bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bactericidal Effect of TiO2 on the Selected Vibrio Parahaemolyticus and Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Kim Tae-Young , Park Kyung-Hee , Rho Seon-Gyun , Kim Seung-Jai , Cho Sung-Young
Published: April 2020

In this work, the bactericidal effect of TiO2 on selected typical food pathogenic bacteria, Vibrio parahaemolyticus was studied. V. parahaemolyticus is an important pathogen of humans and aquacultured animals. We established the response surface methodology
(Box-Behnken Design) to investigate the effect of principal parameters on the cell sterilization such as TiO2 concentration, UV illumination time, temperature, and pH. The sterilization rate reached maximum value at the TiO2 concentration of 1.0 mg/ml. During irradiation
under the time of 30 min with UV light with the 1g-TiO2/l, the sterilization rate was greater than 85%, and 99% or more cell lost their viability with 3 hours of irradiation. Sterilization rate of the cell increased with decrease in the pH and temperature.
Aqueous-Phase Synthesis of Ultra-Stable Small CdSe Nanoparticles
Authors: Park Yeon-Su , Dmytruk Andriy , Dmitruk Igor , Yasuto Noda , Kasuya Atsuo , Takeda Motohiro , Ohuchi Noriaki
Published: April 2020

Very stable and small CdSe nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized from the aqueous solutions containing L-cysteine (Cys) at room temperature. The Cys-capped CdSe NPs showed a very sharp excitonic peak at 420 nm. Its very small full width at half maximum (18 nm) indicates very high quality
of the CdSe NPs. Their absorption features experienced little change over a month, implying an excellent stability of the CdSe NPs. The synthesis conditions were very critical to the optical property and stability of the CdSe NPs: only those prepared at specific conditions (nSe-precursor/nCd-precursor
= 0.25–0.5, nCys/nCd-precursor = ∼9, pH = ∼12) showed very sharp absorption peaks and maintained an excellent stability against time. Under these conditions, the peaks always appear at nearly the same wavelength, indicating that these NPs are selectively
stable and grow at a particular size and structure.
Neutron Scintillators of Transparent Silica Xerogel Monolith via a Sealed Container System and π–π Interactions
Authors: Im Hee-Jung , Lee Byunghwan , Brown Suree S. , Dai Sheng
Published: April 2020

Transparent crack-free lithiated sol–gel scintillating monoliths were developed by taking advantage of a sealed container system for a syneresis and the π–π interactions between sol–gel components and organic fluors to yield a better homogeneity
and scintillating efficiency. The transparency of the resulting materials indicates that the new scintillating material composites are mesoscopically dispersed. The silica monolith can be prepared without cladding the monolith with an engineering plastic such as a poly(ether ether ketone)
(PEEK) or a liquid mounting medium. A successful detection of neutron particles by using these lithiated scintillating monoliths was demonstrated.
A Polyol-Mediated Synthesis of Titania-Based Nanoparticles and Their Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Kim D. H. , Kang J. W. , Kim T. R. , Kim E. J. , Im J. S. , Kim J.
Published: April 2020

Ti-based nanoparticles were prepared in polyol mediums of EG (ethylene glycol) and TEG (triethylene glycol), with heating treatment. Ti-based materials of dried power and heated samples showed average sizes of 4, 10, 3, and 8 nm with spherical shapes and monodispersed state, respectively.
The XRD patterns of TiO2 and Li4Ti5O12 materials of dried powder and heated samples were indexed to anatase phase TiO2 (space group: I41/amd) and the spinel phase (space group: Fd3m) except for the dried powder sample of Li4Ti5O12,
which was corresponded with amorphous-like characteristics from the X-ray diffraction and electron diffraction pattern of Field emission-TEM analysis. The TiO2 and Li4Ti5O12 samples after heat-treated at 500 °C exhibited excellent high rate capabilities
at a current density of 0.4 mA/cm2 during extended cycles due to their electrochemically beneficial highly crystalline characteristics, nano-sized (∼10 nm), and uniform distributions state.
Surface Modification for Polystyrene Colloidal Particles with Controlled Charge Densities
Authors: Lee Jongman , Kwon Oh-Sun , Shin Kwanwoo , Song Ju-Myung , Kim Joon-Seop , Seo Young-Soo , Tae Giyoong , Jon Sangyong
Published: April 2020

A significant amount of polystyrene sulfonated acid (PSSA) and poly(styrene-ran-acrylic acid) (PSAA) random copolymer can be adsorbed by dispersion of PS particles via a swelling-quenching process. A THF-water mixed solvent was used in the swelling process and a large amount
of pure water was used, to give a low concentration of THF% in quenching process. Our results showed that functional PSSA groups were randomly and tightly adsorbed to the PS particles. When the mol.% of charged segments was increased, the progressive adsorption of PSSA chains to the PS particles
leads to an increase in the electrophoretic mobility and zeta-potential of aqueous dispersions. Thus, we were able to obtain well-distributed surface charge density on the PS particles.
Extremely Scaled 3-Dimensional Multiple-Gate Technologies for Terabit Era
Authors: Choi Yang-Kyu , Kim Kuk-Hwan , Han Jin-Woo , Ryu Seong-Wan , Lee Hyunjin
Published: April 2020

In order to make possible silicon-based, room-temperature operable devices having a feature size in the sub-5 nm range, an all-around gate FinFET having an extremely narrow gate-surrounded silicon fin with a floating body was proposed and fabricated. Sub-10 nm device issues such as
short channel effects, punchthrough, source/drain series resistance, gate misalignment, and hot-carrier injection were intensively studied and optimized for the sub-5 nm structure. The sub-5 nm all-around gate FinFET with 3 nm fin width and 1.2 nm EOT was demonstrated for the first time.
Enhanced Contrast of Electrochromic Full Cell Systems with Nanocrystalline PEDOT-Prussian Blue
Authors: Kang Joo-Hee , Paek Seung-Min , Choy Young Bin , Hwang Seong-Ju , Choy Jin-Ho
Published: April 2020

Poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is an ideal polymer for electrochromic (EC) devices due to its fast response time, high conductivity, and facile fabrication in a doped form except its demerit like an optical contrast limitation. In this study, we developed a simple way to
overcome low coloration efficiency of PEDOT through fabricating a complementary PEDOT and prussian blue full cell system. Fundamental properties of EC displays, such as optical contrast, coloration efficiency, and switching speed, could be successfully optimized by controlling the deposition
time and applied voltage during EDOT polymerization. In particular, UV transmittance spectra indicated that the optical contrast was enhanced up to 31∼99% at the wavelength of 600 nm. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the optimized PEDOT and prussian blue films were deposited
on ITO glass substrate with an uniform thickness of ∼180 nm and ∼190 nm, respectively. Moreover, according to the circuit analysis, the average response time of electric current for the optimized full cell system was about 400 ms. It is, therefore, concluded that such a full cell system
could have high potential applications as smart windows and/or optical devices.
Characteristics of Nanocomposite ZrO2/Al2O3 Films Deposited by Plasma-Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Yun Sun Jin , Lim Jung Wook , Kim Hyun-Tak
Published: April 2020

Nanocomposite ZrO2/Al2O3 (ZAO) films were deposited on Si by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition and the film characteristics including interfacial oxide formation, dielectric constant (k), and electrical breakdown strength were investigated
without post-annealing process. In both the mixed and nano-laminated ZAO films, the thickness of the interfacial oxide layer (TIL) was considerably reduced compared to ZrO2 and Al2O3 films. The TIL was 0.8 nm in nano-composite
films prepared at a mixing ratio (ZrO2:Al2O3) of 1:1. The breakdown strength and the leakage current level were greatly improved by adding Al2O3 as little as 7.9% compared to that of ZrO2 and were enhanced more with increasing
content of Al2O3. The k of ZrO2 and mixed ZAO (Al2O3 7.9%) films were 20.0 and 16.5, respectively. These results indicate that the addition of Al2O3 to ZrO2 greatly improves the electrical properties
with less cost of k compared to the addition of SiO2.
Lipid Nanocapsules for Intracellular Drug Delivery of Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Lacoeuille Franck , Garcion Emmanuel , Benoit Jean-Pierre , Lamprecht Alf
Published: April 2020

As non-phagocytic eukaryotic cells can internalize particles <1 μm in size, small size (25 to 110 nm) lipid nanocapsules (LNC) are proposed for the intracellular drug delivery of anticancer drugs to cancer cells. LNC ofdifferent diameters were loaded with etoposide or paclitaxel
and subsequently tested for drug release kinetics and their efficiency to reduce cancer cell growth in cell culture. Relative high drug loads could be achieved and sustained drug release can be provided over a period ofseveral days (etoposide) up to a few weeks (paclitaxel). While particle
size exhibited only minor influences on the release kinetics, higher initial drug load led to a distinctly lower burst release. In a cancer cell culture model, etoposide or paclitaxel LNC showed a 4-fold or 40-fold higher efficiency, respectively than the drug solution while blank LNC were
found to be less toxic than the pure drug at equivalent concentrations. The uptake and intracellular accumulation ofLNC was confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy after fluorescence labeling of the nanocarriers. This nanoparticulate system is able to achieve efficient intracellular
drug concentrations and seems to be therefore a promising therapeutic approach in cancer treatment.
Nanotechnological Medical Devices and Nanopharmaceuticals: The European Regulatory Framework and Research Needs
Authors: Rickerby D. G.
Published: April 2020

The European regulatory framework is examined in relation to nanotechnology based medical devices and medicinal products. Medical applications of nanotechnology will have to comply with the requirement for a high level of public health, safety, consumer, and environmental protection.
An evaluation of the possible health or environmental risks of nanoparticles must therefore be carried out and it is important to ensure that particle size and chemistry are taken into account when investigating possible adverse effects. Further research is needed on the toxicological and
ecotoxicological properties of nanoparticles, their uptake in the body, accumulation in tissues and organs, transport characteristics, exposure and dose-response data, and their distribution and persistence in the environment. The existing regulations appear adequate to manage the risks of
nanotechnology at its current stage of development but continuous review of the regulatory regime will be needed to determine whether it is sufficient to protect human health and the environment. Modification of the legislation may prove necessary as new scientific evidence emerges regarding
the effects of nanoparticles on living organisms and in the ecosystems.
Evaluating Precipitation Datasets Using Surface Water and Energy Budget Closure
Authors: Hobeichi Sanaa , Abramowitz Gab , Contractor Steefan , Evans Jason
Published: April 2020

Evaluation of global gridded precipitation datasets typically entails using the in situ or satellite-based data used to derive them, so that out-of-sample testing is usually not possible. Here we detail a methodology that incorporates the physical balance constraints of the surface water and energy budgets to evaluate gridded precipitation estimates, providing the capacity for out-of-sample testing. Performance conclusions are determined by the ability of precipitation products to achieve closure of the linked budgets using adjustments that are within their prescribed uncertainty bounds. We evaluate and compare five global gridded precipitation datasets: IMERG, GPCP, GPCC, REGEN, and MERRA-2. At the spatial level, we show that precipitation is best estimated by GPCC over the high latitudes, by GPCP over the tropics, and by REGEN over North Africa and the Middle East. IMERG and REGEN appear best over Australia and South Asia. Furthermore, our results give insight into the adequacy of prescribed uncertainties of these products and shows that MERRA-2, while being less competent than the other four products in estimating precipitation, has the best representation of uncertainties in its precipitation estimates. The spatial extent of our results is not only limited to grid cells with in situ observations. Therefore, the approach enables a robust evaluation of precipitation estimates and goes some way to addressing the challenge of validation over observation scarce regions.
Agreement between the Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life-Direct Weighting (SEIQoL-DW) interview and a paper-administered adaption
Authors: Burckhardt Marion , Fleischer Steffen , Berg Almuth
Published: April 2020

Background

The Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life-Direct Weighting (SEIQoL-DW) is a prevalent face-to-face interview method for measuring quality of life by integrating respondent-generated dimensions. To apply this method in clinical trials, a paper-administered alternative would be of interest. Therefore, our study aimed to analyze the agreement between the SEIQoL-DW and a paper questionnaire version (SEIQoL-PF/G).

Methods

In a crossover design, both measures were completed in a random sequence. 104 patients at a heart surgery hospital in Germany were randomly assigned to receive either the SEIQoL-DW or the SEIQoL-PF/G as the first measurement in the sequence. Patients were approached on their earliest stable day after surgery. The average time between both measurements was 1 day (mean 1.3; SD 0.8).

Agreement regarding the indices, ratings, and weightings of nominated life areas (cues) was explored using Bland-Altman plots with 95% limits of agreement (LoA). Agreement of the SEIQoL indices was defined as acceptable if the LoA did not exceed a threshold of 10 scale points. Data from n = 99 patients were included in the agreement analysis.

Results

Both measures led to similarly nominated cues. The most frequently nominated cues were “physical health” and “family”.

In the Bland-Altman plot, the indices showed a mean of differences of 2 points (95% CI, − 1 to 6). The upper LoA showed a difference of 36 points (95% CI, 30 to 42), and the lower LoA showed a difference of − 31 points (95% CI, − 37 to − 26). Thus, the LoAs and confidence intervals exceeded the predefined threshold. The Bland-Altman plots for the cue levels and cue weights showed similar results.

The SEIQoL-PF/G version showed a tendency for equal weighting of cues, while the weighting procedure of the SEIQoL-DW led to greater variability.

Conclusions

For cardiac surgery patients, use of the current version of the SEIQoL-PF/G as a substitute for the SEIQoL-DW is not recommended.

The current questionnaire weighting method seems to be unable to distinguish weighting for different cues. Therefore, the further design of a weighting method without interviewer support as a paper-administered measure of individual quality of life is desirable.
The impact of motivational interviewing on relapse to substance use among women in Iran: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Oveisi Sonia , Stein L. A. R. , Babaeepour Elham , Araban Marzieh
Published: April 2020

Background

Women in Iran are in great need of effective substance abuse services. The current study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) for women in treatment for drug use in Iran.

Method

The sample (N = 60) included women in a drug treatment center in Qazvin (Iran) from August to December of 2017. The research sample included 60 female drug users randomly assigned to MI or Standard Care (SC). Prior to randomization women completed a baseline questionnaire and the Relapse Prediction Scale (RPS), which measures desire (urge) to use and probability of using/not using in risky situations (self-efficacy). MI consisted of eight 60-min group sessions over a 1-month period, twice weekly. At 2-months follow-up, data were gathered using a questionnaire similar to baseline. Mixed Model Analysis were used to determine group differences.

Results

Mean age of participants was 30 years and average addiction duration was 7 years. Although the scores of the desire to use and the probability of drug use were not significant before the intervention, after the intervention, scores on desire to use and probability of use improved about 81.1% (F: 2230.15, P < 0.001, degrees of freedom: 63, 15) and 81.9%, (F: 749.39, P < 0.001, degrees of freedom: 79, 77), respectively, compared to those of control group.

Conclusion

The results showed that motivational interviewing could decrease desire to use and probability of use among female drug users. Motivational interviewing could play an important role in improving women’s health in Iran.

Trial registration

IRCT registration number: IRCT20140907019077N4

Registration date: 2017-12-12, 1396/09/21

Registration timing: registered_while_recruiting

Last update: 2017-12-12, 1396/09/21
Time trends and social security burden of temporary work disability due to chronic venous disease in Brazil
Authors: da Coelho Raissa M. , Nunes Marco A. P. , Gomes Cristiane V. C. , dos Viana Ilma S. , da Silva Ângela M.
Published: April 2020

Background

Chronic venous disease (CVD) and disability are worldwide problems and have significant socioeconomic implications. This study aims to analyze the time trends and social security burden of temporary work disability due to CVD in Brazil.

Methods

An ecological time series study using the Brazilian Social Security System database was performed from 2005 to 2014. Data from all benefits granted to workers with temporary disability due to CVD were analyzed. The cases were identified using diagnosis codes I83–I83.9 of the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10). The time trend analyses were performed by the Joinpoint Regression Model, with sex, age, regions, income, and category of affiliation as variables. Crude and age-standardized rates were calculated.

Results

A total of 429,438 benefits were granted for temporary work disability due to CVD from 2005 to 2014, with a growing trend and an age-standardized annual percent change (APC) of 3.4 (95% CI: 2.6–4.2) (p < 0.05). Social security expense increased 3.5-fold, and the number of days in benefit doubled from 2005 to 2014. In total, 27,017,818 working days were lost. The average duration of benefits was 55.3 days. The majority of workers were women (68.2%) (p < 0.001), between 30 and 59 years old, employed, had a monthly income ≤2 minimum wages (MW) (83.2%), and lived in the regions southeast (53.6%) and south (29.3%). Significantly higher APCs were observed for women than for men (APC: 4.9, 95% CI: 4.0–5.7 versus APC: 1.2, 95% CI: 0.1–2.4). All regions in Brazil had a significant growing trend, except in the north. No significant growth was observed in the age group of 60–69 years. A decreasing trend was observed in workers with monthly incomes above 2 MW (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Temporary work disability due to CVD and social security burden showed increasing trends with millions of working days lost, particularly among women and low-income workers. Preventing disability is challenging, and public policies are needed to reduce the social and economic impact of disability. Therefore, measures for promoting health at the workplace should be encouraged.
A recombinant antibody toolbox for Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Lima Wanessa C. , Hammel Philippe , Cosson Pierre
Published: April 2020

Objective

The amoebaDictyostelium discoideumhas been a valuable model organism to study numerous facets of eukaryotic cell biology, such as cell motility, cell adhesion, macropinocytosis and phagocytosis, host–pathogen interactions and multicellular development. However, the relative small size of theDictyosteliumcommunity hampers the production and distribution of reagents and tools, such as antibodies, by commercial vendors.

Results

For the past 5 years, our laboratory has worked to promote an increased use of recombinant antibodies (rAbs) by academic laboratories. Here we report our efforts to ensure thatDictyosteliumresearchers have access to rAbs. Using hybridoma sequencing and phage display techniques, we generated a panel of recombinant antibodies againstD. discoideumantigens, providing a useful and reliable set of reagents for labelling and characterization of proteins and subcellular compartments inD. discoideum, accessible to the entireDictyosteliumcommunity.
Deep learning-driven wireless communication for edge-cloud computing: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Wu Huaming , Li Xiangyi , Deng Yingjun
Published: April 2020

Future wireless communications are becoming increasingly complex with different radio access technologies, transmission backhauls, and network slices, and they play an important role in the emerging edge computing paradigm, which aims to reduce the wireless transmission latency between end-users and edge clouds. Deep learning techniques, which have already demonstrated overwhelming advantages in a wide range of internet of things (IoT) applications, show significant promise for solving such complicated real-world scenarios. Although the convergence of radio access networks and deep learning is still in the preliminary exploration stage, it has already attracted tremendous concern from both academia and industry. To address emerging theoretical and practical issues, ranging from basic concepts to research directions in future wireless networking applications and architectures, this paper mainly reviews the latest research progress and major technological deployment of deep learning in the development of wireless communications. We highlight the intuitions and key technologies of deep learning-driven wireless communication from the aspects of end-to-end communication, signal detection, channel estimation and compression sensing, encoding and decoding, and security and privacy. Main challenges, potential opportunities and future trends in incorporating deep learning schemes in wireless communications environments are further illustrated.
Facilitating the conservation treatment of Eva Hesse’s Addendum through practice-based research, including a comparative evaluation of novel cleaning systems
Authors: Bartoletti Angelica , Maor Tamar , Chelazzi David , Bonelli Nicole , Baglioni Piero , Angelova Lora V. , Ormsby Bronwyn A.
Published: April 2020

This paper describes the methodology and practice-based research underpinning the development of a successful cleaning strategy for Eva Hesse’s sculpture Addendum (1967, Tate Collection T02394). Research strands included: technical and art historical investigations to determine the materials and construction of the work of art and to define the aims of the conservation treatment; the production, soiling and accelerated ageing of mock-up samples using contemporary equivalent materials; and the systematic, iterative evaluation of soiling removal systems, which were further refined for appropriate use on the work of art. The comparative cleaning system evaluation was employed to determine options which offered optimal soiling removal efficacy and posed minimal risk to the work of art. Newly developed Nanorestore Gel® Peggy series (i.e. polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVA/PVP)-based hydrogels), designed for the cleaning of modern and contemporary art, were evaluated with a range of other gels, emulsifiers and cosmetic sponges and assessed through a combination of empirical observation, microscopy and spectroscopic techniques. Promising options, combined with tailored aqueous phases derived from trials on mock-up samples, were then evaluated on discreet areas of the sculpture. After extensive testing, the top papier mâché section of Addendum was surface cleaned using an aqueous solution applied with cosmetic sponges, and the ropes were surface cleaned using a modified version of Nanorestore Gel® Peggy 5 (PVA/PVP) loaded with a tailored aqueous solution. The optimisation of this hydrogel, combined with the extensive supporting research, enabled the successful, low-risk, conservation treatment of Addendum for the first time since acquisition.
Is Sub-Saharan Africa prepared for COVID-19?
Authors: Nuwagira Edwin , Muzoora Conrad
Published: April 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is the latest virus to cause global health panic. Due to the rapidly escalating numbers of new infections outside China, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020, in a message delivered by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General [1]. As of March 21, about 166 countries globally had recoded cases of the COVID-19 in only 4 months since its outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China [2, 3]. With the Antarctic continent unaffected, Africa, in particular Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), has recorded the least number of cases, despite the cited moderate-to-high risk of infection [4]. The biggest challenge is whether Sub-Saharan Africa is ready for this pandemic.
Perioperative temperature monitoring in general and neuraxial anesthesia: a survey study
Authors: Yüksek Ahmet , Talih Gamze , Kantekin Cigdem Unal , Yardımcı Cevdet
Published: April 2020

Background

Perioperative hypothermia is an unintended decrease in the core temperature of patients. Hypothermia has many proven complications. The aim of this study is to investigate the perioperative temperature monitoring rates and the difficulties encountered during monitoring, particularly in patients undergoing neuraxial anesthesia.

Methods

Two hundred anesthesiologists were included in the study who work in Turkey and actively work in an operating room. A questionnaire was applied to the participants via printed form or e-mail.

Results

In Turkey, the overall temperature monitoring ratio was measured as 5.5%. Temperature monitoring was the most frequently used for cardiovascular surgery patients group. In neuraxial anesthesia, temperature monitoring was only 1.5%. The most common reason for not using a temperature monitor was the lack of appropriate equipment (45%). The most common temperature monitoring area was the axillary zone (48%).

Conclusion

Participants were aware of the importance of temperature monitoring but concluded that it was not sufficient in practice. Where and how to measure core temperature in awake patients is a controversial issue. Furthermore, the accuracy of measurements in neuraxial anesthesia should be discussed. Interestingly, raising awareness about this issue was not effective in the resolution of the problem. Still, in order to keep this issue up to date, the importance of perioperative temperature monitoring should be emphasized more frequently in anesthesia meetings and education programs.
Cestocidal effects of Balanites aegyptiaca fruits’ methanolic extract on the adult Dipylidium caninum
Authors: Shalaby Hatem A. , Kandil Omnia M. , Hassan Noha M. , Helal Mohamed A.
Published: April 2020

Background

The persistent problem of canine infection with Dipylidium caninum, in spite of the wide accessibility of drugs proposed essentially to kill cestodes, recommends the need to discover other effective alternative therapy. The present study aimed to explore the role of Balanites aegyptiaca fruits against the adult D. caninum, and whether its methanolic extract had any effect on the tegument of adult cestode which is essential for the protective function, following 12- and 24-h incubation in vitro. The tegumental alterations were assessed by using both light and scanning electron microscopic studies.

Results

The Balanites extract exhibited cestocidal effect in vitro on D. caninum, and the tegument of the adult worm appeared to be its primary target. This finding was supported by differences in extract response depending on the exposure period. After 12-h incubation in vitro with Balanites extract, the tegumental changes concerned the scolex other than the proglottides, while by 24-h incubation, the changes in the adult cestodes concerned the whole body surface.

Conclusion

The tegumental distortion appeared to be the main changes induced by treatment with the tested extract. This alteration would obviously disrupt the protective function of the tegument and facilitate expelling of the adult cestode from the dog’s intestine.
Socioeconomic Factors Associated With Burnout Among Oncology Trainees
Authors: Ahmed Awad A. , Ramey Stephen J. , Dean Mary K. , Takita Cristiane , Schwartz David , Wilson Lynn D. , Vapiwala Neha , Thomas Charles R. , Shanafelt Tait D. , Deville Curtiland , Jagsi Reshma , Holliday Emma
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE:

Burnout in the medical workforce leads to early retirement, absenteeism, career changes, financial losses for medical institutions, and adverse outcomes for patients. Recent literature has explored burnout in different specialties of medicine. This article examines burnout among medical oncology trainees and identifies factors associated with burnout and professional dissatisfaction, including socioeconomic factors.

METHODS:

US medical oncology programs were sent a survey that included the Maslach Burnout Index–Human Services Survey as well as demographic, socioeconomic, and program-specific questions tailored to medical oncology fellowship. Primary binary end points included burnout, satisfaction with being a physician, and satisfaction with being a medical oncologist. Binomial logistic models determined associations between various characteristics and end points.

RESULTS:

Overall, 261 US fellows completed the survey. Seventy percent of international medical graduates reported no educational debt, whereas only 36% of US graduates reported no educational debt. Eighty-two percent of survey respondents reported their mother had at least a bachelor’s degree, and 87% of respondents reported their father had at least a bachelor’s degree. At least 27% of respondents had symptoms of burnout. Factors inversely associated with burnout on multivariable analysis included having a mother who graduated college (odds ratio [OR], 0.27), reporting an adequate perceived balance between work and personal life (OR, 0.22), feeling that faculty care about educational success (OR, 0.16), and being in the final year of training (OR, 0.45). Having debt ≥ $150,000 (OR, 2.14) was directly associated with burnout.

CONCLUSION:

Symptoms of burnout are common among medical oncology fellows and are associated with educational debt and socioeconomic factors.
Muscle Oxidative Capacity Is Reduced in Both Upper and Lower Limbs in COPD
Authors: ADAMI ALESSANDRA , CORVINO ROGERIO B. , CALMELAT ROBERT A. , PORSZASZ JANOS , CASABURI RICHARD , ROSSITER HARRY B.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Skeletal muscle atrophy, weakness, mitochondrial loss, and dysfunction are characteristics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It remains unclear whether muscle dysfunction occurs in both upper and lower limbs, because findings are inconsistent in the few studies where upper and lower limb muscle performance properties were compared within an individual. This study determined whether muscle oxidative capacity is low in upper and lower limbs of COPD patients compared with controls.

Methods

Oxidative capacity of the forearm and medial gastrocnemius was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy to determine the muscle O2 consumption recovery rate constant (k, min−1) in 20 COPD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2/3/4, n = 7/7/6) and 20 smokers with normal spirometry (CON). Muscle k is linearly proportional to oxidative capacity. Steps per day and vector magnitude units per minute (VMU·min−1) were assessed using triaxial accelerometry. Differences between group and limb were assessed by two-way ANOVA.

Results

There was a significant main effect of group (F = 11.2, ηp
2 = 0.13, P = 0.001): k was lower in both upper and lower limb muscles in COPD (1.01 ± 0.17 and 1.05 ± 0.24 min−1) compared with CON (1.29 ± 0.49 and 1.54 ± 0.60 min−1). There was no effect on k of limb (F = 1.8, ηp
2 = 0.02, P = 0.18) or group–limb interaction (P = 0.35). (VMU·min−1) was significantly lower in COPD (−38%; P = 0.042). Steps per day did not differ between COPD (4738 ± 3194) and CON (6372 ± 2107; P = 0.286), although the difference exceeded a clinically important threshold (>600–1100 steps per day).

Conclusions

Compared with CON, muscle oxidative capacity was lower in COPD in both upper (−20%) and lower (−30%) limbs. These data suggest that mitochondrial loss in COPD is not isolated to locomotor muscles.
A Stochastic Analysis of Queues with Customer Choice and Delayed Information
Authors: Pender Jamol , Rand Richard , Wesson Elizabeth
Published: April 2020

Many service systems provide queue length information to customers, thereby allowing customers to choose among many options of service. However, queue length information is often delayed, and it is often not provided in real time. Recent work by Dong et al. [Dong J, Yom-Tov E, Yom-Tov GB (2018) The impact of delay announcements on hospital network coordination and waiting times. Management Sci. 65(5):1969–1994.] explores the impact of these delays in an empirical study in U.S. hospitals. Work by Pender et al. [Pender J, Rand RH, Wesson E (2017) Queues with choice via delay differential equations. Internat. J. Bifurcation Chaos Appl. Sci. Engrg. 27(4):1730016-1–1730016-20.] uses a two-dimensional fluid model to study the impact of delayed information and determine the exact threshold under which delayed information can cause oscillations in the dynamics of the queue length. In this work, we confirm that the fluid model analyzed by Pender et al. [Pender J, Rand RH, Wesson E (2017) Queues with choice via delay differential equations. Internat. J. Bifurcation Chaos Appl. Sci. Engrg. 27(4):1730016-1–1730016-20.] can be rigorously obtained as a functional law of large numbers limit of a stochastic queueing process, and we generalize their threshold analysis to arbitrary dimensions. Moreover, we prove a functional central limit theorem for the queue length process and show that the scaled queue length converges to a stochastic delay differential equation. Thus, our analysis sheds new insight on how delayed information can produce unexpected system dynamics.
Palliative care knowledge and self-awareness in active and observing undergraduate nursing students after end-of-life simulation
Authors: Kirkpatrick Amanda J , Cantrell Mary Ann , Smeltzer Suzanne C
Published: April 2020

Aim:

The purpose of this quasi-experimental one-group repeated measure (pre-test/post-test) study was to determine the effect of an end-of-life (EoL) simulation-based experience (SBE) on active and observer nursing students' palliative care knowledge and self-awareness.

Background:

Baccalaureate nursing (BSN) graduates must demonstrate competence in EoL care; however, gaining EoL experience is challenging given constraints on nursing faculty and clinical sites. Research also is needed to determine whether similar outcomes are achieved by active and observer participants after EoL SBE.

Method:

Senior-level BSN students' palliative care knowledge and self-awareness of active and observer participants were measured before and after an EoL SBE.

Results:

Knowledge and self-awareness increased (P<0.001) post-SBE in all participants, with equivalent post-test scores (P≥0.248) for active (Mattitude=130.1; Mknowledge=80.5) and observer (Mattitude=128.3; Mknowledge=77.9) participants.

Conclusion:

EoL SBE is an effective method for increasing student palliative care competence. Student observers benefit as much as active participants on knowledge and self-awareness outcomes.
Sensitive and broadband measurement of dispersion in a cavity using a Fourier transform spectrometer with kHz resolution: erratum
Authors: Rutkowski Lucile , Johansson Alexandra C. , Zhao Gang , Hausmaninger Thomas , Khodabakhsh Amir , Axner Ove , Foltynowicz Aleksandra
Published: April 2020

We correct the values of the group delay dispersion of the cavity mirrors and N2, as well as the concentration of CO2, obtained from the measurement of the center frequencies of cavity modes using a comb-based Fourier transform spectrometer. The corrected values of group delay dispersion are a factor of 3 higher, which implies that the precision and accuracy of the dispersion measurements is 0.3 fs2 and 3 fs2, respectively.
Coenzyme Q10 coadministration with diclofenac augmented impaired renal function in broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)
Authors: Albadrany Yasser , Naser Ahmed
Published: April 2020

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of coenzyme Q10 (COQ10) and diclofenac coadministration on the hepatorenal function in broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus).

Materials and Methods: Birds (21 days old) were divided into six groups of eight birds each. The 1st group was the control, the 2nd group was treated orally with COQ10 (30 mg/kg b.wt), the 3rd and 4th groups were treated intraperitoneally with diclofenac sodium at doses 1 and 2 mg/kg b.wt, respectively, and the 5th and 6th groups were treated with COQ10 (dose 30 mg/kg b.wt, P.O.) and diclofenac sodium (dose 1 mg/kg b.wt, I.P.) and COQ10 (dose 30 mg/kg b.wt, P.O.) and diclofenac sodium (dose 2 mg/kg b.wt, I.P.), respectively. The experiment lasted 5 days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, all the birds were sacrificed through cervical dislocation; blood samples were collected for serum biochemical analysis.

Results: COQ10 induced a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, and chloride, while diclofenac induced a significant increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), AST, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, and chloride. However, when COQ10 and diclofenac were coadministered, we observed that COQ10 decreased the liver injury caused by diclofenac. However, COQ10 could not relieve the kidney injury caused by diclofenac, but worsened the impaired renal function.

Conclusion: COQ10 protects the liver against diclofenac-induced liver injury while augmenting diclofenac-induced kidney injury.
On the Problem of the Functioning of the Phrase “Terrorist Activity” in Media Texts
Authors: Trofimova Galina
Published: April 2020

The article is concerned with the study of the problem of meaning in journalistic texts in the situation of the origination and functioning of the phrase “terrorist activity”. Based on research in the field of terminology, semantics and lexicology, the author implements a detailed lexico-semantic, word-formation and stylistic analysis of this phrase, then considers it with specific examples from media texts and supplements the study with the data from the survey on the perception and understanding of phrase in the mass audience. As a result, the author comes to the conclusion that the formation of the phrase “terrorist activity” and its functioning in media texts occurs spontaneously and leads to erosion of the clarity and unambiguity of meaning. Analyzing relevant examples, the author shows that the frequency of use of this phrase in journalistic texts covering the hot events of socio-political life contributes to the fact that it acquires the character of a set phrase, but the semantic nuances leave room for misunderstanding, which complicates conducting linguistic examination of such texts . The author emphasizes that in this way the media have a significant impact on modern terminological processes, form a group of pseudo-terms that do not answer the main features of the term as a lexical unit of language, but claim a terminological role in the journalistic text.
GLOBALIZATION MEASUREMENT OF NATIONAL SECURITY RUSSIA IN THE XXI CENTURY (THE CRITICAL ANALYSIS)
Authors: Shalaev Vladimir P.
Published: April 2020

The article examines critically the phenomenon of modern globalization. Globalization is considered as the process of Westernification – inculcation of Western civilizational and cultural forms of identity in non-Western countries and peoples and replacement of traditional historically formed identities of these countries and peoples with them. The primary focus is on the issue of national security of countries and peoples faced with the threats of “westernified” globalization, and related new economic order and global consumer society. Globalization is interpreted by the author first of all as economic process, objectifying and subordinating all other aspects of life of countries and peoples, destroying historically established traditional social institutions and replacing them by ersatz (artificial constructions alienated from individuals). Special attention is made to the analysis of the position of Russia in a globalized world. The author suggests his own definition of the “national security” notion and reveals its content. General nationwide interests and specific tasks of national security of Russia under new global economic order are clarified. It is shown that the strategy of excessive openness of Russia for globalization influences during the perestroika years provoked destructive social consequences, especially for traditional social institutions of the Russian society. The need for rational, open-close type strategy for sustainable development of Russia is justified.
POLITICAL STEREOTYPES IN THE MEDIA AND ELECTORAL MOOD OF THE MURMANSK REGION PEOPLE
Authors: Karickaia Lada J.
Published: April 2020

The article analyzes the impact on the population of political stereotypes formed by two leading media in the Murmansk region on the eve of the election. Using of content analysis, the author describes the main stereotypes functioning in the pre-election texts of the media and political advertising. Conclusions testify to the changing perceptions of voters about elections, and the stereotypes extracted from the media paint a strange and contradictory situation.
Domestic Pigeons As A Potential Hazzard For Transmission Of Some Human Protozoan Parasites
Authors: Khalifa Refaat M.A. , Hassan Abdallah A.E. , Arafa Mohsen I. , Eldeek Hanan E. M. , Mahmoud Wafaa G.
Published: April 2020

Domestic pigeons (Columba liviadomestica) of the order Columbiformes are ubiquitous birds and can be found in virtually every town and city around the globe. Their interaction with humans and domestic animals and wild birds makes them a potential carrier of zoonotic parasites. The present study aimed to detect the prevalence of different zoonotic protozoans that affect different-aged domestic pigeons in different localities in Assiut Governorate, Egypt. A total of 50 fecal samples from 20 young and 30 adult pigeons were collected and examined for identification and estimation of prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp. and Microsporidium sp. using modified Kinyoun acid-fast stain. For detection of the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, serum samples from 50 pigeons were examined serologically for the presence of Toxoplasma antibodies by using Latex Agglutination test. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp. infection was 20%; 6.7% in adult pigeons and 40 % in young pigeons while that of Microsporidium sp. was 40% both in adult and young pigeons. Mixed infection was detected in only two young pigeons (10%). Regarding Toxoplasma gondii detection, the number of seropositive cases detected by LAT was 29 out of 50 (58%). The positive agglutination titers, among 14 (48.27%) seropositive pigeons ranged between 1:2 -1:128. It was concluded that domestic pigeons may be considered as a reservoir host for Cryptosporidium, Microsporidium, and Toxoplasmagondii human infection which represents a serious human public health problem especially for high risk groups of population living in the same dwellings with pigeons. Moreover, the present pilot results provide a baseline data for planning future researches and control strategies against domestic pigeon's parasites.
Incidence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Zebu and N’dama Breeds from Cattle Ranches in Jos Plateau, Nigeria
Authors: Abraham Dogo G. , Chukwuemeka Arinze S. , Omagbe Oshadu David
Published: April 2020

The incidence of gastrointestinal parasites in Zebu and N’dama breeds known to be trypanotolerant cattle from some ranches in Jos Plateau was investigated at the peak of the raining season, August to October, 2018. A total of 150 cattle from some Ranches in Jos Plateau were randomly selected for faecal sampling out of which 85 were Zebu (Bos indicus) and 65 were N’dama (Bos taurus) breeds respectively. The samples were analyzed for ova of gastrointestinal parasites using the simple flotation and sedimentation techniques and the results were interesting. The strongyloids, Oesophagostomumradiatum had the highest incidence of 4.7% followed by the Trichostrongylus species with 4%. Fasciolagigantica and Haemonchusplacei both were 3.3%. Then Paramphistomumcervi 2%; bovine hook worm, Bunostomumphlebotomum 1.3%, Taenia saginata1.3%, Schistosoma bovis 1.3% and Nematodirusspathiger 0.7%. The incidence of nematodes, cestodes and trematodes in this study in the raining season was significant (p<0.05) and could pose production and economic threat to institutional farms and ranches in the development of livestock and dairy industries in Nigeria. There should be a strong policy on the control of gastrointestinal parasites in the country for farmers to benefit from their contribution in ensuring food security.
3D Printable Device for Automated Operant Conditioning in the Mouse
Authors: Mazziotti Raffaele , Sagona Giulia , Lupori Leonardo , Martini Virginia , Pizzorusso Tommaso
Published: April 2020

Operant conditioning (OC) is a classical paradigm and a standard technique used in experimental psychology in which animals learn to perform an action to achieve a reward. By using this paradigm, it is possible to extract learning curves and measure accurately reaction times (RTs). Both these measurements are proxy of cognitive capabilities and can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions in mouse models of disease. Here, we describe a fully 3D printable device that is able to perform OC on freely moving mice, while performing real-time tracking of the animal position. We successfully trained six mice, showing stereotyped learning curves that are highly reproducible across mice and reaching >70% of accuracy after 2 d of conditioning. Different products for OC are commercially available, though most of them do not provide customizable features and are relatively expensive. This data demonstrate that this system is a valuable alternative to available state-of-the-art commercial devices, representing a good balance between performance, cost, and versatility in its use.