bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bugs on Cuffs and Pockets: A Cross-sectional Study of the Contamination of Healthcare Personnel Attire at Salmanyia Medical Complex
Authors: AlSalman Jameela M. , AlAlwan Yusuf N , Rajab Mohamed Redha , Saeed Nermin K 
Published: February 2019

Background: Hospital acquired infections increase the morbidity and mortality of the inpatient population. Pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococci are transmitted by direct contact or transmitted by fomites such as healthcare personnel’s attires. This is a cross-sectional study aimed to explore the prevalence ofcontamination of the attires of healthcare personnel working atSalmanyia Medical Complex.
Method: We randomly selected 100 doctors and nurses working in different departmentsand swabbed their attire's sleeves and pockets. We then stored both swabs in their accompanying syringe that contains a bacterial transportation media, and sent them to the lab for culturing. SPSS 23 was used for data entry and analysis. After that, percentages and frequencies were computed for different categorical variables, and a cross-tabulation was computed between each two categorical variables. Chi-Squared test was used to determine whether there were significant relationships between each two categorical variables.
Results:Of the total samples, 44 pocket and 45 cuff samples were contaminated with staphylococcus epidermidis (skin flora). Thirty eight participants were found to have contamination of both the cuff and pocket. Nurseshad slightly higher prevalence of cuff contamination than doctors (P=0.032). Amongst doctors, surgeons had the highest prevalence (P=0.006).
Discussion:Compared to the data available in the literature, our data did not reveal contamination with significant pathogens such as staphylococcus aureus or MRSA.Nevertheless, contamination with staphylococcus epidermidis could be whether from autoinoculation or contamination from the hospital environment and could correlate to level of hygiene. Frequent washing of attire doesn’t reduce the level of contamination.
Could 1I/’Oumuamua be an Icy Fractal Aggregate?
Authors: Moro-Martín Amaya 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
1I/’Oumuamua is the first interstellar interloper to be detected, and it shows a non-gravitational acceleration that cannot be accounted for by outgassing, given the strict upper limits of outgassing evident from Spitzer observations, unless the relative abundances of the common volatiles are very different to those in comets. As an alternative, it has been suggested that its peculiar acceleration is due to radiation pressure, requiring a planar-sheet geometry of an unknown natural or artificial origin. Here we assess whether or not the internal structure of 1I/’Oumuamua, rather than its geometry, could support a radiation-pressure-driven scenario. We adopt a mass fractal structure and find that the type of aggregate that could yield the required area-to-mass ratio would have to be extraordinarily porous, with a density ∼10−5 g cm−3. Such porous aggregates can naturally arise from the collisional grow of icy dust particles beyond the snowline of a protoplanetary disk, and we propose that 1I/’Oumuamua might be a member of this population. This is a hypothesis worth investigating because, if this were the case, 1I/’Oumuamua would have opened a new observation window on to the study of the building blocks of planets around other stars. This could set unprecedented constraints on planet formation models.
Secondary school teachers’ experiences related to learner teenage pregnancies and unexpected deliveries at school
Authors: Du Preez Antoinette , Botha A. Johan , Rabie Tinda , Manyathi Dudu G. 
Published: February 2019

Background: The incidence of learner teenage pregnancies can be reduced, provided that the major stakeholders, which include the Department of Education and the Department of Health, combine to address this issue. Despite the implementation of Life Orientation as a school subject, which focuses on sexual behaviour, health, decision-making, pregnancy risk, sexually transmitted infections and HIV and AIDS, the prevalence of learner teenage pregnancies at secondary schools remains alarmingly high.Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe teachers’ experiences of learner teenage pregnancies in secondary schools in a province in South Africa.Setting: Secondary schools in KwaZulu-Natal.Method: A qualitative approach with exploratory, descriptive and contextual strategies was used in this research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with teachers who had been selected through purposive sampling. Tesch’s steps of systematic open coding were used to analyse all of the interviews.Results: The results that emerged during the data analysis indicate that firstly, teachers’ experiences of having pregnant learners in their classrooms are negative as these learners are frequently absent from school, perform badly and drop out of school. Secondly, teachers’ experiences related to unexpected deliveries are coloured by their lack of the necessary skills and competencies to deal and their resultant insecurity. Thirdly, the teachers feel that they do not receive the assistance they need to deal with teenage pregnancies as well as unexpected deliveries.Conclusions: Collaboration between and continuous support from the Department of Health and the Department of Education are crucial if teenage pregnancies at secondary schools are to be handled with greater success. Support from health care personnel should include guidance on contraception and health campaigns should target both the teachers and secondary school learners. Furthermore, coping strategies for the teachers should form part of the preservice curriculum of teachers.
Life History of the Endemic Saddleback Crayfish, Faxonius medius (Faxon, 1884), (Decapoda: Cambaridae) in Missouri, USA
Authors: DiStefano Robert , Westhoff Jacob , Rice Christopher , Rosenberger Amanda 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The saddleback crayfish, Faxonius medius (Faxon, 1884), is endemic to a single drainage in eastern Missouri, USA, that is affected by heavy metals mining, and adjacent to a rapidly-expanding urban area. We studied populations of F. medius in two small streams for 18 months to describe the annual reproductive cycle and gather information about fecundity, sex ratio, size at maturity, and size-class structure. We also obtained information about the speciesâ€™ density at supplemental sites. The species, though rare in a geographic context, is locally abundant; we captured a monthly average of more than 75 F. medius from each of the two study populations. Densities of F. medius were high relative to several sympatric species of Faxonius Cope, 1872 and Cambarus Erichson, 1846. The species exhibited traits of an r-strategist life history; it was relatively short-lived and early to maturity. Its fecundity and egg size were comparable to Ozark congeners. Breeding season occurred in autumn, perhaps extending into early winter. Egg brooding occurred primarily in April. Young-of-year first appeared in samples in June. We estimated that these populations contained 2 to 3 size-classes, and most individuals became sexually mature in their first year of life. Life history information presented herein will be important for future conservation efforts.
Flood pulse characteristics and physicochemical influences on harvested Procambarus clarkii and Procambarus zonangulus populations in the Atchafalaya River basin, Louisiana
Authors: Kong Lauren , Ballinger Alexa , Bonvillain Christopher 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The majority of Louisiana’s wild crayfish landings are harvested from the Atchafalaya River Basin (ARB) during floodplain inundation from the annual flood pulse. Spatial and temporal heterogeneity in ARB physicochemical characteristics are associated with flood pulse characteristics and floodplain inundation, and extensive areas of the ARB experience environmental hypoxia (dissolved oxygen [DO] < 2.0 mg·L-1) for several weeks to months during the annual flood pulse. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effects of flood pulse characteristics and physicochemistry on harvested crayfish populations at 14 sites in the ARB that were sampled biweekly during the 2016 and 2017 crayfish seasons. Despite dissimilar 2016 and 2017 flood pulse characteristics, red swamp crawfish Procambarus clarkii and southern white river crawfish P. zonangulus carapace length and CPUE were similar between sample years. Comparisons of P. clarkii populations among physicochemical location groupings indicated that DO concentration, particularly chronically hypoxic water, is the principal abiotic variable influencing P. clarkii population characteristics. Although not significant, normoxic locations produced larger crayfish and yielded higher CPUE values for the majority of both crayfish seasons. Furthermore, hemolymph protein concentrations in P. clarkii from normoxic areas were significantly and consistently higher than individuals from chronically hypoxic locations.
Assistive learning technologies for learners with ADHD and ASD
Authors: Andersen Hanne Voldborg , Jensen Rune Hagel Skaarup 
Published: February 2019

This literature review was a part of a research project investigating how technologies can be utilised to support learners with developmental and attention deficit to be included in mainstream learning contexts. The review contains research within the field of assistive learning technologies for learners with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder from 2006 to 2016. The review is conducted, by using systematic and qualitative academically acknowledged literature search methods. Seven categories of technology-based interventions are recognised from current research, where technologies have been used to support: 1) memory disabilities and/or brain training, 2) increasing focusing attention, 3) time and task management, 4) communication, 5) reading, writing, language and literacy skills, 6) changing behaviour and 7) group work and collaboration. The results indicate that the overall findings of the rendered studies present mixed conclusions. The review calls for more research in a mainstream learning context with a universal design for learning approach.
Basic Kirkwood – Buff Theory of Solution Structure and Appropriate Application of Wyman Linkage Equation to Biochemical Phenomena
Authors: Udema Ikechukwu Iloh , Onigbinde Abraham Olalere 
Published: February 2019

Background: Researchers who have shown interest in the consequence of introducing dry biomolecules or a solution of it into cosolvents generally known as osmolyte, have applied many models for the elucidation of the scientific basis of the results obtained. The Kirkwood and Buff theory (KBT) or its reverse form has been the basis for the interpretation of the effect of the osmolyte. There seems to be no generally acceptable definition of terms in the basic KBT mathematical formalism. There is also error in stated equations describing solution structure and misapplication of Wyman linkage relation. Therefore, the objectives of this research are 1) to show how the equation of preferential interaction parameter is derived based on KBT, 2) to show the appropriate way in which Wyman linkage relation can be applied, 3) to apply biochemical approach (using generated data) to the equation of preferential interaction parameter (preferential interaction parameter is symbolised as ) for its calculation and calculation of parameters linked to KBT derived equations.
Methods: The research is mainly theoretical and partly experimental. The experiment entails Bernfeld method of enzyme assay for the generation of data.
Results and Discussion: The change in solvation preference upon the ethanol partial denaturation of the enzyme and the corresponding change in preferential interaction parameter were respectively positive and negative in sign. Unexpectedly ethanol was preferentially excluded from the enzyme.
Conclusion: The equations of preferential interaction parameters were derived. The appropriate way is either by calculation or measurement of preferential interaction parameter. Therefore, or for the change, cannot be a constant (or slope) and an instrumentation–based measurable parameter at the same time. Based on Wyman linkage relation, purely biochemical thermodynamic parameter is linked to preferential interaction parameters which are therefore, thermodynamic parameters.
Fresh Garlic Extract has a Synergistic Effect with Antibiotics on ESBLs Producing E. coli Urinary Isolates
Authors: Abdelraheem Wedad M. 
Published: February 2019

Aim: Extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs)-producing bacteria often exhibit a multidrug- resistant phenotype limiting the therapeutic options available to the clinician. This study was conducted to investigate the antibacterial susceptibility pattern of ESBL producing E. coli isolates and evaluation of the antibacterial activity of Garlic extract against it.
Study Design: The study was carried out using antibiotics powder and Garlic extract.
Place and Duration of Study: At the microbiology lab, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University between January 2017 to August 2018.
Methods: The study was carried on 55 ESBL producing E. coli isolates isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (UTI). Screening and confirmation for ESBL was done according to clinical and laboratory standard institute guidelines (CLSI) guidelines. The antibacterial sensitivity to a panel of antibiotics and Garlic was performed by tube dilution method.
Results: The results of antibacterial susceptibility testing of ESBLs-producing E. coli isolates in our study showed a higher degree of resistance to the tested antibiotics. In the present study, Garlic showed an inhibitory effect on ESBLs- producing E. coli with concentrations ranging from 10-50 mg/ml and a mean of 30 mg/ml. Garlic extract produce a synergistic effect with all tested antibiotics against all tested ESBL producing E. coli isolates. A Significant decrease in ESBLs genes expression (SHV, TEM and CTX-m) was reported after treatment with Garlic extract (P value: ˂0.001).
Conclusion: The combinations of antibiotics and Garlic may be more useful than individual agents, so we recommended that further researches should be undertaken to evaluate the combination of Garlic with antibiotics towards ESBL producing E. coli.
Metabolomics‐based identification of metabolic alterations in PARK2
Authors: Okuzumi Ayami , Hatano Taku , Ueno Shin‐Ichi , Ogawa Takashi , Saiki Shinji , Mori Akio , Koinuma Takahiro , Oji Yutaka , Ishikawa Kei‐Ichi , Fujimaki Motoki , Sato Shigeto , Ramamoorthy Sivapriya , Mohney Robert P. , Hattori Nobutaka 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveParkin is the causative gene for autosomal recessive familial Parkinson's disease (PD), although it remains unclear how parkin dysfunction is involved with the general condition. Recently, serum and/or plasma metabolomics revealed alterations in metabolic pathways that might reflect pathomechanisms of idiopathic PD (iPD). Thus, we hypothesized that serum metabolomics of patients with homozygous or compound heterozygous parkin mutations (namely, PARK2) might reflect metabolic alterations due to parkin dysfunction.MethodsWe enrolled 15 PARK2 patients (52 ± 17.6 years) confirmed with homozygous (seven cases) and compound heterozygous (eight cases) parkin mutations, along with 19 healthy age‐matched controls (51 ± 11.5 years). We analyzed 830 metabolites from participants’ serum using well‐established metabolomics technologies, including ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectroscopy.ResultsBased on metabolic profiles, hierarchical matrix analysis can divide samples between control and PARK2 subjects. Profiles from PARK2 patients showed significantly higher levels of fatty acid (FA) metabolites and oxidized lipids, and significantly lower levels of antioxidant, caffeine, and benzoate‐related metabolites.InterpretationMetabolomics can identify specific metabolic alterations in PARK2 patients compared with controls. Alterations in FA metabolites suggest a relationship between parkin function and lipid metabolism. The elevation of oxidized lipids in combination with decreasing antioxidants may reflect general hyperoxidative stress. Decreasing benzoate‐related metabolites might be due to the alteration in gut microbiota. Consequently, caffeine and its metabolites may be decreased due to malabsorption. These findings are similar to metabolic alterations in iPD. Thus, serum/plasma metabolomics may reflect the association between parkin dysfunction and parkinsonism.
Rehearsal partially mediates the negative relations of the fading affect bias with depression, anxiety, and stress
Authors: Gibbons Jeffrey A. , Lee Sherman A. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryThe fading affect bias (FAB) is defined by unpleasant affect fading faster than pleasant affect. The FAB persists across several cultures and event types, and it is positively related to healthy outcomes and negatively related to unhealthy outcomes. Although the notion of the FAB as a healthy process fits well with contemporary theoretical perspectives, such as self‐enhancement theory, few studies have (a) examined and established reliable relations between the FAB and psychological distress variables and (b) established overall rehearsal as a mediator of these relations. We examined and found reliable, negative relations between psychological distress and the FAB for combined data from several studies examining different event types. We also examined and showed that overall rehearsal partially mediated these relations. These findings help legitimize the relation of psychological distress and FAB as a reliable scientific phenomenon, show that the FAB results from cognitive mechanisms, and support therapeutic emotional memory reinterpretation.
High‐Abundance and Low‐Cost Metal‐Based Cathode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries: Problems, Progress, and Key Technologies
Authors: Chen Mingzhe , Liu Qiannan , Wang Shi‐Wen , Wang Enhui , Guo Xiaodong , Chou Shu‐Lei 
Published: February 2019

AbstractRecently, room‐temperature stationary sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have received extensive investigations for large‐scale energy storage systems (EESs) and smart grids due to the huge natural abundance and low cost of sodium. The SIBs share a similar “rocking‐chair” sodium storage mechanism with lithium‐ion batteries; thus, selecting appropriate electrodes with a low cost, satisfactory electrochemical performance, and high reliability is the key point for the development for SIBs. On the other hand, the carefully chosen elements in the electrodes also largely determine the cost of SIBs. Therefore, earth‐abundant‐metal‐based compounds are ideal candidates for reducing the cost of electrodes. Among all the high‐abundance and low‐cost metal elements, cathodes containing iron and/or manganese are the most representative ones that have attracted numerous studies up till now. Herein, recent advances on both iron‐ and manganese‐based cathodes of various types, such as polyanionic, layered oxide, MXene, and spinel, are highlighted. The structure–function property for the iron‐ and manganese‐based compounds is summarized and analyzed in detail. With the participation of iron and manganese in sodium‐based cathode materials, real applications of room‐temperature SIBs in large‐scale EESs will be greatly promoted and accelerated in the near future.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Methylation of Nitroarenes with Methanol
Authors: Wang Lin , Neumann Helfried , Beller Matthias 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA procedure for the synthesis of N‐methyl‐arylamines directly from nitroarenes using methanol as green methylating agent was developed. The key to success is the use of a specific catalyst system consisting of palladium acetate and the ligand 1‐[2,6‐bis(isopropyl)phenyl]‐2‐[tert‐butyl(2‐pyridinyl)phosphino]‐1H‐Imidazole (L1). The generality of this protocol is demonstrated in the synthesis of more than 20 N‐methyl‐arylamines under comparably mild conditions. Combining this novel methodology with subsequent coupling processes using the same catalyst allows for efficient diversification of aromatic nitro compounds to a broad variety of amines including drug molecules.
A Semiconducting Polymer Nano‐prodrug for Hypoxia‐Activated Photodynamic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Cui Dong , Huang Jiaguo , Zhen Xu , Li Jingchao , Jiang Yuyan , Pu Kanyi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) holds great promise for cancer therapy; however, its efficacy is often compromised by tumor hypoxia. Herein, we report the synthesis of a semiconducting polymer nanoprodrug (SPNpd) that not only efficiently generates singlet oxygen (1O2) under NIR photoirradiation but also specifically activates its chemotherapeutic action in hypoxic tumor microenvironment. SPNpd is self‐assembled from a amphiphilic polymer brush, which comprises a light‐responsive photodynamic backbone grafted with poly(ethylene glycol) and conjugated with a chemodrug through hypoxia‐cleavable linkers. The well‐defined and compact nanostructure of SPNpd (30 nm) enables accumulation in the tumor of living mice. Owing to these features, SPNpd exerts synergistic photodynamic and chemo‐therapy, and effectively inhibits tumor growth in a xenograft tumor mouse model. This study represents the first hypoxia‐activatable phototherapeutic polymeric prodrug system with a high potential for cancer therapy.
Converting Thioether Waste into Organic Semiconductors by Carbon–Sulfur Bond Activation
Authors: Zhu Ting , Jiang Longfeng , Li Ying , Xie Zengqi , Li Zijie , Lv Lei , Chen Hao , Zhao Zhiyuan , Jiang Lang , Tang Benzhong , Huang Hui 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA goal for human society is to convert organic waste into valuable materials. Herein, 2‐(methylthio)‐bezothiazole (MTBT), an important organic waste in urban runoff, was catalytically converted into a series of organic semiconductors through carbon–sulfur bond activation. The efficient conversion of various substrates with different aromatic moieties and reacting functional groups (tin and boron) proved the generality of this novel diarylation Liebeskind–Srogl methodology. Moreover, the resulting organic semiconductors showed excellent performance in field effect transistors and cell imaging. This contribution presents an excellent example of converting organic waste into valuable materials and may open a new avenue to utilizing widely available aromatic thioethers.
The Role of Polarization in Photocatalysis
Authors: Chen Fang , Huang Hongwei , Guo Lin , Zhang Yihe , Ma Tianyi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSemiconductor photocatalysis as a desirable technology shows great potential in environmental remediation and renewable energy generation, but its efficiency is severely restricted by the rapid recombination of charge carriers in the bulk phase and on the surface of photocatalysts. Polarization has emerged as one of the most effective strategies for addressing the above‐mentioned issues, thus effectively promoting photocatalysis. This review summarizes the recent advances on improvements of photocatalytic activity by polarization‐promoted bulk and surface charge separation. Highlighted is the recent progress in charge separation advanced by different types of polarization, such as macroscopic polarization, piezoelectric polarization, ferroelectric polarization, and surface polarization, and the related mechanisms. Finally, the strategies and challenges for polarization enhancement to further enhance charge separation and photocatalysis are discussed.