bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Biochars and Their Application Rates on Soil Moisture Retention in Light Textured Soil of Assam
Authors: Deka K. , Hazarika P. P. , Medhi B. K. , Borah Rupjyoti , Kandali G. G. , Gogoi Bhabesh
Published: July 2019

“Biochar” is a relatively new term, yet it is not a new substance. Biochar, product of thermal decomposition or incomplete combustion of biomass or bio-wastes under limited oxygen supply, are fine-grained highly porous charcoal substances that are distinguished from other charcoals in its intended use as soil amendments. The state of Assam produces surplus quantities of biowastes and leaves behind bulk quantity of wastes soon after harvest of the main crop(s) remain unutilized annually and these farm wastes have the potential of further reutilization through production of biochar, which may effectively be used in sustainable production system. Characterization of biochar with respect to physico-chemical properties determines the suitability of biochar to conserve soil moisture, which is again regulated by kind and source of feed stock materials. Keeping these aspects in view, a study on characterization of biochars prepared from four different feed stocks, namely rice straw, rice husk, toria stover, and bamboo leaves was conducted at Assam Agricultural University during 2014-15 and 2015-16 to validate its efficiency to conserve soil moisture for longer time. After determining the physicochemical properties of the four biochars, a set of pot culture experiment in poly house taking toria as test crop was conducted with four biochars. Four hundred gram of soil (preferably light textured) in 500 g capacity of plastic pot replicated thrice was designed statistically (factorial CRD) with four doses of biochars (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% wt/wt). Initially, a moisture level at field capacity was maintained and periodical volumetric soil moisture content (upto 70 days) was monitored to evaluate their efficiency. Gravimetric soil moisture content decreased significantly with the progress in days of experimentation irrespective of types of biochar used. However, increase in biochar doses increased the soil moisture content significantly over the one where no biochar was applied. Highest efficiency to conserve soil moisture over the days of study period was due to the application of bamboo leaves biochar.
Small-scale Farming, Agricultural Productivity and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria: The Enabling Role of Agricultural Technology Adoption
Authors: Olusayo Ojo , Adebayo Ogunniyi , Kayode Salman K. , Olagunju Kehinde , Ayodeji Iwinlade , Ogundipe Adeyemi A.
Published: July 2019

Existing literature affirms the importance of agricultural technology adoption on productivity, income and livelihood outcomes. Evidences subsist on the adoption of improved cassava varieties (ICVs) in Nigeria but little is known about its impact among the farmers. We used data from a survey conducted by International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to explore this research gap.  Propensity Score Matching and Heckman’s two-stage model were the analytical tools.  Given an estimated poverty line of (₦21717.53); 52.0% of the farmers were poor.  We found that 75.6% of the respondents are adopters of ICVs. Primary occupation of household head and total non-production asset of farmers were key determinants for adoption.  Adoption of improved cassava variety has positive effect on farmers’ productivity and poverty reduction. The Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT) for productivity increased by 70 percent among ICVs farmers. Income was also higher among the adopters than the non- adopters by ₦43463.77. In the same vein, the income of the adopters increased by 17%. Furthermore, adopters of ICVs have the probability of reducing poverty headcount by 20%. The empirical results suggest that improved agricultural innovation adoption can play a key role in strengthening and impacting agricultural productivity of smallholder farmers for increased income generation and food security.
Immunoinformatics Approach Identified Two Highly Conserved B and T Cell Epitopes, LEASKRWAF and DSPLEASKRWAFRTG, for Effective Vaccine Design against Ebola and Marburg Viruses
Authors: Hossain Md. Shahadat , Reza Hasan Al. , Hossain Mohammad Shahnoor
Published: July 2019

Aims: Ebola and Marburg viruses cause fatal hemorrhagic fever in both human and non-human primates. Absence of any licensed vaccine has further deteriorated the problem. In the present study, we aimed to design potential epitope based vaccines against these viruses using computational approaches.

Methodology: By using various bioinformatics tools and databases, we analyzed the conserved glycoprotein sequences of Ebola and Marburg viruses and predicted two potential epitopes which may be used as peptide vaccines.

Results: Using various B-cell and T-cell epitope prediction servers, four highly conserved epitopes were identified. Epitope conservancy analysis showed that  “LEASKRWAF” and “DSPLEASKRWAFRTG” epitopes were 100% and 93.62% conserved and the worldwide population coverage of “LEASKRWAF” interacting with MHC class I molecules and “DSPLEASKRWAFRTG” interacting with MHC class II molecules were 78.74% and 75.75% respectively. Immunoinformatics analysis showed that they are highly immunogenic, flexible and accessible to antibody. Molecular docking simulation analysis demonstrated a very significant interaction between epitopes and MHC molecules with lower binding energy. Cytotoxic analysis and ADMET test also supported their potential as vaccine candidates.

Conclusion: In sum, our in silico approach demonstrated that both “LEASKRWAF” and “DSPLEASKRWAFRTG” hold the promise for the development of common vaccine against Ebola and Marburg viruses.
Approximate Solution Technique for Singular Fredholm Integral Equations of the First Kind with Oscillatory Kernels
Authors: Nfor Vivian Ndfutu , Okecka George Emese
Published: July 2019

An efficient quadrature formula was developed for evaluating numerically certain singular Fredholm integral equations of the first kind with oscillatory trigonometric kernels.  The method is based on the Lagrange interpolation formula and the orthogonal polynomial considered are the Legendre polynomials whose zeros served as interpolation nodes. A test example was provided for the verification and validation of the rule developed. The results showed the convergence of the solution and can be improved by increasing n.
The Ecophysiological Needs of Plums and Their Impact on Ecological Production of Plum in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Salkić Ahmed , Salkić Besim , Dorić Azra , Salkić Ensar , Imširović Emir
Published: July 2019

Organic farming takes up more and more areas in agricultural production. It is based on the principles of preserving human and animal health and maintaining the balance in agrobiocenosis and therefore prohibits the use of a majority of water-soluble mineral fertilizers and phytopharmaceuticals of chemical origin (except those from the list of allowed products). In ecological farming of plums, optimization of fertilization is very important, which must comply with ecological principles and regulations which included fertilization with a relatively narrow range of allowed organic fertilizers (manure, compost, manure, slurry, peat, guano, sawdust) and mineral additives (calcium carbonate, crude phosphates, basic slag, raw potassium salt, potassium sulphate, gypsum, wood ash, calcium chloride, sodium chloride, etc.).

Nutrition methods in organic plum production are different from nutrition in conventional production, primarily due to a limited selection of available fertilizers, and the most important difference is the inability to use water-soluble individual and complex fertilizers. It is precisely for this reason that in organic agriculture, the emphasis on maintaining humidity, optimum pH and soil moisture is considerably more important than necessary prerequisites for sufficient availability of nutrients in the soil.
Influência das diferentes fontes de cálcio no peso e composição corporal
Authors: Souza Daniela Vieira de , Carrapeiro Mariana De Magalhães
Published: July 2019

Introdução: o cálcio está sendo associado à participação no metabolismo energético e na composição corporal. Objetivo: com base nas evidências científicas, o estudo visou analisar a influência do cálcio de origem elementar e láctea sobre o peso e a gordura corporal, e verificar qual fonte de cálcio proporciona melhores resultados na composição corporal. Metodologia: realizou-se uma revisão da literatura entre 2000 e 2016 utilizando os seguintes descritores: cálcio, obesidade, produtos lácteos e suplementação e seus correspondentes em espanhol e inglês, bem como os cruzamentos desses descritores nas três línguas. A revisão foi estruturada em quatro tópicos: a obesidade e seus fatores; efeito da suplementação de cálcio elementar sobre o peso e a gordura corporal; efeito do cálcio de origem láctea sobre o peso e a gordura corporal; mecanismos fisiológicos entre cálcio e composição corporal. Resultados: verificou-se maiores efeitos do cálcio oriundo dos laticínios sobre o peso e a gordura corporal quando comparado a suplementação de cálcio elementar. Estes resultados podem estar associados a presença de compostos bioativos em leites e derivados que atuam de forma independente ou sinérgica com a supressão da 1,25-di-hidroxi vitamina D3. O mecanismo mais consistente sobre a influência do cálcio na composição corporal associa a maior ingestão deste à diminuição da secreção dos hormônios calciotrópicos, possibilitando assim, maior lipólise e menor lipogênese de novo. Conclusão: os estudos científicos apontam para efeitos positivos do cálcio, especialmente de origem láctea sobre o peso e a composição corporal, principalmente quando associado à restrição calórica. 
A biotecnologia envolvida no sistema CRISPR
Authors: Barbosa Kledson Lopes , Cavalcante Glensimon Souza Silva
Published: July 2019

O sistema CRISPR trata-se de uma ferramenta molecular, ordenada por um RNA guia e a enzima Cas9 capaz de corrigir a expressão de uma gama de genes alvo. No presente estudo foi proposto apresentar uma revisão da literatura acerca do sistema CRISPR e sua contribuição para a biotecnologia. Para isto, utilizou-se de bibliotecas onlines para permitir a seleção e análise dos artigos referente à proposta. Após compilação dos dados, verificou-se que o sistema CRISPR tem se tornado um artifício promissor da biologia molecular. Visto sua versatilidade de uso em diferentes sistemas e sua capacidade de destruir múltiplos genes invasores. Além desses aspectos favoráveis, constatou-se que a partir do sistema CRISPR podem surgir novas alternativas para o tratamento terapêutico de diversas doenças ligadas ao genoma.
The application of rapid prototyping in facial surgeries: a series of case studies
Authors: Lima Fábio Silva , Araújo Alves Dultra Fátima Karoline , Dultra Joaquim Almeida , Castro Rocha Vanessa Álvares , Oliveira Carneiro Pedro Paulo , Pereira Santana Daiana Cristina
Published: July 2019

Aim: to report on the applicability of  biomodels obtained from computerized tomography (CT) images through the technique of stereolithography (SLA) and three-dimensional printing (3DP), in the clinical case reports of patients who underwent surgeries involving dentoskeletal deformity, oral pathology and oral and maxillofacial trauma. Metodology:  Clinical case 01 deals with fractures in the orbital and zygomatic arch region that required reconstruction and correction of diplopia, by means of CT images, using the technique of three-dimensional printing through SLA, generating a mirrored biomodel for surgical planning and the making of customized prostheses. In clinical case 02, by means of CT images, a biomodel utilizing the 3DP technique showed the total area invaded by invasive ameloblastoma, making it possible to plan the osteotomy with maximum preservation of the adjacent tissue and prior modeling of the plate. In clinical case 03, rapid prototyping technology (RP) was used to make customized prostheses for temporomandibular articulation, with the goal of correcting a serious idiopathic pathology provoking the resorption of the right and left condyles. Discussion: Complex cases require the team to have recourse to technology for the implementation of the procedures, in order to offer excellent quality treatment to the patient, in addition to facilitating surgical planning and permitting the construction of customized prostheses. Conclusion: that rapid prototyping for the acquisition of biomodels is an important auxiliary tool for the surgical team. 
Paródias e contação de história: formas lúdicas de ensinar parasitologia no ensino superior
Authors: Bachur Tatiana Paschoalette Rodrigues , Freire Raquel Matoso , Sibellino Lucas Oliveira , Pantoja Lydia Dayanne Maia , Braga Catarina Joelma Magalhães , Aragão Gislei Frota
Published: July 2019

Introdução: Embora a parasitologia seja de grande importância para o entendimento da relação dos seres humanos com o meio e com outros seres, seu estudo é encarado com baixa motivação devido às poucas metodologias ativas empregadas em seu ensino. Dessa forma, é importante buscar práticas pedagógicas inovadoras, favorecendo a formação de profissionais críticos e mais bem preparados para a vida profissional. Objetivo: Relatar a experiência da utilização de ferramentas lúdicas como metodologias ativas no ensino de parasitologia no curso de Medicina da UECE. Metodologia: Trata-se de um relato de experiência, de abordagem qualitativa descritiva exploratória, do processo de construção e aplicação de estratégias pedagógicas. Foram utilizadas duas paródias e uma história com as quais foram repassados diversos conteúdos relacionados a parasitas e suas parasitoses, facilitando, assim, o aprendizado. Resultados: As estratégias desenvolvidas foram duas paródias, uma sobre filariose e outra sobre esquistossomose, além de uma história acerca da “Tênia Anã”. Nas metodologias utilizadas foram debatidos diversos assuntos, como ciclos de vida, epidemiologia, clínicas de cada parasitose, seus diversos tratamentos e aspectos específicos de cada parasito. Assim, observou-se, através de depoimentos espontâneos dos discentes, a aceitação positiva das estratégias de utilização de paródias e contação de história para apresentação de conteúdos em parasitologia. Conclusão: Essas estratégias ativas mostraram-se importantes instrumentos que auxiliam o aluno a deter os conhecimentos básicos sobre parasitologia, pois permitem que esse processo se torne agradável e de fácil acesso, viabilizando sobremaneira a construção dos saberes.  
Acretismo placentário de diagnóstico tardio: relato de caso
Authors: Tannure Thaís Faria , Aragão Júlio César Soares , Tannure Renira Faria
Published: July 2019

Objetivo: apresentar e discutir um caso de acretismo placentário de diagnóstico tardio e discute os aspectos evolutivos da doença em face aos dados provenientes do conhecimento corrente na matéria Método: O formato adotado neste artigo foi o de relato de caso,  sendo seguido de discussões relevantes quanto ao manejo do mesmo à luz de outros relatos e de textos científicos recentes. Resultados: O caso apresentado consiste em uma retenção placentária por acretismo, cursando com sangramento e necessidade de reabordagem por meio de intervenção histeroscópica para resolução satisfatória. Conclusão: Apesar de alguns casos divergirem do curso clássico da doença, a correlação da anamnese direcionada na história pregressa da paciente com o auxílio de exames complementares se faz se suma importância para um diagnóstico, ainda que de suspeição, no período pré-natal. A avaliação individualizada, incorporando racionalmente novas tecnologias, possibilita a condução de um tratamento que viabilize a preservação da fertilidade, se houver possibilidade, e a prevenção de possíveis complicações futuras.
Alfa no estado alterado de consciência: meditação raja yoga
Authors: Toutain Thaise Graziele L. de O. , Mendes Carlos Maurício Cardeal , Sena Eduardo Pondé de
Published: July 2019

Introdução: A meditação é uma técnica ancestral praticada por tradições religiosas e não religiosas, para alcançar benefícios espirituais e na saúde. É considerada um dos estados alterados de consciência. Estudos com ressonância magnética funcional e eletroencefalografia revelaram que existe diminuição da atividade cerebral no lóbulo parietal superior, durante a meditação. Na meditação, a frequência alfa aumenta no córtex cerebral quando comparada ao relaxamento e é caracterizada por ondas rítmicas associadas ao relaxamento e à diminuição de processo cognitivo. Objetivo: Descrever e comparar a distribuição de potência da frequência cerebral alfa, nos estágios de MD e RL, nas regiões cerebrais frontal, central e occipital e, comparar as diferenças entre as regiões, de meditadores experientes da casa Brahma Kumaris, praticantes da meditação Raja Yoga, de Salvador- BA-Brasil. Metodologia: Participaram 14 voluntários neste experimento. A coleta de dados foi realizada com EEG (21 eletrodos). O protocolo utilizado envolveu 6 minutos de relaxamento e 12 minutos de meditação. Os voluntários precisavam ter tido uma noite de sono adaptada à sua rotina e não terem ingerido bebidas estimulantes antes da coleta de dados. Resultados: Encontrou-se aumento da densidade alfa na região occipital, na meditação para a média (µV2 / Hz), quando comparada às regiões frontal e central. Obteve-se um tamanho de efeito médio para alfa em relação às comparações entre as regiões frontal e central e um tamanho de efeito pequeno para alfa, entre as regiões central e occipital, durante o processo meditativo. Para as outras regiões, nenhum tamanho de efeito significativo para alfa foi encontrado. Conclusão: Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas para alfa, entre os estados de meditação e relaxamento, porém a densidade de potência alfa foi maior na região occipital, quando comparada com as regiões frontal e central; entretanto, essa diferença não apresentou um tamanho de efeito do d de Cohen de relevante magnitude.
Perfil sociodemográfico da violência doméstica, sexual e outras, sofrida pelas mulheres em Salvador, no ano de 2014
Authors: Dias Criatiane Alves , Mendes Carlos Maurício Cardeal
Published: July 2019

Introdução: a violência traz consequências importantes que desestruturam o equilíbrio biopsicossocial da mulher e se configura como uma causa externa de morbimortalidade, acarretando impactos diretos sobre a saúde, por meio de lesões físicas ou emocionais, traumas e mortes, representando um problema de saúde pública no Brasil e no mundo, que afeta a saúde individual e coletiva. Objetivo: descrever o perfil sociodemográfico de mulheres que foram violentadas, no município de Salvador-BA, em 2014. Metodologia: estudo ecológico com dados secundários do ano de 2014, referentes ao segmento Doenças e Agravos de Notificação, integrante do Departamento de Informações, do Sistema Único de Saúde. Foram calculadas: média, desvio padrão, valor mínimo e máximo e frequências absolutas e relativas. Resultados: encontraram- se 2.959 notificações no SINAN referentes a casos de violência sofrida por mulheres, no município de Salvador-Bahia, no ano de 2014. Quanto à caracterização dessas vítimas, predominaram mulheres de cor parda, com idade entre 15 e 19 anos, que cursaram de forma incompleta o Ensino Fundamental de 5ª a 8ª série. Dos casos registrados, a  grande maioria refere-se ao tipo, violência física, perpetrada em via pública por pessoas conhecidas. Conclusão: a realidade captada ressalta a importância da notificação, pelo fato de essa atividade permitir o reconhecimento do perfil da violência na capital baiana, o que pode direcionar ações preventivas e assistenciais para os casos.
The association between effective workplace communication with superiors and lower psychological distress among workers in the evacuation area after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident
Authors: Orui Masatsugu , Yasumura Seiji
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Well-managed workplace communication may promote well-mental health status among workers, even those who may have experienced drastic changes in their workplace and living environment after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. This study aimed to compare the workplace and living environment of workers in the evacuation area to the non-evacuation area, as well as the association between workplace communication and psychological distress.

Method

This cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in two manufacturing companies in the evacuation area and a company in the non-evacuation area. Psychological distress was defined by a Kessler K6 distress scale score ≥5. Workplace communication was measured by the status of communication (“Do you feel that you can talk freely?”) and consultation (“Can you consult when having troubles?”) with superiors, managers and colleagues. Work burden, overtime, and irregular mealtimes as changes in the workplace and domestic life were determined. Differences in the workplace and living environment were compared using the chi-squared test, with the association between workplace communication and psychological distress analyzed by logistic regression.

Results

The proportion of workers with an increased work burden, overtime, and irregular meals was significantly higher among workers in the evacuation areas. There was also a significant association between low-psychological distress status and communication and consultation with superiors or managers, with no significant association with colleagues.

Conclusion

Only workplace communication with superiors or managers was associated with low-psychological distress, even after drastic changes in the workplace. Therefore, superiors or managers should initiate open communication and active consultation after a disaster.
Prescription Opioid Use Among Patients With Acute Gout Discharged From the Emergency Department
Authors: Dalal Deepan S. , Mbuyi Nadine , Shah Isha , Reinert Steven , Hilliard Ross , Reginato Anthony
Published: July 2019

Objective

Acute gout is among the most painful inflammatory arthritides and a frequent cause of emergency department (ED) visits. Prescription opioids are the leading contributor to the ongoing opioid epidemic; EDs are often the source of the index prescription. Our aim was to assess the burden of opioid use and factors associated with its use among gout patients discharged from the ED.

Methods

In the electronic health records system of Lifespan Healthcare System (currently contains 2.2 million records), adult gout patients discharged from the ED or hospital were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision or Tenth Revision diagnostic codes. The study period was March 2015 to September 2017, and only patients with a primary diagnosis of gout were included. If a patient was seen multiple times, only the first encounter was included. For these patients, we estimated the frequency, dose, and duration of opioids prescribed. Using multivariable logistic regression, we ascertained the factors associated with increased odds of opioid prescription at discharge among patients with acute gout.

Results

Of the 456 patients, 129 (28.3%) received opioids at discharge (~80% were new patients). The average dose of prescription was mean ± SD 37.9 ± 17.2 mg of morphine equivalent for a median duration of 8 days (interquartile range 5–14). We noted that patients with polyarticular gout attack and diabetes mellitus and those taking opioids prior to admission had higher odds of receiving opioids at discharge.

Conclusion

Despite the availability of effective treatments, opioids are commonly used for the management of acute gout. This study highlights an opportunity to curb the opioid epidemic among gout patients.
Living Materials Herald a New Era in Soft Robotics
Authors: Appiah Clement , Arndt Christine , Siemsen Katharina , Heitmann Anne , Staubitz Anne , Selhuber‐Unkel Christine
Published: July 2019

Living beings have an unsurpassed range of ways to manipulate objects and interact with them. They can make autonomous decisions and can heal themselves. So far, a conventional robot cannot mimic this complexity even remotely. Classical robots are often used to help with lifting and gripping and thus to alleviate the effects of menial tasks. Sensors can render robots responsive, and artificial intelligence aims at enabling autonomous responses. Inanimate soft robots are a step in this direction, but it will only be in combination with living systems that full complexity will be achievable. The field of biohybrid soft robotics provides entirely new concepts to address current challenges, for example the ability to self‐heal, enable a soft touch, or to show situational versatility. Therefore, “living materials” are at the heart of this review. Similarly to biological taxonomy, there is a recent effort for taxonomy of biohybrid soft robotics. Here, an expansion is proposed to take into account not only function and origin of biohybrid soft robotic components, but also the materials. This materials taxonomy key demonstrates visually that materials science will drive the development of the field of soft biohybrid robotics.
Securing the Payload, Finding the Cell, and Avoiding the Endosome: Peptide‐Targeted, Fusogenic Porous Silicon Nanoparticles for Delivery of siRNA
Authors: Kim Byungji , Sun Si , Varner Judith A. , Howell Stephen B. , Ruoslahti Erkki , Sailor Michael J.
Published: July 2019

Despite the promise of ribonucleic acid interference therapeutics, the delivery of oligonucleotides selectively to diseased tissues in the body, and specifically to the cellular location in the tissues needed to provide optimal therapeutic outcome, remains a significant challenge. Here, key material properties and biological mechanisms for delivery of short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to effectively silence target‐specific cells in vivo are identified. Using porous silicon nanoparticles as the siRNA host, tumor‐targeting peptides for selective tissue homing, and fusogenic lipid coatings to induce fusion with the plasma membrane, it is shown that the uptake mechanism can be engineered to be independent of common receptor‐mediated endocytosis pathways. Two examples of the potential broad clinical applicability of this concept in a mouse xenograft model of ovarian cancer peritoneal carcinomatosis are provided: silencing the Rev3l subunit of polymerase Pol ζ to impair DNA repair in combination with cisplatin; and reprogramming tumor‐associated macrophages into a proinflammatory state.
Achieving Dual Persistent Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence from Polycyclic Luminophores via Inter‐/Intramolecular Charge Transfer
Authors: Li Feiyang , Guo Song , Qin Yanyan , Shi Yuxiang , Han Meiping , An Zhongfu , Liu Shujuan , Zhao Qiang , Huang Wei
Published: July 2019

Organic persistent room‐temperature phosphorescence (OPRTP) materials show great prospects in optoelectronic and biomedical applications, such as display, anti‐counterfeiting, sensing, and bioimaging. However, the reported OPRTP material systems are relatively rare, and it is a challenge to achieve the tunability of OPRTP. In this work, a series of polycyclic luminophores are developed based on an indole derivative (6,12‐diphenyl‐5,6,11,12‐tetrahydroindolo[3,2‐b] carbazole, Ben‐H) as the structural skeleton. These compounds unexpectedly exhibit dual OPRTP at 442 to 623 nm with lifetimes spanning from 2 to 759 ms. Experimental data and theoretical calculations suggest that CH⋅⋅⋅π interactions in the T‐shaped dimers facilitate the intermolecular charge transfer, resulting in OPRTP in the yellow spectral region, and the persistent blue emission results from the intramolecular charge transfer. This work contributes to better understand the key role of charge transfer in achieving OPRTP and broaden the scope of OPRTP materials.
Heterogeneous Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Oxidative Ring Expansion of 2‐Alkynyl‐1,2‐Dihydropyridines or ‐Quinolines Towards Functionalized Azepines or Benzazepines
Authors: Niu Bingbo , Nie Quan , Huang Bin , Cai Mingzhong
Published: July 2019

A novel and efficient heterogeneous gold(I)‐catalyzed highly regio‐ and chemoselective oxidative ring expansion of 2‐alkynyl‐1,2‐dihydropyridines or ‐quinolines has been developed that proceeds smoothly through exclusive 1,2‐migration of a vinyl or phenyl group with pyridine N‐oxide as oxidant under mild conditions. The reaction provides a general and practical method for the synthesis of a wide variety of azepine derivatives with high atom‐economy, high to excellent yield, broad functional group tolerance, and recyclability of the gold(I) catalyst. The present method is an attractive alternative to construct functionalized azepines or benzazepines.

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High‐Transconductance Stretchable Transistors Achieved by Controlled Gold Microcrack Morphology
Authors: Matsuhisa Naoji , Jiang Ying , Liu Zhiyuan , Chen Geng , Wan Changjin , Kim Yeongin , Kang Jiheong , Tran Helen , Wu Hung‐Chin , You Insang , Bao Zhenan , Chen Xiaodong
Published: July 2019

High‐transconductance stretchable transistors are important for conformable and sensitive sensors for wearables and soft robotics. Remarkably high transconductance, which enables large amplification of signals, has been achieved through the use of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). However, the stretchability of such systems has been tempered by the lack of stretchable conductors with high stability in electrolytes, high conductance at high strain (100%), and process compatibility with active layers. Highly stretchable and strain‐resistant Au conductors employed to fabricate intrinsically stretchable OECTs are demonstrated. Notably, the conductors exhibit a sheet resistance of 33.3 Ω Sq.−1 at 120% strain, the lowest reported value to date among stretchable Au thin film conductors. High‐performance stretchable Au is realized by suppressing strain‐induced microcrack propagation through control of the microcracks formed in deposited Au thin films. Then, the highly stretchable Au conductors are utilized to fabricate intrinsically stretchable OECTs with a high transconductance both at 0% strain (0.54 mS) and 140% strain (0.14 mS). Among previously reported systems, these OECTs show the highest transconductance at high strain (>50%). Finally, the high‐performance OECTs are utilized in stretchable synaptic transistors, which are critically important for the development of soft neuromorphic computing systems to provide artificial intelligence for future soft robotics.
Liberating and Empowering Effects of Critical Reflection on Collective Action in LGBT and Cisgender Heterosexual Individuals
Authors: Chan Randolph C. H. , Mak Winnie W. S.
Published: July 2019

Critical consciousness represents the transformation from a passive target of oppression to an active actor with an increased capacity to analyze and negotiate conditions of oppression. It is considered as an antidote for oppression that can liberate people from oppressive ideologies and empower them to resist social injustice. Building on the theory of critical consciousness and the Social Identity Model of Collective Action, this paper examined the liberating and empowering effects of critical reflection on collective action for minority rights. Results of a cross‐sectional study in 1,050 LGBT individuals (Study 1) showed that critical reflection was associated with lower levels of internalized oppression and higher levels of collective efficacy, which in turn were associated with greater intentions to undertake collective action for LGBT rights. Findings from a prospective longitudinal study in 428 cisgender heterosexual individuals (Study 2) indicated that critical reflection was associated with lower levels of internalized domination and heightened levels of efficacious beliefs, which positively predicted actual participation in collective action at a subsequent wave. The findings supported the effects of critical reflection on collective action mobilization and offered leads for future research and praxis on how to orient different sectors of society to work toward social equity.
Early maturity, shortened stature, and hardship: Can life‐history trade‐offs indicate social stratification and income inequality in the United States?
Authors: Rivara Anna C. , Madrigal Lorena
Published: July 2019

Objective

Life‐history strategies promote reproductive fitness and survival. Limited energy availability and competing energetic demands between life‐history decisions may result in organismal trade‐offs leading to selection for “optimal” traits that facilitate fitness and survival in present environmental conditions. Few life‐history analyses have been conducted in food abundant/high resource human populations. Here, we use a life‐history theory framework integrated with a biocultural approach to assess whether trade‐offs between growth (height) and the onset of reproductive maturation (ages at menarche) were observed in a sample of adult women living in the United States.

Methods

Adult women (18 years and older) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005 to 2006 were analyzed using complex survey regression to evaluate associations between ages at menarche, height, and biological, socio‐economic, demographic, and anthropometric variables.

Associations between stature, ages at menarche, and socio‐economic status (household income and education level) suggest life‐history trade‐offs in this populations may be mitigated by access to resources and marginalization.

Conclusions

These study results have applied public health implications. We demonstrate that females who experience early menarche in the US population achieve short stature. Our study also demonstrates the need for implementing life‐history analyses in Western affluent populations, where marginalization may result in life‐history trade‐offs.
Postcranial morphological variation between hunter‐gatherers and horticulturalists from the lower Paraná River Delta, Argentina
Authors: Mazza Bárbara
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Although pre‐Hispanic hunter‐gatherer and horticulturalist (known as Guaraní) societies from the lower Paraná River Delta (Argentina) presented differences in diet, pottery decoration, mortuary practices, and places of origin, differences in skeletal morphology between such groups have never been systematically explored. This work focuses on variations in humeral and femoral external linear measurements and derived structural properties of adult individuals from both societies as well as on variations in body mass and stature.

Materials and Methods

Bone length, epiphyseal size, and midshaft breadth were measured in 82 adult humeri and 100 femora from hunter‐gatherer and Guaraní archeological sites. Epiphyseal and midshaft robusticity, residual strength, midshaft shape and area, stature, and body mass were then estimated. Mann–Whitney tests were run to compare the hunter‐gatherer and Guaraní samples.

Results

Male Guaraní individuals presented stronger humeri and more robust femoral and humeral proximal epiphyses than hunter‐gatherers. In addition, female Guaraní individuals showed rounder femoral diaphyses in comparison with female hunter‐gatherers. Concerning stature, the Guaraní individuals were found to be shorter than hunter‐gatherers, regardless of sex. No statistical differences were found in body mass.

Discussion

Despite the fact that skeletal variations between Guaraní and hunter‐gatherers could be a consequence of differences in mechanical loadings and genetic composition, bone robusticity is also positively correlated with increased age, but as the age composition of the Guaraní sample could not be estimated, skeletal variation between the samples could be a consequence of differences in age distribution.
Comparative Effectiveness of Certolizumab Pegol, Abatacept, and Biosimilar Infliximab in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated in Routine Care: Observational Data From the Danish DANBIO Registry Emulating a Randomized Trial
Authors: Grøn Kathrine L. , Glintborg Bente , Nørgaard Mette , Mehnert Frank , Østergaard Mikkel , Dreyer Lene , Krogh Niels S. , Bjørner Jakob B. , Hetland Merete L.
Published: July 2019

Objective

Nationwide Danish guidelines regarding rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients initiating biologic treatment (i.e., biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs [DMARDs]) are issued on an approximately annual basis. For biologics‐naive patients treated with concomitant methotrexate, mandatory medications included certolizumab pegol (CZP; year 2013–2014, recommended compliance 80%), abatacept (ABA; 2014–2015, 80%), and biosimilar infliximab (CT‐P13; 2015–2016, 50%). We hypothesized that these guidelines could be perceived as a surrogate randomization tool in which calendar period rather than patient‐specific factors defined the choice of the biologic DMARD. We undertook this study to assess compliance with guidelines (supporting the assumption of surrogate randomization) and to compare the effectiveness of CZP, ABA, and CT‐P13 in patients treated according to guidelines.

Methods

This was an observational cohort study emulating a randomized trial (using intent‐to‐treat analyses). RA patients compliant with the treatment guidelines were identified in DANBIO, and information on prior comorbidities was obtained by linking to national registries. Outcome measures included remission rates according to the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) (at 6 and 12 months) and treatment retention at 1 year, compared across treatment regimens. Comorbidity/confounder‐adjusted multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses were used.

Results

Seven hundred seventy‐six patients were included in the study (336 receiving CZP, 215 receiving ABA, 225 receiving CT‐P13). Compliance with treatment guidelines was high: 70%, 65%, and 59%, respectively. Six‐month DAS28 remission rates were 35%, 33%, and 42%, and 12‐month rates were 35%, 31%, and 35%, respectively. Compared to CZP, adjusted odds ratios for 6‐ and 12‐month DAS28 remission rates were 0.96 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.63–1.47) and 0.74 (95% CI 0.47–1.15) for ABA and 1.38 (95% CI 0.91–2.09) and 0.96 (95% CI 0.62–1.49) for CT‐P13, respectively. Adjusted hazard ratios for withdrawal (during days 0–90 and days 91–365) were 0.70 (95% CI 0.39–1.27) and 1.16 (95% CI 0.84–1.60) for ABA and 0.58 (95% CI 0.33–1.10) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.59–1.17) for CT‐P13, respectively, compared to CZP.

Conclusion

The surrogate randomization procedure enabled head‐to‐head comparisons of CZP, ABA, and CT‐P13. Although some differences in estimated effectiveness were observed across drugs, confidence intervals were wide and statistical significance was not reached.
The relationship between homework and the academic progress of children in Spain during compulsory elementary education: A twin fixed‐effects approach
Authors: Jerrim John , Lopez‐Agudo Luis Alejandro , Marcenaro‐Gutierrez Oscar D.
Published: July 2019

Homework has traditionally been considered positive for students’ academic achievement, to the extent that it makes children more responsible while learning. Nevertheless, making students do a large amount of homework has been one of the most criticised practices in recent years. Parental associations have long held the view that Spanish elementary school pupils spend too much time on homework. This situation is so alarming that it has recently caused a ‘homework strike’, which has been supported by many children's parents. Furthermore, being assigned an excessive amount of homework is a serious problem which extends well beyond Spain. In light of this context, this article aims to provide new evidence on the relationship between homework and academic performance. To carry out this research, rich longitudinal census data, together with a twin fixed‐effects approach and value‐added models, have been used. In this way, we can control for variables that are the same within twins, allowing us to generate a better understanding of the association between homework time and primary children's academic achievement. Our main finding is that homework is not associated with young people's academic achievement (at least within this specific country context).
Quality assurance of surgery in the randomized ST03 trial of perioperative chemotherapy in carcinoma of the stomach and gastro-oesophageal junction
Authors: Allum W H , Smyth E C , Blazeby J M , Grabsch H I , Griffin S M , Rowley S , Cafferty F H , Langley R E , Cunningham D
Published: July 2019

Background

The UK Medical Research Council ST03 trial compared perioperative epirubicin, cisplatin and capecitabine (ECX) chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab (B) in gastric and oesophagogastric junctional cancer. No difference in survival was noted between the arms of the trial. The present study reviewed the standards and performance of surgery in the context of the protocol-specified surgical criteria.

Methods

Surgical and pathological clinical report forms were reviewed to determine adherence to the surgical protocols, perioperative morbidity and mortality, and final histopathological stage for all patients treated in the study.

Results

Of 1063 patients randomized, 895 (84·2 per cent) underwent resection; surgical details were available for 880 (98·3 per cent). Postoperative assessment data were available for 873 patients; complications occurred in 458 (52·5 per cent) overall, of whom 71 (8·1 per cent) developed complications deemed to be life-threatening by the responsible clinician. The most common complications were respiratory (211 patients, 24·2 per cent). The anastomotic leak rate was 118 of 873 (13·5 per cent) overall; among those who underwent oesophagogastrectomy, the rate was higher in the group receiving ECX-B (23·6 per cent versus 9·9 per cent in the ECX group). Pathological assessment data were available for 845 patients. At least 15 nodes were removed in 82·5 per cent of resections and the median lymph node harvest was 24 (i.q.r. 17–34). Twenty-five or more nodes were removed in 49·0 per cent of patients. Histopathologically, the R1 rate was 24·9 per cent (208 of 834 patients). An R1 resection was more common for proximal tumours.

Conclusion

In the ST03 trial, the performance of surgery met the protocol-stipulated criteria. Registration number: NCT00450203 ( http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Technological advances in the assessment of impulse control in offenders: A systematic review
Authors: Vedelago Lana , Amlung Michael , Morris Vanessa , Petker Tashia , Balodis Iris , McLachlan Kaitlyn , Mamak Mini , Moulden Heather , Chaimowitz Gary , MacKillop James
Published: July 2019

Deficits in impulse control have been linked to criminal offending, risk of recidivism, and other maladaptive behaviours relevant to the criminal justice system (e.g. substance use). Impulse control can be conceptualized as encompassing the broad domains of response inhibition and impulsive/risky decision‐making. Advancements in technology have led to the development of computerized behavioural measures to assess performance in these domains, such as go/no‐go and delay discounting tasks. Despite a relatively large literature examining these tasks in offenders, findings are not universally consistent. This systematic review aims to synthesize the literature using computerized neurocognitive tasks to assess two domains of impulse control in offenders: response inhibition and impulsive/risky decision‐making. The review included 28 studies from diverse geographic locations, settings, and offender populations. The results largely support the general conclusion that offenders exhibit deficits in impulse control compared with non‐offenders, with studies of response inhibition more consistently reporting differences than studies using impulsive and risky decision‐making tasks. Findings are discussed in the context of contemporary neuroimaging research emphasizing dysfunction in prefrontal cortex as a key contributor to impulse control deficits in offenders.
Effects of marital status on breast cancer survival by age, race, and hormone receptor status: A population‐based Study
Authors: Zhai Zhen , Zhang Fang , Zheng Yi , Zhou Linghui , Tian Tian , Lin Shuai , Deng Yujiao , Xu Peng , Hao Qian , Li Na , Yang Pengtao , Li Hongtao , Dai Zhijun
Published: July 2019

Introduction

It remains unclear whether marital status could affect the breast cancer‐caused special survival (BCSS) of patients with breast cancer. Therefore, we sought to explore the influence of demographic and pathological factors on prognosis of patients with breast cancer.

Materials and methods

We selected patients meeting the eligibility criteria from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry program. We assessed the effect of marital status on overall survival (OS) and BCSS using Kaplan‐Meier curve and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

Compared with divorced/separated/widowed (DSW) patients, the married (AHR 0.7483, 95% CI: 0.729‐0.7682, P < 0.001) and single patients had better BCSS (AHR 0.9096, 95% CI: 0.8796‐0.9406, P < 0.001). Married patients kept better prognosis among all age subgroups, while the better BCSS of single patients occurred only in groups older than 35 years. As for race and hormone receptor status (HRs), the better BCSS of single patients was only observed in white race (AHR 0.881, 95% CI: 0.8457‐0.9177, P < 0.001) and patients with ER+/PR + status (AHR 0.8844, 95% CI: 0.8393‐0.932, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that married and single patients with breast cancer had better prognosis than their DSW counterparts. Age, race, and HRs could affect the correlation between marital status and BCSS.
Relationship between environmental factors and burnout of psychotherapists: Meta‐analytic approach
Authors: Lee Mi Kyoung , Kim Eunjoo , Paik In Shil , Chung Jihyun , Lee Sang Min
Published: July 2019

The present study aims to extend the scope of understanding on the relationships between environmental factors and burnout symptoms by targeting and including more extensive occupational demanding variables related to therapist burnout. The present study includes not only common occupational stressors (e.g., working hours, role overload and role conflict) but also variables reflecting the quality of relationship with clients (e.g., case load and negative clientele) that have not been dealt with before in meta‐analytic studies. A meta‐analysis was conducted on 27 original studies published from the year 2006 to 2018. The findings showed that, among environmental factors, role overload had the most significant positive correlations with exhaustion. In addition, negative clientele had the most significant positive correlations with depersonalisation and reduced accomplishment. Furthermore, caseload and low income had relatively weak relations with therapist burnout. Based on these results, implications and limitations of the study are discussed.