bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-World Efficacy and Safety of Ritonavir-Boosted Paritaprevir, Ombitasvir, Dasabuvir ± Ribavirin for Hepatitis C Genotype 1 – Final Results of the REV1TAL Study
Authors:   the Australian Liver Association Clinical Research Network (ALA CRN), Lubel John , Strasser Simone , Stuart Katherine A , Dore Gregory , Thompson Alexander , Pianko Stephen , Bollipo Steven , Mitchell Joanne L , Fragomeli Vincenzo , Jones Tracey , Chivers Sarah , Gow Paul , Iser David , Levy Miriam , Tse Edmund , Gazzola Alessia , Cheng Wendy , Nazareth Saroj , Galhenage Sam , Wade Amanda , Weltman Martin , Wigg Alan , MacQuillan Gerry , Sasadeusz Joe , George Jacob , Zekry Amany , Roberts Stuart K
Published: April 2017

Background

Limited data exist on the outcomes of ritonavir-boosted paritaprevir with ombitasvir and dasabuvir (PrOD) ± ribavirin in a real-world setting. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of PrOD-based therapy in hepatitis C genotype 1 patients with and without cirrhosis, and to explore pre-treatment factors predictive of sustained viral response (SVR) and serious adverse events (SAEs) on treatment.

Methods

451 patients with hepatitis C genotype 1 treated in 20 centres across Australia were included. Baseline demographic, clinical and laboratory information, on-treatment biochemical, virological and haematological indices and details on serious adverse events were collected locally.

Results

Cirrhosis was present in 340 patients (75.4%). Overall SVR was 95.1% with no differences in SVR between the cirrhosis and non-cirrhosis groups (94.7% versus 96.4%). SVR in subgenotypes 1a and 1b was 93.1% and 99.2%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, baseline bilirubin level and early treatment cessation predicted SVR. SAEs occurred in 10.9% of patients including hepatic decompensation (2.7%) and hepatocellular carcinoma (1.8%). On multivariate analysis of factors predictive of SAEs in the overall group, Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) B was the only significant factor, while in those with cirrhosis, baseline albumin and creatinine levels were significant.

Conclusions

In this large real-world cohort of HCV genotype 1 subjects, treatment with PrOD was highly effective and similar to clinical trials. Important determinants of reduced SVR include early cessation of therapy and baseline bilirubin concentration. SAEs were not infrequent with CTP B patients being at greatest risk.
Paulo Freire, la notion de libération, la clinique des groupes et l’appropriation subjective
Authors: Castanho Pablo , Gaillard Georges
Published: April 2017

Nombre de pays qui ont subi la colonisation et l’esclavage ont donné naissance à des pensées puissantes et originales, en lien direct avec le travail de réappropriation subjective requis par ces contextes où la place du sujet a été déniée, voire détruite. Paulo Freire est l’un des penseurs qui nous aide à comprendre l’impact de l’oppression sociale sur la subjectivité. Cet article propose une réflexion autour de la notion freirienne de libération, en articulation avec l’approche psychanalytique et la pratique auprès des groupes. Des vignettes cliniques et une référence à l’œuvre cinématographique Twelve years a slave permettront de penser les relations d’oppression, leur actualisation et la réappropriation qui peut en être faite par le biais du travail groupal. Elles permettront également d’éclairer les processus d’aliénation et d’auto-aliénation et leur actualité.
Approche par les relations de surclassement et aide multicritère à l’intégration des pays de la C.E.M.A.C.
Authors: Kagni Victor
Published: April 2017

L’article vise un classement dans un contexte multicritère des pays de la CEMAC à travers deux méthodes de surclassement : MESS II et PROMETHEE II. Les graphes de surclassement obtenus par une structure de préférence {>, R} complète et totalement ordonnée, nous procure des classements différents. Ces classements, du meilleur au moins bon pays, nous proposent une même partition des pays en deux sous-ensembles. Le premier, {Gabon, Cameroun}, est composé des pays prédisposés économiquement, socialement et politiquement à l’intégration et le deuxième, {RCA, Guinée équatoriale, Tchad, Congo}, des pays supposés présenter des obstacles à l’intégration socio-économique et politique. L’aide à la décision porte ainsi sur ces pays, présentant des obstacles, pour que la CEMAC soit une zone économique et monétaire optimale, et un grand marché.
Sobre la estructura del clínker de cemento portland. Trabajo presentado en la Ill reunión internacional sobre reactividad de sólidos, con este mismo título
Authors: Calleja Carrete J.
Published: April 2017

Not available
Secado natural con tiro de aire forzado
Authors: Klen S.
Published: April 2017

Not available
Empleo de la calcita en el hormigón
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: April 2017

Not available
Joint reinforcing in cavity wall concrete masonry construction
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: April 2017

Not available
Multiplication Formulas and Canonical Bases for Quantum Affine gln
Authors: Du Jie , Zhao Zhonghua
Published: April 2017

We will give a representation-theoretic proof for the multiplication formula in the Ringel-Hall algebra of a cyclic quiver Δ(n). As a first application, we see immediately the existence of Hall polynomials for cyclic quivers, a fact established by J. Y. Guo and C. M. Ringel, and derive a recursive formula to compute them. We will further use the formula and the construction of a monomial basis for given by Deng, Du, and Xiao together with the double Ringel-Hall algebra realisation of the quantum loop algebra given by Deng, Du, and Fu to develop some algorithms and to compute the canonical basis for . As examples, we will show explicitly the part of the canonical basis associated with modules of Lowey length at most 2 for the quantum group .
The Algebraic de Rham Cohomology of Representation Varieties
Authors: Xia Eugene Z.
Published: April 2017

The SL(2, ℂ)-representation varieties of punctured surfaces form natural families parameterized by monodromies at the punctures. In this paper, we compute the loci where these varieties are singular for the cases of one-holed and two-holed tori and the four-holed sphere. We then compute the de Rham cohomologies of these varieties of the one-holed torus and the four-holed sphere when the varieties are smooth via the Grothendieck theorem. Furthermore, we produce the explicit Gauß-Manin connection on the natural family of the smooth SL(2, ℂ)-representation varieties of the one-holed torus.
Climate Influence on Emerging Risk Areas for Rift Valley Fever Epidemics in Tanzania
Authors: Mweya Clement N. , Mboera Leonard E. G. , Kimera Sharadhuli I.
Published: April 2017

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a climate-related arboviral infection of animals and humans. Climate is thought to represent a threat toward emerging risk areas for RVF epidemics globally. The objective of this study was to evaluate influence of climate on distribution of suitable breeding habitats for Culex pipiens complex, potential mosquito vector responsible for transmission and distribution of disease epidemics risk areas in Tanzania. We used ecological niche models to estimate potential distribution of disease risk areas based on vectors and disease co-occurrence data approach. Climatic variables for the current and future scenarios were used as model inputs. Changes in mosquito vectors’ habitat suitability in relation to disease risk areas were estimated. We used partial receiver operating characteristic and the area under the curves approach to evaluate model predictive performance and significance. Habitat suitability for Cx. pipiens complex indicated broad-scale potential for change and shift in the distribution of the vectors and disease for both 2020 and 2050 climatic scenarios. Risk areas indicated more intensification in the areas surrounding Lake Victoria and northeastern part of the country through 2050 climate scenario. Models show higher probability of emerging risk areas spreading toward the western parts of Tanzania from northeastern areas and decrease in the southern part of the country. Results presented here identified sites for consideration to guide surveillance and control interventions to reduce risk of RVF disease epidemics in Tanzania. A collaborative approach is recommended to develop and adapt climate-related disease control and prevention strategies.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Refugee and Migrant Pregnant Women along the Thailand–Myanmar Border
Authors: van Enter Bert J. D. , Lau Yee-Ling , Ling Clare L. , Watthanaworawit Wanitda , Sukthana Yaowalark , Lee Wenn-Chyau , Nosten François , McGready Rose
Published: April 2017

Toxoplasma gondii primary infection in pregnancy is associated with poor obstetric outcomes. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection in pregnant migrant and refugee women from Myanmar attending antenatal care in Thailand. A random selection of 199 residual blood samples from first antenatal screen in 2014–2015 was tested for Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection was 31.7% (95% confidence interval = 25.6–38.4). Avidity testing in the three positive IgM cases indicated all were past infections. Multiparity (≥ 3 children) was significantly associated with higher Toxoplasma seropositivity rates. Seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in this pregnant population is similar to the only other report from Myanmar, where multiparity was also identified as a significant association. Toxoplasma infection is important in pregnant women. Nevertheless, in this marginalized population, this infection may be given less priority, due to resource constraints in providing the most basic components of safe motherhood programs.
IgG3 antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP2): increasing prevalence with age and association with clinical immunity to malaria.
Authors: Taylor R R , Allen S J , Greenwood B M , Riley E M
Published: April 2017

In a cross-sectional survey carried out in west Africa (The Gambia), where Plasmodium falciparum malaria is endemic with seasonal transmission, 178 individuals 1-75 years of age were assessed for their antibody response to the malaria vaccine candidate, merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP2). Total IgG to recombinant antigens representing full-length, repetitive, and group-specific domains of both allelic families of MSP2 was determined by ELISA. The IgG-subclass profile of IgG-positive sera was assessed. Antibody prevalence was age-dependent, reaching a peak during adolescence. In MSP2-seropositive individuals, there was a predominance of cytophilic antibodies (IgG1 and IgG3); IgG1 antibodies were prevalent in children less than 10 years of age, whereas in adolescents and adults MSP2-specific antibodies were predominantly IgG3. In parallel, we conducted a longitudinal study of children (3-8 years of age) from the same community; sera collected before the malaria transmission season were tested for the presence of anti-MSP2 antibodies. The subsequent susceptibility of these children to clinical malaria was monitored and the association between anti-MSP2 antibodies of different IgG subclasses and resistance to clinical malaria was tested. The presence of IgG3 antibodies to MSP2 serogroup A was negatively associated with the risk of clinical malaria whereas IgG1 antibodies to MSP2 serogroup B were associated with an increased risk of clinical infection. Our data suggest that age/exposure-related acquisition of IgG3 antibodies to MSP2 may contribute to the development of clinically protective immunity to malaria.
Immunodiagnosis of Fasciola hepatica infection (fascioliasis) in a human population in the Bolivian Altiplano using purified cathepsin L cysteine proteinase.
Authors: O'Neill S M , Parkinson M , Strauss W , Angles R , Dalton J P
Published: April 2017

Cathepsin L1 (CL1), an immunogenic cysteine proteinase secreted by juvenile and adult Fasciola hepatica, was assessed for its potential as a diagnostic agent for the serologic detection of human fascioliasis. Using ELISAs, we compared the ability of liver fluke homogenates (LFH), excretory/secretory (ES) products, and CL1 to discriminate between seropositive (infected) and seronegative (noninfected) individuals within a population of 95 patients from the Bolivian Altiplano. A high prevalence of human fascioliasis has been reported in this region. The division between the seropositive and seronegative individuals was poorly defined when LFH was used as the antigen. A greater discrimination between these populations was achieved with both ES and CL1. A K-means cluster analysis using the combined ES and CL1 ELISA data identified a cluster of seropositive individuals. Cathepsin L1 detected a subset (20) of these seropositive individuals while ES detected all 26; however, ES detected nine additional individuals that were in the seronegative cluster. The ratio of the mean absorbance readings between seropositive and seronegative individuals was markedly improved by using conjugated second antibodies to IgG4, the predominant isotype elicited by infection. In these IgG4-ELISAs, CL1 again identified fewer individuals as seropositive than did ES, but improved the discrimination between the seropositive and seronegative individuals and thus provided a more conclusive diagnosis. Sera obtained from patients infected with schistosomiasis mansoni, cysticercosis, hydatidosis, and Chagas' disease were negative in these assays, which demonstrated the specificity of the IgG4-ELISA for detecting fascioliasis. Twenty of the 95 patients (21%) were seropositive for fascioliasis by the CL1 IgG4-ELISA, confirming the earlier reports of the high prevalence of disease in this region. A standardized diagnostic test for human fascioliasis, based on an ELISA that detects IgG4 responses to CL1, could be available to all diagnostic centers if sufficient quantities of recombinant CL1 can be produced.
Experimental pulmonary fibrosis induced by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis conidia: measurement of local host responses.
Authors: Franco L , Najvar L , Gomez B L , Restrepo S , Graybill J R , Restrepo A
Published: April 2017

Pulmonary fibrosis was induced following inoculation of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis conidia intranasally in BALB/c mice. Fibrosis was associated with formation of granulomas, increase in lung hydroxyproline, and sustained increases in tissue tumor necrosis factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta. This study suggests a role for these cytokines in generation of pulmonary fibrosis associated with chronic granulomatous infectious diseases.
Allopurinol as an additive to quinine in the treatment of acute complicated falciparum malaria.
Authors: Sarma P S , Mandal A K , Khamis H J
Published: April 2017

The emergence of chloroquine resistance, and a world-wide scarcity of quinine, have resulted in a search for newer antimalarial drugs directed against falciparum malaria. Allopurinol causes virtually complete inhibition of purine biosynthesis of malaria parasites, which may prove lethal to the parasites. This study was designed to examine if allopurinol is additive to quinine in the treatment of acute falciparum malaria. Forty-seven Asian-Indian adults with acute complicated falciparum malaria were assigned to a treatment period of five days. They were randomly assigned to receive either oral allopurinol (12 mg/kg in three divided doses for five days) plus quinine (600 mg intravenously every 8 hr for two days, followed by 600 mg orally every 8 hr for three days ) (n = 24), or quinine alone (600 mg intravenously every 8 hr for two days, followed by 600 mg orally every 8 hr for three days) (n = 23). The responses were assessed by parasite clearance time, defervescence time, splenomegaly disappearance time, and cure rate. In the allopurinol-quinine (ALLQUIN)-treated group, all the durations were significantly shorter than those in the quinine alone (QUIN)-treated group. They were ALLQUIN versus QUIN (mean +/- SD = 65.33 +/- 11.47 hr versus 76.78 +/- 18.20 hr; P = 0.0214; 57.66 +/- 13.01 hr versus 82.52 +/- 23.55 hr, P = 0.0002; 10 +/- 1.64 days versus 14.65 +/- 2.4 days; P = 0.0002), respectively. The cure rate was higher in the ALLQUIN group (91.7%) than in the QUIN group (87%). However, this difference was not statistically significant. Therefore, this study indicates that allopurinol can be an additive to quinine to bring about both faster eradication of Plasmodium falciparum and clinical remission than with quinine alone.
Correlations between intestinal parasitosis, physical growth, and psychomotor development among infants and children from rural Nicaragua.
Authors: Oberhelman R A , Guerrero E S , Fernandez M L , Silio M , Mercado D , Comiskey N , Ihenacho G , Mera R
Published: April 2017

The correlations between malnutrition, parasitosis (especially helminth infections), and child development are complex, and studies of these interrelationships will allow health agencies to maximize screening and intervention strategies for developing countries. We examined these correlations in a cross-sectional program in Carazo State, Nicaragua. Nine hundred sixty-one children in two age strata (ages 0-24 months and ages 2-10 years) from one urban and three rural communities were screened for intestinal parasites (direct smear and ZnSO4 flotation), malnutrition, and developmental delays. Nutritional status was determined as weight-for-age (WFA), weight-for-height (WFH), and height-for-age (HFA). Developmental status (normal, suspect) was determined for the four subtests of the Denver II Screening Test. The prevalence of malnutrition was 14.6% (WFA), 8.4% (WFH), and 36.3% (HFA). Parasitosis was more prevalent in children less than 24 months of age with low HFA, whereas in older children low WFA was more closely associated with parasitic infections. Ascaris and Trichuris were more prevalent in malnourished children. On the Denver II, suspect test results in all four categories (language, social, gross motor, and fine motor) were associated with low WFA, and suspect language tests were associated with both intestinal parasites (P = 0.0003) and Ascaris infection in particular (P = 0.044). Developmental disabilities are a significant and frequently undetected health problem in developing countries, and malnutrition associated with intestinal helminth infections may be an important contributory factor for these disabilities.
Effect of low-level pathogenic helminth infection on energy metabolism in Gambian children.
Authors: Stettler N , Schutz Y , Jequier E
Published: April 2017

The aim of the present study was to determine whether an increase in resting energy expenditure (REE) contributes to the impaired nutritional status of Gambian children infected by a low level of infection with pathogenic helminths. The REE of 24 children infected with hookworm, Ascaris, Strongyloides, or Trichuris (mean +/- SEM age = 11.9 +/- 0.1 years) and eight controls without infection (mean +/- SEM age = 11.8 +/- 0.1 years) were measured by indirect calorimetry with a hood system (test A). This measurement was repeated after treatment with 400 mg of albendazole (patients) or a placebo (controls) (test B). When normalized for fat free mass, REE in test A was not different in the patients (177 +/- 2 kJ/kg x day) and in the controls (164 +/- 7 kJ/kg x day); furthermore, REE did not change significantly after treatment in the patients (173 +/- 3 kJ/kg x day) or in the controls (160 +/- 8 kJ/kg x day). There was no significant difference in the respiratory quotient between patients and controls, nor between tests A and B. It is concluded that a low level of helminth infection does not affect significantly the energy metabolism of Gambian children.
Isolation of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis from armadillos (Dasypus noveminctus) captured in an endemic area of paracoccidioidomycosis.
Authors: Bagagli E , Sano A , Coelho K I , Alquati S , Miyaji M , de Camargo Z P , Gomes G M , Franco M , Montenegro M R
Published: April 2017

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, the causative agent of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), was first isolated from armadillos from the Amazonian region where the mycosis is uncommon. In the present study, we report on the high incidence of PCM infection in armadillos from a hyperendemic region of the disease. Four nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) were captured in the endemic area of Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil, killed by manual cervical dislocation and autopsied under sterile conditions. Fragments of lung, spleen, liver, and mesenteric lymph nodes were processed for histology, cultured on Mycosel agar at 37 degrees C, and homogenized for inoculation into the testis and peritoneum of hamsters. The animals were killed from week 6 to week 20 postinoculation and fragments of liver, lung, spleen, testis, and lymph nodes were cultured on brain heart infusion agar at 37 degrees C. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis was isolated from three armadillos both by direct organ culture and from the liver, spleen, lung, and mesenteric lymph nodes of hamsters. In addition, one positive armadillo presented histologically proven PCM disease in a mesenteric lymph node. The three armadillos isolates (Pb-A1, Pb-A2, and Pb-A4) presented thermodependent dimorphism, urease activity, and casein assimilation, showed amplification of the gp43 gene, and were highly virulent in intratesticularly inoculated hamsters. The isolates expressed the gp43 glycoprotein, the immunodominant antigen of the fungus, and reacted with a pool of sera from PCM patients. Taken together, the present data confirm that armadillos are a natural reservoir of P. brasiliensis and demonstrate that the animal is a sylvan host to the fungus.
Epidemic of dengue-4 virus in Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia, and implication of Aedes hensilli as an epidemic vector.
Authors: Savage H M , Fritz C L , Rutstein D , Yolwa A , Vorndam V , Gubler D J
Published: April 2017

A dengue fever/dengue hemorrhagic fever (DF/DHF) outbreak in Yap State caused by dengue-4 virus was confirmed serologically and by virus isolation from serum samples collected on each of three island groups. Most DF/DHF cases occurred during a three-month period between mid-May and early August 1995. Five fatal cases, three of which were in children between the ages of four and 11, occurred between June 20 and July 26. A serosurvey conducted in late August revealed anti-dengue IgM prevalence rates of 18% on Yap, 36% on Eauripik, and 6% on Woleai. The majority of residents (93-100%) on the three islands were positive for anti-dengue IgG antibodies, indicating widespread exposure to dengue viruses. The IgG titers indicative of secondary antibody response were noted on Eauripik (6.5%) and Woleai (17%), but were rare on Yap (0.7%). Entomologic investigations implicated the native mosquito species, Aedes hensilli, a member of the Scutellaris Group of Aedes (Stegomyia), as a previously unrecognized epidemic vector of dengue viruses. Aedes hensilli was the most abundant and widespread member of Ae. (Stegomyia) in Yap State, the only species of Ae. (Stegomyia) on Woleai, and the only mosquito species present on Eauripik. New distribution records for mosquito species are reported.
A survey of hantavirus antibody in small-mammal populations in selected United States National Parks.
Authors: Mills J N , Johnson J M , Ksiazek T G , Ellis B A , Rollin P E , Yates T L , Mann M O , Johnson M R , Campbell M L , Miyashiro J , Patrick M , Zyzak M , Lavender D , Novak M G , Schmidt K , Peters C J , Childs J E
Published: April 2017

Hantavirus activity in 39 National Parks in the eastern and central United States was surveyed by testing 1,815 small mammals of 38 species for antibody reactive to Sin Nombre virus. Antibody-positive rodents were found throughout the area sampled, and in most biotic communities. Antibody was detected in 7% of 647 deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), 2% of 590 white-footed mice (P. leucopus), 17% of 12 rice rats (Oryzomys palustris), 3% of 31 cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus), and 33% of 18 western harvest mice (Reithrodontomys megalotis). Antibody was also found in three of six species of voles, and in one of 33 chipmunks (Tamias minimus). Prevalence among Peromyscus was highest in the northeast. Although few cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome have been identified from the eastern and central regions, widespread infection in reservoir populations indicates that potential exists for human infection throughout much of the United States.
Guidelines for Aerodynamic Assessment of Medium and Heavy Commercial Ground Vehicles Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors:   Truck and Bus Aerodynamics and Fuel Economy Committee
Published: April 2017

This document outlines general requirements for the use of CFD methods for aerodynamic simulation of medium and heavy commercial ground vehicles weighing more than 10 000lbs. The document provides guidance for aerodynamic simulation with CFD methods to support current vehicle characterization, vehicle development, vehicle concept development and vehicle component development. The guidelines presented in the document are related to Navier-Stokes and Lattice-Boltzmann based solvers.

This document is only valid for the classes of CFD methods and applications mentioned. Other classes of methods and applications may or may not be appropriate to simulate the aerodynamics of medium and heavy commercial ground vehicle weighing more than 10 000lbs.
The Bhaduri–Marglin post-Kaleckian model in the history of distribution and growth theories: an assessment by means of model closures*
Authors: Hein Eckhard
Published: April 2017

Starting from a review of the main strands of orthodox and heterodox distribution and growth models and their distinguishing features, with the post-Kaleckian Bhaduri and Marglin (1990) (and Kurz 1990) model as a specific but highly flexible variant of heterodox distribution and growth theories, we develop a simple modelling framework in which we can treat these different theories as different variants of model closure. In a simple closed private one-good economy model, each theory is presented drawing on the relationship between the rate of profit and the rate of growth, as well as on the consideration of one major adjusting variable allowing for the convergence of the endogenous variables of the model to their equilibrium values. This allows for a systematic comparison of exogenous and endogenous variables, of the ‘logic’ or the chain of causalities in each of the approaches, and of the generation of the long-run equilibrium positions of the system. It is finally shown that the post-Kaleckian model is able to cover many but not all of the results generated by the old neoclassical growth model, new neoclassical growth theories, classical–Marxian distribution and growth approaches, and post-Keynesian Kaldor–Robinson and Kalecki–Steindl distribution and growth theories.
Effects of the 2014 Major Baltic Inflow on methane and nitrous oxide dynamics in the water column of the Central Baltic Sea
Authors: Myllykangas Jukka-Pekka , Jilbert Tom , Jakobs Gunnar , Rehder Gregor , Werner Jan , Hietanen Susanna
Published: April 2017

Abstract. In late 2014, a large, oxygen-rich salt water inflow entered the Baltic Sea and caused considerable changes in deep water oxygen concentrations. We studied the effects of the inflow on the concentration patterns of two greenhouse gases, methane and nitrous oxide, during the following year (2015) in the water column of the Gotland Basin. Methane which had previously accumulated in anoxic deep waters was largely removed from the Eastern Gotland Basin during the year, predominantly due to oxidation following turbulent mixing with the oxygen-rich inflow. In contrast nitrous oxide, which was previously absent from deep waters, accumulated in deep waters due to enhanced nitrification following the inflow. A transient extreme accumulation of nitrous oxide was observed in the deep waters of the Eastern Gotland Basin towards the end of 2015, when deep waters turned anoxic again and sedimentary denitrification was induced. The Western Gotland Basin gas biogeochemistry was not affected by the inflow.
Sensitivity of potential evapotranspiration to changes in climate variables for different Australian climatic zones
Authors: Guo Danlu , Westra Seth , Maier Holger R.
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Assessing the factors that have an impact on potential evapotranspiration (PET) sensitivity to changes in different climate variables is critical to understanding the possible implications of climatic changes on the catchment water balance. Using a global sensitivity analysis, this study assessed the implications of baseline climate conditions on the sensitivity of PET to a large range of plausible changes in temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), solar radiation (Rs) and wind speed (uz). The analysis was conducted at 30 Australian locations representing different climatic zones, using the Penman–Monteith and Priestley–Taylor PET models. Results from both models suggest that the baseline climate can have a substantial impact on overall PET sensitivity. In particular, approximately 2-fold greater changes in PET were observed in cool-climate energy-limited locations compared to other locations in Australia, indicating the potential for elevated water loss as a result of increasing actual evapotranspiration (AET) in these locations. The two PET models consistently indicated temperature to be the most important variable for PET, but showed large differences in the relative importance of the remaining climate variables. In particular for the Penman–Monteith model, wind and relative humidity were the second-most important variables for dry and humid catchments, respectively, whereas for the Priestley–Taylor model solar radiation was the second-most important variable, with the greatest influence in warmer catchments. This information can be useful to inform the selection of suitable PET models to estimate future PET for different climate conditions, providing evidence on both the structural plausibility and input uncertainty for the alternative models.
Temporal and spatial changes of rainfall and streamflow in the Upper Tekezē–Atbara river basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremicael Tesfay G. , Mohamed Yasir A. , v. Zaag Pieter , Hagos Eyasu Y.
Published: April 2017

Abstract. The Upper Tekezē–Atbara river sub-basin, part of the Nile Basin, is characterized by high temporal and spatial variability of rainfall and streamflow. In spite of its importance for sustainable water use and food security, the changing patterns of streamflow and its association with climate change is not well understood. This study aims to improve the understanding of the linkages between rainfall and streamflow trends and identify possible drivers of streamflow variabilities in the basin. Trend analyses and change-point detections of rainfall and streamflow were analysed using Mann–Kendall and Pettitt tests, respectively, using data records for 21 rainfall and 9 streamflow stations. The nature of changes and linkages between rainfall and streamflow were carefully examined for monthly, seasonal and annual flows, as well as indicators of hydrologic alteration (IHA). The trend and change-point analyses found that 19 of the tested 21 rainfall stations did not show statistically significant changes. In contrast, trend analyses on the streamflow showed both significant increasing and decreasing patterns. A decreasing trend in the dry season (October to February), short season (March to May), main rainy season (June to September) and annual totals is dominant in six out of the nine stations. Only one out of nine gauging stations experienced significant increasing flow in the dry and short rainy seasons, attributed to the construction of Tekezē hydropower dam upstream this station in 2009. Overall, streamflow trends and change-point timings were found to be inconsistent among the stations. Changes in streamflow without significant change in rainfall suggests factors other than rainfall drive the change. Most likely the observed changes in streamflow regimes could be due to changes in catchment characteristics of the basin. Further studies are needed to verify and quantify the hydrological changes shown in statistical tests by identifying the physical mechanisms behind those changes. The findings from this study are useful as a prerequisite for studying the effects of catchment management dynamics on the hydrological variabilities in the basin.
Mapping of soil properties at high resolution in Switzerland using boosted geoadditive models
Authors: Nussbaum Madlene , Walthert Lorenz , Fraefel Marielle , Greiner Lucie , Papritz Andreas
Published: April 2017

Abstract. High-resolution maps of soil properties are a prerequisite for assessing soil threats and soil functions and to foster sustainable use of soil resources. For many regions in the world precise maps of soil properties are missing, but often sparsely sampled and discontinuous (legacy) soil data are available. Soil property data (response) can then be related by digital soil mapping (DSM) to spatially exhaustive environmental data that describe soil forming factors (covariates) to create spatially continuous maps. With air- and spaceborne remote sensing data and multi-scale terrain analysis large sets of covariates have become common. Building parsimonious models, amenable to pedological interpretation, is then a challenging task. We propose a new boosted geoadditive modelling framework (geoGAM) for DSM. A geoGAM models smooth nonlinear relations between responses and single covariates and combines these model terms additively. Residual spatial autocorrelation is captured by a smooth function of spatial coordinates and nonstationary effects are included by interactions between covariates and smooth spatial functions. The core of fully automated model building for geoGAM is componentwise gradient boosting. We illustrate the application of the geoGAM framework by using soil data from the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland. We modelled effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) in forest topsoils as continuous response. For agricultural land we predicted the presence of waterlogged horizons in given soil depth layers as binary and drainage classes as ordinal responses. For the latter we used proportional odds geoGAM taking the ordering of the response properly into account. Fitted geoGAM contained only few covariates (7 to 17) selected from large sets (333 covariates for forests, 498 for agricultural land). Model sparsity allowed covariate interpretation by partial effects plots. Prediction intervals were computed by model-based bootstrapping for ECEC. Predictive performance of the fitted geoGAM, tested with independent validation data and specific skill scores (SS) for continuous, binary and ordinal responses, compared well with other studies that modelled similar soil properties. SS of 0.23 up to 0.53 (with SS = 1 for perfect predictions and SS = 0 for zero explained variance) were achieved depending on response and type of score. geoGAM combines efficient model building from large sets of covariates with ease of effect interpretation and therefore likely raises the acceptance of DSM products by end-users.
Characterization of bioactive compounds from monascus purpureus fermented different cereal substrates
Authors: Ivanišová Eva , Rajtar Martin , Tokár Marián , Frančáková Helena , Dráb Štefan , Kluz Maciej , Kačániová Miroslava
Published: April 2017

Solid-state fermenting of cereals by Monascus is interesting strategy to produce cereals with more beneficial components.  The objective of this study was to determine selected primary and secondary metabolites in cereals (rice, wheat, barley, sorghum, corn, buckwheat) fermented by Monascus purpreus and subsequently compare amount of these compounds with control sample (cereals without Monascus). In fermented cereals was determined higher protein, fat, reducing sugars, crude fiber and ash content with compare to non-fermented cereals. The antioxidant activity measured by DPPH assay, ABTS assay as well as reducing power assay was also higher in fermented Monascus cereals with the best results in rice (3.09 ±0.02; 62.9 ±2.24; 43.19 ±2.07 mg TEAC per g of dry weight). Sample of fermented rice contained the highest level of total polyphenols (15.31 ±3.62 mg GAE per g of dry weight), total flavonoids (1.65 mg QE per g of dry weight) and total phenolic acids (9.47 ±0.56 mg CAE per g of dry weight). In fermented cereals was also determined higher contact of reducing sugars (highest value in rice 246.97 ±7.96 mg GE per g), proteins (highest value in buckwheat 28.47 ±1.24%), ash (highest value in sorghum 2.74 ±0.08%) and fat (highest value in corn 4.89 ±0.03%) with compare to non-fermented samples. Results of crude fiber content of both - fermented and non-fermented cereals were balanced with similar values. Results of this study shown that Monascus purpureus fermented cereal substrates might be a potential sources of several bioactive compounds in food products.
Does apricot seeds consumption cause changes in human urine?
Authors: Tušimová Eva , Kováčik Anton , Halenár Marek , Michalcová Katarí­na , Zbyňovská Katarí­na , Kolesárová Anna , Kopčeková Jana , Valuch Jozef , Kolesárová Adriana
Published: April 2017

Natural substances, such as amygdalin, used in alternative medicine gained high popularity. Common people as well as patients with different diseases have almost unlimited access to various natural supplements. To protect human health, it is very important to study effect of these substances. Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glucoside derived from seeds of rosaceous plants, for example seeds of bitter almonds (Prunus dulcis), or apricot, cherry, apple, peach, plum, etc. It is a natural product that owns antitumor activity, it has also been used for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, leprosy and diabetes and produces a kind of antitussive and antiasthmatic effects. The present in vivo study was designed to reveal whether amygdalin in apricot seeds has got an effect on human urine composition, pH value and urine associated health status after six weeks of oral administration. The study group finally consisted of 34 healthy adult volunteers (21 females and 13 males). All participants were asked to consume 60 mg.kg-1 body weight of bitter apricot seeds daily (approximately 3.0 mg.kg-1 of amygdalin) during 6 weeks. During the experiment, three urine collections were carried out (first collection - at the beginning of the experiment; second collection - after 21 days; third collection - after 42 days). Quantification of urine calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K), chlorides (Cl-), urea and pH value after apricot seeds supplementation was performed. Statistical analysis of variance showed, that consumption of bitter apricot seeds during 42 days had a significant (p <0.01) effect on amount of calcium excreted in urine, though this decrease shifted its level from elevated mean value in control collection into normal physiological range. Significant changes were observed in urea (p <0.05) and phosphorus (p <0.01) levels in urine after apricot seed ingestion, but gender was also considered to be a source of their variation.
Balancing Historical Roots and Future Growth: China’s Foreign Policy
Authors: Guo Lisa , Chiu Pit L. , Ito Hiroshi
Published: April 2017

Whereas many know about China’s economic growth in recent years, the most people have little understanding regarding how the country’s historical roots and political structure have contributed to development. Through an analysis of relevant literature, this article examines China’s historical roots and political structure as they affect its foreign policy decisions that have contributed to shaping the country’s national development. It is suggested that a deeper understanding of this relationship will help Western nations interpret China’s current and future policy decisions in order to forecast the potential significance of its global influence over the next decade.
The Relationship Structure of a Transnational, Ego-centered, and Innovation-Oriented Network
Authors: Weymer Alex Sandro Quadros , Kato Heitor Takashi , Da Veiga Claudimar Pereira , Moreira Vilmar Rodrigues
Published: April 2017

This study identifies the relationship structure of an ego-centered network by examining a transnational organization in the telecommunications sector that is oriented toward innovation. The study considers the dimensions of density, centrality, structural equivalence, and relationship content. Following the literature, we correlate the underlying concepts of network innovation substantiated through the technique of network analysis as a research method. The results suggest that the position of organizations in relation to the distance and pathways to other organizations in the network can influence the network’s capacity for innovation, conditioned by the strategic positioning of the focal company. This does not seem to be the case with the company considered by this study, as the strategic positioning of the matrix considers only innovative products with a worldwide scope, and not those with a more limited, local, or regional interest. The main contribution of this study is the identification of the relationship structure of a transnational, ego-centered, and innovation-oriented network with the aid of a statistical tool.
The Drivers of the Life Satisfaction of Pro-environment and Non-pro-environment People
Authors: Leelakulthanit Orose
Published: April 2017

Happiness or life satisfaction tends to be the ultimate goal of human beings. It is the intention of this study to investigate the factors influencing the life satisfaction of pro-environment and non-pro-environment people. The data were collected from interviews with 320 adults, who were equally divided into pro-environment and non-pro-environment adults of at least 18 years of age and that had come to the randomly-selected shopping centers in Bangkok. The life satisfaction of the people, regardless of their environmentally-friendly attitude, was assumed to be driven by the personal characteristics of optimism and internal locus of control, and the domains of life of family, personal health, self-actualization, and material possessions, as well as the altruistic and biospheric values of being nature lovers. The results from the t-test suggested that pro-environment people are likely to be more satisfied with their lives than non-pro-environment people. Moreover, the multiple regression analysis indicated that the life satisfaction of the pro-environment people was positively influenced by the biospheric value of being a nature lover, self-actualization, and age, and was negatively influenced by education. The pro-environment people that were never married were more satisfied with their lives than those that were married. Finally, the life satisfaction of the non-pro-environment people was positively triggered by the personal characteristics of optimism and having an internal locus of control, as well as the domain of life of personal health and age.
Van zorginstellingen, zorgverzekeraars en patiëntenverenigingen en het wetsvoorstel Wet bestuur en toezicht rechtspersonen
Authors: Klaassen A.G.H.
Published: April 2017

Van zorginstellingen, zorgverzekeraars en patiëntenverenigingen en het wetsvoorstel Wet bestuur en toezicht rechtspersonen

In juni 2016 is het wetsvoorstel Wet bestuur en toezicht rechtspersonen (WBTR) aangeboden aan de Tweede Kamer. Deze bijdrage gaat in op de vraag welke gevolgen dit wetsvoorstel heeft voor zorginstellingen, zorgverzekeraars en patiëntenverenigingen. De WBTR heeft vooral gevolgen voor zorginstellingen en in mindere mate voor patiëntenverenigingen en nog minder voor zorgverzekeraars. Aanpassing van het Uitvoeringsbesluit WTZi is gewenst. Een monistisch bestuursmodel voor zorginstellingen moet mogelijk zijn en het schriftelijk vastleggen van de overwegingen bij een tegenstrijdig belang moet van dwingend recht worden. Aanpassing van het wetsvoorstel is gewenst op het punt van de aansprakelijkheid van bestuurders van (patiënten)verenigingen in faillissement.
De Governancecode Zorg 2017
Authors: Oostwouder W.J. , Leijdesdorff F.L.
Published: April 2017

De Governancecode Zorg 2017. Wondermiddel, doekje voor het bloeden of een geschikt instrument?

Op 15 december 2016 is de Governancecode Zorg 2017 aangeboden aan de cliëntenorganisaties binnen de zorg. De auteurs van dit artikel houden deze Code tegen het licht en vergelijken deze met de Zorgbrede Governancecode 2010 en de Corporate Governancecode 2016. Voorts beantwoorden zij de volgende vragen: (a) draagt de Code op een adequate wijze bij aan de vier speerpunten van het beleid van de minister van VWS; (b) hoe vernieuwend is de Code; (c) wat moet er in de bestuurskamer en de kamer van de raad van toezicht veranderen; en (d) vergroot de Code het aansprakelijkheidsrisico voor bestuurders en leden van de raad van toezicht?
De stand van de stelselherziening: meer zicht op de uitwerking van het nieuwe stelsel
Authors: de Vos H.W. (Wilco)
Published: April 2017

De stand van de stelselherziening: meer zicht op de uitwerking van het nieuwe stelsel

In deze bijdrage wordt de stand van zaken van de stelselherziening van het omgevingsrecht gegeven tot de publicatie van de ontwerp-AMvB’s.
Gebiedsbescherming en soortenbescherming in de Aanvullingswet natuur Omgevingswet
Authors: Backes Ch.W. (Chris) , Freriks A.A. (Annelies)
Published: April 2017

Gebiedsbescherming en soortenbescherming in de Aanvullingswet natuur Omgevingswet

In deze bijdrage bespreken de auteurs gebieds- en soortenbescherming in de consultatieversie van de Aanvullingswet natuur die op 21 november 2016 is gepubliceerd. De auteurs bespreken de wijze waarop de bestaande regeling wordt geïntegreerd in het systeem van de Omgevingswet en de vraag of dit gevolgen heeft voor het beschermingsniveau.
De nadeelcompensatieregeling in de Omgevingswet: geen aantrekkelijk alternatief voor het huidige planschadestelsel
Authors: van den Broek G.M. (Berthy) , Tjepkema M.K.G. (Michiel)
Published: April 2017

De nadeelcompensatieregeling in de Omgevingswet: geen aantrekkelijk alternatief voor het huidige planschadestelsel

In deze bijdrage bespreken de auteurs de voorgestelde regeling voor nadeelcompensatie in de Omgevingswet, zoals deze op 5 januari is gepubliceerd. Zij zetten deze nieuwe regeling af tegen de bestaande planschaderegeling in de Wro en bespreken de twee meest in het oog springende wijzigingen: het doorschuiven van de schadevergoeding en de verhoging van het forfait voor het normaal maatschappelijk risico.
Composite Magnetic Nanoparticles (CuFe2O4) as a New Microsorbent for Extraction of Rhodamine B from Water Samples
Authors: Roostaie Ali , Allahnoori Farzad , Ehteshami Shokooh
Published: April 2017

In this work, novel composite magnetic nanoparticles (CuFe2O4) were synthesizedbased on sol-gel combustion in the laboratory. Next,a simple production method was optimized for the preparation of the copper nanoferrites (CuFe2O4), which are stable in water, magnetically active, and have a high specific area used as sorbent material for organic dye extraction in water solution. CuFe2O4 nanopowders were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The size range of the nanoparticles obtained in such conditions was estimated by SEM images to be 35–45 nm. The parameters influencing the extraction of CuFe2O4 nanoparticles, such as desorption solvent, amount of sorbent, desorption time, sample pH, ionic strength, and extraction time, were investigatedand optimized. Under the optimum conditions, a linear calibration curve in the range of 0.75–5.00μg/L with R2 = 0.9996 was obtained. The LOQ (10Sb) and LOD (3Sb) of the method were 0.75 and 0.25 μg/L (n = 3), respectively. The RSD for a water sample spiked with 1 μg/L rhodamine B was 3% (n = 5). The method was applied for the determination of rhodamine B in tap water, dishwashing foam, dishwashing liquid, and shampoo samples. The relative recovery percentages for these samples were in the range of 95–99%.