bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterisation and In Vivo Safety of Canine Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Bērziņš Uldis , Matise-VanHoutana Ilze , Pētersone Ilze , Dūrītis Ilmārs , Ņikuļšins Sergejs , Bogdanova-Jātniece Ance , Kālis Mārtiņš , Svirskis Šimons , Skrastiņa Dace , Ezerta Agnese , Kozlovska Tatjana
Published: March 2018

The study characterises canine adipose-derived stem cells (cASCs) in comparison to human ASCs (hASCs) and tests their safety in a canine model after intravenous administration. cASCs from two dogs were cultured under hypoxic conditions in a medium supplemented with autologous serum. They were plastic adherent, spindle-shaped cells that expressed CD73, CD90, and CD44 but lacked CD45, CD14, HLA-DR, and CD34. cASCs differentiated toward adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic lineages, although adipogenic differentiation capacity was low. Blast transformation reaction demonstrated that these cells significantly suppress T-cell proliferation, and this ability is dose-dependent. Intravenous administration of a cell freezing medium, therapeutic dose of cASCs (2 × 106 live cells/kg), and five times higher dose of cASCs showed no significant side effects in two dogs. Microscopic tissue lesions were limited to only mild, non-specific changes. There were no signs of malignancy. The results of the study indicate that cASCs are similar to hASCs and are safe for therapeutic applications in a canine model. The proposed methodology for ASC preparation on a non-routine basis, which includes individually optimised cell culture conditions and offers risk-adapted treatment, could be used for future personalised off-the-shelf therapies, for example, in myocardial infarction or stroke.
The presence of aeroallergens in food products: a potential risk for the patient with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Popescu Florin-Dan , Vieru Mariana
Published: March 2018

Clinical entities of food allergy in allergic rhinitis patients due to IgE-sensitization to cross-reactive aeroallergen and food allergen components are well described, but less data are available regarding allergic reactions to foods containing aeroallergens, either due to food contamination, such as oral mite anaphylaxis, or due to their natural presence in the edible products, such as pollen grains in honey and bee products. There are some potential risks for allergic rhinitis subjects due to ingestion of food products containing domestic mite, insect, fungal and pollen allergens. The knowledge of these risks is useful for the allergists and ENT specialists, especially in the context of climate changes with warmer periods facilitating mite growth in flours, and of increase use of phytotherapy and apitherapy products containing pollen grains.
Difficulties of olfactometric evaluation in patients accusing smell disorders after head trauma
Authors: Melinte Gabriela-Violeta , Sarafoleanu Codrut
Published: March 2018

Head trauma is considered to be the third cause of olfactory function disorders. Olfactometric assessment in patients accusing anosmia following head injury produced by car accident or aggression is important, because most of them are involved in law trials in order to obtain financial compensations from the author. It is compulsory to use both subjective and objective olfactory evaluation methods combined with a detailed anamnesis, a complete ENT examination and a good cranio-facial imaging (computed tomography or MRI) in order to exclude malingerers and to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

“Sfanta Maria” ENT Department from Bucharest is the only center in Romania where the olfactory function in completely investigated. We use chemosensory (Snap and Sniff Test and n-Butanol Dynamic Olfactometry) and electrophysiological tests (electric olfactory evoked potentials of the olfactory bulb).

Unfortunately, we confront with a series of difficulties in what concerns the smell function evaluation: 1) there is scarce information in the literature regarding the olfactory electric evoked potentials; 2) the electric olfactory evoked potentials register only the electrical activity in the olfactory bulb; 3) in case of olfactory impairment medically confirmed, we cannot establish a cause-effect relationship between the disturbance and the event; 4) the most accurate electrophysiological assessment method currently available in Europe is the time-frequency analysis of chemosensory event-related potentials, but we do not dispose of the necessary equipment yet; 5) sometimes patients do not give us the informed consent for a complete olfactory evaluation.
Odontogenic suppurative rhinosinusitis with oculo-orbital and cerebral complications - case series
Authors: Vrinceanu Daniela , Dumitru Mihai , Eftime Ioana , Ilie Madalina , Stefan Adrian , Banica Bogdan , Teleanu Daniel Mihai , Popa-Cherecheanu Alina
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND. Odontogenic rhinosinusal suppurations have a high potential for major ocular-orbital and cerebral complications because of the presence of anaerobic bacteria flora, with continuity, contiguity and haematogenous propagation mechanisms. This pathology is often diagnosed in other departments than ENT such as ophthalmology, neurosurgery or OMF surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS. We present three clinical cases of odontogenic rhinosinusal suppurations with major complications: a 36-year-old patient with odontogenic pansinusitis complicated with orbital phlegmon and cerebral frontal lobe abscess; a 19-year-old patient with complicated maxillary-ethmoidal-frontal sinusitis complicated with frontal subdural empyema and frontal bone osteomyelitis (with a history of craniofacial trauma one year before); a 66-year-old patient with odontogenic maxillary-ethmoidal sinusitis complicated with orbital apex syndrome.

RESULTS. The treatment was surgical, by external approach, with endoscopic nasal control, in interdisciplinary teams. We have associated massive antibiotic therapy. Surgical drainage for complicated rhinosinusitis should be done in emergency, within the first 24 hours after admission, according to guidelines. The bacteriological examination for aerobic and anaerobic flora can guide the diagnosis - two cases associated maxillo-ethmoidal aspergilloma lesions. The evolution of the cases was favourable.

CONCLUSION. Interdisciplinary teams have successfully solved these complicated odontogenic rhinosinusal suppurations. Two of the cases were admitted and cured within 2 weeks, in the context of very hot weather, which exacerbated dormant dental infections.
En traduisant Guimarães Rosa
Authors: Dosse Mathieu
Published: March 2018

Traduire João Guimarães Rosa est une expérience à part. Dans cet article nous interrogeons ce texte si particulier au regard de la traduction. L’art du traduire, en effet, nous permet de plonger au cœur même de la singularité de cette écriture qui n’a rien de semblable, non seulement au Brésil, mais dans le monde entier. Et qu’en est-il du traducteur ? Est-il une personne gênante qu’il faudrait si possible oublier ? Nous explorons ici Grande Sertão: Veredas, bien sûr, qui reste le chef d’œuvre de l’auteur, ainsi que les nouvelles du recueil posthume Estas Estórias.
Arte, educación y transformación social
Authors: Cartagena María Fernanda
Published: March 2018

Tanto a nivel local como internacional, la intersección entre arte y educación se ha convertido en un tema central en el debate cultural actual. Este texto busca trazar, cruces recientes entre arte y educación en el contexto ecuatoriano, con atención al sector de las artes visuales, para enfocarse en prácticas artísticas contemporáneas que se desarrollan en contextos sociales, donde se está actualizando la dimensión política tanto del arte como de la educación.

Palabras claves: Prácticas artísticas contemporáneas, esfera pública, educación artística, estéticas liberadoras, activismo, diálogo intercultural, transformación social.
Arte como teología. Introducción a la perspectiva iconológica y la estética bizantinas
Authors: Garcells Agustín
Published: March 2018

El discurso estético bizantino se encuentra firmemente relacionado con el dogma teológico, particularmente el cristológico. El objetivo del presente estudio es resaltar la importancia de este discurso, partiendo del hecho de que se corresponde con una experiencia artística todavía vigente. Este ensayo pretende relacionar los elementos de la teología del icono bizantino, en la medida en que esta se articula dentro de la tradición oriental y con las definiciones de arte de algunos pensadores orientales y occidentales más contemporáneos. Estas definiciones consideran a la obra de arte más que una forma de objetivación cultural, como un modo de conocimiento de la “verdad”. El estudio da por sentado que, en lo que respecta al arte cristiano, la “verdad”, más que un concepto filosófico o una operación intelectual, constituye una persona específica: la persona de Cristo, el “ Theánthropos”.

Palabras clave: icono, bizantino, arte, estética, cristianismo.
Gestión cultural y despolitización: cuando nos llamaron gestores
Authors: De la Vega Paola
Published: March 2018

Este artículo permite una aproximación crítica al surgimiento de la gestión cultural en Ecuador y América Latina, como campo de conocimiento emergente en la década de los noventa, en un contexto de aplicación de agendas de ayuda al desarrollo, políticas neoliberales y de ajuste estructural, multiculturalismo incluyente, y la globalización expresada en la apertura nacional y la integración regional. Situada en estas complejas relaciones geopolíticas, la gestión cultural es tecnología de gobierno de la conducta (Richard, 2010, 179) y una estrategia de despolitización de prácticas artísticas y culturales de dimensión comunitaria y política con vigencia plena en este decenio. Propuestas artísticas y comunidades, dialógicas y de contexto, epistemologías de la diferencia, activismo, educación y comunicación popular, son algunos de los planos fundamentales de las discusiones académicas actuales, con perspectiva histórica, sobre una epistemología de la gestión cultural latinoamericana.

Palabras claves: gestión cultural, tecnología de gobierno, conocimiento situado, tecnologías sociales, prácticas contextualizadas, epistemología de la gestión cultural latinoamericana.
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW of RUSSIA
Authors: Братановский Сергей , Bratanovsky Sergey , конджакулян карен , kondzhakulyan karen , Братановская Милена , Bratanovskaya Milena
Published: March 2018

IT IS DESIGNED FOR STUDENTS AND LISTENERS OF LEGAL SPECIALTIES, TEACHERS AND GRADUATE STUDENTS OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS, OTHER HIGHEST AND AVERAGE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, SCIENTISTS AND ALSO FOR ALL STUDYING OR INTERESTED IN PROBLEMS OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW IN SOREMENNY RUSSIA
MORPHOLOGICAL AND MORPHOPHONEMIC PROCESS OF ALAY VARIATION
Authors: Nurhayati Dwi Astuti Wahyu
Published: March 2018

This study reports the morphological and morphonemic process of  Alay variation as a communication model among Indonesia youth. Data were analysed by using qualitative approach applying thematic framing. Data were obtained from facebook and online writing communication. The study reveals that morphological process of Alay Words consist of affixation and non-affixation. Affixation includes: Internal change, Infixation, and Core of vowel change. Non-Affixation includes:  Borrowing, Coinage, Clipping, Acronym, Multiple process,  Reduplication, and Combination Text. Morphophonemic process is categorized into Loss of Phonemes, Addition of Phonemes, and  Simple Consonant Change. This way, Indonesia youth use this variety to code and mix among their group for internet account. Alay indicates an alternative in compressing words under 160 character-limit in text messages, ignoring standard rules as method of making strong password for internet discourse and  expression of mood and feeling dealing intimate mood, such as: love, heart break, and relationship.
PENGINTEGRASIAN KONTEN BUDAYA LOKAL DALAM BUKU TEMATIK PEGANGAN SISWA KELAS V SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Prihatini Arti
Published: March 2018

This study is aimed to evaluate integration of local culture contents in the thematic textbook for the fifth grade students of Elementary School is crucial to include. This study used descriptive qualitative design.  This study revealed that local culture contents incurred in the textbook comprised of: (1) internal and external local culture load, (2) development of individual and society local culture domain, (3) reading texts, istructional texts, exercises and assignments, reflection views,  communication texts to students parents, and (4) implementation of local culture theories that is not yet optimally described.
MENINGKATKAN KETERAMPILAN MENULIS CERPEN MELALUI IKLAN TELEVISI PADA SISWA KELAS IX-A SMP NEGERI 3 BALIKPAPAN
Authors: Wahyuni Hj. Eny
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study is to see the effectiveness of TV adverts to improve ability on writing short story.  Adversts broadcast in TV are used as exposures and writing short story is the focus of learning object.  The study uses classroom action research as the research design and assigns the nineth grade students of SMPN 3 Balikpapan as the subject.  The study is conducted in two cylcles with two meeting each.  The study reveals that adverts as the media is effective to teach short story.  Learning activities indicate enthusiasm and students are eager to learn.  The activities increase from cycle I and achieve optimum result on cycle II.  The result of achievement in the cycles is also satisfied that raise significantly from cycle I to cycle II.  The study evidently reveals that TV adverts are meaningful to improve ability to write short story.
STYLE PIDATO EMHA AINUN NADJIB DALAM “MERAJUT KEMBALI NUSANTARA”
Authors: Triasmoro Guntur Yuli
Published: March 2018

This paper investigates the use  rhetorical dictions and language styles used in the speech of Emha Ainun Najib in “Rebuilding of Nusantara”. Qualitative approach was used in this study.  Data of this study were language aspects in the speeches focused on dictions and styles in the speeches performed by Emha Ainun Najib, entitled: “Rebulding of Nusantara”.  Data were obtained from www.youtube.com “Orasi Cak Nun Merajut Kembali Nusantara” (Oration of Cak Nun to Rebuild Nusantara). The study revealed diction in the speech of Cak Nun vary from connotative, denotative, five senses, locality, scientific, popular, general, abstract, concrete, and specific.  In addition, language styles in the speech include: paralellism, repetition, metaphor, persinification, simile, climax, erothetis, euphemism, and hyperbole.
FRASA DAN KLAUSA DALAM KATA POLISINTESIS PADA BAHASA TOLAKI
Authors: Pehala Ilfan Askul
Published: March 2018

This study examines the descriptions of phrases and sentences in the polysynthesis words.  Sources of data of this study polyshyntesis words in Tolaki Language.  Data were collected using observation and interview. Data were anlyzed using descriptive qualitative of formal and informal techniques. The study revealed that:  (1) construction of phrases and sentences in the polyshyntesis words, (2) kinds of phrases in the polyshinthesis words, (3) functions, roles, and categories of clauses in the polysunthesis words, and (4) polysinthesis occured due to lapses or changes of mofphology of the Tolaki speakers
UPACARA KEMATIAN SAUR MATUA BATAK TOBA: ANALISIS TRADISI LISAN
Authors: Hasugian Relly Monika
Published: March 2018

This study reports funeral ceremony tradition of Saur Matua of Batak Toba, Indonesia.  Oral tradition is the traditional delivered orally using words, transformed by the times and the adjustment to the context of the times.  A qualitative using ethnograpic approach is used in this study.  Data were explored from an observation and an in-depth interview on the conduct of Saur Matua ceremony.  The study revealed that Saur Matua in Toba Batak has 10 full characteristics  of oral tradition: (1) Representing the events as the context; (2) Having a cultural activity; (3) To be observed and watched; (4) Traditional characteristics; (5) Inherited from generation to generation; (6) Delivering process "from mouth to ear"; (7) Containing the values and cultural norms; (8) Having variety version; (9) Owned jointly by a particular community, and (10) Potentially revitalized and raised as a source of cultural industries. The Saur Matua has a text, co-text, context, value or norm, meaning or function and local wisdom that must be preserved continuously by generations to be not lost from the death tradition in Toba Batak society.
FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN KUALITAS HIDUP PEREMPUAN KLIMAKTERIK
Authors: Trisetiyaningsih Yanita
Published: March 2018

Background:Physical and psychological changes during climacterium phase could influence quality of life in climacteric women. Eightypercent of womenreported anydiscomfortthat occurs as climactericsymptomssuch asheadaches, sexual problems, tachycardia, hot flushes, sweatingandinsomniathat can significantlydegrade the quality oflive. Factorsthat determinethe quality of lifeare age, menopauseduration, marital status, education level, income, employment status, healthstatus, health insurance, and parity.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine thefactorsassociated withthe quality of life ofclimactericwomen.

Methods: The study wasa quantitave research with cross sectional design. The samples were 88 subjects. Data collection used Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and the WHOQOL-BREF.The data analysis used Spearman rank correlation test and contingency coefficient.

Result: There was a significant relationship between parity and employment status with quality of life (p<0.05), but not to the variables of age, duration of menopause, marital status, education level, income, and health insurance.

Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between parity and employment status with quality of lifein climacteric women.

 

Keyword: quality of life, climacteric women
PERAN AIR REBUSAN DAUN SALAM (SYZGIUM POLYANTHUM) DALAM MENURUNKAN KADAR ASAM URAT
Authors: Darussalam Miftafu , Kartika Rukmi Dwi
Published: March 2018

Background: Uric acid is a final product or a waste that is resulted from the metabolism of purines. A high level of uric acid (hyperuricemia) will cause several health problems, such as vascular inflammation, smooth muscle proliferation, and vascular lesion in kidneys. The syzygium polyanthum leaves contain bioactive substances that may affect the level of uric acid in blood.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the influence of boiled water of syzygium polyanthum leaves to the changes of uric acid levels in the target area of Puskesmas Pandak 1 Bantul.

Methods: This study employed pre- and post-test without control group design. The population consisted of all patients with hyperuricemia in the target area of Puskesmas Pandak 1 Bantul. Sample was selected with a concecutive sampling, gaining a total number of 24 respondents. Data were analyzed with the Wilcoxon test. The dose of boiled water of syzygium polyanthum leaves intake was 0.36g/ KgBW, once a day for 14 days.

Result: This research showed that the boiled water of syzygium polyanthum leaves decreased hyperuricemia (uric acid levels), along with the significancy value of 0.009 (p <0.05). At the pre-test time, the average level of uric acid reached 7.279 mg/dl, and after the treatment, it decreased to 6.76 mg/dl.

Conclusion: This study has established evidence that the boiled water of syzygium polyanthum leaves is able to decrease hyperuricemia (uric acid level in blood).

Keywords: syzygium polyanthum, boiled water of syzygium polyanthum leaves, hyperuricemia
PENERIMAAN ORANGTUA TERHADAP ANAK DENGAN AUTISME DI PUSAT LAYANAN AUTIS (PLA) DAERAH ISTIMEWA YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Rahadian Syah Deby Zulkarnain , Sutarjo Puji , Riescananda Inna
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Background: Autism is a developmental disorder in children that affects their social and imaginative lifes. Parents’ acceptance on their children’s autism will have impact on how they treat their children.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the parental acceptance of children with autism in the Autism Services Center (ASC), Yogyakarta.

Methods: This study was a qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. The data collection was conducted by in-depth interviews with three informans.

Results: All the informants accepted their children’s conditions, after getting information about autism. Acceptance of parents indicated their satisfaction with the children’s talent. Parents provide facilities to support the children's talents. In addition, the acceptance of parents indicated by the acceptance of the cildren’s limitations.

Conclusion: Participants accepted their children’s conditions, talents and limitations.

Keywords: Autism, Parental Acceptance.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Intranasal Fluticasone Propionate in the FDA MedWatch Adverse Events Database
Authors: Lehrer Steven , Rheinstein Peter H.
Published: March 2018

Background:

Studies of Alzheimer’s disease suggest that neuroinflammation or deranged brain wound healing may be a cause of some cases. But a placebo controlled study showed no effect at all on Alzheimer’s disease of low dose oral prednisone after one year. Introducing the steroid directly into the hippocampus and rhinencephalon via the nose, as happens in hay fever subjects, could be more effective.

Objective:

In the present study, we analyzed FDA MedWatch data for intranasal fluticasone propionate (Flonase) to determine the frequency of Alzheimer’s disease as an adverse event reported after use of the medication.

Methods:

Machine-readable data from MedWatch, including adverse drug reaction reports from manufacturers, are part of a public database. We used the online tool eHealthMe to query the database.

Results:

By September 20, 2017, 35,221 people reported side effects to MedWatch after taking Flonase. Among them, 9 people (0.03%) had Dementia Alzheimer’s type. By October 3, 2017, 185,636 people reported side effects after taking Lipitor. Among them, 243 people (0.13%) had Dementia Alzheimer’s type. The lower incidence of Alzheimer’s dementia in the Flonase group compared to the Lipitor group was significant ( p <  0.001, Fisher exact test, two tailed).

Conclusion:

Long term use of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is linked with reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Data from MedWatch suggest that fluticasone propionate administered intranasally might have a similar preventive effect to ibuprofen. Perhaps combining ibuprofen and Flonase could be therapeutic. Further studies would be desirable.
Aripiprazole for the Treatment of Inappropriate Sexual Behavior: Case Report of an Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Known as Heterosexual with Recently Shifted Sexual Orientation to Same Gender
Authors: Sarikaya Sevda , Sarikaya Basar
Published: March 2018

Although inappropriate sexual behavior in dementia is not common, it can be extremely troublesome for healthcare professionals and caregivers as well as patients themselves. There is paucity of data in the literature for the management of these behaviors, but the limited available data suggest efficiency of some commonly used treatment modalities. Herein, we present a 74-year old Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patient, known to be heterosexual throughout her past life, presenting with a recent display of same-sex inappropriate sexual behavior six years after the initial diagnosis of her disease. This new clinical picture of hypersexuality responded well to aripiprazole and her symptoms gradually diminished and eventually disappeared after onset of medication. This report also constitutes the first reported case of an AD patient in the published literature presenting with hypersexuality of shifted sexual orientation during the course of the disease.
Effect of sequence order of combined strength and endurance training on new adiposity indices in overweight elderly women
Authors: Faramarzi Mohammad , Bagheri Laleh , Banitalebi Ebrahim
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND:

Obesity and physical inactivity increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia and certain cancers. Exercise training and increased fitness promote positive changes in body composition and improve insulin sensitivity.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the effect of sequence order of combined strength and endurance training on new adiposity indices: visceral adiposity index (VAI), body adiposity index (BAI) and waist to hip ratio (WHtR) in overweight elderly women.

METHODS:

Forty overweight elderly women (age range: 60.34 [Formula: see text] 0.82 years old) were selected purposefully and randomly assigned into four groups: endurance, then strength (E[Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]S) ([Formula: see text]), strength, then endurance (S[Formula: see text]E) ([Formula: see text]), alternative concurrent training (ACT) ([Formula: see text]), and control ([Formula: see text]) groups. Training was performed three times per week for eight weeks. Endurance training performed on a cycle ergometer (intensity: 60–88% MHR) and strength training included several selected exercises targeting upper and lower body (intensity: 40–75 1RM, 8–18 repeat).

RESULTS:

The results showed that the amount of weight, BMI, body fat percentage, BAI and WHtR have significantly decreased in E [Formula: see text] S, S [Formula: see text] E and ACT experimental groups ([Formula: see text] 0.05). No significant differences were found in VAI variable and triglyceride with sequence order of E [Formula: see text] S and S [Formula: see text] E, but after sequence order of ACT a significant decrease was seen in both variables ([Formula: see text] 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the three combined training groups for the mentioned variables ([Formula: see text] 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Sequence does not seem to play a role in the positive effect on current adiposity indices of the investigated training programs.
Avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity in a young sprinter: Functional versus radiological assessment
Authors: Tyberghein M. , Kaux J.F. , Godon B. , Crielaard J.M. , Croisier J.L.
Published: March 2018

We report the case of a sixteen-year-old high-performance sprinter with an ischial tuberosity avulsion. In these injuries, most of the published literature recommends surgery when the diastasis exceeds 2 cm. Our patient had a 1.9 cm diastasis and was treated conservatively. Various criteria are used to demonstrate recovery after treatment. However, one of our main recovery criteria is functional assessment by isokinetic dynamometry. Whilst the first test showed significant strength imbalance, following rehabilitation hamstring strength underwent substantial normalization despite the absence of radiological healing. The patient resumed competition successfully less than one year after the injury with performance levels which were almost the same as before the injury. This case suggests that functional recovery of the hamstring may be added to radiological assessment as an important rehabilitation criterion and that hamstring strength should be measured accurately and objectively in a preventive approach.
Purification of Crude Phosphoric Acid and Leached Apatite by Solvent Extraction with CYANEX 923 in Kerosene
Authors: Ahmed Ismail M. , Ammanoeil Romany N. , Saad Ebtissam A. , Daoud Jacqueline A.
Published: March 2018

CYANEX 923 (a mixture of four trialkylphosphine oxides) in kerosene has been used for the extraction of phosphoric acid. Different parameters affecting the extraction of phosphoric acid such as shaking time, temperature, phase ratio O/A, extractant and phosphoric acid concentration were separately investigated. The stoichiometry of the extracted species was found to be H3PO4.L, where L refers to CYANEX 923. The stripping of the extracted species was found to be efficient with water. The obtained results were used for the recovery of phosphoric acid from both the crude acid and the leached solution from digestion of apatite phosphate rock with hydrochloric acid. Expanded Perlite was found to be efficient for the adsorption of uranium from both crude acid and the leached apatite.
Mathematical Modelling of the Cost Structure of the Logistics System of Shopping Malls in Budapest
Authors: Bóna Krisztián , Róka Ádám , Sárdi Dávid Lajos
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we will present the examination of the city logistics system of shopping malls in Budapest. We will introduce the mathematical model of its cost structure which can help us to evaluate this complex system from a financial point of view. The data, we collected earlier, made it possible to simulate the physical processes of the current logistics system and to compare them with innovative new systems as well. However, in case of any new systems it is essential to compare the costs too. The mathematical modelling was based on the observed processes of three shopping malls in Budapest. We added this cost structure to the simulation model to make the simulation of costs possible, so now we have a tool which can help us comprehensively examine the current logistic system of the shopping malls in Budapest as well as a consolidation based proposed solution.
Using the Five Domains Model to Assess the Adverse Impacts of Husbandry, Veterinary, and Equitation Interventions on Horse Welfare
Authors: McGreevy Paul , Berger Jeannine , De Brauwere Nic , Doherty Orla , Harrison Anna , Fiedler Julie , Jones Claudia , McDonnell Sue , McLean Andrew , Nakonechny Lindsay , Nicol Christine , Preshaw Liane , Thomson Peter , Tzioumis Vicky , Webster John , Wolfensohn Sarah , Yeates James , Jones Bidda
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to conduct a series of paper-based exercises in order to assess the negative (adverse) welfare impacts, if any, of common interventions on domestic horses across a broad range of different contexts of equine care and training. An international panel (with professional expertise in psychology, equitation science, veterinary science, education, welfare, equestrian coaching, advocacy, and community engagement; n = 16) met over a four-day period to define and assess these interventions, using an adaptation of the domain-based assessment model. The interventions were considered within 14 contexts: C1 Weaning; C2 Diet; C3 Housing; C4 Foundation training; C5 Ill-health and veterinary interventions (chiefly medical); C6 Ill-health and veterinary interventions (chiefly surgical); C7 Elective procedures; C8 Care procedures; C9 Restraint for management procedures; C10 Road transport; C11 Activity—competition; C12 Activity—work; C13 Activity—breeding females; and C14 Activity—breeding males. Scores on a 1–10 scale for Domain 5 (the mental domain) gathered during the workshop were compared with overall impact scores on a 1–10 scale assigned by the same panellists individually before the workshop. The most severe (median and interquartile range, IQR) impacts within each context were identified during the workshop as: C1 abrupt, individual weaning (10 IQR 1); C2 feeding 100% low-energy concentrate (8 IQR 2.5); C3 indoor tie stalls with no social contact (9 IQR 1.5); C4 both (i) dropping horse with ropes (9 IQR 0.5) and forced flexion (9 IQR 0.5); C5 long-term curative medical treatments (8 IQR 3); C6 major deep intracavity surgery (8.5 IQR 1); C7 castration without veterinary supervision (10 IQR 1); C8 both (i) tongue ties (8 IQR 2.5) and (ii) restrictive nosebands (8 IQR 2.5); C9 ear twitch (8 IQR 1); C10 both (i) individual transport (7.00 IQR 1.5) and group transport with unfamiliar companions (7 IQR 1.5); C11 both (i) jumps racing (8 IQR 2.5) and Western performance (8 IQR 1.5); C12 carriage and haulage work (6 IQR 1.5); C13 wet nurse during transition between foals (7.5 IQR 3.75); and C14 teaser horse (7 IQR 8). Associations between pre-workshop and workshop scores were high, but some rankings changed after workshop participation, particularly relating to breeding practices. Domain 1 had the weakest association with Domain 5. The current article discusses the use of the domain-based model in equine welfare assessment, and offers a series of assumptions within each context that future users of the same approach may make when assessing animal welfare under the categories reported here. It also discusses some limitations in the framework that was used to apply the model.
Parallel Colorimetric Quantification of Choline and Phosphocholine as a Method for Studying Choline Kinase Activity in Complex Mixtures
Authors: Zimmerman Tahl , Ibrahim Salam A.
Published: March 2018

Choline kinase (Chok) is an enzyme found in eukaryotes and Gram-positive bacteria. Chok catalyzes the production of phosphocholine from choline and ATP. This enzyme has been validated as a drug target in Streptococcus pneumonia, but the role Chok enzymatic activity plays in bacterial cell growth and division is not well understood. Phosphocholine production by Chok and its attenuation by inhibitors in the context of complex samples such as cell extracts can currently be quantified by several methods. These include choline depletion measurements, radioactive methods, mass-spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance. The first does not measure phosphocholine directly, the second requires elaborate safety procedures, and the third and fourth require significant capital investments and technical expertise. For these reasons, a less expensive, higher throughput, more easily accessible assay is needed to facilitate further study in Gram-positive Choks. Here, we present the development of a triiodide/activated charcoal/molybdenum blue system for detecting and quantifying choline and phosphocholine in parallel. We demonstrate that this system can reliably quantify changes in choline and phosphocholine concentrations over time in Chok enzymatic assays using cell extracts as the source of the enzyme. This is an easily accessible, convenient, robust, and economical method for studying Chok activity in complex samples. The triiodide/activated charcoal/molybdenum blue system opens new doors into the study choline kinase in Gram-positive pathogens.
Geographic Variation in Antibiotic Consumption—Is It Due to Doctors’ Prescribing or Patients’ Consulting?
Authors: Walle-Hansen Marte , Høye Sigurd
Published: March 2018

Antibiotic consumption varies greatly between Norwegian municipalities. We examine whether this variation is associated with inhabitants’ consultation rates or general practitioners’ (GP) prescription rates. Our study comprises consultations and antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in general practice in all Norwegian municipalities with over 5000 inhabitants in 2014. Data was collected from The Norwegian Prescription Database, The Directorate of Health’s system for control and payment of health reimbursements registry and Norway Statistics. Consultation rates and prescription rates were categorised in age- and gender specific quintiles and the effect on antibiotic consumption was analysed using a Poisson regression model. We found that inhabitants with RTIs received 42% more prescriptions if they belonged to a municipality with high consultation rates compared to low consultation rates [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.42 (95% CI 1.41–1.44)] and 48% more prescriptions if they belonged to a municipality with high prescription rates versus low prescription rates [IRR 1.48 (95% KI 1.47–1.50)]. Our results demonstrate that inhabitants’ consultation rates and GPs’ prescription rates have about equal impact on the number of RTI antibiotics prescribed at municipality level. These findings highlight the importance of interventions targeting patients as well as doctors in efforts to reduce unnecessary antibiotic consumption.
Microbial Biotransformation of a Polyphenol-Rich Potato Extract Affects Antioxidant Capacity in a Simulated Gastrointestinal Model
Authors: Khairallah Joelle , Sadeghi Ekbatan Shima , Sabally Kebba , Iskandar Michèle , Hussain Raza , Nassar Atef , Sleno Lekha , Rodes Laetitia , Prakash Satya , Donnelly Danielle , Kubow Stan
Published: March 2018

A multistage human gastrointestinal model was used to digest a polyphenol-rich potato extract containing chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and rutin as the primary polyphenols, to assess for their microbial biotransformation and to measure changes in antioxidant capacity in up to 24 h of digestion. The biotransformation of polyphenols was assessed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Antioxidant capacity was measured by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Among the colonic reactors, parent (poly)phenols were detected in the ascending (AC), but not the transverse (TC) or descending (DC) colons. The most abundant microbial phenolic metabolites in all colonic reactors included derivatives of propionic acid, acetic acid, and benzoic acid. As compared to the baseline, an earlier increase in antioxidant capacity (T = 8 h) was seen in the stomach and small intestine vessels as compared to the AC (T = 16 h) and TC and DC (T = 24 h). The increase in antioxidant capacity observed in the DC and TC can be linked to the accumulation of microbial smaller-molecular-weight phenolic catabolites, as the parent polyphenolics had completely degraded in those vessels. The colonic microbial digestion of potato-based polyphenols could lead to improved colonic health, as this generates phenolic metabolites with significant antioxidant potential.
A Hybrid Method for Optimal Siting and Sizing of Battery Energy Storage Systems in Unbalanced Low Voltage Microgrids
Authors: Carpinelli Guido , Mottola Fabio , Proto Daniela , Russo Angela , Varilone Pietro
Published: March 2018

This paper deals with the problem of optimal allocation (siting and sizing) of storage resources in unbalanced three-phase low voltage microgrids. The siting and sizing problem is formulated as a mixed, non-linear, constrained optimization problem whose objective function deals with economic issues and whose constraints involve technical limitations of both network and distributed resources. Emphasis is given to the power quality issue with particular attention to unbalance reduction and voltage profile improvement. Technological issues, such as those related to the preservation of batteries’ lifetime, were also taken into account. The planning problem is solved by means of a genetic algorithm which includes an inner algorithm based on sequential quadratic programming. In order to limit the processing time while maintaining reasonable accuracy, the genetic algorithm search space is significantly reduced identifying a subset of candidate buses for the siting of the storage resources. The Inherent Structure Theory of Networks and the Loading Constraints Criterion were used to identify the candidate buses. The proposed method has been applied to a low voltage test network demonstrating the effectiveness of the procedure in terms of computational burden while also preserving the accuracy of the solution.
Design of SBS-Modified Bitumen Stabilizer Powder Based on the Vulcanization Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Wengang , Ding Longting , Jia Zhirong
Published: March 2018

In order to improve the problem of the bad thermal storage stability of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene Block Copolymer Modified Bitumen (SBS-modified bitumen), the vulcanization reaction was selected as the basic mechanism for the research and development of the stabilizer. Sulfur, tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD), zinc oxide, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), kaolin (Al2O3·2SiO2·2H2O) and carbon-white (SiO2) were used as raw materials, and 32 kinds of components with different contents of raw materials were designed. The 48-h segregation softening point and other modified bitumen technical indicators, such as ductility, penetration, penetration index, viscosity, and so on, were tested and analyzed. The fluorescence microscope test was also conducted to explore the crosslinking situation based on the vulcanization reaction. The results show that the component with good performance of the SBS-modified bitumen stabilizer powder was S:TMTD:ZnO:BHT: Al2O3·2SiO2·2H2O = 60:16:4:20:1250 or S:TMTD:ZnO:BHT:SiO2 = 60:16:4:20:625. The optimum content of stabilizer powder was 0.9% (S/modified bitumen). The stabilizer was dry powder and can be directly put into bitumen. It can cross-link SBS and especially has an effect on preventing SBS segregation. The technical performance of SBS-modified bitumen with stabilizer powder, such as hot temperature performance, low temperature performance, anti-aging performance and thermal storage stability, all meet the relevant specifications.
Extraction of Independent Structural Images for Principal Component Thermography
Authors: Gavrilov Dmitry , Maev Roman
Published: March 2018

Thermography is a powerful tool for non-destructive testing of a wide range of materials. Thermography has a number of approaches differing in both experiment setup and the way the collected data are processed. Among such approaches is the Principal Component Thermography (PCT) method, which is based on the statistical processing of raw thermal images collected by thermal camera. The processed images (principal components or empirical orthogonal functions) form an orthonormal basis, and often look like a superposition of all possible structural features found in the object under inspection—i.e., surface heating non-uniformity, internal defects and material structure. At the same time, from practical point of view it is desirable to have images representing independent structural features. The work presented in this paper proposes an approach for separation of independent image patterns (archetypes) from a set of principal component images. The approach is demonstrated in the application of inspection of composite materials as well as the non-invasive analysis of works of art.
Special Issue on Solid State Lasers Materials, Technologies and Applications
Authors: Pirzio Federico
Published: March 2018

Even though more than half a century has already passed since the first demonstration of laser action in ruby crystal, solid-state lasers are still a hot research topic.[...]
Parameters Studies on Surface Initiated Rolling Contact Fatigue of Turnout Rails by Three-Level Unreplicated Saturated Factorial Design
Authors: Ma Xiaochuan , Wang Ping , Xu Jingmang , Chen Rong
Published: March 2018

Surface initiated rolling contact fatigue (RCF), mainly characterized by cracks and material stripping, is a common type of damage to turnout rails, which can not only shorten service life of turnout but also lead to poor running safety of vehicle. The rail surface initiated RCF of turnouts is caused by a long-term accumulation, the size and distribution of which are related to the dynamic parameters of the complicated vehicle-turnout system. In order to simulate the accumulation of rail damage, some random samples of dynamic parameters significantly influencing it should be input. Based on the three-level unreplicated saturated factorial design, according to the evaluation methods of H, P and B statistic values, six dynamic parameters that influence the rail surface initiated RCF in turnouts, namely running speed of vehicle, axle load, wheel-rail profiles, integral vertical track stiffness and wheel-rail friction coefficient, are obtained by selecting 13 dynamic parameters significantly influencing the dynamic vehicle-turnout interaction as the analysis factors, considering four dynamic response results, i.e., the normal wheel-rail contact force, longitudinal creep force, lateral creep force and wheel-rail contact patch area as the observed parameters. In addition, the rail surface initiated RCF behavior in turnouts under different wheel-rail creep conditions is analyzed, considering the relative motion of stock/switch rails. The results show that the rail surface initiated RCF is mainly caused by the tangential stress being high under small creep conditions, the normal and tangential stresses being high under large creep conditions, and the normal stress being high under pure spin creep conditions.
Development and Characterization of Two-Dimensional Gratings for Single-Shot X-ray Phase-Contrast Imaging
Authors: Zakharova Margarita , Vlnieska Vitor , Fornasier Heike , Börner Martin , Rolo Tomy dos Santos , Mohr Jürgen , Kunka Danays
Published: March 2018

Single-shot grating-based phase-contrast imaging techniques offer additional contrast modalities based on the refraction and scattering of X-rays in a robust and versatile configuration. The utilization of a single optical element is possible in such methods, allowing the shortening of the acquisition time and increasing flux efficiency. One of the ways to upgrade single-shot imaging techniques is to utilize customized optical components, such as two-dimensional (2D) X-ray gratings. In this contribution, we present the achievements in the development of 2D gratings with UV lithography and gold electroplating. Absorption gratings represented by periodic free-standing gold pillars with lateral structure sizes from 5 µm to 25 µm and heights from 5 µm to 28 µm have shown a high degree of periodicity and defect-free patterns. Grating performance was tested in a radiographic setup using a self-developed quality assessment algorithm based on the intensity distribution histograms. The algorithm allows the final user to estimate the suitability of a specific grating to be used in a particular setup.
Erratum: Roche, J. The Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer. Cancers, 2018, 10, 52
Authors: Roche Joëlle
Published: March 2018

The author wishes to make the following correction to the paper[...]
Assessment and Mitigation Strategies to Counteract Overheating in Urban Historical Areas in Rome
Authors: Laureti Flavia , Martinelli Letizia , Battisti Alessandra
Published: March 2018

As urban overheating is increasing, there is a strong public interest towards mitigation strategies to enhance comfortable urban spaces, for their role in supporting urban metabolism and social life. The study presents an assessment of the existing thermal comfort and usage of San Silvestro Square in Rome during the summer, and performs the simulation of cooling strategies scenarios, to understand their mitigation potential for renovation projects. The first stage concerns a field analysis of the thermal and radiative environment on the 1st and 2nd of August 2014, including meteorological measurements and unobtrusive observations, to understand how people experience and respond to extreme microclimate conditions. In the second stage, the research proposes scenario simulations on the same day to examine the influence of cool colored materials, trees and vegetative surfaces on thermal comfort. The thermal comfort assessment was based on Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET), whereas microclimatic simulations were conducted with CFD calculations (ENVImet v.4.3.1). The first stage shows a strong relationship between lower PET values and attendance rate, depending on daily shading patterns. The second stage shows a relevant improvement of thermal comfort, with PET values of −12 °C comparing to the no-intervention scenario, associated with a combination of cool materials and trees.