bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardamom, Cumin, and Dill Weed Essential Oils: Chemical Compositions, Antimicrobial Activities, and Mechanisms of Action against Campylobacter spp.
Authors: Mutlu-Ingok Aysegul , Karbancioglu-Guler Funda
Published: July 2017

Natural antimicrobials as well as essential oils (EOs) have gained interest to inhibit pathogenic microorganisms and to control food borne diseases. Campylobacter spp. are one of the most common causative agents of gastroenteritis. In this study, cardamom, cumin, and dill weed EOs were evaluated for their antibacterial activities against Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli by using agar-well diffusion and broth microdilution methods, along with the mechanisms of antimicrobial action. Chemical compositions of EOs were also tested by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that cardamom and dill weed EOs possess greater antimicrobial activity than cumin with larger inhibition zones and lower minimum inhibitory concentrations. The permeability of cell membrane and cell membrane integrity were evaluated by determining relative electric conductivity and release of cell constituents into supernatant at 260 nm, respectively. Moreover, effect of EOs on the cell membrane of Campylobacter spp. was also investigated by measuring extracellular ATP concentration. Increase of relative electric conductivity, extracellular ATP concentration, and cell constituents’ release after treatment with EOs demonstrated that tested EOs affected the membrane integrity of Campylobacter spp. The results supported high efficiency of cardamom, cumin, and dill weed EOs to inhibit Campylobacter spp. by impairing the bacterial cell membrane.
Assessment of Enzyme Inhibition: A Review with Examples from the Development of Monoamine Oxidase and Cholinesterase Inhibitory Drugs
Authors: Ramsay Rona , Tipton Keith
Published: July 2017

The actions of many drugs involve enzyme inhibition. This is exemplified by the inhibitors of monoamine oxidases (MAO) and the cholinsterases (ChE) that have been used for several pharmacological purposes. This review describes key principles and approaches for the reliable determination of enzyme activities and inhibition as well as some of the methods that are in current use for such studies with these two enzymes. Their applicability and potential pitfalls arising from their inappropriate use are discussed. Since inhibitor potency is frequently assessed in terms of the quantity necessary to give 50% inhibition (the IC50 value), the relationships between this and the mode of inhibition is also considered, in terms of the misleading information that it may provide. Incorporation of more than one functionality into the same molecule to give a multi-target-directed ligands (MTDLs) requires careful assessment to ensure that the specific target effects are not significantly altered and that the kinetic behavior remains as favourable with the MTDL as it does with the individual components. Such factors will be considered in terms of recently developed MTDLs that combine MAO and ChE inhibitory functions.
Larvicidal and Nematicidal Activities of 3-Acylbarbituric Acid Analogues against Asian Tiger Mosquito, Aedes albopictus, and Pine Wood Nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Seo Seon-Mi , Lee Hyo-Rim , Lee Ji-Eun , Jeong Yong-Chul , Kwon Hyung-Wook , Moon Joon-Kwan , Moloney Mark , Park Il-Kwon
Published: July 2017

Widespread concern for the occurrence of resistant strains, along with the avoidance of the use of highly toxic insecticides and their wide environmental dispersal, highlights the need for the development of new and safer pest control agents. Natural products provide inspiration for new chemical entities with biological activities, and their analogues are good lead compounds for the development of new pest control agents. For this purpose, we evaluated the larvicidal and nematicidal activities of 48 3-acylbarbituric acid analogues against the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus and the pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, organisms of increasing global concern. Among the 48 3-acylbarbituric acid analogues, four compounds—10, 14d, 14g and 19b—showed >90% larvicidal activity against Ae. albopictus at 10 μg/mL concentration, and one (compound 10) showed the strongest larvicidal activity against Ae. albopictus, with a LC50 value of 0.22 μg/mL. Only compound 18 showed strong nematicidal activity against pine wood nematode. Most active compounds possessed similar physicochemical properties; thus, actives typically had ClogP values of around 1.40–1.50 and rel-PSA values of 16–17% and these similar cheminformatic characteristics reflect their similar structure. This study indicates that active 3-acylbarbituric acids analogues have potential as lead compounds for developing novel mosquito control agents.
Synthesis of 2H-Chromenones from Salicylaldehydes and Arylacetonitriles
Authors: Li Chengcai , Zhu Hailin , Zhang Hang , Yang Yongfeng , Wang Feng
Published: July 2017

An efficient and convenient protocol for the synthesis of 2H-chromenones has been developed. In the presence of tBuOK in DMF, good to excellent yields of various chromenones were obtained from the corresponding salicylaldehydes and arylacetonitriles. No protection of inert gas atmosphere is required here.
Impact of Fecal Sludge and Municipal Solid Waste Co-Compost on Crop Growth of Raphanus Sativus L. and Capsicum Anuum L. under Stress Conditions
Authors: Grau Felix , Drechsel Nikita , Haering Volker , Trautz Dieter , Weerakkody Weerakkodige , Drechsel Pay , Marschner Bernd , Dissanayake Dissanayake , Sinnathamby Vijayapala
Published: July 2017

Co-composted dewatered faecal sludge (FS) with organic fractions of municipal solid waste (MSW) has a high potential to be used as an agricultural resource in Sri Lanka. In addition to options for cost recovery in waste management, closing the nutrient and carbon cycles between urban and rural areas, substitution of mineral fertilizers, reduced pollution. and the restoration of degraded arable land are possible with important benefits. Up to now little is known about the usage of FS-MSW as fertilizer and it needs to be studied in order to achieve a better understanding and generate application recommendations. The aim of these experiments has been to evaluate the possibility of substituting mineral fertilization. Two field experiments were conducted on sandy loam to assess the effects of MSW compost and FS-MSW co-compost, its pelletized forms, and mineral-enriched FS-MSW on crop growth. As a short-term crop Raphanus sativus “Beeralu rabu” (radish) was studied for 50 days in a randomized complete block design (RCDB). Results show that, under drought conditions, FS-MSW co-compost increased the yield significantly, while MSW and FS-MSW compost enabled the highest survival rate of the plants. Similarly, the second field trial with a long-term crop, Capsicum anuum “CA-8” (capsicum), was planted as RCBD, using the same treatments, for a cultivation period of 120 days. Results display that during a drought followed by water saturated soil conditions co-compost treatments achieved comparable yields and increased the survival rate significantly compared to the control, fertilized with urea, triple super phosphate, and muriate of potash. Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) revealed that pelletizing decreased the monetary benefits if only fertilizer value is considered. It can be concluded that, under drought and water stress, co-compost ensures comparable yields and enables more resistance, but might not be economical viable as a one-crop fertilizer. These findings need to be validated with further trials under different climate regimes and soils.
Considering Inter-Frequency Clock Bias for BDS Triple-Frequency Precise Point Positioning
Authors: Pan Lin , Li Xingxing , Zhang Xiaohong , Li Xin , Lu Cuixian , Zhao Qile , Liu Jingnan
Published: July 2017

The joint use of multi-frequency signals brings new prospects for precise positioning and has become a trend in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) development. However, a new type of inter-frequency clock bias (IFCB), namely the difference between satellite clocks computed with different ionospheric-free carrier phase combinations, was noticed. Consequently, the B1/B3 precise point positioning (PPP) cannot directly use the current B1/B2 clock products. Datasets from 35 globally distributed stations are employed to investigate the IFCB. For new generation BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) satellites, namely BDS-3 satellites, the IFCB between B1/B2a and B1/B3 satellite clocks, between B1/B2b and B1/B3 satellite clocks, between B1C/B2a and B1C/B3 satellite clocks, and between B1C/B2b and B1C/B3 satellite clocks is analyzed, and no significant IFCB variations can be observed. The IFCB between B1/B2 and B1/B3 satellite clocks for BDS-2 satellites varies with time, and the IFCB variations are generally confined to peak amplitudes of about 5 cm. The IFCB of BDS-2 satellites exhibits periodic signal, and the accuracy of prediction for IFCB, namely the root mean square (RMS) statistic of the difference between predicted and estimated IFCB values, is 1.2 cm. A triple-frequency PPP model with consideration of IFCB is developed. Compared with B1/B2-based PPP, the positioning accuracy of triple-frequency PPP with BDS-2 satellites can be improved by 12%, 25% and 10% in east, north and vertical directions, respectively.
Political Approaches to Tackling Islamophobia: An ‘Insider/Outsider’ Analysis of the British Coalition Government’s Approach between 2010–15
Authors: Allen Chris
Published: July 2017

Soon after the Conservative-led Coalition government came to power in 2010, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi announced that Islamophobia had passed the ‘dinner-table test’ in contemporary Britain. Resultantly, the need to address Islamophobia was identified as a priority for the Coalition. This article critically analyses how the Coalition sought to achieve this and the extent to which it was successful. Focusing on the period 2010–15, this article initially frames what is meant by Islamophobia, before briefly setting out how it had been responded to by previous British governments. Regarding the Coalition, a threefold approach is adopted that considers the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Islamophobia, the Cross-Government Working Group on Anti-Muslim Hate, and the political discourses used by the Coalition about Muslims and Islam more generally. Concluding that the Coalition failed to meet the high expectations set by Warsi’s speech, this article considers why this might have been so.
Managing Carbon Footprints under the Trade Credit
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Gong Wei , Wang Fuqiang
Published: July 2017

We investigate how the retailer adjusts optimal ordering policy in the presence of cap-and-trade system and trade credit, and the corresponding changes of the retailer’s total costs and carbon footprint. Trade credit is one of the most used short-term financing tools. Our study shows that carbon emissions trading will shorten the ordering cycle for products that emit more carbon dioxide during the storage stage, and therefore reduce the buying behavior stimulation effect of trade credit on these products. Under the cap-and-trade system, the retailer’s total cost may increase or decrease, depending on the combination of carbon cap allocated to the retailer and the carbon price. Moreover, trade credit and the corresponding cost of capital affect the retailer’s carbon emission reduction strategy by changing the retailers’ consolidated cost during the ordering and inventory holding stages.
Mapping the Soil Texture in the Heihe River Basin Based on Fuzzy Logic and Data Fusion
Authors: Lu Ling , Liu Chao , Li Xin , Ran Youhua
Published: July 2017

Mapping soil texture in a river basin is critically important for eco-hydrological studies and water resource management at the watershed scale. However, due to the scarcity of in situ observation of soil texture, it is very difficult to map the soil texture in high resolution using traditional methods. Here, we used an integrated method based on fuzzy logic theory and data fusion to map the soil texture in the Heihe River basin in an arid region of Northwest China, by combining in situ soil texture measurement data, environmental factors, a previous soil texture map, and other thematic maps. Considering the different landscape characteristics over the whole Heihe River basin, different mapping schemes have been used to extract the soil texture in the upstream, middle, and downstream areas of the Heihe River basin, respectively. The validation results indicate that the soil texture map achieved an accuracy of 69% for test data from the midstream area of the Heihe River basin, which represents a much higher accuracy than that of another existing soil map in the Heihe River basin. In addition, compared with the time-consuming and expensive traditional soil mapping method, this new method could ensure greater efficiency and a better representation of the explicitly spatial distribution of soil texture and can, therefore, satisfy the requirements of regional modeling.
Measuring Sustainable Indigenous Tourism Indicators: A Case of Mah Meri Ethnic Group in Carey Island, Malaysia
Authors: Kunasekaran Puvaneswaran , Gill Sarjit , Ramachandran Sridar , Shuib Ahmad , Baum Tom , Herman Mohammad Afandi Syamsul
Published: July 2017

Sustainable tourism emphasises responsible utilisation of economic, socio-cultural and environmental resources for tourism development. Extant literature in sustainable tourism leans towards subjective and qualitative description in explaining the dynamic nature of the trans-disciplinary indicators of sustainability. However, few mechanisms have been proposed or developed to quantify the indicators measuring sustainable tourism in an indigenous ethnic context. The current study measures 61 sustainable indigenous tourism indicators of the Mah Meri ethnic group that comprise three constructs, namely, community resources, community development and sustainable tourism. Simple random sampling was employed for data elicitation and a weighted average score using R software as the basis of analysis was used to produce a sustainable indigenous tourism barometer (SITB). The study identifies 11 sustainability dimensions from the initial three main constructs that are treated as the relationship aspects in this study. Based on the Sustainable Indigenous Tourism Barometer (SITB), community participation, empowerment, economic and socio-cultural sustainability are found to be the main influencing dimensions of sustainability of the Mah Meri ethnic group. However, natural resources, financial resources and environmental sustainability indicated weaker relationships in explaining sustainability of the Mah Meri ethnic group. Based on the SITB, the results demonstrate that the Mah Meri ethnic group are a “potential sustainable” tourism stakeholder.
A Community Energy Transition Model for Urban Areas: The Energy Self-Reliant Village Program in Seoul, South Korea
Authors: Kim Hana
Published: July 2017

While community energy initiatives are on the rise, community actions for energy transition in Asian countries have rarely been studied. While it is difficult for community energy initiatives to develop spontaneously in Seoul, there are some success stories there. This study places these successes in context. It analyzes municipal documents, including unpublished materials from municipal meetings, in order to examine how the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) created enabling conditions for promoting community energy initiatives. This study also conducted interviews to explore unsolved issues related to the Energy Self-Reliant Village (ESV) program. The SMG encouraged collective action through financial, administrative, and informational support. Also, this study found that Seoul’s ESV program fostered communities by raising the sense of locality and responsibility and community spirit through various educational programs. The ESV program supported the continuity of community by providing guidelines that relieved the burden on community members. The SMG played a significant role in promoting community engagement in energy transition by affecting internal and external conditions. This study provides meaningful insights that other municipalities, especially large urban areas, can follow to foster community actions for energy transition.
Ouabain Protects Human Renal Cells against the Cytotoxic Effects of Shiga Toxin Type 2 and Subtilase Cytotoxin
Authors: Amaral María , Girard Magalí , Álvarez Romina , Paton Adrienne , Paton James , Repetto Horacio , Sacerdoti Flavia , Ibarra Cristina
Published: July 2017

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is one of the most common causes of acute renal failure in children. The majority of cases are associated with Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). In Argentina, HUS is endemic and presents the highest incidence rate in the world. STEC strains expressing Stx type 2 (Stx2) are responsible for the most severe cases of this pathology. Subtilase cytotoxin (SubAB) is another STEC virulence factor that may contribute to HUS pathogenesis. To date, neither a licensed vaccine nor effective therapy for HUS is available for humans. Considering that Ouabain (OUA) may prevent the apoptosis process, in this study we evaluated if OUA is able to avoid the damage caused by Stx2 and SubAB on human glomerular endothelial cells (HGEC) and the human proximal tubule epithelial cell (HK-2) line. HGEC and HK-2 were pretreated with OUA and then incubated with the toxins. OUA protected the HGEC viability from Stx2 and SubAB cytotoxic effects, and also prevented the HK-2 viability from Stx2 effects. The protective action of OUA on HGEC and HK-2 was associated with a decrease in apoptosis and an increase in cell proliferation. Our data provide evidence that OUA could be considered as a therapeutic strategy to avoid the renal damage that precedes HUS.
The Formation of the Eastern Africa Rabies Network: A Sub-Regional Approach to Rabies Elimination
Authors: Pieracci Emily G , Scott Terence P , Coetzer Andre , Athman Mwatondo , Mutembei Arithi , Kidane Abraham Haile , Bekele Meseret , Ayalew Girma , Ntegeyibizaza Samson , Assenga Justine , Markalio Godson , Munyua Peninah , Nel Louis H , Blanton Jesse
Published: July 2017

Abstract: International rabies networks have been formed in many of the canine-rabies endemic regions around the world to create unified and directed regional approaches towards elimination. The aim of the first sub-regional Eastern Africa rabies network meeting, which included Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda, was to discuss how individual country strategies could be coordinated to address the unique challenges that are faced within the network. The Stepwise Approach towards Rabies Elimination and the Global Dog Rabies Elimination Pathway tool were used to stimulate discussion and planning to achieve the elimination of canine-mediated human rabies by 2030. Our analysis estimated a total dog population of 18.3 million dogs in the Eastern Africa region. The current dog vaccination coverage was estimated to be approximately 5% (915,000 dogs), with an estimated 4910 vaccinators available. Assuming that every vaccinator performs rabies vaccination, this equated to each vaccinator currently vaccinating 186 dogs per year, whilst the target would be to vaccinate 2609 dogs every year for the community to reach 70% coverage. In order to achieve the World Health Organization-recommended 70% vaccination coverage, an additional 11 million dogs need to be vaccinated each year, pointing to an average annual shortfall of $ 23 million USD in current spending to achieve elimination by 2030 across the region. Improved vaccination efficiency within the region could be achieved by improving logistics and/or incorporating multiple vaccination methods to increase vaccinator efficiency, and could serve to reduce the financial burden associated with rabies elimination. Regional approaches to rabies control are of value, as neighboring countries can share their unique challenges while, at the same time, common approaches can be developed and resource-saving strategies can be implemented.
Heterologous Humoral Response against H5N1, H7N3, and H9N2 Avian Influenza Viruses after Seasonal Vaccination in a European Elderly Population
Authors: Sanz Ivan , Rojo Silvia , Tamames Sonia , Eiros José , Ortiz de Lejarazu Raúl
Published: July 2017

Avian influenza viruses are currently one of the main threats to human health in the world. Although there are some screening reports of antibodies against these viruses in humans from Western countries, most of these types of studies are conducted in poultry and market workers of Asian populations. The presence of antibodies against avian influenza viruses was evaluated in an elderly European population. An experimental study was conducted, including pre- and post-vaccine serum samples obtained from 174 elderly people vaccinated with seasonal influenza vaccines of 2006–2007, 2008–2009, 2009–2010, and 2010–2011 Northern Hemisphere vaccine campaigns. The presence of antibodies against A/H5N1, A/H7N3, and A/H9N2 avian influenza viruses were tested by using haemaglutination inhibition assays. Globally, heterotypic antibodies were found before vaccination in 2.9% of individuals against A/H5N1, 1.2% against A/H7N3, and 25.9% against A/H9N2. These pre-vaccination antibodies were present at titers ≥1/40 in 1.1% of individuals against A/H5N1, in 1.1% against H7N3, and in 0.6% against the A/H9N2 subtype. One 76 year-old male showed pre-vaccine antibodies (Abs) against those three avian influenza viruses, and another three individuals presented Abs against two different viruses. Seasonal influenza vaccination induced a significant number of heterotypic seroconversions against A/H5N1 (14.4%) and A/H9N2 (10.9%) viruses, but only one seroconversion was observed against the A/H7N3 subtype. After vaccination, four individuals showed Abs titers ≥1/40 against those three avian viruses, and 55 individuals against both A/H5N1 and A/H9N2. Seasonal vaccination is able to induce some weak heterotypic responses to viruses of avian origin in elderly individuals with no previous exposure to them. However, this response did not accomplish the European Medicament Agency criteria for influenza vaccine efficacy. The results of this study show that seasonal vaccines induce a broad response of heterotypic antibodies against avian influenza viruses, albeit at a low level.
Sediment Size Effects in Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter-Derived Estimates of Suspended Sediment Concentration
Authors: Öztürk Mehmet
Published: July 2017

Backscatter output from a 10 MHz acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) was used to quantify suspended sediment concentrations in a laboratory setting using sand-sized particles. The experiments included (a) well-sorted sand samples ranging in size from 0.112 to 0.420 mm, obtained by the sieving of construction sand, (b) different, known mixtures of these well-sorted fractions, and (c) sieved natural beach sand with median sizes ranging from 0.112 to 0.325 mm. The tested concentrations ranged from 25 to 3000 mg•L−1. The backscatter output was empirically related to concentration and sediment size, and when non-dimensionalized by acoustic wavelength, a dimensionless sediment size gradation coefficient. Size-dependent upper and lower bounds on measurable concentrations were also established empirically. The range of measurable conditions is broad enough to make the approach useful for sand sizes and concentrations commonly encountered in nature. A new method is proposed to determine concentrations in cases of mixed-size sediment suspensions when only calibration data for well-sorted constituent sands are available. This approach could potentially allow better estimates when the suspended load is derived from but is not fully representative of the bed material, and when the size characteristics of the suspended material are varying in time over the period of interest. Differences in results between the construction and beach sands suggest that sediment shape may also need to be considered, and point to the importance of calibrating to sediments encountered at the site of interest.
Long-term benzodiazepine and Z-drugs use in England: a survey of general practice
Authors: Davies James , Rae Todd C , Montagu Luke
Published: July 2017

Background

Current British National Formulary (BNF) guidelines state that benzodiazepines and zolpidem, zopiclone, and zaleplon, commonly known as Z-drugs (BZD), be prescribed for no more than 4 weeks, although anecdotal data suggest that many patients are prescribed BZDs for much longer. As there are no recent, evidence-based estimates of long-term (>12 months) BZD use in England, the scale of this potential problem is unknown.

Aim

To produce the first reliable, evidence-based estimate of long-term BZD use in England.

Design and setting

Estimates of long-term BZD use in England were projected from data obtained from a survey conducted in 2014–2015 by the Bridge Project, a prescribed-drug withdrawal support charity in the North of England (Bradford).

Method

Percentages of long-term users of BZD were derived from the survey, by sampling primary care GP surgeries with around 100 000 registered patients, and these were applied to English NHS patient numbers. The data were filtered to exclude the very young and old, and those with other health issues.

Results

The mean percentage of registered patients prescribed BZDs for more than a year in the survey sample is 0.69% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.54 to 0.84). Applying this value to national patient numbers yields a mean projection of 296 929 (95% CI = 232 553 to 361 305) long-term users of BZD in England. The data also suggest that as many as 119 165 of these patients may be willing to accept prescribed drug dependency withdrawal services.

Conclusion

More than a quarter of a million people in England are likely to be taking highly dependency-forming hypnotic medication far beyond the recommended time scales. As there is evidence that long-term use of BZDs causes adverse physiological and neurological effects, and protracted withdrawal (with associated complications), this represents a serious public health problem.
Impact of GP reminders on follow-up of abnormal cervical cytology: a before–after study in Danish general practice
Authors: Kristiansen Bettina Kjær , Andersen Berit , Bro Flemming , Svanholm Hans , Vedsted Peter
Published: July 2017

Background

Dysplasia may progress because of a loss to follow-up after an abnormal cervical cytology. Approximately 18% of Danish women postpone the recommended follow-up, which depends on the cytology results.

Aim

To investigate if a reminder to the GP about missed follow-up could reduce the proportion of women who fail to act on a recommended follow-up, and to analyse the effect on sociodemographic and general practice variations.

Design and setting

A national electronic GP reminder system was launched in Denmark in 2012 to target missed follow-up after screening, opportunistic testing, or surveillance indication. The authors compared follow-up proportions in a national observational before–after study.

Method

From national registries, 1.5 million cervical cytologies (from 2009 to 2013) were eligible for inclusion. Approximately 10% had a recommendation for follow-up. The proportion of cervical cytologies without follow-up was calculated at different time points. Results were stratified by follow-up recommendations and sociodemographic characteristics, and changes in practice variation for follow-up were analysed.

Results

Fewer women with a recommendation for follow-up missed follow-up 6 months after a GP reminder. Follow-up improved in all investigated sociodemographic groups (age, ethnicity, education, and cohabitation status). Interaction was found for age and cohabitation status. Variation between practices in loss to follow-up was significantly reduced.

Conclusion

An electronic GP reminder system showed potential to improve the quality of cervical cancer screening through reduced loss to follow-up.
Calcium fluoride based multifunctional nanoparticles for multimodal imaging
Authors: Straßer Marion , Schrauth Joachim H X , Dembski Sofia , Haddad Daniel , Ahrens Bernd , Schweizer Stefan , Christ Bastian , Cubukova Alevtina , Metzger Marco , Walles Heike , Jakob Peter M , Sextl Gerhard
Published: July 2017

New multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) that can be used as contrast agents (CA) in different imaging techniques, such as photoluminescence (PL) microscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), open new possibilities for medical imaging, e.g., in the fields of diagnostics or tissue characterization in regenerative medicine. The focus of this study is on the synthesis and characterization of CaF2:(Tb3+,Gd3+) NPs. Fabricated in a wet-chemical procedure, the spherical NPs with a diameter of 5–10 nm show a crystalline structure. Simultaneous doping of the NPs with different lanthanide ions, leading to paramagnetism and fluorescence, makes them suitable for MR and PL imaging. Owing to the Gd3+ ions on the surface, the NPs reduce the MR T1 relaxation time constant as a function of their concentration. Thus, the NPs can be used as a MRI CA with a mean relaxivity of about r = 0.471 mL·mg−1·s−1. Repeated MRI examinations of four different batches prove the reproducibility of the NP synthesis and determine the long-term stability of the CAs. No cytotoxicity of NP concentrations between 0.5 and 1 mg·mL−1 was observed after exposure to human dermal fibroblasts over 24 h. Overall this study shows, that the CaF2:(Tb3+,Gd3+) NPs are suitable for medical imaging.
A Review of Auditory Prediction and Its Potential Role in Tinnitus Perception
Authors: Durai Mithila , O’Keeffe Mary G. , Searchfield Grant D.
Published: July 2017

Background:The precise mechanisms underlying tinnitus perception and distress are still not fully understood. A recent proposition is that auditory prediction errors and related memory representations may play a role in driving tinnitus perception. It is of interest to further
explore this.Purpose:To obtain a comprehensive narrative synthesis of current research in relation to auditory prediction and its potential role in tinnitus perception and severity.Research Design:A narrative review methodological framework was followed.Data Collection and
Analysis:The key words Prediction Auditory, Memory Prediction Auditory, Tinnitus AND Memory, Tinnitus AND Prediction in Article Title, Abstract, and Keywords were extensively searched on four databases: PubMed, Scopus, SpringerLink, and PsychINFO. All study types were selected from 2000‐2016
(end of 2016) and had the following exclusion criteria applied: minimum age of participants <18, nonhuman participants, and article not available in English. Reference lists of articles were reviewed to identify any further relevant studies. Articles were short listed based on title relevance.Study
Sample:After reading the abstracts and with consensus made between coauthors, a total of 114 studies were selected for charting data.Results:The hierarchical predictive coding model based on the Bayesian brain hypothesis, attentional modulation and top-down feedback serves as the
fundamental framework in current literature for how auditory prediction may occur. Predictions are integral to speech and music processing, as well as in sequential processing and identification of auditory objects during auditory streaming. Although deviant responses are observable from middle
latency time ranges, the mismatch negativity (MMN) waveform is the most commonly studied electrophysiological index of auditory irregularity detection. However, limitations may apply when interpreting findings because of the debatable origin of the MMN and its restricted ability to model real-life,
more complex auditory phenomenon. Cortical oscillatory band activity may act as neurophysiological substrates for auditory prediction. Tinnitus has been modeled as an auditory object which may demonstrate incomplete processing during auditory scene analysis resulting in tinnitus salience and
therefore difficulty in habituation. Within the electrophysiological domain, there is currently mixed evidence regarding oscillatory band changes in tinnitus.Conclusions:There are theoretical proposals for a relationship between prediction error and tinnitus but few published empirical
studies.
Impact of Hearing Loss and Amplification on Performance on a Cognitive Screening Test
Authors: Saunders Gabrielle H. , Odgear Ian , Cosgrove Anna , Frederick Melissa T.
Published: July 2017

Background:There have been numerous recent reports on the association between hearing impairment and cognitive function, such that the cognition of adults with hearing loss is poorer relative to the cognition of adults with normal hearing (NH), even when amplification is used.
However, it is not clear the extent to which this is testing artifact due to the individual with hearing loss being unable to accurately hear the test stimuli.Purpose:The primary purpose of this study was to examine whether use of amplification during cognitive screening with the Montreal
Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) improves performance on the MoCA. Secondarily, we investigated the effects of hearing ability on MoCA performance, by comparing the performance of individuals with and without hearing impairment.Study Sample:Participants were 42 individuals with hearing impairment
and 19 individuals with NH. Of the individuals with hearing impairment, 22 routinely used hearing aids; 20 did not use hearing aids.Data Collection and Analysis:Following a written informec consent process, all participants completed pure tone audiometry, speech testing in quiet (Maryland
consonant-nucleus-consonant [CNC] words) and in noise (Quick Speech in Noise [QuickSIN] test), and the MoCA. The speech testing and MoCA were completed twice. Individuals with hearing impairment completed testing once unaided and once with amplification, whereas individuals with NH completed
unaided testing twice.Results:The individuals with hearing impairment performed significantly less well on the MoCA than those without hearing impairment for unaided testing, and the use of amplification did not significantly change performance. This is despite the finding that amplification
significantly improved the performance of the hearing aid users on the measures of speech in quiet and speech in noise. Furthermore, there were strong correlations between MoCA score and the four frequency pure tone average, Maryland CNC score and QuickSIN, which remain moderate to strong
when the analyses were adjusted for age.Conclusions:It is concluded that the individuals with hearing loss here performed less well on the MoCA than individuals with NH and that the use of amplification did not compensate for this performance deficit. Nonetheless, this should not be
taken to suggest the use of amplification during testing is unnecessary because it might be that other unmeasured factors, such as effort required to perform or fatigue, were decreased with the use of amplification.
Improved Constraints on the Disk around MWC 349A from the 23 m LBTI
Authors: Sallum S. , Eisner J. A. , Hinz P. M. , Sheehan P. D. , Skemer A. J. , Tuthill P. G. , Young J. S.
Published: July 2017

We present new spatially resolved observations of MWC 349A from the Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer (LBTI), a 23 m baseline interferometer made up of two, co-mounted 8 m telescopes. MWC 349A is a B[e] star with an unknown evolutionary state. Proposed scenarios range from a young stellar object, to a B[e] supergiant, to a tight binary system. Radio continuum and recombination line observations of this source revealed a sub-arcsecond bipolar outflow surrounding an ∼100 mas circumstellar disk. Follow-up infrared studies detected the disk, and suggested that it may have skew and an inner clearing. Our new infrared interferometric observations, which have more than twice the resolution of previously published data sets, support the presence of both skew and a compact infrared excess. They rule out inner clearings with radii greater than ∼14 mas. We show the improvements in disk parameter constraints provided by LBTI, and discuss the inferred disk parameters in the context of the posited evolutionary states for MWC 349A.
Nuclear Weak Rates and Detailed Balance in Stellar Conditions
Authors: Misch G. Wendell
Published: July 2017

Detailed balance is often invoked in discussions of nuclear weak transitions in astrophysical environments. Satisfaction of detailed balance is rightly touted as a virtue of some methods of computing nuclear transition strengths, but I argue that it need not necessarily be strictly obeyed in astrophysical environments, especially when the environment is far from weak equilibrium. I present the results of shell model calculations of nuclear weak strengths in both charged-current and neutral-current channels at astrophysical temperatures, finding some violation of detailed balance. I show that a slight modification of the technique to strictly obey detailed balance has little effect on the reaction rates associated with these strengths under most conditions, though at high temperature the modified technique in fact misses some important strength. I comment on the relationship between detailed balance and weak equilibrium in astrophysical conditions.
RAVE J203843.2–002333: The First Highly R-process-enhanced Star Identified in the RAVE Survey*
Authors: Placco Vinicius M. , Holmbeck Erika M. , Frebel Anna , Beers Timothy C. , Surman Rebecca A. , Ji Alexander P. , Ezzeddine Rana , Points Sean D. , Kaleida Catherine C. , Hansen Terese T. , Sakari Charli M. , Casey Andrew R.
Published: July 2017

We report the discovery of RAVE J203843.2−002333, a bright (V = 12.73), very metal-poor (

= −2.91), r-process-enhanced (

= +1.64 and

= −0.81) star selected from the RAVE survey. This star was identified as a metal-poor candidate based on its medium-resolution (R ∼ 1600) spectrum obtained with the KPNO/Mayall Telescope, and followed up with high-resolution (R ∼ 66,000) spectroscopy with the Magellan/Clay Telescope, allowing for the determination of elemental abundances for 24 neutron-capture elements, including thorium and uranium. RAVE J2038−0023 is only the fourth metal-poor star with a clearly measured U abundance. The derived chemical abundance pattern exhibits good agreement with those of other known highly r-process-enhanced stars, and evidence suggests that it is not an actinide-boost star. Age estimates were calculated using U/X abundance ratios, yielding a mean age of 13.0 ± 1.1 Gyr.
Dependence of the Peak Fluxes of Solar Energetic Particles on CME 3D Parameters from STEREO and SOHO
Authors: Park Jinhye , Moon Y.-J. , Lee Harim
Published: July 2017

We investigate the relationships between the peak fluxes of 18 solar energetic particle (SEP) events and associated coronal mass ejection (CME) 3D parameters (speed, angular width, and separation angle) obtained from SOHO, and STEREO-A/B for the period from 2010 August to 2013 June. We apply the STEREO CME Analysis Tool (StereoCAT) to the SEP-associated CMEs to obtain 3D speeds and 3D angular widths. The separation angles are determined as the longitudinal angles between flaring regions and magnetic footpoints of the spacecraft, which are calculated by the assumption of a Parker spiral field. The main results are as follows. (1) We find that the dependence of the SEP peak fluxes on CME 3D speed from multiple spacecraft is similar to that on CME 2D speed. (2) There is a positive correlation between SEP peak flux and 3D angular width from multiple spacecraft, which is much more evident than the relationship between SEP peak flux and 2D angular width. (3) There is a noticeable anti-correlation (r = −0.62) between SEP peak flux and separation angle. (4) The multiple-regression method between SEP peak fluxes and CME 3D parameters shows that the longitudinal separation angle is the most important parameter, and the CME 3D speed is secondary on SEP peak flux.
Global Dermatology: Learning from the Past but Still Learning from the Best?
Authors: Tchernev Georgi
Published: July 2017

If we try to draw conclusions about events, analyse data or results (in one or a certain area) and clarify our unknown points in standard or non-standard ways, this leads to the transfer of experience from one area to another. How do we want to follow guidelines, while the most of the obligatory laws are not followed, for example? The aim of prescriptions or recommendations in medicine, for example, (or the laws of a country that do not usually apply to particular classes or castes, as well as business rules) is to give guidance on how it would be appropriate to help people or ourselves (as we have already mentioned) and the people themselves. Unfortunately, this behaviour is also characteristic of developed societies that dictate the rules and try to help ... to people, as well. If we come deeper into the system of mutual aid in medicine, it is unfortunate that sometimes the condition of this kind of ʺecosystemʺ (or any of the ecosystems described) is worse than the best tragic-comedy. Unfortunately, the "ecosystem of medicine" is also subordinate and slaves somehow to the stronger "ecosystems" as politics and business and is dependent on them, but for evil or good, these ecosystems have glimpsed at times, no matter what are the motives, which provoke them! And they are most often ... once again personal. Although in a number of Eastern European countries, it was unthinkable to even undesirable until recently, that dermasurgery and dermatooncology to be part of modern dermatological societies, the insatiable thirst for growth of young specialists, as well as the impact of Western schools, on their formation as a kind of new hope proved to be stronger in the formation of dermatosurgery, not only all over the world, but also in particular in the Balkans and Bulgaria. These units are gradually being introduced as an indispensable part of any modern clinic, and this part guarantees the best results (in patients with dermatosurgical or dermatooncological needs). The globalisation of dermatology and dermatological science has led to the introduction and involvement of additional auxiliary units, based on a more global concept of the interdisciplinary concept that encompasses psycho-neuroendocrine dermatology which provides a good explanation for some unexplained diseases, such as vitiligo, for example.
Dermatologic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology as an Essential Part of the Modern Dermatology in Bulgaria
Authors: Tchernev Georgi , Lozev Ilia , Lotti Torello , Wollina Uwe , Gianfaldoni Serena , Guarneri Claudio , Lotti Jacopo , França Katlein , Batashki Atanas , Chokoeva Anastasiya
Published: July 2017

Dermatosurgery and dermatooncology are an integral part of dermatology as a speciality, and this postulate is strictly respected in a high percentage of European dermatological units. Due to the fact that a number of other specialties interweave with the subject of therapy - the surgical treatment of the patient with skin tumors, the positioning of dermatosurgery as part of dermatology is generally controversial (according to some), and at the same time is often the subject of a number of debates and conflicts. These include maxillofacial surgeons, plastic surgeons, regenerative and reconstructive surgeons, surgical and medical oncologist, etc. The advantages of these specialities are mainly based on good medical practice and good surgical techniques that are applied. In contrast, their disadvantages are based on the lack of good awareness of the initial surgical approach as well as the need for time-adjusted and accurately performed additional surgical interventions which should befurthermore careful scheduled with the relevant oncology units. Losing this thread, in practice, it turns out that we are losing the patients themselves or, looking laconically, we are working with reduced efficiency and effectiveness. Although for the last 15 years the positions of these sub-sectors in Bulgaria had been underdeveloped, a certain ascent has been observed nowadays or from a couple of years ago. This advance is undoubtedly due to the influence of the German Dermatological School, presented by Prof. Dr. Uwe Wollina, Head of Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology in Dresden, Germany, as well as due to other respected representative of the Italian Dermatological School - in the face of Prof. Dr. Torello Lotti, Head of the Dermatology Unit at G Marconi University of Rome, Italy.
Erythema Ab Igne Successfully Treated With Mesoglycan and Bioflavonoids: A Case-Report
Authors: Gianfaldoni Serena , Gianfaldoni Roberto , Tchernev Georgi , Lotti Jacopo , Wollina Uwe , Lotti Torello
Published: July 2017

Erythema ab igne is a localised, cutaneous condition consisting of reticulate hyperpigmentation, epidermal atrophy, and telangiectasias. It is caused by repetitive and prolonged exposure to moderate heat that is insufficient for producing burns. Currently, erythema ab igne is most commonly observed following repeated use of hot water bottles, infrared lamps and heating pads. If not properly treated, erythema ab igne can become chronic and even malignant. We report a case of erythema ab igne, successfully treated with systemic mesoglycan-based therapy, and local therapy with bioflavonoids.
Long-term monitoring of diversity and structure of two stands of an Atlantic Tropical Forest
Authors: Diniz Écio , Carvalho Warley , Santos Rubens , Gastauer Markus , Garcia Paulo , Fontes Marco , Coelho Polyanne , Moreira Aline , Menino Gisele , Oliveira-Filho Ary
Published: July 2017

This study aimed to report the long-term monitoring of diversity and structure of the tree community in a protected semideciduous Atlantic Forest in the South of Minas Gerais State, Southeast Brazil. The study was conducted in two stands (B and C), each with 26 and 38 10 m x 30 m plots. Censuses of stand B were conducted in 2000, 2005 and 2011, and stand C in 2001, 2006 and 2011. In both stands, the most abundant and important species for biomass accumulation over the inventories were trees larger than 20 cm of diameter, which characterize advanced successional stage within the forest.

The two surveyed stands within the studied forest presented differences in structure, diversity and species richness over the time.
Des effets de la complaisance du hasard… dans le virtuel
Authors: Willo Toke Geoffroy
Published: July 2017

Le présent article se soutiendra de montrer quelle est la logique du « virtuel » et comment celui-ci exerce depuis des siècles des effets de dépendance et de fascination sur l’homme. Cette logique du virtuel repose sur un rapport d’attente à « l’instant d’après » que nous avons nommé « surgissement ». Ce phénomène de surgissement permet d’avancer qu’il n’y a pas de rupture entre le virtuel et l’histoire qui l’a produit. Cependant, il existe des conditions d’émergence d’un questionnement psychanalytique du virtuel : en effet, la multiplication de ces surgissements et la possibilité de manipuler ceux-ci conduisent nos contemporains à exercer une « maîtrise sur le hasard », lequel est appelé à devenir de plus en plus complaisant avec le déterminisme psychique inconscient, selon la formule freudienne. Il en résulte, sur le plan clinique, que toute médiation thérapeutique numérique ne peut s’envisager, selon une certaine méthodologie, qu’à partir de l’exploitation de ces surgissements. Nous exposerons comment cette méthodologie apporte le bénéfice inestimable d’introduire du « play dans le game » dans le rapport à des jeux vidéo qui, autrement, se constituent pour la plupart comme des supports de subjectivité extrêmement faibles.