bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SÍNDROME NEUROLÉPTICA MALIGNA: relato de caso
Authors: Policarpo Anna Carolina De Freitas , Vargas Ana Paula Garcia , Faustino Lídia Paula
Published: November 2017

A Síndrome Neuroléptica Maligna (SNM) é uma complicação provocada por agentes neurolépticos, relacionada ao bloqueio dos receptores dopaminérgicos nos gânglios da base. RELATO DE CASO: MDFG, cinquenta anos, sexo feminino, deu entrada em um hospital psiquiátrico apresentando perda de consciência e convulsão tônico-clônica; foi internada sob medicação específica. Posteriormente, apresentou rigidez muscular, disartria, disfagia, ataxia e confusão mental. Foram realizados exames laboratoriais que mostraram-se alterados. O regime terapêutico foi alterado; após a suspensão da medicação os exames não apresentaram alteração, havendo melhora significativa do quadro. CONCLUSÃO: Os achados laboratoriais associados à sintomatologia e à reversão do quadro após suspensão da medicação, sugerem quadro de SNM. Os resultados dessa análise são importantes para o conhecimento dos riscos associados a interação medicamentosa entre antipsicóticos e antidepressivos.
A utilização do método para se conhecer a verdade de Jaime Balmes na verificação dos Precedentes
Authors: Ramos Fábio Lívio , Ramos Fábio Lívio Ramos Lívio , Ramos Fábio Lívio Ramos Lívio
Published: November 2017

O trabalho discutirá uma aproximação das ideias de Jaime Balmes contidas no livro “O critério” com o artigo 489 parágrafo 1º inciso V do Código de Processo Civil que trata dos precedentes. A importância do tema é a força que o instituto do precedente alcança em nosso ordenamento jurídico e a necessidade de os operadores do Direito atentarem para formas de sua utilização no sistema judiciário brasileiro. O modo de conhecer a verdade de Jaime Balmes pode ser um interessante aliado nas formas de se interpretar o precedente e sua aplicação em casos concretos. A metodologia utilizada neste trabalho foi a utilização do livro “O critério” de Jaime Balmes e de outras fontes encontradas em pesquisas realizadas em bibliotecas, internet e também nas bibliografias indicadas pelo orientador. A pesquisa observa elementos da filosofia do pensador espanhol e sua aplicação na análise de precedentes judiciais, realizando um debate entre as ideias de Balmes e de outros estudiosos de direito na busca de soluções para as decisões na justiça.

 

 

 
JOSEPH K. E O PROCESSO DO TRABALHO
Authors: Oliveira Wagner Vinícius
Published: November 2017

No esforço de conjugar Literatura e Direito, notadamente Direito Processual do Trabalho, este artigo envereda na crônica do escritor tcheco, Franz Kafka (1883-1924), intitulada: “O processo” de modo a examinar a conexão entre a obra literária e a realidade fática enfrentada pelos “camponeses” na garantia fundamental de acesso à Justiça. Isso implica dizer que os mecanismos da burocracia processual constituem, mesmo para os “camponeses que conseguiram entrar na lei”, a negativa do acesso à Justiça. Confrontou-se o processo kafkaniano com as garantias fundamentais emanadas pela Constituição da República de 1988 resultando na repulsa do formalismo capaz de afrontar os Direitos Humanos. A tônica está em examinar se as dificuldades enfrentadas no ambiente do trabalho são transferidas para “o processo”, em especial com a falácia do ius postulandi, a implantação do Processo Judicial Eletrônico - PJe e a vedação ao reexame de provas, sem a pretensão de esgotar os temas. Por fim, arremata percebendo a incompatibilidade do “processo” com o Estado Democrático de Direito.
O cônjuge que comete homicídio doloso e a possibilidade de afastamento da meação por meio da declaração de indignidade
Authors: Viegas Cláudia Mara de Almeida Rabelo , Paula Natália De Souza
Published: November 2017

O presente estudo objetiva discutir a possibilidade de afastamento da meação do cônjuge considerado indigno, em face de cometimento de homicídio doloso, conduta prevista no Direito Sucessório Brasileiro como causa de afastamento do direito à herança, por indignidade. Pretende-se, pelo método indutivo e por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica e jurisprudencial, analisar a previsão legal, que conduz à interpretação de que o cônjuge indigno deixa de herdar, no entanto, erroneamente, recebe a sua meação, pela simples observância do Regime de Bens adotado pelo casal. A intenção central do artigo é demonstrar que a aplicação do princípio da justiça se mostra suficiente para afastar a interpretação literal do Código Civil, impondo novos efeitos à atitude indigna, de modo a alcançar a meação do cônjuge que cometeu homicídio doloso contra o seu parceiro. Seguindo essa linha, a fim de evitar injustiças e até mesmo a motivação para condutas atentatórias contra os autores da herança e seus herdeiros, defende-se uma interpretação legal teleológica, à luz do princípio da justiça, o qual justificará o afastamento do cônjuge da meação, quando este der causa a morte do autor da herança. A justiça deve ser a principal virtude das instituições sociais, sendo, inclusive, inspiradora para pensar nova interpretação ao direito à meação, em caso de homicídio contra o consorte.

Palavras-chave: Indignidade. Herança. Meação. Cônjuge. Princípio da Justiça.
Simulação com Lógica Fuzzy da Movimentação Bidirecional de Pessoas com Formação de Rios de Escoamento e do Empacotamento Humano
Authors: Braga Henrique Costa , Moita Gray Farias , Almeida Paulo Eduardo Maciel de
Published: November 2017

Durante a movimentação de pessoas em uma situação de abandono de um ambiente construído, normalmente, se imagina que o escape irá ocorrer em fluxo unidirecional rumo às saídas mais próximas. Mas em situações de grande estresse e desorientação, o fluxo humano pode não ser direcionado. Além disso, mesmo numa situação de normalidade, um fluxo bidirecional mal concebido pode causar uma perigosa situação de congestionamento ou comportamento não adaptativo. Dois dos importantes fenômenos que podem acontecer na movimentação bidirecional são a formação dos rios de escoamento e do empacotamento. Na movimentação humana, além dos aspectos físicos, devem também ser considerados os aspectos comportamentais e cognitivos das pessoas envolvidas, cuja natureza é basicamente qualitativa. Para que se possa realizar uma modelagem com fatores de natureza tão distinta, uma ferramenta de inteligência computacional passível de ser usada é a lógica fuzzy. Assim, este trabalho tem como objetivo modelar qualitativamente a movimentação humana em fluxos bidirecionais, observando a formação dos rios de escoamento humano e do empacotamento, por meio de uma modelagem celular associada à lógica fuzzy.
Identidade e construção de Autoria em uma Língua Adicional: as memórias ou autobiografias de linguagem
Authors: Brisolara Valéria Silveira
Published: November 2017

 Grande parte da literatura contemporânea é escrita em uma língua adicional. Muitas dessas obras produzidas em língua inglesa são de cunho autobiográfico ou memorial, enfatizando aspectos relacionados ao aprendizado de uma língua adicional e a posterior transformação dessa língua em uma língua de escrita, ou seja, à construção de uma autoria em uma língua adicional. Essas narrativas revelam e discutem o efeito de uma língua adicional sobre a primeira e sobre a identidade do sujeito ao tematizar o exílio e fazer dele matéria prima para a escrita. Nesse contexto, este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar e discutir o conceito de memórias ou autobiografias de linguagem e exemplificar tal conceito a partir da obra: Lost in Translation da escritora canadense Eva Hoffman.

 

 
Exílio e (re)construção da identidade em “A Question of Power”
Authors: Santos de Morales Renata , Reck Maggi Noeli , Figueiró Ramiro Juliana
Published: November 2017

A autora sul-africana Bessie Head, em sua obra “A Question of Power”, apresenta a problemática de um sujeito do sexo feminino fruto da sociedade sul-africana em épocas de Apartheid. Na narrativa, a personagem principal, Elizabeth, oferece uma visão retrospectiva de sua “jornada para o inferno”, desde a África do Sul até seu exílio no vilarejo de Motabeng – a terra de areia de Botswana. Nessa caminhada, a personagem depara-se com um processo de desintegração e reconstrução da sua identidade, que a leva a descobrir sua própria totalidade. O texto proporciona ao leitor a experiência da jornada interior de Elizabeth, marcada pela discriminação, pelo isolamento e por conflitos culturais. O presente artigo tem como objetivo refletir, a partir da análise de trechos da narrativa de Head, sobre a condição de migrante da personagem, as relações de poder e a alteridade que condicionam sua existência como exilada, e o modo como essa condição perpassa seu processo de (re)identificação pessoal. A análise será feita com base na teoria foucaultiana, no que toca às questões de alteridade e relações de poder. Utilizou-se como metodologia a Estrutura Simbólica do Poder, proposta pelo semioticista Harry Pross, que diz da forma pela qual os indivíduos atribuem sentido às suas experiências e vivenciam a alteridade.
Is There a Role for Programmed Death Ligand-1 Testing and Immunotherapy in Colorectal Cancer With Microsatellite Instability? Part I—Colorectal Cancer: Microsatellite Instability, Testing, and Clinical Implications
Authors: Marginean Esmeralda Celia , Melosky Barbara
Published: November 2017

Context.—

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the third most-common cancer in developed countries and is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Two recognized pathways contribute to CRC development: a more-common chromosomal instability pathway and, in 15% of cases, a deficient mismatch repair or microsatellite instability–high (MSI-H) pathway. The MSI-H CRC can be associated with somatic or germline mutations. Microsatellite status has been recognized as a prognostic and predictive biomarker.

Objectives.—

To summarize the molecular pathways of CRC, with an emphasis on the MSI (mismatch repair) pathway; the recommended MSI testing algorithms and interpretation; and the prognostic and predictive role of MSI-H status in personalized treatment, including adjuvant chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

Data Sources.—

A PubMed (US National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland) review was performed for articles pertaining to CRC, MSI and mismatch repair systems, molecular classification, immune response, programmed death receptor-1/programmed death ligand-1, and immunotherapy.

Conclusions.—

Although the TNM classification of malignant tumor stage remains the key determinant of CRC prognosis and treatment, there are considerable stage-independent, interindividual differences in clinical outcome and therapy response by patients. In addition, MSI-H status has an important role in CRC management and can be reliably detected by molecular and immunohistochemistry techniques and genetic testing. Efforts must be made to identify whether MSI-H CRC is germline or sporadic to ensure appropriate treatment, accurate prognosis, and risk assessment for relatives. Microsatellite status has been recognized as a good prognostic indicator and is predictive of a poor response to 5-fluorouracil–based chemotherapy and a good response to programmed death ligand-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab in metastatic/refractory MSI-H CRC.
SYNTHESIS AND TRANSFORMATION OF TERTIARY HYDROXYMETHYLAMINES CONTAINING gem-DICHLOROCYCLOPROPYL AND CYCLOACETAL FRAGMENTS
Authors: Raskildina Gulnara Z. , Valiev Vadim F. , Mirakyan Sergey M. , Chanishev Rinat R. , Zlotskii Simon S.
Published: November 2017

1,3,5-Triazine derivatives containing one and two cycloacetal and gem-dichlorocyclopropane fragments find application as additives and biologically active substances, alkylamines containing gem-dichlorocyclopropane groups suppress the growth and development of dicotyledonous plants at the level of imported reagents. Many amino alcohols are widely used in the production of detergents, emulsifiers, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Based on this the efficient method for the preparation of N-hydroxymethylamines containing gem-dichlorocyclopropane and cycloacetal fragments in the presence of FeCl3·6H2O as a catalyst is proposed. The compounds with a carbamate group have a pronounced biological and pharmacological activity, which determines their effective use for the preparation of drugs for the medical and agricultural industries. Therefore, the reaction of aromatic structures containing carbocyclic fragment with phenyl isocyanate and acid chlorides were studied with subsequent of the formation of the corresponding urethane and esters with yield of (30-93%). It was found that the reaction with p-toluenesulfonic acid chloride is much more difficult and the yield of the desired product, benzyl [(2,2-dichlorocyclopropyl)methyl]aminomethyl-4-methylbenzenesulfonate, does not exceed 30%. The structures of the obtained compounds were investigated by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and found that the gem-dichlorocyclopropane and cycloacetal groups are preserved during the conversions. Isomeric 2- and 4-chloromethyl-1,3-dioxolanes under the conditions studied have the same activity, but substantially inferior to 2-chloromethyl-gem-dichlorocyclopropane. The presented results suggest the wide possibilities of using tertiary hydroxymethylamines containing cycloacetal and cyclopropane fragments in the synthesis of complex carbo- and heterocyclic structures. Moreover, carbo- and heterocyclic compounds with alkylamino groups have proven biological activity.Forcitation:Raskildina G.Z., Valiev V.F., Mirakyan S.M., Chanishev R.R., Zlotskii S.S. Synthesis and transformation of tertiary hydroxymethylamines containing gem-dichlorocyclopropyl and cycloacetal fragments. Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol. 2017. V. 60. N 10. P. 16-21
INFLUENCE OF 4- (N-ALKYL)- AND 4-(N-ALCOXY)-3′,4′-DICYANODIPHENYLOXIDES ON DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF LIQUID CRYSTALLINE MIXTURE OF CYANOBIPHENYLES
Authors: Novikov Igor. V. , Aleksandriiskii Viktor. V. , Maizlish Vladimir. E. , Abramov Igor. G. , Burmistrov Vladimir. A.
Published: November 2017

The mesomorphic and dielectric properties of 4- (n)-alkyl-, 4- (n)-alkoxy-3′,4'-dicyanodiphenyloxides (n = 4.5.8) solutions in the liquid crystalline mixture on the base of nematic 4- (n) -alkoxy-4'-cyano-biphenyls (n = 3,4,5,6,7,8) (CB-6) were studied. The enlightenment temperatures of the mixtures were measured by the polarization microcoscopy. The introduction of the nonmesogens was shown to result in a decrease in the enlightenment temperatures of mesomorphic compositions. The slopes of the boundary lines of coexisting nematic and isotropic liquid phases were calculated which characterized the effect of the additive on the stability of the mesophase. It is shown that the destabilizing effect of substituted diphenyloxides with respect to the thermal stability of the mesophase is affected by the feature of the substituted dicyanodiphenyloxides non-linear structure. The geometry of the investigated dopants molecules was optimized using quantum chemical calculations by the DFT method. Calculations have shown a non-linear form of diphenyloxide molecules, in contrast to the rod-like shapes of alkyloxycyanobiphenyls molecules. The components of the static dielectric permeability (ε) in nematic and isotropic phases of the compositions were measured at a parallel (ε||) and perpendicular (ε^) orientation of the sample in the magnetic field as a function of the temperature and concentration of the additives , and the dielectric anisotropy Δε = ε||- ε^ was calculated. The addition of polar dicyanodiphenyldioxides into the mesomorphic composition results in an increase in the dielectric constants.  An increase in the dielectric anisotropy of liquid crystalline mixtures with an increase in the additive concentration is the most effective for homologues with short alkyl fragments. It is shown that the growth of permeability anisotropy can be associated both with the rise in the effective dipole moment of the mesophase at high polar dopants introduction and the change in the degree of the dipole-dipole antiparallel association of cyanosubstituted compounds. To estimate the correlation degree of polar molecules, the Kirkwood parameter values were calculated.  The doping of the mixture CB-6 with 4-(n)-alkyl-, 4-(n)-alkoxy-3', 4'-dicyanodiphenyloxides is accompanied by a decrease in the Kirkwood factor due to the possible formation of liquid crystal-dopant associates in the compositions.Forcitation:Novikov I.V., Aleksandriiskii V.V., Maizlish V.E., Abramov I.G., Burmistrov V.A. Influence of 4- (n-alkyl)- and 4-(n-alcoxy)-3′,4′-dicyanodiphenyloxides on dielectric properties of liquid crystalline mixture of cyanobiphenyles. Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol. 2017. V. 60. N 10. P. 42-46
PUTEVI I NASELJENA MESTA ZAPADNOG BALKANA NA POJTINGEROVOJ TABLI - ITINERARU
Authors: Grčić Mirko
Published: November 2017

Sa rimskim osvajanjima i širenjem geografskog horizonta istovremeno i uporedo je išlo i građenje drumovapo prostranom Rimskom carstvu, kojima su bile obuhvaćene bliže i dalje rimske provincije u zemljama sva tri kontinentaStarog sveta oko Sredozemlja. U ovom radu analizirana je sadržina znamenite Pojtingerove karte, za koju se pretpostavljada je kopija originala iz druge polovine IV veka nove ere, koja se odnosi na zapadni deo Balkanskog poluostrva.
Bladder-cancer-associated mutations in RXRA activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors to drive urothelial proliferation
Authors: Halstead Angela M , Kapadia Chiraag D , Bolzenius Jennifer , Chu Clarence E , Schriefer Andrew , Wartman Lukas D , Bowman Gregory R , Arora Vivek K
Published: November 2017

RXRA regulates transcription as part of a heterodimer with 14 other nuclear receptors, including the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Analysis from TCGA raised the possibility that hyperactive PPAR signaling, either due to PPAR gamma gene amplification or RXRA hot-spot mutation (S427F/Y) drives 20–25% of human bladder cancers. Here, we characterize mutant RXRA, demonstrating it induces enhancer/promoter activity in the context of RXRA/PPAR heterodimers in human bladder cancer cells. Structure-function studies indicate that the RXRA substitution allosterically regulates the PPAR AF2 domain via an aromatic interaction with the terminal tyrosine found in PPARs. In mouse urothelial organoids, PPAR agonism is sufficient to drive growth-factor-independent growth in the context of concurrent tumor suppressor loss. Similarly, mutant RXRA stimulates growth-factor-independent growth of Trp53/Kdm6a null bladder organoids. Mutant RXRA-driven growth of urothelium is reversible by PPAR inhibition, supporting PPARs as targetable drivers of bladder cancer.
Distribución De Las Concentraciones De DDT En Mejillón (Mytilus californianus) En La Parte Noroccidental De La Baja California.
Authors: Suárez-Vidal C.E. , Acosta-Ruíz M.J.
Published: November 2017

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Shallow Mantle Anisotropy Beneath the Juan de Fuca Plate
Authors: VanderBeek Brandon P. , Toomey Douglas R.
Published: November 2017

The anisotropic fabric of the oceanic mantle lithosphere is often assumed to parallel paleo‐relative plate motion (RPM). However, we find evidence that this assumption is invalid beneath the Juan de Fuca (JdF) plate. Using travel times of seismic energy propagating through the topmost mantle, we find that the fast direction of P wave propagation is rotated 18° ± 3° counterclockwise to the paleo‐spreading direction and strikes between Pacific‐JdF relative and JdF absolute plate motion (APM). The mean mantle velocity is 7.85 ± 0.02 km/s with 4.6% ± 0.4% anisotropy. Synthesis of the plate‐averaged Pn anisotropy signal with measurements of Pn anisotropy beneath the JdF Ridge and SKS splits across the JdF plate suggests that the anisotropic structure of the topmost mantle continues to evolve away from the spreading center to more closely align with APM. We infer that the oceanic mantle lithosphere may record the influence of both paleo‐RPM and paleo‐APM.
Predicting the Geothermal Heat Flux in Greenland: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Rezvanbehbahani Soroush , Stearns Leigh A. , Kadivar Amir , Walker J. Doug , van der Veen C. J.
Published: November 2017

Geothermal heat flux (GHF) is a crucial boundary condition for making accurate predictions of ice sheet mass loss, yet it is poorly known in Greenland due to inaccessibility of the bedrock. Here we use a machine learning algorithm on a large collection of relevant geologic features and global GHF measurements and produce a GHF map of Greenland that we argue is within ∼15% accuracy. The main features of our predicted GHF map include a large region with high GHF in central‐north Greenland surrounding the NorthGRIP ice core site, and hot spots in the Jakobshavn Isbræ catchment, upstream of Petermann Gletscher, and near the terminus of Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden glacier. Our model also captures the trajectory of Greenland movement over the Icelandic plume by predicting a stripe of elevated GHF in central‐east Greenland. Finally, we show that our model can produce substantially more accurate predictions if additional measurements of GHF in Greenland are provided.
Nightside Ionospheric Convection Asymmetries During the Early Substorm Expansion Phase: Relationship to Onset Local Time
Authors: Grocott A. , Laurens H. J. , Wild J. A.
Published: November 2017

We present Super Dual Auroral Radar Network observations of ionospheric convection during substorms. Substorms were grouped according to their onset latitude, onset magnetic local time, and the prevailing sense of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) BY. The radar observations were then sorted according to substorm group and average convection patterns produced. Here we discuss the patterns corresponding to substorms with onsets occurring in the 65∘–67∘ onset latitude range, at either early (20–22 h) or late (01–03 h) magnetic local times, during intervals of either dominant positive or negative IMF BY. We show that the morphology of the convection patterns differs from that predicted by existing empirical models, with the location of the nightside convection throat being largely consistent with the location of substorm onset. The expected IMF BY‐induced dawn‐dusk convection asymmetry can be enhanced on the nightside when the substorm onset occurs at a fortuitous location but can equally be removed or even reversed from this expected state. Thus, the nightside convection asymmetries are seemingly unrelated to the instantaneous sense of IMF BY.
Ultra‐Broadband Wide‐Angle Terahertz Absorption Properties of 3D Graphene Foam
Authors: Huang Zhiyu , Chen Honghui , Huang Yi , Ge Zhen , Zhou Ying , Yang Yang , Xiao Peishuang , Liang Jiajie , Zhang Tengfei , Shi Qian , Li Guanghao , Chen Yongsheng
Published: November 2017

As a next generation of detection technology, terahertz technology is very promising. In this work, a highly efficient terahertz wave absorber based on 3D graphene foam (3DG) is first reported. Excellent terahertz absorption property at frequency ranging from 0.1 to 1.2 THz is obtained owing to faint surface reflection and enormous internal absorption. By precise control of the constant properties for 3DG, the reflection loss (RL) value of 19 dB is acquired and the qualified frequency bandwidth (with RL value over 10 dB) covers 95% of the entire measured bandwidth at normal incidence, which far surpasses most reported materials. More importantly, the terahertz absorption performance of 3DG enhances obviously with increasing the incidence while majority of materials become invalid at oblique incidence, instead. At the incidence of 45°, the maximum RL value increases 50% from 19 to 28.6 dB and the qualified frequency bandwidth covers 100% of the measured bandwidth. After considering all core indicators involving density, qualified bandwidth, and RL values, the specific average terahertz absorption (SATA) property is investigated. The SATA value of 3DG is over 3000 times higher than those of other materials in open literatures.
DNA variants and organophosphate neurotoxicity among emerging farmers in the Western Cape of South Africa
Authors: Glass Tracy , Dalvie Mohamed A. , Holtman Zelda , Vorster Anna A. , Ramesar Rajkumar S. , London Leslie
Published: November 2017

Background

Previous epidemiological studies investigating modification of organophosphate (OP) neurotoxicity by xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (XMEs) polymorphisms have produced inconsistent results.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 301 emerging farmers was conducted. Neurotoxicity testing included forward and backward recall, digit span, and vibration sensitivity testing. Questionnaire data included demography, potential confounders, and work history of pesticide exposures. Genomic DNA was analyzed from study participants for DNA variants of two glutathione S‐transferases (GSTM1 and GSTT1), N‐acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2), and Paraoxonase 1 (PON1).

Results

There was evidence of OP pesticide neurotoxicity modification by rs1799931 (NAT2), rs662 (PON1), and the null allele of GSTM1 in multivariate analysis. The strongest evidence of modification was observed for rs1799931 (NAT2) on the relationship between pesticide poisoning and impaired vibration sense.

Conclusions

DNA variants of NAT2, PON1, and GSTM1 may modify OP neurotoxicity, and this requires further exploration.
A comparison of paternity data and relative testes size as measures of level of sperm competition in theHominoidea
Authors: Baker R. Robin , Shackelford Todd K.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

The phrase “level of sperm competition” is used only vaguely in the primate literature. There is also little distinction between the important elements of frequency and intensity of sperm competition, largely because the two current forms of measurement (socio‐sexual system and relative testes size) are both proxies which allow neither precision nor fine distinctions. Both measures have critics, socio‐sexual system in particular being branded subjective, misleading, and changeable. Testes size is considered the more reliable despite its validation resting on correlations with the other, less reliable, proxy. Recently, genetic paternity studies have been mooted to provide a potentially superior third measure of sperm competition but so far lack a formal interpretive framework. Here we use the published and relatively comprehensive genetic field studies of the Hominoidea to develop such a framework.

Materials and methods

Formulae are derived to convert paternity data into a direct measure of the frequency, intensity, and overall level of sperm competition. We then compare these measures with relative testes size at the study, species, and phylogenetic levels.

Results

A significant correlation between level of sperm competition and relative testes size was obtained at each level. These correlations provide independent support for the continuing use of testes size as a proxy measure when such a measure is sufficient. However, they also suggest that paternity data and our formulae yield a viable alternative measure.

Discussion

This alternative measure based on paternity data has a number of advantages. Not only is it a potentially direct measure of the level of sperm competition but it also allows the roles of frequency and intensity to be studied separately when of interest.
Assessing the clinical applicability of prior head imaging in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Bhalla Vidur , McCann Adam , Sykes Kevin , Hoover Larry , Beahm D. David , Chiu Alexander
Published: November 2017

Background

Patients often have received some modality of head imaging prior to being evaluated for chronic sinonasal complaints, and the clinical significance of these scans on current sinonasal symptomatology is unknown.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, cohort study of 578 patients with chronic sinonasal indications for maxillofacial computed tomography scans (CTs) in 2016. Patients were included if previous head cross‐sectional imaging had been performed. Lund‐McKay (LM) scores were calculated on the prior CT scan for each patient and compared to LM scores of the most recent scan. Scans with LM scores ≤3 were deemed normal, scores >3 were deemed positive, and Δ >3 was deemed a significant change.

Results

Of 578 patients, 153 (26.5%) patients had previous imaging. Overall, a strong correlation was noted between scans (r = 0.791, p < 0.001). Significant correlations remained with the subset of positive prior scans (r = 0.743, p < 0.001). The 3 most common prior imaging modalities were maxillofacial CT, head CT, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Correlations between these modalities and subsequent maxillofacial CTs range from strong to moderately strong. Women were significantly more likely to have negative prior imaging (p = 0.048). Patients with negative prior imaging (80/153) were significantly more likely to remain unchanged (71/80) compared to patients with positive prior scans (56/73) (p = 0.023).

Conclusion

Prior head imaging highly correlates to future maxillofacial CT in patients with chronic sinonasal complaints, and patients with prior negative scans are likely to remain negative on future imaging. If prior head scans exist, practitioners may want to avoid ordering additional scans in the absence of changing symptoms.
Restoration of Ribozyme Tertiary Contact and Function by Using a Molecular Glue for RNA
Authors: Dohno Chikara , Kimura Maki , Nakatani Kazuhiko
Published: November 2017

Some RNA classes require folding into the proper higher‐order structures to exert their functions. Hammerhead ribozyme (HHR) requires a folding conformation stabilized by tertiary interaction for full activity. A rationally engineered HHR was developed that was inactive, but could be activated by a synthetic RNA‐binding ligand, naphthyridine carbamate tetramer with Z‐stilbene linker (Z‐NCTS). Binding of Z‐NCTS could induce the formation of an active folding structure and thereby restore ribozyme activity, where Z‐NCTS acts as a molecular glue to bring two isolated RNA loops into contact with each other. Next, we designed a Z‐NCTS‐responsive genetic switch using the HHR sequence inserted into the 3′ untranslated region as a cis‐acting element. We demonstrated that the rationally designed ribozyme switch enabled regulation of gene expression by Z‐NCTS and was functional in mammalian cells.
Ein Strontium‐ und Chlor‐freies rotes pyrotechnisches Leuchtsignal mit hoher spektraler Reinheit
Authors: Glück Johann , Klapötke Thomas M. , Rusan Magdalena , Sabatini Jesse J. , Stierstorfer Jörg
Published: November 2017

Durch die drohende Reglementierung der in roten pyrotechnischen Leuchtsätzen enthaltenen Strontium‐ und Organochlorverbindungen durch die US‐Umweltschutzbehörde richtet sich der Fokus zunehmend auf die Entwicklung alternativer chlorfreier Leuchtsätze. Aus diesem Grund berichten wir über die Entwicklung Lithium‐basierter roter Leuchtsätze mit hoher Farbqualität und Lichtreinheit. Diese Formulierungen verzichten vollkommen auf Strontium und Organochlorverbindungen. Stattdessen fungiert ein neu synthetisiertes, nicht hygroskopisches, stickstoffreiches Dilithiumsalz gleichzeitig als Oxidationsmittel und Farbgeber. Die Lithium‐basierten Mischungen können sowohl im militärischen als auch im zivilen Bereich als Ausgangspunkt für die Entwicklung von umwelt‐ und gesundheitsverträglicheren Leuchtsätzen dienen.
Industrially viable technique for the preparation of HDPE/fly ash composites at high loading: Thermal, mechanical, and rheological interpretations
Authors: Verma Pawan , Kumar Anuj , Chauhan Sampat Singh , Verma Meenakshi , Malik Rajender Singh , Choudhary Veena
Published: November 2017

This article describes an industrially viable melt blending approach for the preparation of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)/fly ash composites having high loading of fly ash (FA) (up to 25 wt %). In this approach, solvent was used to enhance the mixing of FA in HDPE matrix. FA coated on the outer surface of HDPE granules using solvent is an economical technique for the incorporation of high loading of FA using conventional twin screw extruder. Herein, the effect of HDPE reinforced with FA on thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties has been investigated. Incorporation of FA in HDPE matrix resulted in higher storage modulus (E′), loss modulus (E″), and complex viscosity (η*) as compared to neat polymer. Tensile and flexural moduli were also found to increase (∼47% and ∼66%, respectively) with the addition of FA (25 wt %). However, the elongation at break of HDPE reduced as the rigid spherical FA particles do not undergo elongation. The dispersion of FA within the polymer matrix and interaction of FA with HDPE were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Rheological and mechanical properties of the composites were also correlated with the morphology. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45995.
Waterborne poly(urethane‐urea) gas permeation membranes for CO2/CH4 separation
Authors: Reis Rodrigo A. , Pereira Juliana H. C. , Campos Antoniel C. C. , Barboza Elaine M. , Delpech Marcia C. , Cesar Deborah V. , Dahmouche Karim , Bandeira Cirlene F.
Published: November 2017

In this work, dense membranes from aqueous dispersions of poly(urethane‐urea) (PUU) based on poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) and a block copolymer composed of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), EG‐b‐PG, with 7 wt % of the former were obtained. Nonpolluting formulations were synthesized with proportions of PPG and EG‐b‐PG as 1:0, 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1 in terms of equivalent number ratios. The effect of small and gradual increases in PEG segments was evaluated for the permeability of pure CO2, CH4, and N2, at room temperature. Slight increases in PEG‐based segments in PUU promoted some remarkable properties, which led to a simultaneous increase in CO2 permeability and ideal selectivity for CH4 (300%) and N2 (380%). Infrared spectroscopy showed that the PEG portions induced hydrogen bonds between NH of urethane and ether groups in the PEG portions, which promoted ordering of the flexible segments, confirmed by X‐ray diffractometry and small‐angle X‐ray scattering. Diffractometry techniques also confirmed the absence of crystalline domains, as did dynamic mechanical analysis. The produced membranes showed performance above Robeson's 2008 upper bound and seemed to be a superior polymeric material for CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 separation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46003.
Sample preparation for large‐scale bioanalytical studies based on liquid chromatographic techniques
Authors: Medvedovici Andrei , Bacalum Elena , David Victor
Published: November 2017

Quality of the analytical data obtained for large‐scale and long term bioanalytical studies based on liquid chromatography depends on a number of experimental factors including the choice of sample preparation method. This review discusses this tedious part of bioanalytical studies, applied to large‐scale samples and using liquid chromatography coupled with different detector types as core analytical technique. The main sample preparation methods included in this paper are protein precipitation, liquid–liquid extraction, solid‐phase extraction, derivatization and their versions. They are discussed by analytical performances, fields of applications, advantages and disadvantages. The cited literature covers mainly the analytical achievements during the last decade, although several previous papers became more valuable in time and they are included in this review.
Determination of tubuloside B by LC‐MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in rats
Authors: Yang Shenbao , Qu Ruiying , Sun Peilu , Xiong Shan , Yan Siyi , Deng Zhipeng
Published: November 2017

Tubuloside B, a novel neuroprotective phenylethanoid, is a major active constituent of Cistanche tubulosa and Cistanche deserticola. A specific and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method has been developed and validated for the quantification of tubuloside B in rat plasma. Sample preparation was conducted through a protein‐precipitation extraction with methanol using tubuloside A as internal standard (IS). Chromatographic separation was achieved using a Capcell Pak C18 column (2.0 × 50 mm, 5 μm) with a mobile phase of methanol–10 mm ammonium acetate buffer (70:30, v/v) in an isocratic elution. Mass spectrometry analysis was performed in negative ionization mode with selected reaction monitoring transitions at m/z 665.1 → 160.9 for tubuloside B, and m/z 827.1 → 160.9 for IS. Calibration curves were linear over the range of 1.64–1640 ng/mL for plasma samples samples (R2 > 0.990). The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 1.64 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐day accuracy was between 92.3 and 113.0% with the RSD <9.23% at all LLOQ and quality control levels. Finally, this method was successfully applied in the pharmacokinetics study of tubuloside B after intravenous administration.
Down‐regulation of p16 and MGMT promotes the anti‐proliferative and pro‐apoptotic effects of 5‐Aza‐dC and radiation on cervical cancer cells
Authors: Chen Guan‐di , Qian De‐ying , Li Zhi‐gang , Fan Ge‐ying , You Ke‐li , Wu Yi‐long
Published: November 2017

Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the female reproductive system. Therefore, it is critical to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in the development and progression of cervical cancer. In this study, we stimulated cervical cancer cells with 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐Aza‐dC) and found that this treatment inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis; additionally, methylation of p16 and O‐6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) was reversed, although their expression was suppressed. 5‐Aza‐dC inhibited E6 and E7 expression and up‐regulated p53, p21, and Rb expression. Cells transfected with siRNAs targeting p16 and MGMT as well as cells stimulated with 5‐Aza‐dC were arrested in S phase, and the expression of p53, p21, and Rb was up‐regulated more significantly. However, when cells were stimulated with 5‐Aza‐dC after transfection with siRNAs targeting p16 and MGMT, proliferation decreased significantly, and the percentage of cells in the sub‐G1 peak and in S phase was significantly increased, suggesting a marked increase in apoptosis. But E6 and E7 overexpression could rescue the observed effects in proliferation. Furthermore, X‐ray radiation caused cells to arrest in G2/M phase, but cells transfected with p16‐ and MGMT‐targeted siRNAs followed by X‐ray radiation exhibited a significant decrease in proliferation and were shifted toward the sub‐G1 peak, also indicating enhanced apoptosis. In addition, the effects of 5‐Aza‐dC and X‐ray radiation were most pronounced when MGMT expression was down‐regulated. Therefore, down‐regulation of p16 and MGMT expression enhances the anti‐proliferative effects of 5‐Aza‐dC and X‐ray radiation. This discovery may provide novel ideas for the treatment of cervical cancer.
Immobilization of Superoxide Dismutase on Polyelectrolyte‐Functionalized Titania Nanosheets
Authors: Rouster Paul , Pavlovic Marko , Szilagyi Istvan
Published: November 2017

The superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme was successfully immobilized on titania nanosheets (TNS) functionalized with the poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) polyelectrolyte. The TNS–PDADMAC solid support was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis followed by self‐assembled polyelectrolyte layer formation. It was found that SOD strongly adsorbed onto oppositely charged TNS–PDADMAC through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. The TNS–PDADMAC–SOD material was characterized by light scattering and microscopy techniques. Colloidal stability studies revealed that the obtained nanocomposites possessed good resistance against salt‐induced aggregation in aqueous suspensions. The enzyme kept its functional integrity upon immobilization; therefore, TNS–PDADMAC–SOD showed excellent superoxide radical anion scavenging activity. The developed system is a promising candidate for applications in which suspensions of antioxidant activity are required in the manufacturing processes.
Regio‐ and Stereoselective Iron‐Catalyzed Oxyazidation of Enamides Using a Hypervalent Iodine Reagent
Authors: Bertho Sylvain , Rey‐Rodriguez Romain , Colas Cyril , Retailleau Pascal , Gillaizeau Isabelle
Published: November 2017

A novel regio‐ and diastereoselective iron‐catalyzed intermolecular oxyazidation of enamides using various azidobenziodoxolone (ABX) derivatives is presented. A variety of α‐N3 amino derivatives and of α‐N3 piperidines were synthesized in good yields and under mild reaction conditions. The reaction involves a radical process using cheap FeCl2 as the initiator.
Landau Damping in Finite Regularity for Unconfined Systems with Screened Interactions
Authors: Bedrossian Jacob , Masmoudi Nader , Mouhot Clément
Published: November 2017

We prove Landau damping for the collisionless Vlasov equation with a class of L1 interaction potentials (including the physical case of screened Coulomb interactions) on for localized disturbances of an infinite, homogeneous background. Unlike the confined case , results are obtained for initial data in Sobolev spaces (as well as Gevrey and analytic classes). For spatial frequencies bounded away from 0, the Landau damping of the density is similar to the confined case. The finite regularity is possible due to an additional dispersive mechanism available on that reduces the strength of the plasma echo resonance.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Elucidating the Impact of Chalcogen Content on the Photovoltaic Properties of Oxychalcogenide Perovkskites: NaMO3−xQx (M=Nb, Ta; Q=S, Se, Te)
Authors: Park Heesoo , Alharbi Fahhad H , Sanvito Stefano , Tabet Nouar , El‐Mellouhi Fedwa
Published: November 2017

In the quest for nontoxic and stable perovskites for solar cells, we have conducted a systematic study of the effect of chalcogen content in oxychalcogenide perovskite by using DFT and quasi‐particle perturbation theory. We explored the changes in the electronic structure due to the substitution of O atoms in NaNbO3 and NaTaO3 perovskite structures with various chalcogens (S, Se, Te) at different concentrations. Interestingly, the introduction of the chalcogen atoms resulted in a drastic reduction in the electronic band gap, which made some of the compounds fall within the visible range of the solar spectrum. In addition, our analysis of the electronic structure shows that the optical transition becomes direct as a result of the strong hybridization between the orbitals of the transition metal and those of the chalcogen ion, in contrast to the indirect band feature of NaNbO3 and NaTaO3. We identified candidates with a high theoretical solar conversion efficiency that approached the Shockley–Queisser limit, which makes them suitable for thin‐film solar cell applications. The present work serves as a guideline for experimental efforts by identifying the chalcogen content that should be targeted during the synthetic route of thermodynamically stable and strongly photoactive absorbers for oxychalcogenide perovskites in thin‐film solar cells.
Neck circumference: A valuable anthropometric measurement to detect metabolic syndrome among different age groups in China
Authors: Cui Ting , Yan Bao‐huan , Liu Zhan , Yang Hui , Gyan Michael , Ma Yu‐xia
Published: November 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between neck circumference and metabolic syndrome in Chinese residents and to explore the cut‐off points of neck circumference for metabolic syndrome in different age groups.

Methods

In all, 4227 Chinese adults (18‐90 y) were enrolled in the study and divided into 3 subgroups (young, middle‐aged, and elderly) according to their ages. The compared data for the subjects included anthropometric indicators and biochemical detection indices. Neck circumference was compared with other simple anthropometric indices using receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

(1) In all, 362 of the subjects who were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome were young (16.8%), 428 were middle‐aged (36.9%), and 485 were elderly people (53.1%). (2) The areas under the curve of neck circumference for metabolic syndrome for the 3 subgroups, young, middle‐aged, and elderly, for males were 0.853, 0.792, and 0.828, respectively, and these values were 0.859, 0.780, and 0.725 for females, respectively. (3) Neck circumference cut‐offs were 39.05, 39.45, and 38.90 cm in men and 34.15, 33.55, and 33.95 cm in women.

Conclusions

Neck circumference contributed to determining metabolic syndrome risk beyond the classical anthropometric indices among different age groups in China.
Introduction history overrides social factors in explaining genetic structure of females in Mediterranean mouflon
Authors: Portanier Elodie , Garel Mathieu , Devillard Sébastien , Marchand Pascal , Andru Julie , Maillard Daniel , Bourgoin Gilles
Published: November 2017

Fine‐scale spatial genetic structure of populations results from social and spatial behaviors of individuals such as sex‐biased dispersal and philopatry. However, the demographic history of a given population can override such socio‐spatial factors in shaping genetic variability when bottlenecks or founder events occurred in the population. Here, we investigated whether socio‐spatial organization determines the fine‐scale genetic structure for both sexes in a Mediterranean mouflon (Ovis gmelini musimon × Ovissp.) population in southern France 60 years after its introduction. Based on multilocus genotypes at 16 loci of microsatelliteDNA(n = 230 individuals), we identified three genetic groups for females and two for males, and concurrently defined the same number of socio‐spatial units using bothGPS‐collared individuals (n = 121) and visual resightings of marked individuals (n = 378). The socio‐spatial and genetic structures did not match, indicating that the former was not the main driver of the latter for both sexes. Beyond this structural mismatch, we found significant, yet low, genetic differentiation among female socio‐spatial groups, and no genetic differentiation in males, with this suggesting female philopatry and male‐biased gene flow, respectively. Despite spatial disconnection, females from the north of the study area were genetically closer to females from the south, as indicated by the spatial analysis of the genetic variability, and this pattern was in accordance with the common genetic origin of their founders. To conclude, more than 14 generations later, genetic signatures of first introduction are not only still detectable among females, but they also represent the main factor shaping their present‐time genetic structure.
Phylogenetic turnover during subtropical forest succession across environmental and phylogenetic scales
Authors: Purschke Oliver , Michalski Stefan G. , Bruelheide Helge , Durka Walter
Published: November 2017

Although spatial and temporal patterns of phylogenetic community structure during succession are inherently interlinked and assembly processes vary with environmental and phylogenetic scales, successional studies of community assembly have yet to integrate spatial and temporal components of community structure, while accounting for scaling issues. To gain insight into the processes that generate biodiversity after disturbance, we combine analyses of spatial and temporal phylogenetic turnover across phylogenetic scales, accounting for covariation with environmental differences. We compared phylogenetic turnover, at the species‐ and individual‐level, within and between five successional stages, representing woody plant communities in a subtropical forest chronosequence. We decomposed turnover at different phylogenetic depths and assessed its covariation with between‐plot abiotic differences. Phylogenetic turnover between stages was low relative to species turnover and was not explained by abiotic differences. However, within the late‐successional stages, there was high presence‐/absence‐based turnover (clustering) that occurred deep in the phylogeny and covaried with environmental differentiation. Our results support a deterministic model of community assembly where (i) phylogenetic composition is constrained through successional time, but (ii) toward late succession, species sorting into preferred habitats according to niche traits that are conserved deep in phylogeny, becomes increasingly important.