bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variations in sensitivity to chlorine in Ecuador and US consumers: implications for community water systems
Authors: Stout Jacob , Tellinghuisen Donald J. , Wunder David B. , Tatko Chad D. , Rydbeck Bruce V.
Published: February 2019

Successful implementation of chlorination for disinfecting community water systems in developing countries faces obstacles, with rejection of chlorinous flavor as a significant factor. Determining consumers' abilities to accurately detect chlorine in treated water is important to identifying acceptable chlorination levels that are also effective for water disinfection. Chlorine detection sensitivity was tested in untrained Ecuadorian consumers with limited prior experience with chlorinated water and US consumers with extensive prior experience with chlorinated water. Water samples with free chlorine concentrations up to 3.0 mg/L were presented for flavor testing. Ecuadorian consumers showed higher sensitivity, being able to detect chlorination at 2.0 and 3.0 mg/L, while US consumers did not reliably detect chlorine presence for any concentration levels. Additionally, Ecuadorian consumers' rejection of water samples depended on chlorination, showing a statistically significant increase in rejections of samples with chlorine concentrations above 1.0 mg/L. On the other hand, although US consumers rejected more samples overall, their tendency to reject did not vary as a function of chlorination levels. This study demonstrated that limited experience with chlorination is a critical factor for accurate chlorine flavor detection in drinking water.

This article has been made Open Access thanks to the generous support of a global network of libraries as part of the Knowledge Unlatched Select initiative.
Novel Resveratrol-chalcone Derivatives: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Ma Yulu , Zheng Xi , Zhu Ping , Liu Bei , Gao Hui , Mao Zewei , Zhang Lijun , Wan Chunping
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Resveratrol and chalcones are lead compounds with good biological activities.

Method: In this study, a series of novel derivatives (6-38) between resveratrol and chalcone possessing
piperazine moiety have been synthesized, and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide
(LPS)-stimulated RAW-264.7 macrophages and anti-proliferative effect on a panel of human tumor
cell lines (Hela, A549 and SGC7901) by MTT assay were evaluated.

Result: The results demonstrated that the substituents of the NH group of piperazine ring had an obvious
influence on biological activities. Especially, compounds 13, 17, 30, 31 and 36 showed good inhibitory
effect on the generation of NO compared to dexamethasone. Furthermore, analogs 20, 21, 22
and 25 were found to be the better anti-proliferative effect on 3 human tumor cell lines, which were
found to be a better cytotoxic activity to positive control 5-FU. Many compounds displayed low cytotoxic
effect on normal cells L02.

Conclusion: Further FACs analysis showed that compounds 20 and 25 significantly induced apoptosis in
A549 cell. These derivatives were considered as the potential anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor agents.
An Algorithm Combining Analysis-based Blind Compressed Sensing and Nonlocal Low-rank Constraints for MRI Reconstruction
Authors: Sun Mei , Tao Jinxu , Ye Zhongfu , Qiu Bensheng , Xu Jinzhang , Xi Changfeng
Published: February 2019

Background:

In order to overcome the limitation of long scanning time, compressive
sensing (CS) technology exploits the sparsity of image in some transform domain to reduce the
amount of acquired data. Therefore, CS has been widely used in magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) reconstruction.

Discussion: Blind compressed sensing enables to recover the image successfully from highly under-
sampled measurements, because of the data-driven adaption of the unknown transform basis
priori. Moreover, analysis-based blind compressed sensing often leads to more efficient signal reconstruction
with less time than synthesis-based blind compressed sensing. Recently, some experiments
have shown that nonlocal low-rank property has the ability to preserve the details of the image for
MRI reconstruction.

Methods:

Here, we focus on analysis-based blind compressed sensing, and combine it with additional
nonlocal low-rank constraint to achieve better MR images from fewer measurements. Instead
of nuclear norm, we exploit non-convex Schatten p-functionals for the rank approximation.

Results & Conclusion: Simulation results indicate that the proposed approach performs better than
the previous state-of-the-art algorithms.
New Copper Compounds with Antiplatelet Aggregation Activity
Authors: Flores-García Mirthala , Fernández-G. Juan Manuel , Busqueta-Griera Cristina , Gómez Elizabeth , Hernández-Ortega Simón , Lamothe-Flores Jean Christian Daniel , Gómez-Vidales Virginia , Mejía-Domínguez Ana María , Anglés-Cano Eduardo , de la Peña-Díaz Aurora
Published: February 2019

Background:

Ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular accident, and venous thromboembolism
have the presence of a thrombotic event in common and represent the most common
causes of death within the population.

Objective:

Since Schiff base copper(II) complexes are able to interact with polyphosphates
(PolyP), a procoagulant and potentially prothrombotic platelet agent, we investigated the antiplatelet
aggregating properties of two novel tridentate Schiff base ligands and their corresponding copper(
II) complexes.

Methods:

The Schiff base ligands (L1) and (L2), as well as their corresponding copper(II) complexes
(C1) and (C2), were synthesized and characterized by chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction,
mass spectrometry, and UV-Visible, IR and far IR spectroscopy. In addition, EPR studies were
carried out for (C1) and (C2), while (L1) and (L2) were further analyzed by 1H and 13C NMR.
Tests for antiplatelet aggregation activities of all of the four compounds were conducted.

Results:

X-ray diffraction studies show that (L1) and (L2) exist in the enol-imine tautomeric form
with a strong intramolecular hydrogen bond. NMR studies show that both ligands are found as
enol-imine tautomers in CDCl3 solution. In the solid state, the geometry around the copper(II) ion
in both (C1) and (C2) is square planar. EPR spectra suggest that the geometry of the complexes is
similar to that observed in the solid state by X-ray crystallography. Compound (C2) exhibited the
strongest antiplatelet aggregation activity.

Conclusion:

Schiff base copper(II) complexes, which are attracting increasing interest, could represent
a new approach to treat thrombosis by blocking the activity of PolyP with a potential anticoagulant
activity and, most importantly, demonstrating no adverse bleeding events.
Discovery of New Phosphoinositide 3-kinase Delta (PI3Kδ) Inhibitors via Virtual Screening using Crystallography-derived Pharmacophore Modelling and QSAR Analysis
Authors: Al-Sha'er Mahmoud A. , Al-Aqtash Rua'a A. , Taha Mutasem O.
Published: February 2019

Background: PI3Kδ is predominantly expressed in hematopoietic cells and participates
in the activation of leukocytes. PI3Kδ inhibition is a promising approach for treating inflammatory
diseases and leukocyte malignancies. Accordingly, we decided to model PI3Kδ binding.

Methods: Seventeen PI3Kδ crystallographic complexes were used to extract 94 pharmacophore
models. QSAR modelling was subsequently used to select the superior pharmacophore(s) that best
explain bioactivity variation within a list of 79 diverse inhibitors (i.e., upon combination with other
physicochemical descriptors).

Results: The best QSAR model (r2 = 0.71, r2
LOO = 0.70, r2
press against external testing list of 15
compounds = 0.80) included a single crystallographic pharmacophore of optimal explanatory
qualities. The resulting pharmacophore and QSAR model were used to screen the National Cancer
Institute (NCI) database for new PI3Kδ inhibitors. Two hits showed low micromolar IC50 values.

Conclusion: Crystallography-based pharmacophores were successfully combined with QSAR
analysis for the identification of novel PI3Kδ inhibitors.
Design and Synthesis of New Substituted Pyrazolopyridines with Potent Antiproliferative Activity
Authors: Giannouli Vassiliki , Lougiakis Nikolaos , Kostakis Ioannis K. , Pouli Nicole , Marakos Panagiotis , Skaltsounis Alexios-Leandros , Horne David A. , Nam Sangkil , Gioti Katerina , Tenta Roxane
Published: February 2019

Background:

Purine isosteres are often endowed with interesting pharmacological
properties, due to their involvement in cellular processes replacing the natural purines. Among
these compounds, pyrazolopyridines are under active investigation for potential anticancer properties.

Objective:

Based on previously discovered substituted pyrazolopyridines with promising antiproliferative
activity, we designed and synthesized new, suitably substituted analogues aiming to investigate
their potential activity and contribute to SAR studies of this class of bioactive compounds.

Methods:

The new compounds were synthesized using suitably substituted 2-amino-4-picolines,
which upon ring-closure provided substituted pyrazolo[3,4-c] pyridine-5-carbonitriles that served
as key intermediates for the preparation of the target 3,5,7 trisubstituted derivatives. The antiproliferative
activity of 31 new target derivatives was evaluated against three cancer cell lines (MIA
PaCa-2, PC-3 and SCOV3), whereas cell-cycle perturbations of exponentially growing PC-3 cells,
using three selected derivatives were also performed.

Results:

Eight compounds displayed IC50 values in the low μM range, allowing the extraction of
interesting SAR’s. Two of the most potent compounds against all cell lines share a common pattern,
by accumulating cells at the G0/G1 phase. From this project, a new carboxamidine-substituted
hit has emerged.

Conclusion:

Among the new compounds, those possessing the 3-phenylpyrazolo[3,4-c]pyridine
scaffold, proved to be worth investigating and the majority of them showed strong cytotoxic activity
against all cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 0.87-4.3 µM. A carboxamidine analogue
that resulted from the synthetic procedure, proved to be highly active against the cancer cells and
could be considered as a useful lead for further optimization.
High Antioxidant Capacities and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Hammada elegans Botsch. Extracts: An in vitro Assessment
Authors: Feriha Bensafiddine , Brahim Asseli , Reguia Mahfoudi , Amar Djeridane , Mohamed Yousfi
Published: February 2019

Introduction:

Plants supply traditional Algerian medicines for the treatment of antiinflammatory
effect. The reasons for the use of traditional treatments were that pure compounds obtained
were also effective in reducing the toxicities of toxic agents or other drugs.

Methods:

In this study, we explore the phytochemical composition and the phenolic content by
indirect method to evaluate the antioxidants and the anti-inflammatory capacities of twelve extracts
from three plants.

Results:

Results: The total phenolic content ranged from 0.168 ± 0.020 to 4.166 ± 0.124 mg per gram of dry
weight. Phytochemical screening revealed that tannins, C-heterosides, O-reduced heterosides and reducing
compounds are the most common chemical groups. The highest antiradical activity was
achieved with methanolic extract of Hammada elegans (EC50 = 0.551 ± 0.171mg/mL). However, the
acetonic extract of Hammada elegans represents the most important reducing activity (EC50 = 0.747
± 0.004mg/mL). Moreover, this extract also displays the highest chelating ferrous ions effect (EC50 =
5.749 ± 0.009 mg/mL) while the hydromethanolic extract of Cleome arabica has the best
antilipoperoxidative effect (EC50 = 0.031 ± 0.000mg/mL). Furthermore, all extracts inhibit the activity
of lipooxygenase and cyclooxygenase with IC50 values less than 19.210 ± 0.297 mg/mL. Therefore,
the acetonic extract of Hammada elegans appears to be twice greater than that of standard inhibitors.

Conclusion:

The fractionation of the acetonic extract of Hammada elegans has given a potent bioactive
compound which seems to have potential therapeutic possibilities for the prevention of the inflammatory
effects.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects ofLotus corniculatuson Paracetamol-induced Hepatitis in Rats
Authors: Baali Nacera , Mezrag Abderahmane , Bouheroum Mohamed , Benayache Fadila , Benayache Samir , Souad Amedah
Published: February 2019

Background:

Herbal medicines have been used in the treatment of liver diseases for a long time. The current study was elaborated to evaluate in vitro and in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Lotus corniculatus (L. corniculatus) butanolic extract.

Methods:

The in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of L. corniculatus were investigated by employing DPPH radical scavenging, H2O2 scavenging and BSA denaturation assays. In vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of L. corniculatus were evaluated against paracetamol (APAP)-induced hepatitis in rats. L.corniculatus at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg was administered orally once daily for seven days. Serum transaminases (AST and ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total bilirubin levels, liver malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione S- transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and inflammatory markers, such as serum Creactive protein (CRP), circulating and liver myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were investigated. Further histopathological analysis of the liver sections was performed to support the effectiveness of L. corniculatus.

Results:

L. corniculatus exhibited strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. In the in vivo study, our findings demonstrate that L. corniculatus (100 and 200 mg/kg) administration led to an amelioration of APAP effects on liver histology, liver functions parameters (AST, ALT, LDH, and total bilirubin levels) and liver oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, GST and SOD levels). Furthermore, serum CRP, circulating MPO and liver MPO levels were declined by both doses of L. corniculatus extract. The best benefits were observed with 200 mg/kg of L. corniculatus extract.

Conclusion:

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of L. corniculatus extract may be due to the presence of active components.
Exploration of the Effect and Mechanism of ShenQi Compound in a Spontaneous Diabetic Rat Model
Authors: Liu Ya , Kang Jian , Gao Hong , Zhang Xiyu , Chao Jun , Gong Guangming , Yuan Haipo , Xie Chunguang
Published: February 2019

Background:

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a world-wide metabolic disease with no
cure from drugs and treatment. In China, The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbal formulations
have been used to treat T2DM for centuries.

Methods:

In this study, we proposed a formula called ShenQi Compound (SQC), which has been used
in clinical therapeutics in China for several years. We evaluated the effect of SQC in a spontaneous
diabetic rat model (GK rats) by detecting a series of blood indicators and performing histological observations.
Meanwhile, the gene microarray and RT-qPCR experiments were used to explore the molecular
mechanism of SQC treatment. In addition, western medicine, sitagliptin was employed as a
comparison.

Results:

The results indicated that SQC and sitagliptin could effectively improve the serum lipid
(blood Total Cholesterol (TC) and blood Triglycerides (TG)), hormone levels (serum insulin (INS),
Glucagon (GC) and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1)), alleviated the inflammatory response (hypersensitive
C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP)), blood glucose fluctuation (Mean Blood Glucose (MBG), standard
deviation of blood glucose (SDBG) and Largest Amplitude of plasma Glucose Excursions
(LAGE)), pancreatic tissue damage and vascular injury for T2DM. Compared with sitagliptin, SQC
achieved a better effect on blood glucose fluctuation (p<0.01). Meanwhile, the gene microarray and
RT-qPCR experiments indicated that SQC and sitagliptin may improve the T2DM through affecting
the biological functions related to apoptosis and circadian rhythm. Moreover, SQC might be able to
influence the mTOR signaling pathway by regulating Pik3r1, Ddit4 expression.

Conclusion:

All these results indicate that SQC is an effective therapeutic drug on T2DM. Notably,
SQC presents an obvious blood glucose fluctuation-preventing ability, which might be derived from
the regulation of the mTOR signaling pathway.
Efecto de oligofructosa de agave en dietas de gallinas ponedoras en la producción de huevos
Authors: Ivónn Yanine Chávez-Mora  , David Román Sánchez-Chiprés  , Jorge Galindo-García  , Miguel Ángel Ayala-Valdovinos  , Theodor Duifhuis-Rivera  , Julio Ly-Carmenatti
Published: February 2019

Objetivo. Determinar la producción de huevos en gallinas tratadas con oligofructosa de agave (OFA). Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaron 300 gallinas de la línea genética Hy-line w-36, de 18 semanas de nacidas, distribuidas aleatoriamente en tres tratamientos con cuatro repeticiones de 25 gallinas cada uno. Los tratamientos consistieron en tres niveles de OFA, 0, 0.1 y 0.2% en alimento. La prueba duró desde las 18 hasta las 30 semanas de postura. Resultados. Se presentó un incremento significativo (p<0.05) en el porcentaje de postura y peso del huevo, así como en índices de calidad del huevo a favor de tratamientos con OFA. Se encontraron valores significativamente (p<0.05) más bajos de putrescina fecal en las gallinas tratadas con OFA. Conclusiones. El uso de la OFA en gallinas ponedoras puede ser una alternativa como aditivo en la alimentación.
The Mobile-Based 6-Minute Walk Test: Usability Study and Algorithm Development and Validation (Preprint)
Authors: Salvi Dario , Poffley Emma , Orchard Elizabeth , Tarassenko Lionel
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is a convenient method for assessing functional capacity in patients with cardiopulmonary conditions. It is usually performed in the context of a hospital clinic and thus requires the involvement of hospital staff and facilities, with their associated costs.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop a mobile phone–based system that allows patients to perform the 6MWT in the community.

METHODS

We developed 2 algorithms to compute the distance walked during a 6MWT using sensors embedded in a mobile phone. One algorithm makes use of the global positioning system to track the location of the phone when outdoors and hence computes the distance travelled. The other algorithm is meant to be used indoors and exploits the inertial sensors built into the phone to detect U-turns when patients walk back and forth along a corridor of fixed length. We included these algorithms in a mobile phone app, integrated with wireless pulse oximeters and a back-end server. We performed Bland-Altman analysis of the difference between the distances estimated by the phone and by a reference trundle wheel on 49 indoor tests and 30 outdoor tests, with 11 different mobile phones (both Apple iOS and Google Android operating systems). We also assessed usability aspects related to the app in a discussion group with patients and clinicians using a technology acceptance model to guide discussion.

RESULTS

The mean difference between the mobile phone-estimated distances and the reference values was −2.013 m (SD 7.84 m) for the indoor algorithm and −0.80 m (SD 18.56 m) for the outdoor algorithm. The absolute maximum difference was, in both cases, below the clinically significant threshold. A total of 2 pulmonary hypertension patients, 1 cardiologist, 2 physiologists, and 1 nurse took part in the discussion group, where issues arising from the use of the 6MWT in hospital were identified. The app was demonstrated to be usable, and the 2 patients were keen to use it in the long term.

CONCLUSIONS

The system described in this paper allows patients to perform the 6MWT at a place of their convenience. In addition, the use of pulse oximetry allows more information to be generated about the patient’s health status and, possibly, be more relevant to the real-life impact of their condition. Preliminary assessment has shown that the developed 6MWT app is highly accurate and well accepted by its users. Further tests are needed to assess its clinical value.
Interaction Patterns of Men Who Have Sex With Men on a Geosocial Networking Mobile App in Seven United States Metropolitan Areas: Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Abuelezam Nadia N , Reshef Yakir A , Novak David , Grad Yonatan Hagai , Seage III George R , Mayer Kenneth , Lipsitch Marc
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

The structure of the sexual networks and partnership characteristics of young black men who have sex with men (MSM) may be contributing to their high risk of contracting HIV in the United States. Assortative mixing, which refers to the tendency of individuals to have partners from one’s own group, has been proposed as a potential explanation for disparities.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to identify the age- and race-related search patterns of users of a diverse geosocial networking mobile app in seven metropolitan areas in the United States to understand the disparities in sexually transmitted infection and HIV risk in MSM communities.

METHODS

Data were collected on user behavior between November 2015 and May 2016. Data pertaining to behavior on the app were collected for men who had searched for partners with at least one search parameter narrowed from defaults or used the app to send at least one private chat message and used the app at least once during the study period. Newman assortativity coefficient (R) was calculated from the study data to understand assortativity patterns of men by race. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess assortativity patterns by age. Heat maps were used to visualize the relationship between searcher’s and candidate’s characteristics by age band, race, or age band and race.

RESULTS

From November 2015 through May 2016, there were 2,989,737 searches in all seven metropolitan areas among 122,417 searchers. Assortativity by age was important for looking at the profiles of candidates with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.284 (Birmingham) to 0.523 (San Francisco). Men tended to look at the profiles of candidates that matched their race in a highly assortative manner with R ranging from 0.310 (Birmingham) to 0.566 (Los Angeles). For the initiation of chats, race appeared to be slightly assortative for some groups with R ranging from 0.023 (Birmingham) to 0.305 (Los Angeles). Asian searchers were most assortative in initiating chats with Asian candidates in Boston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. In Birmingham and Tampa, searchers from all races tended to initiate chats with black candidates.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the age preferences of MSM are relatively consistent across cities, that is, younger MSM are more likely to be chatted with and have their profiles viewed compared with older MSM, but the patterns of racial mixing are more variable. Although some generalizations can be made regarding Web-based behaviors across all cities, city-specific usage patterns and trends should be analyzed to create targeted and localized interventions that may make the most difference in the lives of MSM in these areas.
Characteristic and Requirements of Hypertensive Patients - Willing to Use Digital Health Tools at Chinese Community, A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Liu Yong , Chen Shiqun , Sun Guoli , Cen Xiaolin , Liu Jin , Ye Jianfeng , Chen Jiyan , Lei Li , He Yibo , Song Feier , Guo Wei , Liang Yan , Hu Yuying , Zhou Yingling
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Hypertension management with digital health tools (WeChat or mobile health apps) provide opportunities for new methods for hypertensive patients. However, the willingness of these patients to use social media and mobile health apps for hypertension management remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study was to explore the characteristic and requirement of patients willing to use digital health tools to manage hypertension (WDH).

METHODS

From February to March, 2018, we handed out questionnaires to 1089 patients with hypertension at eight Chinese primary medical units. We assessed predictors of WDH and requirement among WDH patients.

RESULTS

Overall, 43% (465/1089) of participants were WDH patients, who were younger (58±12 vs 61±13ys), more working (31% vs 14%) and higher education(65% vs 52%)(All P<0.0001). After adjusting for other predictors, higher education (OR: 0.52; 95%CI: 0.34-0.79), good medicine adherence (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.0-2.3) and blood pressure self-monitoring(OR:1.6; 95% CI: 1.2-2.3) remained significantly associated with WDH (all P<0.05). WDH patients responsed that the digital health tools should try to provide a platform for blood pressure monitoring (42%), medication reminder (41%), hypertension knowledge (39%) and doctor-patient communication (32%) .

CONCLUSIONS

Our survey suggested that among hypertensive patients, willingness to use digital health tools was significantly associated with education, medicine adherence and blood pressure self-monitoring. Digital health tool developers and researchers should pay attention on recruiting older, lesser-educated and unemployed patients with non-willingness, and technology improvement and research on WDH patients’ requirement (blood pressure monitoring, medication reminders, and knowledge education) in the future.
A Mobile Phone App Featuring Cue Exposure Therapy As Aftercare for Alcohol Use Disorders: An Investigator-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Mellentin Angelina Isabella , Nielsen Bent , Nielsen Anette Søgaard , Yu Fei , Mejldal Anna , Nielsen Dorthe Grüner , Stenager Elsebeth
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Cue exposure therapy (CET) is a psychological approach developed to prepare individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) for confronting alcohol and associated stimuli in real life. CET has shown promise when treating AUD in group sessions, but it is unknown whether progressing from group sessions to using a mobile phone app is an effective delivery pathway.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to investigate (1) whether CET as aftercare would increase the effectiveness of primary treatment with cognitive behavior therapy, and (2) whether CET delivered through a mobile phone app would be similarly effective to CET via group sessions.

METHODS

A total of 164 individuals with AUD were randomized to one of three groups: CET as group aftercare (CET group), CET as fully automated mobile phone app aftercare (CET app), or aftercare as usual. Study outcomes were assessed face-to-face at preaftercare, postaftercare, and again at 6 months after aftercare treatment. Generalized mixed models were used to compare the trajectories of the groups over time on drinking, cravings, and use of urge-specific coping skills (USCS).

RESULTS

In all, 153 of 164 individuals (93%) completed assessments both at posttreatment and 6-month follow-up assessments. No differences in the trajectories of predicted means were found between the experimental groups (CET group and app) compared with aftercare as usual on drinking and craving outcomes over time. Both CET group (predicted mean difference 5.99, SE 2.59, z=2.31, P=.02) and the CET app (predicted mean difference 4.90, SE 2.26, z=2.31, P=.02) showed increased use of USCS compared to aftercare as usual at posttreatment, but this effect was reduced at the 6-month follow-up. No differences were detected between the two experimental CET groups on any outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

CET with USCS delivered as aftercare either via group sessions or a mobile phone app did not increase the effectiveness of primary treatment. This suggests that CET with USCS may not be an effective psychological approach for the aftercare of individuals treated for AUD.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02298751; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02298751
Students' Experiences of Seeking Web-Based Animal Health Information at the Ontario Veterinary College: Exploratory Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lai Nanette , Khosa Deep , Jones-Bitton Andria , Dewey Cate E
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Although searching for health information on the internet has offered clear benefits of rapid access to information for seekers such as patients, medical practitioners, and students, detrimental effects on seekers’ experiences have also been documented. Health information overload is one such side effect, where an information seeker receives excessive volumes of potentially useful health-related messages that cannot be processed in a timely manner. This phenomenon has been documented among medical professionals, with consequences that include impacts on patient care. Presently, the use of the internet for health-related information, and particularly animal health information, in veterinary students has received far less research attention.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to explore veterinary students’ internet search experiences to understand how students perceived the nature of Web-based information and how these perceptions influence their information management.

METHODS

For this qualitative exploratory study, 5 separate focus groups and a single interview were conducted between June and October 2016 with a sample of 21 veterinary students in Ontario, Canada.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis of focus group transcripts demonstrated one overarching theme, The Overwhelming Nature of the Internet, depicted by two subthemes: Volume and Type of Web-based Health Information and Processing, Managing, and Evaluating Information.

CONCLUSIONS

Integrating electronic health information literacy training into human health sciences students’ training has shown to have positive effects on information management skills. Given a recent Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges report that considers health literacy as a professional competency, results of this study point to a direction for future research and for institutions to contemplate integrating information literacy skills in veterinary curricula. Specifically, we propose that the information literacy skills should include knowledge about access, retrieval, evaluation, and timely application of Web-based information.
Educating patients on genomic results: a scoping review (Preprint)
Authors: McGrath Scott , Bastola Kiran
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

The current levels of specifically trained medical professional in genomic testing may not be able to address the pending increase of genomic data in clinical practice. Mapping out the current literature on education approaches to help medical providers assist patients with genetic and genomic test results will help highlight areas requiring further development.

OBJECTIVE

Perform a scoping review to identify the various education methods available to assist consumer and professional education for interpreting genetic and genomic test results. Efforts to prepare healthcare providers to enhance their effectiveness in helping patients interpreting their results will also be identified.

METHODS

This scoping review includes studies that are both quantitative and/or qualitative, randomized control trials (RCT) or quasi-randomized controlled trials (quasi-RCT) of adults (aged 18 and over) where actual (clinical studies) or imagined (analogue studies) research has been conducted to test methods of providing patient education for their genetic/genomic test results or efforts to enhance the ability of healthcare providers to discriminate this particular type of information. The search query was run on the following databases: PubMeb Central; MEDLINE; EMBASE (OvidSP); PsycINFO; CINAHL; ERIC; Consumer Health Complete; Healthsource – Consumer & Nursing/Academic editions.

RESULTS

26 manuscripts were selected for inclusion for this study. The papers were categorized into three themes that emerged: papers focused on education interventions between patients and providers, professional and curriculum development to enhance adoption and comprehension of medical genetics, and review papers, which were found to have overlap with the intended aim of this paper.

CONCLUSIONS

There are a few clear areas where emphasis should be placed for further work on this topic: continuing to develop web-based educational tools designed with active learning methodologies, conducting more randomized controlled trials to develop more robust evidence, and linking clinical outcomes with educational interventions, which will in turn assist in developing new medical curriculum with a renewed emphasis on genomics.
Morelos y la Constitución de Apatzingan
Authors: Martínez Báez Antonio
Published: February 2019

La Colección Bicentenario de la Constitución de Apatzingán presenta una serie discursos pronunciados en honor a Don José María Morelos y Pavón en distintas ceremonias dedicadas a conmemorar el sacrificio del caudillo de la Independencia y padre de las instituciones republicanas nacionales.
PROGRESO TECNOLÓGICO, ACUMULACIÓN DE CAPITAL Y CRECIMIENTO EN AMÉRICA LATINA
Authors: Vázquez Muñoz Juan Alberto , Camacho Acevo José Fernando
Published: February 2019

RESUMEN

En el presente artículo analizamos el comportamiento de las tasas de crecimiento de Argentina, Brasil, Chile y México para el periodo 1960-2017 y contrastamos las explicaciones relacionadas con la productividad total de los factores y con la acumulación de capital en el contexto de la restricción externa al crecimiento. Se concluye que el progreso tecnológico es una variable endógena que responde a las variaciones de la demanda necesarias para mantener el equilibrio dinámico de la balanza comercial y que el crecimiento de las economías está intrínsecamente ligado al comportamiento del crecimiento de la capacidad económica, el cual a su vez depende de la acumulación de capital. La evidencia empírica indica que los procesos de crecimiento acelerado de las economías analizadas se correspondieron con ritmos de acumulación de capital elevados.

 

TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS, CAPITAL ACUMULATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN LATIN AMERICA

ABSTRACT

This paper displays an analysis of the economic growth rates of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico during the period 1961-2017. Explanations related to total factor productivity and to capital accumulation are here contrasted in a context of growth external constraint. The following conclusiones are reached on empirical grounds: Technological progress is an endogenous variable reacting to variations in aggregate demand necessary to fulfill the dynamic equilibrium of the trade balance; growth rates in those countries are closely linked to the growth rate of their economic capacity; the process of growth acceleration in these economies corresponded to high rates of capital accumulation.
¿ES PROCÍCLICA LA CONVERGENCIA DEL CRECIMIENTO ECONÓMICO DE AMÉRICA LATINA?
Authors: Osorio Caballero María Isabel
Published: February 2019

RESUMEN

Este trabajo examina la hipótesis de convergencia condicional del producto interno bruto (PIB) per cápita estableciendo una vinculación positiva con la tasa de crecimiento de un panel de 18 países de América Latina durante 1990-2015. Se emplea un análisis de β-convergencia, σ-convergencia y γ-convergencia. Además, para identificar la heterogeneidad espacial se analizan las relaciones entre unidades territoriales vecinas y el nivel de producto empleando el estadístico I de Moran. En general, todos los indicadores muestran la existencia de una senda de convergencia regional, con elevada β-convergencia condicional, una reducción en la dispersión de los ingresos per cápita y una menor movilidad en el ranking de la posición de los países.

 

IS LATIN AMERICA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH CONVERGENCE PROCYCLICAL?

ABSTRACT
This paper looks at the hypothesis of conditional convergence of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita for a set of eighteen Latin American countries establishing a positive link with the growth rate of those economies. To that purpose, β-convergence, σ-convergence and γ-convergence analyses are conducted. Furthermore, with the aim of identifying spatial heterogeneity the relationship among neighbor territorial units and product levels are studied applying the I Moran statistics. By and large, a regional convergence path with high conditional β-convergence, a lower dispersion of per capita incomes and a lesser mobility of countries along the ranking are shown to exist.
Increasing the Efficiency of Energy Supply by Using Heat Pumps at Energy Facilities
Authors: Kislyakov A A , Simakov N K , Kislyakov M A
Published: February 2019

Исследования, приведенные в работе, направлены на разработку новых технических решений по использованию абсорбционных тепловых насосов в существующих технологических циклах электростанций на примере конденсационных энергоблоков тепловых электрических станций мощностью 300 МВт, позволяющих повысить их тепловую экономичность. Изучение проблемы, связанной с потерями тепловой энергии и обеспечения эффективности работы основного энергетического оборудования на электростанциях, способствовало развитию научно-исследовательских направлений в данной области, о чем свидетельствуют многочисленные теоретические и технические решения по оптимизации тепловых схем электрических станций. Актуальность eq работы может заключается в eq разработке результатам научно обоснованных eq технических выработки решений, eq направленных компоновкой на повышение eq тепловой размерность экономичности eq работы результаты тепловых электрических станций, за счет eq применения схему абсорбционных eq тепловых местными насосов. В настоящей статье приведено теоретическое обоснование применения тепловых насосов в схемах паротурбинных установок. Проведено исследование целесообразности применения парокомпрессионного теплового насоса в схемах тепловых электрических станций. Предложены новые схемные решения применения теплового насоса в технологических циклах тепловых электрических станций. eq Общим электрическую итогом eq выполнения увеличению исследовательской eq работы охлаждения являются eq научно температуры обоснованные eq технические порядка решения, eq способствующие температуры повышению eq тепловой диапазоне экономичности тепловых электрических станций за eq счет оборудования применения eq абсорбционных повышению тепловых eq насосов математической в составе eq регенеративного общего цикла eq паротурбинной отопительный установки, eq ступени режимные низкого eq давления пределе паровой eq турбины осуществляется и системы eq технического находится водоснабжения eq энергоблоков выручка. Разработаны eq новые переходные схемные eq решения показателей для технологических eq циклов прирост электростанций, eq которые находится отличаются от eq известных развитых применением eq конденсационного переменная контура абсорбционного бромисто-литиевого теплового насоса в системе eq регенерации переменная паротурбинной eq установки описании тепловых электрических станций.
System Approach to Planning of Rifle-Gun Armament
Authors: Alekseev S A
Published: February 2019

Стрелково-пушечное вооружение развивается в направлении повышения боевой эффективности, роста тактико-технических характеристик и показателей качества образцов оружия. Это достигается реализацией в конструкциях новых физических принципов действия, новых технических и технологических решений, что требует повышения качества и эффективности самого процесса проектирования оружия. В этих условиях традиционные методы проектирования, во многом зависящие от опыта и таланта конструктора, являются неэффективными. В статье рассматривается методология системотехнического проектирования применительно к проектированию стрелкового оружия. Рассмотрены стадии разработки технического задания и технического предложения, являющиеся основными при формировании облика образца оружия. Приводится последовательность этапов разработки технического предложения применительно к стрелковому оружию. Анализируется дерево основных противоречий. Дан пример составления на основе дерева функций и морфологического дерева функционально-морфологической матрицы стрелкового оружия, определяющей структуру системы оружия и функции ее подсистем.
Human Capital: the Original Method of Its Evaluation
Authors: Polischuk E A , Rusanov Е А
Published: February 2019

В настоящее время мировую экономику и экономику России в том числе ожидают радикальные изменения, связанные с переходом к новому Кондратьевскому циклу. Изменения выразятся в переходе к новому хозяйственному укладу, новым технологиям, к принципиальным изменениям в самой модели экономики. Ведущим фактором предстоящих инноваций является человеческий капитал. Высокая значимость человеческого капитала определяет необходимость не только его качественной и структурной характеристики, но и количественной оценки, что требует разработки соответствующих методов. Статистическая комиссия ООН выступает за то, чтобы рассматривать запас человеческого капитала в качестве одного из показателей системы национальных счетов, определяющих позиции экономики каждой страны в международных рейтингах. Сегодня продолжается теоретическая дискуссия о том, что представляет собой человеческий капитал и какова его структура. Мы исходим из того, что человеческий капитал - это запас приобретенных человеком способностей и характеристик, сформированный инвестициями в их развитие и приносящий отдачу в виде высоких заработков, гарантий занятости, свободы выбора места и продолжительности работы, карьерного роста и т. д. Что касается структуры человеческого капитала, то мы полагаем, что основными его элементами является капитал образования, капитал здоровья, социальный капитал. В статье основное внимание уделено оценке капитала образования. Дан краткий анализ способов его расчета и предложена оригинальная методика оценки, которая протестирована на данных, характеризующих капитал образования студента Евгения Русанова.
Identification of Dynamic Model of Safety Valve
Authors: Raeder T , Tenenev V A , Mischenkova O V
Published: February 2019

Предохранительный клапан является одним из устройств, используемых для обеспечения безопасности трубопроводов и целостности установок. Для анализа устойчивости работы клапанов и расчета колебательных процессов требуется динамическая модель, параметрическая идентификация которой проведена с применением экспериментальных данных и результатов многомерного численного моделирования. Задача идентификации динамической модели клапана включает определение зависимости газодинамической силы от движения диска и рабочих характеристик (давление, температура) емкости, в которой осуществляется регулирование давления. Сформулирована задача идентификации динамической модели предохранительного клапана. Зависимость газодинамической силы от времени и подъема диска находится как управляющая функция в задаче оптимального управления по двум критериям: минимум отклонения расчетных значений от экспериментальных для давления и перемещения диска. Численный метод оптимального управления основан на редукции к задаче нелинейного программирования. Для решения поставленной задачи поликритериальной оптимизации применяется гибридный генетический алгоритм с вещественным кодированием. Решение задачи идентификации динамической модели предохранительного клапана проведено с использованием трех вариантов проведения экспериментов с клапаном 2J3. Сопоставление отличия рассчитанной силы от измеренной показало возможность определять величину газодинамической силы по результатам измерения давления и подъема диска на всех этапах работы клапана.
Modeling of Intrinsic Thermal Feedback in Resistance Temperature Devices
Authors: Kulikov V A , Murav’ev V V , Syakterev V N , Syaktereva V V , Bel’tjukov А P
Published: February 2019

Цель работы - исследование внутренней тепловой обратной связи в датчиках температуры - термопреобразователях сопротивления - путем компьютерного моделирования. Модель создана на основе электротепловой аналогии, то есть на сходстве математических уравнений описания тепловых и электрических процессов. Это позволило, с одной стороны, рассматривать тепловые процессы как электрические, с другой - одновременно при этом включить в рассмотрение электрические процессы в схемах включения термопреобразователей в термоизмерительной аппаратуре. В качестве среды моделирования выбрана известная компьютерная программа Micro-Cap, разработанная фирмой Spectrum Software, которая позволяет осуществлять вычисления с погрешностью до десятых долей процента как в статическом, так и динамическом режимах. Существенным достоинством программы является возможность применять идеализированные компоненты с произвольно устанавливаемыми номиналами основных параметров, что ранее невозможно было сделать при физическом моделировании по методу электротепловой аналогии с применением реальных электрических компонентов, таких как резисторы, конденсаторы и др. По результатам моделирования сделаны практические выводы по построению термометрических приборов и применению результатов в смежных областях. В частности установлено, что при питании термопреобразователя от источника тока или при сопротивлении последовательного ему резистора в мостовой схеме большего сопротивления, чем у термопреобразователя, наблюдается положительная тепловая обратная связь. При питании термопреобразователя от источника напряжения или небольших по сопротивлению последовательных термопреобразователю резисторах наблюдается отрицательная обратная связь. Существуют условия, при которых обратная связь не проявляется. Исследована зависимость перегрева чувствительного элемента от значения измерительного тока. Установлено, что зависимость имеет нелинейный характер, и при относительно больших токах происходит резкое нарастание перегрева вплоть до расплавления чувствительного элемента. Установлено также, что для снижения внутренней тепловой обратной связи в теромпреобразователях сопротивления необходимо снижать значение измерительного тока и уменьшать термическое сопротивление чувствительный элемент - среда.
Methodological Bases of Decision Support for Resource Management in Complex Systems
Authors: Rizvanov D A
Published: February 2019

Рассматриваются методологические основы поддержки принятия решений при управлении ресурсами в сложных системах. Существующие подходы к управлению ресурсами используют в основном жесткий математический аппарат и данные числовой природы. При этом слабоформализуемая информация об особенностях предметной области зачастую не принимается во внимание. Предлагаемая методология представляет собой последовательность выполнения определенных этапов, базирующихся на соответствующих подходах, методах и принципах. Ее отличительной особенностью является интеграция многоагентных технологий и онтологических моделей, что позволяет учесть слабо формализуемую информацию о предметной области. Предложена формальная модель многоагентной системы для управления ресурсами в сложных системах, позволяющая проводить моделирование процесса распределения ресурсов и анализ результатов такого моделирования. Модель включает два основных типа агентов: агентов-ресурсов и агентов-потребителей ресурсов, а также соответствующие им базы знаний, что позволяет решать задачи распределения ресурсов с учетом семантических ограничений и в условиях динамично изменяющейся внешней среды. Предложена схема управления ресурсами в сложных системах, позволяющая формировать планы распределения ресурсов и вести мониторинг их исполнения. Результаты этого мониторинга используются в дальнейшем для повышения эффективности управления ресурсами.