bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indagine osservazionale prospettica per la rilevazione del nursing workload in una unità di cure intensive pediatriche
Authors: D'Auria A. , Gargiulo G. , Perrone M. , Lanzuise A. , Rea T. , Carbone C.
Published: October 2018

Introduction: Determination of nursing staffing is a problem for managers in all care settings. In addition, the association between reduced nursing staffing and increased frequency of negative patient outcomes is widely demonstrated. A correct assessment of the load and the complexity of the assistance would allow a proper allocation of resources and provision of more efficient treatments. In the paediatric critical area, the remarkable instability of hospitalised patients represents the main challenge to the correct rationalisation of resources. The purpose of the survey was to describe the nursing workload in a Pediatric Resuscitation Unit using the adapted Nursing Activity Score. Method: Monocentric prospective observational study with non-probability convenience sampling conducted from 1 September to 31 October 2015. For the detection of information, the “Nursing Activities Score” (NAS) was used. For each observation day, the median of the hospitalised patients was calculated and for each average the number of nursing units needed in turn was calculated using the formula: (NAS/100) * N (number of beds occupied daily). Results: indicators of effectiveness and efficiency were calculated, such as the average hospitalisation, the employment rate, the bed rotation index and the turn-over interval, respectively equal to 8.09, 56.42%, 0.23 and 6.25. The score allowed to evaluate the variation of the nursing workload in relation to the entry diagnosis. Approximately 25% of the patients determined a “high” care load, a fifth of the patients a “low” care complexity while 4% – which also included the deaths – is attributable to the “very high” complexity category. Conclusions: Quality health care cannot be separated from correct allocation of personnel. The correct determination of nursing staffing allows the provision of effective and efficient treatments. The paediatric area is still without specific validation tools. Identifying and implementing the use of tools that can correctly determine staffing can influence economic choices without compromising quality of care.
The Risk of Infection Human Papilloma Virus Infection in Acceptors of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Contraceptions
Authors: Aras Baharuddin , Tahir Mardiah , Arifuddin Sharvianty , Hartono Eddy , Chalid Maisuri T.
Published: October 2018

Objective: Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer inwomen around the world and the most common cancer in womencausing death. This study aims to analyze the connection betweeninfection of human papilloma virus (HPV) 16/18 and cervicalchanges in the acceptors of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate(DMPA) Contraceptions and nonacceptors of Depot MedroxyprogesteroneAcetate (DMPA) Contraceptions.Methods: The research was conducted at the Public ServiceInstitution of Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo hospital, and privatemidwife clinics for seven months from December 2015 to June 2016.The research design is cross-sectional with. The samples were fortyacceptors of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA) and fortynon-acceptors of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA)contraception. Prevalence of HPV 16/18 and cervical cytologychanges were examine using the polymerase chain reaction andliquid base cervical cytology.Results: The results showed there was no significant relationshipbetween long-term use of DMPA contraceptives with HPV 16 and 18.There was no significant relationship between long-term use ofDMPA contraceptives with cervical cytology changes. There was nosignificant relationship between HPV 16 and 18 infections with theoccurrence of cervical cytology changes in long-term use of DMPAcontraceptives.Conclusion: The long-term use of DMPA contraceptive does notincrease the risk of HPV 16 and 18 infections. Also does not causecervical cytology changes that lead to cervical malignancy.Keywords: cervical cytology changes, Depot MedroxyprogesteroneAcetate (DMPA) contraception, HPV 16/18 infection
Vaginal Delivery in Placental Abruption
Authors: Adjie JM Seno , Ghazali M Farid , Khusen Denny
Published: October 2018

Objective: To describe the case of vaginal delivery in placental abruption.

 

Methods: A case report

 

Results: In the case of placental abruption, we could perform vaginal delivery.

 

Conclusion: The treatment of placental abruption can be vaginally or by cesarean section depending on the severity of disease, gestational age, and state of the mother and fetus.

Keywords: IUFD, placental abruption, vaginal delivery
Lidocaine Prilocaine Cream versus LidocaineHCL Injection for Pain Relief during Second Degree of Perineal Tear Suturing after Vaginal Delivery: A Comparative Study
Authors: Rahmawati Rahmawati , Lotisna David , Abdullah Nusratuddin , Chalid Maisuri T , Tessy Telly
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Objective : To compare the effectiveness of topically applied lidocaine-prilocaine cream with lidocaine-HCl injection in the reduction of pain during second degree of perineal tear suturing after vaginal delivery.

Methods : One hundred and twenty-four of women with second degree of perineal tear after vaginal delivery were enrolled in this randomized clinical trial. Women were assigned randomly to have either application of lidocaine-prilocaine cream (n=62) or local injection of lidocaine-HCl (n=62) for anesthetic during perineal suturing. Pain measured with viasual analog scale (VAS) for the first 5 minutes during the perineal suturing. Statistical analysis was performed by comparative analytic numerical unpaired with independent t test between the two groups and significance was assessed at p<0.05. Data were presented as mean Â± standard deviation (SD).

Results : There was no significantly different of pain score between lidocaine-prilocaine cream and lidocaine-HCl injection group (5.66Â±1.07 vs 5.56Â±1.5; p=0.473).

Conclusion : Application of lidocaine-prolicaine cream as effective as injection of lidocaine for reducing pain during second degree of perineal tear suturing after vaginal delivery.

Keywords : Lidocaine-prilocaine cream, lidocaine-HCl injection, pain, perineal suturing, vaginal delivery

 

 

Abstrak

Tujuan: Untuk membandingkan efektivitas antara lidokain-prilokain topikal dan lidokain-HCl injeksi dalam mengurangi nyeri selama penjahitan luka perineum tingkat dua setelah persalinan normal.

Metode: Seratus dua puluh empat perempuan dengan robekan perineum tingkat dua postpartum pervaginam mengikuti uji coba klinis secara acak ini. Enam puluh dua perempuan (n=62) menggunakan lidokain-prilokain topikal dan 62 perempuan lainnya (n=62) menggunakan injeksi lokal lidokain-HCl untuk anestesi selama penjahitan perineum. Nyeri diukur dengan visual analog scale (VAS) untuk 5 menit pertama selama penjahitan perineum. Analisis statistik dilakukan dengan uji numerik komparatif tidak berpasangan dengan uji t independen antara kedua kelompok dengan tingkat kemaknaan p<0,05. Data disajikan sebagai rerata Â± standar deviasi (SD).

Hasil: Tidak terdapat perbedaan signifikan skor nyeri antara kelompok  lidokain-prilokain topikal dan kelompok injeksi lidokain-HCl (5,66 Â± 1,07 vs 5,56 Â± 1,5; p = 0,473).

Kesimpulan : Efektifitas lidokain-prolikain topikal untuk mengurangi nyeri sama dengan injeksi lidokain-HCl selama penjahitan robekan perineum tingkat dua postpartum pervaginam.

Kata kunci : Lidokain-prolikain topical, lidokain-HCl injeksi, nyeri, penjahitan perineum, persalinan normal
INDEX
Authors: Hestiantoro Andon
Published: October 2018

n/a
Linear programming method to construct equated item sets for the implementation of periodical computer-based testing for the Korean Medical Licensing Examination
Authors: Seo Dong Gi , Kim Myeong Gi , Kim Na Hui , Shin Hye Sook , Kim Hyun Jung
Published: October 2018

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the best way of developing equivalent item sets and to propose a stable and effective management plan for periodical licensing examinations. Methods: Five pre-equated item sets were developed based on the predicted correct answer rate of each item using linear programming. These pre-equated item sets were compared to the ones that were developed with a random item selection method based on the actual correct answer rate (ACAR) and difficulty from item response theory (IRT). The results with and without common items were also compared in the same way. ACAR and the IRT difficulty were used to determine whether there was a significant difference between the pre-equating conditions. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in IRT difficulty among the results from different pre-equated conditions. The predicted correct answer rate was divided using 2 or 3 difficulty categories, and the ACAR and IRT difficulty parameters of the 5 item sets were equally constructed. Comparing the item set conditions with and without common items, including common items did not make a significant contribution to the equating of the 5 item sets. Conclusion: This study suggested that the linear programming method is applicable to construct equated-item sets that reflect each content area. The suggested best method to construct equated item sets is to divide the predicted correct answer rate using 2 or 3 difficulty categories, regardless of common items. If pre-equated item sets are required to construct a test based on the actual data, several methods should be considered by simulation studies to determine which is optimal before administering a real test.
Investigating Home Range, Movement Pattern, and Habitat Selection of Bar-headed Geese during Breeding Season at Qinghai Lake, China
Authors: Zheng Ruobing , Smith Lacy , Prosser Diann , Takekawa John , Newman Scott , Sullivan Jeffery , Luo Ze , Yan Baoping
Published: October 2018

The Bar-headed Goose is the only true goose species or Anserinae to migrate solely within the Central Asian Flyway, and thus, it is an ideal species for observing the effects of both land use and climate change throughout the flyway. In this paper, we investigate the home range, movement pattern, and habitat selection of Bar-headed Geese (Anser indicus) during the breeding season at Qinghai Lake, which is one of their largest breeding areas and a major migration staging area in the flyway. We identified several areas used by the geese during the breeding season along the shoreline of Qinghai Lake and found that most geese had more than one core use area and daily movements that provided insight into their breeding activity. We also observed the intensive use of specific wetlands and habitats near Qinghai Lake. These data provide interesting insights into the movement ecology of this important species and also provide critical information for managers seeking to understand and respond to conservation concerns threatening Bar-headed Geese, such as landscape and habitat changes.
Improved Human Detection with a Fusion of Laser Scanner and Vision/Infrared Information for Mobile Applications
Authors: Budzan Sebastian , Wyżgolik Roman , Ilewicz Witold
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a method for human detection using a laser scanner with vision or infrared images. Mobile applications require reliable and efficient methods for human detection, especially as a part of driver assistance systems, including pedestrian collision systems. The authors propose an efficient method for multimodal human detection based on a combination of the features and context information. Strictly, the human is detected in the vision/infrared images using a combination of local binary patterns and histogram of oriented gradients features with a neural network in a cascade manner. Next, using coordinates of detected humans from the vision system, the moving trajectory is predicted until the scanner working distance is reached by the individual human. Then the segmentation of data from the laser scanner is further carried out with respect to the predicted trajectory. Finally, human detection in the laser scanner working distance is performed based on modelling of the human legs. The modelling is based on the adaptive breakpoint detection algorithm and proposed improved polylines definition and fitting algorithm. The authors conducted a set of experiments in predefined scenarios, discussed the identified weakness and advantages of the proposed method, and outlined detailed future work, especially for night-time and low-light conditions.
Impact of Combination Therapy with Ezetimibe/Simvastatin Treatment on the Neointimal Response to Biodegradable Polymer Biolimus-Eluting Stent Implantation in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: Serial Assessment with Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Kim Yongcheol , Hong Young Joon , Kim Sang Wook , Kim Min Chul , Sim Doo Sun , Kim Ju Han , Ahn Youngkeun , Jeong Myung Ho
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to compare the neointimal response at 12-month follow-up between ezetimibe/simvastatin (Vytorin, manufactured by Merck) 10/10 mg and Vytorin 10/40 mg after biodegradable polymer Biolimus-eluting stent (BP-BES) implantation in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A total of 20 patients requiring revascularization were randomly assigned to receive either Vytorin 10/10 mg (n = 9) or Vytorin 10/40 mg (n = 11). Baseline optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed after stent implantation, and follow-up OCT was scheduled at 12 months. We performed follow-up OCT in 18 patients (Vytorin 10/10 mg (n = 9) or Vytorin 10/40 mg (n = 9)). A total of 842 frames and 8552 struts were analyzed at initial and follow-up OCT. At follow-up, the percentage of uncovered struts was not significantly different between both groups (6.61 ± 10.29% vs. 7.57 ± 6.45%, p = 0.815). The percentage of malapposed struts was also similar between both groups (0.69 ± 1.58% vs. 1.55 ± 2.72%, respectively, p = 0.422). Mean percent neointimal hyperplasia area was not significantly different between both groups (6.53 ± 3.26% vs. 6.37 ± 8.96%, p = 0.961). This OCT study showed that both high- and moderate-intensity dosing of Vytorin was associated with relatively lower percentages of uncovered struts and malapposed struts after Biolimus A9-eluting stent implantation in patients with AMI.
Catabolic Fingerprinting and Diversity of Bacteria in Mollic Gleysol Contaminated with Petroleum Substances
Authors: Wolińska Agnieszka , Gałązka Anna , Kuźniar Agnieszka , Goraj Weronika , Jastrzębska Natalia , Grządziel Jarosław , Stępniewska Zofia
Published: October 2018

This study focused on the determination of both catabolic and genetic fingerprinting of bacteria inhabiting soil contaminated with car fuels. A surface layer (0–20 cm) of Mollic Gleysol was used for the experiment and was contaminated with car fuels—unleaded 95-octane petrol and diesel at a dose of 15 g per 10 g of soil. The experiment lasted 42 days and was performed at 20 °C. The metabolic potential of soil bacterial communities was evaluated using the Biolog EcoPlate system. The results demonstrated that petroleum substances influenced the structure of the microbial populations and their catabolic activity. The Arthrobacter, Paenibacillus, and Pseudomonas genera were found in diesel-contaminated soil, whilst Bacillus and Microbacterium were found in petrol-contaminated soil. Rhodococcus species were identified in both variants of impurities, suggesting the widest capability of car fuel degradation by this bacterial genus. The contamination with unleaded 95-octane petrol caused rapid inhibition of the metabolic activity of soil bacteria in contrast to the diesel treatment, where high metabolic activity of bacteria was observed until the end of the incubation period. Higher toxicity of petrol in comparison with diesel car fuel was evidenced.
Modeling of Structure-Property Relationships of Polymerizable Surfactants with Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: De Luca Giorgio , Amuso Roberta , Figoli Alberto , Mancuso Raffaella , Lucadamo Lucio , Gabriele Bartolo
Published: October 2018

Polymerizable quaternary ammonium salts (PQASs) were synthesized in a previous work and some of them were used as surfactants in the antimicrobial coating of commercial membranes. Herein, the electrostatic charges, maximum length, and aspect ratio of these antibacterial surfactants were calculated with the aim of investigating the relationship between the properties, recognized to control the biocidal activity of these molecules, and the molecular structures. The effect of the water molecules was considered through a quantum and molecular mechanics approach. The correlation between the number of carbons in the main aliphatic chain of PQAS and the above properties was investigated, by finding that the net charge on the ammonium group does not increase as the number of carbons in the aliphatic chain increase. Thus, although this number influences the antibacterial activity of the surfactants, this influence is not correlated with an increase of the ammonium positive charge. Unlike the partial charges, a different trend was obtained for the surfactants’ maximum length and aspect ratio in agreement with the experimental behavior. As this modeling does not use empirical or adjustable parameters, it can assist the synthetic plan of new structures for surface functionalization, in order to improve the biofouling resistance of the membranes.
Controllers to Chase a High-Speed Evader Using a Pursuer with Variable Speed
Authors: Kim Jonghoek
Published: October 2018

This paper proposes a chasing controller to enable a pursuer to chase a high-speed evader such that the relative distance between the evader and the pursuer monotonically decreases as time passes. Our controller is designed to assure that the angular rate of Line-of-Sight joining the pair (the pursuer and the evader) is exactly zero at all time indexes. Assuming that the pursuee can readily observe optical flow, but only poorly detect looming, this pursuer’s movement is hardly detected by the pursuee. Consider the terminal phase when the pursuer is sufficiently close to the evader. As we slow down the relative speed of the pursuer with respect to the evader, we can reduce the probability of missing the high-speed evader. Thus, our strategy is to make the pursuer decrease its speed in the terminal phase, while ensuring that the distance between the evader and the pursuer monotonically decreases as time passes. The performance of our controller is verified utilizing MATLAB simulations.
Before and Beyond the Bachelor Machine
Authors: Nechvatal Joseph
Published: October 2018

This paper will examine the importance of Marcel Duchamp’s La Machine Célibataire (The Bachelor Machine) on Art and Technology in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Temporal Trends in Heat-Related Mortality: Implications for Future Projections
Authors: Kinney Patrick L.
Published: October 2018

High temperatures have large impacts on premature mortality risks across the world, and there is concern that warming temperatures associated with climate change, and in particular larger-than-expected increases in the proportion of days with extremely high temperatures, may lead to increasing mortality risks. Comparisons of heat-related mortality exposure-response functions across different cities show that the effects of heat on mortality risk vary by latitude, with more pronounced heat effects in more northerly climates. Evidence has also emerged in recent years of trends over time in heat-related mortality, suggesting that in many locations, the risk per unit increase in temperature has been declining. Here, I review the emerging literature on these trends, and draw conclusions for studies that seek to project future impacts of heat on mortality. I also make reference to the more general heat-mortality literature, including studies comparing effects across locations. I conclude that climate change projection studies will need to take into account trends over time (and possibly space) in the exposure response function for heat-related mortality. Several potential methods are discussed.
Cutting Edge Therapeutic Insights Derived from Molecular Biology of Pediatric High-Grade Glioma and Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG)
Authors: Bailey Cavan P. , Figueroa Mary , Mohiuddin Sana , Zaky Wafik , Chandra Joya
Published: October 2018

Pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) and brainstem gliomas are some of the most challenging cancers to treat in children, with no effective therapies and 5-year survival at ~2% for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) patients. The standard of care for pHGG as a whole remains surgery and radiation combined with chemotherapy, while radiation alone is standard treatment for DIPG. Unfortunately, these therapies lack specificity for malignant glioma cells and have few to no reliable biomarkers of efficacy. Recent discoveries have revealed that epigenetic disruption by highly conserved mutations in DNA-packaging histone proteins in pHGG, especially DIPG, contribute to the aggressive nature of these cancers. In this review we pose unanswered questions and address unexplored mechanisms in pre-clinical models and clinical trial data from pHGG patients. Particular focus will be paid towards therapeutics targeting chromatin modifiers and other epigenetic vulnerabilities that can be exploited for pHGG therapy. Further delineation of rational therapeutic combinations has strong potential to drive development of safe and efficacious treatments for pHGG patients.
Detection Methods of Human and Animal Influenza Virus—Current Trends
Authors: Dziąbowska Karolina , Czaczyk Elżbieta , Nidzworski Dawid
Published: October 2018

The basic affairs connected to the influenza virus were reviewed in the article, highlighting the newest trends in its diagnostic methods. Awareness of the threat of influenza arises from its ability to spread and cause a pandemic. The undiagnosed and untreated viral infection can have a fatal effect on humans. Thus, the early detection seems pivotal for an accurate treatment, when vaccines and other contemporary prevention methods are not faultless. Public health is being attacked with influenza containing new genes from a genetic assortment between animals and humankind. Unfortunately, the population does not have immunity for mutant genes and is attacked in every viral outbreak season. For these reasons, fast and accurate devices are in high demand. As currently used methods like Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests lack specificity, time and cost-savings, new methods are being developed. In the article, various novel detection methods, such as electrical and optical were compared. Different viral elements used as detection targets and analysis parameters, such as sensitivity and specificity, were presented and discussed.
Early Senescence and Leukocyte Telomere Shortening in SCHIZOPHRENIA: A Role for Cytomegalovirus Infection?
Authors: Solana Corona , Pereira Diana , Tarazona Raquel
Published: October 2018

Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic mental disorder characterized by delusions and hallucinations. Several evidences support the link of schizophrenia with accelerated telomeres shortening and accelerated aging. Thus, schizophrenia patients show higher mortality compared to age-matched healthy donors. The etiology of schizophrenia is multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental factors. Telomere erosion has been shown to be accelerated by different factors including environmental factors such as cigarette smoking and chronic alcohol consumption or by psychosocial stress such as childhood maltreatment. In humans, telomere studies have mainly relied on measurements of leukocyte telomere length and it is generally accepted that individuals with short leukocyte telomere length are considered biologically older than those with longer ones. A dysregulation of both innate and adaptive immune systems has been described in schizophrenia patients and other mental diseases supporting the contribution of the immune system to disease symptoms. Thus, it has been suggested that abnormal immune activation with high pro-inflammatory cytokine production in response to still undefined environmental agents such as herpesviruses infections can be involved in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of schizophrenia. It has been proposed that chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are involved in the course of schizophrenia illness, early onset of cardiovascular disease, accelerated aging, and premature mortality in schizophrenia. Prenatal or neonatal exposures to neurotropic pathogens such as Cytomegalovirus or Toxoplasma gondii have been proposed as environmental risk factors for schizophrenia in individuals with a risk genetic background. Thus, pro-inflammatory cytokines and microglia activation, together with genetic vulnerability, are considered etiological factors for schizophrenia, and support that inflammation status is involved in the course of illness in schizophrenia.
Accelerated Hypofractionated Active Raster-Scanned Carbon Ion Radiotherapy (CIRT) for Laryngeal Malignancies: Feasibility and Safety
Authors: Akbaba Sati , Lang Kristin , Held Thomas , Bulut Olcay Cem , Mattke Matthias , Uhl Matthias , Jensen Alexandra , Plinkert Peter , Rieken Stefan , Herfarth Klaus , Debus Juergen , Adeberg Sebastian
Published: October 2018

(1) Background: The authors present the first results of active raster-scanned carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) for radioresistant laryngeal malignancies regarding efficacy and toxicity. (2) Methods: 15 patients with laryngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC; n = 8; 53.3%) or chondrosarcoma (CS; n = 7; 46.7%) who underwent radiotherapy with carbon ions (C12) at the Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center (HIT) between 2013 and 2018 were identified retrospectively and analyzed for local control (LC), overall survival (OS), and distant progression-free survival using the Kaplan–Meier method. CIRT was applied either alone (n = 7, 46.7%) or in combination with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) (n = 8, 53.3%). The toxicity was assessed according to the Common Toxicity Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v4.03. (3). Results: the median follow-up was 24 months (range 5–61 months). Overall, the therapy was tolerated very well. No grade >3 acute and chronic toxicity could be identified. The most reported acute grade 3 side effects were acute dysphagia (n = 2; 13%) and acute odynophagia (n = 3; 20%), making supportive nutrition via gastric tube (n = 2; 13.3%) and via high caloric drinks (n = 1; 6.7%) necessary due to swallowing problems (n = 4; 27%). Overall, chronic grade 3 toxicity in the form of chronic hoarseness occurred in 7% of the patients (n = 1; 7%). At the last follow-up, all the patients were alive. No local or locoregional recurrence could be identified. Only one patient with laryngeal ACC developed lung metastases three years after the first diagnosis. (4) Conclusions: the accelerated hypofractionated active raster-scanned carbon ion radiotherapy for radioresistant laryngeal malignancies is feasible in practice with excellent local control rates and moderate acute and late toxicity. Further follow-ups are necessary to evaluate the long-term clinical outcome.
Aquaporins and Their Regulation after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Halsey Andrea M. , Conner Alex C. , Bill Roslyn M. , Logan Ann , Ahmed Zubair
Published: October 2018

After injury to the spinal cord, edema contributes to the underlying detrimental pathophysiological outcomes that lead to worsening of function. Several related membrane proteins called aquaporins (AQPs) regulate water movement in fluid transporting tissues including the spinal cord. Within the cord, AQP1, 4 and 9 contribute to spinal cord injury (SCI)-induced edema. AQP1, 4 and 9 are expressed in a variety of cells including astrocytes, neurons, ependymal cells, and endothelial cells. This review discusses some of the recent findings of the involvement of AQP in SCI and highlights the need for further study of these proteins to develop effective therapies to counteract the negative effects of SCI-induced edema.
Structural and Optical Properties of Luminescent Copper(I) Chloride Thin Films Deposited by Sequentially Pulsed Chemical Vapour Deposition
Authors: Krumpolec Richard , Homola Tomáš , Cameron David C. , Humlíček Josef , Caha Ondřej , Kuldová Karla , Zazpe Raul , Přikryl Jan , Macak Jan M.
Published: October 2018

Sequentially pulsed chemical vapour deposition was used to successfully deposit thin nanocrystalline films of copper(I) chloride using an atomic layer deposition system in order to investigate their application to UV optoelectronics. The films were deposited at 125 °C using [Bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene](hexafluoroacetylacetonato)copper(I) as a Cu precursor and pyridine hydrochloride as a new Cl precursor. The films were analysed by XRD, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), SEM, photoluminescence, and spectroscopic reflectance. Capping layers of aluminium oxide were deposited in situ by ALD (atomic layer deposition) to avoid environmental degradation. The film adopted a polycrystalline zinc blende-structure. The main contaminants were found to be organic materials from the precursor. Photoluminescence showed the characteristic free and bound exciton emissions from CuCl and the characteristic exciton absorption peaks could also be detected by reflectance measurements.
Culture Medium Optimization for Production of Rhamnolipids by Burkholderia glumae
Authors: Nickzad Arvin , Guertin Claude , Déziel Eric
Published: October 2018

Burkholderia glumae is a biosafety level 1 bacterium capable of producing rhamnolipid biosurfactant with longer 3-hydroxy fatty acid chains moieties than those produced by the prototypal producer, the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Although the capacity of production of rhamnolipid, and the parameters affecting this production, are well established for P. aeruginosa, little is known about the factors that may affect their production in B. glumae. Hence, to evaluate and enhance the production of rhamnolipids in B. glumae, following the selection of best carbon and nitrogen sources, a two-level fractional factorial design experiment was performed to identify the limiting factors significantly affecting the production of rhamnolipids in this bacterial species. Effects of six inorganic nutrients and two physical parameters were studied, and mannitol, urea, CaCl2, and potassium phosphate buffer were selected for further optimization by applying a response surface methodology (RSM). Under the identified optimized conditions, a rhamnolipid production of 1.66 g/L was obtained, about five times higher than that of the initial non-optimized conditions. This represents a key step in the development of large-scale production processes.
Challenging X-ray Fluorescence Applications for Environmental Studies at XLab Frascati
Authors: Cappuccio Giorgio , Cibin Giannantonio , Dabagov Sultan B. , Di Filippo Alfredo , Piovesan Gianluca , Hampai Dariush , Maggi Valter , Marcelli Augusto
Published: October 2018

In this work, we will report applications of the total external X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) station, a prototype assembled at the XLab Frascati laboratory (XlabF) at the INFN National Laboratories of Frascati (INFN LNF). XlabF has been established as a facility to study, design and develop X-ray optics, in particular, polycapillary lenses, as well as to perform X-ray experiments for both elemental analysis and tomography. The combination of low-power conventional sources and policapillary optics allows assembling a prototype that can provide a quasi-parallel intense beam for detailed X-ray spectroscopic analysis of extremely low concentrated samples, down to ng/g. We present elemental analysis results of elements contained in tree rings and of dust stored in deep ice cores. In addition to performing challenging environmental research studies, other experiments aim to characterize novel optics and to evaluate original experimental schemes for X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF and TXRF) and X-ray imaging.
Influencing Parameters on Tire–Pavement Interaction Noise: Review, Experiments, and Design Considerations
Authors: Li Tan
Published: October 2018

Tire–pavement interaction noise (TPIN) is dominant for passenger vehicles above 40 km/h and 70 km/h for trucks. In order to reduce TPIN, numerous investigations have been conducted to reveal the influencing parameters. In this work, the influencing parameters on TPIN were reviewed and divided into five categories: driver influence parameters, tire related parameters, tread pattern parameters, pavement related parameters, and environmental parameters. The experimental setup on analyzing and insights into optimizing those parameters are given. At the end, summary tables are presented to compare all the parameters discussed, including the pertinent frequency, potential noise influence, physical mechanism, etc. As such, this review article can also serve as a reference tool for new researchers on this topic. This work covers references from 1950s till present, aiming to distribute key knowledge in both classic and recent studies.
Ultraviolet Irradiation Effects on luminescent Centres in Bismuth-Doped and Bismuth-Erbium Co-Doped Optical Fibers via Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Uddin Rahim , Wen Jianxiang , He Tao , Pang Fufei , Chen Zhenyi , Wang Tingyun
Published: October 2018

The effects of ultraviolet irradiation on luminescent centres in bismuth-doped (BDF) and bismuth/erbium co-doped (BEDF) optical fibers were examined in this study. The fibers were fabricated by modified chemical vapor deposition combining with atomic layer deposition method. The fibers were exposed to irradiation from a 193 nm pulsed wave argon fluoride laser, and an 830 nm wavelength laser diode pump source was employed for excitation. The experimental results showed that, for the BDF, the transmission loss was slightly reduced and the luminescence intensity was increased at the bismuth-related active aluminum centre (BAC-Al). Then, for the BEDF, the transmission loss was increased a little and the luminescence intensity was also increased at the BAC-Al centre. However, the luminescence intensity was decreased at approximately 1420 nm of the bismuth-related active silica centre (BAC-Si) for all fiber samples. One possible formation mechanism for luminescence intensity changes was probably associated with the valence state transfer of bismuth ions. The other possible mechanism was that the ArF-driven two-photon process caused luminescence changes in BAC-Al and BAC-Si. It was very important to reveal nature of luminescence properties of Bi-doped and Bi/Er co-doped optical fiber.
Integrated Energy Micro-Grid Planning Using Electricity, Heating and Cooling Demands
Authors: Huang He , Liang DaPeng , Tong Zhen
Published: October 2018

Many research works have demonstrated that taking the combined cooling, heating and power system (CCHP) as the core equipment, an integrated energy system (IES), which provides multiple energy flows by a combination of different energy production equipment can bring obvious benefit to energy efficiency, CO2 emission reduction and operational economy in urban areas. Compared with isolated IES, an integrated energy micro-grid (IEMG) which is formed by connecting multiple regions’ IES together, through a distribution and thermal network, can further improve the reliability, flexibility, cleanliness and the economy of a regional energy supply. Based on the existing IES model, this paper describes the basic structure of IEMG and built an IEMG planning model. The planning was based on the mixed integer linear programming. Economically, construction planning configuration are calculated by using known electricity, heating and cooling loads information and the given multiple equipment selection schemes. Finally, the model is validated by a case study, which includes heating, cooling, transitional and extreme load scenarios, proved the feasibility of planning model. The results show that the application of IEMG can effectively improve the economy of a regional energy supply.
The Role of the Prader-Willi Syndrome Critical Interval for Epigenetic Regulation, Transcription and Phenotype
Authors: Zahova Simona , Isles Anthony R.
Published: October 2018

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss of expression of the paternally inherited genes on chromosome 15q11.2-q13. However, the core features of PWS have been attributed to a critical interval (PWS-cr) within the 15q11.2-q13 imprinted gene cluster, containing the small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) SNORD116 and non-coding RNA IPW (Imprinted in Prader-Willi) exons. SNORD116 affects the transcription profile of hundreds of genes, possibly via DNA methylation or post-transcriptional modification, although the exact mechanism is not completely clear. IPW on the other hand has been shown to specifically modulate histone methylation of a separate imprinted locus, the DLK1-DIO3 cluster, which itself is associated with several neurodevelopmental disorders with similarities to PWS. Here we review what is currently known of the molecular targets of SNORD116 and IPW and begin to disentangle their roles in contributing to the Prader-Willi Syndrome phenotype.
What Governs Tree Harvesting in Community Forestry—Regulatory Instruments or Forest Bureaucrats’ Discretion?
Authors: Baral Sony , Vacik Harald
Published: October 2018

Community forestry is required to follow a forest management plan (FMP) to ensure sustainable tree harvesting. However, the role of FMPs or forest bureaucrats’ discretion in guiding harvesting decisions and the resultant effects has not been explored. This paper investigates tree harvesting practices in community forests (CF) and its effects on forest sustainability, using the forest inventory panel dataset for three consecutive periods (2010, 2013 and 2016), together with qualitative information obtained by key informant interviews and a review of records of the community forest users’ group. Harvesting decisions in the CF are largely guided by the decrees or schematic instructions of forest bureaucrats, where the role of the FMP remains highly contested. Whether harvesting decisions should be guided by the prescriptions of the FMP or should be regulated through decrees is a matter of discourse. Forest bureaucrats are arbitrarily reducing harvesting quantities and rarely referring to the prescriptions of the FMP. Consequently, users are compelled to harvest less than half the quantity of trees prescribed in the FMP. Furthermore, they are only allowed to harvest poor quality and dead trees. As a result, the number of good quality trees has increased, while the number of seedlings and saplings has decreased significantly. Although harvesting of saplings and seedlings is a common practice, it is against the provisions of the FMP. Though the current bureaucratic discretion has shown quick short-term effects on the forest stand conditions, the long-term impacts should not be undermined. Our findings will be useful to implementors and policy makers in Nepal and other developing countries with similar circumstances for deciding the tree harvesting. We argue for a rational approach in designing harvesting prescriptions and complying with them rather than regulating harvesting practices through guidelines, circulars and bureaucratic discretion.
Costs and Challenges of Log Truck Transportation in Georgia, USA
Authors: Conrad IV Joseph L.
Published: October 2018

In the Southern U.S., timber is transported from harvest sites to mills by many small trucking companies. Few studies have examined the structure and challenges facing these businesses. This study involved interviews with 18 log truck owners operating in the state of Georgia, USA. Participants operated in all forested regions of Georgia and included wood dealers, contract haulers, logging businesses, logging and trucking businesses, and large, diversified trucking businesses. Fleet sizes ranged from zero trucks (recently ceased hauling) to more than 50 log trucks. Log trucks were driven an average of 127,324 km year−1 and delivered an average of 17,410 t year−1. Participants averaged 48% loaded km. Analysis suggests the current combination of average payload, percent-loaded km, and published haul rates make it difficult for log trucking companies to be profitable. The most important challenges faced by log truck owners were a shortage of qualified drivers and rising truck insurance premiums, which were identified as the greatest challenge by 44% and 39% of participants, respectively. Increasing percent-loaded km, reducing turn times at mills and harvest sites, providing driver training, and adopting technologies, such as global positioning system tracking and onboard cameras, could improve transportation efficiency and safety.
Distribution of the pco Gene Cluster and Associated Genetic Determinants among Swine Escherichia coli from a Controlled Feeding Trial
Authors: Chalmers Gabhan , Rozas Kelly M. , Amachawadi Raghavendra G. , Scott Harvey Morgan , Norman Keri N. , Nagaraja Tiruvoor G. , Tokach Mike D. , Boerlin Patrick
Published: October 2018

Copper is used as an alternative to antibiotics for growth promotion and disease prevention. However, bacteria developed tolerance mechanisms for elevated copper concentrations, including those encoded by the pco operon in Gram-negative bacteria. Using cohorts of weaned piglets, this study showed that the supplementation of feed with copper concentrations as used in the field did not result in a significant short-term increase in the proportion of pco-positive fecal Escherichia coli. The pco and sil (silver resistance) operons were found concurrently in all screened isolates, and whole-genome sequencing showed that they were distributed among a diversity of unrelated E. coli strains. The presence of pco/sil in E. coli was not associated with elevated copper minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) under a variety of conditions. As found in previous studies, the pco/sil operons were part of a Tn7-like structure found both on the chromosome or on plasmids in the E. coli strains investigated. Transfer of a pco/sil IncHI2 plasmid from E. coli to Salmonella enterica resulted in elevated copper MICs in the latter. Escherichia coli may represent a reservoir of pco/sil genes transferable to other organisms such as S. enterica, for which it may represent an advantage in the presence of copper. This, in turn, has the potential for co-selection of resistance to antibiotics.
Special Issue Introduction: The Wonders and Mysteries Next Generation Sequencing Technologies Help Reveal
Authors: Grabherr Manfred G. , Kaminska Bozena , Komorowski Jan
Published: October 2018

The massive increase in computational power over the recent years and wider applicationsof machine learning methods, coincidental or not, were paralleled by remarkable advances inhigh-throughput DNA sequencing technologies.[...]
Cupriavidus metallidurans Strains with Different Mobilomes and from Distinct Environments Have Comparable Phenomes
Authors: Van Houdt Rob , Provoost Ann , Van Assche Ado , Leys Natalie , Lievens Bart , Mijnendonckx Kristel , Monsieurs Pieter
Published: October 2018

Cupriavidus metallidurans has been mostly studied because of its resistance to numerous heavy metals and is increasingly being recovered from other environments not typified by metal contamination. They host a large and diverse mobile gene pool, next to their native megaplasmids. Here, we used comparative genomics and global metabolic comparison to assess the impact of the mobilome on growth capabilities, nutrient utilization, and sensitivity to chemicals of type strain CH34 and three isolates (NA1, NA4 and H1130). The latter were isolated from water sources aboard the International Space Station (NA1 and NA4) and from an invasive human infection (H1130). The mobilome was expanded as prophages were predicted in NA4 and H1130, and a genomic island putatively involved in abietane diterpenoids metabolism was identified in H1130. An active CRISPR-Cas system was identified in strain NA4, providing immunity to a plasmid that integrated in CH34 and NA1. No correlation between the mobilome and isolation environment was found. In addition, our comparison indicated that the metal resistance determinants and properties are conserved among these strains and thus maintained in these environments. Furthermore, all strains were highly resistant to a wide variety of chemicals, much broader than metals. Only minor differences were observed in the phenomes (measured by phenotype microarrays), despite the large difference in mobilomes and the variable (shared by two or three strains) and strain-specific genomes.
Geographies and Scientometrics of Research on Natural Hazards
Authors: Emmer Adam
Published: October 2018

This contribution aims to reveal patterns of research on natural hazards worldwide, based on the analysis of the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science database. A set of 588,424 research items published between 1900 and 2017 is analyzed, covering different types of natural hazards. Two categories of natural hazards are distinguished in this study: (i) geological/geomorphic (earthquakes, slope movements, erosion, volcanic activity, and others); and (ii) climatic/hydro-meteorological (floods, storms, drought, hurricane, and others). General trends, the geographical focus, and the involvement and cooperation between individual countries are revealed, pointing out certain patterns (e.g., hotspots of research) and trends (e.g., changing publishing paradigm). Further, a global overview of research on natural hazards is confronted with disastrous events, fatalities, and losses of MunichRE and SwissRE global databases of natural disasters.
The Multifactorial Etiopathogeneses Interplay of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Overview
Authors: M’Koma Amosy E.
Published: October 2018

The gastrointestinal system where inflammatory bowel disease occurs is central to the immune system where the innate and the adaptive/acquired immune systems are balanced in interactions with gut microbes under homeostasis conditions. This article overviews the high-throughput research screening on multifactorial interplay between genetic risk factors, the intestinal microbiota, urbanization, modernization, Westernization, the environmental influences and immune responses in the etiopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease in humans. Inflammatory bowel disease is an expensive multifactorial debilitating disease that affects thousands new people annually worldwide with no known etiology or cure. The conservative therapeutics focus on the established pathology where the immune dysfunction and gut injury have already happened but do not preclude or delay the progression. Inflammatory bowel disease is evolving globally and has become a global emergence disease. It is largely known to be a disease in industrial-urbanized societies attributed to modernization and Westernized lifestyle associated with environmental factors to genetically susceptible individuals with determined failure to process certain commensal antigens. In the developing nations, increasing incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been associated with rapid urbanization, modernization and Westernization of the population. In summary, there are identified multiple associations to host exposures potentiating the landscape risk hazards of inflammatory bowel disease trigger, that include: Western life-style and diet, host genetics, altered innate and/or acquired/adaptive host immune responses, early-life microbiota exposure, change in microbiome symbiotic relationship (dysbiosis/dysbacteriosis), pollution, changing hygiene status, socioeconomic status and several other environmental factors have long-standing effects/influence tolerance. The ongoing multipronged robotic studies on gut microbiota composition disparate patterns between the rural vs. urban locations may help elucidate and better understand the contribution of microbiome disciplines/ecology and evolutionary biology in potentially protecting against the development of inflammatory bowel disease.