bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA Sequencing and Bioinformatics Analysis of Clone pOr78 from the Species Specific Suppression Subtractive Hybridization Library Constructed from Endemic Wild Rice Species O. rhizomatis
Authors: Rajkumar Gowri , Weerasena Jagathpriya , Fernando Kumudu
Published: June 2017

Oryza rhizomatis is an endemic wild rice species in Sri Lanka with some unique characteristics of biotic and abiotic stress resistance. Hence characterization of desirable novel genes found in Oryza rhizomatis will be useful for transferring traits to commercial varieties. Therefore, in this study, a species-specific cDNA library was constructed from the wild rice species O. rhizomatis to isolate and characterize novel genes which are specifically present in this species but absent in cultivated rice (Oryza sativa). Forty recombinant clones were randomly selected from the cDNA SSH library and the inserts were sequenced. Sequence analysis of all forty clones indicated that the suppression and hybridization procedures in the library construction were successful as most of the clones have significant alignment with other wild rice species than O. sativa used as a reference cDNA for construction of subtraction library in this study. Therefore the genes which were specifically expressed in the wild rice species O. rhizomatis enriched in the SSH library. From this study it was possible to characterize O. rhizomatis nsLTP1 proteins (non specific Lipid Transfer Protein 1) super family AAI_LTSS which are found to be involved in control of pathogen attack related responses in plants.Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 5(2): 133-140
Antibacterial Effects of Thuja Leaves Extract
Authors: Sah Shiv Nandan , Regmi Sunil , Tamang Man Kumar
Published: June 2017

Various medicinal plants are common in use in Nepal for the treatment of different diseases. Nowadays, drug resistance has emerged as a major problem for various infections, in such case plants can be used as alternative for the production of new antimicrobial agents. Thuja (in Nepali: dhupi) is a small evergreen genus of the Cupressaceae family. This species is widely cultivated as a common ornamental plant in Nepal and India. This study examined the antibacterial activity of Thuja leaves extract on gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp.) and gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Thuja leaves were collected from different localities of Dharan, and dried under shade for 10 days. They were then grinded using mechanical grinder. Leaf extract (oleoresin) was obtained by soxhlet extraction technique using mixture of Ethyl acetate, Ethanol and chloroform in the ratio 40:30:30 as the solvent. The antibacterial activity of Thuja oleoresin was tested using both Agar well diffusion as well as disc diffusion technique. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration(MIC) was  determined by agar well diffusion on MHA plates. Thuja oleoresin showed distinct antibacterial activity towards all four isolates on both agar well and disc diffusion methods. MIC for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus spp. was found to be 12.5 µl whereas for E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, MIC was 25 µl. Thus from our results, it is concluded that Thuja leaves have antibacterial effects and can be a potential source for production of antibacterial drugs.Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 5(2): 256-260
Barriers of Research Utilization in Nursing Practices in Public Hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Kousar Roubina , Kousar Robina , Azhar Muhammad , Waqas Ali , Gilani Syed Amir
Published: June 2017

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the barriers of research utilization among nurses of public hospitals Lahore, Pakistan. Methodology: Descriptive cross sectional study was used. This study was conducted among nurses of  Mayo Hospital Lahore and Lady Aitchison Hospital Lahore. The data was collected through simple random sampling from 245 registered nurses from both hospitals. The questionnaire of barriers to research utilization developed by Funk et al. (1993) was used. Result: The current study results show that nurses didn’t utilize the research in practices. Non-supportive organization, colleagues, inadequate facilities, insufficient time, nurse feels she has no authority to change patient care procedure, research factor and nursing factor is the main barrier of research utilization. In the future nurses should come on a paradigm of research. Conclusion: This reveals that management should increase the focus on nurse’s knowledge and facilities about research utilizationInt. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 5(2): 243-249
Do patients in developing world get dignified anesthetic care?
Authors: Joshi Hem Raj
Published: June 2017

This article shares the experiences of two patients undergoing a colonoscopy without any sedation or anaesthesia. The author raises the question whether patients from the developing countries get proper treatment options while undergoing invasive procedures which may require sedation or anaesthesia.
Comparison of ultrasound-guided abdominal nerve blocks and subarachnoid block as an anaesthetic technique for appendectomy: a retrospective study
Authors: Bhattarai Prajjwal Raj , Rayamajhi Anuj Jung , Yadav Rupesh Kumar , Paudel Subash Chandra , Pangeni Anang , Byanjankar Bikram , Pandit Rabin
Published: June 2017

Background: Ultrasound guided abdominal nerve blocks are increasingly being used for anaesthesia and analgesia for surgeries like appendectomy, hernia repair in our centre. The aim of the study was to compare abdominal nerve blocks and subarachnoid block for appendectomy.Method: Retrospective data of patients that underwent appendectomy either under subarachnoid block (Group-S) or abdominal nerve blocks (Group-A) for three months were collected from hospital records. The groups were compared for conversion to general anaesthesia as a primary end point of study and also for the time taken for the procedure, the first requirement of opioids, total opioid consumption and length of hospital stay.Result: Out of 116 patients studied, 75 surgeries were performed under subarachnoid block and 41 under abdominal plane blocks. Two patients in Group-S and 1 patient in Group-A were converted to general anaesthesia due to inadequate blockade. The time taken to perform the block was around four minutes in Group-S and 12 minutes in Group-A. The mean pethidine consumption in 24 hours was 62.33+16.63 mg and 23.17+15.19 mg in Group-S and Group-A respectively. The time to the first dose of pethidine in Group-S groups was 224.66+43.56 minutes and 813.17+361.80 minutes in Group-A. The mean duration of hospital stay in Group-S was 5.14+0.72 days and Group-A was 2.24+0.58 days.Conclusion: Appendectomy can be safely performed under subarachnoid block as well as the abdominal nerve blocks. The abdominal nerve block technique is found to be advantageous in terms of better postoperative analgesia, less opioid consumption and early hospital discharge.
A Multiscale, Transit-Oriented Development Definition Based on Context-Sensitive Paradigm
Authors: Laaly Safieh , Jeihani Mansoureh , Lee Young-Jae
Published: June 2017

This study investigates the connection between transit-oriented development (TOD) input and output and proposes a multiscale TOD definition to address the underutilization of the definition in binary TOD–non-TOD. Data about neighborhood characteristics, a regional travel survey, and two experts’ surveys are used to select and rate variables that impact communities in a study of 33 neighborhoods in Baltimore City, Maryland. Defining scaled-TOD is still nascent and very subjective at this moment because what affects TOD—infrastructure and policies—is controlled and managed by agencies that do not use TOD performance data (outputs) that depend on the users’ personal choice. TOD outputs such as reduced vehicle miles traveled (VMT) or increased transit ridership depend on the users’ choice based on their perception of the effective quality and accessibility of the infrastructure (inputs). Thus, a scaled definition can explain, with a range, the relationship between various components of a context-sensitive paradigm using neighborhood-level characteristics (inputs) and the quality of the neighborhood, VMT, and the performance data (output). The multiscale TOD definition is a step toward developing a much-needed standard metric to evaluate neighborhood sustainability and use as a tool to assess needs and allocate resources in urban transportation planning. The overall analysis of the data indicated that the quality and the condition of the infrastructure influence the neighborhood output in various degrees that can be flagged by its defined level of TODness.
Spatial Firm Demographic Microsimulator: Development and Validation for Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, Megaregion
Authors: Ravulaparthy Srinath K. , Selby Brent , Kuppam Arun , Jeon Kyunghwi , Nippani Sreevatsa , Livshits Vladimir
Published: June 2017

Integrated land use and transportation models address regional issues related to congestion, mobility, and economic competitiveness. Essential to this is freight transport in the form of economic vitality, along with distribution and complex interactions between various stakeholders. Within this context, it is critical to capture and describe accurately the behavioral dynamics of these stakeholders (or firms) in the region, including modeling firm demographic events of birth, death, growth–decline, and migration patterns. This study presents a framework for modeling firm demographics with a microsimulation approach as applicable to the Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, megaregion. The spatial firm demographic microsimulator makes use of the National Establishment Time Series database of business establishments and thereby evolves them over time and space from 2007 to 2012. A series of econometric models is estimated to simulate the firm events that consider determinants such as firm internal attributes (size, age, and growth) and external attributes. Empirical results from the simulation suggest that events of death and relocation are driven primarily by changes in firm internal attributes such as employment size or growth rates. Additionally, locational impacts such as agglomeration economies and access to transportation infrastructure trigger these events. The simulation results presented in this study are validated further with observed firm demographic trends along with microlevel zonal employment estimated with various goodness-of-fit measures. The firm demographic microsimulator model presented in this study is unique, as this is one of the first large-scale implementations for a megaregion in the United States within the context of simulating demand for commercial transportation.
Registration of ‘Silver’ Durum Wheat
Authors: Eckhoff Joyce L. A. , May David B. , Kunda Deb , Carlson Gregg R. , Lamb Peggy F. , Wichman David M. , Miller John H. , Opena Geraldine , Riveland Neal R. , Lanning Susan P. , Kephart Kenneth D.
Published: June 2017

‘Silver’ (Reg. No. CV‐1128, PI 668100) durum spring wheat [Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.] was developed and released by the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station in 2013. Silver durum was initially selected in 2000 as a single F2 head from a male sterile facilitated recurrent selection durum population maintained at the Montana State University, Eastern Agricultural Research Center near Sidney, MT. Final selection came from an F6 head row and was subsequently tested under the experimental name MT03012 in Montana and North Dakota from 2006 to 2012. Quality was evaluated in multilocation trials beginning in 2006. Silver is a day‐length insensitive, high‐yielding durum line with medium to high test weight, early heading date, short plant height, medium to high grain protein content, and acceptable semolina quality. Silver was released for its day‐length insensitivity, short stature and early heading date.
Effect of Developmental Therapy on the Psychomotor Development in Preterm Infant
Authors: Iqbal Md Javed , Rahman Md Mizanur , Akhter Shaheen
Published: June 2017

Background: Preterm brain is prone to hypoxia and other insults that result in psychomotor delay. Early intervention in the form of developmental therapy in preterm babies reduces the subsequent psychomotor delay. A study was conducted to evaluate the psychomotor developmental outcome of preterm infant who got developmental therapy.Objective: To evaluate the psychomotor developmental outcome of preterm infant who will be getting developmental therapy.Methods: It was a quasi experimental study (single group pretest/post test design). It was carried out among the preterm babies who attended within 6-12 weeks of age for developmental assessment at the Centre for Neuro Development & Autism in Children (CNAC) Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) during the period of July 2010 to September 2011. Forty five preterm infants were assessed for their motor, mental & behavior score by Bayley Scale of Infant Development II, (BSID) (1993) Bengali version). All of them got Developmental therapy regularly as per demonstration in both home and Hospital. Their base line assessment was done at 6-12 weeks of age and reassessed at 3 months and 6 months after developmental therapy.Results: Thirty seven (82.2%) infants have completed the two follow up session. At 6 months of developmental therapy 54.1% had motor skill improvement, 40.5% had mental skill improvement and 48.6% had behavior skill improvement. Socio economic status and illness in neonatal period had some influence on developmental out come.Conclusion: Developmental Therapy improved the psychomotor development in preterm infant.Bangladesh J Child Health 2016; VOL 40 (3) :149-153
Assessment and Management of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome in Children: A Review
Authors: Rahman Shahana Akhter , Haque Mujammel , Islam Mohammed Mahbubul
Published: June 2017

Musculoskeletal pain is a frequent complaint of children, is the most common presenting problem of children referred to pediatric rheumatology clinics. Chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain in children is responsible for substantial personal impacts and societal costs, but it has not been intensively or systematically researched. The majority of musculoskeletal pain complaints in children are benign in nature and attributable to trauma, overuse, and normal variations in skeletal growth. There is a subset of children in whom chronic pain complaints develop that persist in the absence of physical and laboratory abnormalities including growing Pain, juvenile fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome. During recent years studies of the epidemiology, etiology and rehabilitation of pain and pain-associated disability in children have revealed a large prevalence of clinically relevant pain, and have emphasized the need for early recognition and intervention.Bangladesh J Child Health 2016; VOL 40 (3) :166-173
Mitigating the Climate Impact from Aviation: Achievements and Results of the DLR WeCare Project
Authors: Grewe Volker , Dahlmann Katrin , Flink Jan , Frömming Christine , Ghosh Robin , Gierens Klaus , Heller Romy , Hendricks Johannes , Jöckel Patrick , Kaufmann Stefan , Kölker Katrin , Linke Florian , Luchkova Tanja , Lührs Benjamin , Van Manen Jesper , Matthes Sigrun , Minikin Andreas , Niklaß Malte , Plohr Martin , Righi Mattia , Rosanka Simon , Schmitt Angela , Schumann Ulrich , Terekhov Ivan , Unterstrasser Simon , Vázquez-Navarro Margarita , Voigt Christiane , Wicke Kai , Yamashita Hiroshi , Zahn Andreas , Ziereis Helmut
Published: June 2017

The WeCare project (Utilizing Weather information for Climate efficient and eco efficient future aviation), an internal project of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt, DLR), aimed at finding solutions for reducing the climate impact of aviation based on an improved understanding of the atmospheric impact from aviation by making use of measurements and modeling approaches. WeCare made some important contributions to advance the scientific understanding in the area of atmospheric and air transportation research. We characterize contrail properties, show that the aircraft type significantly influences these properties, and how contrail-cirrus interacts with natural cirrus. Aviation NOx emissions lead to ozone formation and we show that the strength of the ozone enhancement varies, depending on where within a weather pattern NOx is emitted. These results, in combination with results on the effects of aerosol emissions on low cloud properties, give a revised view on the total radiative forcing of aviation. The assessment of a fleet of strut-braced wing aircraft with an open rotor is investigated and reveals the potential to significantly reduce the climate impact. Intermediate stop operations have the potential to significantly reduce fuel consumption. However, we find that, if only optimized for fuel use, they will have an increased climate impact, since non-CO2 effects compensate the reduced warming from CO2 savings. Avoiding climate sensitive regions has a large potential in reducing climate impact at relatively low costs. Taking advantage of a full 3D optimization has a much better eco-efficiency than lateral re-routings, only. The implementation of such operational measures requires many more considerations. Non-CO2 aviation effects are not considered in international agreements. We showed that climate-optimal routing could be achieved, if market-based measures were in place, which include these non-CO2 effects. An alternative measure to foster climate-optimal routing is the closing of air spaces, which are very climate-sensitive. Although less effective than an unconstrained optimization with respect to climate, it still has a significant potential to reduce the climate impact of aviation. By combining atmospheric and air transportation research, we assess climate mitigation measures, aiming at providing information to aviation stakeholders and policy-makers to make aviation more climate compatible.
Vitamin C and Microvascular Dysfunction in Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Tyml Karel
Published: June 2017

Sepsis, life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysfunctional host response to infection, is associated with high mortality. A promising strategy to improve the outcome is to inject patients intravenously with ascorbate (vitamin C). In animal models of sepsis, this injection improves survival and, among others, the microvascular function. This review examines our recent work addressing ascorbate’s ability to inhibit arteriolar dysfunction and capillary plugging in sepsis. Arteriolar dysfunction includes impaired vasoconstriction/dilation (previously reviewed) and impaired conduction of vasoconstriction/dilation along the arteriole. We showed that ascorbate injected into septic mice prevents impaired conducted vasoconstriction by inhibiting neuronal nitric oxide synthase-derived NO, leading to restored inter-endothelial electrical coupling through connexin 37-containing gap junctions. Hypoxia/reoxygenation (confounding factor in sepsis) also impairs electrical coupling by protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent connexin 40 dephosphorylation; ascorbate restores PKA activation required for this coupling. Both effects of ascorbate could explain its ability to protect against hypotension in sepsis. Capillary plugging in sepsis involves P-selectin mediated platelet-endothelial adhesion and microthrombi formation. Early injection of ascorbate prevents capillary plugging by inhibiting platelet-endothelial adhesion and endothelial surface P-selectin expression. Ascorbate also prevents thrombin-induced platelet aggregation and platelet surface P-selectin expression, thus preventing microthrombi formation. Delayed ascorbate injection reverses capillary plugging and platelet-endothelial adhesion; it also attenuates sepsis-induced drop in platelet count in systemic blood. Thrombin-induced release of plasminogen-activator-inhibitor-1 from platelets (anti-fibrinolytic event in sepsis) is inhibited by ascorbate pH-dependently. Thus, under acidotic conditions in sepsis, ascorbate promotes dissolving of microthrombi in capillaries. We propose that protected/restored arteriolar conduction and capillary bed perfusion by ascorbate contributes to reduced organ injury and improved survival in sepsis.
Impact of Cryogenic Condition and Drill Diameter on Drilling Performance of CFRP
Authors: Basmaci Gültekin , Yoruk A. , Koklu Ugur , Morkavuk Sezer
Published: June 2017

Machining of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) is a rather hard task due to the inhomogeneity and anisotropy of this material. Several defects occur in the material when CFRP is machined and machining quality deteriorates owing to these material properties. In recent years, liquid nitrogen has been considered an environmentally safe, clean, and non-toxic coolant used to cut various materials in order to enhance machinability and prevent damage during machining. In this study, a new, eco-friendly cryogenic machining technique called dipped cryogenic machining was applied for the drilling of CFRP. This experimental study investigated the effect of feed rate and drill diameter on the thrust force, delamination factor, surface quality and drill wear. Machined surfaces were analyzed in detail using a scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope. Results indicated that the drilling of CFRP with the dipped cryogenic machining approach greatly improved machinability by reducing the surface roughness of the drilled parts and tool wear. However, it increased the thrust force and delamination factor.
Exploratory Factors Influencing Building Development Costs in New Zealand
Authors: Zhao Linlin , Mbachu Jasper , Domingo Niluka
Published: June 2017

Identification of costs drivers and their influence level on building development costs play a key role in the development of construction models and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of any project. Forty-five indicators influencing building development costs in New Zealand are explored by literature review and pilot interviews. These indicators are grouped into seven categories. The determination and ranking of the cost drivers are carried out by a questionnaire survey distributed to key professionals working in New Zealand’s construction industry. Structural equation modeling (SEM) software was employed for analysis of the collected data. One of the key advantages of this powerful software is to provide the p-value according to the structure of the research model. Findings of this study indicate that the property market and construction industry factor, statutory and regulatory factor, and socio-economic factors are major factors affecting building development costs in New Zealand.
Ordered PtSn/C Electrocatalyst: A High Performance Material for the Borohydride Electrooxidation Reaction
Authors: Bortoloti Francielle , Angelo Antonio
Published: June 2017

This work used a rotating disc electrode and quasi-steady state polarization curves to investigate the sodium borohydride electrooxidation of ordered intermetallic PtSn/C in alkaline solution. Under similar experimental conditions, PtSn/C proved to be a better electrocatalyst than Pt in an overall process that involved eight electrons. Assays performed in the presence of thiourea and S2− species evidenced that a chemical hydrolysis step took place, followed by electrochemical oxidation of the generated H2. The results presented herein suggest that PtSn/C constitutes a promising electrode material for application in alkaline borohydride fuel cell.
Ultrasound Assisted Particle Size Control by Continuous Seed Generation and Batch Growth
Authors: Jordens Jeroen , Canini Enio , Gielen Bjorn , Van Gerven Tom , Braeken Leen
Published: June 2017

Controlling particle size is essential for crystal quality in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Several articles illustrate the potential of ultrasound to tune this particle size during the crystallization process. This paper investigates how ultrasound can control the particle size distribution (PSD) of acetaminophen crystals by continuous seed generation in a tubular crystallizer followed by batch growth. It is demonstrated that the supersaturation ratio at which ultrasound starts seed generation has a substantial effect on the final PSD while the applied power is insignificant in the studied conditions. The higher the supersaturation ratio, the smaller the final crystals become up to a supersaturation ratio of 1.56. Furthermore, it was shown that ultrasound can also impact the final PSD when applied during the growth phase. Frequencies of 850 kHz or below reduce the final particle size; the lower the applied frequency, the smaller the crystals become. In conclusion, one could state that ultrasound is able to control the particle size during seed generation and subsequent growth until the final particle size.
Keeping the Culture of Death Alive: One Hundred Years of a Japanese American’s Family Mortuary
Authors: Yamaguchi Precious
Published: June 2017

This article explores a Japanese American family mortuary and its 100 years of service and involvement with the Japanese American community in Los Angeles through five generations of the Fukui family. The Fukui Mortuary is Los Angeles’s oldest Japanese American family mortuary and has provided the Japanese American community with services relating to death and bereavement for nearly a century. Through autoethnographic and ethnographic methods, this research examines a site within the Japanese American community after World War II where death, ethnicity, nationality and gender intersect. Studying the cultural and traditional options people have to negotiate, participate and engage in one’s cultural practices during a time of death allows us to investigate the structures of power, economics and institutions that are embedded in our histories and societies. Through the mobilization and service of cultural traditions related to death, the Fukui mortuary contributes to the story of Japanese Americans and how ideas of death, religion, gender and ethnicity are situated in community involvement and the genealogy of the Fukui family.
Validity and Reproducibility of the Iodine Dietary Intake Questionnaire Assessment Conducted for Young Polish Women
Authors: Głąbska Dominika , Malowaniec Ewa , Guzek Dominika
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to analyse a designed brief iodine dietary intake questionnaire based on a food frequency assessment (IOdine Dietary INtake Evaluation-Food Frequency Questionnaire—IODINE-FFQ), including the assessment of validity and reproducibility in a group of 90 Polish women aged 20–35 years. Participants collected 3-day dietary records and filled in the IODINE-FFQ twice (FFQ1—directly after the dietary record and FFQ2—6 weeks later). The analysis included an assessment of validity (comparison with the results of the 3-day dietary record) and of reproducibility (comparison of the results obtained twice—FFQ1 and FFQ2). In the analysis of validity, a Bland-Altman index of 5.5% and 4.4% was recorded, respectively for FFQ1 and FFQ2. In the analysis of reproducibility it was 6.7%, but the share of individuals correctly classified into tertiles was over 70% (weighted κ of 0.675). It was stated, that assessment of IODINE-FFQ revealed a satisfactory level of validity and reproducibility in the analysis of Bland-Alman plot. The IODINE-FFQ may be indicated as a tool for the assessment of iodine intake in the young women in Poland, however further studies should be considered in order to obtain the practical tool for public health specialists. Due to the lack of validated iodine-specific food frequency questionnaires for countries of Eastern Europe, the IODINE-FFQ may be adjusted for courtiers other than Poland including iodine-fortified products.
Alcohol Marketing during the UEFA EURO 2016 Football Tournament: A Frequency Analysis
Authors: Purves Richard , Critchlow Nathan , Stead Martine , Adams Jean , Brown Katherine
Published: June 2017

This study examined the frequency and nature of alcohol marketing references in broadcasts of the 2016 UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) European Championships football tournament in the United Kingdom (UK). Eighteen matches from across the tournament were recorded in full as broadcast in the UK, including all four matches featuring the English national team and all seven featuring the French national team. All visual and verbal references to alcohol marketing were recorded using a tool with high inter-rater reliability. A total of 2213 alcohol marketing references were recorded, an average of 122.94 per broadcast and 0.65 per broadcast minute (0.52 per minute in-play and 0.80 per minute out-of-play). Almost all references were visual (97.5%), with 77.9% occurring around the pitch border. Almost all (90.6%) were indirect references to alcohol brands (e.g., references to well-known slogans), compared to only 9.4% direct references to brands (e.g., brand names). The frequency of references to alcohol marketing was high. Although the overall proportion of direct brand references was low, the high proportion of indirect references demonstrates that alcohol producers were able to circumvent the French national law governing alcohol marketing (the Loi Évin) using indirect “alibi marketing”. To ensure the spirit of the Loi Évin regulations are achieved, stricter enforcement may be required to limit exposure to alcohol marketing, particularly for young people.
Characterizing the Conductivity and Enhancing the Piezoresistivity of Carbon Nanotube-Polymeric Thin Films
Authors: Zhao Yingjun , Schagerl Martin , Viechtbauer Christoph , Loh Kenneth
Published: June 2017

The concept of lightweight design is widely employed for designing and constructing aerospace structures that can sustain extreme loads while also being fuel-efficient. Popular lightweight materials such as aluminum alloy and fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) possess outstanding mechanical properties, but their structural integrity requires constant assessment to ensure structural safety. Next-generation structural health monitoring systems for aerospace structures should be lightweight and integrated with the structure itself. In this study, a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-based polymer paint was developed to detect distributed damage in lightweight structures. The thin film’s electromechanical properties were characterized via cyclic loading tests. Moreover, the thin film’s bulk conductivity was characterized by finite element modeling.
The Chemotaxonomy of Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) Based on the Volatile Constituents
Authors: Craft Jonathan , Satyal Prabodh , Setzer William
Published: June 2017

Background: Common sage (Salvia officinalis) is a popular culinary and medicinal herb. A literature survey has revealed that sage oils can vary widely in their chemical compositions. The purpose of this study was to examine sage essential oil from different sources/origins and to define the possible chemotypes of sage oil. Methods: Three different samples of sage leaf essential oil have been obtained and analyzed by GC-MS and GC-FID. A hierarchical cluster analysis was carried out on 185 sage oil compositions reported in the literature as well as the three samples in this study. Results: The major components of the three sage oils were the oxygenated monoterpenoids α-thujone (17.2–27.4%), 1,8-cineole (11.9–26.9%), and camphor (12.8–21.4%). The cluster analysis revealed five major chemotypes of sage oil, with the most common being a α-thujone > camphor > 1,8-cineole chemotype, of which the three samples in this study belong. The other chemotypes are an α-humulene-rich chemotype, a β-thujone-rich chemotype, a 1,8-cineole/camphor chemotype, and a sclareol/α-thujone chemotype. Conclusions: Most sage oils belonged to the “typical”, α-thujone > camphor > 1,8-cineole, chemotype, but the essential oil compositions do vary widely and may have a profound effect on flavor and fragrance profiles as well as biological activities. There are currently no studies correlating sage oil composition with fragrance descriptions or with biological activities.
Ferulic Acid on Glucose Dysregulation, Dyslipidemia, and Inflammation in Diet-Induced Obese Rats: An Integrated Study
Authors: Salazar-López Norma , Astiazarán-García Humberto , González-Aguilar Gustavo , Loarca-Piña Guadalupe , Ezquerra-Brauer Josafat-Marina , Domínguez Avila J. , Robles-Sánchez Maribel
Published: June 2017

Obesity is considered to be a low-grade chronic inflammatory process, which is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. An integral evaluation of the effects of ferulic acid on biomarkers of glucose dysregulation, dyslipidemia, inflammation, and antioxidant potential induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in rats was carried out. Three groups of male Wistar rats (six per group) consumed a basal diet (BD), which was supplemented with either lard at 310 g/kg (HFD) or lard and ferulic acid at 2 g/kg (HFD + FA), ad libitum for eight weeks. Body weight gain, hyperplasia, and hypertrophy in abdominal fat tissues were higher in the HFD group than in the HFD+FA group. The rats fed a HFD + FA significantly inhibited the increase in plasma lipids and glucose, compared with the HFD group. Biomarkers associated with inflammation were found at higher concentrations in the serum of rats fed a HFD than the HFD + FA group. Plasma antioxidant levels were lower in HFD rats compared to rats fed the HFD + FA. These results suggest that ferulic acid improves the obesogenic status induced by HFD, and we elucidated the integral effects of ferulic acid on a biological system.
Glucose Oxidase-Based Glucose-Sensitive Drug Delivery for Diabetes Treatment
Authors: Zhao Li , Wang Liyan , Zhang Yuhan , Xiao Shanshan , Bi Fei , Zhao Jianyu , Gai Guangqing , Ding Jianxun
Published: June 2017

The glucose-sensitive drug delivery systems based on glucose oxidase (GOD), which exhibit highly promising applications in diabetes therapy, have attracted much more interest in recent years. The self-regulated drug delivery systems regulate drug release by glucose concentration automatically and continuously to control the blood glucose level (BGL) in normoglycemic state. This review covers the recent advances at the developments of GOD-based glucose-sensitive drug delivery systems and their in vivo applications for diabetes treatment. The applications of GOD-immobilized platforms, such as self-assembly layer-by-layer (LbL) films and polymer vesicles, cross-linking hydrogels and microgels, hybrid mesoporous silica nanoparticles, and microdevices fabricated with insulin reservoirs have been surveyed. The glucose-sensitive drug delivery systems based on GOD are expected to be a typical candidate for smart platforms for potential applications in diabetes therapy.
Compressed Voxel-Based Mapping Using Unsupervised Learning
Authors: Ricao Canelhas Daniel , Schaffernicht Erik , Stoyanov Todor , Lilienthal Achim , Davison Andrew
Published: June 2017

In order to deal with the scaling problem of volumetric map representations, we propose spatially local methods for high-ratio compression of 3D maps, represented as truncated signed distance fields. We show that these compressed maps can be used as meaningful descriptors for selective decompression in scenarios relevant to robotic applications. As compression methods, we compare using PCA-derived low-dimensional bases to nonlinear auto-encoder networks. Selecting two application-oriented performance metrics, we evaluate the impact of different compression rates on reconstruction fidelity as well as to the task of map-aided ego-motion estimation. It is demonstrated that lossily reconstructed distance fields used as cost functions for ego-motion estimation can outperform the original maps in challenging scenarios from standard RGB-D (color plus depth) data sets due to the rejection of high-frequency noise content.
Multisensor Parallel Largest Ellipsoid Distributed Data Fusion with Unknown Cross-Covariances
Authors: Liu Baoyu , Zhan Xingqun , Zhu Zheng
Published: June 2017

As the largest ellipsoid (LE) data fusion algorithm can only be applied to two-sensor system, in this contribution, parallel fusion structure is proposed to introduce the LE algorithm into a multisensor system with unknown cross-covariances, and three parallel fusion structures based on different estimate pairing methods are presented and analyzed. In order to assess the influence of fusion structure on fusion performance, two fusion performance assessment parameters are defined as Fusion Distance and Fusion Index. Moreover, the formula for calculating the upper bounds of actual fused error covariances of the presented multisensor LE fusers is also provided. Demonstrated with simulation examples, the Fusion Index indicates fuser’s actual fused accuracy and its sensitivity to the sensor orders, as well as its robustness to the accuracy of newly added sensors. Compared to the LE fuser with sequential structure, the LE fusers with proposed parallel structures not only significantly improve their properties in these aspects, but also embrace better performances in consistency and computation efficiency. The presented multisensor LE fusers generally have better accuracies than that of covariance intersection (CI) fusion algorithm and are consistent when the local estimates are weakly correlated.
Persistent Biases in Binocular Rivalry Dynamics within the Visual Field
Authors: Dieter Kevin , Sy Jocelyn , Blake Randolph
Published: June 2017

Binocular rivalry is an important tool for measuring sensory eye dominance—the relative strength of sensory processing in an individual’s left and right eye. By dichoptically presenting images that lack corresponding visual features, one can induce perceptual alternations and measure the relative visibility of each eye’s image. Previous results indicate that observers demonstrate reliable preferences for several image features, and that these biases vary within the visual field. However, evidence about the persistence of these biases is mixed, with some suggesting they affect only the onset (i.e., first second) of rivalry, and others suggesting lasting effects during prolonged viewing. We directly investigated individuals’ rivalry biases for eye and color within the visual field and interestingly found results that mirrored the somewhat contradictory pattern in the literature. Each observer demonstrated idiosyncratic patterns of biases for both color and eye within the visual field, but consistent, prolonged biases only for the eye of presentation (sensory eye dominance, SED). Furthermore, the strength of eye biases predicted one’s performance on a stereoacuity task. This finding supports the idea that binocular rivalry and other binocular visual functions may rely on shared mechanisms, and emphasizes the importance of SED as a measure of binocular vision.
Two-dimensional silicon and carbon monochalcogenides with the structure of phosphorene
Authors: Rocca Dario , Abboud Ali , Vaitheeswaran Ganapathy , Lebègue Sébastien
Published: June 2017

Phosphorene has recently attracted significant interest for applications in electronics and optoelectronics. Inspired by this material an ab initio study was carried out on new two-dimensional binary materials with a structure analogous to phosphorene. Specifically, carbon and silicon monochalcogenides have been considered. After structural optimization, a series of binary compounds were found to be dynamically stable in a phosphorene-like geometry: CS, CSe, CTe, SiO, SiS, SiSe, and SiTe. The electronic properties of these monolayers were determined using density functional theory. By using accurate hybrid functionals it was found that these materials are semiconductors and span a broad range of bandgap values and types. Similarly to phosphorene, the computed effective masses point to a strong in-plane anisotropy of carrier mobilities. The variety of electronic properties carried by these compounds have the potential to broaden the technological applicability of two-dimensional materials.
Implementing Nurse-Facilitated Person-Centered Care Approaches for Patients With Delirium Superimposed on Dementia in the Acute Care Setting
Authors: Yevchak Andrea , Fick Donna M. , Kolanowski Ann M. , McDowell Jane , Monroe Todd , LeViere Anna , Mion Lorraine
Published: June 2017

Little is understood about the use of person-centered care (PCC) for individuals with delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD), especially in the acute care setting. As part of a larger clinical trial, the purpose of the current exploratory study was to describe examples and qualitatively derived themes of nurse-facilitated PCC for hospitalized older adults with dementia and delirium. A total of 750 delirium rounds were analyzed across three diverse acute care sites. Qualitative derived themes of PCC included: (a)
Knowing the Patient's Baseline
; (b)
Knowing the Patient's Interests and Values
; (c)
Enhancing Sensory Abilities to Communicate
; (d)
Individualizing Cognitive Stimulation
; and (e)
Enhancing Behavioral Approaches to Comfort and Sleep
. Barriers included failure to see the patient as an individual and lack of time. Principles of PCC were effectively used, demonstrating the potential for PCC to ease the burden of DSD for all members of the health care team. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43
(12), 21–28.]
Effectiveness of Reoperations for Adjacent Segment Disease Following Lumbar Spinal Fusion
Authors: Drysch Austin , Ajiboye Remi M. , Sharma Akshay , Li Jesse , Reza Tara , Harley Dushawn , Park Don Y. , Pourtaheri Sina
Published: June 2017

Although several options are available to address adjacent segment disease (ASD), the most effective surgical treatment has not been determined. In addition, it is important to subdivide ASD into stenosis with or without instability to determine if a decompression alone vs an extension of fusion is necessary. A systematic search of multiple medical reference databases was conducted for studies on surgical treatment of ASD. The primary outcome measures used were radiographic and clinical success rates. Meta-analysis was completed to determine effect summary values, 95% confidence intervals, and Q statistic and
I
2
values, using the random effects model for heterogeneity. The search yielded 662 studies, of which 657 were excluded. A total of 5 (level IV) studies with a total of 118 patients were included in this review. In 2 studies (46 patients), stenosis without instability was the indication for reoperation for ASD. However, extension of fusion was the modality of choice for the treatment of ASD in all studies. Overall clinical improvement (in back and/or leg pain scores) was noted in 71.3% of patients (95% confidence interval, 37.4–100), while radiographic fusion was noted in 89.3% of patients (95% confidence interval, 51.2–100). Following reoperation for ASD, revision surgery rates ranged from 4.5% to 23.1% at last clinical follow-up. There is variability in the clinical improvement following lumbar fusion for ASD. In addition, little literature exists regarding the optimal treatment options for patients with ASD for stenosis with or without instability. [
Orthopedics.
2018; 41(2):e161–e167.]
Assessing the Construct Congruence of the RN Comprehensive Predictor and NCLEX-RN Test Plan
Authors: Liu Xin , Mills Christine
Published: June 2017

Background:

The 2013 NCLEX-RN
®
test plans specified an underlying general entry-level nursing ability encompassing all the tested specific categories and subcategories, as indicated by a second-order factor structure. This study attempted to verify this hierarchical factor structure in real data.

Method:

Data from the RN Comprehensive Predictor
®
2013 assessment, developed by Assessment Technologies Institute using the 2013 NCLEX-RN test plans, were used to test the entry-level nursing ability second-order factor structure by a confirmatory factor analysis technique.

Results:

The results indicated a good fit of the proposed factor model to the RN Comprehensive Predictor 2013 assessment data.

Conclusion:

The verified second-order factor structure provides evidence for the existence of the general entry-level nursing ability, which has important theoretical implications to the development and testing of a nursing instrument or theory in nursing science research. In addition, the verified congruent factor structure provides strong evidence for the construct validity of the RN Comprehensive Predictor 2013 assessment. [
J Nurs Educ.
2017;56(7):412–419.]
The Evolution of a Writing Program
Authors: White Bonnie J. , Lamson Karen S.
Published: June 2017

Background:

Scholarly writing is required in nursing, and some students are unable to communicate effectively through writing. Faculty members may struggle with the grading of written assignments. A writing team, consisting of a nursing faculty member, the school of nursing library liaison, and members from academic support services, implemented strategies including workshops, handouts, and use of exemplars to improve student writing and to provide support to faculty. Few students sought help from the writing team.

Method:

An online writing center within the existing learning management system was developed to address nursing students' and faculty's scholarly writing needs. The writing center includes guides, tutorials, and exemplars.

Results:

Anecdotal evidence indicates the use of the writing center during afternoons and evenings and prior to due dates of written assignments.

Conclusion:

Online writing resources were used more frequently than face-to-face support. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. [
J Nurs Educ.
2017;56(7):443–445.]
L’influence du fait social religieux dans les récentes révolutions d’Afrique du Nord
Authors: Hernández José Ramón Salcedo
Published: June 2017

Le Printemps arabe naît avec un profond contenu démocratique, mais il ne s’agit pas d’une révolution contre la religion ou le fait social religieux en général. Le rôle de la religion dans les révoltes arabes a été très important. Le Printemps arabe a revitalisé les mosquées et leur a attribué un rôle nouveau. Les manifestants ont utilisé les centres religieux pour des actions collectives. Le Printemps arabe est significatif du prélude de l’échec de l’islamisme radical.
Extrapolation of Imaginal Minimum Creep Rate in Compression by a Concept of SATO-Index
Authors: Sato Hiroyuki
Published: June 2017

Creep characteristics of alloys and compounds have been evaluated mainly by the minimum creep rate or the steady-state creep rate, and by its stress and temperature dependences. In some cases, however, direct comparison of the minimum creep rate or the steady-state creep rate are not practically easy due to difficulties of experiment, i.e., a long duration of primary stage of creep deformation. The minimum creep rates are not always precise representative value, which is directly evaluated from experiments. It should be valuable, if one could estimate the minimum creep rate from creep curve in primary stage. I have proposed a method of quantitative evaluation of creep curve based on the evaluation of strain rate change and its strain dependence during creep [1-3]. The value that reflects a shape of creep curve is named “Strain Acceleration and Transition Objective-Index (SATO-Index)” [4]. SATO-Index and related differential equation show a strain dependence of strain rate and lead entre creep curve by numerical integration. This concept provides quantitative information of shape of each creep curve, and information of the entire creep curve. In this paper, examples of evaluation and extrapolation of creep rate from primary stage in compression are presented. It is concluded that the extrapolation with the concept of SATO-Index reasonably provides imaginal minimum creep rate. Usability of extrapolation of creep curve by the concept is presented.