bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occurrence and molecular characterization of metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) among Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from cancer patients
Authors: Qouzah Husam F. , Hawari Feras , Abu-Qatouseh Luay F. , Shehabi Asem A. 
Published: September 2018

Background: During the last decade, the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant infection associated with multidrug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumanniiin patients has been continuously increasing. This prospective study aimed to determine the occurrence and molecular characterization of metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) and carbapenem hydrolyzing oxacillinases among A. baumannii isolates from cancer patients over a period of 6-month.
Methods:Antimicrobial susceptibility profile of 70 randomly collected A. baumannii isolates was first determined using disc diffusion test, and second, the MICs of 45 representative multidrug resistant (MDR) isolates were tested to useful drugs in treatment of their infections using E-test. PCR assays were used to detect the common four types of class D carbapenem hydrolyzing oxacillinases, two types of class A carbapenemases, four types of class B metallo-β –lactamases, and prevalence of Class 1 Integron among MDR isolates.
Results: All 70 isolates were MDR, including 100% resistance to meropenom, aztreonem, piperacillin/tazobactum and 99% to carbapenem. All isolates carried blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-51, but none carried a blaOXA-24 like or blaOXA-58. The isolates also were positive for NDM-1, NDM, VIM, GES, KPC and SPM at the rates of 29%, 20%, 29%,19%,7% and 2%, respectively. Class 1 Integron was positive in 82% of A. baumanniiisolates.
The clonal relationship of 42 MDR A. baumanniiisolates using ERIC-PCR and constructed dendrogram showed 3 major genotype clusters of genetically related isolates. These include 4 genotype groups, each composed of 2 isolates with 100 % similarity of DNA bands.
Conclusion:This study demonstrates that A. baumannii colonize frequently cancer patients in association with antibiotic treatment. The organism is mostly carrying wide spectrum of antibiotic resistance genetic factors, especially many types of ESBLs and MBLs and Class 1 Integron. This fact should be considered when therapy is selected for treatment of patients infected with MDR A. baumannii.
Key words. Acinetobacter baumannii, ESBLs, MBLs, Class 1 Integron, Jordanian cancer patients.
Pharmacokinetics and 48-week safety and efficacy of generic ritonavir tablet-boosted atazanavir in HIV-1-infected Thai adults
Authors:   HIV-NAT 223 study team, Hiransuthikul Akarin , Thammajaruk Narukjaporn , Techatanawat Isariya , Karachot Busarat , Chuasuwan Bancha , Manamuti Chutima , Duereh Mariam , Sawpitiporn Mathus , Sophonphan Jiratchaya , Gatechompol Sivaporn , Avihingsanon Anchalee , Bowonwattanuwong Chureeratana , Ruxrungtham Kiat 
Published: September 2018

Background Ritonavir (RTV) tablets were not available in Thailand until they were manufactured by the Government Pharmaceutical Organization of Thailand. We assessed pharmacokinetics (PK), safety and efficacy of generic RTV-boosted atazanavir (ATV) in virologically suppressed HIV-1-infected Thai adults. Methods Virologically suppressed HIV-1-infected Thai adults who currently use ATV (either 200 or 300 mg) with Norvir® soft gel capsule (SGC) 100-mg-based regimen were enrolled into this prospective, 48-week single-arm study. Participants switched from Norvir® SGC to generic RTV. Plasma trough concentration (C) was assessed at trough baseline before switching to generic RTV and week 24 in all participants, with the target ATV C of 0.15 mg/l. trough Plasma HIV-1 RNA and other laboratory safety parameters were assessed until week 48. Results Of 100 participants (51% male) enrolled, 50% was using ATV 200 mg and 50% was using 300 mg at the time RTV SGC were changed into generic tablets. All participants used two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) as backbone. There were no significant changes in mean (sd) Ctrough of RTV (0.20 [0.33] versus 0.23 [0.39]; P=0.21) and ATV (0.83 [0.93] versus 0.88 [0.95]; P=0.62) between baseline and week 24. From entry to week 48, median alanine aminotransferase significantly increased from 25 to 30 IU/l ( P=0.001) and total bilirubin significantly decreased from 1.7 to 1.3 ( P=0.04). One study drug related grade 3 adverse event was reported. All but one participant maintained plasma HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/ml after 48 weeks. Conclusions Generic RTV-boosted ATV showed adequate levels, good tolerability and great efficacy after 48 weeks.
Preflight calibration of the Chinese Environmental Trace Gases Monitoring Instrument (EMI)
Authors: Zhao Min Jie , Si Fu Qi , Zhou Hai Jin , Wang Shi Mei , Jiang Yu , Liu Wen Qing 
Published: September 2018

Abstract. An environmental trace gases monitoring instrument (EMI) is a nadir-viewing
wide-field imaging spectrometer, which aims to quantify the global
distribution of tropospheric and stratospheric trace gases, and is planned to
be launched on 9 May 2018. The selected wavelength bands for EMI are
ultraviolet channels: UV1 (240–315 nm), UV2 (311–403 nm) and visible
channels: VIS1 (401–550 nm), and VIS2 (545–710 nm). The spectral resolution
is 0.3–0.5 nm, and the swath is approximately 114∘ wide to achieve
a one-day global coverage. The preflight calibration of the EMI is discussed
in this paper. A tunable laser and rotating platform are adopted for an EMI
wavelength calibration of the entire field of view. The accuracy of the
wavelength calibration is less than 0.05 nm. In addition, the solar
calibration mode shows the same results compared with Earth observation mode.
A thermal vacuum test is performed to investigate the influence of in-orbit
thermal vacuum conditions on the EMI, and EMI spectral response changes with
pressure, optical bench temperature, and charge-coupled device (CCD) detector
temperature are obtained. For a radiometric calibration of UV1, a diffuser
plate with a 1000 W xenon lamp, which produces sufficient UV output, is
selected. An integrating sphere system with tungsten halogen lamp is selected
for the UV2, VIS1, and VIS2. The accuracies of radiance calibration are
4.53 % (UV1), 4.52 % (UV2), 4.31 % (VIS1), and 4.30 % (VIS2). The
goniometry correction factor and irradiance response coefficient of the EMI
are also calibrated on the ground for an in-orbit calibration of the solar. A
signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) model of the EMI is introduced, and the EMI
in-orbit SNR is estimated using the SNR and MODTRAN radiance
models.
Seasonal drought prediction for semiarid northeastern Brazil: verification of six hydro-meteorological forecast products
Authors: Delgado José Miguel , Voss Sebastian , Bürger Gerd , Vormoor Klaus , Murawski Aline , Rodrigues Pereira José Marcelo , Martins Eduardo , Vasconcelos Júnior Francisco , Francke Till 
Published: September 2018

Abstract. A set of seasonal drought forecast models was assessed and verified for the
Jaguaribe River in semiarid northeastern Brazil. Meteorological seasonal
forecasts were provided by the operational forecasting system used at FUNCEME
(Ceará's research foundation for meteorology) and by the European Centre
for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Three downscaling approaches
(empirical quantile mapping, extended downscaling and weather pattern
classification) were tested and combined with the models in hindcast mode for
the period 1981 to 2014. The forecast issue time was January and the forecast
period was January to June. Hydrological drought indices were obtained by
fitting a multivariate linear regression to observations. In short, it was
possible to obtain forecasts for (a) monthly precipitation,
(b) meteorological drought indices, and (c) hydrological drought indices. The skill of the forecasting systems was evaluated with regard to root mean
square error (RMSE), the Brier skill score (BSS) and the relative operating
characteristic skill score (ROCSS). The tested forecasting products showed
similar performance in the analyzed metrics. Forecasts of monthly
precipitation had little or no skill considering RMSE and mostly no skill
with BSS. A similar picture was seen when forecasting meteorological drought
indices: low skill regarding RMSE and BSS and significant skill when
discriminating hit rate and false alarm rate given by the ROCSS (forecasting
drought events of, e.g., SPEI1 showed a ROCSS of around 0.5). Regarding
the temporal variation of the forecast skill of the meteorological indices,
it was greatest for April, when compared to the remaining months of the rainy
season, while the skill of reservoir volume forecasts decreased with lead
time. This work showed that a multi-model ensemble can forecast drought events of
timescales relevant to water managers in northeastern Brazil with skill. But
no or little skill could be found in the forecasts of monthly precipitation
or drought indices of lower scales, like SPI1. Both this work and those
here revisited showed that major steps forward are needed in forecasting the
rainy season in northeastern Brazil.
SOME CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING THE EXACT SOLUTION IN THE ONE PHASE-STEFAN PROBLEM
Authors: Boucíguez A. , Lozano R. , Lara M. A. 
Published: September 2018

The one phase Stefan problem in a semi - infinite slab with heat flux boundary condition proportional to t½ and with constant temperature boundary condition are presented here. In these two cases the exact solution exists, the relation between the two boundary conditions is presented here, and the equivalence between the two problems is demostrated.
Fair Value Accounting Practices and Efficiency of Banks: A Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Jayasekara S G Sisira Dharmasri , Perera K L Wasantha , Ajward A Roshan 
Published: September 2018

This conceptual paper discusses the impact of fair value accounting practices on performance of commercial banks in relation to the established banking theories i.e. Credit creation, fractional reserve and financial intermediation theory. These theories are discussed in view of historical cost accounting principles and fair valued accounting principles considering the performance in terms of efficiency during different stages of economic conditions. The analysis shows that fair value accounting practices in banks create reserves in economic booms improving efficiency and deteriorate created reserves in economic downturns causing financial crises. Enhanced financial performance in terms of unrealized gains improves the overall efficiency of banks in view of the intermediation approach of the financial intermediation theory. Therefore, it can be interpreted that external factors such as accounting, infrastructure, and technology can influence efficiency of the financial intermediation process. This is the first study to discuss the implications of fair value accounting on banking theory in view of performance of banks and stability of financial system.
Developing a new questionnaire to measure nurse caring behaviours: a mixed method study
Authors: Ambrosi Elisa , Canzan Federica , Zenere Alessandra , Grassi Mario , Tardivo Stefano , Mortari Luigina , Saiani Luisa , Zanolin Elisabetta 
Published: September 2018

Rationale, aims and objective: Measuring nurse caring may provide empirical evidence to assist clinicians and administrators in making decisions. The aim of the present study was to develop a new scale, called the CARE-Italy, grounded in the Italian culture, for measuring nurses’ caring behaviours.Methods: A mixed method approach was applied in developing the instrument. The item generation and scale development were performed through a qualitative phenomenological approach and a focus group with a panel of experts. The provisional instrument was then administered to a convenience sample of 439 nurses and then questionnaire scaling and association analysis were performed. A dual scaling analysis of successive categories was performed to identify preferences on the rating scale. An item selection based on item-scale correlations and item weights was performed. Subjects’ mean scores were computed and standardized in a 100-point scale.Results: The 20 caring behaviours perceived by nurses to be the most important ones constitute the final version of the CARE-Italy questionnaire. They concern patients’ surveillance, professional relationships with patients, satisfying patients’ and family members’ practical and psychological needs, team consultation and nurses’ emotions.Conclusions: A relational and paternalistic caring approach by Italian nurses seems to be suggested. The next step of the research project will be the validation process of the CARE-Italy questionnaire with a Likert scale measuring the occurrence of the 20 caring behaviours in daily practice.
An integrated model of care for young people with liver disease and transplant
Authors: Hames Anna , Simpson Anna , Matcham Faith , Day Jemma , Joshi Deepak , Samyn Marianne 
Published: September 2018

Rationale, aims and objectives: Young people (YP) with chronic illness have increased risk of mental health problems. This paper evaluates the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of incorporating routine electronic mental health screening into the standard multidisciplinary healthcare of YP with chronic liver disease and liver transplant.Methods: One hundred and eighty-seven YP (mean age 18 years, 53% female) attending routine appointments in a tertiary service in the UK completed mental health screening prior to their clinic appointment. These standardized measures (the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ9] and the 7-item Generalised Anxiety questionnaire [GAD7]) were completed using an informatics system that facilitates routine collection of patient-reported outcomes, with real-time feedback to guide clinical care. Responses are immediately uploaded to medical notes and evaluated by the clinical team. Fifty-three YP completed an additional feasibility measure. YP screening positive were assessed by the clinical team, with appropriate support offered. Level of clinician agreement with screening programme was ascertained by the team’s clinical psychologist.Results: YP reported that completing the electronic screening was acceptable, a positive experience and that routine mental health screening in this manner would not affect the way they felt about coming to clinic. Clinician judgement corroborated 31 of the 33 YP who screened as positive for anxiety/depression. Screening did not effectively identify all YP warranting psychosocial input.Conclusions: Screening using electronic measures, with responses uploaded in real-time to medical notes for consultant review, can facilitate the rapid identification of mental health problems in YP with physical health problems, in an acceptable and time/cost-effective way. This should be combined with the support of embedded mental health practitioners within physical healthcare environments.
A Self‐Healing Room‐Temperature Liquid‐Metal Anode for Alkali‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Guo Xuelin , Ding Yu , Xue Leigang , Zhang Leyuan , Zhang Changkun , Goodenough John B. , Yu Guihua 
Published: September 2018

AbstractGiven the high energy density, alkali metals are preferred in rechargeable batteries as anodes, however, with significant limitations such as dendrite growth and volume expansion, leading to poor cycle life and safety concerns. Herein a room‐temperature liquid alloy system is proposed as a possible solution for its self‐recovery property. Full extraction of alkali metal ions from the ternary alloy brings it back to the binary liquid eutectic, and thus enables a self‐healing process of the cracked or pulverized structure during cycling. A half‐cell discharge specific capacity of up to 706.0 mAh g−1 in lithium‐ion battery and 222.3 mAh g−1 for sodium‐ion battery can be delivered at 0.1C; at a high rate of 5C, a sizable capacity of over 400 mAh g−1 for Li and 60 mAh g−1 for Na could be retained. Li and Na ion full cells with considerable stability are demonstrated when pairing liquid metal with typical cathode materials, LiFePO4, and P2‐Na2/3[Ni1/3Mn2/3]O2. Remarkable cyclic durability, considerable theoretical capacity utilization, and reasonable rate stability present in this work allow this novel anode system to be a potential candidate for rechargeable alkali‐ion batteries.
Voltaglue Bioadhesives Energized with Interdigitated 3D‐Graphene Electrodes
Authors: Singh Manisha , Nanda Himansu Sekhar , O'Rorke Richard D. , Jakus Adam E. , Shah Ankur Harish , Shah Ramille N. , Webster Richard D. , Steele Terry W. J. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSoft tissue fixation of implant and bioelectrodes relies on mechanical means (e.g., sutures, staples, and screws), with associated complications of tissue perforation, scarring, and interfacial stress concentrations. Adhesive bioelectrodes address these shortcomings with voltage cured carbene‐based bioadhesives, locally energized through graphene interdigitated electrodes. Electrorheometry and adhesion structure activity relationships are explored with respect to voltage and electrolyte on bioelectrodes synthesized from graphene 3D‐printed onto resorbable polyester substrates. Adhesive leachates effects on in vitro metabolism and human‐derived platelet‐rich plasma response serves to qualitatively assess biological response. The voltage activated bioadhesives are found to have gelation times of 60 s or less with maximum shear storage modulus (G′) of 3 kPa. Shear modulus mimics reported values for human soft tissues (0.1–10 kPa). The maximum adhesion strength achieved for the ≈50 mg bioelectrode films is 170 g cm−2 (17 kPa), which exceeds the force required for tethering of electrodes on dynamic soft tissues. The method provides the groundwork for implantable bio/electrodes that may be permanently incorporated into soft tissues, vis‐à‐vis graphene backscattering wireless electronics since all components are bioresorbable.
Manipulating Luminescence of Light Emitters by Photonic Crystals
Authors: Wu Suli , Xia Hongbo , Xu Jiahui , Sun Xiaoqian , Liu Xiaogang 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe modulation of luminescence is essential because unwanted spontaneous‐emission modes have a negative effect on the performance of luminescence‐based photonic devices. Photonic crystals are promising materials for the control of light emission because of the variation in the local density of optical modes within them. They have been widely investigated for the manipulation of the emission intensity and lifetime of light emitters. Several groups have achieved greatly enhanced emission by depositing emitters on the surface of photonic crystals. Herein, the different modulating effects of photonic crystal dimensions, light‐emitter positions, photonic crystal structure type, and the refractive index of photonic crystal building blocks are highlighted, with the aim of evaluating the fundamental principles that determine light propagation. The applications of using photonic crystals to manipulate spontaneous emission in light‐emitting diodes and sensors are also reviewed. In addition, potential future challenges and improvements in this field are presented.
Extraordinary Field Enhancement of TiO2 Porous Layer up to 500‐Fold
Authors: Yoshihara Kumi , Sakamoto Masanori , Tamamitsu Hironori , Arakawa Minori , Saitow Ken‐ichi 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTitanium dioxide (TiO2) is known as a very important material for photocatalysts, the photoelectrode for hydrogen evolution reaction, and the porous layer of perovskite solar cells. Their properties as well as device performances such as photoconversion efficiencies are significantly enhanced if integration of TiO2 providing a large field enhancement of light is made possible. However, the field enhancement has not been revealed for TiO2 materials, and then increased device performances have not been reported either so far. Here, extraordinary field enhancement of a porous TiO2 layer, mesoscopic film, prepared by a facile wet process in conjunction with ball milling and drop casting is shown. The field enhancement is investigated with respect to the fluorescence intensity of a dye molecule and an enhancement factor (EF) of up to 500 is achieved, which corresponds to the largest EF for a semiconductor. Furthermore, EF is up to 30 000 after numerical corrections. The large EF is realized for a porous TiO2 layer composed of a specific particle size of 550 nm, which is consistent with the results of fluorescence intensity, scattering intensity, and two different theoretical calculations based on Mie scattering theory, with respect to particle size. A special advantage of the current system is the mesoscopic porous layer giving many hot spots among TiO2 particles of the specific size.
Minute Organic Memory Fabricated by Laser Scanning and Selective Metal‐Vapor Deposition of a Diarylethene–Cu Composite Film
Authors: Tsujioka Tsuyoshi , Hoshimoto Kannei 
Published: September 2018

AbstractOne of the major challenges in the field of organic electronics is miniaturization and integration of electrical components. Such miniaturization, however, has been restricted strictly so far because of the difficulty in fabricating minute electrodes on organic layers and their patterning. The conventional metal electrode has been fabricated generally using vacuum evaporation with a shadow mask, and the resolution of the shadow mask limits the electrode size. In this study, a minute organic memory cell fabricated by laser scanning and maskless Mg‐vapor deposition is reported. This fabrication method is based on selective metal‐vapor deposition on photochromic diarylethene (DAE). To obtain electrical bistability for memory operation, a DAE–Cu composite film, prepared by Cu deposition onto the DAE surface at a high substrate temperature, is adopted. The optimum condition to achieve the compatibility of selective Mg‐vapor deposition and electrical bistability is revealed here. A larger ON–OFF ratio (OOR) in electrical bistability is obtained in a smaller cell and the 10 micron sized memory cell with a large OOR of 105 is demonstrated.
Decreased survival and increased rate of fibrotic progression in essential thrombocythemia chronicled after the FDA approval date of anagrelide
Authors: Tefferi Ayalew , Szuber Natasha , Vallapureddy Rangit R. , Begna Kebede H. , Patnaik Mrinal M. , Elliott Michelle A. , Christopher Hook C. , Wolanskyj Alexandra P. , Hanson Curtis A. , Ketterling Rhett P. , Pardanani Animesh , Gangat Naseema 
Published: September 2018

AbstractFirst‐line cytoreductive drug of choice in high risk essential thrombocythemia (ET) is currently hydroxyurea, a practice based on the results of a randomized study; second‐line drugs of choice include pegylated interferon‐α, busulfan and anagrelide. Anagrelide clinical trials were pioneered by the late Murray N. Silverstein (1928‐1998) of the Mayo Clinic whose studies led to FDA approval in March 1997. The current study represents a retrospective examination of the potential impact of anagrelide therapy on survival and disease complications in ET. 1076 patients with ET were considered (median age 58 years; females 63%); risk distribution, according to the international prognostic score for ET (IPSET), was 28% high, 42% intermediate, and 30% low. Overall (OS), myelofibrosis‐free (MFFS) and thrombosis‐free survival data were compared for ET patients diagnosed before and after the 1997 FDA approval date for anagrelide; a significant difference was apparent in OS (P = .006; HR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1‐1.7) and MFFS (P < .001; HR 4.2, 95% CI 2.7‐6.5), in favor of patients diagnosed prior to 1997; the difference was sustained during multivariable analysis that included IPSET. Similarly stratified survival data in polycythemia vera (n = 665) and primary myelofibrosis (n = 1282) showed no similar impact on survival (P = .3 and .17, respectively). The current study represents a retrospective analysis and suggests significantly decreased OS and MFFS in ET patients diagnosed after the FDA approval date of anagrelide. Whether or not anagrelide therapy was to blame for the worsening of OS and MFFS over time cannot be assumed and requires validation in a prospective study.