bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and assessment of uni- and multivariable flood loss models for Emilia-Romagna (Italy)
Authors: Carisi Francesca , Schröter Kai , Domeneghetti Alessio , Kreibich Heidi , Castellarin Attilio 
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Flood loss models are one important source of uncertainty in flood risk
assessments. Many countries experience sparseness or absence of comprehensive
high-quality flood loss data, which is often rooted in a lack of protocols and
reference procedures for compiling loss datasets after flood events. Such
data are an important reference for developing and validating flood loss
models. We consider the Secchia River flood event of January 2014, when a
sudden levee breach caused the inundation of nearly 52 km2 in northern
Italy. After this event local authorities collected a comprehensive flood
loss dataset of affected private households including building footprints and
structures and damages to buildings and contents. The dataset was enriched with
further information compiled by us, including economic building values,
maximum water depths, velocities and flood durations for each building. By
analyzing this dataset we tackle the problem of flood damage estimation in
Emilia-Romagna (Italy) by identifying empirical uni- and multivariable loss
models for residential buildings and contents. The accuracy of the proposed
models is compared with that of several flood damage models reported in the
literature, providing additional insights into the transferability of the
models among different contexts. Our results show that (1) even simple
univariable damage models based on local data are significantly more
accurate than literature models derived for different contexts;
(2) multivariable models that consider several explanatory variables
outperform univariable models, which use only water depth. However,
multivariable models can only be effectively developed and applied if
sufficient and detailed information is available.
Defining nature. Competing perspectives: between nativism and ecological novelty
Authors: Davis Mark 
Published: July 2018

In the 1980s, three sub-disciplines of ecology emerged – restoration ecology, conservation biology, and invasion biology – and all three embraced the nativism paradigm. By the early 2000s, historians, sociologists, and philosophers interested in the development of science began to examine the growing field of invasion biology and usually were critical of it. In the past few years, a new perspective has been taking hold in the field of ecology. Referred to as ecological novelty it emphasizes that many factors are producing ecologically novel environments. A much more simply descriptive concept, it is currently competing with the nativism paradigm to define nature. Whether the nativism or ecological novelty paradigm emerges as the dominant perspective going forward will determine how nature and biodiversity are managed.
Epidemiology of tuberculosis and treatment outcomes among children in Pakistan: a 5 year retrospective study
Authors: Laghari Madeeha , Sulaiman Syed Azhar Syed , Khan Amer Hayat , Memon Naheed 
Published: July 2018

Background
Regardless of the advancement in medical technologies, the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in children has remained a challenge. Childhood TB is rampant and an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the trend of TB and treatment outcomes in children aged ≤14 years registered for TB treatment under DOTS course in three districts of Sindh, Pakistan.

Methods
For this retrospective study, records of TB children (≤14 years) registered for the treatment of TB from January 2011 to December 2015 in three districts of Pakistan, were collected. Demographic data, baseline weight, clinical manifestations, radiography, histopathology results and treatment outcomes were collected from TB unit registers.

Results
A total of 2,167 children were treated for TB during the study period. Of these, 1,199 (55.3%) were females and 1,242 (57.3%) were from urban areas. Over three-quarter of patients (76.9%) had pulmonary TB with 13.3% of sputum smear positive cases. The overall treatment success rate was 92.4%. In multivariate analysis, rural residents (OR: 2.146, p < 0.001), sputum smear positive cases (OR: 3.409, p < 0.001) and re-treated patients (OR: 5.919, p < 0.001), were significantly associated with unsuccessful treatment outcomes. However, age group ≤2 years, male and those who were underweight were found to have the highest risk of pulmonary tuberculosis (OR: 1.953, p < 0.001; OR: 1.262, p = 0.028; OR: 1.342, p = 0.008), respectively.

Conclusion
Patients at risk of treatment failure must be given particular attention. Moreover, strategies are needed to further improve the diagnosis and treatment of TB among children and improve the recording system.
ASarcoptes scabieispecific isothermal amplification assay for detection of this important ectoparasite of wombats and other animals
Authors: Fraser Tamieka A. , Carver Scott , Martin Alynn M. , Mounsey Kate , Polkinghorne Adam , Jelocnik Martina 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundThe globally distributed epidermal ectoparasite,Sarcoptes scabiei,is a serious health and welfare burden to at-risk human and animal populations. Rapid and sensitive detection ofS. scabieiinfestation is critical for intervention strategies. While direct microscopy of skin scrapings is a widely utilised diagnostic method, it has low sensitivity. PCR, alternatively, has been shown to readily detect mite DNA even in microscopy-negative skin scrapings. However, a limitation to the latter method is the requirements for specialised equipment and reagents. Such resources may not be readily available in regional or remote clinical settings and are an important consideration in diagnosis of this parasitic disease.MethodologyA Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assay targeting the ITS-2 gene forS. scabieiwas developed and evaluated on clinical samples from various hosts, previously screened with conventionalS. scabies-specific PCR. Species specificity of the newly developed LAMP assay was tested against a range of DNA samples from other arthropods. The LAMP assays were performed on a real-time fluorometer as well as thermal cycler to evaluate an end-point of detection. Using skin scrapings, a rapid sample processing method was assessed to eliminate extensive processing times involved with DNA extractions prior to diagnostic assays, including LAMP.ResultsTheS. scabieiLAMP assay was demonstrated to be species-specific and able to detect DNA extracted from a single mite within a skin scraping in under 30 minutes. Application of this assay to DNA extracts from skin scrapings taken from a range of hosts revealed 92.3% congruence (with 92.50% specificity and 100% sensitivity) to the conventional PCR detection ofS. scabiei. Preliminary results have indicated that diagnostic outcome from rapidly processed dry skin scrapings using our newly developed LAMP is possible in approximately 40 minutes.DiscussionWe have developed a novel, rapid and robust molecular assay for detectingS. scabieiinfesting humans and animals. Based on these findings, we anticipate that this assay will serve an important role as an ancillary diagnostic tool at the point-of-care, complementing existing diagnostic protocols forS. scabiei.
Assessment of antioxidant properties of membrane ultrafiltration peptides from mungbean meal protein hydrolysates
Authors: Sonklin Chanikan , Laohakunjit Natta , Kerdchoechuen Orapin 
Published: July 2018

Background
Bioactive peptides can prevent damage associated with oxidative stress in humans when consumed regularly. Recently, peptides have attracted immense interest because of their beneficial functional properties, safety and little or no side effects when used at high concentration. Most antioxidant peptides are small in size, less than 1 kDa, and contains a high proportion of hydrophobic amino acid. Particularly, tyrosine, leucine, alanine, isoleucine, valine, lysine, phenyalanine, cysteine, methionine and histidine in peptide chain exhibited high antioxidant activity. Mungbean meal protein (MMP) is highly abundant in hydrophobic amino acids. It indicated that MMP might be a good source of antioxidants. Therefore, the objectives were to optimize the conditions used to generate mungbean meal protein hydrolysate (MMPH) with antioxidant activity from bromelain and to investigate the antioxidant activities of different molecular weight (MW) peptide fraction.

Methods
Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used for screening of the optimal conditions to produce MMPH. After that MMPH was fractionated using ultrafiltration membranes with different MW distributions. Crude-MMPH and four fractions were investigated for five antioxidant activities: 2,2,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl, superoxide, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and metal ion chelation activity.

Results
The optimal condition to produce the MMPH was 15% (w/w) of bromelain and hydrolysis time for 12 h which showed the greatest DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity. After mungbean protein from optimal condition was separated based on different molecular weight, the DPPH radical scavenging activity was the highest for the F4 (less than 1 kDa) peptide fraction. Metal ion chelating activity was generally weak, except for the F4 that had a value of 43.94% at a protein concentration of 5 mg/mL. The F4 also exhibited high hydroxyl and superoxide activities (54 and 65.1%), but moderate activity for ferric reducing antioxidant power (0.102 mmole Fe2+/g protein) compared to other peptide fractions and crude-MMPH. Molecular weight and amino acid were the main factors that determined the antioxidant activities of these peptide fractions. Results indicated that F4 had strong antioxidant potentials.

Discussion
The lowest MW fraction (less than 1 kDa) contributed to the highest DPPH, superoxide, hydroxyl and metal chelation activity because influence of low MW and high content of hydrophobic amino acid in peptide chain. Results from this study indicated that MMPH peptides donate protons to free radicals because they had significantly high DPPH value compared to superoxide, hydroxyl and FRAP, which reactions were electron donation. Moreover, MMPH peptides had the ability to inhibit transition metal ions because of highly abundant glutamic acid and aspartic acid in peptide chain.
2,3‐Pentanedione – Method for the determination of 2,3‐pentanedione in workplace air using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) [Air Monitoring Methods, 2017]
Authors: Schuh C. , Nitschke L. , Hebisch R. , Brock T.H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2018

Abstract

This analytical method is a validated measurement procedure for the determination of 2,3‐pentanedione in workplace air in a concentration range of a tenth up to twice the currently valid MAK value of 0,083 mg/m
3
. Sampling is performed by drawing a defined volume of air through a silica gel tube using a suitable flow‐regulated pump. The flow rate is set to 0.33 L/min with a recommended air sample volume of approx. 20 L at a sampling time of 1 hour. For sampling 1 hour or 15 min (checking the short‐term value) can be used. The collected 2,3‐pentanedione is desorbed with acetone containing the internal standard cyclohexanone and then analysed by means of gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The quantitative evaluation is based on a calibration function obtained by means of a 10‐point calibration using cyclohexanone as internal standard. The limit of quantification is 0.0025 mg/m
3
based on an air sample volume of approx. 20 L or 0.010 mg/m
3
based on an air sample volume of approx. 5 L (for short‐term value).

Joint Publication of the Analytical Subcommittee of the Chemistry Board of Experts of the Expert Committee Raw Materials and Chemical Industry of the German Social Accident Insurance and the working group “Air Analyses” of the Permanent Senate Commission of the DFG for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area.
Addendum to Ethylbenzene [BAT Value Documentation, 2016]
Authors: Reuter U. , Göen T. , Drexler H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2018

Abstract

In 2015 the German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the biological tolerance value at the work place (BAT value) and the exposure equivalents for carcinogenic substances (EKA) for ethylbenzene [CAS No.
100‐41‐4
], considering mandelic acid and phenylglyoxylic acid in urine as well as 2‐ and 4‐ethylphenol in urine (after hydrolysis) to characterise the internal exposure. Ethylbenzene was classified in category 4 for carcinogenic substances. It can easily pass through the skin, so biological monitoring is necessary for a valid individual risk assessment.

The BAT value for styrene, which also considers the sum of mandelic acid and phenylglyoxylic acid, was evaluated as creatinine related value. For practical reasons, the BAT value and the EKA for ethylbenzene are transformed into creatinine related values as well. Therefore, volume‐related results of studies were re‐calculated using a conversion factor of 1.2 g creatinine/l urine. The available studies are in good accordance. A BAT value for the sum of mandelic acids plus phenylglyoxylic acid of 250 mg/g creatinine was evaluated. Sampling should be performed at the end of exposure or end of shift.
For the EKA correlation, the values for the parameter mandelic acid plus phenylglyoxylic acid were also re‐calculated using a conversion factor of 1.2 g creatinine/l urine. Sampling time is at the end of exposure or end of shift. For the parameter 2‐plus 4‐ethylphenol, data differ in the two available older studies. While in one study only 2‐ethylphenol was found as metabolite of ethylbenzene, in the other study only 4‐ethylphenol was determined. In a more recent study, solely 4‐ethylphenol, but no 2‐ethylphenol could be analysed. Because of the inconsistency of the data, the EKA for the parameter 2‐ plus 4‐ethylphenol is withdrawn.
Addendum zu Toluol [BAT Value Documentation in German language, 2018]
Authors: Jäger T. , Drexler H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2018

Abstract

In 2017, the German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has derived a BAT value (“Biologischer Arbeitsstoff‐Toleranzwert”) for toluene [CAS NO.
108‐88‐3
] in urine to characterize the internal exposure at the workplace. Available publications are described in detail.

The evaluation of the BAT value was based on the relationship between toluene uptake by inhalation at the MAK value and the corresponding urinary excretion rate of unmetabolized toluene. An eight‐hour exposure to the present MAK value of 190 mg toluene/m
3
correlated with a mean urinary toluene concentration of approximately 75 µg/l. Therefore, a BAT value of 75 µg toluene/l urine was evaluated. Sampling time is at the end of exposure or the end of the working shift.
Neonicotinoide mit 6‐Chlorpyridinyl‐Gruppe (z. B. Imidacloprid, Acetamiprid, Thiacloprid, Nitenpyram, Boscalid) – Bestimmung von 6‐Chlornikotinsäure in Urin mittels GC‐MS [Biomonitoring Methods in German language, 2018]
Authors: Gries W. , Leng G. , Hoppe H.‐W. , Göen T. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe working group „Analyses in Biological Materials“ of the Permanent Senate Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area verified the presented biomonitoring method.Neonicotinoids with a 6‐chloropyridinyl structure are metabolised in warm‐blooded organisms to 6‐chloronicotinic acid that is excreted in urine. This analytical method permits the specific quantification of 6‐chloronicotinic acid in urine. For determination, 2 mL of a urine sample are hydrolysed using 500 µL concentrated hydrochloric acid to cleave the conjugates, which are subsequently extracted with methyl tert‐butyl ether. The solvent is evaporated to dryness under a stream of nitrogen and the residue is dissolved in acetonitrile. Then 6‐chloronicotinic acid is derivatised with hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) in the presence of diisopropylcarbodiimide. In a subsequent washing and extraction step, the formed HFIP ester is extracted using isooctane and an aliquot is injected in the GC‐MS system for quantitative analysis. Calibration is performed using calibration standards that are prepared in pooled urine and processed in the same way as the samples to be analysed.The method was extensively validated and the reliability data were confirmed by an independent laboratory, which has established and cross‐checked the whole procedure.
Bis(morpholino)methan [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2018]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated 4,4′‐methylenedimorpholine [5625‐90‐1], considering all toxicological endpoints. Available publications and unpublished study reports are described in detail. 4,4′‐Methylenedimorpholine is a formaldehyde releaser. The substance is corrosive to rabbit skin and induces local effects in the forestomach of rats after prolonged oral application. Therefore, the critical effect is presumably the local irritation in the respiration tract. Adequate data in humans and inhalation studies in animals to derive a maximum concentration at the work place (MAK value) is not available. Thus, the assignment of the substance to Section II b of the List of MAK and BAT Values is retained. A prenatal toxicity study in rabbits does not show any developmental toxicity up to the highest dose tested of 100 mg/kg body weight and day. 4,4′‐Methylenedimorpholine induces mutations in bacteria and is mutagenic and predominantly clastogenic to mammalian cells. The clastogenicity has, however, not been confirmed in vivo. Adequate carcinogenicity studies with 4,4′‐methylenedimorpholine are not available but the release of the local carcinogen formaldehyde has also to be taken into account for evaluating the carcinogenicity of 4,4′‐methylenedimorpholine. At work places where 4,4′‐methylenedimorpholine is used the mean air concentration of formaldehyde is about 2 µl/m3. As the difference between the MAK value of formaldehyde of 300 µl/m3and the work place air concentration is sufficiently large, and the measured concentrations are in the range of the background levels, no classification into a Carcinogen Category is confirmed. Clinical data in humans reveal a skin sensitizing potential which is also due to the release of formaldehyde. The results of the animal experiments are negative but they are carried out at very low concentrations. 4,4′‐Methylenedimorpholine is designated with an “Sh” notation. Skin contact is not expected to contribute significantly to systemic toxicity.
Propylenglykoldinitrat [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2018]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2018

Abstract

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) of propylene glycol dinitrate [
6423‐43‐4
], considering all toxicological endpoints. A detailed description of the underlying studies is given.

The critical effect in volunteers after an 8‐hour exposure to 0.1 ml/m
3
of propylene glycol dinitrate was vasodilation, as indicated by the development of headaches. The effects were very slight. After 4‐hour exposure to 0.2 ml/m
3
most of the volunteers developed headaches and changes in visual evoked responses. At 0.03 ml/m
3
no effects were observed. In occupational situations it is difficult to assess the levels of exposure to propylene glycol dinitrate that induce symptoms and effects, because of both respiratory tract and skin absorption of vapours. The MAK value for propylene glycol dinitrate has been lowered to 0.01 ml/m
3
by analogy with nitroglycerin and ethylene glycol dinitrate because of the same mode of action and the similar NOAEC and LOAEC.

The MAK value also applies to the sum of the concentrations of the three nitrate esters nitroglycerin, ethylene glycol dinitrate and propylene glycol dinitrate in the air. As systemic effects are critical, the assignment to Peak Limitation Category II and the excursion factor of 1, due to the short half‐life, are retained. Although there are no studies on developmental toxicity, propylene glycol dinitrate is assigned to Pregnancy Risk Group C by analogy with nitroglycerin and ethylene glycol dinitrate. No data are available for genotoxicity or carcinogenicity. Skin contact may contribute significantly to systemic toxicity and propylene glycol dinitrate continues to be designated with an “H”. Sensitization is not expected from the limited data.
Production of patient‐specific electron beam aperture cut‐outs using a low‐cost, multi‐purpose 3D printer
Authors: Michiels Steven , Mangelschots Bram , Roover Robin De , Devroye Cédric , Depuydt Tom 
Published: July 2018

AbstractElectron beam collimators for non‐standard field sizes and shapes are typically fabricated using Styrofoam molds to cast the aperture cut‐out. These molds are often produced using a dedicated foam cutter, which may be expensive and only serves a single purpose. An increasing number of radiotherapy departments, however, has a 3D printer on‐site, to create a wide range of custom‐made treatment auxiliaries, such as bolus and dosimetry phantoms. The 3D printer can also be used to produce patient‐specific aperture cut‐outs, as elaborated in this note. Open‐source programming language was used to automatically generate the mold's shape in a generic digital file format readable by 3D printer software. The geometric mold model has the patient's identification number integrated and is to be mounted on a uniquely fitting, reusable positioning device, which can be 3D printed as well. This assembly likewise fits uniquely onto the applicator tray, ensuring correct and error‐free alignment of the mold during casting of the aperture. For dosimetric verification, two aperture cut‐outs were cast, one using a conventionally cut Styrofoam mold and one using a 3D printed mold. Using these cut‐outs, the clinical plan was delivered onto a phantom, for which the transversal dose distributions were measured at 2 cm depth using radiochromic film and compared using gamma‐index analysis. An agreement score of 99.9% between the measured 2D dose distributions was found in the (10%–80%) dose region, using 1% (local) dose‐difference and 1.0 mm distance‐to‐agreement acceptance criteria. The workflow using 3D printing has been clinically implemented and is in routine use at the author's institute for all patient‐specific electron beam aperture cut‐outs. It allows for a standardized, cost‐effective, and operator‐friendly workflow without the need for dedicated equipment. In addition, it offers possibilities to increase safety and quality of the process including patient identification and methods for accurate mold alignment.