bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A República e a Monarquia em confronto: a Guerra Civil portuguesa na raia galega (1911- 1912) = The Republic and the Monarchy in confrontation: the Portuguese Civil War on the Galician border (1911-1912)
Authors: Moreira Luís Miguel
Published: May 2019

Resumen: La progresiva radicalización ideológica del régimen republicano, instaurado en Portugal en octubre de 1910, provocó una oposición conservadora y monárquica que se organizó en el exilio, sobre todo en el sur de Galicia. Entre octubre de 1911 y junio de 1912, estacionados en varios pueblos y villas gallegas en la raya con Portugal, los monárquicos hicieron dos incursiones en territorio portugués —el primero en Vinhais y el segundo en Chaves— con el fin de fomentar la rebelión contra régimen instaurado. Sin embargo, las tropas republicanas, más numerosas y mejor equipadas, vencieron todos los combates. En la época, este episodio de guerra civil mereció amplia cobertura periodística, particularmente por la prensa afecta al régimen republicano. Los mapas y las fotografías de la frontera fueron ampliamente utilizados para localizar e ilustrar los acontecimientos. En este texto, pretendemos reconstituir estos movimientos, proponiendo una lectura geográfico-histórica de la raya luso-gallega, en el contexto de este episodio.Palabras clave: República portuguesa, incursiones monárquicas, raya galaico-portuguesa, cartografía propaganda.Abstract: The ideological radicalisation of the republican regime, established in Portugal in October 1910, gave rise to the forming of a conservative and monarchical opposition in exile, in the south of the Spanish historic region of Galicia. Between October 1911 and June 1912, from several Galician villages not far from the Portuguese border, the monarchists made two incursions into the north of the country - the first to Vinhais and the second to Chaves - with the aim of fuelling popular uprisings and a military rebellion against the new regime. However, the Republican troops, more numerous and better equipped, won all the battles. At the time, this episode of civil war received extensive journalistic coverage particularly from the newspapers close to the republican regime. Maps and photographs of the border were widely used to locate and illustrate the events. From the historic-geographical perspective of the Portuguese-Galician border, this paper reconstitutes these movements in the broader historical context.Key words: Portuguese Republic, monarchical incursions, Portuguese-Galician border, propaganda maps.
Historiografía y participación política de masas: la "decadencia" de la democracia ateniense en el siglo IV a.C. = Historiography and the political participation of the masses: the "decay" of the Athenian democracy in fourth-century BC
Authors: Paiaro Diego , Requena Mariano
Published: May 2019

Resumen: Las características de la democracia y, especialmente, las implicancias de la participación política plena de los «pobres» han sido objeto de una profunda atención por parte del pensamiento político e histórico moderno con respecto a la historia de Atenas. Principalmente preocupados por las consecuencias asociadas al desarrollo de la soberanía popular y por la influencia progresiva de las clases populares como fuerza política, la tradición historiográfica y la filosofía política moderna tendieron a vincular a la incorporación política de las masas con la “crisis” y el “declive” de Atenas. En el presente trabajo se analiza críticamente dicha tradición interpretativa desde nuestra situación contemporánea.Palabras clave: Atenas Antigua, Democracia, Crisis, Historiografía.Abstract: The features of the Athenian democracy and particularly the implications of the full political incorporation of the «poor» have been subjected to the full attention of several modern intellectuals interested in the history of Athens. Mainly concerned with the consequences related to the development of the popular sovereignty and by the growing influence of the popular classes as a relevant political factor, modern political philosophy and traditional historiography have tended to relate the political incorporation of the masses with the Athenian “crisis” and its “decline”. In this paper, this interpretative tradition is critically analysed from our contemporary context.Key words: Ancient Athens, Democracy, Crisis, Historiography.
El valenciano Enrique Dupuy y el Japón del siglo XIX
Authors: La Spina Encarnación
Published: May 2019

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Pathways to Becoming an Academic Subject Specialist: Insights from Three Librarians
Authors: Pothier Wendy Girven , Howard Heather , Campbell Paul
Published: May 2019

Subject librarianship has been a research topic for many years, however there is limited professional literature providing professional advice and practical examples of pursuing this area of librarianship. This article examines pathways to becoming a subject librarian, particularly in an academic setting. Using case studies from three subject librarians with different backgrounds as examples, the article finds common themes and best practices for both obtaining these types of positions and achieving success as a subject librarian. The role of education, professional development and networks, and leveraging experience are discussed as means for librarians to move from working in a broad role as a generalist to transition into a subject specialist. This article approaches the subject from a practical, “getting the job”, professional development perspective, aimed at librarians who are interested in making a career transition.
What is the impact of intravitreal injection of conbercept on neovascular glaucoma patients: a prospective, interventional case series study
Authors: Shi Liukun , Yang Jin , Lin Jinyong
Published: May 2019

Background The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal conbercept combined with trabeculectomy and panretinal photocoagulation for neovascular glaucoma (NVG). Methods Fifty patients (54 eyes) with NVG were included in this prospective study. Fifty-two eyes initially underwent intravitreal conbercept (0.5 mg/0.05 ml) treatment followed by trabeculectomy and panretinal photocoagulation. Preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of antiglaucoma medications, and surgical complications were recorded. The levels of VEGF-A, TGF-β1 and PLGF in aqueous humour samples collected during surgery were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the surgically excised trabecular tissue; enucleation was performed in 2 eyes, and light microscopy was used as the histopathological control. Results The follow-up period after trabeculectomy was 1 year. Of the 52 eyes, 39 completed 1 year of follow-up, and 13 were lost to follow-up. Recurrence of iris neovascularization was observed in 5 eyes, 9 had hyphema, 16 had filter-bled scarring, and no eye had complications attributable to the drug. The mean IOP was reduced from 48.1±14.2 to 23.2±8.7 mmHg, and the mean number of antiglaucoma medications used decreased from 3.0 (3.0, 4.0) to 1.0 (0.0, 1.0) after 1 year (both P < 0.05). The complete success rate was 76.9%, 76.9%, 71.0%, 51.6%, and 32.3% at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months, respectively, when the cut-off IOP was 18 mmHg. After patients underwent intravitreal injection, the concentrations of VEGF-A and TGF-β1 in the aqueous humour in NVG patients decreased from 168.8±13.4 and 159.6±15.4 pg/ml to 160.2±7.6 and 151.9±2.3 pg/ml, respectively (both P < 0.05). Light microscopy revealed neovascularization regression in the iris in specimens treated with intravitreal conbercept. Electron microscopy revealed trabecular endothelial cell degeneration in the conbercept-treated specimens. Conclusions Our initial findings suggest that intravitreal conbercept is an effective treatment for managing NVG that has fewer short-term postoperative complications. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ChiCTR1800019918, 8 December 2018, retrospectively registered.
Preoperative CT versus Intraoperative Hybrid DynaCT Imaging for Localization of Small Pulmonary Nodules: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chao Yin Kai , Pan Kuang-Tse , Wen Chih-Tsung , Fang Hsin-Yueh , Hsieh Ming-Ju
Published: May 2019

Background
Localization of small and/or deep pulmonary nodules before thoracoscopic exploration is paramount to minimize the likelihood of unplanned conversion to thoracotomy. As far as the percutaneous approach is concerned, the most common workflow consists of preoperative computed tomography (POCT) imaging-guided tumor marking (performed in an interventional CT suite) followed by their removal in an operating room (OR). However, the advent of hybrid ORs has allowed intraoperative computed tomography (IOCT)-guided lesion localization. This single center, open-label, randomized, controlled clinical trial aims to compare the efficacy and safety of IOCT versus POCT.
Methods/design
The study sample will consist of patients presenting with small and/or deep pulmonary nodules who will be randomly allocated to either POCT or IOCT. The time required to complete lesion localization will be the primary efficacy outcome. The following parameters will serve as secondary endpoints: rate of successful targeting during localization and in the operating field, time at risk, operating time, length of time under anesthesia, global operating room utilization time, complication (pneumothorax and hemorrhage) rates, and radiation exposure.
Discussion
Owing to the increased availability of HORs, our data will be crucial to clarify the feasibility and safety of IOCT versus the traditional POCT approach.
Long-term retrospective observation reveals stabilities and variations of hantavirus infection in Hebei, China
Authors: Liu Shiyou , Wei Yamei , Han Xu , Cai Yanan , Han Zhanying , Zhang Yanbo , Xu Yonggang , Qi Shunxiang , Li Qi
Published: May 2019

Background

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is an emerging zoonotic infectious disease caused by hantaviruses which circulate worldwide. So far, it was still considered as one of serious public health problems in China. The present study aimed to reveal the stabilities and variations of hantavirus infection in Hebei province located in North China through a long-term retrospective observation.

Methods

The epidemiological data of HFRS cases from all eleven cities of Hebei province since 1981 through 2016 were collected and descriptively analyzed. The rodent densities, species compositions and virus-carrying rates of different regions were collected from six separated rodent surveillance points which set up since 2007. The molecular diversity and phylogenetic relationship of hantaviruses circulating among rodents were analyzed based on partial viral glycoprotein gene.

Results

HFRS cases have been reported every year in Hebei province, since the first local case was identified in 1981. The epidemic history can be artificially divided into three phases and a total of 55,507 HFRS cases with 374 deaths were reported during 1981-2016. The gender and occupational factors of susceptible population were invarible throughout, however age of that was gradually aging. The annual outbreak peak always present in spring, while the main epidemic region had gradully altered from south to northeast. Surveillance of rodents revealed that residential rodents significantly possessed higher density and virus-carring rate than field rodents. The house rat, Rattus norvegicus, was the dominant rodent species and Seoul virus S3 sub-genotype which is continued but slightly evolving perhaps to be the sole pathogen for local HFRS cases of Hebei province.

Conclusions

This long-term province-wide surveillance and epidemiological analysis has revealed the stabilities and variations of hantavirus infection in North China. In order to improve current prevention and control strategies of HFRS in China, all surveillance should be continuously enhanced and variations should be paid more attentions.
Epidemiologic relationship between periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wu Chenzhou , Yuan Yihang , Liu Hang-hang , Li Shensui , zhang Bowen , Chen Wen , an zijian , chen siyu , wu yongzhi , han bo , li chunjie , li longjiang
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To systematically reviewing the epidemiologic relationship between periodontitis (PD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and Methods

Four electronic databases were searched up to December, 2018. Manual search including the reference lists of included studies and relevant journals. Observational studies evaluating the relationship between T2DM and PD were included. Meta-analyses were applied using STATA.

Results

A total of 53 observational studies were included. Pooled results of cross-sectional studies found the strength of association between these two diseases was very strong (OR=3.27, p=0.000). Adjusted T2DM prevalence was significantly higher in PD patients (OR=4.04, p=0.000) and vice versa (OR=1.58, p=0.000). T2DM patients had significantly worse periodontal status, reflected in a 0.61mm deeper periodontal pocket, a 0.89mm higher attachment loss and about 2 more lost teeth (all p=0.000). Results of cohort studies found T2DM could elevate 27% risk of developing PD (p=0.000). Glycemic control state of T2DM might result in different PD outcomes. Severe PD increased 53% of incident T2DM (p=0.000) and this result was stable. In contrast, the impact of mild PD on T2DM incidence (RR=1.28, p=0.007) was less robust.

Conclusions

There is an evident bidirectional relationship between T2DM and periodontitis. Further well-designed cohort studies are needed to confirm this.

Clinical Relevance

Both dentists and physicians need to be aware of this strong connection between PD and T2DM. Control these two diseases might benefit the prevention of the incidence of each other.
Oral health status and associated lifestyle behaviors among Iranian adults: a population based household survey
Authors: Jahangiry Leila , Bagheri Raziollah , Sarbakhsh Parvin , Darabi Fatemeh , Sistani Mohammad Mehdi Naghibi
Published: May 2019

Background: A poor oral health can lead to serious oral diseases like periodontitis, tooth decay, pain and discomfort in teeth or gums, infection and loss of tooth. Iran will experience a dramatic aging population increase in the next decades. Despite increasing attention into healthy ageing, there is relatively less emphasis on oral health. This household survey aimed to investigate oral health status by WHO oral health assessment questionnaire among adults population in Tabriz. This knowledge may provide vital information to those who are planning strategies of oral health care for adult population.

Method: A population-based household survey was conducted in order to recruit a representative sample of adults from the community. This cross-sectional study carried out among adults aged 18 to 65 years old between May and October 2016 in Tabriz (Iran). The study population was sampled using multi-stage cluster sampling design. The WHO’s oral health questionnaire (WHO’s OHQ) for adults was used for measuring oral health status and oral health behavior.
Results: In this study, a total of 2310 respondents completed the survey. The mean age (SD) of the participants was 41.6 (23.4) years. About 48.8% of participants were male and 51.2% were female. 187 (8.1%) were edentulous of which 152(20.7%) were participants aged 50-65 year. 72.3% of populations were dentate in that they had 20 or more teeth. Half of adults aged 50-65 years they had 20 or more teeth. About one third of participants reported that they don’t brush their teeth daily (23% for 18-35 years old adults, 35.9 for 36-50 years,and 44.6 for 51-65 years).
39.4% of adults in 18-35 years, 34.1% in 36-50 years and 26.6 in 51-65 years had visited a dentist less than 6-month ago. One third of participants have frequent sweets meals every day and frequently consume tea with sugar.
Conclusion: The combination of oral health status indicates that even though the majority of Iranian assess their teeth positively, a minority of participants display routinely dental visits. The study findings suggest that by increasing age and also dramatically Iranian population aging, poor oral health may increase the risk of adverse health outcomes.
Association Between HEXACO Personality Traits and Medical Specialty Preferences in Mexican Medical Students
Authors: Barbosa-Camacho Francisco José , Miranda-Ackerman Roberto Carlos , Vázquez-Reyna Itzel , Jimenez-Ley Vania Brickelia , Barrera-López Francisco Javier , Contreras-Cordero Vianca Seleste , Sánchez-López Veronica Alexandra , Castillo-Valverde Tom Jilmer , Lamas-Abbadie Claudina del Carmen , González-Adán Brenda Alicia , Cortes-Flores Ana Olivia , Morgan-Villela Gilberto , Cervantes-Cardona Guillermo Alonso , Cervantes-Guevara Gabino , Fuentes-Orozco Clotilde , González-Ojeda Alejandro
Published: May 2019

Background: Medical specialty is a critical choice in a physician’s life because it determines their professional future and medical practice. Some are motivated to choose a specific specialty based on the monetary gain it can provide; others are inspired by seeing the work performed by a physician or a patient’s recovery. It is not uncommon to stereotype doctors’ personalities by their specialty.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey study in which we administered the 100-item HEXACO-Personality Inventory-R to 292 medical students between September 2018 and March 2019. We evaluated six different domains of personality traits. We also included questions about their medical specialty of choice, their least preferred specialty, and the motivation behind these choices. The participants included 175 women (59.9%) and 117 men (40.1%).
Results: When participants were asked about their preferred type of medical specialty, 52.4% indicated a preference for surgical specialties (surgical group) versus 47.6% who preferred clinical specialties (clinical group). We found that the surgical group showed a tendency toward higher scores for the extroversion (p = 0.004) and organization (p = 0.004) scales; while the clinical group presented higher scores in the honesty–humility (p = 0.038), emotionality (p = 0.048), and agreeableness (p = 0.014) scales. We identified critical differences within the overall group of medical students by sex and between medical specialty preference.
Conclusions: Some classical stereotypes were confirmed by our results, such as surgical specialists being more prone to being extroverted and organized, while clinical specialists were prone to being more introverted, anxious, and more emotionally attached to their patients.
Political Mobilization of the Serbian Opposition during the March Protests in 1991
Authors: Ribić Vladimir
Published: May 2019

Political mobilization consists of actions and their legitimization, which have both an activist and a legitimizing basis. The activist basis stems from the basic structure of the political system, which entails the principles of political organizing and action. The legitimizing basis has its roots in the basic political values and ideas which serve to legitimize the political system. In this paper I will analyze the legitimizing basis of the political mobilization of the Serbian opposition during the March protests in 1991.
Radio “On the Cloud”: New Author Approaches in Creating Internet Radio
Authors: Dajić Ana , Radivojević Sonja
Published: May 2019

Technological development, and thereby technological revolution in its duration, initiated changes in the media environment and its characteristics, as well as our habits in the consumption and reception of content - from transmission and distribution of information, through reading news, watching TV program, to music listening. This paper will try to provide basic insight into the changes made by digitization, focusing specifically on the radio and its relocation "from the air" to the "network". Investigating phenomena associated with the radio exiting analogue frames, such as podcast, cloud and streaming, which comprise the digital infrastructure of the Internet radio, the paper emphasizes the changed role of the audience which, from "passive recipients" becomes a network of active "producers-consumers" (prosumers) or producers-users (produsers). In the contexture of social relations and consumer practices, "new amateurs" are distinguished, amalgams of audience and fans/creators who nowadays have the opportunity to “do themselves” a radio program, along with the listed tools (DIY). They blur the boundaries of the "traditional" jobs division between the radio "producers" and "consumers", and the relations between professionals - established "radio stars" and beginners, evading controlled production frameworks and encouraging an active process of creating a culture from the bottom. In addition to offering an analysis of the mentioned phenomena, this paper will consider whether the radio by the convergence has changed its characteristics and indicated it can (again) start, with the "PLAY" sign on the screen.
Avanço do Periélio de Mercúrio – O Primeiro Sucesso da Teoria da Relatividade Geral de Einstein
Authors: Duarte Miranda Oswaldo
Published: May 2019

Em conjunto com o desvio da luz de estrelas distantes pelo campo gravitacional do Sol (comprovado através de observações durante o eclipse solar de 1919), e do desvio para o vermelho na frequência de um feixe de luz pela ação de um campo gravitacional (comprovado pelo experimento de Pound e Rebka realizado em 1960), o movimento secular do periélio de Mercúrio configura-se num dos chamados “testes clássicos" da teoria da relatividade geral (TRG) de Albert Einstein. Em particular, o cálculo do movimento anômalo de Mercúrio foi a primeira peça de evidência empírica que ajudou a estabelecer a TRG como uma das mais belas teorias da física. Em 1915, Einstein incluiu esse cálculo, como uma aplicação, no artigo em que apresentou a sua teoria de gravitação. O valor obtido através da TRG contribuiu para dar confiança à nova teoria através de um problema empiricamente testável e que, na sua primeira aplicação, resolvia um dos maiores problemas da mecânica celeste à época. Neste trabalho, descrevemos os aspectos históricos relacionados aos estudos sobre os movimentos dos planetas. Em particular, discutimos como o movimento anômalo de Mercúrio foi analisado no âmbito da mecânica clássica, comparando a previsão clássica com os dados observacionais estabelecidos naquele período. Finalmente, comparamos a resposta clássica ao movimento anômalo de Mercúrio com o valor obtido através da TRG – o primeiro sucesso da teoria de gravitação de Einstein.
Astropartículas na América do Sul
Authors: Cintra Shellard Ronald
Published: May 2019

Descrevemos neste artigo os avanços recentes na área das Astropartículas, realizados em experimentos construídos em países da América Latina e apontamos alguns dos projetos que estão sendo concebidos para explorar com maior detalhe as astropartículas de altíssimas energias.
Activation of Alternative Respiration with Internal Electron Acceptor upon Anaerobic Glucose Utilization in Escherichia coli strains with Impaired Fermentation Ability
Authors: Sukhozhenko A.V. , Gulevich A.Yu. , Debabov V.G.
Published: May 2019

The activation of alternative respiration with an internal electron acceptor upon anaerobic utilization of glucose in Escherichia coli strains with the impaired fermentation ability has been studied. It was found out that the respiration processes utilizing pyruvic acid as an endogenous electron acceptor can markedly contribute to the maintenance of the anaerobic redox balance in E. coli strains deficient in mixed acid fermentation pathways. The sequential inactivation of the pathways of anaerobic dissimilation of pyruvate and impairment of the functionality of the reductive branch of the tricarboxylic acid cycle led to the increase in the contribution of the respiratory formation of lactic acid and alanine to the biosynthesis of the reduced products of anaerobic glucose utilization by the strains from 11 to 54%. The analysis of the enantiomeric composition of the lactic acid and alanine secreted by the strains demonstrated that D-lactate dehydrogenase (Dld), L-lactate dehydrogenase (LctD), and D-alanine dehydrogenase (DadA) participated in the biosynthesis of the respective compounds. Escherichia coli, glucose, fermentation, respiration, metabolic engineering, pyruvate, lactate, alanine. The work was supported by a grant from the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (Project no. 18-04-01222)
Ubiquitin-Specific Proteinase of E. coli Does Not Require Obligatory Presence of Dipeptide GlyGly at Processing Site
Authors: Cheperegin S.E. , Kozlov D.G.
Published: May 2019

It was shown that unlike eukaryotic ubiquitin-specific proteinases (DUBs deubiquitinating enzymes) deubiquitinase ElaD E.coli does not need obligatory presence of GlyGly dipeptide at the processing site and is capable to process sites GlyGly and GlyAla with equal efficiency. At the same time similar to eukaryotic DUB the bacterial enzyme does not process sites with dipeptides AlaGly, AlaAla or GlyPro. Considering functional mission of the deubiquitinating agent of E. coli, decrease in its specificity can be considered as valuable evolutional acquisition allowing to expand a list of the molecular targets being attacked during pathogenesis.

ubiquitin, DUB, E. coli proteinase, elaD, virulence factor

The authors sincerely thank the staff of the NRC «Kurchatov Institute» -GosNIIgenetika Drs. Skorokhodova A. Yu. and Goulevitch A.Yu. for designing and supplying the strain BL21(DE3)Ae/aD for the present work.
Balanced Amplification of Mevalonate Pathway Genes Increased Isoprene Production by Pantoea ananatis Recombinant Strain
Authors: Tajima Y. , Mashko S.V.
Published: May 2019

Uncoordinated expression of a target biosynthetic pathway often results in low growth and productivity of a producing strain due to the accumulation of toxic metabolic intermediates. In this study, we report an increase in the isoprene accumulation by an engineered strain of Pantoea ananatis possessing foreign artificial mevalonate pathway genes. It was achieved owing to a simultaneous cp80-Int-dependant integration of a mixture of conditionally replicated plasmids carrying the genes for the upper and lower mevalonate pathways and for mevalonate kinase followed by the selection according to isoprene accumulation of clones with optimal copy numbers of the integrative cassettes. The previously developed Dual In/Out method was modified to accelerate constructing of the recipient strains containing several attB sites of ф80 phage in their genomes. coordinated expression, Dual In/Out method, mevalonate pathway, Pantoea ananatis, isoprene, integration of heterologous pathway. The authors are extremely grateful to Dr. A.D. Kivero (CJSC AGRI) for the valuable comments while working with analytical equipment. The authors express their appreciation of Dr. Uehara (Nagai) Yuri for the fruitful cooperation and coordination of the joint work.
Interaction of Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Transformed by rapA1 Gene with Pseudomonas sp. 102 Bacteria Resistant to High Cadmium Concentrations as a Basis for Effective Symbiotic Phytoremediation System
Authors: Khakimova L.R. , Lavina A.M. , Karimova L.R. , Fedyaev V.V. , Baymiev An.Kh. , Baymiev Al.Kh.
Published: May 2019

A Pseudomonas sp. 102 strain, which is highly resistant to toxic effects of cadmium and has plant growth-promoting activity, can significantly increase growth parameters and biomass of tomato plants, including those observed under toxic effects of cadmium. The greatest positive effect was observed in plants transformed with the bacterial adhesin gene rapA1, the product of which is important for colonization of plant roots by bacteria. It was also shown that shoots of transgenic tomato plants accumulated the greatest amount of cadmium during inoculation with Pseudomonas sp. 102. The ability to extract high concentrations of cadmium and accumulate a large biomass under stress opens up prospects for the further use of associative interactions between tomato and Pseudomonas for phytoremediation. phytoremediation, cadmium, tomato, Pseudomonas, inoculation, agglutinins, This study was carried out using the equipment of the Biomika Centre for Collective Use of the Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics (Ufa Federal Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences) as part of the government task (project no. AAAA-A16-1160203500284). This study was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (project nos. 18-34-20004 and 18-34-00033) and 18-344-0033 mol_a_ved and 34-00033 mol_a).
Hungarian trends and gender differences in the global smoking epidemic
Authors: Wéber András
Published: May 2019

This paper analyzes whether developments in Hungary are in keeping with the trends of the process known as the “global smoking epidemic.” To this end, the comparative cases of the USA and Austria are used as a benchmark for reviewing the results concerning tobacco consumption and sex differences in mortality. A comparative analysis has been conducted using prevalence and tobacco-related mortality data in longer-term perspectives. The study analyzes the descriptive statistics of the smoking-attributable premature mortality trends in Hungary between 2000 and 2015 by sex, age, and cause of death, using the updated method of the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The results show that Hungarian men are suffering more destructive consequences of the smoking epidemic than American or Austrian men. Hungarian and Austrian women are half a century behind the peak of the epidemic in the USA, and the harmful effect is also smaller than in the USA. Nevertheless, we can also predict that differences by sex will decrease significantly in the future. Between 2000 and 2015, male smoking-attributable mortality declined in Hungary; meanwhile, among women it increased dramatically. As a consequence, in the over-50 age group, increasing tobacco-related mortality is holding back the improvement in female mortality. The key causes of death attributable to smoking – e.g., bronchitis, emphysema, and COPD, and lung, bronchus, and trachea cancers – are also identified. All this means that, in every age group and for almost all causes of death, the differences by sex declined significantly in the period analyzed. Our results indicate that compared to the United States, the possibly more traditional gender roles characterizing Austrian and Hungarian society, and the related cultural norms, reduced the harm arising from the cigarette epidemic among Central and Eastern European women. However, a strong negative cohort effect can also be identified in the Hungarian female population born between 1945 and 1965, largely due to smoking. This implies that the promotion of a healthy life style among middle-aged and older females could be a major policy target.
Our Experience in the Management of Intestinal Tuberculosis
Authors: Niazi Noor Ahmed , Khan Aamer Zaman , Ranjha Aftab Ahmad , Bhutta Amir R , Abid Khalid Javed
Published: May 2019

A descriptive study of 50 cases was conducted at Surgical Unit 1, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore from May 2001 to Jan 2003 to evaluate clinical presentation of intestinal tuberculosis. Thirty eight patients were females and twelve males. Common presentation in operated cases were abdominal pain, tenderness, vomiting, distension and absolute constipation. While in non-operative cases presentation was vague abdominal pain, fever, weight loss, constipation and diarrhoea. Evidence of tuberculosis was achieved by ESR, X-ray chest, mantoux test and histopathology. These patients were managed either surgically or conservatively by anti-tuberculous chemotherapy. Out of fifty patients, forty patients were treated with combined medical and surgical treatment while ten cases were managed by medical treatment only. One patient expired with a mortality rate of 2.5% among operated cases. This patient developed faecal fistula due to leakage from suture line. Cause of death was poor nutrition, debility, anaemia and electrolyte imbalance.
Regional rainfall response to the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) across Great Britain
Authors: West Harry , Quinn Nevil , Horswell Michael
Published: May 2019

The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) has been long studied as the primary teleconnection affecting the British and European climate. However, previous studies have focused on extremes or have been spatially and temporally limited. In recent years, our ability to predict the NAO has improved. Also, new research is emerging, suggesting that the NAO is a key driver of hydrological extremes. These factors mean that there is a renewed value in enhancing our understanding of how the NAO influences general rainfall patterns. In this study, we spatially analyse correlations between NAO indices and monthly rainfall data and the Standardised Precipitation Index. We also map mean monthly rainfall differences under NAO-positive and -negative conditions. Based on our results, we identify three main observations: (I) there is sensitivity in the rainfall patterns to the chosen NAO index; (II) there is a clear winter north/west and south/east divide in rainfall patterns; and (III) the NAO does have an effect on summer rainfall patterns, although the spatiality of these patterns is less distinctive than in winter. As far as we are aware, this is the first national scale, monthly NAO–rainfall analysis undertaken for a long period.
A methodical framework for analysing the cause of urban pluvial flooding in a hillside settlement
Authors: Simperler Lena , Kretschmer Florian , Ertl Thomas
Published: May 2019

Pluvial flood risk is increasing in urban and rural areas due to changes in precipitation patterns and urbanization. Pluvial flooding is often associated with insufficient capacities of the sewer system or low surface drainage efficiency of urban areas. In hilly areas, hillside runoff additionally affects the risk of pluvial flooding. This article introduces a methodical approach and related evaluation criteria for a systematic analysis of potential causes of urban pluvial flooding. In the presented case study, the cause of pluvial flooding at two selected sites in a hillside settlement is investigated based on a coupled 1D/2D model of the whole hydrological catchment. The results show that even though bottlenecks in the sewer system are important, the effect of low surface drainage efficiency and hillside runoff greatly influence pluvial flooding. The knowledge of different causes of flooding can be further used for selecting and positioning appropriate adaption measures. The presented approach proved its practicability and can thus serve as a guidance and template for other applications to gain better understanding and knowledge of local specific pluvial flooding events.
Theoretical Investigation of Design Space for Multi Layer Drug Eluting Bioresorbable Suture Threads
Authors: Casalini Tommaso , Rossi Filippo , Brizielli Luisa , Perale Giuseppe
Published: May 2019

Background:

The work presented here is focused on the development of a comprehensive theoretical model for the description of drug release from a double - layer bioresorbable suture thread and the therapeutic efficacy of the active compounds delivered in the surrounding tissue.

Methods:

In particular, the system under investigation is composed of a core of slow-degrading polylactic- acid-co-ε-caprolactone (PLCL), where an antibiotic compound (Vancomycin) is loaded, surrounded by a shell of a fast-degrading polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) which contains an anesthetic drug (Lidocaine hydrochloride) for the post-surgical pain relief.

Results:

This system is of potential interest for the combined effects provided by the different active molecules, but the different release and polymer degradation dynamics, as well as their mutual influence, do not allow an intuitive a priori evaluation of device behavior, which can be rationalized through mathematical modeling. The model takes into account the main involved phenomena (polymer degradation and diffusion of the drugs within the device and the tissue, where they are metabolized) and their synergic effects on the overall system behavior.

Conclusion:

Model results are discussed in order to quantify the impact of the main design parameters on device performances, thanks to the use of phase diagrams (which show drug effect in time and space) whose insights are summarized in order to determine a design space according to the specific needs.
Computer-Assisted Drug Virtual Screening Based on the Natural Product Databases
Authors: Yang Baoyu , Mao Jing , Gao Bing , Lu Xiuli
Published: May 2019

Background:

Computer-assisted drug virtual screening models the process of drug screening through computer simulation technology, by docking small molecules in some of the databases to a certain protein target. There are many kinds of small molecules databases available for drug screening, including natural product databases.

Methods:

Plants have been used as a source of medication for millennia. About 80% of drugs were either natural products or related analogues by 1990, and many natural products are biologically active and have favorable absorption, distribution, metabolization, excretion, and toxicology.

Results:

In this paper, we review the natural product databases’ contributions to drug discovery based on virtual screening, focusing particularly on the introductions of plant natural products, microorganism natural product, Traditional Chinese medicine databases, as well as natural product toxicity prediction databases.

Conclusion:

We highlight the applications of these databases in many fields of virtual screening, and attempt to forecast the importance of the natural product database in next-generation drug discovery.
Novel 1,3,4-Thiadiazole Linked Amide Derivatives of Pteridone: Synthesis and Study of Anticancer Activities
Authors: Devi Eeduri R. , Sreenivasulu Reddymasu , Rao Koya P. , Nadh Ratnakaram V. , Sireesha Malladi
Published: May 2019

Cancer is a second leading cause of death after heart attack, in developing as well as undeveloped
countries. It is caused by unregulated growth and metastasis of the abnormal cancer cells.
Cancer can be cured by radiation, immunotherapy and chemotherapy, among them; chemotherapy is a
good treatment for cancer, in which chemotherapeutic drug is used. The anticancer activity of newly
synthesized compounds (13a-j) was carried out on four different types of human cancer cell lines like
MCF-7 (breast), A549 (lung), Colo-205 (colon) and A2780 (ovarian) by the MTT method, and compared
to etoposide used as a positive control. Among them, compound 13g with electron-withdrawing
(3,5-dinitro) group, exhibited more promising activity in all cell lines (MCF-7 = 0.10±0.076 µM, A549
= 0.17±0.039 µM, Colo-205= 0.13±0.022 µM and A2780 = 0.87±0.027µM). This compound may act
as lead drug in cancer chemotherapy. In future, this compound can be examined for clinical studies.
User Experience Related Biases in Data Collected Via Technology-Enabled Ecological Momentary Assessment (Preprint)
Authors: Sun Si , Li Zhiguo , Maduri Chandramouli , Hao Tian , Zhu Xinxin
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Technology-enabled ecological momentary assessment (EMA) facilitates the calibration of physiological signals against self-reported data and contexts. However, research using this method rarely considers the impact that user experience (UX) has on the quality of data.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to explore the biases that UX factors induce in self-reported data and physiological signals collected through EMA and the UX factors that have the largest impact on the data.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis on data from a field feasibility study is conducted. The study uses an application on a smartwatch device to measure heart rate variability (HRV) and collect self-reported stress levels. We collected data on event types, age, sex, personality traits, and engineered 66 UX features (e.g., number of screens viewed, perception of notification frequency). We use a series of random forest models, conditional forest models, linear regression models, and correlation analysis to predict self-reported stress, HRV, and their discrepancies. We then use iterated comparative analysis to confirm the effects of UX factors.

RESULTS

Analysis on 1240.6 hours of data from 29 participants reveal that self-reported stress is correlated with the HRV signal collected after EMA notification (HRV2) but not with the HRV signal collected before the notification (HRV1) or after user interaction starts (HRV3). UX factors explain 6.6% - 10% (P < .001) of the variation in self-reported stress. UX factors do not significantly predict HRV signals but explain 63.8% (P < .001) of the difference between self-reported stress and the HRV signal collected after the EMA notification. In addition, UX factors have a significant but smaller delayed effect on self-reported stress and HRV signals collected in the next user interaction cycle. In almost all models, UX features rank higher in terms of feature importance than the other confounding factors (i.e., age, sex, personality traits) and in some models rank higher than the main effect (i.e., event types). We discuss specific symptoms of UX-induced biases related to EMA instrument design and study design, mere measurement effect and observer effect, and propose topics of examination for future studies.

CONCLUSIONS

User experience may induce biases in data collected through technology-enabled EMA method. In some cases, the impact of the biases may be larger than that of the main effect, other confounding factors, and the corresponding data used for calibration.
A Tablet-Based App for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Screening: Diagnostic Case-Control Study (Preprint)
Authors: Fujita Koji , Watanabe Takuro , Kuroiwa Tomoyuki , Sasaki Toru , Nimura Akimoto , Sugiura Yuta
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the most common neuropathy, is caused by a compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel and is related to aging. The initial symptom is numbness and pain of the median nerve distributed in the hand area, while thenar muscle atrophy occurs in advanced stages. This atrophy causes failure of thumb motion and results in clumsiness; even after surgery, thenar atrophy does not recover for an extended period. Medical examination and electrophysiological testing are useful to diagnose CTS; however, visits to the doctor tend to be delayed because patients neglect the symptom of numbness in the hand. To avoid thenar atrophy-related clumsiness, early detection of CTS is important.

OBJECTIVE

To establish a CTS screening system without medical examination, we have developed a tablet-based CTS detection system, focusing on movement of the thumb in CTS patients; we examined the accuracy of this screening system.

METHODS

A total of 22 female CTS patients, involving 29 hands, and 11 female non-CTS participants were recruited. The diagnosis of CTS was made by hand surgeons based on electrophysiological testing. We developed an iPad-based app that recorded the speed and timing of thumb movements while playing a short game. A support vector machine (SVM) learning algorithm was then used by comparing the thumb movements in each direction among CTS and non-CTS groups with leave-one-out cross-validation; with this, we conducted screening for CTS in real time.

RESULTS

The maximum speed of thumb movements between CTS and non-CTS groups in each direction did not show any statistically significant difference. The CTS group showed significantly slower average thumb movement speed in the 3 and 6 o’clock directions (P=.03 and P=.005, respectively). The CTS group also took a significantly longer time to reach the points in the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 11 o’clock directions (P<.05). Cross-validation revealed that 27 of 29 CTS hands (93%) were classified as having CTS, while 2 of 29 CTS hands (7%) did not have CTS. CTS and non-CTS were classified with 93% sensitivity and 73% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our newly developed app could classify disturbance of thumb opposition movement and could be useful as a screening test for CTS patients. Outside of the clinic, this app might be able to detect middle-to-severe-stage CTS and prompt these patients to visit a hand surgery specialist; this may also lead to medical cost-savings.
The Development of Language Acceptance for Children Aged 0-5 Years in RT004/RW003 Jatimurni, Bekasi
Authors: Mulyani Sri , Septiani Eka , Indah Sari Nur
Published: May 2019

The aim of study was to determine the development of language acquisition of children aged 0-5 years in RT004 / RW003 Jatimurni, Bekasi and find out the average length of speech of the  first language acquisition Zeen, Tyas, Putri, Fatih, Radit, and Kenzi. The research method uses qualitative description, while  the approach used is a longitudinal approach. The main features of  longitudinal require a long time because what is examined is the development of something being studied from one time to another. Source of data from language acquisition of children aged 0-5 years. The result of the development research on language acquisition of children aged  0-5 years in RT 004 / RW 003, Jatimurni, Bekasi is children aged 0-3 months wake up when they hear a loud voice, which is crying, if they  hear others talking they pay attention to the person, he smiles when invited to talk,can  recognize the voice of his cast or caretaker and stop crying when invited to talk. Paying attention to the eyes and mouth of  people who act as they speak, look for sound sources by moving their eyes and bodies,looking at objecta around them, and showing interest in objects that are in their environment, and using their environment and using their hand and mouth to explore their motor sensory, while Tyas age 1 the averages length of speech, which is 0.2. Putri age of 2.3 years of utterance averages, which is 0.43, Fatih age 3.4 years the average length of  speech, which is 0.60, Radit age of 4 years the average length of  speech, namely  1.6, and Kenzi age of 5 years the average length of  speech 2.15. So,, the development of children’s language acquisition will continue to increase according to the increase in age and cognitive development.
Simple Approach to Bandwidth Enhancement Of Compact Pifa For Wireless System Applications
Authors: Ikechiamaka Florence Nwamaka , A Akinbolati , C Okpala
Published: May 2019

Bandwidth is a critical parameter that must be considered in the design of electrically small antennas for compact wireless system. In order to overcome the demerit of narrow bandwidth, a simple method of bandwidth enhancement through parametric study of PIFA is proposed. The PIFA understudied was designed and simulated by the use of theoretical equations based on transmission line model and High Frequency Structural Simulator (HFSS) respectively. It has initial bandwidth of  The study reveals that by reducing the size ratio of the planar element (radiating patch) of PIFA, bandwidth enhancement of  was achieved. Increasing the distance between short plate and feed gave rise to  increment in bandwidth while increasing the length of ground plane while keeping the width of ground plane constant enhanced bandwidth by .  The designed compact PIFA of patch size  can be employed in wireless systems such as cell phone  and implantable medical devices .