among all Chinese languages and it is native to most residents of Guangdong and Hong Kong, however, unlike the languages of the national minorities of China, it is not fully protected by law and is consistently ousted from the education system and out of business communication. In the article the authors carefully analyze the linguistic history of China, the role of dialects in the system of Chinese languages and the historical and political significance of a single written norm. According to the authors, the division of China into two large cultural and historical communities (northern and southern) corresponds to the established linguistic division, but unlike many other countries in the world, the ethnolinguistic and ethnocultural differences between the northern and southern Chinese due to the centuries-old unifying efforts of the central government do not lead to the division of the Chinese nation. The article examines in detail the history of Cantonese, a linguistic analysis of the differences between Cantonese and Putonghua, and on this basis concludes that Cantonese should be considered not as a dialect of Chinese, but rather as a separate language of the Sino-Tibetan language group, albeit closely related to the Chinese language. Analyzing the role of Cantonese in the formation of a special cultural and historical community in Guangdong and Hong Kong, the authors conclude that the declining of the Cantonese dialect (language) will probably occur over the next several decades, unless the language and education policies of the Chinese government are changed. Otherwise this tendency will lead to the loss of the province's identity, which is part of the intangible cultural heritage of the entire Chinese nation.
THE DETERMINANT OF LANGUAGE AND PHONETIC PHENOMENA
Authors: Kirov Evgenij F
Published: April 2019

The article is devoted to the consideration of the concept of language determinant, which was developed by Prof. G.P. Mel’nikov. The productivity of this concept is shown to explain the sociophonetic and iconic phonosymbolic nature of such phenomena as vocalic harmony - okanje as overusing vowel sound O and akanje as overusing vowel sound A.
Forward Feeding in Graduate Medical Education: Results of a National Survey
Authors: DeCastro Alexei O. , Mims Lisa D. , Stephens Mark B. , Chessman Alexander W.
Published: April 2019

Background and Objectives: “Forward feeding” is defined as the sharing of information regarding learner behaviors and performance outside of formal institutional committee structures. The purpose of this study was to establish baseline opinions and policies of forward feeding in family medicine residency programs.
Methods: Data for this study were obtained as part of the 2015 CERA Program Directors Fall Survey. Program directors indicated whether they felt that faculty should and do engage in forward feeding. Respondents were asked to rate the importance of various types of information about learners (academic performance, clinical performance, professionalism, physical health, and mental health), reasons for promoting, and concerns regarding forward feeding on a 5-point Likert scale.
Results: The overall response rate was 49% (227/461). Most agreed that faculty should (87%) and do (83%) engage in forward feeding. Concerns regarding professionalism and clinical performance were reported as most important to share. The most important reason identified for forward feeding was the early identification of struggling residents, followed by the ability to direct teaching to the resident’s specific needs, and improving the quality of feedback. Fear of creating bias was the most commonly cited concern for engaging in forward feeding, followed by fear of violating confidentiality and difficulty maintaining confidentiality. Fear of litigation was the least common concern.
Conclusions: Despite concerns, the majority of program directors feel that faculty should and do engage in forward feeding. Our study confirms the importance of clinical performance and professionalism as two important themes of information shared by attendings about residents.
Microstructure and electric response of Li,Sn co-doped NiO ceramics
Authors: Zeng Jiecheng , He Tusheng , Liu Yang
Published: April 2019

Phase composition, microstructure and electric response of Li0.05SnxNi0.95 -
xO (x = 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1) ceramics were systematically investigated.
Colossal dielectric permittivity (>5000) is observed in the frequency range
of 102-105 Hz at room temperature which becomes highly frequency-independent
with increasing temperature. Secondary Sn-rich phase is detected in the
grain boundary regions and it has a remarkable influence on the dielectric
properties. Impedance spectroscopy analysis demonstrates that the
microstructure is electrically heterogeneous, consisting of semiconducting
grain and insulating grain boundary. Defect dipoles or polyvalent cations
induced at high temperature may activate an electron hopping process under
electric field, resulting in the enhancements of grain conductivity and
polarization effect. This behaviour should be considered as the origin of
the observed dielectric response.
Performance Analysis Of Cilembu Sweet Burning Using Oven Fuel Based Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG)
Authors: Thoriq Ahmad
Published: April 2019

Cilembu sweet potato are a commodity typical of West Java's Sumedang district which will produce tasty, sweet, legit flavors and honey when burning using an oven. The conversion program of fuel oil to gas indirectly encourages modification of the cilembu sweet potato oven. The aim of this research is to test the performance of gas-fired ovens and observe the characteristics of cilembu during burning. Cilembu sweet potato burning in this study are cilembu sweet potatoes which have been stored for more than ten days, with grade B sizes (100-200 grams / tuber) and grade C (<100 grams per tuber) (SNI Number 01-4493-1998) . The burning performance parameters analyzed included the yield and weight of burned Cilembu sweet potatoes, energy to heat and increase the temperature of the material, energy to vaporize water, energy requirements for cilembu sweet potato burning process, LPG combustion energy, grill efficiency and specific energy consumption. The results showed that the burning process of 10.5 kg cilembu sweet potatoes using an oven with a temperature of 39 0C to 176 0C took 1.22 hours. The average decrease in water content during the burning process is 0.566% bb per minute for grade C and 0.368% bb per minute for grade B with the yield of burned cilembu sweet potato produced at 77.38%. Energy requirements for the cilembu sweet potato burning process were 9,410.68 KJ, LPG combustion energy was 177,050.78 KJ, burning efficiency was 5.32% and Specific Energy Consumption was 44.034,82 KJ / Kg of water vapor.
The Differences in Pacing Among Age Groups of Amateur Cross-Country Skiers Depend on Performance
Authors: Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Rosemann Thomas , Knechtle Beat
Published: April 2019

Pacing strategies have mainly been investigated for runners, but little is known for cross-country skiers. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of performance and age on pacing strategies in cross-country skiing. All finishers (women, n = 19,375; men, n = 86,190) in the ‘Engadin Ski Marathon’ (42 km) between 1998 and 2016 were analysed for the percentage change of speed at 10 km (Change A), 20 km (Change B) and 35 km (Change C). They were classified in performance groups according to quartiles of average race speed (Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4) and in 5-year age groups (<20, 20-24, 25-29… 85-89 years). Men were faster than women by +14.3% (15.2 ± 4.0 vs. 13.3 ± 3.3 km/h; p < 0.001, η2 = 0.215). A small impact of age group × performance group interaction on Change A was shown in women (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.026) and men (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.025), where Q1 augmented and Q4 attenuated the decrease in speed with aging. However, the impact of age group × performance group interaction on Change B and C was trivial (p = 0.002, η2 ≤ 0.010). Based on these findings, it was concluded that the differences in pacing among age groups depended on the performance level. Thus, the coaches and fitness trainers working with cross-country skiers should advise their athletes to consider both age and performance.
Statistical Review and Match Analysis of Rugby World Cups Finals
Authors: Vaz Luis , Hendricks Sharief , Kraak Wilbur
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was to describe the game related statistics and match analysis of rugby world cups finals from 1987 to 2015. Video recordings of all (n = 8 matches) rugby world cup finals were used for the purpose of this study. Games were analysed using the video analysis software (Sports code V8.9, Sportstec, Australia) and supplementary data were collected from the official reports published by the International Rugby Board and from webpages of Rugby World Cups. Magnitude of differences between the winners and losers was assessed mechanistically. Only 5 tries in total were scored in the last 8 rugby world cup finals. The main two modes of scoring points were penalty kicks and drop goals. Winning teams attempted more penalty kicks, yet seemed to miss more. The number of drop goals was similar between winning and losing teams. These findings highlight the significance of having an on form place-kicker and from a defensive perspective, conceding fewer penalties in kickable positions. Winners of the Rugby World Cup final won more scrums and lost few line-outs, emphasising the importance of winning the set-pieces. Further establishment of these variables and their influence on performance may be used to evaluate team performances and plan more effective tactical approaches to competition