bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Acanthamoeba isolates in tap water of Beni-Suef, Egypt
Authors: Abd El Wahab Wegdan M. , El-Badry Ayman A. , Hamdy Doaa A. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The genus Acanthamoeba is a free-living amoeba widely distributed in various aquatic environments. It is an etiologic cause of amoebic encephalitis and keratitis particularly for immunocompromised individuals. The purpose of the present study was to investigate Acanthamoeba species prevalence in household and hospital potable water in Beni-Suef governorate, Egypt, and to employ sequencing methods to identify positive Acanthamoeba species isolates and their potential health risks. Sixty tap water samples (30 household and 30 governmental and private hospital settings) collected from Beni-Suef governorate, Egypt were filtered, cultured on non-nutrient agar, identified by morphotyping keys after staining with Giemsa stain and then confirmed by PCR using Acanthamoeba specific primers. Twenty positive samples were successfully genetically characterized and phylogenetically analyzed to identify Acanthamoeba species. The total detection rate for Acanthamoeba was 48/60 (80%); Acanthamoeba contamination in water collected from domestic houses was higher than in hospitals; 27/30 (90%) versus 21/30 (70%) with statistical significant value (P value = 0.05). Sequencing of 20 positive isolates revealed Acanthamoeba T4 in 65% and T2 in 35%. To our knowledge, this is the first research that documents the occurrence and phylogeny of Acanthamoeba species in Beni-Suef, Egypt. The presence of a higher percentage of Acanthamoeba species in tap water, in particular T4, highlights the potential health hazards for immunocompromised individuals and emphasizes the urgent need for the implementation of effective filtration and disinfection measures.
Zum Umgang mit umstrittener Literatur in Bibliotheken aus ethischer Perspektive
Authors: Rösch Hermann 
Published: October 2018

Zusammenfassung
Obwohl Bibliotheken in demokratischen Systemen als Garanten der Informationsfreiheit fungieren, im Bestandsaufbau Pluralismus und weltanschaulicher Neutralität verpflichtet sind, stehen sie immer wieder vor der Frage, ob bestimmte Werke brisanten Inhalts der Öffentlichkeit zugänglich gemacht werden sollen oder nicht. Das gilt insbesondere für erotische Darstellungen besonders expliziter Art, für Gewaltdarstellungen und für Positionen des politischen und religiösen Extremismus. Bedingt durch den Aufschwung rechtspopulistischer und rechtsradikaler Bewegungen stehen vor allem Öffentliche Bibliotheken verstärkt vor der Herausforderung zu entscheiden, wie mit Publikationen aus diesem Lager verfahren werden soll. Im Folgenden werden zunächst beispielhaft verschiedene Reaktionen beschrieben und der Stand der Debatte resümiert, ehe Überlegungen zum Umgang mit umstrittenen Werken aus bibliotheksethischer Sicht angestellt werden.
Cliffhanger, Wortsalat, Poesiewolke?!
Authors: Schmidt Tanja 
Published: October 2018

Zusammenfassung
Die Stadtbücherei Frankfurt am Main macht Kindern und Jugendlichen literaturpädagogische Angebote, bei denen sie ihr kreatives Potenzial entdecken können. Mit einem klaren pädagogischen Ansatz und entsprechenden didaktischen Methoden werden Kindern und Jugendlichen in den Veranstaltungen Literatur und Sprache spielerisch und über eigenes kreatives Schaffen näher gebracht. Für die jugendliche Zielgruppe eignet sich insbesondere Kreatives Schreiben als Form der Auseinandersetzung, die zum Buch hin und über den literarischen Text hinaus führt. Im Programm der Stadtbücherei Frankfurt am Main stehen daher unterschiedliche Konzepte für kreative Schreibaktionen zur Auswahl.
Serum α-fetoprotein in pediatric oncology: not a children’s tale
Authors: Ferraro Simona , Panzeri Andrea , Braga Federica , Panteghini Mauro 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Background
Measurement of α-fetoprotein (AFP) concentrations in the serum of infants is useful for the management of testicular germ cell tumors, hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. Here, we provide a critical review of the available information about pediatric reference intervals (RI), focusing on their utility in interpreting AFP as an aid for cancer diagnosis.

Content
Evidence sources in the available literature were critically appraised. Out of 3873 retrieved papers, 24 were finally selected and carefully inspected, and six of them overcame exclusion criteria (i.e. methodological limitations in the study design, statistical gaps, drawbacks in traceability of the AFP assay to higher order materials and/or biased reporting of AFP results). Preterm and term infants up to the 3rd month of life exhibited the highest average AFP concentrations, but the attempt of defining RI by data pooling and partitioning for age intervals was impeded by the wide variability of data. The inability of defining robust RI in the first months of life made difficult, if not impossible, using upper reference limits for ruling out malignancies with a single AFP result. Evaluating the behavior of AFP concentrations 5 days from the baseline result, if this exceeds risk thresholds partitioned for age, according to the formula Xt=X0*2−t/HL (where: t=days elapsed for AFP retest; HL=AFP half-life according to age; X0=AFP baseline concentration, and Xt=predicted AFP concentration at day 5), could give a better information.

Summary
Novel studies defining AFP RI in infants based on robust methodology are warranted to improve the interpretation of AFP results in pediatric oncology. In the meantime, algorithms based on both serum AFP absolute concentrations and HL may aid in cancer diagnosis.
Comparative study of in vitro antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activity of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) collected during different growth stages
Authors: Eruygur Nuraniye , Dincel Burak , Kutuk Dincel Nazire Gulsah , Ucar Esra 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Medicago sp. are often consumed as vegetable, salad and herbal tea as a form of fresh leaves and herbs. It is also very important in animal feeding, because it contains high percentage of protein and some important phytochemicals. In addition, traditionally, the leaves or other parts of the plant were used for treatment and preventing of kidney disorders, osteoporosis, anemia, diabetes, ulcer, coronary diseases, some cancers, and menopausal symptoms. In previous reports, it has been demonstrated that this plant has scavenging activity of the free radicals, which are involve in the development of the hypertension, Ischemia, neurodegenerative and rheumatoid diseases. In this study, the antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory activities of M. sativa L. collected in two growing period and phenolic substances that may be responsible for these activities were investigated. In this way, the beneficial effects of the plant will be revealed and a scientific work will be provided for the evaluation of the pharmaceutical and food industry.
Magnetic Nano-Sized Solid Acid Catalyst Bearing Sulfonic Acid Groups for Biodiesel Synthesis
Authors: Erdem Sezer , Erdem Beyhan , Öksüzoğlu Ramis Mustafa 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
In our approach for magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles surface modification, the fabrication of an inorganic shell, consisting of silica by the deposition of preformed colloids onto the nanoparticle surface and functionalization of these particles, was realized. The magnetic nanoparticles, non-coated and coated with silica layer by Stöber method, are functionalized with chlorosulfonic acid. The magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), in size of 10-13 nm, could be used as acid catalyst in biodiesel production and show superparamagnetic character. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by different methods including XRD, EDX, FT-IR and VSM. The catalytic activity of the coated and non-coated solid acids was examined in palmitic acid-methanol esterification as an industrial reaction for biodiesel synthesis. Although thin silica layer results in only a minor obstacle with respect to magnetism, it can accelerate the mass transportation due to its relatively porous structure and magnetic core may be more stable in the acidic reaction medium by means of covering process. Accordingly, coating strategy can be efficient way for allowing applications of MNPs in acid catalyzed esterification.
The biological activities of Arabis alpina L. subsp. brevifolia (DC.) Cullen against food pathogens
Authors: Balpinar N. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this study, in vitro biological activities of both methanol and ethanol extracts of Arabis alpina subsp. brevifolia were investigated. Also, the phenolic components of this plant was examined in this study. The extracts were tested against the eight strains of food pathogens for their antimicrobial activities by utilizing minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disc diffusion assay. The non-enzymatic antioxidant activities were determined according to scavenging of the free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The phenolic compounds were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The main component was ellagic acid for the methanol extract of stem-leaf, rutin for the ethanol extract of stem-leaf, and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid for the methanol and ethanol extracts of fruit-flower. The ethanolic extracts of leaves revealed antibacterial activities against Salmonella Typhimurium (7 mm) while the ethanolic extracts of flowers demonstrated no activity against the test pathogens. The methanolic extracts of leaf-flower showed antibacterial activities against S. Typhimurium (7 mm). No activity was observed against C. albicans. The MIC value for four test bacteria was 13000 μg/mL. The ethanol extracts of A. alpina subsp. brevifolia exhibited the highest DPPH inhibition (76%). This study showed that A. alpina subsp. brevifolia possesses antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
Effect of poultry wastewater irrigation on nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon contents in farmland soil
Authors: Zhang Yan , Fu Chun-Yan , Liu Xue-Lan , Li Xin-Hua , Jing Qing-Chuan , Wei Xiang-Fa , Shi Tian-Hong , Dong Yi-Lei , Yan Pei-Pei 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The goal of this study was to assess the suitability of poultry wastewater for the irrigation of farmland soil as a possible substitute for regular water and fertilizers. The vertical and spatial variability of soil total nitrogen (STN), soil total phosphorus (STP) and soil organic carbon (SOC) was analyzed during the growing season of summer maize in two types of soil: an experimental group (EG) soil, irrigated once only with poultry wastewater, and a control group (CG) soil, irrigated once only with regular water. Results revealed no difference in STP concentration, SOC concentration, nitrogen storage and phosphorus storage between EG and CG soils (all p>0.05); STN concentration in the 5–15 cm layer and carbon storage were higher in EG soil (p<0.05) while remaining within safety limits. Overall, single-time irrigation by poultry wastewater enhances nitrogen and carbon content of soil and does not pose a serious risk of pollution for ground water.
Isothermal Oxidation Behavior of Gadolinium Zirconate (Gd2Zr2O7) Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs) produced by Electron Beam Physical Vapor Deposition (EB-PVD) technique
Authors: Doleker Kadir Mert , Ozgurluk Yasin , Ahlatci Hayrettin , Karaoglanli Abdullah Cahit 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs) provide thermal insulation for gas turbine components operating at high temperatures. Generally, TBCs were produced on a MCrAlY bond coat with 7-8% Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) using Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS) technique. In this study, Inconel 718 substrate material was coated with CoNiCrAlY bond coat using high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) technique. Afterward, Gd2Zr2O7 was deposited on samples using Electron Beam Physical Vapor Deposition (EB-PVD) technique. Produced TBCs were exposed to isothermal oxidation tests at 1000°C for 8 h, 24 h, 50 h and 100 h in muffle furnace. Scanning electron microscopy-energy distribution X-ray (SEM-EDX) spectroscopy was used to investigate thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer and TGO growth behavior of TBCs. In addition, X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) analysis was performed to TBCs to understand whether phase transformation occurs or not before and after oxidation.
Optimization of Adsorption Parameters for Ultra-Fine Calcite Using a Box-Behnken Experimental Design
Authors: Uçurum Metin , Özdemir Akın , Teke Çağatay , Serencam Hüseyin , İpek Mümtaz 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Removal of heavy metals from wastewater is a significant issue because it prevents environmental-based concerns and impacts a large number of diseases and disorders. Many low-cost natural materials have been offered recently as possible precursors to commercial synthetic adsorbents. Ultra-fine calcite, one of these natural materials, has been investigated as a potential commercial adsorbent. Response surface designs are effective experimental techniques to investigate the heavy metal adsorption capacity of ultra-fine calcite. In the present study, one such response surface design, Box-Behnken, is used in order to optimize adsorption factors, such as pH level, initial metal concentration, stirring rate and adsorption time, and to determine the heavy metal capacity of this adsorbent. Our results show that the proposed methodology is an effective approach to optimizing the adsorption process and to maximize the heavy metal capacity.
Extreme classification
Authors: Fedden Sebastian , Corbett Greville G. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCategorization retains its key importance in research on human cognition. It is an intellectual area where all disciplines devoted to human cognition – psychology, philosophy, anthropology, and linguistics – intersect. In language, categorization is not only a central part of lexical structure but is also salient in systems of nominal classification, notably gender and classifiers. Recent years have seen great progress in the description and analysis of nominal classification systems, so that we are now in a position to offer an account of such systems which brings cognition and typology together, providing the essential parameters for the calibration of experiments for investigating cognition. To this end, we establish the extremes of nominal classification systems, from the surprisingly simple to the surprisingly complex. We analyse the two essential components of nominal classification systems: (i) assignment, i.e. the principles (semantic or formal) which govern category assignment and (ii) exponence, i.e. the morphological means by which systems of nominal classification are expressed. We discuss extreme configurations of assignment and exponence in individual languages and extreme multiple pairings of assignment and exponence in languages with two or even more concurrent classification systems.
Investigating Three Different Models for Simulation of the Thermal Stage of an Industrial Split-Flow SRU Based on Equilibrium-Kinetic Approach with Heat Loss
Authors: Kardan Mohammad Hossein , Eslamloueyan Reza 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Modified Claus process is the most important process that recovers elemental sulfur from H2S. The thermal stage of sulfur recovery unit (SRU), including the reaction furnace (RF) and waste heat boiler (WHB), plays a critically important role in sulfur recovery percentage of the unit. In this article, three methods including kinetic (PFR model), equilibrium and equilibrium-kinetic models have been investigated in order to predict the reaction furnace effluent conditions. The comparison of results with industrial data shows that kinetic model (for whole the thermal stage) is the most accurate model for simulation of the thermal stage of the industrial split-flow SRU. Mean absolute percentage error for the considered kinetic model is 4.59 %. For the first time, the consequences of considering heat loss from the reaction furnace on calculated molar flows are studied. The results show that considering heat loss only affects better prediction of some effluent molar flow rates such as CO and SO2, and its effect is not significant on the results. Eventually the effects of feed preheating on some important parameters like sulfur conversion efficiency, H2S to SO2 molar ratio and important effluent molar flows are investigated. The results indicate that feed preheating will reduce the sulfur conversion efficiency. It is also noticeable that by reducing the feed temperature to 490 K, H2S/SO2 molar ratio reaches to its optimum value of 2.
Case-based simulation empowering pediatric residents to communicate about diagnostic uncertainty
Authors: Olson Maren E. , Borman-Shoap Emily , Mathias Karen , Barnes Timothy L. , Olson Andrew P.J. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Background
Uncertainty is ubiquitous in medical practice. The Pediatrics Milestones from the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education state that advanced learners should acknowledge and communicate about clinical uncertainty. If uncertainty is not acknowledged, patient care may suffer. There are no described curricula specifically aimed to improve learners’ ability to acknowledge and discuss clinical uncertainty. We describe an educational intervention designed to fill this gap.

Methods
Second-year pediatric residents engaged in a two-phase simulation-based educational intervention designed to improve their ability to communicate about diagnostic uncertainty with patients and caregivers. In each phase, residents engaged in two simulated cases and debriefs. Performance was assessed after each simulated patient encounter using standardized metrics, along with learner perceptions of the experience.

Results
Residents’ skills in communicating with patients and families about diagnostic uncertainty improved after this intervention (mean score post 3.84 vs. 3.28 pre on a five-point Likert scale, p<0.001). Residents rated the experience as relevant, challenging and positive.

Conclusions
This prospective study suggests that a simulation-based intervention was effective in improving resident physicians’ skills in communicating about diagnostic uncertainty with patients and families. Further study is needed to determine how learners perform in real clinical environments.
Interference Cancellation Techniques in Heterogeneous Networks
Authors: Imam Sarah , El-Mahdy Ahmed 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The fifth generation (5G) cellular wireless networks are heterogeneous networks that will provide higher data rates, enhanced quality-of-experience (QoE) and reduced latency. Interference is one of the main problems in such systems. In this paper, a proposed cross-tier uplink interference alignment algorithm for coexisting two-tier networks is introduced. First at each receiver, the sum of the square of the channel gains from each macro user to this receiver is calculated and the average of these values is taken as a threshold. Macro users whose sum values are greater than this threshold are selected and aligned at the femto receiver. This alignment is performed by using precoders at the transmitters. Then, Zero Forcing technique is applied at the receivers in order to null the aligned interference signals. Numerical results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed algorithm.
Supervised Machine Learning with Control Variates for American Option Pricing
Authors: Mu Gang , Godina Teodor , Maffia Antonio , Sun Yong Chao 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
In this paper, we make use of a Bayesian (supervised learning) approach in pricing American options via Monte Carlo simulations. We first present Gaussian process regression (Kriging) approach for American options pricing and compare its performance in estimating the continuation value with the Longstaff and Schwartz algorithm. Secondly, we explore the control variates technique in combination with Kriging to further improve the estimation of the continuation value. This method allows to reduce dramatically the standard errors and to improve the stability of the Kriging approach. For illustrative purposes, we use American put options on a stock whose dynamics is given by Heston model, and use European options on the same stock as control variates.
Modeling Biological Systems Using Crowdsourcing
Authors: Wasik Szymon 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCrowdsourcing is a very effective technique for outsourcing work to a vast network usually comprising anonymous people. In this study, we review the application of crowdsourcing to modeling systems originating from systems biology. We consider a variety of verified approaches, including well-known projects such as EyeWire, FoldIt, and DREAM Challenges, as well as novel projects conducted at the European Center for Bioinformatics and Genomics. The latter projects utilized crowdsourced serious games to design models of dynamic biological systems, and it was demonstrated that these models could be used successfully to involve players without domain knowledge. We conclude the review of these systems by providing 10 guidelines to facilitate the efficient use of crowdsourcing.
Evaluating the CBM reservoirs using NMR logging data
Authors: Liu Zhi-di , Zhao Jing-zhou , Zhang Peng , Sun Jia-xing 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
This paper discussed the application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging in evaluating the pore structure of coal seams, physical properties, aquosity and sealing of the coal seam roof and floor. The study results show that T2 relaxation time spectrum could reflect the pore structure characteristics of the coal. The NMR transverse relaxation time (T2) of coal is 0.5~2.5, 20~50, and more than 100 ms, three spectral peaks represent meso pores, large pores and fractures. The larger the spectral peaks are where more pores and fractures develop. The T2 relaxation time spectrum of coal reservoirs in the research area is generally characterized by double-peak structure characteristics, which shows that the coal reservoir is microporous with meso pores. There are obvious gaps and poor continuities between the two peaks, and the break point is approximately 10 ms between the two peaks point. This indicates that the bound water and movable fluid in the coal reservoir cannot be connected effectively. NMR can reflect the level of porosity and permeability of the coal reservoir. Greater development of fracture and better permeability in the coal reservoir cause greater right peak of T2 relaxation time spectrum of the NMR. The effective porosity of coal reservoirs in the study area is generally less than 3%, which reflects the matrix pores of the coal seam. The fractures of large pore have little contribution to the porosity. The left peak of the T2 spectrum of a coal seam and its roof and floor are higher, which indicates that the meso pores and tiny pores develop, and there is less movable water. The low left peak and high right peak of T2 spectrum show that the meso and macro pores develop, and there is more movable water. In a well area with good sealing capability, the right peak of the NMR logging T2 spectrum of the coal seam roof and floor is low, the T2 spectrum peak amplitude is low, and there are low porosity and poor permeability. NMR logging technology can be used to evaluate the CBM (coalbed gas reservoir) effectively, and then correctly evaluate and effectively develop the CBM reservoir.