bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contrasting seismic risk for Santiago, Chile, from near-field and distant earthquake sources
Authors: Hussain Ekbal , Elliott John R. , Silva Vitor , Vilar-Vega Mabé , Kane Deborah 
Published: May 2020

Abstract. More than half of all the people in the world now live in dense urban centres. The rapid expansion of cities, particularly in low-income nations, has enabled the economic and social development of millions of people. However, many of these cities are located near active tectonic faults that have not produced an earthquake in recent memory, raising the risk of losing hard-earned progress through a devastating earthquake. In this paper we explore the possible impact that earthquakes can have on the city of Santiago in Chile from various potential near-field and distant earthquake sources. We use high-resolution stereo satellite imagery and imagery-derived digital elevation models to accurately map the trace of the San Ramón Fault, a recently recognised active fault located along the eastern margins of the city. We use scenario-based seismic-risk analysis to compare and contrast the estimated damage and losses to the city from several potential earthquake sources and one past event, comprising (i) rupture of the San Ramón Fault, (ii) a hypothesised buried shallow fault beneath the centre of the city, (iii) a deep intra-slab fault, and (iv) the 2010 Mw 8.8 Maule earthquake. We find that there is a strong magnitude–distance trade-off in terms of damage and losses to the city, with smaller magnitude earthquakes in the magnitude range of 6–7.5 on more local faults producing 9 to 17 times more damage to the city and estimated fatalities compared to the great magnitude 8+ earthquakes located offshore in the subduction zone. Our calculations for this part of Chile show that unreinforced-masonry structures are the most vulnerable to these types of earthquake shaking. We identify particularly vulnerable districts, such as Ñuñoa, Santiago, and Providencia, where targeted retrofitting campaigns would be most effective at reducing potential economic and human losses. Due to the potency of near-field earthquake sources demonstrated here, our work highlights the importance of also identifying and considering proximal minor active faults for cities in seismic zones globally in addition to the more major and distant large fault zones that are typically focussed on in the assessment of hazard.
Attenuation of Environmental Noise through Digital Filtering
Authors: Ríos Juan , Aguilar Celedonio 
Published: May 2020

This chapter proposes the implementation of an environmental noise cancelation system using the least mean squares algorithm with noise amplitude modulation (NAMLMS). The system was implemented in a dsPIC3020F10 digital processor. The results obtained demonstrate that low- and high-frequency signals are attenuated allowing the passage of an audible range between 5 kHz and 18.9 kHz, the above using real-time processing.
Application of Thoracic Ultrasonography for Acute Cor Pulmonale in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Patients
Authors: Shang You , Zhou Ting 
Published: May 2020

Beneficial therapeutic interventions for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) include lung protective ventilation; however, ventilator may cause or sometimes worsen acute cor pulmonale (ACP) induced by pulmonary gas exchange disorder and pulmonary vascular dysfunction due to ARDS. The incidence of ACP was 22–50% in mechanically ventilated patients. Currently, point-of-care ultrasound has been widely used in ARDS patients, which becomes much more important in the early detection and management of ARDS and its complications. Application of lung ultrasound combined with echocardiography could monitor respiratory status, hemodynamics, and cardiac function and optimize the ventilation setting in order to protect both lung and right ventricle. This chapter will discuss the pathophysiology of ACP associated with ARDS and the use of point-of-care ultrasound to make protective strategies for lung and right ventricle in detail.
Role of Primary Health Care System in Response to a Major Incident: Challenges and Actions
Authors: Falah Huaidi Al-Jazairi Abdulnasir 
Published: May 2020

There is obvious increase in world population and in term of number of major incidents (MI) all over the world, there is a need for faster and wider responses. To achieve this aim and keep losses to the minimum, we need to optimize our methods and protocols of the response to decrease the losses, pain, and suffering of people and losses of infrastructures, belongings, and the country’s future. Primary health care (PHC) system, which is present in all residency gatherings in cities and towns, provides suitable potential for this improvement. This role has been formulated in 1978 in Alma-Ata meeting, which changes the scope of service of primary health care system to take responsibility of the community in addition to patients’ care. The involvement of the primary health care in response to major incidents shows good results, and there is a need to strengthen the major incidents’ response plan in the primary health care to provide better response and help to all populations especially the vulnerable ones.
Dynamics of Influenza A (H5N1) virus protein sequence diversity
Authors: Abd Raman Hadia Syahirah , Tan Swan , August Joseph Thomas , Khan Asif M. 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundInfluenza A (H5N1) virus is a global concern with potential as a pandemic threat. High sequence variability of influenza A viruses is a major challenge for effective vaccine design. A continuing goal towards this is a greater understanding of influenza A (H5N1) proteome sequence diversity in the context of the immune system (antigenic diversity), the dynamics of mutation, and effective strategies to overcome the diversity for vaccine design.MethodsHerein, we report a comprehensive study of the dynamics of H5N1 mutations by analysis of the aligned overlapping nonamer positions (1–9, 2–10, etc.) of more than 13,000 protein sequences of avian and human influenza A (H5N1) viruses, reported over at least 50 years. Entropy calculations were performed on 9,408 overlapping nonamer position of the proteome to study the diversity in the context of immune system. The nonamers represent the predominant length of the binding cores for peptides recognized by the cellular immune system. To further dissect the sequence diversity, each overlapping nonamer position was quantitatively analyzed for four patterns of sequence diversity motifs: index, major, minor and unique.ResultsAlmost all of the aligned overlapping nonamer positions of each viral proteome exhibited variants (major, minor, and unique) to the predominant index sequence. Each variant motif displayed a characteristic pattern of incidence change in relation to increased total variants. The major variant exhibited a restrictive pyramidal incidence pattern, with peak incidence at 50% total variants. Post this peak incidence, the minor variants became the predominant motif for majority of the positions. Unique variants, each sequence observed only once, were present at nearly all of the nonamer positions. The diversity motifs (index and variants) demonstrated complex inter-relationships, with motif switching being a common phenomenon. Additionally, 25 highly conserved sequences were identified to be shared across viruses of both hosts, with half conserved to several other influenza A subtypes.DiscussionThe presence of distinct sequences (nonatypes) at nearly all nonamer positions represents a large repertoire of reported viral variants in the proteome, which influence the variability dynamics of the viral population. This work elucidated and provided important insights on the components that make up the viral diversity, delineating inherent patterns in the organization of sequence changes that function in the viral fitness-selection. Additionally, it provides a catalogue of all the mutational changes involved in the dynamics of H5N1 viral diversity for both avian and human host populations. This work provides data relevant for the design of prophylactics and therapeutics that overcome the diversity of the virus, and can aid in the surveillance of existing and future strains of influenza viruses.
Phytochemical and Anti-epileptic Studies of Ethanol Extract of Boswellia dalzielii (Frankincense Tree) Stem Bark
Authors: Medugu Asinamai Ndai , Yakubu James , Medugu Usiju Ndai , Marte Hussaini Isa , Tata Fave Yohanna , Balami Victor Musa 
Published: May 2020

Aim: This research work aimed to establish scientific basis for the use of Boswellia dalzielli stem bark, in traditional medicine as anti-epileptic medication.
Methodology: The fresh stem bark of Boswellia dalzielii was extracted using absolute ethanol and screened for phytochemicals. Acute toxicity study was carried out using Lorke’s method and the antiepileptic activity was evaluated using maximal electroshock induced seizure test in day-old broiler chicks and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) using Wistar strain mice.
Results: Phytochemical screening of ethanol extract of B. dalzielii stem bark revealed that the presence of saponins, tannins, flavonoids and steroids/terpenoides. The intrapertoneal median lethal dose value (LD50) of BDE in mice was 2592.3 mg/kg, indicating the stem bark extract is relatively safe. The extract at the dose of 500 mg/kg body weight protected 40% of animals against PTZ-induced convulsion and also protected 20% of chicks against Tonic Hindlimb Extension (THLE) phase of the Maximal Electroshock Test (MEST) significantly (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The antiepileptic investigation suggests that ethanol extract of B. dalzielii stem bark has antiepileptic activity.
Phytochemical Study and Antioxidant Properties of Aqueous Extracts of Murraya paniculata Leaf
Authors: Monir Tania Sabnam Binta , Afroz Sadia , Jahan Ishrat , Hossain Tanvir 
Published: May 2020

Aims: To investigate the chemical groups present, total phenolic compound, total flavonoid and to evaluate the possible antioxidant activity of aqueous extracts of Murraya paniculata leaf.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Department, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh, in 2017
Methodology: The dry leaves were boiled and extracted with water. The extracts were concentrated and then investigated for their total phenolic compound, total flavonoid, evaluated the antioxidant activity. The preliminary screening of the various extracts was carried out using standard methods. Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined by the modified Folin-Ciocalteu method, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total flavonoid content were measured according to the Phosphomolybdate-method and Dowd-method respectively.
Results: The aqueous extract showed good antioxidant activity with good phenolic and flavonoid contents (400±0.44 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g dried weight, 263±0.62 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dried weight, 63±0.19 mg quercetin equivalent/g dried weight respectively).
Conclusion: The research work revealed the presence of various bioactive phytochemical compounds which show the medicinal importance of leaves Murraya paniculata through a facile extracting method.
Existence of a putative specific postsynaptic density protein produced during Purkinje cell spine maturation
Authors: Miranda‐Contreras L. , Palacios‐Prü E.L. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThis study identified a 140 kDa polypeptide as a putative specific component of Purkinje cell spines' postsynaptic densities and which began to appear during the critical period of cerebellar cortex synaptogenesis. Mouse cerebellar cortices at postnatal days 5, 7, 9, 11, 15 and young adult, between days 30 and 40, were used to purify subcellular fractions of synaptosomes, synaptic membranes and postsynaptic densities. The purity of the subcellular fractions was assessed by electron microscopy and the protein composition of the different fractions was characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Polypeptides of apparent molecular weights of 25, 26, 27, 30, 33, 37, 43, 45, 52, 64, 74, 85, 94, 110, 125, 130, 165 and 174 kDa were found in the synaptosomal fractions of all the ages studied, even before the critical period of synaptogenesis, at postnatal day 7, when the postsynaptic densities were still nonexistent, indicating that the polypeptides are nonspecific constituents of these structures. On the other hand, a 140 kDa polypeptide was detected in the postsynaptic density fractions at postnatal day 11, immediately after postsynaptic structures began to appear, suggesting the possibility that this protein is a specific component of the cerebellar cortex postsynaptic densities. The 140 kDa polypeptide was electroeluted from the gel and analysed for its amino acid composition by reverse‐phase high‐pressure liquid chromatography. The analysis showed that this protein has a high content of nonpolar amino acid residues, such as leucine, isoleucine, glycine, phenylalanine and valine. A hypothetical model relative to the participation of the 140 kDa protein in the molecular organization of the postsynaptic density is suggested which may contribute to the understanding of the role played by this structure in synaptic function.
Elevated C‐reactive protein and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in Andean women with pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Teran E. , Escudero C. , Moya W. , Flores M. , Vallance P. , Lopez‐Jaramillo P. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: To investigate the concentration of markers of inflammation in non‐pregnant women, women with normal pregnancy and women with pre‐eclampsia. Methods: Pregnant women (n=26), women with pre‐eclampsia (n=25) and non‐pregnant normotensive women (n=21) were included in the study. C‐reactive protein was measured by latex‐enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay, serum tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) by high sensitivity ELISA. Kruskal–Wallis non‐parametric analysis of variance followed by the Mann–Whitney U‐test were used for statistical analyses. Results: Higher values (mean±S.E.M.) of C‐reactive protein were found in pre‐eclampsia (4.11±0.37 mg/dl) compared with normal pregnant women (2.49±0.26 mg/dl) and non‐pregnant controls (1.33±0.15 mg/dl). TNF‐α was significantly higher in women with pre‐eclampsia (15.74±5.09 pg/ml), in relation to the control group (2.76±0.41 pg/ml) and women with normal pregnancy (8.31±1.55 pg/ml). IL‐6 levels were significantly higher in pre‐eclamptic women (12.91±1.29 pg/ml) compared with normal pregnant (5.07±0.423 pg/ml) and control women (1.25±0.13 pg/ml). Conclusions: The results of this cross‐sectional study in a high‐risk Andean population show that both C‐reactive protein and pro‐inflammatory cytokines are present in higher concentrations in women with pre‐eclampsia. The study was undertaken in women with established pre‐eclampsia and it is not possible to determine whether the increased concentrations of C‐reactive protein and pro‐inflammatory cytokines were a cause or consequence of the disease.
Helicobacter pylori seropositivity in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum
Authors: Koçak İ , Akcan Y , Üstün C , Demirel C , Cengiz L , Yanık F.F 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: The aim of this study was to analyze the hypothesis that there was an association between hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection. Methods: The study group consisted of 95 pregnant women with HG and 116 asymptomatic pregnant women who were admitted to our hospital between January 1997 and October 1998. Specific serum immunoglobulin G for HP was assayed in the sera of the study group after informed consent was obtained. Chi‐square and Student's t‐test were used accordingly for statistical analysis of the data. Results: Serologically positive HP infection was detected in 87 of the 95 patients with HG (91.5%) whereas 52 of the 116 asymptomatic gravidas (44.8%) serving as the control group had positive antibody concentrations against HP. The ratio of HP positivity in pregnant women with HG was significantly higher than asymptomatic pregnant women (P<0.001). The mean index percentages of IgG titers were 73.8±9.7% in the hyperemesis gravidarum and 25.8±5.6% control group (P<0.01). Conclusion: HP infection seemed to be significantly associated with hyperemesis gravidarum in our pregnant patient population with hyperemesis gravidarum.
A typology of de‐coupling strategies in mixed services
Authors: Metters Richard , Vargas Vicente 
Published: July 2002

AbstractA typology of a class of service systems is proposed. The typology links strategic operational objectives to the decision to de‐couple work between the front and back offices of a service system. Four specific ideal types of a strategy/de‐coupling mix are described; each of which has distinct operational, marketing and human resource ramifications. A type that has had significant representation in traditional literature is the “Cost Leader” type, where back‐office activities are de‐coupled from the front office for the purpose of lowering costs. Another traditional type representative of the craftsman legacy is the “Personal Service” type, which retains back‐office tasks in the front office to pursue non‐cost‐oriented strategic goals. Theoretical and empirical evidence is also given for two non‐traditional types: the “Kiosk” type, where all tasks remain in the front office to achieve lower costs, and the “Focused Professional” type, which de‐couples front‐ and back‐office activities to enable front‐office workers to provide higher service, rather than to reduce costs. Empirically, retail bank lending systems are analyzed to support the typology.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor gene expression in the developing zebrafish
Authors: Hashimoto Miyuki , Heinrich Gerhard 
Published: July 2002

AbstractBrain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophin family of polypeptides that includes NGF, NT‐3, NT‐4\5 and NT‐6. Although neurotrophins are known to be expressed in teleost fishes little is known about their functions in the development of these vertebrates. We are therefore studying BDNF in the zebrafish, Danio rerio. The structure of zebrafish BDNF mRNA was established using PCR and cDNA cloning. The encoded BDNF was 91% identical to mammalian BDNF. Southern blot analysis revealed a unique BDNF gene. Northern blot analysis detected two heterogeneous populations of BDNF transcripts centered at 1.6 and 2 kb. BDNF transcripts were first measurable 24 h post‐fertilization (pf). Their abundance relative to total transcripts increased 6‐fold between 1 day and 3 days pf and again 2‐fold by 7 days pf. In situ hybridization analyses of 4‐day‐old larvae revealed BDNF transcripts in the retina, brain, otic vesicle, pectoral fin and the hair cells of the neuromast. The early onset and cellular sites of expression suggest that BDNF functions in nervous system and fin development in the zebrafish.
Measurement of anhedonia
Authors: D'haenen H 
Published: July 2002

SummaryInstruments developed to measure anhedonia are reviewed and their psychometric properties and conceptual framework discussed. Most instruments were designed considering anhedonia to be a symptom either of schizophrenia or of depression. Only the Physical and Social Anhedonia Scales of Chapman et al, designed to measure a lifelong pleasure deficiency, considered to be related to schizophrenia, and, to a lesser extent, the Pleasure Scale of Fawcett et al, designed to evaluate a state dependent deficit, considered to identify a subtype of depression, have been psychometrically extensively investigated. Since we were interested in studying anhedonia in depression, we made a Dutch translation of the Fawcett-Clark Pleasure Scale and report here on the psychometric properties of this translated version. Using the Rasch model for testing the homogeneity and transferability of the scale, we demonstrated that the original scale did not fit the model. A subscale of 14 items was constructed which did.
Dopant‐Free Crossconjugated Hole‐Transporting Polymers for Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Sun Xianglang , Deng Xiang , Li Zhen , Xiong Bijin , Zhong Cheng , Zhu Zonglong , Li Zhong'an , Jen Alex K.‐Y. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCurrently, there are only very few dopant‐free polymer hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) that can enable perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) to demonstrate a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of greater than 20%. To address this need, a simple and efficient way is developed to synthesize novel crossconjugated polymers as high performance dopant‐free HTMs to endow PVSCs with a high PCE of 21.3%, which is among the highest values reported for single‐junction inverted PVSCs. More importantly, rational understanding of the reasons why two isomeric polymer HTMs (PPE1 and PPE2) with almost identical photophysical properties, hole‐transporting ability, and surface wettability deliver so distinctly different device performance under similar device fabrication conditions is manifested. PPE2 is found to improve the quality of perovskite films cast on top with larger grain sizes and more oriented crystallization. These results help unveil the new HTM design rules to influence the perovskite growth/crystallization for improving the performance of inverted PVSCs.
Tunable Layered (Na,Mn)V8O20·nH2O Cathode Material for High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
Authors: Du Min , Liu Chaofeng , Zhang Feng , Dong Wentao , Zhang Xiaofei , Sang Yuanhua , Wang Jian‐Jun , Guo Yu‐Guo , Liu Hong , Wang Shuhua 
Published: May 2020

AbstractRechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) show promise for use in energy storage. However, the development of ZIBs has been plagued by the limited cathode candidates, which usually show low capacity or poor cycling performance. Here, a reversible Zn//(Na,Mn)V8O20·nH2O system is reported, the introduction of manganese (Mn) ions in NaV8O20 to form (Na,Mn)V8O20 exhibits an outstanding electrochemical performance with a capacity of 377 mA h g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1. Through experimental and theoretical results, it is discovered that the outstanding performance of (Na,Mn)V8O20·nH2O is ascribed to the Mn2+/Mn3+‐induced high electrical conductivity and Na+‐induced fast migration of Zn2+. Other cathode materials derived from (Na,Mn)V8O20·nH2O by substituting Mn with Fe, Co, Ni, Ca, and K are explored to confirm the unique advantages of transition metal ions. With an increase in Mn content in NaV8O20, (Na0.33,Mn0.65)V8O20 ·nH2O can deliver a reversible capacity of 150 mA h g−1 and a capacity retention of 99% after 1000 cycles, which may open new opportunities for the development of high‐performance aqueous ZIBs.