bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Institutional delivery and its associated factors: A community based cross-sectional study in Kavre district
Authors: Shrestha Sushila , Shrestha Geeta Kamal 
Published: November 2017

Background: Health facility delivery is considered a critical strategy to improve maternal health. The Government of Nepal is promoting institutional delivery through different incentive programs and the establishment of birthing centers. The objective of this study was to identify utilization of institutional delivery and its associated factors.Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among the mothers of under five children in Dhungkharka. Pre-tested questionnaire was administered to 170 mothers between 15-45 years of age group. Household survey was done by using purposive sampling technique and face to face interview technique was used to collect the data from 1st Julyto 30 th December 2014. Data was analyzed using simple descriptive statistic with SPSS version 16. Association with institutional delivery was assessed by using chi-square test.Results: Among the total participants, 90.0% of them had institutional delivery. The higher proportions of institutional delivery were found in both literate mothers (p=0.001), and literate husband (p=0.023). The proportion of institutional delivery among the mothers decided by their relatives (husband, father/mother-in-laws and other family members) for institutional delivery had higher portion (p=0.048) of institutional delivery than participants who decide themselves.Conclusion: Utilization of institutional delivery was much higher than national figure. Institutional delivery was associated with both educational status of mothers and their husband. Decision made by husband, mother in-law, father in-law and other family members were also associated with institutional delivery. So, to increase institutional delivery, family members need to be encouraged for safe motherhood program.Journal of Kathmandu Medical College Vol. 6, No. 1, 2017, page: 22-26
Two-dimensional graphene electronics: current status and prospects
Authors: Ratnikov P V , Silin A P 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Graphene, a two-dimensional carbon material, is reviewed for how it is currently used in nanometer-scale electronics (nanoelectronics). The history of the discovery of graphene is briefly described. Theoretical work on graphene heterostructures is examined. The primary focus is on the practical use of graphene in nanoelectronics applications. Prospects for graphene and post-graphene nanoelectronics are discussed.
3D printing methods for micro- and nanostructures
Authors: Fritzler K B , Prinz V Ya 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The physical and physicochemical fundamentals of three-dimensional (3D) micro- and nanoprinting are presented. 3D printing (or additive manufacturing technology) is a process which fabricates structures and devices by depositing material (usually layer by layer) according to a 3D digital model. The methods and results reviewed here are limited to those from micro- and nanoscale fields, which are in demand in the fields of electronics, photonics, and bionics. Special attention is given to methods for fabricating sub-100-nm structures, including single- and two-photon polymerization stereolithography, electrohydrodynamic inkjet printing, and laser-induced forward transfer. The advantages and disadvantages of 3D printing methods are discussed, together with prospects for their development and application.
Drug–Drug Interaction Potential of the HBV and HDV Entry Inhibitor Myrcludex B Assessed in vitro
Authors: Blank Antje , Meier Katrin , Urban Stephan , Haefeli Walter Emil , Weiss Johanna 
Published: November 2017

Background Myrcludex B is a first-in-class virus entry inhibitor for patients with chronic hepatitis B or B/D infections. In patients it will be coadministered with drugs needed for the disease or comorbidities. We aimed to define the risk of drug–drug interactions by characterizing the influence of myrcludex B on relevant drug transporting and metabolizing enzymes in vitro. Methods Inhibition of P-glycoprotein (P-gp; ABCB1), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ ABCG2), and the organic anion transporting polypeptides 1B1 and 1B3 (OATP1B1/ SLCO1B1 and OATP1B3/ SLCO1B3) was measured in cells over-expressing the respective transporter using fluorogenic substrates. Inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) was assessed with commercially available kits. mRNA induction of drug transporting and metabolizing enzymes was measured in LS180 cells after 4 days of treatment by quantitative real-time PCR. Pregnane X receptor (PXR) activation was assessed using a reporter-gene assay. Results Whereas activities of P-gp and BCRP were not influenced by myrcludex B, OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 were specifically inhibited with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.5 and 8.7 μM, respectively. Myrcludex B weakly inhibited all CYPs tested at concentrations ≥10 μM except CYP2D6, which was not inhibited at concentrations up to 2 μM. Myrcludex B had no influence on mRNA expression of CYP1A1, CYP3A4, UGT1A3, ABCB1, ABCC2 and ABCG2, and on PXR activity. Conclusions Our in vitro study suggests that myrcludex B is not at major risk of acting as a perpetrator drug. A potential inhibition of the uptake transporters OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 and a previous clinical finding of potential CYP3A inhibition, requires further evaluation and should be carefully addressed in future trials.
Du goût à la théorie. Le « Maître de Buli » au travers du prisme photographique
Authors: Volper Julien 
Published: November 2017

À partir d’une série de photos dédiées à l’une des œuvres les plus emblématiques du Musée royal de l’Afrique centrale, l’auteur dresse un bref historique des approches esthétiques et scientifiques de la porteuse de coupe dite du « Maître de Buli ». Analyser l’intérêt porté par le chercheur belge Frans Maria Olbrechts à cette pièce permet de présenter un résumé des théories olbrechtiennes qui s’appuyèrent autant sur les travaux de l’anthropologue germano-américain Franz Boas que sur ceux de l’italien Giovanni Morelli, historien de l’art, ou, plus indirectement, sur les études de l’anatomiste français Georges Cuvier.
Floristic composition and species diversity of urban vegetation in Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa
Authors: Dingaan Mamokete N.V. , Du Preez Pieter J. 
Published: November 2017

Background: Urban vegetation studies have, until recently, been relatively uncommon in South Africa. Yet, natural urban vegetation is constantly competing with and greatly impacted by urbanisation. This vegetation requires proper management and needs to be conserved because it is an important ecological infrastructure.Objectives: The objectives of the study were to identify the main vegetation types within the urban open spaces in the Bloemfontein metropolitan area, and to determine the floristic composition and species diversity of the area.Methods: A total of 248 relevés were classified using the TWINSPAN classification algorithm, and relationships between the communities and the environment were determined with the Detrended Correspondence Analysis and Canonical Correspondence Analysis computer programs. Species diversity was partitioned into α-, β- and γ-diversities.Results: Within the study area, 77 plant families and 248 genera, with a total of 376 plant species, were identified. The largest families are Poaceae, Asteraceae and Fabaceae, whereas the largest genera are Eragrostis, Aristida, Cyperus, Asparagus and Senecio. The study area has high species richness and the most species-rich sites are found adjacent to rivers and streams, and also on the slopes of hills and ridges. The vegetation is classified under five major vegetation types and four sub-units, which show a distinct association with topography and soil texture.Conclusion: The urban vegetation of Bloemfontein is species-rich and should be properly managed and conserved. In particular, the wetlands and rocky outcrops on hills and ridges, which are the most threatened habitats in the study area, need special management.
Status of the Genera <i>Colpoon</i>, <i>Osyris</i> and <i>Rhoiacarpos</i> in South Africa
Authors: Nickrent Daniel L. 
Published: November 2017

Background: The taxonomic and phylogenetic status of Colpoon, Osyris and Rhoiacarpos (Santalaceae, Osyrideae) is reviewed.Objectives: To resolve confusion regarding whether Colpoon is deserving of generic status separate from Osyris.Methods: Existing morphological information was examined for the three genera as well as previously published molecular phylogenies.Results: From both morphological and phylogenetic perspectives, Colpoon is distinct from Osyris. The status of Rhoiacarpos was not contentious and this genus is also easily differentiated from the other two genera in Osyrideae.Conclusions: Colpoon and Osyris are not congeneric; therefore, floras, databases and herbarium collections should recognise these as distinct taxa.
New Strains of Streptomyces as Producers of Biofungicides and Biological Stimulators for Protection of the Shoots and Seedlings of Tiang-Shang Spruce Fir (Picea Schrenkiana)
Authors: Doolotkeldieva T.D. , Totubaeva N.E. 
Published: November 2017

During this work we detected 5 species of pathogenic fungi that damage seedlings and saplings of the Tiang—Shang spruce fir, which cause a perceptible damage to the coniferous nurseries of Northern Kyrgyzstan and require activities to protect the woods. The biological activity of Streptomyces metabolites for raising the resistance of seedlings to phytopathogenic fungi was tested in laboratory and field conditions during three seasons. In order to evaluate the biological activity of Streptomyces preparations as biological agents, we have soaked the seeds in the suspension of Streptomyces metabolites with the concentrations of 50, 100, 500 mg per liter. In other variant, the seeds were at first processed in the culture of pathogenic fungi as infectious drowning of sprouts ( Fusarium, Alternaria), crown rot of sprouts ( Sclerotinia graminearum Elen.) and grey dew of needles ( Hypodermella sulsigena Tub.), then they were treated in the suspension of Streptomyces. Also we have used a spraying treatment with the suspension of Streptomyces metabolites of the one-year-old seedlings of Tiang—Shang spruce fir already staggered and dying from infectious drowning. The best results against the Alternaria culture were demonstrated by the use of preparation S. griseogromogenes 24-8 at the concentration of 500 mgs per liter, which provided the safety of sprouts to 80.2%. Preparations of S. rubrogriseus TK2-5, S. wistariopsis CI73-13 and S. griseogromogenes 24-8 were effective in protection of sprouts from Fusarium sp. cultures. They provided safety of sprouts to 80% on average.
T2-Weighted MRI Signal Alterations in the Early-Clinical Phase of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy in a Scrapie Rodent Model
Authors: Carpinelli G. , Canese R. , Vetrugno V. , Di Bari M.A. , Santoro F. , Lu M. , Sbriccoli M. , Pocchiari M. , Agrimi U. , Podo F. 
Published: November 2017

Background and Purpose Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) diseases are fatal, progressive neurodegenerative disorders affecting both humans and animals. Clinical signs typically appear after years and even decades of silent disease progression. This study was aimed at investigating whether altered brain MRI patterns may precede clinical signs in a TSE rodent model. Methods In vivo T2-weighted (T2W) MRI examinations (4.7 T) were performed on Golden Syrian hamsters (GSH) intracerebrally, orally, or intraperitoneally (i.p.) infected with the 263K scrapie strain. Histopathological analyses were performed on i.p. infected GSH at the end of one-day or longitudinal MRI sessions. Results T2W-MRI hyperintensity was detected in the thalamic nuclei of GSH with clinical signs, irrespective of the infection route. Hyperintensity in the thalamus was also observed in pre-clinical animals, between 106 and 121 days post-infection (dpi), while normal T2W intensity was detected in four animals examined between 72 and 96 dpi. Pathological prion protein deposition (but no astrogliosis and only occasionally, weak spongiosis) was detected between 106 and 121 dpi. Conclusions The altered T2W-MRI pattern detected in the thalamus of asymptomatic i.p. infected GSH provides a useful basis for evaluating the effectiveness of possible therapeutic approaches at early stages of TSE disease.
Femoral Cortical Bone Mineral Density and Biomechanical Properties in Sheep Consuming an Acidifying Diet
Authors: Hackett Eileen S. , MacLeay Jennifer M. , Green Mike , Enns R. Mark , Pechey Carola L. , Les Clifford M. , Turner A. Simon 
Published: November 2017

Dietary acidity is a likely contributor to the development of osteoporosis. Dietary acidosis in an ovine model has effects on trabecular bone that have been previously shown to mimic human osteoporosis. Effects on cortical bone using this model have not been investigated. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of dietary acidosis on cortical bone mineral density and material properties. Skeletally mature ovariectomized (OVX) sheep consumed either a normal diet (ND) or a metabolic acidosis diet (MA) for 6 or 12 months. Whole femoral and cortical bone beam BMD was determined using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Beams were then subjected to three point flexure monotonically to failure to determine strength and modulus and then ashed to determine percent mineralization. Femoral BMD in adult OVX ND 6 mo sheep was significantly greater than those in the non-OVX ND group. The BMD in the MA groups was lower than the control non-OVX ND group. Cortical beams had significantly decreased modulus in all MA and OVX groups when compared with the non-OVX ND group and a tendency towards decreased strength in all groups with significance only in the OVX ND 6 mo sheep. Percent mineralization increased in MA and OVX groups when compared to the non-OVX ND group and was significantly increased in the OVX ND 6 mo and OVX MA 12 mo groups. A significant correlation was seen between BMD of the beam and breaking strength and modulus. Dietary acidity impacts cortical bone and results in reduced material properties that may contribute to failure.
Cathepsin Y Expression is Up-Regulated in Liver and Spleen of the Rats Growing under a Low Protein Diet
Authors: Nakazono Eri , Yamaguchi Takayoshi , Yamafuji Keiko , Tsuda Hiroko 
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims We have previously isolated a novel lysosomal cysteine protease, cathepsin Y, which produces a kinin-potenciating octapeptide from rat plasma. The present study aimed to elucidate the influence of protein-restriction on cathepsin Y mRNA expression in tissues of growing rat. Methods Weaning rats were fed either 20% casein (normal-protein, NP) or 5% casein (low-protein, LP) diet for 12 weeks, from post-weaning period to maturity. Cathepsin Y mRNA expression in tissues was examined using RT-PCR and compared with that of cathepsin L, a general marker of muscle atrophy. Results Body, liver and spleen weights and diet intake of LP were significantly lower than those of NP. Cathepsin Y expression in LP was increased in liver (3.70 fold vs. NP) and spleen (1.28 fold) at early periods of protein-restriction, whereas that of cathepsin L was increased in liver and pectoral muscle through all intake periods. However, significant differences were detected in neither cathepsin Y expression in pectoral muscle nor cathepsin L expression in spleen throughout intake periods. Conclusions A significant up-regulation of cathepsin Y was observed in spleen and liver, suggesting that it may associate with immunodepression in rats under protein-malnutrition during the early post-weaning period.
Atmospheric torques and Earth's rotation: what drove the millisecond-level length-of-day response to the 2015–2016 El Niño?
Authors: Lambert Sébastien B. , Marcus Steven L. , de Viron Olivier 
Published: November 2017

Abstract. El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events are classically associated with a significant increase in the length of day (LOD), with positive mountain torques arising from an east–west pressure dipole in the Pacific driving a rise of atmospheric angular momentum (AAM) and consequent slowing of the Earth's rotation. The large 1982–1983 event produced a lengthening of the day of about 0.9 ms, while a major ENSO event during the 2015–2016 winter season produced an LOD excursion reaching 0.81 ms in January 2016. By evaluating the anomaly in mountain and friction torques, we found that (i) as a mixed eastern–central Pacific event, the 2015–2016 mountain torque was smaller than for the 1982–1983 and 1997–1998 events, which were pure eastern Pacific events, and (ii) the smaller mountain torque was compensated for by positive friction torques arising from an enhanced Hadley-type circulation in the eastern Pacific, leading to similar AAM–LOD signatures for all three extreme ENSO events. The 2015–2016 event thus contradicts the existing paradigm that mountain torques cause the Earth rotation response for extreme El Niño events.
La canción francófona, una herramienta eficaz en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de la lengua francesa.
Authors: Mamdouh Maha 
Published: November 2017

Este articulo explica los resultados de un estudio que está basado en el uso de la canción francófona en la clase de francés lengua extranjera con el alumnado de secundaria para mejorar la competencia de comprensión auditiva e introducir la cultura francesa mediante un instrumento vivo, real y motivador. Para ello, usamos un corpus de canciones francófonas, con fichas pedagógicas elaborado y adaptado específicamente al aprendizaje de los contenidos y destrezas que deben adquirir los aprendices en este curso. La investigación consiste al principio en determinar el nivel del alumnado antes de la intervención con un pre-test y luego, detectar el cambio producido en esta competencia tras la intervención con un post-test. Además se le pasó un cuestionario al alumnado para que expresase su opinión sobre este método. Al final comparamos este cambio producido en los resultados con los resultados de otro grupo no sometido al tratamiento. Por otro lado, presentamos una muestra del trabajo realizado durante las sesiones de la investigación mediante la canción “C’est de l’eau” del grupo “les enfantastiques”
The concept of European public sphere within the European public discourse
Authors: Ivic Sanja 
Published: November 2017

This inquiry analyzes the concept of ‘European public sphere’ within the European public discourse. In particular, it explores the European Communication Strategy for creating active European citizenship and European public sphere. The European Commission’s Plan D for Democracy, Dialogue and Debate failed, because it employed homogeneous and static concepts of public sphere and European values. In this way it reduced deliberation to a mere debate. The European Year of Citizens was not sufficiently successful for the same reason. It involved citizens debated about EU rights, but it did not produce deliberation. The purpose of this inquiry is to show the dialectical relation between ideas of European values, European identity and European public sphere. This paper emphasizes performative nature of European public sphere, European identity and European values. These concepts may be perceived as grand narratives which aim at producing universal truths.Article first published online: 16 OCT 2017
Etiske utfordringer med nyere reproduksjonsteknologi
Authors: Hofmann Bjørn 
Published: November 2017

Moderne teknologi gir fantastiske muligheter for menneskelig formering. Mange som tidligere ikke kunne få barn, eller som fikk syke barn, kan nå hjelpes. Samtidig reiser mulighetene en rekke vanskelige moralske spørsmål, som ikke har enkle svar – ofte fordi de bunner i grunnleggende etiske motsetninger. Denne artikkelen gir en kort oversikt over de mulighetene som tre typer teknologier gir: assisterende, seleksjonsfremmende og egenskapsendrende teknologier. Deretter peker den på noen av de viktige moralske spørsmålene som disse teknologiene reiser i betydningen «Hvordan bør teknologiene brukes»? Så stilles spørsmålet: Hvordan skal vi begrunne bruken? Dette spørsmålet peker på en rekke grunnleggende etiske utfordringer. Det er disse utfordringene som gjør at de moralske spørsmålene sjelden finner solide og stabile svar, men til stadighet blusser opp i til dels heftige offentlige debatter. I tillegg løfter artikkelen frem flere moralske spørsmål som er glemt eller gjemt. Spørsmålene som vi ikke stiller kan ofte fortelle oss like mye om oss selv og våre verdier, som de spørsmålene som drøftes eksplisitt. De moralske spørsmålene – samt de underliggende etiske utfordringene og de glemte spørsmålene – kan forklare hvorfor debattene ofte står på stedet hvil, og hva vi må jobbe med for å komme videre i drøftingene av moderne reproduksjonsteknologi. Vi synes å være teknologiske helter som er fremragende på teknikk, men elendige på etikk. Målet er å forhindre at vi blir tragiske helter som går til grunne på våre beste egenskaper. Nøkkelord: reproduksjonsteknologi, assistert reproduksjon, invitro-fertilisering, fosterdiagnostikk, genredigering, sortering, abortEnglish summary: Ethical challenges with newer reproductive technology Modern technologies provide fascinating opportunities for human reproduction. Many persons previously infertile, or who risked having diseased children, can now have healthy children. At the same time, these technological opportunities also raise a wide range of moral questions, which rarely have easy answers. One reason for this is that they are based on profound ethical challenges. This article sets out to give a short overview of three types of technologies: assisting, selective, and characteristic-changing technologies. It goes on to highlight some of the important moral questions raised by these technologies. The third part addresses the basic ethical challenges lurking behind the moral questions and debates. The fourth part addresses some forgotten or hidden questions, arguing that these are telling and important. The article ends with arguing that many of the basic ethical challenges and the unaddressed questions can explain why debates on reproductive technologies are so heated and static. We appear to have become technological giants, but ethical infants. Accordingly, we should try to avoid becoming tragic heroes succumbing to our very best abilities.
Zdravljenje idiopatskega in kompleksnega prirojenega talipes ekvinovarusa z metodo po Ponsetiju
Authors: Suhodolčan Lovro , Schara Karin , Brecelj Janez , Antolič Vane 
Published: November 2017

Abstract:Congenital idiopathic clubfoot is a deformity typically occurring in an otherwise healthy child which occurs in 11,4 in 10.000 live births. Approximately one-half of cases present with bilateral deformity and affects boys and girls equally. Clubfoot is characterized by adduction, supination and cavus deformity of the forefoot and midfoot, varus of the heel, and a fixed plantar flexion (equinus) of the ankle. Treatment od idiopathic type of clubfoot consists of corrective manipulation and casting by the Ponseti method, where usually four to six casts are needed. Equinus is corrected with tendo Achillis tenotomy followed by foot abduction brace application.Complex type of clubfoot, which has more severe rigid deformation, is present in 6,5% of all clubfeet and is refractory to the usual corrective manipulation and casting by the Ponsetti method. Clinically, complex clubfoot is characterized as short, stubby foot, having rigid equinus, severe adduction and plantar flexion of all metatarsals, a deep crease above the heel and a transverse crease in the sole of the foot. Modified Ponsetti method for treatment of complex clubfoot consists of simultaneus correction of adduction and heel varus and subsequent cavus and rigid equinus correction. After the Achillis tendon tenotomy, modified foot abduction brace is applied, where foot is in 40° outer rotation in contrast to 70° abduction used in less rigid congenital idiopathic clubfoot. Relapse occurs in 14% and is ussually related to problems with shoe fit and patient coplience.