bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recurrent Pneumonia in Children: A Reasoned Diagnostic Approach and a Single Centre Experience
Authors: Montella Silvia , Corcione Adele , Santamaria Francesca
Published: January 2017

Recurrent pneumonia (RP), i.e., at least two episodes of pneumonia in one year or three episodes ever with intercritical radiographic clearing of densities, occurs in 7.7%–9% of children with community-acquired pneumonia. In RP, the challenge is to discriminate between children with self-limiting or minor problems, that do not require a diagnostic work-up, and those with an underlying disease. The aim of the current review is to discuss a reasoned diagnostic approach to RP in childhood. Particular emphasis has been placed on which children should undergo a diagnostic work-up and which tests should be performed. A pediatric case series is also presented, in order to document a single centre experience of RP. A management algorithm for the approach to children with RP, based on the evidence from a literature review, is proposed. Like all algorithms, it is not meant to replace clinical judgment, but it should drive physicians to adopt a systematic approach to pediatric RP and provide a useful guide to the clinician.
Antimicrobial and Hemolytic Studies of a Series of Polycations Bearing Quaternary Ammonium Moieties: Structural and Topological Effects
Authors: Mayr Judith , Bachl Jürgen , Schlossmann Jens , Díaz David
Published: January 2017

A series of polycations bearing quaternary ammonium moieties have shown antimicrobial activity against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli. Different polymer topologies governed by a disubstituted aromatic core as well as different diamine-based linkers were found to influence the antimicrobial properties. Moreover, the hemolytic activity against human red blood cells was measured and demonstrated good biocompatibility and selectivity of these polycations for bacteria over mammalian cells.
Machinability of Minor Wooden Species before and after Modification with Thermo-Vacuum Technology
Authors: Sandak Jakub , Goli Giacomo , Cetera Paola , Sandak Anna , Cavalli Alberto , Todaro Luigi
Published: January 2017

The influence of the thermal modification process on wood machinability was investigated with four minor species of low economic importance. A set of representative experimental samples was machined to the form of disks with sharp and dull tools. The resulting surface quality was visually evaluated by a team of experts according to the American standard procedure ASTM D-1666-87. The objective quantification of the surface quality was also done by means of a three dimensions (3D) surface scanner for the whole range of grain orientations. Visual assessment and 3D surface analysis showed a good agreement in terms of conclusions. The best quality of the wood surface was obtained when machining thermally modified samples. The positive effect of the material modification was apparent when cutting deodar cedar, black pine and black poplar in unfavorable conditions (i.e., against the grain). The difference was much smaller for an easy-machinability specie such as Italian alder. The use of dull tools resulted in the worst surface quality. Thermal modification has shown a very positive effect when machining with dull tools, leading to a relevant increment of the final surface smoothness.
Steering the Properties of MoOx Hole Transporting Layers in OPVs and OLEDs: Interface Morphology vs. Electronic Structure
Authors: Marchal Wouter , Verboven Inge , Kesters Jurgen , Moeremans Boaz , De Dobbelaere Christopher , Bonneux Gilles , Elen Ken , Conings Bert , Maes Wouter , Boyen Hans , Deferme Wim , Van Bael Marlies , Hardy An
Published: January 2017

The identification, fine‐tuning, and process optimization of appropriate hole transporting layers (HTLs) for organic solar cells is indispensable for the production of efficient and sustainable functional devices. In this study, the optimization of a solution‐processed molybdenum oxide (MoOx) layer fabricated from a combustion precursor is carried out via the introduction of zirconium and tin additives. The evaluation of the output characteristics of both organic photovoltaic (OPV) and organic light emitting diode (OLED) devices demonstrates the beneficial influence upon the addition of the Zr and Sn ions compared to the generic MoOx precursor. A dopant effect in which the heteroatoms and the molybdenum oxide form a chemical identity with fundamentally different structural properties could not be observed, as the additives do not affect the molybdenum oxide composition or electronic band structure. An improved surface roughness due to a reduced crystallinity was found to be a key parameter leading to the superior performance of the devices employing modified HTLs.
Effects of Heat Input on Microstructure, Corrosion and Mechanical Characteristics of Welded Austenitic and Duplex Stainless Steels: A Review
Authors: Mohammed Ghusoon , Ishak Mahadzir , Aqida Syarifah , Abdulhadi Hassan
Published: January 2017

The effects of input heat of different welding processes on the microstructure, corrosion, and mechanical characteristics of welded duplex stainless steel (DSS) are reviewed. Austenitic stainless steel (ASS) is welded using low-heat inputs. However, owing to differences in the physical metallurgy between ASS and DSS, low-heat inputs should be avoided for DSS. This review highlights the differences in solidification mode and transformation characteristics between ASS and DSS with regard to the heat input in welding processes. Specifically, many studies about the effects of heat energy input in welding process on the pitting corrosion, intergranular stress, stresscorrosion cracking, and mechanical properties of weldments of DSS are reviewed.
DNA Microarray‐Based Screening and Characterization of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Kiyama Ryoiti
Published: January 2017

The application of DNA microarray assay (DMA) has entered a new era owing to recent innovations in omics technologies. This review summarizes recent applications of DMA‐based gene expression profiling by focusing on the screening and characterizationof traditional Chinese medicine. First, herbs, mushrooms, and dietary plants analyzed by DMA along with their effective components and their biological/physiological effects are summarized and discussed by examining their comprehensive list and a list of representative effective chemicals. Second, the mechanisms of action of traditional Chinese medicine are summarized by examining the genes and pathways responsible for the action, the cell functions involved in the action, and the activities found by DMA (silent estrogens). Third, applications of DMA for traditional Chinese medicine are discussed by examining reported examples and new protocols for its use in quality control. Further innovations in the signaling pathway based evaluation of beneficial effects and the assessment of potential risks of traditional Chinese medicine are expected, just as are observed in other closely related fields, such as the therapeutic, environmental, nutritional, and pharmacological fields.
“The 24th Conference” of the Groupement des Pharmacochimistes de l’Arc Atlantique (GP2A)
Authors: Hélesbeux Jean-Jacques , Duval Olivier
Published: January 2017

The GP2A European Conference is a two-day meeting focused on medicinal chemistry and the use of tools to explore all fields of drug discovery and drug design such as molecular modelling, bioorganic chemistry, MS studies, in vitro in vivo assays, and structure activity relationships. Abstracts of keynote lectures, plenary lectures, junior lectures, flash presentations, and posters presented during the meeting are collated in this report.
Recent Development on Narrow Bandgap Conjugated Polymers for Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Gao Yueyue , Liu Ming , Zhang Yong , Liu Zhitian , Yang Yulin , Zhao Liancheng
Published: January 2017

There have been exciting developments in the field of polymer solar cells (PSCs) as the potential competitor to the traditional silicon-based solar cells in the past decades. The most successful PSCs are based on the bulk hetero-junction (BHJ) structure, which contains a bicontinuous nanoscale interpenetrating network of a conjugated polymer and a fullerene blend. The power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of BHJ PSCs have now exceeded 11%. In this review, we present an overview of recent emerging developments of narrow bandgap conjugated polymers for PSCs. We focus on a few important acceptors used in the donor-acceptor type conjugated polymers for highly efficient PSCs. We also reviewed the emerged donor-π-acceptor (D-π-A) side chains polymers. The band-gaps and energy levels as well as the photovoltaic performances of conjugated polymers are discussed.
Ammoxidized Fenton-Activated Pine Kraft Lignin Accelerates Synthesis and Curing of Resole Resins
Authors: Ghorbani Masoumeh , Konnerth Johannes , Budjav Enkhjargal , Silva Ana , Zinovyev Grigory , Van Herwijnen Hendrikus , Edler Matthias , Griesser Thomas , Liebner Falk
Published: January 2017

Ammoxidation of pine kraft lignin in aqueous 5 wt % ammonia affords a novel type of phenol substitute that significantly accelerates resole synthesis and curing as demonstrated for 40 wt % phenol replacement. Compared to non-ammoxidized lignin, which already shortens significantly the cooking time required to reach a resole viscosity of 1000 Pa·s (250 vs. 150 s) and reduces the typical curing B-time by about 25% at 100 °C, the use of ammoxidized lignin has an even more pronounced impact in this respect. Activation of lignin by Fenton-type oxidation prior to ammoxidation further boosts both synthesis and curing of the resole. This is presumably due to the intermediary formation of polyvalent cross-linkers like N,N,N-tris (methylol) trimethylene triamine triggered by saponification of a larger fraction of nitrogenous moieties present in such a treated lignin (ammonium salts, amide-type nitrogen, urea) and reaction of the released ammonia with formaldehyde. Except for the fact that phenol replacement by ammoxidized lignin results in a somewhat less brittle cured adhesive polymer and higher elastic modulus, the aforementioned acceleration in curing could no longer be observed in the presence of wood, where a significantly delayed wood-adhesive bond formation was observed for the lignin-containing adhesives as evident from the automated bonding evaluation system.
Detection of Archaeological Residues in Vegetated Areas Using Satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar
Authors: Stewart Christopher
Published: January 2017

Buried archaeological structures, such as earthworks and buildings, often leave traces at the surface by altering the properties of overlying material, such as soil and vegetation. These traces may be better visible from a remote perspective than on the surface. Active and passive airborne and spaceborne sensors acquiring imagery from the ultraviolet to infrared have been shown to reveal these archaeological residues following the application of various processing techniques. While the active microwave region of the spectrum, in the form of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) has been used for archaeological prospection, particularly in desert regions, it has yet to be fully exploited to detect buried structures indirectly though proxy indicators in overlying materials in vegetated areas. Studies so far have tended to focus on the intensity of the SAR signal, without making full use of the phase. This paper demonstrates that SAR backscatter intensity, coherence and interferometry can be used to identify archaeological residues over a number of areas in the vicinity of Rome, Italy. SAR imagery from the COnstellation of small Satellites for the Mediterranean basin Observation (COSMO-SkyMed) have been obtained for the analysis: 77 scenes in Stripmap and 27 in Spotlight mode. Processing included multitemporal speckle filtering, coherence generation and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) creation from Small Baseline Subsets (SBAS). Comparison of these datasets with archaeological, geological, soil, vegetation and meteorological data reveal that several products derived from SAR data can expose various types of archaeological residues under different environmental conditions.
Loose and Tight GNSS/INS Integrations: Comparison of Performance Assessed in Real Urban Scenarios
Authors: Falco Gianluca , Pini Marco , Marucco Gianluca
Published: January 2017

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs) remain the principal mean of positioning in many applications and systems, but in several types of environment, the performance of standalone receivers is degraded. Although many works show the benefits of the integration between GNSS and Inertial Navigation Systems (INSs), tightly-coupled architectures are mainly implemented in professional devices and are based on high-grade Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs). This paper investigates the performance improvements enabled by the tight integration, using low-cost sensors and a mass-market GNSS receiver. Performance is assessed through a series of tests carried out in real urban scenarios and is compared against commercial modules, operating in standalone mode or featuring loosely-coupled integrations. The paper describes the developed tight-integration algorithms with a terse mathematical model and assesses their efficacy from a practical perspective.
A Semantic Labeling of the Environment Based on What People Do
Authors: Crespo Jonathan , Gómez Clara , Hernández Alejandra , Barber Ramón
Published: January 2017

In this work, a system is developed for semantic labeling of locations based on what people do. This system is useful for semantic navigation of mobile robots. The system differentiates environments according to what people do in them. Background sound, number of people in a room and amount of movement of those people are items to be considered when trying to tell if people are doing different actions. These data are sampled, and it is assumed that people behave differently and perform different actions. A support vector machine is trained with the obtained samples, and therefore, it allows one to identify the room. Finally, the results are discussed and support the hypothesis that the proposed system can help to semantically label a room.
Low-Coherence Interferometric Fiber-Optic Sensors with Potential Applications as Biosensors
Authors: Hirsch Marzena , Majchrowicz Daria , Wierzba Paweł , Weber Matthieu , Bechelany Mikhael , Jędrzejewska-Szczerska Małgorzata
Published: January 2017

Fiber-optic Fabry-Pérot interferometers (FPI) can be applied as optical sensors, and excellent measurement sensitivity can be obtained by fine-tuning the interferometer design. In this work, we evaluate the ability of selected dielectric thin films to optimize the reflectivity of the Fabry-Pérot cavity. The spectral reflectance and transmittance of dielectric films made of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) with thicknesses from 30 to 220 nm have been evaluated numerically and compared. TiO2 films were found to be the most promising candidates for the tuning of FPI reflectivity. In order to verify and illustrate the results of modelling, TiO2 films with the thickness of 80 nm have been deposited on the tip of a single-mode optical fiber by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The thickness, the structure, and the chemical properties of the films have been determined. The ability of the selected TiO2 films to modify the reflectivity of the Fabry-Pérot cavity, to provide protection of the fibers from aggressive environments, and to create multi-cavity interferometric sensors in FPI has then been studied. The presented sensor exhibits an ability to measure refractive index in the range close to that of silica glass fiber, where sensors without reflective films do not work, as was demonstrated by the measurement of the refractive index of benzene. This opens up the prospects of applying the investigated sensor in biosensing, which we confirmed by measuring the refractive index of hemoglobin and glucose.
Replacement Condition Detection of Railway Point Machines Using an Electric Current Sensor
Authors: Sa Jaewon , Choi Younchang , Chung Yongwha , Kim Hee-Young , Park Daihee , Yoon Sukhan
Published: January 2017

Detecting replacement conditions of railway point machines is important to simultaneously satisfy the budget-limit and train-safety requirements. In this study, we consider classification of the subtle differences in the aging effect—using electric current shape analysis—for the purpose of replacement condition detection of railway point machines. After analyzing the shapes of after-replacement data and then labeling the shapes of each before-replacement data, we can derive the criteria that can handle the subtle differences between “does-not-need-to-be-replaced” and “needs-to-be-replaced” shapes. On the basis of the experimental results with in-field replacement data, we confirmed that the proposed method could detect the replacement conditions with acceptable accuracy, as well as provide visual interpretability of the criteria used for the time-series classification.
IRNSS/NavIC L5 Attitude Determination
Authors: Zaminpardaz Safoora , Teunissen Peter , Nadarajah Nandakumaran
Published: January 2017

The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) has recently (May 2016) become fully-operational and has been provided with the operational name of NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation). It has been developed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) with the objective of offering positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) to the users in its service area. This contribution provides for the ﬁrst time an assessment of the IRNSS L5-signal capability to achieve instantaneous attitude determination on the basis of data collected in Perth, Australia. Our evaluations are conducted for both a linear array of two antennas and a planar array of three antennas. A pre-requisite for precise and fast IRNSS attitude determination is the successful resolution of the double-differenced (DD) integer carrier-phase ambiguities. In this contribution, we will compare the performances of different such methods, amongst which the unconstrained and the multivariate-constrained LAMBDA method for both linear and planar arrays. It is demonstrated that the instantaneous ambiguity success rates increase from 15% to 90% for the linear array and from 5% to close to 100% for the planar array, thus showing that standalone IRNSS can realize 24-h almost instantaneous precise attitude determination with heading and elevation standard deviations of 0.05 and 0.10 degrees, respectively.
GIS Analysis and Optimisation of Faecal Sludge Logistics at City-Wide Scale in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Schoebitz Lars , Bischoff Fabian , Lohri Christian , Niwagaba Charles , Siber Rosi , Strande Linda
Published: January 2017

The majority of residents in low- and middle-income countries are served by onsite sanitation. Equitable access to sanitation, including emptying, collection, and transport services for the accumulation of faecal sludge remains a major challenge. Comprehensive information on service coverage by mechanical faecal sludge emptying service providers is lacking. The purpose of this study is to analyse the spatial distribution of service coverage and identify areas without faecal sludge emptying services in Kampala, Uganda. The study uses GIS (geographic information systems) as a tool to analyse real-time data of service providers based on GPS (global positioning system) units that were installed in a representative number of trucks. Of the total recorded 5653 emptying events, 27% were located outside Kampala city boundaries. Of those within Kampala city boundaries, 37% were classified as non-household customers. Areas without service provision accounted for 13% of the total area. Service provision normalised by population density revealed much greater service provision in medium- and high-income areas than low- and very low-income areas. The employed method provides a powerful tool to optimise faecal sludge management on a city-wide scale by increasing sustainability of the planning and decision-making process, increasing access to service provision and reducing faecal sludge transport times and costs.
Can Social Comparison Feedback Affect Indicators of Eco-Friendly Travel Choices? Insights from Two Online Experiments
Authors: Doran Rouven , Hanss Daniel , Øgaard Torvald
Published: January 2017

Two online experiments explored the effects of social comparison feedback on indicators of eco-friendly travel choices. It was tested whether the chosen indicators are sensitive to the information conveyed, and if this varies as a function of in-group identification. Study 1 (N = 134) focused on unfavourable feedback (i.e., being told that one has a larger ecological footprint than the average member of a reference group). People who received unfavourable feedback reported stronger intentions to choose eco-friendly travel options than those who received nondiscrepant feedback, when in-group identification was high (not moderate or low). Perceived self- and collective efficacy were not associated with the feedback. Study 2 (N = 323) extended the focus on favourable feedback (i.e., being told that one has a smaller ecological footprint than the average member of a reference group). Neither unfavourable nor favourable feedback was associated with behavioural intentions, self- or collective efficacy. This means that Study 2 failed to replicate the finding of Study 1 that behavioural intentions were associated with unfavourable feedback, given that in-group identification is high. The findings are discussed in light of the existing literature. Suggestions are made for future studies investigating social comparison feedback as a means to motivate people to make eco-friendly travel choices.
An Analysis Matrix for the Assessment of Smart City Technologies: Main Results of Its Application
Authors: Branchi Pablo , Fernandez-Valdivielso Carlos , Matias Ignacio
Published: January 2017

The paper presents the main results of a previously developed methodology to better evaluate new technologies in Smart Cities, using a tool to evaluate different systems and technologies regarding their usefulness, considering each application and how technologies can impact the physical space and natural environment. Technologies have also been evaluated according to how they are used by citizens, who must be the main concern of all urban development. Through a survey conducted among the Smart City Spanish network (RECI) we found that the ICT’s that change our cities everyday must be reviewed, developing an innovative methodology in order to find an analysis matrix to assess and score all the technologies that affect a Smart City strategy. The paper provides the results of this methodology regarding the three main aspects to be considered in urban developments: mobility, energy efficiency, and quality of life after obtaining the final score for every analyzed technology. This methodology fulfills an identified need to study how new technologies could affect urban scenarios before being applied, developing an analysis system to be used by urban planners and policy-makers to decide how best to use them, and this paper tries to show, in a simple way, how they can appreciate the variances between different solutions.
Echovirus 6 Infects Human Exocrine and Endocrine Pancreatic Cells and Induces Pro-Inflammatory Innate Immune Response
Authors: Sarmiento Luis , Frisk Gun , Anagandula Mahesh , Hodik Monika , Barchetta Ilaria , Netanyah Eitan , Cabrera-Rode Eduardo , Cilio Corrado
Published: January 2017

Human enteroviruses (HEV), especially coxsackievirus serotype B (CVB) and echovirus (E), have been associated with diseases of both the exocrine and endocrine pancreas, but so far evidence on HEV infection in human pancreas has been reported only in islets and ductal cells. This study aimed to investigate the capability of echovirus strains to infect human exocrine and endocrine pancreatic cells. Infection of explanted human islets and exocrine cells with seven field strains of E6 caused cytopathic effect, virus titer increase and production of HEV protein VP1 in both cell types. Virus particles were found in islets and acinar cells infected with E6. No cytopathic effect or infectious progeny production was observed in exocrine cells exposed to the beta cell-tropic strains of E16 and E30. Endocrine cells responded to E6, E16 and E30 by upregulating the transcription of interferon-induced with helicase C domain 1 (IF1H1), 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1), interferon-β (IFN-β), chemokine (C–X–C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL10) and chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5). Echovirus 6, but not E16 or E30, led to increased transcription of these genes in exocrine cells. These data demonstrate for the first time that human exocrine cells represent a target for E6 infection and suggest that certain HEV serotypes can replicate in human pancreatic exocrine cells, while the pancreatic endocrine cells are permissive to a wider range of HEV.
Particularités du groupe des Batraciens Apodes
Authors: Delsol M. , Exbrayat Jean-Marie , Flatin J. , Lescure J.
Published: January 2017

Ce travail a essentiellement pour but de faire le point des connaissances anatomiques, embryologiques et histologiques relatives au groupe des Batraciens Gymnophiones ; il est suivi d'une large bibliographie des travaux parus entre 1965 et 1979 sur ces animaux. Pour les travaux antérieurs, nous renvoyons à l'ouvrage de Taylor (1968). Toutefois nous avons cité, en les signalant d'un astérisque, quelques publications antérieures à 1965 que nous avons spécialement analysées.
Rhabdoporella pachyderma (Algue Dasycladale) dans le Dévonien du massif de Chellata (Grande Kabylie, Algérie)
Authors: Vachard Daniel , Gelard Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2017

Révision de l'espèce Rhabdoporella pachyderma Rothpletz, grâce à un matériel provenant de l'Eifélien du massif de Chellata en Algérie. Précisions morphologiques, biostratigraphiques et paléoécologiques.
Template-controlled piezoactivity of ZnO thin films grown via a bioinspired approach
Authors: Blumenstein Nina J , Streb Fabian , Walheim Stefan , Schimmel Thomas , Burghard Zaklina , Bill Joachim
Published: January 2017

Biomaterials are used as model systems for the deposition of functional inorganic materials under mild reaction conditions where organic templates direct the deposition process. In this study, this principle was adapted for the formation of piezoelectric ZnO thin films. The influence of two different organic templates (namely, a carboxylate-terminated self-assembled monolayer and a sulfonate-terminated polyelectrolyte multilayer) on the deposition and therefore on the piezoelectric performance was investigated. While the low negative charge of the COOH-SAM is not able to support oriented attachment of the particles, the strongly negatively charged sulfonated polyelectrolyte leads to texturing of the ZnO film. This texture enables a piezoelectric performance of the material which was measured by piezoresponse force microscopy. This study shows that it is possible to tune the piezoelectric properties of ZnO by applying templates with different functionalities.
Efficient access to β-vinylporphyrin derivatives via palladium cross coupling of β-bromoporphyrins with N-tosylhydrazones
Authors: Campos Vinicius R , Gomes Ana T P C , Cunha Anna C , Neves Maria da Graça P M S , Ferreira Vitor F , Cavaleiro José A S
Published: January 2017

This work describes a new approach to obtain new β-vinylporphyrin derivatives through palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of 2-bromo-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinatozinc(II) with N-tosylhydrazones. This is the first report of the use of such synthetic methodology in porphyrin chemistry allowing the synthesis of new derivatives, containing β-arylvinyl substituents.
DETERMINANTS OF INNOVATION IN EUROPEAN CONSTRUCTION FIRMS
Authors: BARATA José M. , FONTAINHA Elsa
Published: January 2017

The research aims to identify the determinants of process and product innovation in a traditional and low-tech sector, supported in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), specifically European Construction Sector. The study uses micro data from the e-Business Survey of the European Commission. The dependent variables studied are binary (presence or absence of process or/and product innovation). The explanatory variables considered are: suppliers, clients, market orientation, turnover growth and size. In addition, some national context variables – GDP per capita and R&D weight in GDP – are also tested. The results show that the sector of construction innovates, and the factors that contribute more to this innovation are suppliers and growth of business. It is also concluded that firm size is more relevant for process innovation than for product innovation, and companies that are guided by international markets innovate more than those that focus on local and regional markets.
RESEARCH OF MOTORCYCLE BRAKING PARAMETERS / MOTOCIKLO STABDYMO EFEKTYVUMO TYRIMAS
Authors: Levulytė Loreta , Venckus Valdemaras , Robertas Robertas , Levulis Tomas
Published: January 2017

From a technical point of view, in dangerous or emergency situation is very important motorcycle driver reaction and vehicle braking time. Motor-cycle deceleration parameters depend not only on the motorcycle brake system, but also on the driving experience. A significant influence on decel-eration the motorcycle has aerodynamic parameters, pavement type and condition, as well as the technical condition of the motocycle, shock absorb-ers, tire type and their technical condition. This article provides an analysis of the motorcycle longitudinal deceleration, braking modes of the mo-torcycle on a dry asphalt road surface. Motorcycle stopping – deceleration – acceleration efficiency issue, stopping in different modes. First ana-lyzed the dynamics of a motorcycle deceleration braking only the front wheel, then braked front and rear wheels and complex – then braked the front and rear wheels at the same time. The goal of experimental study is to determine the influence of braking modes intense fir motorcycle brak-ing deceleration when braking on dry road pavement, at three different braking modes, and set the braking path of change. Motorcycle decelera-tion in the longitudinal direction is an important parameter for analysis traffic accidents, for accident reconstruction process and the examination of motorcyclists technical possibility to avoid an accident. Pavojingoje ar avarinėje situacijoje techniniu požiūriu labai svarbus yra optimalus transporto priemonės stabdymas laiku. Motociklo lėtėjimo parametrai priklauso ne tik nuo motociklo stabdžių sistemos, bet ir nuo vairuotojo patirties. Didelę įtaką motociklo lėtėjimui turi aerodinaminiai parametrai, kelio dangos tipas ir būklė, taip pat motociklo techninė būklė, amortizatorių, padangų tipas ir jų techninė būklė. Šiame straipsnyje pateikiama motociklo išilginio lėtėjimo analizė, stabdant motociklą ant sausos asfalto kelio dangos. Motociklo stabdymo – lėtėjimo – pagreičio efektyvumas nagrinėjamas, stabdant skirtingais režimais. Pirmiausia analizuojama motociklo lėtėjimo dinamika stabdant tik priekinį ratą, paskui priekinį ir galinį ratus bei stabdant kompleksiškai – priekinį ir galinį ratus. Eksperimentinio tyrimo tikslas – nustatyti, kokią įtaką turi stabdymo režimai intensyviai stabdomo motociklo lėtėjimui stabdant ant sausos kelio dangos, trimis skirtingais stabdymo režimais ir nustatyti stabdymo kelio pokytį. Motociklo lėtėjimo pagreitis išilgine kryptimi yra svarbus eismo įvykių analizei parametras atkuriant eismo įvykio eigą ir nagrinėjant motociklo vairuotojo techninę galimybę išvengti eismo įvykio.
CRACKING AND DEFORMATION MODELLING OF TENSILE RC MEMBERS USING STRESS TRANSFER APPROACH / TEMPIAMŲJŲ GELŽBETONINIŲ ELEMENTŲ PLEIŠĖJIMO IR DEFORMACIJŲ MODELIAVIMAS ĮTEMPIŲ PERDAVIMO ALGORITMU
Authors: Jakubovskis Ronaldas , Juknys Mantas , Ng Pui-Lam
Published: January 2017

The paper presents a modeling technique for bond, cracking and deformation analysis of RC members. The proposed mod-eling technique is not restricted by the geometrical dimensions of the analyzed member and may be applied for various load-ing conditions. Tensile as well as bending RC members may be analyzed using the proposed technique. Adequacy of the modeling strategy was evaluated by the developed numerical discrete crack algorithm, which allows modeling deformation and cracking behavior of tensile RC members. Comparison of experimental and numerical results proved the applicability of the proposed modeling strategy. Šiame darbe skaitiškai modeliuojamas gelžbetoninių elementų tinkamumo ribinis būvis, apimantis pleišėjimo, deformacijų ir sukibimo modeliavimą. Siūlomas metodas gali būti taikomas bet kokių geometrinių matmenų elementams, esant įvairioms apkrovimo schemoms ir medžiagų mechaninėms savybėms. Jis gali būti taikomas tiek tempiamųjų, tiek lenkiamųjų armuotojo betono elementų analizei. Siūlomai modeliavimo metodikai patikrinti buvo sukurta skaitinė diskretaus pleišėjimo programa, leidžianti modeliuoti plyšių vystymąsi ir besikeičiantį konstrukcijos standumą. Gautų skaitinių ir eksperimentinių rezultatų palyginimas patvirtino siūlomos metodikos perspektyvumą
Revealing Physical Activity of GRB Central Engine with Macronova/Kilonova Data
Authors: Shen Zhao-Qiang , Jin Zhi-Ping , Liang Yun-Feng , Li Xiang , Fan Yi-Zhong , Wei Da-Ming
Published: January 2017

The modeling of Li-Paczyński macronova/kilonova signals gives a reasonable estimate on the neutron-rich material ejected during the neutron star mergers. Usually the accretion disk is more massive than the macronova ejecta, with which the efficiencies of converting the disk mass into prompt emission of three merger-driven GRBs can hence be directly constrained. Supposing the macronovae/kilonovae associated with GRB 050709, GRB 060614, and GRB 130603B arose from radioactive decay of the r-process material, the upper limit on energy conversion efficiencies are found to be as low as ∼10−6–10−4. Moreover, for all three events, neutrino annihilation is likely powerful enough to account for the brief gamma-ray flashes. Neutrino annihilation can also explain the “extended” emission lasting ∼100 s in GRB 050709, but does not work for the one in GRB 060614. These progresses demonstrate that the macronova can serve as a novel probe of the central engine activity.
Astrometric Evidence for a Population of Dislodged AGNs
Authors: Makarov Valeri V. , Frouard Julien , Berghea Ciprian T. , Rest Armin , Chambers Kenneth C. , Kaiser Nicholas , Kudritzki Rolf-Peter , Magnier Eugene A.
Published: January 2017

We investigate a sample of 2293 ICRF2 extragalactic radio-loud sources with accurate positions determined by VLBI, mostly active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and quasars, which are cross-matched with optical sources in the first Gaia release (Gaia DR1). The distribution of offsets between the VLBI sources and their optical counterparts is strongly non-Gaussian, with powerful wings extending beyond 1 arcsec. Limiting our analysis to only high-confidence difference detections, we find (and publish) a list of 188 objects with normalized variances above 12 and offsets below 1 arcsec. Pan-STARRS stacked and monochromatic images resolve some of these sources, indicating the presence of double sources, confusion sources, or pronounced extended structures. Some 89 high-quality objects, however, do not show any perturbations and appear to be star-like single sources, yet they are displaced by multiples of the expected error from the radio-loud AGN. We conclude that a fraction of luminous AGNs (more than 4%) can be physically dislodged from the optical centers of their parent galaxies.
Detection of virulence genes, phylogenetic group and antibiotic resistance of uropathogenic Escherichia coli in Mongolia
Authors: Munkhdelger Yandag , Gunregjav Nyamaa , Dorjpurev Altantsetseg , Juniichiro Nishi , Sarantuya Jav
Published: January 2017

Introduction: The severity of urinary tract infection (UTI) produced by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is due to the expression of a wide spectrum of virulence genes. E. coli strains were divided into four phylogenetic groups (A, B1, B2 and D) based on their virulence genes. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between virulence genes, phylogenetic groups, and antibiotic resistance of UPEC. Methodology: A total of 148 E. coli were tested for antimicrobial resistance against 10 drugs using the disk diffusion method. The isolates were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of virulence genes and categorized into the four major phylogenetic groups. Results: Phylogenetic group B2 was predominant (33.8%), followed by D (28.4%), A (19.6), and B1 (18.2%). A higher prevalence of fimH (89.9%), fyuA (70.3%), traT (66.2%), iutA (62.2%), kpsMTII (58.8%), and aer (56.1%) genes were found in UPEC, indicating a putative role of adhesins, iron acquisition systems, and protectins that are main cause of UTIs. The most common antibiotic resistance was to cephalotin (85.1%), ampicillin (78.4%) and the least to nitrofurantoin (5.4%) and imipenem (2%). In total, 93.9% of isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR). Conclusions: This study showed that group B2 and D were the predominant phylogenetic groups and virulence-associated genes were mostly distributed in these groups. The virulence genes encoding components of adhesins, iron acquisition systems, and protectins were highly prevalent among antibiotic-resistant UPEC. Although the majority of strains are MDR, nitrofurantoin is the drug of choice for treatment of UTI patients in Ulaanbaatar.
Safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of Borrelia burgdorferi outer surface protein A (OspA) vaccine: A meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Hua , Bao Fukai Frank , Liu Aihua
Published: January 2017

Introduction: Lyme borreliosis, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto in the United States and by several Borrelia species in Europe and Asia, has a great impact on the health of the global population. There are human vaccines available, such as the outer surface protein A (OspA) vaccine, but still more evidence is needed to verify its function. We investigated the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of adjuvanted or non-adjuvanted vaccines containing protective epitopes from Borrelia species OspA serotypes in healthy adults. Methodology: Seven electronic databases were searched for clinical trials involving vaccine of OspA, with outcome data on safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy. The meta-analysis method was used to compare all vaccination strategies at the same time. Results: Three relevant studies were identified. All were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs. Meta-analysis shows that, compared with low dose, high dose comes with a higher IgG titer with overall effect size of 6.39. For the 30 µg dose, the geometric mean titer was 6918.31, which is statistically significant when compared with 0. With respect to safety, only soreness showed a relatively high incidence of 40% (p < 0.05 when compared with 0, while the other side effects were no difference compared with 0). Conclusions: The OspA vaccine against Lyme disease is safe and its immunogenicity and efficacy have been verified. Instead of stagnating or giving up, further research on improving the vaccine is needed. On the foundation of preliminary studies, we can attempt to develop new vaccines for human use.
Genetic characterization of Helicobacter pylori vacA and cagA genes in Thai gastro-duodenal and hepatobiliary patients
Authors: Boonyanugomol Wongwarut , Khuntikeo Narong , Pugkhem Ake , Sawadpanich Kookwan , Hahnvajanawong Chariya , Wongphutorn Phattharaphon , Khampoosa Bandit , Chomvarin Chariya
Published: January 2017

Introduction: H. pylori has been detected in patients with hepatobiliary diseases. It is currently unclear whether the H. pylori detected in hepatobiliary patients are genetically similar to those in gastro-duodenal patients. The aim of this study was to determine H. pylori vacA and cagA genotypes in Thai patients with gastro-duodenal and hepatobiliary diseases. Methodology: H. pylori DNA was extracted from samples from gastric biopsies of gastro-duodenal patients (n=100) and from bile samples of hepatobiliary patients (n=80). The vacA and cagA genotypes were performed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by DNA sequencing. Results: The vacA m1 was found in Thai hepatobiliary patients (90%) at a higher rate compared with gastro-duodenal patients (50%).The combined vacA s1a+c/m1 were mostly found in Thai gastro-duodenal and hepatobiliary patients. The cagA gene was detected in 94% of patients with gastro-duodenal diseases compared with 28.8% in those with hepatobiliary diseases (p<0.05). On the other hand, the Western type cagA was more prominent among hepatobiliary patients (100%) than gastro-duodenal patients (57.4%), and this type was grouped into same cluster with Thai gastro-duodenal patients via phylogenetic analysis. Conclusions: Based on vacA and cagA analysis, we conclude that infection with H. pylori in gastro-duodenal and hepatobiliary patients may be caused by the different H. pylori strains.
Inactivation of Salmonella Enteritidis on lettuces used by minimally processed vegetable industries
Authors: Silveira Josete Bailardi , Hessel Claudia Titze , Tondo Eduardo Cesar
Published: January 2017

Introduction: Washing and disinfection methods used by minimally processed vegetable industries of Southern Brazil were reproduced in laboratory in order to verify their effectiveness to reduce Salmonella Enteritidis SE86 (SE86) on lettuce. Methodology: Among the five industries investigated, four carried out washing with potable water followed by disinfection with 200 ppm sodium hypochlorite during different immersion times. Results: The washing procedure alone decreased approximately 1 log CFU/g of SE86 population and immersion times of 1, 2, 5, and 15 minutes in disinfectant solution demonstrated reduction rates ranging from 2.06±0.10 log CFU/g to 3.01±0.21 log CFU/g. Rinsing alone was able to reduce counts from 0.12±0.63 log CFU/g to 1.90±1.07 log CFU/g. The most effective method was washing followed by disinfection with 200 ppm sodium hypochlorite for 15 minutes and final rinse with potable water, reaching 5.83 log CFU/g of reduction. However, no statistical differences were observed on the reduction rates after different immersion times. Conclusion: A time interval of 1 to 2 minutes may be an advantage to the minimally vegetable processed industries in order to optimize the process without putting at risk food safety.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia due to Achromobacter xylosoxidans in the elderly: A single-center retrospective study in Beijing
Authors: Liu Chao , Guo Jun , Yan Weifeng , Jin Yi , Pan Fei , Fang Xiangqun , Qin Long , Liu Changting
Published: January 2017

Introduction: Achromobacter xylosoxidans has been reported in several countries; however, hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) due to this organism in elderly patients in China remains rare. Methodology: HAP due to Achromobacter xylosoxidans identified at the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army in Beijing from January 2008 to October 2011 was studied. Detailed clinical manifestations were collected. To study the clinical risk factors for the imipenem-resistant strain, patients were divided into two groups: imipenem-resistant (21 cases) and imipenem-nonresistant (20 cases). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used. Results: All patients were > 75 years of age, and 92.7% (38/41) were male. Nine patients died 30 days after infection. The mean acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) were 23.66 ± 7.71 and 6.93 ± 2.47, respectively. Almost all strains were resistant to aminoglycosides. However, the strains showed significant sensitivity to minocycline (MIN), piperacillin-tazobactam (PTZ), and cefoperazone-sulbactam (SCF). Compared with the imipenem-nonresistant group, more patients with imipenem-resistant infection had the following characteristics: use of an intubation, use of a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and coronary artery disease (CHD). Among the four risk factors, COPD and CHD remained independent risk factors in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: HAP due to Achromobacter xylosoxidans occurred in severely ill elderly patients with a long-term indwelling catheter and many underlying diseases. Effective treatment of imipenem-resistant organisms is challenging. SCF, PTZ, and MIN may be useful for imipenem-resistant Achromobacter xylosoxidans.
Education and Training in End-of-Life Care for Certified Nursing Assistants in Long-Term Care
Authors: Malik Mansura , Chapman Wendy
Published: January 2017

Background:

The growth in the number of older adults in the United States requires appropriately prepared health care providers at all levels who will be able to effectively care for this population. First-line caregivers such as certified nursing assistants (CNAs) need education and training in end-of-life care so they can provide high-quality care for residents and families in the long-term–care (LTC) setting.

Method:

CNAs were recruited from an LTC facility in western New York to attend an educational intervention consisting of six 45-minute sessions on various topics selected by the researchers using the curriculum from the
Core Curriculum for the Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant
. Pretests and posttests were administered to assess changes in knowledge, and a satisfaction survey was used for the CNAs to identify additional learning needs.

Results:

Nineteen CNAs completed the six education and training sessions. Data analysis revealed a significant increase in knowledge for the participants. CNAs were also able to identify additional learning needs.

Conclusion:

Significant improvement in knowledge was seen after the CNAs attended the educational intervention. CNAs working in LTC facilities need education and training in end-of-life care so they can provide appropriate and effective care to residents and their families. Education and training for CNAs led to increased knowledge of end-of-life care and desire for more educational opportunities.

J Contin Educ Nurs
. 2017;48(2):81–85.