bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of Flaviviral genetic fragments as a potential prevention strategy for HIV-1 Silencing
Authors: Sheraz Muhammad , Kanak Mazhar , Hasan Mahmudul , Bhattarai Roshan , Mahalingam Kuhanandha , Sealey Leanna A , Blackwood Rashshana R , Golkar Zhabiz , McLean Ewen , Bagasra Omar 
Published: August 2016

Introduction: Coinfection with certain members of the Flaviviridae, such as Dengue Virus (DV), West Nile Virus (WNV) Yellow Fever Virus (YFV) and most importantly, GBV-C have been documented to reduce HIV-1 viral load in vivo. Numerous studies strongly support the notion that persistent coinfection with non-pathogenic virus prolongs survival in HIV-1 infected individuals. Coinfected individuals show higher CD4+ cell counts, lower HIV-1 RNA viral loads and live three times longer than clinically matched HIV-1 monoinfected patients. We have previously shown that one of the major anti-HIV defenses conferred by GBV-C coinfection is the upregulation of intracellular miRNAs in CD4+ cells that share significant mutual homologies with GBV-C and HIV-1 (>80%) genomes. Methodology: Genome-wide bioinformatics analyses were carried out to search for miRNA binding sites in mutual homologies between HIV and several members of the Flaviviridae Results: Several miRNAs shared significant mutual homology with HIV-1 genetic sequences and GBV-A, B, C, DV, WNV and YFV. These may be responsible for beneficial effects in HIV-1 infected individuals. Three highly mutual homologous miRNAs (i.e. miR-627-5, miR-369-5 and miR-548f), expressed in CD4+ cell lines, reduce HIV-1 replication by up to 90% whereas miRNAs with low mutual homologies (i.e. miR-34-1 and miR-508) impart only slight inhibition of HIV-1. Conclusion: We hypothesize that a recombinant GBV-C-based vector can be constructed which expresses several beneficial genetic motifs of the Flaviviridae without causing any side effects while stimulating a wide array of beneficial miRNAs that can more efficiently prevent HIV-1 infection.
Developing a regulatory framework for the financial, management performance and social reporting systems for co-operatives in developing countries: A case study of South Africa
Authors: Nieman Gideon , Fouché Karel 
Published: August 2016

Purpose: This report is on a team effort to advise the Department of Trade and Industry on the development of a regulatory framework for the auditing of Financial, Management. Performance and Social Reporting Systems for co-operatives. Orientation: There was no framework in place prescribing requirements for reporting on financial, management and social performance of co-operatives. As a result, the team assisted the Department of Trade and Industry with the development of a proposed reporting framework with reference to international best practices and existing financial reporting frameworks. Findings: The research performed showed that existing reporting frameworks and practices do not meet the reporting requirements of co-operatives in all aspects because of the different nature of co-operatives as opposed to shareholder-owned entities.
New family medicine residency training programme: Residents’ perspectives from the University of Botswana
Authors: Mbuka Deogratias O. , Tshitenge Stephane , Setlhare Vincent , Tsima Billy , Adewale Ganiyu , Parsons Luise 
Published: August 2016

Background: Family Medicine (FM) training is new in Botswana. No previous evaluation of the experiences and opinions of residents of the University of Botswana (UB) Family Medicine training programme has been reported.Aims: This study explored and assessed residents’ experiences and satisfaction with the FM training programme at the UB and solicited potential strategies for improvement from the residents.Methods: A descriptive survey using a self-administered questionnaire based on a Likert-type scale and open-ended questions was used to collect data from FM residents at the UB. Results: Eight out the 14 eligible residents participated to this study. Generally, residents were not satisfied with the FM training programme. Staff shortage, inadequate supervision and poor programme organisation by the faculty were the main reasons for this. However, the residents were satisfied with weekly training schedules and the diversity of patients in the current training sites. Residents’ potential solutions included an increase in staff, the acquisition of equipment at teaching sites and emphasis on FM core topics teachings. They had different views regarding how certain future career paths will be.Conclusions: Despite the general dissatisfaction among residents because of challenges faced by the training programme, we have learnt that residents are capable of valuable inputs for improvement of their programme when engaged. There is need for the Department of Family Medicine to work with the Ministry of Health to set a clear career pathway for future graduates and to reflect on residents’ input for possible implementation.
Improving diabetic foot screening at a primary care clinic: A quality improvement project
Authors: Allen Michelle L. , Van der Does Albertine M.B. , Gunst Colette 
Published: August 2016

Background: Foot screening is an important part of diabetic care as it prevents significant morbidity, loss of function and mortality from diabetic foot complications. However, foot screening is often neglected.Aim: This project was aimed at educating health care workers (HCWs) in a primary health care clinic to increase diabetic foot screening practices. Setting: A primary health care clinic in the Western Cape province of South AfricaMethods: A quality improvement project was conducted. HCWs’ needs were assessed using a questionnaire. This was followed by focus group discussions with the HCWs, which were recorded, transcribed and assessed using a general inductive approach. An intervention was designed based on common themes. Staff members were trained on foot screening and patient information pamphlets and screening tools were made available to all clinic staff. Thirty-two consecutive diabetic patient folders were audited to compare screening in 2013 with that in 2014 after initiation of the quality improvement cycle.Results: HCWs’ confidence in conducting foot screening using the diabetic foot assessment questionnaire improved markedly after training. Diabetic foot screening practices increased from 9% in 2013 to 69% in 2014 after the first quality improvement cycle. A strengths, opportunities, aspirations and results (SOAR) analysis showed promise for continuing quality improvement cycles.Conclusion: The findings showed a significant improvement in the number of diabetic patients screened. Using strategic planning with appreciative intent based on SOAR, proved to be motivational and can be used in the planning of the next cycle.
Towards a Unified Macroscopic Description of Exciton Diffusion in Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Chen Jingrun , Lin Jason D. A. , Nguyen Thuc-Quyen 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWe study the exciton diffusion in organic semiconductors from a macroscopic viewpoint. In a unified way, we conduct the equivalence analysis between Monte-Carlo method and diffusion equation model for photoluminescence quenching and photocurrent spectrum measurements, in both the presence and the absence of Förster energy transfer effect. Connections of these two models to Stern-Volmer method and exciton-exciton annihilation method are also specified for the photoluminescence quenching measurement.
Particle Methods for Viscous Flows: Analogies and Differences Between the SPH and DVH Methods
Authors: Colagrossi Andrea , Rossi Emanuele , Marrone Salvatore , Touzé David Le 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn this work two particle methods are studied in the context of viscous flows. The first one is a Vortex Particle Method, called Diffused Vortex Hydrodynamics (DVH), recently developed to simulate complex viscous flows at medium and high Reynolds regimes. This method presents some similarities with the SPH model and its Lagrangian meshless nature, even if it is based on a different numerical approach. Advantages and drawbacks of the two methods have been previously studied in Colagrossi et al. [1] from a theoretical point of view and in Rossi et al. [2], where these particle methods have been tested on selected benchmarks. Further investigations are presented in this article highlighting analogies and differences between the two particle models.
A Comparison of Higher-Order Weak Numerical Schemes for Stopped Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Bernal Francisco , Acebrón Juan A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWe review, implement, and compare numerical integration schemes for spatially bounded diffusions stopped at the boundary which possess a convergence rate of the discretization error with respect to the timestephhigher than. We address specific implementation issues of the most general-purpose of such schemes. They have been coded into a single Matlab program and compared, according to their accuracy and computational cost, on a wide range of problems in up to ℝ48. The paper is self-contained and the code will be made freely downloadable.
Current challenges in modelling far-range air pollution induced by the 2014–2015 Bárðarbunga fissure eruption (Iceland)
Authors: Boichu Marie , Chiapello Isabelle , Brogniez Colette , Péré Jean-Christophe , Thieuleux Francois , Torres Benjamin , Blarel Luc , Mortier Augustin , Podvin Thierry , Goloub Philippe , Söhne Nathalie , Clarisse Lieven , Bauduin Sophie , Hendrick François , Theys Nicolas , Van Roozendael Michel , Tanré Didier 
Published: August 2016

Abstract. The 2014–2015 Holuhraun lava-flood eruption of Bárðarbunga volcano (Iceland) emitted prodigious amounts of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. This eruption caused a large-scale episode of air pollution throughout Western Europe in September 2014, the first event of this magnitude recorded in the modern era. We gathered chemistry-transport simulations and a wealth of complementary observations from satellite sensors (OMI, IASI), ground-based remote sensing (lidar, sunphotometry, differential optical absorption spectroscopy) and ground-level air quality monitoring networks to characterize both the spatial-temporal distributions of volcanic SO2 and sulfate aerosols as well as the dynamics of the planetary boundary layer. Time variations of dynamical and microphysical properties of sulfate aerosols in the aged low-tropospheric volcanic cloud, including loading, vertical distribution, size distribution and single scattering albedo, are provided. Retrospective chemistry-transport simulations at low horizontal resolution (25 km  ×  25 km) capture the correct temporal dynamics of this far-range air pollution event but fail to reproduce the correct magnitude of SO2 concentration at ground-level. Simulations at higher spatial resolution, relying on two nested domains with finest resolution of 7.3 km  ×  7.3 km, improve substantially the far-range vertical distribution of the volcanic cloud and subsequently the description of ground-level SO2 concentrations. However, remaining discrepancies between model and observations are shown to result from an inaccurate representation of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) dynamics. Comparison with lidar observations points out a systematic under-estimation of the PBL height by the model, whichever the PBL parameterization scheme. Such a shortcoming impedes the capture of the overlying Bárðarbunga cloud into the PBL at the right time and in sufficient quantities. This study therefore demonstrates the key role played by the PBL dynamics in accurately modelling large-scale volcanogenic air pollution.
A modeling study of asymmetries in plasma irregularity characteristics near gradient reversals
Authors: Lamarche Leslie J. , Makarevich Roman A. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Asymmetries in plasma density irregularity generation between the leading and trailing edges of the large-scale plasma density structures in the high-latitude ionosphere are investigated. A model is developed that evaluates the gradient-drift instability (GDI) growth rate differences across the gradient reversal that is applicable at all propagation directions and for the broad range of altitudes spanning the entire lower ionosphere. In particular, the model describes asymmetries that would be observed by an oblique scanning radar near density structures in the polar cap such as elongated polar patches. The dependencies on the relative orientations between the directions of the gradient reversal, plasma convection, and wave propagation are examined at different altitudinal regions. At all altitudes, the largest asymmetries are expected for observations along the gradient reversals, e.g., when an elongated structure is oriented along the radar boresight. The convection direction that results in the strongest asymmetries exhibits a strong dependence on the altitude, with the optimal convection being parallel to the gradient reversal in the E region, perpendicular to it in the F region, and at some angle between these extremes in the transitional region. Implications for observations of polar patches by oblique scanning radars within the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network are discussed. It is demonstrated that the wave propagation direction relative to the prevalent convection and gradient directions plays a critical role in controlling both the irregularity growth rate and its asymmetries near gradient reversals.
Quantifying shallow subsurface water and heat dynamics using coupled
hydrological-thermal-geophysical inversion
Authors: Tran Anh Phuong , Dafflon Baptiste , Hubbard Susan S. , Kowalsky Michael B. , Long Philip , Tokunaga Tetsu K. , Williams Kenneth H. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Improving our ability to estimate the parameters that control water and heat fluxes in the shallow subsurface is particularly important due to their strong control on recharge, evaporation and biogeochemical processes. The objectives of this study are to develop and test a new inversion scheme to simultaneously estimate subsurface hydrological, thermal and petrophysical parameters using hydrological, thermal and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data. The inversion scheme – which is based on a nonisothermal, multiphase hydrological model – provides the desired subsurface property estimates in high spatiotemporal resolution. A particularly novel aspect of the inversion scheme is the explicit incorporation of the dependence of the subsurface electrical resistivity on both moisture and temperature. The scheme was applied to synthetic case studies, as well as to real datasets that were autonomously collected at a biogeochemical field study site in Rifle, Colorado. At the Rifle site, the coupled hydrological-thermal-geophysical inversion approach well predicted the matric potential, temperature and apparent resistivity with the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency criterion greater than 0.92. Synthetic studies found that neglecting the subsurface temperature variability, and its effect on the electrical resistivity in the hydrogeophysical inversion, may lead to an incorrect estimation of the hydrological parameters. The approach is expected to be especially useful for the increasing number of studies that are taking advantage of autonomously collected ERT and soil measurements to explore complex terrestrial system dynamics.
SILANIZATION CHARACTERIZATION AND COMPOUND PROPERTIES OF SILICA-FILLED RUBBER CONTAINING A BLOCKED MERCAPTO SILANE
Authors: Lin Chenchy J. , York W. Michael , Cody Russell J. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT
The silanization of silica-filled compounds containing a blocked mercapto silane, 3-octanoylthiopropyltriethoxysilane (OTPTES), was characterized by evaluating the exposed silica surface covered by the silane. Measurements of silica flocculation upon heating were employed to estimate the exposed silica surface coverage for silanization calculation. Compounds were prepared with various mechanical and thermal histories by adjusting the mixing time and temperature. Dynamic hysteretic properties at 0 and 60 °C in conjunction with strategic mechanical properties were correlated with the degree of silanization for each compound. Well-balanced properties in processability, reinforcement, and performance were readily attained through the study of the silanization/structure/property relationship. Experimental data showed that an 84% degree of silanization was needed to attain the optimal properties of compounds containing OTPTES regardless of the mixing protocol. Consistent compound properties may be realized by using a designated degree of silanization as a key mixing parameter for effective quality control in tire production.
Mothers of Pan-Africanism: Audley Moore and Dara Abubakari
Authors: Farmer Ashley D. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Audley Moore and Dara Abubakari were lifelong theorists and activists who were committed to Pan-African organizing and black nation-building initiatives. Both born in Louisiana, Moore and Abubakari developed their political critique and honed their activism amid organizations like the Universal Negro Improvement Association, the Communist Party, and the Universal Association of Ethiopian Women during the first half of the twentieth century. In the 1960s and 1970s, Moore and Abubakari became leaders and mentors in organizations like the Republic of New Africa and the Revolutionary Action Movement, ensuring that their activism and Pan-African political vision influenced the next generation of activists. This article examines their activist lives and argues that they were key figures in sustaining and propelling Pan-African formulations and communities at the grassroots level. In excavating the histories and activism of these two understudied women, this article reshapes the political and intellectual trajectory of Pan-African organizing and specifies the ways in which African American women forged diasporic relationships and communities.
SISTEMAS FRONTAIS SOBRE A AMÉRICA DO SUL PARTE II: MONITORAMENTO MENSAL EM DADOS DA REANÁLISE I DO NCEP/NCAR
Authors: Pampuch Luana Albertani , Ambrizzi Tércio 
Published: August 2016

A tracking of the frontal systems over South America is performed by the Climate Studies Group at the University of São Paulo (GrEC/USP) since January 2014. This analysis used an objective methodology for tracking the frontal systems that consists in analyze daily data from I NCEP / NCAR Reanalysis I and verify the occurrence of decrease in temperature at 925hPa, simultaneous to a shift in the meridional wind in 925hPa and sea level pressure increase one day to another. This monitoring is done through maps with the number and anomalies of frontal systems and also analyzing the occurrence of these systems in grid points on the coast, inland and center of the continent.
DETECÇÃO DA FRENTE DE UM MICROBURST COM EXPOENTES DE LYAPUNOV EM TEMPOS FINITOS
Authors: Correa Nicasio Barrere , Aceto Cecilia Cabeza , Demarco Giuliano , Rizza Umberto , Anabor Vagner , Puhales Franciano Scremin , Acevedo Otávio Costa 
Published: August 2016

A microburst is a phenomena that occurs in the atmosphere which consist on a very intense downdraft that, after impinging on the ground surface, leads to strongly divergent winds at and just above the ground level. Such winds can reach more than 30 m/s-1 and are associated with high shear forces, representing a serious threat to aircrafts and buildings. The detection and tracking of the front of the microburst expansion at the ground level becomes an important and interesting field for researchers. Previous works show the detection of the vortex core but not for the vortex front. From velocity fields obtained from a LES simulation, we utilize Finite Time Lyapunov Exponents (FTLE) which measures the exponential divergence between particle trajectories. Then we identify manifolds which acts as separatrices of the flow and represent the edge or front of the vortex. By tracking the vortex front we also measure its displacement through time. Find the front of the vortex using only vorticity and velocity fields is complicated and imprecise. Therefore, the combination of these two methods represents a new approach in this particular problem.
DESENVOLVIMENTO DE UM MODELO MATEMÁTICO PARA DESCREVER A DISPERSÃO DE CONTAMINANTES EM SITUAÇÕES DE MEANDRO DO VENTO HORIZONTAL
Authors: Stefanello Michel Baptistella , Degrazia Gervásio Annes , Maldaner Silvana , Buriol Celene , Moor Lilian , Carvalho Jonas , Mortarini Luca , Rizza Umberto 
Published: August 2016

In this work it’s derived a mathematical model to describe the meandering contaminants dispersion in the planetary boundary layer. The model employs a heuristic functional form for the velocity autocorrelation function which describes the negatives lobes observed in meandering data. Furthermore, the model is derived from the linearization of the Langevin equation. The mathematical equations, that represent the longitudinal and lateral wind components describe the bi-dimensional pattern of the meandering flow and can be utilized to calculate the contaminant concentrations occurring in situations in which the meandering phenomenon plays a decisive role.
Depression in the older adult: What should be considered?
Authors: Bradley Bridget , Backus Danielle , Gray Emily 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Introduction: The updated American Geriatrics Society (AGS) 2015 Beers Criteria include the following antidepressant classes as potentially inappropriate medications to be used with caution in older adults: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and mirtazapine.

Methods: A search of the medical literature using PubMed and references included in the AGS 2015 Beers Criteria.

Results: The treatment of depression in the older adult can additionally be complicated by comorbid conditions, as 80% of older adults have at least 1 comorbid condition and 50% have at least 2. These considerations limit the pharmacologic treatment options for depression in older adults. However, the treatment of major depression should not be overlooked, as it is quite common, with estimates of up to 5% of older adults in the community and up to 13.5% in older adults who receive home health care.

Discussion: This article reviews treatment considerations of depression in the older adult, including both available screening tools and a discussion balancing the need for treatment of depression in this population with the concerns addressed in the 2015 Beers Criteria.