bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Re-emergence of dengue virus serotype 2 strains in the 2013 outbreak in Nepal
Authors: Gupta Birendra Prasad , Singh Sneha , Kurmi Roshan , Malla Rajani , Sreekumar Easwaran , Manandhar Krishna Das 
Published: February 2016

Background & objectives:
Epidemiological interventions and mosquito control are the available measures for dengue control. The former approach uses serotype and genetic information on the circulating virus strains. Dengue has been frequently reported from Nepal, but this information is mostly lacking. The present study was done to generate a comprehensive clinical and virological picture of a dengue outbreak in Nepal during 2013.

Methods:
A hospital-based study involving patients from five districts of Nepal was carried out. Demographic information, clinical details and dengue serological status were obtained. Viral RNA was characterized at the molecular level by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.

Results:
From among the 2340 laboratory-confirmed dengue cases during the study period, 198 patients consented for the study. Clinically they had fever (100%), headache (59.1%), rashes (18.2%), retro-orbital pain (30.3%), vomiting (15.1%), joint pain (28.8%) and thrombocytopenia (74.3%). Fifteen (7.5%) of them had mucosal bleeding manifestations, and the rest were uncomplicated dengue fever. The patients were mostly adults with a mean age of 45.75 ± 38.61 yr. Of the 52 acute serum samples tested, 15 were positive in RT-PCR. The causative virus was identified as DENV serotype 2 belonging to the Cosmopolitan genotype.

Interpretations & conclusions:
We report here the involvement of DENV serotype 2 in an outbreak in Nepal in 2013. Earlier outbreaks in the region in 2010 were attributed to serotype 1 virus. As serotype shifts are frequently associated with secondary infections and severe disease, there is a need for enhancing surveillance especially in the monsoon and post-monsoon periods to prevent large-scale, severe dengue outbreaks in the region.
Usage pattern, physical integrity & insecticidal efficacy of long-lasting insecticidal nets in Odisha State, India
Authors: Anuse S.S. , Sahu S.S. , Subramanian S. , Gunasekaran K. 
Published: February 2016

Background & objectives:
One of the major strategies being pursued for malaria control by the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme is the distribution of long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in endemic areas since 2009. Information on durability of insecticidal efficacy and physical integrity of LLINs and community usage at different time intervals of their use is essential to plan net replacements to maintain universal coverage for an effective and sustainable malaria control strategy. Therefore, a study was undertaken to assess these parameters in two malaria endemic districts of the Odisha State.

Methods:
A total of 309 households were selected in 15 villages of two community health centres (CHCs) (Borigumma and Laxmipur) from Koraput district and one (Khairput) from Malkangiri district. Data on net usage were collected during March to July 2014 using semi-structured questionnaires. PermaNet 2.0 were sampled from all households, replaced with new ones, and bioassays were carried out to determine the insecticidal efficacy of LLINs after four and half, four and two years of field use following the standard procedure of World Health Organization.

Results:
LLIN use rate varied from 57.9 to 90.2 per cent in the study CHCs. The annual washing rate per net in Borigumma, Khairput and Laxmipur was 6.6, 3.2 and 4.8, respectively. The LLINs used two years in the field caused 100 per cent mortality and four to four and half years caused below 80 per cent mortality, except one net.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Nearly 20 per cent of the people were out of net coverage and hence the Programme to ensure 100 per cent coverage. The community should adequately be educated so as to increase the net use rate and avoid incorrect washing practices.
Spatial distribution & physicochemical characterization of the breeding habitats of Aedes aegypti in & around Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Authors: Chatterjee Soumendranath , Chakraborty Arunima , Sinha Shuvra Kanti 
Published: February 2016

Background & objectives:
Dengue infection is endemic in several areas and the dengue virus is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Thus, it becomes important to understand the breeding ecology of dengue vector and characterize the physicochemical parameters of its breeding habitat. The objective of this study was to analyze the physicochemical parameters of the breeding habitat of the dengue vector and to find out the nutrient composition of the habitat in and around Kolkata, West Bengal. In addition, a geographic information system (GIS) was used to map the disease prone areas for its effective management and prevention.

Methods:
Water samples were collected from various breeding habitats of Aedes mosquitoes of Kolkata and adjoining areas and were analysed for various physicochemical properties like acidity, alkalinity, hardness, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, concentration of chloride (Cl-), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), fluoride (F-) in relation to larval prevalence.

Results:
Parameters like water pH, total dissolved solids, total hardness, electrical conductivity, concentration of chloride, sodium and potassium were seen to vary throughout the year. Certain parameters were found to be dependent on container type, like concentration of fluoride. Significant positive correlations were seen between per dip larval density and total dissolved solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Water pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids were seen to play a major role in the ovipositional preferences. Container type did not seem to affect TDS. Tyres had the highest TDS in most of the cases. Nutrient composition like sodium concentration was mostly found in the coconut shells, potassium concentration also showed the same. Thus, container type and various parameters and nutrients play a major role in determining where a gravid female mosquito will lay its eggs. It was observed that by altering various chemical and physical properties of breeding habitats it was possible to control the larvae survivability.
Insecticidal effect of plant extracts on Phlebotomus argentipes (Diptera
Authors: Dinesh Diwakar Singh , Kumari Seema , Pandit Vibhishan , Kumar Jainendra , Kumari Nisha , Kumar Prahlad , Hassan Faizan , Kumar Vijay , Das Pradeep 
Published: February 2016

Background & objectives:

Phlebotomus argentipes (Diptera: Psychodidae), the established vector for kala-azar is presently being controlled by indoor residual spray of DDT in kala-azar endemic areas in India. Search for non-hazardous and non-toxic biodegradable active molecules from botanicals may provide cost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides. The present study was aimed at evaluating various plant extracts from endemic and non-endemic areas of Bihar for their insecticidal activity against sandfly to identify the most effective plant extract.

Methods:
Bio-assay test was conducted with larvae and adult of P. argentipes with different plant extracts collected in distilled water, hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol. Thin layer chromatography (TLC), column chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were conducted for detection of active molecules.

Results:
Adults and larvae of sandflies exposed to the aqueous extract of Nicotiana tabacum resulted in 100 per cent mortality. The hexane extract of Clerodendrum infortunatum was found to kill 77 per cent adults but was ineffective against larvae. Bio-assay test of the ninth fraction (hexane extract-methanol phase) separated by column chromatography was found to be 63 per cent effective. The purple spot on the TLC of this fraction indicated the presence of a diterpenoid. HPLC of this fraction detected nine compounds with two peaks covering 20.44 and 56.52 per cent areas with retention time of 2.439 and 5.182 min, respectively supporting the TLC results.

Interpretation & conclusions:
The column separated 9th fraction of C. infortunatum extract was found to be effective in killing 63 per cent of adult P. argentipes. Compounds of this fraction need to be evaluated further for identification and characterization of the active molecule by conducting individual bio-assay tests followed by further fractionation and HPLC. Once the structure of the active molecule is identified and validated, it may be synthesized and formulated as a product.
Long-term research challenges in wind energy – a research agenda by the European Academy of Wind Energy
Authors: van Kuik G. A. M. , Peinke J. , Nijssen R. , Lekou D. , Mann J. , Sørensen J. N. , Ferreira C. , van Wingerden J. W. , Schlipf D. , Gebraad P. , Polinder H. , Abrahamsen A. , van Bussel G. J. W. , Sørensen J. D. , Tavner P. , Bottasso C. L. , Muskulus M. , Matha D. , Lindeboom H. J. , Degraer S. , Kramer O. , Lehnhoff S. , Sonnenschein M. , Sørensen P. E. , Künneke R. W. , Morthorst P. E. , Skytte K. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract. The European Academy of Wind Energy (eawe), representing universities and institutes with a significant wind energy programme in 14 countries, has discussed the long-term research challenges in wind energy. In contrast to research agendas addressing short- to medium-term research activities, this eawe document takes a longer-term perspective, addressing the scientific knowledge base that is required to develop wind energy beyond the applications of today and tomorrow. In other words, this long-term research agenda is driven by problems and curiosity, addressing basic research and fundamental knowledge in 11 research areas, ranging from physics and design to environmental and societal aspects. Because of the very nature of this initiative, this document does not intend to be permanent or complete. It shows the vision of the experts of the eawe, but other views may be possible. We sincerely hope that it will spur an even more intensive discussion worldwide within the wind energy community.
Imagen y palabra en la devoción al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús: un cuadro de P. Battoni y un poema de F. Arévalo
Authors: Chaparro Gómez César 
Published: February 2016

ABSRACT: In this study I relate the building of the Basilica of Estrela (Lisbon) to the painting by Pompeo Battoni and the poem by Faustino Arévalo, both dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, whose worship, suffering a similar fate to that of the suppressed Society of Jesus (1773), went beyond the ecclesiastical sphere and became a source of controversy in the secular milieu of the period. KEYWORDS: P. Battoni, F. Arevalo, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Jesuits. RESUMEN: En este trabajo se relacionan la construcción de la basílica de la Estrela (Lisboa) y, especialmente, el cuadro de Pompeo Battoni y el poema de Faustino Arévalo, dedicados estos últimos al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, cuyo culto, corriendo una suerte paralela a la de la suprimida Compañía de Jesús (1773), trascendió el ámbito eclesiástico y se convirtió en objeto de controversia en los ambientes profanos de la época. PALABRAS CLAVES: P. Battoni, F. Arévalo, Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, jesuitas.
Disability Progression After Switching from Natalizumab to Fingolimod or Interferon Beta/Glatiramer Acetate Therapies
Authors: Cofield Stacey S. , Fox Robert J. , Tyry Tuula , Salter Amber R. , Campagnolo Denise 
Published: February 2016

Background: Physicians must weigh the benefits against the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in patients treated with natalizumab, especially beyond 2 years. However, disability progression associated with switching therapies versus continuing natalizumab therapy after 2 years has not been fully evaluated.
Methods: In this retrospective analysis using the NARCOMS Registry, disability progression (Patient-Determined Disease Steps [PDDS] scale) and physical health-related quality of life (HRQOL) worsening (12-item Short Form Health Status Survey Physical Component Score [SF-12 PCS]) were compared between participants switching to fingolimod (n = 50) or interferon beta (IFNβ)/glatiramer acetate (GA) (n = 71) therapy and those continuing natalizumab (n = 406) after 2 years or more of treatment (median follow-up: natalizumab, 4 years; fingolimod, 4.5 years; IFNβ/GA, 5 years).
Results: Participants continuing to take natalizumab had less disability progression (mean PDDS change: natalizumab, 0.3; fingolimod, 0.6; IFNβ/GA, 0.7; P = .0036), were less likely to report disability progression (proportion with PDDS increase: natalizumab, 31%; fingolimod, 46%; IFNβ/GA, 42%; P = .0296), and had less worsening in physical HRQOL (mean SF-12 PCS change: natalizumab, −1.4; fingolimod, −2.8; IFNβ/GA, −4.6; P = .0476) than those switching treatment.
Conclusions: Although all medication groups exhibited some level of worsening, switching from natalizumab treatment after 2 years was associated with increased disability progression and worsening physical HRQOL. The risk of disability progression from disease activity and the risk of PML should be considered when making natalizumab treatment decisions.
Sinonasal small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: a systematic review of 80 patients
Authors: Rivero Alexander , Liang Jonathan 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to review the published literature related to sinonasal small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (SCNECs). Clinical presentation, demographics, treatment, and outcomes of this uncommon disease are reported.MethodsA systematic review of studies for sinonasal SCNECs in PubMed and Ovid databases from 1970 to 2014 was conducted. Bibliographies of selected articles were also examined. Articles were examined for patient data that reported disease outcome.ResultsThirty‐four articles were included in this analysis, comprising a total of 80 cases. The mean age of presentation was 53.0 years. Nasal obstruction (53.8%) and epistaxis (48.8%) were the most common presenting symptoms. The nasal cavity and septum (32.5%) was the most common site of involvement. Seventy percent of patients presented with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage IV disease. Combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy was the most common treatment modality, used in 21 cases (26.3%). The second and third most common treatment modalities was combination surgery and chemoradiation therapy (21.3%), and surgery alone (18.8%), respectively. A total of 37 patients (46.3%) were alive after a mean follow‐up of 30.8 months (median 15.5 months), independent of treatment modality. Of the treatment modalities, multimodality therapy remained the most common therapy.ConclusionThis review contains the largest pool of sinonasal SCNEC patients to date. Sinonasal SCNEC is a rare and aggressive neoplasm, and there is currently no standard of care for treatment. Various treatment modalities have been employed. Our systematic review suggests that multimodality therapy remains the most common treatment of sinonasal SCNEC.
Combatting Synthetic Designer Opioids: A Conjugate Vaccine Ablates Lethal Doses of Fentanyl Class Drugs
Authors: Bremer Paul T. , Kimishima Atsushi , Schlosburg Joel E. , Zhou Bin , Collins Karen C. , Janda Kim D. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractFentanyl is an addictive prescription opioid that is over 80 times more potent than morphine. The synthetic nature of fentanyl has enabled the creation of dangerous “designer drug” analogues that escape toxicology screening, yet display comparable potency to the parent drug. Alarmingly, a large number of fatalities have been linked to overdose of fentanyl derivatives. Herein, we report an effective immunotherapy for reducing the psychoactive effects of fentanyl class drugs. A single conjugate vaccine was created that elicited high levels of antibodies with cross‐reactivity for a wide panel of fentanyl analogues. Moreover, vaccinated mice gained significant protection from lethal fentanyl doses. Lastly, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR)‐based technique was established enabling drug‐specificity profiling of antibodies derived directly from serum. Our newly developed fentanyl vaccine and analytical methods may assist in the battle against synthetic opioid abuse.
Stability of B12(CN)122−: Implications for Lithium and Magnesium Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Hongmin , Zhou Jian , Jena Puru 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMultiply charged negative ions are seldom stable in the gas phase. Electrostatic repulsion leads either to autodetachment of electrons or fragmentation of the parent ion. With a binding energy of the second electron at 0.9 eV, B12H122− is a classic example of a stable dianion. It is shown here that ligand substitution can lead to unusually stable multiply charged anions. For example, dodecacyanododecaborate, B12(CN)122−, created by substituting H by CN is found to be highly stable with the second electron bound by 5.3 eV, which is six times larger than that in the B12H122−. Equally important is the observation that CB11(CN)122−, which contains one electron more than needed to satisfy the Wade‐Mingos rule, is also stable with its second electron bound by 1.1 eV, while CB11H122− is unstable. The ability to stabilize multiply charged anions in the gas phase by ligand manipulation opens a new door for multiply charged species with potential applications as halogen‐free electrolytes in ion batteries.
Promotion of the microalgal photo‐biocatalytic asymmetric reduction of prochiral ketone by NADPH metabolic regulation
Authors: Luo Wei , Deng Xin‐Xing , Gong Zhi‐Wei , Yang Zhong‐Hua 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA metabolic regulation method was proposed to increase the microalgal intracellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) by lowering NADPH consumption in the Calvin cycle or accelerating NADPH regeneration in photosynthesis, thereby to promote the asymmetric reduction of prochiral ketone to chiral alcohol catalyzed by microalgae cell. The NADPH consumption was efficiently decreased by inhibiting glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase with inhibitors, such as iodoacetic acid and Angeli's Salt, which increased the microalgal intracellular NADPH by 80% and 96%, respectively. Correspondingly, the yields of the asymmetric reduction reaction were enhanced by 12.9% and 63.3%, respectively. On the other hand, NADPH regeneration was accelerated by promoting electron transfer and ferredoxin‐NADP+ reductase activity with addition of sodium cholate, sodium acetate and sodium thiosulfate; the intracellular NADPH was increased 73.1%, 60.2% and 70.4%, respectively. The yields of the asymmetric reduction reaction were correspondingly enhanced by 118.4%, 36.7% and 26.2%, respectively. This provides a practical technique to promote microalgae intracellular NADPH amount to enhance asymmetric reduction reaction by photo‐biocatalytic processes. © 2016 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Habitat specialization and sensitivity to change in a threatened crayfish occupying upland streams
Authors: Noble Mae M. , Fulton Christopher J. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract1. Crayfish are culturally and ecologically important species in freshwater ecosystems, but many are now threatened with extinction, due to threats such as habitat loss. Depending on their habitat selectivity and sensitivity, freshwater crayfish could provide effective targets for stream monitoring, restoration and conservation. This study used repeated field surveys of the threatened Murray crayfish, Euastacus armatus (family Parastacidae), to establish their habitat preferences and sensitivity to habitat loss across mesohabitat and microhabitat scales within upland streams of south‐east Australia.2. Selectivity analysis revealed that upland populations of E. armatus displayed a strong preference for areas of intermediate water flow velocity, deeper water, and stream beds dominated by boulders and gravel. Variations in E. armatus density among and within the two upland streams aligned with these microhabitat preferences, with best‐subsets analyses revealing that E. armatus abundance hotspots were best predicted by models combining water depth with percentage cover of boulders, gravel and overhanging riparian vegetation.3. Major shifts in stream habitat condition from 2009 to 2015 (e.g. 32% and 50% decline in boulder and overhanging vegetation cover, respectively) was associated with a 91% decline in E. armatus mean density within glide‐pool mesohabitats.4. These findings highlight how habitat specialization in threatened crayfish such as E. armatus may render them sensitive to changes in stream habitat condition, and how targeted monitoring, restoration and conservation of their preferred habitats could yield multiple benefits for montane freshwater ecosystems. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interfacial Engineering for Quantum‐Dot‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Shen Chao , Fichou Denis , Wang Qing 
Published: February 2016

AbstractQuantum‐dot‐sensitized solar cells (QDSCs) are promising solar‐energy‐conversion devices, as low‐cost alternatives to the prevailing photovoltaic technologies. Compared with molecular dyes, nanocrystalline quantum dot (QD) light absorbers exhibit higher molar extinction coefficients and a tunable photoresponse. However, the power‐conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of QDSCs are generally below 9.5 %, far behind their molecular sensitizer counterparts (up to 13 %). These low PCEs have been attributed to a large free‐energy loss during sensitizer regeneration, energy loss during the charge‐carrier transport and transfer processes, and inefficient charge separation at the QD/electrolyte interfaces, and various interfacial engineering strategies for enhancing the PCE and cell stability have been reported. Herein, we review recent progress in the interfacial engineering of QDSCs and discuss future prospects for the development of highly efficient and stable QDSCs.
Essential‐Oil Variability in Natural Populations of Pinus mugoTurra from the Julian Alps
Authors: Bojović Srdjan , Jurc Maja , Ristić Mihailo , Popović Zorica , Matić Rada , Vidaković Vera , Stefanović Milena , Jurc Dušan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe composition and variability of the terpenes and their derivatives isolated from the needles of a representative pool of 114 adult trees originating from four natural populations of dwarf mountain pine (Pinus mugo Turra) from the Julian Alps were investigated by GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses. In total, 54 of the 57 detected essential‐oil components were identified. Among the different compound classes present in the essential oils, the chief constituents belonged to the monoterpenes, comprising an average content of 79.67% of the total oil composition (74.80% of monoterpene hydrocarbons and 4.87% of oxygenated monoterpenes). Sesquiterpenes were present in smaller amounts (average content of 19.02%), out of which 16.39% were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and 2.62% oxygenated sesquiterpenes. The most abundant components in the needle essential oils were the monoterpenes δ‐car‐3‐ene, β‐phellandrene, α‐pinene, β‐myrcene, and β‐pinene and the sesquiterpene β‐caryophyllene. From the total data set of 57 detected compounds, 40 were selected for principal‐component analysis (PCA), discriminant analysis (DA), and cluster analysis (CA). The overlap tendency of the four populations suggested by PCA, was as well observed by DA. CA also demonstrated similarity among the populations, which was the highest between Populations I and II.