bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermoplastic Starch: A Possible Biodegradable Food Packaging Material—A Review
Authors: Khan Bahram , Bilal Khan Niazi Muhammad , Samin Ghufrana , Jahan Zaib
Published: July 2016

In the past years, research has been focused on biodegradable materials to replace petroleum based plastics for food packaging application. For this purpose, biopolymers are considered the most promising material because of their biodegradable nature and long shelf life properties like resistance to chemical or enzymatic reactions. Starch is renewable, cheap, and abundantly available biopolymer. However, the intermolecular forces and hydrogen bonds in starch resist it to be processed as a thermoplastic material. To overcome this issue, different plasticizers are used to have deformable thermoplastic material called thermoplastic starches (TPSs). A plasticizer enhances the flexibility, the process stability of starch below the degradation temperature. Plasticizer lowers the glass transition temperature (Tg).

TPS is very promising among the biobased materials available for the production of biodegradable plastic. TPS have some limitations; bad mechanical properties and water sensitivity. Starch absorbs water under higher relative humidity. This work will provide an outline about the research that has been done on TPS during last 15 years as biodegradable food packaging material.

Practical Applications

The basic role of food packaging material is to make it cost effective that satisfies industry requirements and consumer desires, and provide protection from three major classes of external influences: chemical, biological, and physical, e.g., such as exposure to gases, barrier to microorganisms, or from mechanical damage, respectively. These external influences may damage the quality of the food and shelf life. For this motive, starch has become the most preferred option among the verified classes of synthetic and natural materials. Retrogradation of starch chains in presence of water make it impossible to be use as packaging material. To overcome this issue, Starch has been plasticized with water and low molecular weight additive that can interact with its backbone by hydrogen bonding to produce thermoplastic starch (TPS). The objective of this review is to summarize numerous studies related to interaction of plasticizers and starch for the production of biodegradable TPS food packaging materials.
Circumtropical distribution of the epiphytic dinoflagellate Coolia malayensis (Dinophyceae): Morphology and molecular phylogeny from Puerto Rico and Brazil
Authors: Gómez Fernando , Qiu Dajun , Otero‐Morales Ernesto , Lopes Rubens M , Lin Senjie
Published: July 2016

The dinoflagellate genus Coolia, which contains potentially toxic species, is an important component of epiphytic assemblages in marine ecosystems. The morphology of C. malayensis has been illustrated from strains isolated in Asia and Oceania. In this study, strains of C. malayensis isolated from the Caribbean Sea in Puerto Rico, and for the first time from the South Atlantic Ocean in Brazil, were investigated by light, epifluorescence and scanning electron microscopies. No significant morphological differences between these new strains and other geographically distant strains of C. malayensis were observed. In the LSU rDNA phylogeny, the C. malayensis sequences from Brazil and Puerto Rico branched within the clade of strains from Oceania and Asia. The recently described species C. santacroce branched as a sister group of C. monotis, and C. palmyrensis was basal to the combined group of C. monotis/C. malayensis/C. santacroce. A tentative undescribed species from Florida and New Zealand branched as a sister group of C. malayensis. Our results confirm that C. malayensis showed a cosmopolitan distribution in tropical to subtropical waters, while the type species C. monotis remains endemic for the Mediterranean Sea and the temperate North Atlantic.
Impact of donor ABH‐secretor status in ABO‐mismatched living donor kidney transplantation
Authors: Drexler Beatrice , Holbro Andreas , Sigle Joerg , Gassner Christoph , Frey Beat M. , Schaub Stefan , Amico Patrizia , Plattner Alexandra , Infanti Laura , Menter Thomas , Mihatsch Michael Jörg , Stern Martin , Buser Andreas , Dickenmann Michael
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

The ABO blood group is a major determinant in living donor kidney transplantation since AB antigens are expressed on renal tissue. Little attention has been directed to the ABH‐secretor status of the donor kidney. As renal tissue is capable of secreting soluble ABH antigens in secretors, we examined the influence of the ABH‐secretor status of kidney donors on outcome in ABO‐mismatched living donor kidney transplantation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent ABO‐mismatched kidney transplantation at the University Hospital Basel from September 2005 to October 2013. The ABH‐secretor status was determined in all donors by molecular genetic analysis.

RESULTS

Of all 55 patients who received transplants, we excluded all patients with donor‐specific antibodies (n = 4). Forty‐one donors were secretors (78%) and 11 were nonsecretors (22%). Recipients of ABH‐secretor donor organs showed a significantly higher glomerular filtration rate throughout the first 6 months posttransplant, whereas no significant influence on posttransplant anti‐A/B titers was found. Regression analysis revealed a significant impact on humoral rejection, whereas not on vascular or interstitial rejection in protocol kidney biopsies.

CONCLUSION

The donor ABH‐secretor status may have an influence on early posttransplant renal function in patients undergoing ABO‐mismatched living donor kidney transplantation. Further prospective studies with long‐term follow‐up are needed to elucidate involved pathomechanisms.
Alternative Approach for Modeling Transients in Smooth Pipe With Low Turbulent Flow
Authors: Hullender David A.
Published: July 2016

A new simplified approach for modeling and simulating pressure transients resulting from the rapid acceleration or deceleration of turbulent flow in smooth-walled fluid lines is introduced. In contrast to previous approaches for modeling turbulence by modifying the head loss terms in the momentum partial differential equation, this approach is achieved by coupling the frequency domain analytical solution to the laminar flow version of the partial differential equations in series with a lumped resistance that has been sized so that the steady flow resistance for the line is equivalent to an empirical turbulent steady flow resistance. The model provides normalized pressure and flow transients that have good agreement with experimental data and with method-of-characteristics (MOC) solutions associated with previously validated turbulence models. The motivation for this research is based on the need for a practical means to simulate the effects of fluid transients in lines that are internal components within a total engineering system without the need to understand the different unsteady turbulence one- and two-dimensional (1D/2D) friction models and also be proficient with the complexities of nonlinear interaction of friction and interpolation errors encountered using MOC. This modeling approach utilizes a preprogramed inverse frequency algorithm, commonly used for system identification, which generates “equivalent” high-order normalized linear ordinary differential equations that can be coupled with models for other fluid power components and easily solved in the time domain using preprogramed numerical algorithms for ordinary differential equations.
Head wave correlations in ambient noise
Authors: Gebbie John , Siderius Martin
Published: July 2016

Ambient ocean noise is processed with a vertical line array to reveal coherent time-separated arrivals suggesting the presence of head wave multipath propagation. Head waves, which are critically propagating water waves created by seabed waves traveling parallel to the water-sediment interface, can propagate faster than water-only waves. Such eigenrays are much weaker than water-only eigenrays, and are often completely overshadowed by them. Surface-generated noise is different whereby it amplifies the coherence between head waves and critically propagating water-only waves, which is measured by cross-correlating critically steered beams. This phenomenon is demonstrated both experimentally and with a full wave simulation.
Acoustic source identification of an axial fan in a duct considering the rotation effect
Authors: Heo Yong-Ho , Ih Jeong-Guon , Bodén Hans
Published: July 2016

For developing the quiet axial fans, the spatial distribution of acoustic source parameters over the source plane provides essential information. In this study, the previously suggested source identification technique by authors is newly applied to an axial fan. To obtain the acoustic source parameters in a duct, one should overcome many technical difficulties related with: the turbulent flow, high order modes, rotating sources, inverse estimation. Measurements are conducted with several arrays of flush mounted microphones deployed on the periphery of the duct wall. A reference trigger signal obtained from the rotating blade is used to suppress the effect of turbulent flow in the measured pressure spectra with a reduction of about 25 dB in the present work. The maximum error between measurement and estimation is generally <−20 dB in the measurement plane in the very vicinity to the source. The visualized source images clearly indicate the locations and the strengths of main contributors to the radiated sound, e.g., for the inlet of the axial fan, the tip clearance between fan blades and shroud wall.
Subdivision exterior calculus for geometry processing
Authors: de Goes Fernando , Desbrun Mathieu , Meyer Mark , DeRose Tony
Published: July 2016

This paper introduces a new computational method to solve differential equations on subdivision surfaces. Our approach adapts the numerical framework of Discrete Exterior Calculus (DEC) from the polygonal to the subdivision setting by exploiting the refin-ability of subdivision basis functions. The resulting
Subdivision Exterior Calculus
(SEC) provides significant improvements in accuracy compared to existing polygonal techniques, while offering exact finite-dimensional analogs of continuum structural identities such as Stokes' theorem and Helmholtz-Hodge decomposition. We demonstrate the versatility and efficiency of SEC on common geometry processing tasks including parameterization, geodesic distance computation, and vector field design.
Presidential Leadership & the Separation of Powers
Authors: Posner Eric A.
Published: July 2016

The presidents who routinely are judged the greatest leaders are also the most heavily criticized by legal scholars. The reason is that the greatest presidents succeeded by overcoming the barriers erected by Madison's system of separation of powers, but the legal mind sees such actions as breaches of constitutional norms that presidents are supposed to uphold. With the erosion of Madisonian checks and balances, what stops presidents from abusing their powers? The answer lies in the complex nature of presidential leadership. The president is simultaneously leader of the country, a party, and the executive branch. The conflicts between these leadership roles put heavy constraints on his power.
Foresight and Hindsight
Authors: Nadin Mihai
Published: July 2016

Computation existed long before the computer—and there were artists, seduced by the beauty of mathematics, who integrated computation into their creative endeavors. With the advent of the digital machine, the relation between aesthetic artifacts and computation was redefined. This article deals with images produced between 1965 and 1970. The generation of images associated with mathematical formulae raised questions regarding art’s condition and the nature of creativity. These are addressed from the perspective of aesthetic experiments. Through dedicated experiments involving computers in Eastern Europe, particularly in (communist) Romania, artists strove for artistic freedom.
Sistem Akusisi Data Online Proses Sintering dengan Atmosfir Hidrogen untuk Prediksi Parameter Keselamatan
Authors: Mahendra Adhi , Sutarya Dede
Published: July 2016

Meningkatnya penggunaan dan penerapan hidrogen sebagai sumber energi terbarukan atau aplikasi pada proses industri, telah meningkatkan tekanan untuk memastikan penanganan keselamatan serta pemantauannya. Masalah keselamatan yang berkaitan dengan gas hidrogen lebih jauh dihambat oleh mahalnya instrumentasi yang diperlukan untuk mengukur persentase batas ledakan, laju aliran dan tekanan yang dihasilkan. Solusi inovatif untuk mengatasi isu-isu keselamatan hidrogen dan sensor fisik yang mahal adalah dengan menggunakan sensor virtual berdasarkan jaringan syaraf tiruan yang belajar dari data untuk memprediksi parameter yang berkaitan dengan keselamatan hidrogen. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendapatkan dataset yang enggambarkan seluruh perilaku proses sintering dengan atmosfir hidrogen. Dalam penelitian ini dikembangkan sebuah sistem akuisisi data untuk proses sintering serta mengujinya pada proses sintering sebenarnya untuk mendapatkan data yang diperlukan. Hasil percobaan pada sistem akuisisi data secara online untuk mengukur variabel proses menunjukkan kinerja sistem yang baik. Data yang diperoleh dapat menggambarkan perilaku keseluruhan hidrogen dalam proses sintering. Dengan demikian data ini dapat digunakan sebagai dataset untuk pemodelan jaringan saraf tiruan dalam memprediksi parameter keselamatan hidrogen dalam studi berikutnya.
Strumigenys fairchildi Brown, 1961 (Formicidae, Myrmicinae): first record of this rarely collected ant from Brazil
Authors: Prado Lívia P. , Vicente Ricardo Eduardo , Silva Thiago S. R. , Souza Jorge L. P.
Published: July 2016

Strumigenys fairchildi Brown, 1961 is recorded for the first time in Brazil. This ant species was previously known only from a few specimens collected in Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador. The worker S. fairchildi was collected at the Parque Estadual do Cristalino, a continuous area of Amazon tropical rain forest protected for biodiversity conservation in the municipality of Novo Mundo, Mato Grosso state. In addition, we present a distribution map and high-resolution images of the worker.
Gerenciamento e quantificação dos resíduos dos serviços de saúde: Estudo de caso
Authors: Kist Lourdes Teresinha , Rosa Fernanda Raquel da , Machado Ênio Leandro , Moraes Jorge André Ribas
Published: July 2016

O gerenciamento impróprio dos Resíduos de Serviços de Saúde (RSS) expõe significantes riscos a pacientes, aos trabalhadores da saúde, à comunidade e ao meio ambiente. Este estudo trata de um diagnóstico da RSS em um hospital localizado na mesorregião do centro oriental do estado do Rio Grande do Sul/Brasil. Foi aplicado um questionário para identificar o nível de conhecimento em relação às questões relacionadas ao manejo de resíduos. Os assuntos abordados no questionário tratavam da classificação dos resíduos, da quantificação, dos riscos para os indivíduos e o meio ambiente, dos tratamentos adequados, das formas de disposição final e das responsabilidades dos geradores. Quanto a quantificação, os resultados demonstraram uma média de 0,470 kg/leito/dia o que é uma estimativa próxima da realidade na América Latina. Em geral os funcionários possuem alguma informação sobre o manejo adequado de resíduos, mas deverão ser sensibilizados tanto para as questões dos resíduos gerados nas suas áreas de atuação quanto para o impacto destes no meio ambiente.
Análise do ciclo de vida aplicada à produção de bioetanol a partir de material Lignocelulósico remanescente em dejeto bovino
Authors: Azevedo Amaro De , Schneider Rosana De Cassia de Souza , Souza Diego De , Hoeltz Michele
Published: July 2016

Biocombustíveis podem ter uma contribuição significativa na redução desses danos ambientais dependendo da sua rota de produção. A produção de bioetanol, ou etanol lignocelulósico, pode ser uma alternativa frente aos combustíveis fósseis e de grande relevância estratégica para o Brasil. Neste contexto, estudou-se a analise de ciclo de vida (ACV) da produção de etanol a partir do material lignocelulósico contido no dejeto bovino. Estes dejetos são uma biomassa rica em celulose que pode ser convertida a glicose e outros açúcares fermentáveis e destes à bioetanol. Para tanto considerou-se como Unidade Funcional o processamento de 1.000 kg de dejeto. Para a analise dos impactos do método EcoIndicator 99, através das bibliotecas EcoInvent, do software SimaPro versão 7.3.2. Foram consideradas as seguintes categorias de impacto: cancerígenos, orgânicos e inorgânicos inaláveis, mudanças climáticas, radiação, camada de ozônio, ecotoxicidade, acidificação/eutrofização, uso do solo, minerais e combustíveis fósseis. Para avaliação de danos ambientais estas categorias foram agrupadas em três categorias de danos: danos à saúde humana, danos aos ecossistemas e danos aos recursos naturais. De acordo com o estudo realizado verificou-se que o insumo do processo que mais contribuiu na ACV foi o consumo de energia, resultando em maior impacto ambiental na categoria “cancerígenos”, agrupada na categoria de “danos à saúde”. Com base nestes resultados foi possível ainda minimizar os impactos propondo modificações principalmente nos sistemas de aquecimento que poderão ser utilizados.
Espaço cibernético, cibercultura e pesquisa acadêmica
Authors: Silva Marcos
Published: July 2016

O texto relata os resultados de uma pesquisa sobre cibercultura e as possibilidades de sua utilização pedagógica. Além disso, descreve os esforços de construção de um instrumento metodológico de pesquisa acadêmica utilizando o espaço cibernético como principal fonte de informações.
Diásporas e comunidades quilombolas: perspectivas metodológicas para o ensino de história da África e da cultura afro-brasileira
Authors: Santos Maria Walburga , Cruz Ana Cristina Juvenal
Published: July 2016

A institucionalização do ensino de história da África e de cultura afro-brasileira nas escolas abriu caminho para o debate acerca da inserção desses conteúdos nos currículos de história. O precedente levouos historiadores a se perguntarem sobre o conteúdo e o ensino dessa história e da cultura produzida pelos povos africanos e por seus descendentes. Este texto é estruturado com base em duas possibilidadesmetodológicas para esse ensino: a diáspora e as comunidades quilombolas. Apresentamos elementos para uma metodologia e uma didática do ensino de história que considerem as experiências diaspóricasdas populações negras e o espaço do quilombo como local de recriação cultural de elementos africanos. Analisamos o percurso histórico que culminou na institucionalização desse ensino e alguns elementos relacionados a esses conteúdos.
Reflexões acerca do Ensino de História nos Programas Curriculares de Formação de Professores de História em Angola entre 2001 e 2012
Authors: Helena André Rebeca
Published: July 2016

O artigo propõe-se abordar um conjunto de problemas sobre o currículo da formação de professores de História e sugere uma visão estratégica versando o ensino no âmbito da formação de professores. Apresentando um quadro de fatos relacionados com as componentes e conteúdos dos programas curriculares de formação de professores de História em Angola, procura analisar aspetos importantes como o ensino da História e a construção do currículo escolar e pessoal do professor de História no contexto de um país que experimenta apostar na formação de professores com vista ao desenvolvimento da educação e da sociedade. Expõe-se assim uma reflexão sistémica que integra questões metodológicas, políticas e culturais de relevo do currículo de História na formação do professor de História.Palavras-chave: currículo; p
Analysis of Health Insurance Providersâ Performance
Authors: De Souza Antônio Artur , Xavier Daniele Oliveira , Avelar Ewerton Alex , Gervásio Luísa Raad
Published: July 2016

This paper analyses the efficiency of health insurance providers inBrazil. It builds on financial indicators and features of these organizations that relate to their efficiency scores. The results points to homogeneous efficiency among health insurance providers. Most organizations considered as efficient according to the model fall in the “group medicine” segment. All of them are also located inSoutheastern Brazil. Efficient organizations were either large or medium-sized organizations.
Fixed prosthetic treatment in patients with cleft lip and palate
Authors: Bajevska Jagoda , Bajevska Jana , Bajevska-Stefanovska Biljana
Published: July 2016

Introduction. The prosthetic treatment of patients with cleft palate includes various treatment options such as fixed partial dentures, removable partial prosthesis, etc. The type of prosthetic appliance is determined by the oral health of each individual and the circumstances. We presented three adult patients with the cleft lip and palate subjected to prosthetic treatment. Case report. From the possible prosthetic solutions according to the conditions in the oral cavity and the circumstances, fixed partial dentures veneered with composite or ceramic were chosen. A proper relationship between the teeth was reached with the fixed partial dentures, and function established, the phonetics improved and satisfying aesthetics effect accomplished improving the profile appearance of the patient?s face. Plastic surgery of the nose was performed after that. Conclusion. Multidisclipinary treatment is necessary for favourable long-term outcome in cleft lip and palate patients.
Breast augmentation with silicone implants performed without drainage - retrospective analysis of 726 cases
Authors: Stepic Nenad , Koncar Jovana , Rajovic Milica , Novakovic Sanja , Novakovic Marijan
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Breast augmentation has been one of the most popular aesthetic
procedures. Early complications, like infection, seroma, hematoma and
capsular contracture like one of the most frequent long term complication,
might be related to wound drainage. Aim of the study was to investigate the
rate of the complications of breast augmentation procedure performed without
drainage. Material and Methods. Retrospective analysis of all patients
underwent breast augmentation in the period of 2003-2013 was performed. From
the medical history of the patients, data related to demographic
characteristics of the patients, surgical technique and rate of complications
were collected. Wound drainage has not been used in any of the patients.
Patients were followed at the discharge, after 7 days, three months and
yearly thereafter. Wound seroma, wound hemathoma, wound infection and
capsular contracture were followed. Results. There were 726 patients with
average age of 28,5 year (22-48). Breast augmentation using silicone implants
was performed with inframammary approach using subglandular, submuscular and
dual plane technique. Average implant size was 339cc (200-520). Subglandular
augmentation had 545 (75%), while, 181 (25%) received an implant in
submuscular plane. Those, who were operated with dual plane technique were 86
(47,5%).In early postoperative period, there was no infection, five seromas
(0,7 %) and eight hematoma (1,1%), while five of them required surgical
evacuation. There was no statistical significant difference between the two
surgical techniques in terms of complication rate. During follow up, there
were three capsular contractures (0,4%). Conclusions. The incidence of
complications in our group of patients after breast augmentation is low even
though no drainage was used. Still, further randomized trials are needed to
prove role of drainage in prevention of complications after breast
augmentation.
Tres Violantes: las mujeres de una familia en el poder a lo largo del siglo XIII
Authors: Fuente Pérez María Jesús
Published: July 2016

El interés por el tema del poder de las mujeres, en particular de las reinas, ha planteado muchos interrogantes sobre la naturaleza de ese poder. “Tres Violantes” examina la participación de dos reinas y una infanta de una misma familia, en aspectos diversos de la vida de las coronas de Aragón y Castilla en el siglo XIII, con el objetivo de apreciar si el papel de las reinas hispanas, en particular su participación política, siguió un camino similar al de las reinas de ese tiempo que, como bien se ha estudiado para las inglesas, fueron perdiendo autoridad y se vieron limitadas a ejercer poder a través de la intercesión y mediación.
La reina, el príncipe y el ideólogo: Alonso Ortiz y sus nociones de reginalidad en la corte de los Reyes Católicos
Authors: Silleras-Fernández Núria
Published: July 2016

En la corte de los Reyes Católicos (1474-1516), Isabel I de Castilla y Fernando II de Aragón, una corte en la que una reina gobernaba, los humanistas construyeron teorías sobre lo que significaba ser un gobernante. Alonso Ortiz, un humanista de su corte, compuso el texto latino: Liber de educatione Johannis Serenissimi Principis et primogeniti regum potentissimorum Castelle Aragonum et Siciliae Ferdinandi et Helisabet inclyta prosapia coniugum clarissimorum, libro que refleja una visión idealizada y despojada de poder de las mujeres de la élite, hecho este que contrasta con la capacidad de actuación que éstas tuvieron según la evidencia histórica.
«Cement plant power». La energía en las fábricas de cemento
Authors: Lordi Anthony C.
Published: July 2016

Not available
La mecanización del transporte en una cantera de arcilla
Authors: Torelli Guido
Published: July 2016

Not available
A Comparative Analysis on Materials and Resources in Green Assessment Tools for Various Countries
Authors: Naamandadin Nurul Akmam , Yahya Norhaizura , Sapian Abdul Razak
Published: July 2016

The concept of sustainable building incorporates and integrates a variety of strategies during the design, construction and operation of building projects. The use of green building materials and products represents one important strategy in the design of a building. Green building materials offer specific benefits to the building owner and building occupants such as reducing maintenance/replacement costs over the life of the building, energy conservation, improving occupant health and productivity, and greater design flexibility. Thus, the aim of this paper is to identify the similarities and the differences for the selected green assessment tools which can be obtained stage by stage of the RIBA Outline Plan of Work 2013. The study had been carried out through a comparative analysis. The finding is predicted to help the construction industry practitioners to be able to understand the assessment criteria involved at every stages in the construction process concerning on material and recourses. Especially for those who are concerned on green building and to sustain our natural environment.
Transverse and Longitudinal Flexural Properties of Untreated and Maleic Anhydride Treated Kenaf Bast Fiber Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites
Authors: Zhafer S.F. , Rozyanty A.R. , Shahnaz S.B.S. , Musa Luqman , Zuliahani A.
Published: July 2016

Kenaf bast fibers were prepared into two types as untreated and maleic anhydride (MA) treated. Unsaturated polyester (UPE) resin was used as matrix and applied onto the kenaf bast fibers using hand lay-up method. Transverse and longitudinal flexural properties of unidirectional long kenaf bast fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester composites were performed and the effect of fiber modification and loading were studied. It is found that the transverse flexural strength of both types of composites decreases with the increasing of kenaf loading. Contrary, longitudinal flexural strength of both composites increases with the increasing of kenaf loading. Improved transverse and longitudinal flexural properties are shown by MA treatment of kenaf bast fiber. The interactions between fiber and matrix of fractured flexural surface were also observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Decoration of Plasma-Reduced Graphene Oxide with Uniform Gold Nanoparticles and their Redox Reaction Performance
Authors: Wahid Khairul Anuar , Haniff M.A.S.M. , Syono Mohd Ismahadi , Azid Ishak Abdul
Published: July 2016

This paper reports a method to enhance the electro-activity on screen printing carbon electrode (SPCE) for electrochemical sensor platform application. The method to forming uniform gold nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide and SPCE (Au-Nps/rGO/SPCE) based on plasma-enhanced CVD process has been investigated. The results demonstrated that the Au-NPs with high density and uniform sizes were successfully introduced via CVD process where the average size and thickness are 15.9+10nm and 2.18+0.4nm respectively. A high ID/IG ratio for Au-NPs/rGO is 1.01 which 44% higher compared to GO ID/IG ratio was observed in the Raman spectrum suggesting more defective sites on the surface of Au NPS/rGO. The redox performance of Au-NPs/rGO/SPCE has also been measured and compared with rGO/SPCE and the results shown that rGO decorated with Au-NPs has a highest redox current. The peak currents of Au-NPs/rGO are significantly increased compared to the bare SPCE with increment from 0.05mA to 0.14mA. This result is proportional with the effective surface area for SPCE that has been decorated with Au-NPs/rGO where the effective area is increased from 0.126cm2 to 0.166cm2. The peak potential at 0.01V which was found to shift up to 0.4V as the scan rate increases suggested that reaction is electrochemically reversible.
Biossegurança no centro de materiais e esterilização: dúvidas dos profissionais*
Authors: Borgheti Solinei Paulo , Viegas Karin , Caregnato Rita Catalina Aquino
Published: July 2016

Objetivos: Conhecer as dúvidas dos profissionais da saúde sobre biossegurança no Centro de Materiais e Esterilização (CME) e refletir sobre as respostas emitidas. Método: Estudo exploratório descritivo qualitativo. O cenário da pesquisa foi um site nacional reconhecido que dispõe uma lista de discussão por e-mail. O corpus foram 2.260 mensagens enviadas à lista de discussão em 2014; a amostra foi composta por 109 mensagens com conteúdo relacionado à biossegurança no CME. Utilizou-se para interpretação dos dados a Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin. Resultados: Na análise emergiram quatro categorias temáticas das dúvidas mais frequentes denominadas: soluções; equipamentos e materiais; Legislação; e validação do processo. Evidenciou-se forte relação entre CME e Controle de Infecção Hospitalar (CIH), tanto nos questionamentos quanto nas respostas. Conclusão: A maioria dos profissionais que encaminharam dúvidas foram enfermeiros. As dúvidas mais frequentes sobre biossegurança relacionavam-se a soluções usadas, equipamentos e materiais. As respostas foram fundamentadas na legislação vigente e emitidas por profissionais com experiência. Palavras-chave: Segurança de equipamentos médicos. Enfermagem. Material.
Papel do enfermeiro no período perioperatório para prevenção da trombose venosa profunda
Authors: Pinho Nathália Gustavo , Viegas Karin , Caregnato Rita Catalina Aquino
Published: July 2016

Objetivos: Conhecer como os enfermeiros realizam a prevenção da Trombose Venosa Profunda (TVP) em pacientes submetidos a cirurgias de grande porte no período perioperatório; e levantar os fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de TVP identificados pelos enfermeiros. Método: Estudo de caso com abordagem qualitativa. Amostra composta por 12 enfermeiros da unidade de internação, centro cirúrgico e sala de recuperação pós-anestésica de um hospital especializado em trauma de Porto Alegre (RS). Utilizou-se entrevista semiestruturada com 10 questões norteadoras. Para interpretação dos dados utilizou-se Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin. Resultados: Emergiram três categorias: Fatores de Risco para TVP; Medidas Preventivas de TVP e Dificuldades na Execução da Sistematização da Assistência de Enfermagem Perioperatória. Conclusão: Os enfermeiros realizam prevenção de TVP com massagem, observação, exame físico/avaliação, medidas protetivas e mudança de posição, entretanto falta autonomia para aplicar algumas medidas preventivas. Apontaram vários fatores de risco para a ocorrência de TVP conforme literatura, evidenciando conhecimento sobre a patologia. Palavras-chave: Trombose venosa. Enfermagem perioperatória. Prevenção de Doenças.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis lipoproteins in virulence and immunity – fighting with a double‐edged sword
Authors: Becker Katja , Sander Peter
Published: June 2016

Bacterial lipoproteins are secreted membrane‐anchored proteins characterized by a lipobox motif. This lipobox motif directs post‐translational modifications at the conserved cysteine through the consecutive action of three enzymes: Lgt, LspA and Lnt, which results in di‐ or triacylated forms. Lipoproteins are abundant in all bacteria including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and often involved in virulence and immunoregulatory processes. On the one hand, disruption of the biosynthesis pathway of lipoproteins leads to attenuation of M. tuberculosis in vivo, and mycobacteria deficient for certain lipoproteins have been assessed as attenuated live vaccine candidates. On the other hand, several mycobacterial lipoproteins form immunodominant antigens which promote an immune response. Some of these have been explored in DNA or subunit vaccination approaches against tuberculosis. The immune recognition of specific lipoproteins, however, might also benefit long‐term survival of M. tuberculosis through immune modulation, while others induce protective responses. Exploiting lipoproteins as vaccines is thus a complex matter which requires deliberative investigation. The dual role of lipoproteins in the immunity to and pathogenicity of mycobacteria is discussed here.
C‐mannosylation of R‐spondin3 regulates its secretion and activity of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in cells
Authors: Fujiwara Miho , Kato Shintaro , Niwa Yuki , Suzuki Takehiro , Tsuchiya Miyu , Sasazawa Yukiko , Dohmae Naoshi , Simizu Siro
Published: June 2016

R‐spondin3 (Rspo3) is a secreted protein, which acts as an agonist of canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling that plays an important role in embryonic development and homeostasis. In this study, we focused on C‐mannosylation, a unique type of glycosylation, of human Rspo3. Rspo3 has two putative C‐mannosylation sites at Trp153 and Trp156; however, it had been unclear whether these sites are C‐mannosylated or not. We demonstrated that Rspo3 was C‐mannosylated at both Trp153 and Trp156 by mass spectrometry. Using C‐mannosylation‐defective Rspo3 mutant‐overexpressing cell lines, we found that C‐mannosylation of Rspo3 promotes its secretion and activates Wnt/β‐catenin signaling.
Towards ecohydrological drought monitoring and prediction using a land data assimilation system: A case study on the Horn of Africa drought (2010–2011)
Authors: Sawada Yohei , Koike Toshio
Published: June 2016

Despite the importance of the ecological and agricultural aspects of severe droughts, no drought monitoring and prediction framework based on a land data assimilation system (LDAS) has been developed to monitor and predict vegetation dynamics in the middle of droughts. In this study, we applied a LDAS that can simulate surface soil moisture, root‐zone soil moisture, and vegetation dynamics to the Horn of Africa drought in 2010–2011 caused by the precipitation deficit in two consecutive rainy seasons. We successfully simulated the ecohydrological drought quantified by the model‐estimated soil moistures and leaf area index (LAI). The root‐zone soil moisture and LAI are good indicators of prolonged droughts because they reflect the long‐term effects of past precipitation deficit. The precipitation deficit in 2010 significantly affected the land surface condition of the next rainy season in 2011, which indicated the importance of obtaining accurate initial soil moisture and LAI values for prediction of multiseasonal droughts. In addition, the general circulation model‐based seasonal meteorological prediction showed good performance in predicting land surface conditions of the Horn of Africa drought.
Carbon Fiber Composites Based on Multi‐Phase Epoxy/PES Matrices with Carbon Nanotubes: Morphology and Interlaminar Fracture Toughness Characterization
Authors: Prasad Nakul , Tola Carmen , Coulaud Magali , Claes Michael , Lomov Stepan V. , Verpoest Ignaas , Gorbatikh Larissa
Published: June 2016

The authors investigate the interlaminar fracture toughness of unidirectional carbon fiber composites with eight different matrix systems. The matrices are blends of epoxy and polyethersulfone (PES) thermoplastic that are additionally reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Based on the content of PES, different multi‐phase morphologies (including particulate, co‐continuous, and phase inverted) are obtained. The presence of fibers and CNTs is found to affect these morphologies in the composite. The interlaminar fracture toughness increases for high PES contents where co‐continuous and inverted morphologies are present. No synergy between CNTs and PES is observed. The improvements achieved in the study are highest (above 100%) for the composites containing 15% of PES (with and without CNTs).
Label‐Free Sickle Cell Disease Diagnosis using a Low‐Cost, Handheld Platform
Authors: Yenilmez Bekir , Knowlton Stephanie , Yu Chu Hsiang , Heeney Matthew M. , Tasoglu Savas
Published: June 2016

Recent technological advancements have made strides in shifting clinical diagnostics from large centralized laboratories to the point of care, thus widely increasing the accessibility to such diagnostic procedures worldwide. For sickle cell disease diagnostics, many current technologies require costly equipment and specialized training while others rely on subjective interpretation of results and can be vulnerable to user error. In contrast, the self‐contained, user‐friendly, and low‐cost platform proposed here uses magnetic focusing to separate, image, and analyze blood cells based on their densities. Here, the applicability of this approach is demonstrated to provide a quantitative diagnosis of sickle cell disease. Further, in low‐resource settings such as sub‐Saharan Africa (where the disease is common but no ubiquitous testing and monitoring procedures are in place), this technology can enable simple, rapid, and accessible sickle cell disease diagnostics and monitoring.
CTLA4 as Immunological Checkpoint in the Development of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Gerdes Lisa Ann , Held Kathrin , Beltrán Eduardo , Berking Carola , Prinz Jörg C. , Junker Andreas , Tietze Julia K. , Ertl‐Wagner Birgit , Straube Andreas , Kümpfel Tania , Dornmair Klaus , Hohlfeld Reinhard
Published: June 2016

We investigated a patient who developed multiple sclerosis (MS) during treatment with the CTLA4‐blocking antibody ipilimumab for metastatic melanoma. Initially he showed subclinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes (radiologically isolated syndrome). Two courses of ipilimumab were each followed by a clinical episode of MS, 1 of which was accompanied by a massive increase of MRI activity. Brain biopsy confirmed active, T‐cell type MS. Quantitative next generation sequencing of T‐cell receptor genes revealed distinct oligoclonal CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell repertoires in the primary melanoma and cerebrospinal fluid. Our results pinpoint the coinhibitory molecule CTLA4 as an immunological checkpoint and therapeutic target in MS. Ann Neurol 2016;80:294–300
Supramolecular Recognition of Amino Acids by Twisted Cucurbit[14]uril
Authors: Zhang Jing , Xi Yun‐Yun , Li Qing , Tang Qing , Wang Ruibing , Huang Ying , Tao Zhu , Xue Sai‐Feng , Lindoy Leonard F. , Wei Gang
Published: June 2016

Binding interactions between twisted cucurbit[14]uril (tQ[14]) and twenty standard amino acids (AAs) have been investigated by NMR spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) in aqueous HCl solutions and in DMSO. The results showed that tQ[14] displays clear binding affinity for AAs with a positively charged side chain or containing an aromatic ring, but weaker binding affinity for AAs with hydrophobic or polar side chains, with the binding mode depending on the type of side chain present in the AAs.
Bioorthogonal Chemical Reporters for Monitoring Unsaturated Fatty‐Acylated Proteins
Authors: Thinon Emmanuelle , Percher Avital , Hang Howard C.
Published: June 2016

Dietary unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid, have been shown to be covalently incorporated into a small subset of proteins, but the generality and diversity of this protein modification has not been studied. We synthesized unsaturated fatty‐acid chemical reporters and determined their protein targets in mammalian cells. The reporters can induce the formation of lipid droplets and be incorporated site‐specifically onto known fatty‐acylated proteins and label many proteins in mammalian cells. Quantitative proteomics analysis revealed that unsaturated fatty acids modify similar protein targets to saturated fatty acids, including several immunity‐associated proteins. This demonstrates that unsaturated fatty acids can directly modify many proteins to exert their unique and often beneficial physiological effects in vivo.
Statewide geographic variation in outcomes for adults with acute myeloid leukemia in North Carolina
Authors: Freeman Ashley T. , Meyer Anne‐Marie , Smitherman Andrew B. , Zhou Lei , Basch Ethan M. , Shea Thomas C. , Wood William A.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

Population‐based studies have demonstrated survival disparities related to socioeconomic factors for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The objective of the current study was to determine whether the local health care infrastructure, represented by Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) region, or treating center experience, represented by National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center (NCICCC) designation, were associated with outcomes among patients with AML in North Carolina.

METHODS

Patients who were diagnosed with AML from 2003 to 2009 were identified using the University of North Carolina Lineberger Integrated Cancer Information and Surveillance System, a database linking insurance claims to the North Carolina Cancer Registry. A Cox proportional‐hazards model was used to explore survival based on AHEC region. A subset of patients who received inpatient chemotherapy was examined to evaluate the impact of treatment at an NCICCC.

RESULTS

Nine hundred patients were identified in the study period, 553 of whom received inpatient chemotherapy therapy within 30 days of diagnosis. Almost one‐half of these patients (n = 294) received chemotherapy at a non‐NCICCC. Among the patients who received intensive inpatient therapy, residence in 3 of 9 AHEC regions was associated with a higher risk of mortality (hazard ratio: range, 1.97‐4.03; P < .01) at 1 year in multivariate analysis. Treatment at a non‐NCICCC was not associated with an increased risk of mortality at 1 year (hazard ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.95‐1.65).

CONCLUSIONS

Survival among patients with AML in North Carolina varies according to geographic region. Further examination of local practice and referral patterns may inform strategies to improve AML outcomes across the state. Cancer 2016;122:3041‐3050. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Joint impact of sensing time and IED parameter on the performance of an energy efficient cognitive radio system
Authors: Bhowmick Abhijit , Dhar Roy Sanjay , Kundu Sumit
Published: June 2016

Joint impact of sensing time and improved energy detector (IED) parameter is evaluated for an energy efficient cooperative cognitive radio (CR) system where the CR users use IED. The aim of this work is to design the CR system in such a way that it can achieve two objectives for a given level of protection on primary user: (i) optimization of sensing time to make balance between detection performance and throughput and (ii) appropriate allocation of energy between sensing time and transmission time so as to enhance the energy efficiency of the CR system. The key parameters such as sensing time and IED parameter are set appropriately to meet the objectives. The performance is assessed in terms of throughput and energy efficiency of the system. The effect of the sensing time and the IED parameter on the performance is evaluated under a collision constraint. Furthermore, the optimal sensing time and IED parameter are investigated jointly for which the higher throughput as well as maximum energy efficiency can be obtained, and at the same time, a desired detection probability can also be maintained by the CR system. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between intensive care unit transfer delay and hospital mortality: A multicenter investigation
Authors: Churpek Matthew M. , Wendlandt Blair , Zadravecz Frank J. , Adhikari Richa , Winslow Christopher , Edelson Dana P.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

Previous research investigating the impact of delayed intensive care unit (ICU) transfer on outcomes has utilized subjective criteria for defining critical illness.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of delayed ICU transfer using the electronic Cardiac Arrest Risk Triage (eCART) score, a previously published early warning score, as an objective marker of critical illness.

DESIGN

Observational cohort study.

SETTING

Medical‐surgical wards at 5 hospitals between November 2008 and January 2013.

PATIENTS

Ward patients.

INTERVENTION

None.

MEASUREMENTS

eCART scores were calculated for all patients. The threshold with a specificity of 95% for ICU transfer (eCART ≥ 60) denoted critical illness. A logistic regression model adjusting for age, sex, and surgical status was used to calculate the association between time to ICU transfer from first critical eCART value and in‐hospital mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 3789 patients met the critical eCART threshold before ICU transfer, and the median time to ICU transfer was 5.4 hours. Delayed transfer (>6 hours) occurred in 46% of patients (n = 1734) and was associated with increased mortality compared to patients transferred early (33.2% vs 24.5%, P < 0.001). Each 1‐hour increase in delay was associated with an adjusted 3% increase in odds of mortality (P < 0.001). In patients who survived to discharge, delayed transfer was associated with longer hospital length of stay (median 13 vs 11 days, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed ICU transfer is associated with increased hospital length of stay and mortality. Use of an evidence‐based early warning score, such as eCART, could lead to timely ICU transfer and reduced preventable death. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:757–762. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
CT imaging of the eustachian tube using focal contrast medium administration: a feasibility study
Authors: Falkenberg‐Jensen Benedicte , Silvola Juha , Laurvik Helene , Lervik Andreas , Kristiansen Joanna Fenn , Jablonski Greg , Hopp Einar
Published: June 2016

Objectives

We aim to develop an imaging technique for visualization of the Eustachian tube (ET) lumen.

Study Design

A prospective, experimental study in an animal model and in human cadaver specimens.

Methods

Applying iodixanol to the middle ear in two human temporal bone specimens, followed by computed tomography (CT) examinations, we optimized contrast dilution, CT algorithm, and head positioning for visualization of contrast passage through the ET.

Myringotomy was performed on eight rabbits. Based on the cadaver study, a 20% iodixanol solution was applied to the middle ear, and subsequent CT scans were performed to observe iodixanol in the epipharynx. For some animals, the procedure was repeated on the contralateral ear. We performed the procedure twice on four subjects. Twenty examinations were included.

Iodixanol appearance in the ET and the epipharyngeal orifice was assessed qualitatively on CT scans. The tympanic membrane was inspected after 1 or 2 weeks, and histopathological examination of six contrast‐exposed temporal bones was performed.

Results

The cadaver study provided information on imaging technique and contrast dosage. In rabbits, iodixanol passed through the ET in 19 of the 20 ears. Qualitatively, optimal visualization was seen after 9 to 12 minutes. Clinical inspection after 1 or 2 weeks revealed normal middle ear status. Histopathological samples showed no sign of inflammatory reaction in the tympanic membrane, middle ear, or ET.

Conclusion

Iodixanol application to the middle ear is feasible, safe, and demonstrates patency of the ET.

Level of Evidence

N/A.