bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incivility in Nursing: The Connection Between Academia and Clinical Settings
Authors: Luparell Susan
Published: April 2011

Incivility and bullying in nursing are complex problems that have garnered much attention in recent years. Emerging evidence suggests that incivility in the workplace has significant implications for nurses, patients, and health care organizations. Because today’s students are tomorrow’s colleagues, conversations regarding how to address incivility and bullying should include specific aspects of nursing academia and the preparation of new nurses.
Modified Insertion of a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter: Taking the Chest Radiograph Earlier
Authors: Tian Geng , Chen Bin , Qi Li , Zhu Yan
Published: April 2011

Placement of the tip of a peripherally inserted central catheter in the lower third of the superior vena cava is essential to minimize the risk of complications. Sometimes, however, the catheter tip cannot be localized clearly on the chest radiograph, and repositioning a catheter at bedside is difficult, sometimes impossible. A chest radiograph obtained just after the catheter is inserted, before the guidewire is removed, can be helpful. With the guidewire in the catheter, the catheter and its tip can be seen clearly on the radiograph. If the catheter was inserted via the wrong route or the tip is not at the appropriate location, the catheter can be repositioned easily with the guidewire in it. Between January 1, 2007, and May 31, 2009, 225 catheters were placed by using this method in our department. Of these, 33 tips (14.7%) were initially malpositioned. The tips of all these catheters were repositioned in the lower third of the superior vena cava by using this method. No catheter was exchanged or removed. The infection rate for catheter placement did not increase when this method was used. This modification facilitates accurate location of the catheter tip on the chest radiograph, making it easy to correct any malposition (by withdrawing, advancing, or even reinserting the catheter after withdrawal).
Humoral Immune Response against P2β from Trypanosoma cruzi in Persons with Chronic Chagas Disease: Its Relationship with Treatment Against Parasites and Myocardial Damage
Authors: Fabbro Diana L. , Olivera Verónica , Bizai Maria Laura , Denner Susana , Diez Cristina , Mancipar Iván , Streiger Mirtha , Arias Enrique , del Barco Mónica , Mendicino Diego , Bottasso Oscar
Published: April 2011

We investigated the relationship between potentially pathogenic antibodies against a Trypanosoma cruzi ribosomal protein (P2β) and the evolution of Chagas disease and the effect of trypanocidal treatment on these variables. Seventy-eight patients with chronic Chagas disease who were followed-up for more than 20 years were divided into three groups: 30 asymptomatic persons undergoing specific treatment (group A), 37 asymptomatic persons not undergoing specific treatment (group B), and 11 patients with chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC) who were not treated. Five patients in group B showed evolution to myocardial abnormalities. Among persons with CCC, six showed no changes; the remaining persons showed progression of cardiac involvement. Levels of antibodies to P2β in persons in group A decreased from their initial values. This finding was not observed in persons in groups B and C. Comparisons at the end of the follow-up showed lower amounts of antibodies to P2β in groups A and C. These findings support the benefits of specific treatment during chronic infection.
Variability in Hand Contamination Based on Serial Measurements: Implications for Assessment of Hand-Cleansing Behavior and Disease Risk
Authors: Ram Pavani K. , Jahid Iqbal , Halder Amal K. , Nygren Benjamin , Islam M. Sirajul , Granger Stewart P. , Molyneaux John W. , Luby Stephen P.
Published: April 2011

Measuring hand contamination at critical times, such as eating, can be challenging. We examined whether hand contamination measured at random, such as on arrival (initial), predicts contamination at critical times. Mothers of young children in Bangladesh rinsed both hands in 200 mL of ringer's solution. We compared results of serial samples with respect to fecal coliform counts. Among 39 mothers, the geometric mean of fecal coliforms was 307 colony-forming units (cfu)/100 mL at initial collection and 3,001 cfu/100 mL during critical times (P = 0.0006). There was no correlation between initial and critical time fecal coliform counts (R = 0.13, P = 0.43). The mean difference between initial and critical time counts was 3.5 (standard deviation = 1.4) on the log base-10 scale. Contamination of the same subjects' hands varied substantially within a few hours. Because hand contamination measured at random cannot reliably predict hand contamination at times of potential pathogen transmission, single random hand rinses are not valid proxy measures for handwashing behavior.
Serologic Imprint of Dengue Virus in Urban Haiti: Characterization of Humoral Immunity to Dengue in Infants and Young Children
Authors: Rioth Meghan , Beauharnais Carole Anne , Noel Francine , Ikizler Mine R. , Mehta Sapna , Zhu Yuwei , Long Carole A. , Pape Jean W. , Wright Peter F.
Published: April 2011

Dengue is endemic to Haiti but not recognized as an important illness in the autochthonous population. To evaluate the prevalence of antibodies to dengue virus (DENV), serum samples from infants and young children 7–36 months of age (n = 166) were assayed by plaque reduction neutralization assays to each DENV serotype. Dengue virus serotype 1 had infected 40% of this study population, followed by serotype 2 (12%), serotype 3 (11%), and serotype 4 (2%). Fifty-three percent of infants and young children less than 12 months of age had already experienced DENV infection, and the seroprevalence of antibody to DENV increased to 65% by 36 months. Heterotypic antibody responses were an important component of the total dengue immunity profile.
Antihelminthic Therapy and Antimony in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial in Patients Co-Infected with Helminths and Leishmania braziliensis
Authors: Newlove Tracey , Guimarães Luiz H. , Morgan Daniel J. , Alcântara Leda , Glesby Marshall J. , Carvalho Edgar M. , Machado Paulo R.
Published: April 2011

Helminth infections influence the clinical response to certain diseases and are associated with delayed healing time of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by Leishmania braziliensis. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to examine the role of early versus deferred treatment of intestinal helminth infection on the clinical course of patients with CL treated with pentavalent antimony. (Clinicaltrials.gov number NCT00469495). A total of 90 patients were enrolled, 51.1% (N = 23) of control patients had persistent lesions at Day 90, compared with 62.2% (N = 28) in the treatment group (difference 11.1%, 95% confidence interval = −9.1–30.0%). There was no statistically significant difference in overall time to cure between groups, although there was a tendency for shorter cure times in the control group. This study shows that early introduction of antihelminthic therapy does not improve clinical outcome in patients co-infected with helminths and L. braziliensis.
Hepatitis E Virus Infections in Swine and Swine Handlers in Vellore, Southern India
Authors: Vivek Rosario , Kang Gagandeep
Published: April 2011

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in industrialized countries is zoonotically transmitted, and swine act as a major reservoir of HEV. Serum samples from 102 swine and plasma from 34 swine handlers in Vellore, India were tested by using a reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction to detect and genotype HEV. We measured levels of IgG against HEV in swine handlers and in age and geographically matched controls from rural and urban populations in Vellore. HEV was amplified from two pigs and both viruses belonged to genotype 4. No HEV RNA was amplified from any swine handler, but 94.1% of swine handlers were positive for antibodies against HEV, a seroprevalence rate significantly higher than in rural and urban controls. The HEV genotype circulating in swine in India is different from that of humans, but the higher antibody levels in swine handlers support the possibility that zoonotic infections may occur.
Seroprevalence of West Nile Virus in Feral Horses on Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada, United States
Authors: Franson J. Christian , Hofmeister Erik K. , Collins Gail H. , Dusek Robert J.
Published: April 2011

We screened 1,397 feral horses (Equus caballus) on Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada, United States, for IgM and IgG against flavivirus during 2004–2006, 2008, and 2009. Positive serum samples were tested for neutralizing antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV) and St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV). One animal was positive for antibody against WNV in 2004, but all others tested in 2004–2006 were negative. In 2008 and 2009, we found evidence of increasing seropositive horses with age, whereas seroprevalence of WNV decreased from 19% in 2008 to 7.2% in 2009. No horses were positive for antibody against SLEV. Being unvaccinated, feral horses can be useful for WNV surveillance.
Accuracy of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for Diagnosis of Human Leptospirosis in Thailand
Authors: Sonthayanon Piengchan , Chierakul Wirongrong , Wuthiekanun Vanaporn , Thaipadungpanit Janjira , Kalambaheti Thareerat , Boonsilp Siriphan , Amornchai Premjit , Smythe Lee D. , Limmathurotsakul Direk , Day Nicholas P. , Peacock Sharon J.
Published: April 2011

There is a lack of diagnostic tests for leptospirosis in technology-restricted settings. We developed loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) specific for the 16S ribosomal RNA gene (rrs) of pathogenic and intermediate group Leptospira species. The lower limit of detection was 10 genomic equivalents/reaction, and analytical specificity was high; we observed positive reactions for pathogenic/intermediate groups and negative reactions for non-pathogenic Leptospira species and other bacterial species. We evaluated this assay in Thailand by using a case–control study of 133 patients with laboratory-proven leptospirosis and 133 patients with other febrile illnesses. Using admission blood, we found that the rrs LAMP showed positive results in 58 of 133 cases (diagnostic sensitivity = 43.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 35.0–52.5) and in 22 of 133 controls (diagnostic specificity = 83.5, 95% CI = 76.0–89.3). Sensitivity was high for 39 patients who were culture positive for Leptospira spp. (84.6, 95% CI = 69.5–94.1). The rrs LAMP can provide an admission diagnosis in approximately half of patients with leptospirosis, but its clinical utility is reduced by a lower specificity.
Efficacy of Antiamebic Drugs in a Mouse Model
Authors: Becker Stephen , Hoffman Paul , Houpt Eric R.
Published: April 2011

Nitroimidazole antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment of invasive amebiasis; however, few comparative studies of applicable antibiotics are available. Evidence of sporadic clinical failure and rare reports of metronidazole resistance have led to the investigation of novel antiamebic therapeutics. The goal of this study was to examine drug efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo models of intestinal amebiasis. We studied six current and three novel drugs. Many drugs, including metronidazole, nitazoxanide, and nitazoxanide derivatives, were shown to be potently inhibitory in vitro. However, metronidazole remained the most effective in vivo, both in preventative and curative regimens, underscoring the value of animal models in evaluating future therapies.
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis after Travel to Cyprus and Successful Treatment with Miltefosine
Authors: Poeppl Wolfgang , Walochnik Julia , Pustelnik Tom , Auer Herbert , Mooseder Gerhard
Published: April 2011

A patient presenting with an atypical manifestation of cutaneous leishmaniasis after travel to Cyprus was successfully treated with miltefosine. The K26 typing revealed a hitherto undescribed strain of the Leishmania donovani/infantum complex as the causing agent.
Microphysical and radiative effects of aerosols on warm clouds during the Amazon biomass burning season as observed by MODIS: impacts of water vapor and land cover
Authors: Ten Hoeve J. E. , Remer L. A. , Jacobson M. Z.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Aerosol, cloud, water vapor, and temperature profile data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) are utilized to examine the impact of aerosols on clouds during the Amazonian biomass burning season in Rondônia, Brazil. It is found that increasing background column water vapor (CWV) throughout this transition season between the Amazon dry and wet seasons likely exerts a strong effect on cloud properties. As a result, proper analysis of aerosol-cloud relationships requires that data be stratified by CWV to account better for the influence of background meteorological variation. Many previous studies of aerosol-cloud interactions over Amazonia have ignored the systematic changes to meteorological factors during the transition season, leading to possible misinterpretation of their results. Cloud fraction (CF) is shown to increase or remain constant with aerosol optical depth (AOD), depending on the value of CWV, whereas the relationship between cloud optical depth (COD) and AOD is quite different. COD increases with AOD until AOD ~ 0.3, which is assumed to be due to the first indirect (microphysical) effect. At higher values of AOD, COD is found to decrease with increasing AOD, which may be due to: (1) the inhibition of cloud development by absorbing aerosols (radiative effect/semi-direct effect) and/or (2) a possible retrieval artifact in which the measured reflectance in the visible is less than expected from a cloud top either from the darkening of clouds through the addition of carbonaceous biomass burning aerosols within or above clouds or subpixel dark surface contamination in the measured cloud reflectance. If (1) is a contributing mechanism, as we suspect, then an empirically-derived increasing function between cloud drop number and aerosol concentration, assumed in a majority of global climate models, is inaccurate since these models do not include treatment of aerosol absorption in and around clouds. The relationship between aerosols and both CWV and clouds over varying land surface types is also analyzed. The study finds that the difference in CWV between forested and deforested land is not correlated with aerosol loading, supporting the assumption that temporal variation of CWV is primarily a function of the larger-scale meteorology. However, a difference in the response of CF to increasing AOD is observed between forested and deforested land. This suggests that dissimilarities between other meteorological factors, such as atmospheric stability, may have an impact on aerosol-cloud correlations between different land cover types.
Evaluation of the accuracy of analysis tools for atmospheric new particle formation
Authors: Korhonen H. , Sihto S.-L. , Kerminen V.-M. , Lehtinen K. E. J.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Several mathematical tools have been developed in recent years to analyze new particle formation rates and to estimate nucleation rates and mechanisms at sub-3 nm sizes from atmospheric aerosol data. Here we evaluate these analysis tools using 1239 numerical nucleation events for which the nucleation mechanism and formation rates were known exactly. The accuracy of the estimates of particle formation rate at 3 nm (J3) showed significant sensitivity to the details of the analysis, i.e. form of equations used and assumptions made about the initial size of nucleating clusters, with the fraction of events within a factor-of-two accuracy ranging from 43–97%. In general, the estimates of the actual nucleation rate at 1.5 nm (J1.5) were less accurate, and even the most accurate analysis set-up estimated only 59% of the events within a factor of two of the simulated mean nucleation rate. The J1.5 estimates were deteriorated mainly by the size dependence of the cluster growth rate below 3 nm, which the analysis tools do not take into account, but also by possible erroneous assumptions about the initial cluster size. The poor estimates of J1.5 can lead to large uncertainties in the nucleation prefactors (i.e. constant P in nucleation equation J1.5 = P × [H2SO4]k). Large uncertainties were found also in the procedures that are used to determine the nucleation mechanism. When applied to individual events, the analysis tools clearly overestimated the number of H2SO4 molecules in a critical cluster for most events, and thus associated them with a wrong nucleation mechanism. However, in some conditions the number of H2SO4 molecules in a critical cluster was underestimated. This indicates that analysis of field data that implies a maximum of 2 H2SO4 molecules in a cluster does not automatically rule out a higher number of molecules in the actual nucleating cluster. Our analysis also suggests that combining data from several new particle formation events to scatter plots of H2SO4 vs formation rates (J1.5 or J3) and determining the slope of the regression line may not give reliable information about the nucleation mechanism. Overall, while the analysis tools for new particle formation are useful for getting order-of-magnitude estimates of parameters related to atmospheric nucleation, one should be very cautious in interpreting the results. It is, for example, possible that the tools may have misdirected our theoretical understanding of the nucleation mechanism.
Contributions of regional and intercontinental transport to surface ozone in Tokyo
Authors: Yoshitomi M. , Wild O. , Akimoto H.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Japan lies downwind of the Asian continent and for much of the year air quality is directly influenced by emissions of ozone precursors over these heavily-populated and rapidly-industrializing regions. This study examines the extent to which oxidant transport from regional and distant anthropogenic sources influences air quality in Japan in springtime, when these contributions are largest. We find that European and North American contributions to surface ozone over Japan in spring are persistent, averaging 3.5±1.1 ppb and 2.8±0.5 ppb respectively, and are greatest in cold continental outflow conditions following the passage of cold fronts. Contributions from China are larger, 4.0±2.8 ppb, and more variable, as expected for a closer source region, and are generally highest near cold fronts preceding the influence of more distant sources. The stratosphere provides a varying but ever-present background of ozone of about 11.2±2.5 ppb during spring. Local sources over Japan and Korea have a relatively small impact on mean ozone, 2.4±7.6 ppb, but this masks a strong diurnal signal, and local sources clearly dominate during episodes of high daytime ozone. By examining the meteorological mechanisms that favour transport from different source regions, we demonstrate that while maximum foreign influence generally does not occur at the same time as the greatest buildup of oxidants from local sources, it retains a significant influence under these conditions. It is thus clear that while meteorological boundaries provide some protection from foreign influence during oxidant outbreaks in Tokyo, these distant sources still make a substantial contribution to exceedance of the Japanese ozone air quality standard in springtime.
Remote sensing of aerosols by using polarized, directional and spectral measurements within the A-Train: the PARASOL mission
Authors: Tanré D. , Bréon F. M. , Deuzé J. L. , Dubovik O. , Ducos F. , François P. , Goloub P. , Herman M. , Lifermann A. , Waquet F.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. The aerosol remote sensing from space has started in the 1980's using observations provided by geostationary satellites or by polar orbiting platforms not specifically designed for observing aerosols. As a result, the number of retrieved parameters was limited and retrievals in the visible restricted over ocean. Over land, because of the important surface contribution, the aerosol detection was performed in the UV (or in the dark blue) where most of the earth surfaces are dark enough but with overlap of multiple aerosols parameters, content, altitude and absorption. Instruments dedicated to aerosol monitoring are recently available and the POLDER instrument on board the PARASOL mission is one of them. By measuring the wavelength, angular and polarization properties of the radiance at the top of the atmosphere, in coordination with the other A-Train instruments, PARASOL can better quantify aerosol optical depths (AOD) and improve the derivation of the radiative and physical properties. The instrument, the inversion schemes and the list of aerosol parameters are described. Examples of retrieved aerosol parameters are provided as well as innovative approaches and further inversion techniques.
The future climate characteristics of the Carpathian Basin based on a regional climate model mini-ensemble
Authors: Krüzselyi I. , Bartholy J. , Horányi A. , Pieczka I. , Pongrácz R. , Szabó P. , Szépszó G. , Torma Cs.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Four regional climate models (RCMs) were adapted in Hungary for the dynamical downscaling of the global climate projections over the Carpathian Basin: (i) the ALADIN-Climate model developed by Météo France on the basis of the ALADIN short-range modelling system; (ii) the PRECIS model available from the UK Met Office Hadley Centre; (iii) the RegCM model originally developed at the US National Center for Atmospheric Research, is maintained at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste; and (iv) the REMO model developed by the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology in Hamburg. The RCMs are different in terms of dynamical model formulation, physical parameterisations; moreover, in the completed simulations they use different spatial resolutions, integration domains and lateral boundary conditions for the scenario experiments. Therefore, the results of the four RCMs can be considered as a small ensemble providing information about various kinds of uncertainties in the future projections over the target area, i.e., Hungary. After the validation of the temperature and precipitation patterns against measurements, mean changes and some extreme characteristics of these patterns (including their statistical significance) have been assessed focusing on the periods of 2021–2050 and 2071–2100 relative to the 1961–1990 model reference period. The ensemble evaluation indicates that the temperature-related changes of the different RCMs are in good agreement over the Carpathian Basin and these tendencies manifest in the general warming conditions. The precipitation changes cannot be identified so clearly: seasonally large differences can be recognised among the projections and between the two periods. An overview is given about the results of the mini-ensemble and special emphasis is put on estimating the uncertainties in the simulations for Hungary.
Comparison of catchment grouping methods for flow duration curve estimation at ungauged sites in France
Authors: Sauquet E. , Catalogne C.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. The study aims at estimating flow duration curves (FDC) at ungauged sites in France and quantifying the associated uncertainties using a large dataset of 1080 FDCs. The interpolation procedure focuses here on 15 percentiles standardised by the mean annual flow, which is supposed to be known at each site. In particular, this paper discusses the relevance of different catchments grouping procedures on percentiles estimation by regional regression models. First, five parsimonious FDC parametric models were tested to approximate FDCs at gauged sites. The results show that the model based on Empirical Orthogonal Functions (EOF) expansion outperforms the other ones. In this model each FDC is interpreted as a linear combination of regional amplitude functions with weights – the parameters of the model – varying in space. Here, only one amplitude function was found sufficient to fit well most of the observed curves. Thus the considered model requires only two parameters to be estimated at ungauged locations. Second, homogeneous regions were derived according to hydrological response on one hand, and geological, climatic and topographic characteristics on the other hand. Hydrological similarity was assessed through two simple indicators: the concavity index (IC) that represents the shape of the standardized FDC and the seasonality ratio (SR) which is the ratio of summer and winter median flows. These variables were used as homogeneity criteria in three different methods for grouping catchments: (i) according to their membership in one of an a priori French classification into Hydro-Eco-Regions (HERs), (ii) by applying a regression tree clustering and (iii) by using hydrological neighbourhood obtained by canonical correlation analysis. Finally, regression models between physiographic and/or climatic variables and the two parameters of the EOF model were derived considering all the data and thereafter for each group obtained through the tested grouping techniques. Results on percentiles estimation in cross validation show a significant benefit to form homogeneous regions before developing regressions, particularly when grouping methods use hydrogeological information.
Water table fluctuation and its effects on vegetation in a semiarid environment
Authors: Duan L. , Liu T. , Wang X. , Luo Y. , Wang W. , Liu X.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. A good understanding of water table fluctuation effects on vegetation is crucial for sustaining fragile hydrology and ecology of semiarid areas such as the Horqin Sandy Land (HSL) in northern China, but such understanding is not well documented in literature. The objectives of this study were to examine spatio-temporal variations of water table and their effects on vegetation in a semiarid environment. A 9.71 km2 area within the HSL was chosen and well-instrumented to continuously measure hydrometeorologic parameters (e.g., water table). The area comprises of meadow lands and sandy dunes as well as transitional zones in between. In addition to those measured data, this study also used Landsat TM and MODIS imageries and meteorological data at a station near the study area. The spatio-temporal variations were examined using visual plots and contour maps, while the effects on vegetation were determined by overlaying a water table depth map with a vegetation index map derived from the MODIS imageries. The results indicated that water table was mainly dependent on local topography, localized geological settings, and human activities (e.g., reclamation). At annual and monthly scales, water table was mainly a function of precipitation and potential evapotranspiration. A region within the study area where depth to water table was smaller tended to have better (i.e., more dense and productive) vegetation cover. Further, the results revealed that water table fluctuation was more sensitive for vegetations in the meadow lands than in the transitional zones, but it was least sensitive for vegetations in the sandy dunes.
Influences on flood frequency distributions in Irish river catchments
Authors: Ahilan S. , O'Sullivan J. J. , Bruen M.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. This study explores influences which result in shifts of flood frequency distributions in Irish rivers. Generalised Extreme Value (GEV) type I distributions are recommended in Ireland for estimating flood quantiles. This paper presents the findings of an investigation that identified the GEV statistical distributions that best fit the annual maximum (AM) data series extracted from 172 gauging stations of 126 rivers in Ireland. Of these 126 rivers, 25 have multiple gauging stations. Analysis of this data was undertaken to explore hydraulic and hydro-geological factors that influence flood frequency distributions and whether shifts in distributions occur in the down-river direction. The methodology involved determining the shape parameter of GEV distributions that were fitted to AM data at each site and to statistically test this shape parameter to determine whether a type I, type II or type III distribution was valid. The classification of these distributions was further supported by moment and L-moment diagrams and probability plots. Results indicated that of the 143 stations with flow records exceeding 25 yr, data for 92 was best represented by GEV type I distributions and that for another 12 and 39 stations followed type II and type III distributions respectively. The spatial, hydraulic and hydro-geological influences on flood frequency distributions were assessed by incorporating results on an Arc-GIS platform with individual layers showing karst features, flood attenuation polygons and lakes. This data reveals that type I distributions are spatially well represented throughout the country. The majority of type III distributions appear in four distinct clusters in well defined geographical areas where attenuation influences from floodplains and lakes appear to be influential. The majority of type II distributions appear to be in a single cluster in a region in the west of the country that is characterised by a karst landscape. The presence of karst in river catchments would be expected to provide additional subsurface storage and in this regard, type III distributions might be expected. The prevalence of type II distributions in this area reflects the finite nature of this storage and the effects, in extreme conditions, when the karst is saturated and further storage is no longer available. Results therefore indicate that in some instances assuming type I distributions is incorrect and may result in erroneous estimates of flood quantiles in these regions. Where actual data follows a type II distribution, flood quantiles may be underestimated and for type III distributions, overestimates may be expected.
Dietary fiber: defintion, sources and extraction
Authors: Jurasová Michaela , Kohajdová Zlatica , Karovičová Jolana
Published: April 2011

The interest in food rich in dietary fiber increased in the recent decades, and the importance of this food constituent has led to the development of a large market for fibre-rich products and ingredients. A high dietary fiber intake has been related to several physiological and metabolic effects. By-products of plant food processing represent a major disposal problem for the industry concerned, but they are also promising sources of compounds which may be used because of their favourable technological or nutritional properties. Soluble dietary fiber is those components that are soluble in water and includes pectic substances and hydrocolloids. Good sources of soluble fibers include fruits, vegetables, legumes, soybeans, psyllium seeds and oat bran. Insoluble dietary fiber is those components that are insoluble in water and includes cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Whole grains are good sources of insoluble fiber. Comercialize fibre product have to perform some characteristic properties.
Detection of lasalocid residues in the tissues of broiler chickens by a new screening test total antibiotics
Authors: Kožárová Ivona , Šimková Jana , Mártonová Mária , Mačanga Ján , Levkut, ml. Martin
Published: April 2011

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the microbial growth inhibition test Total antibiotics for the screening of lasalocid residues in the tissues of broiler chickens after its oral administration in medicated feed. The residues were investigated throughout the 5-day withdrawal period /WP/) and also on day 6 representing the first day following the WP. All broiler chicken tissues were positive for lasalocid. The breast muscle was positive (the presence of residues at/above the detection limit /LOD/ of method) up to day 1 of the WP, the thigh muscle, gizzard, heart, skin and fat up to day 3 of the WP and the liver and kidneys up to day 4 of the WP. When evaluating the dubious results (the presence of residues just below the LOD of method), the breast muscle was suspect positive up to day 3 of the WP and the gizzard, skin and fat up to day 4 of the WP. No positive or dubious results were detected on day 5 of the WP. The LOD of Bacillus stearothermophilus var. calidolactis for maduramycin was 500 µg.l-1.
Effect of sodium phosphates on selected food grade bacteria
Authors: Buňková Leona , Lorencová Eva , Jurčová Dora , Buňka František , Kráčmar Stanislav
Published: April 2011

The aim of this study was to examine the inhibitory effect in vitro of selected sodium phosphates (under the corporate names Hexa 68, Hexa 70, Trikrystal, FST, Pyro 52, KPS, Didi) on selected gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Seven different concentrations of each phosphate were used. Sensitivity of the bacterial strains to phosphates was observed in broth supplemented with salts. In vitro was showed a negative effect of various phosphates on growth of selected gram-positive bacteria. Orthophosphates and diphosphates (pyrophosphates) did not have significant inhibitory effect on tested bacteria at neutral pH. With the exception of phosphate Trikrystal has not been found in vitro significant inhibitory effects on gram-negative bacteria.
The Formation and Intention of the Haggai-Zechariah Corpus
Authors: Wöhrle Jakob
Published: April 2011

Because of the similar dating system in the books of
Haggai and Zechariah, since the end of the 19th century it has been proposed
that these two books once formed an independent collection: the Haggai-Zechariah
corpus. But neither the formation nor the intention of this corpus has been
adequately explained. This article shows that only the book of Zechariah
underwent redaction in the course of the composition of this “Book of the Two.”
This position stands in contrast with the common assumption that both books
underwent redaction in the process. Then the article shows that the
Haggai-Zechariah corpus can be understood as a reaction to the decreasing hope
for divine salvation in the fifth century. In the light of, and despite the
negative experiences that characterize this period, the Haggai-Zechariah corpus
adheres to the promises of the early pre-exilic prophecy. But in order to adhere
to these promises, the conditions for their fulfillment had to be (re)defined.
Issues in the Linguistic Analysis of a Dead Language, with
Particular Reference to Ancient Hebrew
Authors: Holmstedt Robert
Published: April 2011

With the increasing maturation of the linguistic analysis
of ancient Hebrew, it becomes increasingly important that we keep in mind the
inherent challenges of analyzing no-longer-spoken languages, like ancient
Hebrew. In this article I address a number of such issues in the hopes of
provoking some fruitful discussion. First, I address the distinction between
linguistic analysis and philological analysis. Then I address some of the major
methodological and theoretical challenges facing those who bring modern
linguistic theories to bear upon a ‘dead’ language such as ancient Hebrew,
including the lack of native speakers, the limited corpus, and the relationship
of ancient Hebrew to modern Israeli Hebrew.
The State of the Field of Hebrew Bible Study: In Conversation
with John J. Collins, The Bible After Babel: Historical Criticism in a
Postmodern Age (Eerdmans, 2005)
Authors: Carr David M. , Collins John J. , Dobbs-Allsop F. W. , Kalmanofsky Amy
Published: April 2011

Reviews and responses to John J. Collins, The Bible After
Babel: Historical Criticism in a Postmodern Age (Eerdmans, 2005). The
respondents were asked to offer “a few comments building on the book, aimed at
spurring a broader discussion among colleagues about where things are going in
our field.” Background The following reflections come from a forum on the state
of the field of Hebrew Bible study in the Columbia University Hebrew Bible
Seminar on March 22, 2006. The primary focus for the forum was reviews and
responses to John J. Collins, The Bible After Babel: Historical Criticism in a
Postmodern Age (Eerdmans, 2005). The respondents were asked to offer “a few
comments building on the book, aimed at spurring a broader discussion among
colleagues about where things are going in our field.” The discussion that
followed was lively, and the hope is that sharing these contributions, with much
of their oral character preserved, may be useful for further reflection by a
wider circle.
Evil and the Disruption of Order: A Structural Analysis of the
Acrostics in the First Book of Psalms
Authors: Benun Ronald
Published: April 2011

The four alphabetic acrostics in the first book of Psalms
(9/10, 25, 34, and 37) are all missing verses beginning with certain letters of
the alphabet and have other anomalies as well. Most scholars attribute these
problems to errors in transmission and try to solve them through textual
emendation. We argue that these disruptions are an original feature of these
psalms and are placed purposefully as part of a sophisticated literary
structure.
An Introduction to Design and Analysis of Reliability Experiments
Authors: Rigdon Steven E. , Pan Rong , Montgomery Douglas C. , Taylor Dustin
Published: May 2024

Experiments for reliability usually involve lifetimes. Because lifetimes are usually not normally distributed, and because most life tests involve censoring, designing life tests for experiments is somewhat different from the usual normal‐theory designs. We present a review of regression models for life testing experiments, provide some examples, and discuss the optimal design of life tests.
Machine Learning Approaches for Statistical Process Control
Authors: Qiu Peihua
Published: May 2024

Machine learning approaches are widely used in different applications, including the ones involving statistical process control (SPC). In a traditional SPC problem (e.g., online monitoring of a production line), a small set of in‐control (IC) process observations is routinely collected before online process monitoring for estimating certain parameters of the IC process distribution. This dataset, however, does not contain any out‐of‐control (OC) process observations. Thus, supervised machine learning methods would be inappropriate to use in such cases since they require a training dataset that contains both IC and OC process observations. To overcome this difficulty, some machine learning methodologies specific for SPC have been developed based on one‐class classifications, artificial contrast, real‐time contrast, transparent sequential learning, and more. This article provides an overview on these methods.
Controlling Magneto‐Ionics by Defect Engineering Through Light Ion Implantation
Authors: Ma Zheng , Martins Sofia , Tan Zhengwei , Chen Song , Monteblanco Elmer , Liedke Maciej O. , Butterling Maik , Attallah Ahmed G. , Hirschmann Eric , Wagner Andreas , Quintana Alberto , Pellicer Eva , Ravelosona Dafiné , Sort Jordi , Menéndez Enric
Published: May 2024

Magneto‐ionics relies on the voltage‐driven transport of ions to modify magnetic properties. As a diffusion‐controlled mechanism, defects play a central role in determining ion motion and, hence, magneto‐ionic response. Here, the potential of ion implantation is exploited to engineer depth‐resolved defect type and density with the aim to control the magneto‐ionic behavior of Co3O4 thin films. It is demonstrated that through a single implantation process of light ions (He+) at 5 keV, the magneto‐ionic response of a nanostructured 50 nm thick Co3O4 film, in terms of rate and amount of induced magnetization, at short‐, mid‐, and long‐term voltage actuation, can be controlled by varying the generated collisional damage through the ion fluence. These results constitute a proof‐of‐principle that paves the way to further use ion implantation (tuning the ion nature, energy, fluence, target temperature, or using multiple implantations) to enhance performance in magneto‐ionic systems, with implications in ionic‐based devices.
2D/0D Heterojunction Interface with Photovoltaic Enhancement and Stabilization for Label‐Free Exosome Biosensor
Authors: Wang Yindian , Zhong Suyun , Lee Jaebeom , Chen Hongxia
Published: May 2024

The selection and design of interface materials as the key to interface engineering is crucial for the excellent performance of optoelectronic devices, enabling multi‐functional integration at interfaces. MXene has been extensively employed in optoelectronic devices as an interface material. The primary drawback in interfacial applications, however, is MXene's vulnerability to oxidation in hot, humid environments, which severely reduces photovoltaic performance. Based on hetero‐interface engineering, this work offers a novel 2D‐semiconductor/0D‐plasma heterojunction MXene‐TA‐Au‐PEG (MTAP) as a high‐performance and multifunctional photovoltaic interfacial material. MTAP not only effectively protects MXene against stacking and spontaneous oxidation, but also exhibits excellent optoelectronic properties and interfacial antifouling capability. Moreover, MTAP is employed to enhance SPR spectroscopy, allowing for the direct, real‐time detection of tumor cell exosomes with LODs as low as 0.28 particles mL−1. MTAP effectively addresses the conventional “three S” requirements for sensors in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and stability by integrating photoelectric enhancement, interfacial antifouling, and oxidative stabilization characteristics. Finally, the results of serum sample analysis showed the sensor has some potential application value in clinical diagnosis. This study offers novel perspectives on the fabrication of 2D/0D heterojunctions using semiconductor and plasma materials, with the aim of developing improved sensing chips.
Ti Single Atom Enhancing Pt‐Based Intermetallics for Efficient and Durable Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Wang Zichen , Wu Wei , Jiang Haoran , Chen Suhao , Chen Runzhe , Zhu Yu , Xiao Yong , Lv Haifeng , Zhong Jun , Cheng Niancai
Published: May 2024

The insufficient durability of Pt‐based catalysts and the sluggish kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is hampering the development of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) for commercialization. Herein, a single atom Ti‐modified activated nitrogen‐doped porous carbon (Ti‐a‐NPC) is designed to equalize O2‐activation/*OH‐removal through regulating the charge rearrangement of ultra‐small L12‐Pt3Co for efficient and durable oxygen reduction. The Ti single‐atom modified in the surface/pore of Ti‐a‐NPC can anchor the Pt‐based intermetallic nanoparticles (NPs) not only guarantees Pt‐based intermetallics’ ultra‐fine size (≈2.62 nm) but also maintains Pt‐based intermetallics during ORR process. The enhanced catalyst (L12‐Pt3Co/Ti‐a‐NPC) achieves 11‐fold mass activity (1.765 A mgPt−1) compared to commercial Pt/C. Notably, after 30 000 cycles of accelerated durability tests, the mass activity of the L12‐Pt3Co/Ti‐a‐NPC only decreased by 3.7%, while that of commercial Pt/C decreased by 37.1%. Rationalized by theoretical simulation, the introduction of Ti atoms can form charge channels between L12‐Pt3Co NPs and Ti‐a‐NPC, accelerating the charge transfer in the ORR process. Furthermore, the charge of L12‐Pt3Co will accumulate to Ti atoms and buffer the electron transfer of L12‐Pt3Co to the N atoms, thus optimizing the adsorption performance of the active site to the oxygen‐containing intermediate and improving the intrinsic activity of the catalyst.
Dextran‐Based Antibacterial Hydrogel Dressings for Accelerating Infected Wound Healing by Reducing Inflammation Levels
Authors: Liang Jianhao , Ling Junhong , Sun Deguan , Wu Guanhuai , Ouyang Xiao‐kun , Wang Nan , Yang Guocai
Published: May 2024

Infected wounds pose challenges such as exudate management, bacterial infections, and persistent inflammation, making them a significant challenge for modern dressings. To address these issues in infected wounds more effectively, aerogel‐hydrogel biphase gels based on dextran are developed. The gel introduced in this study exhibits antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory properties in the process of wound therapy, contributing to accelerated wound healing. The aerogel phase exhibits exceptional water‐absorption capabilities, rapidly soaking up exudate from infected wound, thereby fostering a clean and hygienic wound healing microenvironment. Concurrently, the aerogel phase is enriched with hydrogen sulfide donors. Following water absorption and the formation of the hydrogel phase, it enables the sustained release of hydrogen sulfide around the wound sites. The experiments confirm that hydrogen sulfide, by promoting M2 macrophage differentiation and reducing the levels of inflammatory factors, effectively diminishes local inflammation levels at the wound site. Furthermore, the sodium copper chlorophyllin component within the hydrogel phase demonstrates effective antibacterial properties through photodynamic antimicrobial therapy, providing a viable solution to wound infection challenges.
Citric Acid: A Nexus Between Cellular Mechanisms and Biomaterial Innovations
Authors: Xu Hui , Yan Su , Gerhard Ethan , Xie Denghui , Liu Xiaodong , Zhang Bing , Shi Dongquan , Ameer Guillermo A. , Yang Jian
Published: May 2024

Citrate‐based biodegradable polymers have emerged as a distinctive biomaterial platform with tremendous potential for diverse medical applications. By harnessing their versatile chemistry, these polymers exhibit a wide range of material and bioactive properties, enabling them to regulate cell metabolism and stem cell differentiation through energy metabolism, metabonegenesis, angiogenesis, and immunomodulation. Moreover, the recent US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance of the biodegradable poly(octamethylene citrate) (POC)/hydroxyapatite‐based orthopedic fixation devices represents a translational research milestone for biomaterial science. POC joins a short list of biodegradable synthetic polymers that have ever been authorized by the FDA for use in humans. The clinical success of POC has sparked enthusiasm and accelerated the development of next‐generation citrate‐based biomaterials. This review presents a comprehensive, forward‐thinking discussion on the pivotal role of citrate chemistry and metabolism in various tissue regeneration and on the development of functional citrate‐based metabotissugenic biomaterials for regenerative engineering applications.
Synergistic Bulk and Surface Engineering for Expeditious and Durable Reversible Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cells Air Electrode
Authors: Chen Xi , Yu Na , Song Yufei , Liu Tong , Xu Hengyue , Guan Daqin , Li Zheng , Huang Wei‐Hsiang , Shao Zongping , Ciucci Francesco , Ni Meng
Published: May 2024

Reversible protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (R‐PCECs) offer the potential for high‐efficiency power generation and green hydrogen production at intermediate temperatures. However, the commercial viability of R‐PCECs is hampered by the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) within conventional air electrodes operating at reduced temperatures. To address this challenge, this work introduces a novel approach based on the simultaneous optimization of bulk‐phase metal‐oxygen bonds and in‐situ formation of a metal oxide nano‐catalyst surface modification. This strategy is designed to expedite the ORR/OER electrocatalytic activity of air electrodes exhibiting triple (O2−, H+, e−) conductivity. Specifically, this engineered air electrode nanocomposite‐Ba(Co0.4Fe0.4Zr0.1Y0.1)0.95Ni0.05F0.1O2.9‐δ demonstrates remarkable ORR/OER catalytic activity and exceptional durability in R‐PCECs. This is evidenced by significantly improved peak power density from 626 to 996 mW cm−2 and highly stable reversibility over a 100‐h cycling period. This research offers a rational design strategy to achieve high‐performance R‐PCEC air electrodes with superior operational activity and stability for efficient and sustainable energy conversion and storage.