bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Risk Subgroups Sensitive to Air Pollution Levels Following an Emergency Medical Admission
Authors: Cournane Seán , Conway Richard , Byrne Declan , O’Riordan Deirdre , Coveney Seamus , Silke Bernard
Published: October 2017

For three cohorts (the elderly, socially deprived, and those with chronic disabling disease), the relationship between the concentrations of particulate matter (PM10), sulphur dioxide (SO2), or oxides of nitrogen (NOx) at the time of hospital admission and outcomes (30-day in-hospital mortality) were investigated All emergency admissions (90,423 episodes, recorded in 48,035 patients) between 2002 and 2015 were examined. PM10, SO2, and NOx daily levels from the hospital catchment area were correlated with the outcomes for the older admission cohort (>70 years), those of lower socio-economic status (SES), and with more disabling disease. Adjusted for acuity and complexity, the level of each pollutant on the day of admission independently predicted the 30-day mortality: for PM10–OR 1.11 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.15), SO2–1.20 (95% CI: 1.16, 1.24), and NOx–1.09 (1.06–1.13). For the older admission cohort (≥70 years), as admission day pollution increased (NOx quintiles) the 30-day mortality was higher in the elderly (14.2% vs. 11.3%: p < 0.001). Persons with a lower SES were at increased risk. Persons with more disabling disease also had worse outcomes on days with higher admission particulate matter (PM10 quintiles). Levels of pollutants on the day of admission of emergency medical admissions predicted 30-day hospital mortality.
Recent Advances in Mycotoxin Determination for Food Monitoring via Microchip
Authors: Man Yan , Liang Gang , Li An , Pan Ligang
Published: October 2017

Mycotoxins are one of the main factors impacting food safety. Mycotoxin contamination has threatened the health of humans and animals. Conventional methods for the detection of mycotoxins are gas chromatography (GC) or liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS), or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). However, all these methods are time-consuming, require large-scale instruments and skilled technicians, and consume large amounts of hazardous regents and solvents. Interestingly, a microchip requires less sample consumption and short analysis time, and can realize the integration, miniaturization, and high-throughput detection of the samples. Hence, the application of a microchip for the detection of mycotoxins can make up for the deficiency of the conventional detection methods. This review focuses on the application of a microchip to detect mycotoxins in foods. The toxicities of mycotoxins and the materials of the microchip are firstly summarized in turn. Then the application of a microchip that integrates various kinds of detection methods (optical, electrochemical, photo-electrochemical, and label-free detection) to detect mycotoxins is reviewed in detail. Finally, challenges and future research directions in the development of a microchip to detect mycotoxins are previewed.
Introduction to the Toxins Special Issue on LC-MS/MS Methods for Mycotoxin Analysis
Authors: Laganà Aldo
Published: October 2017

Various filamentous fungi can produce secondary metabolites, whose biochemical significance in fungal growth and development has not always been fully clarified; however, some of these metabolites can cause deleterious effects on other organisms and are classified as mycotoxins [...]
MicroRNA and mRNA Dysregulation in Astrocytes Infected with Zika Virus
Authors: Kozak Robert , Majer Anna , Biondi Mia , Medina Sarah , Goneau Lee , Sajesh Babu , Slota Jessy , Zubach Vanessa , Severini Alberto , Safronetz David , Hiebert Shannon , Beniac Daniel , Booth Timothy , Booth Stephanie , Kobinger Gary
Published: October 2017

The Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic is an ongoing public health concern. ZIKV is a flavivirus reported to be associated with microcephaly, and recent work in animal models demonstrates the ability of the virus to cross the placenta and affect fetal brain development. Recent findings suggest that the virus preferentially infects neural stem cells and thereby deregulates gene expression, cell cycle progression, and increases cell death. However, neuronal stem cells are not the only brain cells that are susceptible to ZIKV and infection of other brain cells may contribute to disease progression. Herein, we characterized ZIKV replication in astrocytes, and profiled temporal changes in host microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcriptomes during infection. We observed the deregulation of numerous processes known to be involved in flavivirus infection, including genes involved in the unfolded protein response pathway. Moreover, a number of miRNAs were upregulated, including miR-30e-3p, miR-30e-5p, and, miR-17-5p, which have been associated with other flavivirus infections. This study highlights potential miRNAs that may be of importance in ZIKV pathogenesis.
Secreted Expression of the Cap Gene of Porcine Circovirus Type 2 in Classical Swine Fever Virus C-Strain: Potential of C-Strain Used as a Vaccine Vector
Authors: Zhang Lingkai , Li Yongfeng , Xie Libao , Wang Xiao , Gao Xulei , Sun Yuan , Qiu Hua-Ji
Published: October 2017

Bivalent vaccines based on live attenuated viruses expressing a heterologous protein are an attractive strategy to address co-infections with various pathogens in the field. Considering the excellent efficacy and safety of the lapinized live attenuated vaccine C-strain (HCLV strain) of classical swine fever virus (CSFV), we proposed that C-strain has the potential as a viral vector for developing bivalent vaccines. To this end, we generated three recombinant viruses based on C-strain, one expressing the capsid (Cap) gene of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) with the nuclear localization signal (NLS) (rHCLV-2ACap), and the other two expressing the PCV2 Cap gene without the NLS yet containing the signal peptide of the prolactin gene (rHCLV-pspCap) or that of the ubiquitin-specific peptidase gene (rHCLV-uspCap). All the recombinant viruses exhibited phenotypes similar to those of the parental virus and produced high-level anti-CSFV neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) in rabbits. Interestingly, rHCLV-uspCap and rHCLV-pspCap, but not rHCLV-2ACap, elicited detectable anti-Cap and -PCV2 NAbs in rabbits. Taken together, our data demonstrate that C-strain can be used as a viral vector to develop bivalent vaccines.
Seed Transmission of Beet Curly Top Virus and Beet Curly Top Iran Virus in a Local Cultivar of Petunia in Iran
Authors: Anabestani Ameneh , Behjatnia Seyed , Izadpanah Keramat , Tabein Saeid , Accotto Gian
Published: October 2017

Beet curly top virus (BCTV) and beet curly top Iran virus (BCTIV) are known as the causal agents of curly top disease in beet and several other dicotyledonous plants in Iran. These viruses are transmitted by Circulifer species, and until now, there has been no confirmed report of their seed transmission. A percentage (38.2–78.0%) of the seedlings developed from the seeds of a petunia local cultivar under insect-free conditions showed stunting, interveinal chlorosis, leaf curling, and vein swelling symptoms, and were infected by BCTV when tested by PCR. Presence of BCTV in seed extracts of petunia local cultivar was confirmed by PCR and IC-PCR, followed by sequencing. Agroinoculation of curly top free petunia plants with a BCTV infectious clone resulted in BCTV infection of plants and their developed seeds. These results show the seed infection and transmission of BCTV in a local cultivar of petunia. Similar experiments performed with BCTIV showed that this virus is also seed transmissible in the same cultivar of petunia, although with a lower rate (8.8–18.5%). Seed transmission of curly top viruses may have significant implications in the epidemiology of these viruses.
Hydrological Appraisal of Climate Change Impacts on the Water Resources of the Xijiang Basin, South China
Authors: Zhu Dehua , Das Samiran , Ren Qiwei
Published: October 2017

Assessing the impact of climate change on streamflow is critical to understanding the changes to water resources and to improve water resource management. The use of hydrological models is a common practice to quantify and assess water resources in such situations. In this study, two hydrological models with different structures, e.g., a physically-based distributed model Liuxihe (LXH) and a lumped conceptual model Xinanjiang (XAJ) are employed to simulate the daily runoff in the Xijiang basin in South China, under historical (1964–2013) and future (2014–2099) climate conditions. The future climate series are downscaled from a global climate model (Beijing Climate Centre-Climate System Model, BCC-CSM version 1.1) by a high-resolution regional climate model under two representative concentration pathways—RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. The hydrological responses to climate change via the two rainfall–runoff models with different mathematical structures are compared, in relation to the uncertainties in hydrology and meteorology. It is found that the two rainfall–runoff models successfully simulate the historical runoff for the Xijiang basin, with a daily runoff Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency of 0.80 for the LXH model and 0.89 for the XAJ model. The characteristics of high flow in the future are also analysed including their frequency (magnitude–return-period relationship). It shows that the distributed model could produce more streamflow and peak flow than the lumped model under the climate change scenarios. However the difference of the impact from the two climate scenarios is marginal on median monthly streamflow. The flood frequency analysis under climate change suggests that flood magnitudes in the future will be more severe than the historical floods with the same return period. Overall, the study reveals how uncertain it can be to quantify water resources with two different but well calibrated hydrological models.
Ta2N3 nanocrystals grown in Al2O3 thin layers
Authors: Salamon Krešimir , Buljan Maja , Šarić Iva , Petravić Mladen , Bernstorff Sigrid
Published: October 2017

Tantalum nitride nanoparticles (NPs) and cubic bixbyite-type Ta2N3 nanocrystals (NCs) were grown in (Ta–N+Al2O3)/Al2O3 periodic multilayers (MLs) after thermal treatment. The MLs were prepared by magnetron deposition at room temperature and characterized using grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS), X-ray reflectivity (XRR), grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). We found amorphous tantalum nitride NPs at 600–800 °C, with a high degree of ordering along the surface normal and short-range ordering within the layers containing tantalum (metallic layers). At an even higher annealing temperature of 900 °C the NPs crystallize in the rare and relatively unexplored Ta2N3 phase. However, the environment, morphology and spatial ordering of the NCs depend on the thickness of the metallic layers. For 12 nm thick metallic layers, the Ta2N3 NCs have an average diameter of 6 nm and they are confined and short-range ordered within the metallic layers. When the metallic layers are thinner, the NCs grow over 20 nm in diameter, show no spatial ordering, while the periodic structure of the ML was completely destroyed. The results presented here demonstrate a self-assembly process of tantalum nitride NPs, the morphological properties of which depend on the preparation conditions. This can be used as a generic procedure to realize highly tunable and designable optical properties of thin films containing transition-metal nitride nanocrystals.
The Environment of the Binary Neutron Star Merger GW170817
Authors: Levan A. J. , Lyman J. D. , Tanvir N. R. , Hjorth J. , Mandel I. , Stanway E. R. , Steeghs D. , Fruchter A. S. , Troja E. , Schrøder S. L. , Wiersema K. , Bruun S. H. , Cano Z. , Cenko S. B. , Postigo A. de Ugarte , Evans P. , Fairhurst S. , Fox O. D. , Fynbo J. P. U. , Gompertz B. , Greiner J. , Im M. , Izzo L. , Jakobsson P. , Kangas T. , Khandrika H. G. , Lien A. Y. , Malesani D. , O’Brien P. , Osborne J. P. , Palazzi E. , Pian E. , Perley D. A. , Rosswog S. , Ryan R. E. , Schulze S. , Sutton P. , Thöne C. C. , Watson D. J. , Wijers R. A. M. J.
Published: October 2017

We present Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and Chandra imaging, combined with Very Large Telescope MUSE integral field spectroscopy of the counterpart and host galaxy of the first binary neutron star merger detected via gravitational-wave emission by LIGO and Virgo, GW170817. The host galaxy, NGC 4993, is an S0 galaxy at z = 0.009783. There is evidence for large, face-on spiral shells in continuum imaging, and edge-on spiral features visible in nebular emission lines. This suggests that NGC 4993 has undergone a relatively recent (

≲
1

Gyr) “dry” merger. This merger may provide the fuel for a weak active nucleus seen in Chandra imaging. At the location of the counterpart, HST imaging implies there is no globular or young stellar cluster, with a limit of a few thousand solar masses for any young system. The population in the vicinity is predominantly old with ≲1% of any light arising from a population with ages

<
500

Myr

. Both the host galaxy properties and those of the transient location are consistent with the distributions seen for short-duration gamma-ray bursts, although the source position lies well within the effective radius (

r

e

∼
3

kpc), providing an r

e
-normalized offset that is closer than

∼
90
%

of short GRBs. For the long delay time implied by the stellar population, this suggests that the kick velocity was significantly less than the galaxy escape velocity. We do not see any narrow host galaxy interstellar medium features within the counterpart spectrum, implying low extinction, and that the binary may lie in front of the bulk of the host galaxy.
Observations of the First Electromagnetic Counterpart to a Gravitational-wave Source by the TOROS Collaboration
Authors: Díaz M. C. , Macri L. M. , Lambas D. Garcia , Oliveira C. Mendes de , Castellón J. L. Nilo , Ribeiro T. , Sánchez B. , Schoenell W. , Abramo L. R. , Akras S. , Alcaniz J. S. , Artola R. , Beroiz M. , Bonoli S. , Cabral J. , Camuccio R. , Castillo M. , Chavushyan V. , Coelho P. , Colazo C. , Costa-Duarte M. V. , Larenas H. Cuevas , DePoy D. L. , Romero M. Domínguez , Dultzin D. , Fernández D. , García J. , Girardini C. , Gonçalves D. R. , Gonçalves T. S. , Gurovich S. , Jiménez-Teja Y. , Kanaan A. , Lares M. , Lopes de Oliveira R. , López-Cruz O. , Marshall J. L. , Melia R. , Molino A. , Padilla N. , Peñuela T. , Placco V. M. , Quiñones C. , Rivera A. Ramírez , Renzi V. , Riguccini L. , Ríos-López E. , Rodriguez H. , Sampedro L. , Schneiter M. , Sodré L. , Starck M. , Torres-Flores S. , Tornatore M. , Zadrożny A.
Published: October 2017

We present the results of prompt optical follow-up of the electromagnetic counterpart of the gravitational-wave event GW170817 by the Transient Optical Robotic Observatory of the South Collaboration. We detected highly significant dimming in the light curves of the counterpart (

mag,

mag,

mag) over the course of only 80 minutes of observations obtained ∼35 hr after the trigger with the T80-South telescope. A second epoch of observations, obtained ∼59 hr after the event with the EABA 1.5 m telescope, confirms the fast fading nature of the transient. The observed colors of the counterpart suggest that this event was a “blue kilonova” relatively free of lanthanides.
The Emergence of a Lanthanide-rich Kilonova Following the Merger of Two Neutron Stars
Authors: Tanvir N. R. , Levan A. J. , González-Fernández C. , Korobkin O. , Mandel I. , Rosswog S. , Hjorth J. , D’Avanzo P. , Fruchter A. S. , Fryer C. L. , Kangas T. , Milvang-Jensen B. , Rosetti S. , Steeghs D. , Wollaeger R. T. , Cano Z. , Copperwheat C. M. , Covino S. , D’Elia V. , de Ugarte Postigo A. , Evans P. A. , Even W. P. , Fairhurst S. , Jaimes R. Figuera , Fontes C. J. , Fujii Y. I. , Fynbo J. P. U. , Gompertz B. P. , Greiner J. , Hodosan G. , Irwin M. J. , Jakobsson P. , Jørgensen U. G. , Kann D. A. , Lyman J. D. , Malesani D. , McMahon R. G. , Melandri A. , O’Brien P. T. , Osborne J. P. , Palazzi E. , Perley D. A. , Pian E. , Piranomonte S. , Rabus M. , Rol E. , Rowlinson A. , Schulze S. , Sutton P. , Thöne C. C. , Ulaczyk K. , Watson D. , Wiersema K. , Wijers R. A. M. J.
Published: October 2017

We report the discovery and monitoring of the near-infrared counterpart (AT2017gfo) of a binary neutron-star merger event detected as a gravitational wave source by Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO)/Virgo (GW170817) and as a short gamma-ray burst by Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) and Integral SPI-ACS (GRB 170817A). The evolution of the transient light is consistent with predictions for the behavior of a “kilonova/macronova” powered by the radioactive decay of massive neutron-rich nuclides created via r-process nucleosynthesis in the neutron-star ejecta. In particular, evidence for this scenario is found from broad features seen in Hubble Space Telescope infrared spectroscopy, similar to those predicted for lanthanide-dominated ejecta, and the much slower evolution in the near-infrared

K

s

-band compared to the optical. This indicates that the late-time light is dominated by high-opacity lanthanide-rich ejecta, suggesting nucleosynthesis to the third r-process peak (atomic masses

A
≈
195

). This discovery confirms that neutron-star mergers produce kilo-/macronovae and that they are at least a major—if not the dominant—site of rapid neutron capture nucleosynthesis in the universe.
Identification of atopic dermatitis phenotypes with good responses to probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum CJLP133) in children
Authors: Kim J. , Lee B.S. , Kim B. , Na I. , Lee J. , Lee J.Y. , Park M.R. , Kim H. , Sohn I. , Ahn K.
Published: October 2017

The therapeutic effect of probiotics in atopic dermatitis (AD) remains controversial and varies according to the individual patient. We aimed to identify a population of AD patients with a good clinical response to probiotic treatment. We recruited 76 children with a median age of 7.1 years who suffered from moderate to severe AD. After a 2-week washout period, all patients were givenLactobacillus plantarumCJLP133 at a dosage of 1×1010colony-forming units once a day for 12 weeks. We measured eosinophil counts in the peripheral blood, the proportion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+regulatory T (Treg) cells in CD4+T cells, serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, and specific IgE against common allergens before the start of the treatment (T1) and at discontinuation (T2). Responders were defined as patients with at least a 30% reduction in the SCORing of AD (SCORAD) index after treatment. There were 36 responders and 40 non-responders after probiotic treatment. The median SCORAD was reduced from 29.5 (range 20.6-46.3) at T1 to 16.4 (range 6.3-30.8) at T2 in the responder group (P<0.001). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, a good clinical response was significantly associated with high total IgE levels (aOR 5.1, 95% CI 1.1-23.6), increased expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β (aOR 4.6, 95% CI 1.3-15.9), and a high proportion of Treg cells in CD4+T cells (aOR 3.7, 95% CI 1.1-12.7) at T1. In the responder group, the proportion of Treg cells was significantly increased after 12 weeks of treatment (P=0.004), while TGF-β mRNA expression was decreased (P=0.017). Our results suggest that a subgroup of patients with a specific AD phenotype showing an immunologically active state (high total IgE, increased expression of TGF-β, high numbers of Treg cells) may benefit from probiotic treatment withL. plantarumCJLP133.
Patrimonio en conserva. Los vínculos indentitarios como clave de aprendizaje en el grado de magisterio
Authors: Cepeda Sofía Marín
Published: October 2017

Presentamos el vínculo con los objetos como clave de aprendizaje en la asignatura La Educación Artística en Espacios no Formales, perteneciente al módulo de optatividad libre del grado de Magisterio de Educación Primaria en la Universidad de Valladolid (España). Para ello, comenzamos reflexionando sobre la reformulación de las funciones del museo y la figura del visitante, la función didáctica del espacio museístico y sus conexiones con la educación formal, para entender su influencia en el aula de educación artística a la hora de abordar el papel de los objetos en la construcción de identidades. Desde la perspectiva de la educación patrimonial, las personas establecen vínculos con los bienes, otorgándoles un determinado valor. Sobre esta base, planteamos nuestra propuesta educativa en torno a los vínculos identitarios como clave para concienciar y generar aprendizajes transferibles al objeto artístico y de valor patrimonial. Presentamos la propuesta didáctica Patrimonio en Conserva como ejemplo de trabajo en el aula a partir de los vínculos entre los alumnos y sus patrimonios más personales, generando artefactos y relatos que permiten visibilizar las relaciones y, de este modo, transferir el aprendizaje hacia contextos más amplios. La visibilización de las relaciones y vínculos cambia la experiencia del objeto, transformando, posteriormente, la comprensión de alumno de sus propias prácticas de creación artística, situándolo desde una perspectiva nueva, más consciente y vivencial. De este modo, la visión que nos ofrece la educación patrimonial transforma los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje hacia una experiencia de carácter significativo en los alumnos participantes.
La transparencia municipal en España: análisis de los factores que más influyen en el grado de transparencia
Authors: García Santamaría José Vicente , Martín Matallana Jesús
Published: October 2017

Este artículo tiene como objetivo fundamental determinar los factores que más pueden influir en el grado de transparencia municipal de los ayuntamientos españoles, de acuerdo con el ita. En particular, nos centraremos en el análisis pormenorizado de cuatro posibles factores de influencia: signo político, dimensión del municipio, ubicación geográfica y nivel de renta per cápita. La conclusión es que, en estos momentos, y dada la evolución de este Índice, ninguno de ellos constituye un factor determinante. Pero para llevar a cabo un análisis más amplio y preciso sería necesario que ampliarse los procedimientos metodológicos que sigue el ita, e incluso incluir nuevos factores de estudio. Metodología. Revisión bibliográfica. Investigación con entrevistas en profundidad a un panel de expertos y estudio de aquellos factores que más pueden influir en el grado de transparencia municipal. Resultados y conclusiones. Aun reconociendo el significativo avance que ha tenido la transparencia municipal sería aconsejable también evaluar y mejorar los procedimientos del ITA.
Contraste de la cobertura periodística del cambio climático y del calentamiento global en España y en el ámbito internacional: IV-V Informes del IPCC yBali-Copenhague-París
Authors: Fernández-Reyes Rogelio , Piñuel-Raigada José Luis , Águila Coghlan Juan Carlos
Published: October 2017

Este artículo aborda el contraste entre la cobertura mediática del cambio climático y del calentamiento global en España y en el ámbito internacional, centrando la mirada en el contraste en los meses que se publicaron el IV y el V Informe del IPCC, y en los meses que se celebraron las Cumbres de Bali, Copenhague y París. Metodología Se estudia la presencia de los términos “cambio climático” y “calentamiento global” desde enero de 2000 hasta junio de 2017 a través de los datos recogidos en CIRES, de la Universidad de Colorado. Resultados. La cobertura en España presenta una tendencia similar a la prensa internacional. Se pueden diferenciar cinco etapas, presentes en ambos ámbitos. Discusión y conclusiones. La agenda internacional, principalmente política, condiciona la agenda nacional, aunque ambas mantienen singularidades. El contexto general evidencia una insuficiente presencia del cambio climático en medios impresos, que no es proporcional con la creciente evidencia empírica manifestada por el ámbito científico acerca del riesgo que supone.
Straight Line Scoring by Clinical Competency Committees Using Emergency Medicine Milestones
Authors: Beeson Michael S. , Hamstra Stanley J. , Barton Melissa A. , Yamazaki Kenji , Counselman Francis L. , Shayne Philip H. , Holmboe Eric S. , Muelleman Robert L. , Reisdorff Earl J.
Published: October 2017

Background 

In 2013, milestone ratings became a reporting requirement for emergency medicine (EM) residency programs. Programs rate each resident in the fall and spring on 23 milestone subcompetencies.

Objective 

This study examined the incidence of straight line scoring (SLS) for EM Milestone ratings, defined as a resident being assessed the same score across the milestone subcompetencies.

Methods 

This descriptive analysis measured the frequencies of SLS for all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)–accredited EM programs during the 2015–2016 academic year. Outcomes were the frequency of SLS in the fall and spring milestone assessments, changes in the number of SLS reports, and reporting trends. Chi-square analysis compared nominal variables.

Results 

There were 6257 residents in the fall and 6588 in the spring. Milestone scores were reported for 6173 EM residents in the fall (99% of 6257) and spring (94% of 6588). In the fall, 93% (5753 residents) did not receive SLS ratings and 420 (7%) did, with no significant difference compared with the spring (5776 [94%] versus 397 [6%]). Subgroup analysis showed higher SLS results for residents' first ratings (183 of 2136 versus 237 of 4220, P < .0001) and for their final ratings (200 of 2019 versus 197 of 4354, P < .0001). Twenty percent of programs submitted 10% or more SLS ratings, and a small percentage submitted more than 50% of ratings as SLS.

Conclusions 

Most programs did not submit SLS ratings. Because of the statistical improbability of SLS, any SLS ratings reduce the validity assertions of the milestone assessments.
The Influence of Coating Thickness and Composition on the Corrosion Propagation Rates of Galvanized Rebar in Cracked Concrete
Authors: Ogunsanya I.G. , Hansson C.M.
Published: October 2017

A study has been conducted of the chloride-induced corrosion behavior of four different batches of galvanized steel reinforcement embedded in sound and in cracked concrete. One batch of bars was of conventionally produced hot-dipped galvanized (HDG) steel, two were prototypes of continuously galvanized rebar, and the fourth was a hot-dipped bar with an experimental Zn-Al alloy coating. Carbon (black) steel bars were also tested for comparison purposes. The continuously galvanized process is aimed at producing a thinner, but more ductile coating than that formed by conventionally hot-dipped galvanizing process. Metallographic examination of the as-received galvanized bars showed a wide variation of the coating thickness around and along the bars, and the continuously galvanized coatings were consistently thinner than specified. All bars were cast in concrete which was subsequently cracked either parallel to or perpendicular to the embedded bars. Additional specimens were tested in the sound (non-cracked) concrete. All specimens were constantly exposed to a chloride brine for 64 weeks, and were electrochemically assessed bi-weekly during the exposure period. The electrochemical results and visual examination after autopsy showed that no active corrosion was initiated in either the galvanized or black rebar reinforced non-cracked concrete specimens. Therefore, the data in this project give no indication of initiation time or chloride threshold concentration for corrosion of these bars. On the other hand, in all cracked concrete specimens, corrosion initiated at the base of the crack and extended along or around the bars. In the cracked specimens, all galvanized bars exhibited lower current densities than the black bars, with the HDG being the lowest. Recommendations are given for appropriate interpretation of half-cell potentials of the galvanized bars investigated in terms of high or low probability of active corrosion.
Assessment of hospitalization and mortality of scleroderma in-patients: a thirteen-year study
Authors: Shenavandeh Saeedeh , Naseri Razieh
Published: October 2017

Objective: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an uncommon non-hereditary sporadic disease that increases the risk of premature death, especially in diffuse type. We determined the prevalence of SSc in the last 13 years in our rheumatologic hospitals as a referral center for southern Iranian patients, the causes of hospitalization, the average length of stay (LOS), the mortality rate, and the reason for their mortality.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The studied population included all patients diagnosed with systemic sclerosis. We calculated the hospitalization rates, in-hospital mortality rates, and mean LOS.

Results:  There were 446 admissions by 181 patients with SSc. The female to male ratio was about 10.7 : 1. The overall mean LOS was 5.95 days. Digital ulcer and interstitial lung disease (ILD) were the most common causes of hospitalizations among the SSc-related events. For those with a non-SSc-related condition, infection was the most prevalent event. Most of the deaths were due to ILD and pulmonary artery hypertension(PAH), and the overall in-hospital mortality rate was 16.5%.

Conclusions: Women with SSc had higher rates of hospitalization but lower in-hospital mortality than men.There were some differences between our study and other similar studies in the causes of hospitalization and in-hospital death among SSc patients, especially the lower age of death. The patients with digital ulcers and those with intestinal lung disease or pulmonary hipertension were most commonly admitted to the hospital in our study group. Probably, increasing the skin care of these patients and asking other specialty groups to cooperate will decrease the high rate of hospitalizations in our population.
Diagnostic delays in rheumatic diseases with associated arthritis
Authors: Raciborski Filip , Kłak Anna , Kwiatkowska Brygida , Batko Bogdan , Sochocka-Bykowska Małgorzata , Zoń-Giebel Aleksandra , Gola Zbigniew , Guzera Zbigniew , Maślińska Maria , Grygielska J. , Mańczak M. , Ostrowska S. , Samel-Kowalik P.
Published: October 2017

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the length of delay in diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic diseases, and to indicate the main factors responsible for such delays.

Material and methods: A retrospective multi-centre questionnaire survey carried out among 197 patients with diagnosed inflammatory rheumatic diseases or undergoing the diagnostic process.

Results: The most common early symptoms of inflammatory rheumatic disease included joint pain (94%), joint swelling (78%), morning joint stiffness (77%), fatigue (76%), and sleep disturbed by joint pain (74%). When asked about the reasons for seeking medical help, most patients indicated intensification of the symptoms (89%) and the fact that the symptoms made them unable to perform daily activities or work (86%). Limited access to specialists (70%) and the conviction that the symptoms will resolve spontaneously (57%) had the biggest impact on delaying a visit to a doctor. Before visiting a rheumatologist, the patients consulted their symptoms with their general practitioners (GPs, 95%), orthopaedicians (43%), and neurologists (29%). Almost half of the patients (48%) consulted their symptoms with at least 2 non-rheumatologists, whereas as many as 21% of patients visited 4 or more specialists. After the onset of symptoms of rheumatic disease, 28% of patients delayed seeing any doctor for 4 months or longer. 36% of patients waited 4 months or longer for a referral to a rheumatologist. The great majority of the patients (85%) made an appointment with a rheumatologist within a month of receiving a referral. 25% of patients waited 4 months or longer to see a rheumatologist.

Conclusions: Diagnostic delays result from both the level of patients’ awareness (ignoring early symptoms) and improper functioning of the health care system. In the case of the health care system, the source of delays is not only “queues to rheumatologists”, but also referring patients to non-rheumatologists.
Glucocorticoid management in rheumatoid arthritis: morning or night low dose?
Authors: Paolino Sabrina , Cutolo Maurizio , Pizzorni Carmen
Published: October 2017

Morning symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are linked to circadian increase of night inflammation, supported by inadequate cortisol secretion in active disease. Therefore, exogenous glucocorticoid administration in RA is recommended by EULAR and ACR from the beginning of the diagnosis, since may partially act like a “replacement therapy”. In addition, the prevention/treatment of the night up-regulation of the immune/inflammatory reaction has been shown more effective when exogenous glucocorticoid administration is managed with a night-time-release formulation.

Despite a considerably higher cost than conventional prednisone (immediate release), chronotherapy with night-time-release prednisone has been recognized a cost-effective option for RA patients not on glucocorticoids who are eligible for therapy with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Interestingly, since different cell populations involved in the inflammatory process are particularly activated during the night (i.e. monocytes, macrophages), other therapeutical approaches used in RA, such as conventional DMARDs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should follow the same concepts of glucocorticoid chronotherapy. Therefore, bedtime methotrexate chronotherapy was found to better manage RA symptoms, and several available NSAIDs (i.e. indomethacin, aceclofenac, ketoprofen, flurbiprofen, lornoxicam) have been recently modified in their formulation, in order to obtain more focused night action.
A New Index For The Wintertime Southern Hemispheric Split Jet
Authors: Babian Stella , Grieger Jens , Cubasch Ulrich
Published: October 2017

Abstract. One of the most prominent asymmetric features of the southern hemispheric (SH) circulation is the split jet over Australia and New Zealand in Austral winter. Earlier studies developed indices to detect to which degree the upper-level westerlies are split and investigated the relationship between split events and the low-frequency teleconnection patterns Antarctic Oscillation (AAO) and El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO). These different studies produced inconsistent results so that the relationships between the wintertime SH split jet and these climate variability indices remain unclear and are thus the scope of this study. Up to now, all split indices are based on a definition, which focuses on a specific region where the jet split is recognizable. We consider the split jet as hemispheric rather than a regional feature and propose a new, hemispherical defined index: Our index is based on the principal components (PC) for the SH wintertime. A linear combination of PC2 and PC3 of the anomalous monthly (JAS) zonal wind field of the SH is used to identify the split jet condition. In a subsequent correlation analysis, our newly defined index (PSI) indicates a strong coherence with the Antarctic Oscillation (AAO). However, the significant relationship is unstable over the analysis period: During the 1980s the AAO amplitude was higher than the PSI and vice versa in the 1990s. It is supposed that the PSI, as well as the AAO, underlie low-frequency variability on the decadal to centennial time scales, but the analysis period is too short to draw these conclusions. A regression analysis with the Multivariate ENSO index points to a nonlinear relation between PSI and ENSO, i.e. split jets occur during strong positive and negative phases of ENSO, but hardly under normal conditions. Our study suggests that the wintertime SH split jet is strongly associated with the AAO, while ENSO is to a lesser extent connected to the PSI. It is concluded that a positive AAO phase, as well as both flavors of ENSO, produce favorable conditions for an SH split event.
Quantifying biostabilisation effects of biofilm-secreted and synthetic extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) on sandy substrate
Authors: van de Lageweg Wietse I. , McLelland Stuart J. , Parsons Daniel R.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Microbial assemblages ('biofilms') preferentially develop at water-sediment interfaces and are known to have a considerable influence on sediment stability and erodibility. There is potential for significant impacts on sediment transport and morphodynamics and, hence, on the longer-term evolution of coastal and fluvial environments. However, the biostabilisation effects remain poorly understood and quantified due to the inherent complexity of biofilms and the large spatial and temporal (i.e. seasonality) variations involved. Here, we use controlled laboratory tests to systematically quantify the effects of natural biofilm colonisation as well as synthetic extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) on sediment stability. Synthetic EPS may be useful to simulate biofilm mediated biostabilisation, and potentially provide a method of speeding up time scales of physical modelling experiments investigating biostabilisation effects. We find a mean biostabilisation due to natural biofilm colonisation and development of almost four times that of the uncolonised sand. The presented cumulative probability distribution of measured critical erosion thresholds reflects the large spatial and temporal variations generally seen in natural biostabilised environments. For identical sand, engineered sediment stability from the addition of synthetic EPS compares well across the measured range and behaves in a linear and predictable fashion. Yet, the effectiveness of synthetic EPS to stabilise sediment is sensitive to the preparation procedure, time after application and environmental conditions such as salinity, pH and temperature. These findings are expected to improve bio-physical experimental models in fluvial and coastal environments and provide much-needed quantification of biostabilisation to improve predictions of sediment dynamics in aquatic ecosystems.
Implementing the Nitrogen cycle into the dynamic global vegetation, hydrology and crop growth model LPJmL (version 5)
Authors: von Bloh Werner , Schaphoff Sibyll , Müller Christoph , Rolinski Susanne , Waha Katharina , Zaehle Sönke
Published: October 2017

Abstract. The well-established dynamical global vegetation, hydrology, and crop growth model LPJmL is extended by a terrestrial nitrogen cycle to account for nutrient limitations. In particular, processes of soil nitrogen dynamics, plant uptake, nitrogen allocation, response of photosynthesis and maintenance respiration to varying nitrogen concentrations in plant organs, and agricultural nitrogen management are included into the model. All new model features are described in full detail and results of a global simulation of the historic past (1901–2009) are presented for evaluation of the model performance. We find that implementation of nitrogen limitation significantly improves the simulation of global patterns of crop productivity. Regional differences in crop productivity, which had to be calibrated via a scaling of the maximum leaf area index can now largely be reproduced by the model, except for regions where fertilizer inputs and climate conditions are not the yield limiting factors.
Transmitted light pH optode for small sample volumes
Authors: Rogge Christian , Zinn Steffen , Prosposito Paolo , Francini Roberto , Foitzik Andreas H.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. An innovative concept of a low-cost pH optode with working volumes of less than 150 µL is presented. The pH monitoring is based on the color changing effect of pH indicators. The optode includes an RGB color sensor patch TCS34725 from Adafruit, a controllable LED and reactor slides and is addressed by a self-written LabVIEW© software. Utilizing the hue value of the HSV color model, it is possible to analyze the color change of the indicator and estimate the pH value of the analyzed samples by exploiting sigmoidal fit models. Measurements carried out with phenol red and DMEM (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium) reported a standard error of calibration in the physiologic pH range (6.5–7.5) of ±0.04 pH units.
Música y palabra contra el alzheimer
Authors: Vernia Ana M. , Martí Manuel
Published: October 2017

Este artículo muestra un parte de los resultados obtenidos en el Proyecto llevado a cabo entre una residencia para mayores y la Universidad Jaume I. A raíz de un Premio convocado por ambas instituciones, se pudo llevar a cabo la implementación de diferentes actividades con la finalidad de incidir positivamente en la memoria y la calidad de vida de las personas mayores. Estas actividades estuvieron fundamentadas por una parte por la metodología Dalcroze “la Euritmia” y por otra parte las “Historias de Vida”, aplicadas por profesorado de la Universidad mencionada y con la supervisión de una psicóloga externa, quien seleccionó los cuestionarios para pasar a la muestra y, a través del programa SPSS gestionó los resultados. El proyecto se llevó a lo largo de 28 sesiones, lo que supone una escasa temporalidad para obtener resultados fiables, no obstante, los indicios conseguidos nos llevan a plantear la continuidad del proyecto. Cabe destacar la mejora en la calidad de vida de los participantes y su disposición a seguir colaborando.
La persona con demencia y el Museo Nacional del Prado: el arte de recordar
Authors: Moratilla-Pérez Iván , De Frutos-González Ester
Published: October 2017

El presente trabajo describe algunos de los aspectos fundamentales de las actividades dirigidas  a público con demencia, enmarcadas dentro del proyecto educativo "El Prado para todos", desde la edición 2008-09 hasta el presente. Típicamente, el programa cuenta con la participación, cada curso, de 20 centros especializados  en el cuidado de personas con trastornos neurodegenerativos. Compuestos de 10-15 usuarios y acompañados de 2-5 trabajadores del centro, los grupos toman parte en una experiencia distribuida en dos jornadas diferentes, precedidas por una fase de preparación. Durante la primera jornada, desarrollada en el centro, se hace uso de una proyección de imágenes para captar la atención y estimular cognitivamente a los participantes; tras la proyección, se realiza una actividad lúdica o creativa. Durante la segunda jornada, en el Museo, se exploran, in situ, las obras tratadas en la sesión anterior. Después de la visita al Museo se invita a los centros participantes a elaborar trabajos relacionados con la experiencia. Estas obras son publicadas en un micrositio de Internet y han dado lugar, hasta el momento, a dos exposiciones celebradas en Madrid durante el año 2016. De la experiencia se concluye que la demencia no supone ningún obstáculo para el aprovechamiento de las actividades. Por el contrario, los participantes las enriquecen con su visión del mundo y del arte.
Inclusión social de personas con Alzheimer y otras demencias mediante actividades didácticas en museos. El caso del MoMA de Nueva York
Authors: González-García Ricardo
Published: October 2017

En el presente artículo, se describe, de modo teórico, la actualidad de la orientación del binomio arte-educación hacia uno de los colectivos que mayor atención requiere en la sociedad del siglo XXI: aquellas personas que padecen Alzheimer y otro tipo de demencias, dentro del rango denominado como Tercera Edad. Se articulan, por tanto, varios campos como son la Educación Artística, las Demencias y las Artes Plásticas y Visuales, en función del análisis de los métodos que los ámbitos museísticos utilizan. Se atiende, asimismo, al diseño y al desarrollo de los programas desplegados por éstos, con especial consideración hacia la terapia psicológica que ofrecen. Así como a la asignación de materiales adecuados para la correcta organización de actividades creativas, destinadas a una participación colaborativa, cuyo objetivo es la inclusión social del colectivo indicado. Por último, contemplaremos el caso del MoMA de Nueva York como modelo de funcionamiento, especial sensibilización hacia el tema tratado y óptima aplicación adaptativa de su programa para mayores con Demencia temprana.
"Fuera de casa". Una aproximación hermenéutica a la producción plástica-visual y la demencia
Authors: Takkal Aixa
Published: October 2017

Algunas de las tesis del actual diálogo entre filosofía y sectores de la psiquiatría contemporánea conforman la orientación de esta exposición, cuyo propósito radica en trazar una reflexión en torno al potencial de objetos e imágenes creados en contextos de salud mental. Desde una aproximación hermenéutica a la demencia se abordará la relación entre la existencia y el mundo, la afectividad y los otros, a modo de vía de acceso a la pregunta por la producción de imágenes y objetos, por su razón de ser y su lugar en un grupo de trabajo. El análisis del trabajo realizado por una paciente ingresada en una Unidad de Salud Mental durante su participación en lo que denomino un grupo de trabajo con arte permitirá, desde lo concreto, extraer algunas consideraciones finales. Se trata, en última instancia, de una defensa de la participación de las cosas, objetos e imágenes en la construcción del sentido inherente al mismo ejercicio de vivir.
La cianotipia como medio de formación e implementación de actividades artísticas para educadores que trabajan con enfermos de Alzheimer
Authors: Moreno-Saez Carmen , Gutiérrez-Párraga Teresa
Published: October 2017

Este artículo se corresponde con el desarrollo de unas Jornadas de Formación que incluían talleres con cianotipia para Técnicos de la Confederación Española de Asociaciones de Familiares de Personas con Alzheimer y otras Demencias (CEAFA). En dichos talleres se desarrolló la cianotipia, una sencilla técnica fotográfica que tuvo su máxima difusión en el siglo XIX. Este proceso por sus especiales características se adapta perfectamente a las necesidades de cualquier edad y situación especial, lo que hace que esta técnica sea idónea para dinamizar las actividades artísticas que realizan las personas que padecen esta enfermedad en una fase temprana o moderada. Una vez finalizados los talleres y asimilados los conceptos, la técnica fotográfica y las posibilidades que ofrece la misma, los profesionales han podido aplicar los conocimientos adquiridos en pacientes con demencia temprana, con el fin de mejorar sus condiciones psicosociales, optimizar su comunicación y generar hábitos de superación personal.
Learning Outcomes in a Laboratory Environment vs. Classroom for Statistics Instruction: An Alternative Approach Using Statistical Software
Authors: McCulloch Ryan Sterling
Published: October 2017

The role of any statistics course is to increase the understanding and comprehension of statistical concepts and those goals can be achieved via both theoretical instruction and statistical software training.  However, many introductory courses either forego advanced software usage, or leave its use to the student as a peripheral activity.  The purpose of this study was to determine if there was instructional value in replacing classroom time with laboratory time dedicated to statistical software usage. The first approach used classroom lecture presentations, while the second replaced one classroom period per week with statistical software laboratories.  It was hypothesized that replacing classroom time with software based laboratories would increase the level of statistics knowledge as compared to an otherwise identical class with no lab based component.   Both pre-course and end-of course surveys were used, as well as identical examination questions.  Comparisons within a time point, and longitudinal performance over the course were both evaluated.  Survey results indicated that students would recommend lab based instruction significantly more than a primarily lecture based instruction (32% more, p=.020).  Additionally, the performance improvement over the course of the semester was significantly higher for those students participating in laboratories (19.2% increase, p=.011).  These findings indicate that sacrificing classroom time for a laboratory period improves the educational experience in an introductory statistics course and may help with the understanding and retention of difficult topics.