bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Origem, causas e impactos da crise financeira de 2008
Authors: Cechin Alícia , Montoya Marco Antonio
Published: September 2017

A crise demonstra uma situação anormal, pois ela não rompe apenas com a prosperidade

recebida e desfrutada até o momento, mas também cria um conjunto de escassez e de

dificuldades para a grande maioria dos envolvidos. A ocorrência de uma crise financeira

pode-se entender resumidamente como conturbações na economia, fundamentadas por

eventos econômicos. A crise de 2008 representou uma mudança na história do capitalismo,

atingiu todos os mercados, do monetário ao de crédito, das bolsas de valores à de mercadorias. Ela alcançou o âmbito internacional e foi muito intensa, gerando um indício da

escassez global de liquidez em dólares e tornando pior os termos de troca, devido à queda

dos preços das commodities. A bolha financeira americana foi considerada a maior, desde

a grande depressão de 1929.

Palavras-chave: Causas. Consequências. Crise de 2008. Impactos.
Forest management and carbon sequestration in the Mediterranean region: A review
Authors: Ruiz-Peinado Ricardo , Bravo-Oviedo Andrés , López-Senespleda Eduardo , Bravo Felipe , Del Río Miren
Published: September 2017

Aim of the study: To review and acknowledge the value of carbon sequestration by forest management in the Mediterranean area.Material and methods: We review the main effects of forest management by comparing the effects of silvicultural systems (even-aged vs. uneven-aged stands, coppice systems, agroforestry systems), silvicultural options (thinning, rotation period, species composition), afforestation, harvesting, fire impact or effects of shrub layer on carbon sequestration in the Mediterranean area.Main results: We illustrate as forest management can clearly improve forest carbon sequestration amounts. We conclude that forest management is an effective way to maintain and enhance high carbon sequestration rates in order to cope with climate change and provision of ecosystem services. We also think that although much effort has been put into this topic research, there are still certain gaps that must be dealt with to increase our scientific knowledge and in turn transfer this knowledge to forest practitioners in order to achieve sustainable management aimed at mitigating climate change.Research highlights: It is important to underline the importance of forests in the carbon cycle as this role can be enhanced by forest managers through sustainable forest management. The effects of different management options or disturbances can be critical as regards mitigating climate change. Understanding the effects of forest management is even more important in the Mediterranean area, given that the current high climatic variability together with historical human exploitation and disturbance events make this area more vulnerable to the effects of climate change
An Examination of the Effects of Change in Committee Chair on Audit Quality
Authors: Haq Izhar , Lang Teresa , Xu Hongkang
Published: September 2017

This study uses GMI Ratings directorship data from 2008 to 2013 along with the associated financial data to examine the relationship between audit committee chair change with the absolute discretionary accruals in the financial statements of the reporting companies.  Our results suggest that audit committee chair change is positively associated with the absolute discretionary accruals.  Specifically, absolute discretionary accruals are significantly higher when there is a change in the audit committee chair.  These results are consistent with prior research that deviations from the predicted values of accruals is an indicator of “poor” audit quality.  An additional finding of this paper is that a person younger than 60 is more likely to be a new audit committee chair when there is a change and therefore will have less experience and contacts than the outgoing chair. An important implication of these results is that audit committee chair change can have a significant impact on the quality of the financial statements of a company as well as on the audit quality.
Dressler’s syndrome as a complication of apical ballooning cardiomyopathy
Authors: I Davarshvili , S Hochberg-Klein , ED Klein
Published: September 2017

We report a case of 62-year-old female patient diagnosed with apical ballooning syndrome (Takotsubo) based on typical apical ballooning with normal coronaries in the setting of chest pain and ST elevation MI. Ten days after her initial hospitalization she was diagnosed with pleuropericarditis based on chest pain, pleuropericadial effusion and inflammatory markers.This case report shows the rare complication of takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) – Dressler’s syndrome.
Pathogenic factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa – the role of biofilm in pathogenicity and as a target for phage therapy
Authors: Al-Wrafy Fairoz , Brzozowska Ewa , Górska Sabina , Gamian Andrzej
Published: September 2017

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause several acute and chronic infections in humans, and it has become an important cause of nosocomial infections and antibiotic resistance. Biofilm represents an important virulence factor for these bacteria, plays a role in P. aeruginosa infections and avoidance of immune defence mechanisms, and has the ability to protect the bacteria from antibiotics. Alginate, Psl and Pel, three exopolysaccharides, are the main components in biofilm matrix, with many biological functions attributed to them, especially with respect to the protection of the bacterial cell from antibiotics and the immune system. Pseudomonas infections, biofilm formation and development of resistance to antibiotics all require better understanding to achieve the best results using alternative treatment with phage therapy. This review describes the P. aeruginosa pathogenicity and virulence factors with a special focus on the biofilm and its role in infection and resistance to antibiotics and summarizes phage therapy as an alternative approach in treatment of P. aeruginosa infections.
HPV Vaccinations in Lublin Region, Poland
Authors: Kalinowski Paweł , Grządziel Anna
Published: September 2017

Introduction: Secondary prophylaxis of cervical cancer consisting in cytology screening tests, despite its effectiveness, does not achieve the desired results. For several years, primary prophylaxis has been available in the form of protective vaccinations. At present, two vaccine preparations are available on the market, and studies conducted on these preparations confirm their almost 100% effectiveness in the prevention of types of HPV present in the vaccine.
 Objective: Analysis of the programmes of protective vaccinations against HPV carried out during the period 2008–2013 in the Lublin Region.
 Material/Methods: The material used in the study was data obtained from the relevant organs of the territorial self-government concerning programmes of vaccinations against HPV, demographic data pertaining to girls aged 10–18 living in the Lublin Region, as well as data published by the National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene (NIZP–PZH). The method applied in the study was analysis of records.
 Results: During the period 2008–2013, in the Lublin Region a total of 5,496 girls were vaccinated within the health programmes. The mean immunization coverage in Lublin is 50%, and in Radzyń Podlaski 59%. The percentage contribution of vaccinations guaranteed free by the local authorities, with relation to the total number of vaccinations performed in the Lublin Region, was from 60 to 77%. The units of territorial self-government allocated the amount of PLN 5,125,359 for the performance of projects associated with execution of free vaccinations.
Discussion: Among the total number of girls vaccinated against HPV, a considerable percentage were those vaccinated within the prophylactic programmes carried out by the units of territorial self-government. The programmes of free protective vaccinations against HPV began in 4 cities in the Lublin Region, and are continued only in two (Lublin and Radzyń Podlaski). Long-term observation of girls subjected to vaccinations from the aspect of maintenance of the immune response after vaccination should become an important element of performance of health programmes concerning vaccinations against HPV.
 Conclusions: Among the total number of girls vaccinated against HPV, those vaccinated within prophylactic programmes carried out by territorial self-government units made up a considerable percentage. Programmes of free preventive vaccinations against HPV began in 4 cities in the Lublin Region, but are continued in only 2. Long-term observation of girls subjected to vaccinations from the aspect of duration of maintaining immunity after vaccination should become an important element of the performance of health programmes concerning vaccinations against HPV.
The role of chemerin in human disease
Authors: Stojek Magdalena
Published: September 2017

Adipose tissue is not merely a storage depot of triacylglycerols but also a major endocrine organ. Its cells, including adipocytes, synthesize and secrete a range of biologically active molecules termed adipokines. Adipokines that display the properties of cytokines are often called adipocytokines. In recent years there has been increasing interest in a new adipokine called chemerin. Chemerin is a protein synthesized mostly by the adipose tissue and the liver as inactive pre-pro-chemerin. After the intracellular hydrolytic cutting off of the 20-amino-acid N-terminal polypeptide, it is secreted into the bloodstream as inactive pro-chemerin. Biologically active chemerin is then derived from pro-chemerin after cleavage of the C-terminal fragment by serum proteases involved in inflammation, coagulation and fibrinolysis. Proteolytic cleavage leads to formation of several chemerin-derived peptides, both biologically active (often with opposing functions) and inactive.Within the last decade, there has been a growing number of publications regarding the role of chemerin in human disease. It seems to be implicated in the inflammatory response, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and alimentary tract disorders. The article presents the most recent information on the role of chemerin in human disease, and specifically alimentary tract disorders. The available evidence suggests that chemerin is an important link between adipose tissue mass, metabolic processes, the immune system and inflammation, and therefore plays a major role in human pathophysiology.
Cancer chemoprevention – selected molecular mechanisms
Authors: Walczak Katarzyna , Marciniak Sebastian , Rajtar Grażyna
Published: September 2017

The effect of diet on cancer formation and prevention of carcinogenesis has attracted considerable attention for years and is the subject of several studies. Some components of the daily diet, such as resveratrol, curcumin, genistein, gingerol, can significantly reduce the risk of cancer or affect the rate of tumor progression. Cancer chemoprevention assumes the use of natural or synthetic biologically active substances in order to prevent, inhibit or reverse the progression of cancer. There are many biologically active compounds in several natural products, i.e. garlic, ginger, soy, curcuma, tomatoes, cruciferous plants or green tea. Their chemopreventive activity is based on the inhibition of processes underlying carcinogenesis (inflammation, transformation and proliferation), but also affects the final phase of carcinogenesis - angiogenesis and metastasis. Despite the relatively low toxicity of chemopreventive agents, their molecular targets often coincide with the objectives of the currently used cancer therapies. The widespread use of chemopreventive agents may contribute to reduction of the rate of cancer incidence, and increase the effectiveness of conventional cancer therapies. In the present study, selected molecular mechanisms of the chemopreventive activity have been discussed, especially their involvement in the regulation of signal transduction, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, metastasis and angiogenesis. The role of chemopreventive agents in the inflammatory process, the metabolism of xenobiotics and multidrug resistance has been also characterized.
Polyphenols in preventing endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Biegańska-Hensoldt Sylwia , Rosołowska-Huszcz Danuta
Published: September 2017

One of the main causes of mortality in developed countries is atherosclerosis. The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is associated with endothelial dysfunction. Consumption of food rich in natural antioxidants including polyphenols significantly improves endothelial cells functions.Polyphenols have a beneficial effect on the human body and play an important part in protecting the cardiovascular system. Polyphenols present in food have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antithrombotic and antiproliferative properties. Catechins cause an increase in the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and increased production of nitric oxide (NO) and decrease in blood pressure. Catechins also reduce platelet adhesion, lower the concentration of C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6. Resveratrol inhibits NADPH oxidase expression, increases the expression of eNOS and NO production as well as decreases the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and also lowers the concentration of the soluble forms of adhesion molecules – sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 in blood. Quercetin reduces the blood level of low density lipoprotein cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, reduces the concentration of C-reactive protein and F2-isoprostane level. Curcumin has antagonistic activity to homocysteine. Curcumin increases the expression of eNOS and reduces oxidative DNA damage in rat cardiomyocytes. Numerous attempts are taken for improving the bioavailability of polyphenols in order to increase their use in the body.
Chemotherapy and plasma adipokines level in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Słomian Grzegorz , Świętochowska Elżbieta , Nowak Grzegorz , Pawlas Krystyna , Żelazko Aleksandra , Nowak Przemysław
Published: September 2017

Adipokines are molecules produced and secreted by adipose tissue and are linked to multiple malignancies. Adipokines can suppress or promote particular cell behaviors in different types of cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of chemotherapy on select adipokines in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).Blood samples were collected from 42 patients with pathologically documented advanced CRC, who required palliative chemotherapy. Leptin, adiponectin, resistin and visfatin levels were measured by ELISA before and 3 months after the administration of chemotherapy. Among the 42 patients evaluated, 18 achieved a partial response (PR), 16 achieved stable disease (SD) and 8 patients experienced disease progression (PD).We found that 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy regimens significantly increased plasma levels of leptin and adiponectin and decreased plasma levels of resistin and visfatin in PR and SD patients, whereas the plasma levels of these molecules were not affected in PD patients. Furthermore, the mean plasma levels of leptin were significantly lower, and the mean plasma levels of resistin and visfatin were significantly greater in patients with PD compared with PR and SD both before and after chemotherapy treatment.We conclude that palliative chemotherapy in CRC patients, in addition to providing clinical benefits, positively affects cytokine production and secretion in PR and SD patients. Specifically, we found that palliative chemotherapy increased plasma levels of the anti-inflammatory adipokine adiponectin and decreased the plasma levels of visfatin and resistin, molecules known to promote angiogenesis and cancer cell proliferation in PR and SD patients. Moreover, the baseline values of leptin, visfatin and resistin might serve as prognostic indicators of a poor response to chemotherapy.
Simultaneous Determination of Acetylsalicylic Acid, Hydrochlorothiazide, Enalapril, and Atorvastatin in a Polypill-Based Quaternary Mixture by TLC
Authors: Maślanka Anna , Stolarczyk Mariusz , Apola Anna , Kwiecień Anna , Hubicka Urszula , Opoka Włodzimierz
Published: September 2017

A new chromatographic-densitometric method has been developed for the qualitative and quantitative determination of the active ingredients in a simulated mixture corresponding to the PolyIran polypill, composed of acetylsalicylic acid, hydrochlorothiazide (HCT), enalapril (ENA), and atorvastatin (ATR), whose efficacy in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease has been documented in clinical trials. Chromatographic separation was performed using TLC silica gel 60 plates with fluorescent indicator F254 as the stationary phase and a mixture of n-hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water–acetic acid (8.4 + 8 + 3 + 0.4 + 0.2, v/v/v/v/v) as the mobile phase. Densitometric measurements were carried out at λ = 210 nm when determining ENA and at λ = 265 nm in the case of the other drugs. Peaks of examined substances were well separated in the recorded chromatograms, enabling the evaluation of the results in terms of both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The method was specific for the analyzed components and was characterized by high sensitivity. The LOD was between 0.043 and 0.331 μg/spot, and LOQ was between 0.100 and 0.942 μg/spot. Recovery was in the range of 97.02–101.34%. The linearity range was broad and ranged from 0.600 to 6.000 μg/spot for acetylsalicylic acid, from 0.058 to 1.102 μg/spot for HCT, from 0.505 to 6.560 μg/spot for ENA, and from 0.100 to 1.000 μg/spot for ATR. The method was characterized by good precision, with RSD values that ranged from 0.10 to 2.26%.
A Comparison of Performance of Artificial Neural Networks for Prediction of Heavy Metals Concentration in Groundwater Resources of Toyserkan Plain
Authors: Alizamir Meysam , Sobhanardakani Soheil
Published: September 2017

Nowadays, about 50% the world’s population is living in dry and semi dry regions and has utilized groundwater as a source of drinking water. Therefore, forecasting of pollutant content in these regions is vital. This study was conducted to compare the performance of artificial neural networks (ANNs) for prediction of As, Zn, and Pb content in groundwater resources of Toyserkan Plain. In this study, two types of artificial neural networks (ANNs), namely multi-layer perceptron (MLP) and Radial Basis Function (RBF) approaches, were examined using the observations of As, Zn, and Pb concentrations in groundwater resources of Toyserkan plain, Western Iran. Two statistical indicators, the coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean squared error (RMSE) were employed to evaluate the performances of various models. The results indicated that the best performance could be obtained by MLP, in terms of different statistical indicators during training and validation periods.
Building Bridges: Perspectives on Partnership and Collaboration from the US Forest Service Tribal Relations Program
Authors: Dockry Michael J , Gutterman Sophia A , Davenport Mae A
Published: September 2017

American Indian tribes have inherent rights to national forestland and resources codified in treaties, the US Constitution, statutes, Presidential Executive Orders, and case law. These rights require a government-to-government relationship between each tribe and the US Forest Service (USFS), which recognizes federal trust responsibilities and tribal sovereignty. This is implemented through government-to-government consultation. Along with consultation, the USFS seeks to create opportunities to work in partnership with tribes to support natural resource management for mutual benefit. The purpose of this article is to explore partnership building and collaboration between the USFS and American Indian tribes in the context of the USFS tribal relations program. The article outlines successful practices and barriers for building partnerships between federally recognized tribes and the USFS. Qualitative research methods were used to analyze 26 semistructured interviews with USFS employees with tribal relations duties to understand their perspectives on building partnerships and fulfilling the government trust responsibility with American Indian tribes.
Limitations of Secularization and Western Feminism In the Arab World: Religion, Culture, and Identity
Authors: Howe Emma
Published: September 2017

With the rise of religious fundamentalist movements and the endurance of practices such as veiling and restrictive marriage laws, it seems that previously accepted western teleological theories such as secularization and feminism have begun losing their general applicability and validity in the modern world. In order to adequately address this issue, it is critical to examine the context under which these Western theories were initially developed, most importantly, taking into account the developmental and consequential failures of the “Secularization Thesis” within the Muslim world, as well as the construction of Western feminism and the limitations of the second wave feminist movement in the Muslim world. By first contextualizing the birth of these two concepts; addressing their limitations; re-contextualizing them within the Muslim world; and offering divergent academic perspectives on the issues, this paper seeks to better ascertain the nuanced religious, cultural, and identity-related elements that underlie the unsuccessful incorporation of these Western concepts into the Muslim world.
India to U.S. Migration Case Study
Authors: Wills Breck , Gan Samina , Mindlin Jordan , Sheerin Patrick
Published: September 2017

Indian migration to the U.S. dates back to the the 1800s, but more recent legislation resulted in a large flow of highly skilled Indian workers to the U.S. While this has boosted the U.S. economy and led to the creation of more jobs, India has not experienced the same degree of beneficial effects. Those who emigrate typically continue to exchange valuable information— in the form of investments and remittances— back with India to increase productivity and stimulate the economy. Yet, this has not proven to counteract the great economic loss due to this outflow of their most educated and skilled laborers. This paper specifically explores the ways in which Indian immigration to the U.S. has contributed to an academic phenomenon known as “brain drain,” and the adverse as well as positive effects that this flow of human capital has on both the U.S. and Indian economies. Further, we examine how President-Elect Trump’s administration will likely handle the H-1B visa program.
Justice, Truth, Crime, and Punishment: The Brothers Karamazov Jury Trial
Authors: Coscia Monica Lynne
Published: September 2017

n/a - will write over break
Network-wide reorganization of procedural memory during NREM sleep revealed by fMRI
Authors: Vahdat Shahabeddin , Fogel Stuart , Benali Habib , Doyon Julien
Published: September 2017

Sleep is necessary for the optimal consolidation of newly acquired procedural memories. However, the mechanisms by which motor memory traces develop during sleep remain controversial in humans, as this process has been mainly investigated indirectly by comparing pre- and post-sleep conditions. Here, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography during sleep following motor sequence learning to investigate how newly-formed memory traces evolve dynamically over time. We provide direct evidence for transient reactivation followed by downscaling of functional connectivity in a cortically-dominant pattern formed during learning, as well as gradual reorganization of this representation toward a subcortically-dominant consolidated trace during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Importantly, the putamen functional connectivity within the consolidated network during NREM sleep was related to overnight behavioral gains. Our results demonstrate that NREM sleep is necessary for two complementary processes: the restoration and reorganization of newly-learned information during sleep, which underlie human motor memory consolidation.
Promiscuous bacteria have staying power
Authors: Massey Ruth C , Wilson Daniel J
Published: September 2017

Being able to take up DNA from their environment might allow pneumococcal bacteria to colonize the human nose and throat for longer periods of time.
Development and evaluation of rapid novel isothermal amplification assays for important veterinary pathogens:Chlamydia psittaciandChlamydia pecorum
Authors: Jelocnik Martina , Islam Md. Mominul , Madden Danielle , Jenkins Cheryl , Branley James , Carver Scott , Polkinghorne Adam
Published: September 2017

Background

Chlamydia psittaciandChlamydia pecorumare important veterinary pathogens, with the former also being responsible for zoonoses, and the latter adversely affecting koala populations in Australia and livestock globally. The rapid detection of these organisms is still challenging, particularly at the point-of-care (POC). In the present study, we developed and evaluated rapid, sensitive and robustC. psittaci-specific andC. pecorum-specific Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assays for detection of these pathogens.

Methods and Materials

The LAMP assays, performed in a Genie III real-time fluorometer, targeted a 263 bp region of theC. psittaci-specific Cps_0607 gene or a 209 bp region of aC. pecorum-specific conserved gene CpecG_0573, and were evaluated using a range of samples previously screened using species-specific quantitative PCRs (qPCRs). Species-specificity forC. psittaciandC. pecorumLAMP targets was tested against DNA samples from related chlamydial species and a range of other bacteria. In order to evaluate pathogen detection in clinical samples,C. psittaciLAMP was evaluated using a total of 26 DNA extracts from clinical samples from equine and avian hosts, while forC. pecorumLAMP, we tested a total of 63 DNA extracts from clinical samples from koala, sheep and cattle hosts. A subset of 36C. pecorumsamples was also tested in a thermal cycler (instead of a real-time fluorometer) using newly developed LAMP and results were determined as an end point detection. We also evaluated rapid swab processing (without DNA extraction) to assess the robustness of these assays.

Results

Both LAMP assays were demonstrated to species-specific, highly reproducible and to be able to detect as little as 10 genome copy number/reaction, with a mean amplification time of 14 and 24 min forC. psittaciandC. pecorum, respectively. When testing clinical samples, the overall congruence between the newly developed LAMP assays and qPCR was 92.3% forC. psittaci(91.7% sensitivity and 92.9% specificity); and 84.1% forC. pecorum(90.6% sensitivity and 77.4% specificity). For a subset of 36C. pecorumsamples tested in a thermal cycler using newly developed LAMP, we observed 34/36 (94.4%) samples result being congruent between LAMP performed in fluorometer and in thermal cycler. Rapid swab processing method evaluated in this study also allows for chlamydial DNA detection using LAMP.

Discussion

In this study, we describe the development of novel, rapid and robustC. psittaci-specific andC. pecorum-specific LAMP assays that are able to detect these bacteria in clinical samples in either the laboratory or POC settings. With further development and a focus on the preparation of these assays at the POC, it is anticipated that both tests may fill an important niche in the repertoire of ancillary diagnostic tools available to clinicians.
Rheological Weakening of Olivine + Orthopyroxene Aggregates Due to Phase Mixing: 1. Mechanical Behavior
Authors: Tasaka Miki , Zimmerman Mark E. , Kohlstedt David L.
Published: September 2017

To understand the processes involved in rheological weakening due to phase mixing in olivine + orthopyroxene aggregates, we conducted high‐strain torsion experiments on two‐phase samples at a temperature of 1200°C and a confining pressure of 300 MPa. Samples composed of iron‐rich olivine plus 26% orthopyroxene were deformed to outer radius shear strains of up to γ ≈ 26. Values for the stress exponent, n, and grain size exponent, p, were determined based on least squares fits of the strain rate, stress, and grain size data to a power law creep equation both at smaller strains (γ ≤ 3) and at larger strains (γ ≥ 24). Microstructural observations demonstrate that with increasing shear strain, grain size decreased and mixtures of small, equant grains of olivine and pyroxene developed. The values of n and p combined with associated changes in microstructure demonstrate that our samples deformed (i) by dislocation‐accommodated grain‐boundary sliding with subgrains present at lower strains and (ii) by dislocation‐accommodated grain‐boundary sliding with subgrains absent at higher strains. The evolution of both the mechanical and the microstructural properties observed in this study provide insights into the dynamic processes associated with rheological weakening and strain localization in the plastically deforming portion of the lithosphere.
On the dynamics of the Sri Lanka Dome in the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Burns Jessica M. , Subrahmanyam Bulusu , Murty V. S. N.
Published: September 2017

East of Sri Lanka, in the northern Indian Ocean, a cold dome, known as the Sri Lanka Dome (SLD), develops during southwest monsoon season (June–September). The SLD first forms around May, matures in July, and decays around September, in association with the strong cyclonic wind stress curl. In this study, the structure and dynamics of SLD in response to the climatic events such as the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) are examined. Our results reveal that these climatic events modulated the subsurface temperature variability in the thermocline at ∼100 m depth, whose signature was also evident in the satellite‐derived sea surface height (SSH) anomaly in the SLD region. We find that the mechanisms for the formation of SLD are consistent with previous research, and there is year‐to‐year variability in the SLD dynamics. This study also reveals that the atmospheric parameters including vertical wind shear and midtropospheric relative humidity are high over the SLD region and adjacent southern Bay of Bengal and show an upward (increasing) trend over the decades. This has impacted the atmospheric parameters over the northern Bay of Bengal over the decades and as a consequence the total number of monsoon depressions (June–September) decreased over the decades from 1980 to 2015, as reported by the India Meteorological Department, New Delhi. Thus, the new insight emerged from this study is the variability in the cyclogenesis and the occurrence of total number of monsoon depressions over northern Bay of Bengal over the decades is much related to the SLD dynamics.
Acidification mediated by a river plume and coastal upwelling on a fringing reef at the east coast of Hainan Island, Northern South China Sea
Authors: Dong Xu , Huang Haining , Zheng Nan , Pan Aijun , Wang Sumin , Huo Cheng , Zhou Kaiwen , Lin Hui , Ji Weidong
Published: September 2017

We investigated the dynamics of carbonate system which was greatly modulated by a river plume and coastal upwelling in July 2014 and July 2015 at the east coast of Hainan Island where a fringing reef distributes inshore. By using a three end‐member mixing model, we semiquantitatively estimated the removal of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) mediated by biological production in the river plume and upwelled water to be 13 ± 17 and 15 ± 16 μmol kg−1, respectively. The enhanced organic production was mainly responsible for these DIC consumptions in both two regimes, however, nearly a half of DIC removal was attributed to biocalcification in the plume system while it was negligible in the upwelling system. Furthermore, the modeled results over reefs revealed that river plume and coastal upwelling were two major threats of acidification to coral communities at the east coast of Hainan Island during cruises. In comparison, the biological contribution to acidification was limited for balancing between organic production and biocalcification during July 2014 cruise, whereas the acidification was greatly intensified by organic degradation during July 2015 cruise. It was verified that naturally local acidification (physical and biological processes) played a major role in great pH decreases on a short‐term scale, leading to coastal waters more vulnerable to anthropogenic “ocean acidification” (uptake of atmospheric CO2) by reducing buffering capacity of waters. Finally, effects of acidification associated with other local threats on a fringing reef were further depicted with a conceptual model.
A comparison of best practices for doctoral training in Europe and North America
Authors: Barnett Joey V. , Harris Robert A. , Mulvany Michael J.
Published: September 2017

The PhD degree was established in Berlin 200 years ago and has since spread across the whole world. While there is general agreement that the degree is awarded in recognition of successfully completed research training, there have been significant differences in the way doctoral training programs have developed in particular countries. There is, however, a clear global tendency to follow the programs currently used either in the United States or in Europe. To determine more clearly how US and European PhD programs are both similar and different, we have used a validated questionnaire to analyze biomedical PhD programs in four representative institutions at Vanderbilt University, University of Manitoba, Karolinska Institutet, and Graz Medical University. The analysis is based on 63 detailed questions concerning the research environment, outcomes, admission criteria, content of programs, mentoring (or supervising), the PhD thesis, assessment of the thesis, and PhD school structure. The results reveal that while there is considerable overlap in the aims and content of PhD programs, there are also considerable differences regarding the structure of PhD programs, mentoring and assessment of PhD theses. These differences are analyzed in detail in order to provide a foundation for discussion of their relative advantages and disadvantages, with a view to providing a platform for discussion of best practices. The results will be of importance in the continued development of global discussion about development of doctoral training.
Self‐Healing Graphene Oxide Based Functional Architectures Triggered by Moisture
Authors: Cheng Huhu , Huang Yaxin , Cheng Qilong , Shi Gaoquan , Jiang Lan , Qu Liangti
Published: September 2017

Self‐healing materials are capable of spontaneously repairing themselves at damaging sites without additional adhesives. They are important functional materials with wide applications in actuators, shape memorizing materials, smart coatings, and medical treatments, etc. Herein, this study reports the self‐healing of graphene oxide (GO) functional architectures and devices with the assistance of moisture. These GO architectures can completely restore their mechanical‐performance (e.g., compressibility, flexibility, and strength) after healing their broken sites using a little amount of water moisture. On the basis of this effective moisture‐triggered self‐healing process, this study develops GO smart actuators (e.g., bendable actuator, biomimetic walker, rotatable fiber motor) and sensors with self‐healing ability. This work provides a new pathway for the development of self‐healing materials for their applications in multidimensional spaces and functional devices.
Quantum Dots Emitting in the Third Biological Window as Bimodal Contrast Agents for Cardiovascular Imaging
Authors: Hu Jie , Ortgies Dirk H. , Aguliar Torres Rio , Fernández Nuria , Porto Lucas , Martín Rodríguez Emma , García Solé José , Jaque Daniel , Alfonso Fernando , Rivero Fernando
Published: September 2017

Physicians are demanding innovative technologies for multimodal imaging of the cardiovascular system that would lead to the appearance of advanced diagnosis and therapy procedures. This implies the simultaneous development of new imaging techniques and contrast agents whose synergy would make it possible. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has recently emerged as a versatile and high‐resolution clinical technique for cardiovascular imaging. Unfortunately, the lack of adequate contrast agents impedes the use of OCT for intracoronary multimodal imaging. In this work, the hitherto unexplored capability of semiconductor quantum dots (IR‐QDs) emitting in the third infrared biological window (1.55–1.87 µm) to act as multimodal agents for intracoronary imaging is demonstrated. Under single line laser excitation at 1.3 µm, IR‐QDs are capable of providing simultaneous backscattering contrast and efficient luminescence at 1.6 µm. In this work, backscattered radiation is successfully employed to construct OCT images in both fluids and tissues whereas the infrared luminescence of the IR‐QDs provides the possibility for simultaneous acquisition of high penetrating fluorescence images. The first multimodal (fluorescence + OCT) imaging of an artery using IR‐QDs as contrast agents is provided herein demonstrating their outstanding potential for future clinical applications.
Amerindian ancestry and extended longevity in Nicoya, Costa Rica
Authors: Azofeifa Jorge , Ruiz‐Narváez Edward A. , Leal Alejandro , Gerlovin Hanna , Rosero‐Bixby Luis
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to address the hypothesis that Amerindian ancestry is associated with extended longevity in the admixed population of Nicoya, Costa Rica. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica has been considered a “longevity island,” particularly for males.

Methods

We estimated Amerindian ancestry using 464 ancestral informative markers in 20 old Nicoyans aged ≥99 years, and 20 younger Nicoyans (60‐65 years). We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the association of Amerindian ancestry and longevity.

Results

Older Nicoyans had higher Amerindian ancestry compared to younger Nicoyans (43.3% vs 36.0%, P = .04). Each 10% increase of Amerindian ancestry was associated with more than twice the odds of being long‐lived (OR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.03‐5.25).

Conclusions and Implications

To our knowledge, this is the first time that ancestry is implicated as a likely determinant of extended longevity. Amerindian‐specific alleles may protect against early mortality. The identification of these protective alleles should be the focus of future studies.
Cancer of the esophagus and asbestos exposure
Authors: Clin Bénédicte , Thaon Isabelle , Boulanger Mathilde , Brochard Patrick , Chamming's Soizick , Gislard Antoine , Lacourt Aude , Luc Amandine , Ogier Guy , Paris Christophe , Pairon Jean‐Claude
Published: September 2017

Background

Our study aimed at analyzing incidence and mortality from esophageal cancer within a cohort of workers with previous occupational asbestos exposure (ARDCo Program).

Methods

A 10‐year follow‐up study was conducted in the 14 515 male subjects included in this program between October 2003 and December 2005. Follow‐up began when exposure stopped. Asbestos exposure was analyzed by industrial hygienists using data from a standardized questionnaire. The Cox model was used, with age as the time axis variable adjusted for smoking, time since first exposure (TSFE) and cumulative exposure index (CEI) of exposure to asbestos.

Results

We reported a significant dose‐response relationship between CEI of exposure to asbestos and esophageal cancer, in both incidence (hazard ratio [HR] 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00‐1.58), and mortality (HR 1.40, [95%CI 1.12‐1.75]).

Conclusions

This large‐scale study suggests the existence of a relationship between asbestos exposure and cancer of the esophagus
Chimerism for 20q11.2 microdeletion of GDF5 explains discordant phenotypes in monochorionic‐diamniotic twins
Authors: Meredith Matthew M. , Crabb Beau , Vargas Marcelo , Hirsch Betsy A.
Published: September 2017

Microdeletions of 20q11.2 are rare but have been associated with characteristic clinical findings. A 1.6 Mb minimal critical region has been identified that includes three OMIM genes: GDF5, EPB41L1, and SAMHD. Here we describe a male monozygotic, monochorionic‐diamniotic twin pair with discordant phenotypes, one with multiple findings that overlap with those reported in 20q11.2 deletions, and the other unaffected. Microarray analysis revealed mosaicism for a 363 Kb deletion encompassing GDF5 in the peripheral blood of both twins, which was confirmed by FISH. Subsequent FISH on buccal cells identified the deletion only in the affected twin. The blood FISH findings were interpreted as representing chimerism resulting from anastomosis and the blood exchange between the twins in utero. The implications of this finding are discussed, as is the contribution of GDF5 to the associated clinical findings of 20q11.2 deletions.
Peeling skin syndrome associated with novel variant in FLG2 gene
Authors: Alfares Ahmed , Al‐Khenaizan Sultan , Al Mutairi Fuad
Published: September 2017

Peeling skin syndrome is a rare genodermatosis characterized by variably pruritic superficial generalized peeling of the skin with several genes involved until now little is known about the association between FLG2 and peeling skin syndrome. We describe multiple family members from a consanguineous Saudi family with peeling skin syndrome. Next Generation Sequencing identifies a cosegregating novel variant in FLG2 c.632C>G (p.Ser211*) as a likely etiology in this family. Here, we reported on the clinical manifestation of homozygous loss of function variant in FLG2 as a disease‐causing gene for peeling skin syndrome and expand the dermatology findings.
Two novel mutations in XYLT2 cause spondyloocular syndrome
Authors: Taylan Fulya , Yavaş Abalı Zehra , Jäntti Nina , Güneş Nilay , Darendeliler Feyza , Baş Firdevs , Poyrazoğlu Şükran , Tamçelik Nevbahar , Tüysüz Beyhan , Mäkitie Outi
Published: September 2017

We report on two new patients with spondyloocular syndrome. Both patients harbor novel homozygous mutations in the XYLT2 gene. The patients present severe generalized osteoporosis, multiple fractures, short stature, cataract, and mild hearing impairment. XYLT2 mutations have been identified in spondyloocular syndrome, however only five mutations have been reported previously. These two patients with novel mutations extend the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of spondyloocular syndrome.
Synthesis and characterization of dendritic polypyrrole silver nanocomposite and its application as a new urea biosensor
Authors: Pandey Avinash Kumar , Pandey Prem Chandra , Agrawal Namita Rani , Das Ishwar
Published: September 2017

Polypyrrole and its silver nanocomposite were electrochemically synthesized from aqueous solutions containing pyrrole, potassium chloride (KCl) (system A); pyrrole, KCl, and an anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulphate (NaDS) (system B); and pyrrole, silver nitrate, NaDS (system C). Compact and dendritic patterns were observed depending on experimental conditions. The aggregates were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopic (HRTEM), and thermal studies (TG/DTG). HRTEM studies indicate that the particle size of PPy‐Ag nanocomposite is ∼30 nm. TG studies revealed that systems B and C, have different thermal behavior. Potassium ion selective electrodes were constructed using systems A, B, and C. The electrode prepared with PPy‐Ag nanocomposite showed nernstian behavior with maximum slope of 57 mV.
ion‐selective electrode was also constructed for this system based on nonactin‐impregnated PVC matrix membrane. Urease enzyme was immobilized at the surface of as made
ion‐selective electrode to develop urea biosensor showing good detection limit. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45705.
Micro‐injection molding of thermoplastic polymers: Proposal of a constitutive law as function of the aspect ratios
Authors: Mélé Patrice , Giboz Julien
Published: September 2017

Based on experimental measurements of the in situ conditions within polymer flow during micro‐injection molding, a new geometrical parameter is defined to predict realistic dimensions of micro‐parts (μparts). To this aim, thin‐walled parts of various aspect ratios “length/thickness” (L/h) were first molded, with two different polymers: (i) a polystyrene and (ii) a cyclo‐olefin copolymer. It is shown that pressure drops (ΔPi), measured between the injection pressure and the various sensors present in the mold, are directly related to the square of the ratio of L/h. This approach has finally been successfully applied to the results of the literature, confirming its relevance. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45719.
Improvement of surface hydrophilicity, water uptake, biodegradability, and cytocompatibility through the incorporation of chitosan oligosaccharide into poly(l‐lactide)
Authors: Wang Xuehong , Wei Jie , Chen Jianding , Tang Songchao
Published: September 2017

Poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA)‐based biocomposites incorporated with different amounts of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) were developed through solvent‐casting method. Then, the physical–chemical properties, surface morphology, hydrophilicity, water uptake, biodegradability, and biocompatibility of the COS/PLLA composites were investigated. Fourier transform infrared and X‐ray diffraction results showed that strong hydrogen‐bonding interactions were presented between the COS and PLLA components. Scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope images revealed that COS physically attached on the PLLA surface enhanced the formation of the surface seepage network, which led to the improvement of the surface biological features. A gradual rise in the level of hydrophilicity, water uptake, and degradation rate in phosphate buffered saline solution were found on increasing COS content in the COS/PLLA composites, which may provide effective support for cell adhesion and proliferation. Further, the results of cell experiments also suggested that the COS/PLLA composites had better cytocompatibility compared with PLLA. Thus, the COS/PLLA composites may have the great potential to be used for soft and bone tissue repair. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45724.
Study on morphology, molecular weight and thermal properties of composite microspheres prepared by controlling feeding ways and reaction time
Authors: Zhao Dan , Jiang Yu , Zhu Guangda , Zheng Junping , Ding Yong
Published: September 2017

The application of composite microspheres closely lies on their morphology and properties. In this work, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced composite microspheres were prepared via in situ polymerization: methyl methacrylate was selected as matrix to copolymerize with cationic comonomer 2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, using CNTs as nanofillers to fabricate composite microspheres. The morphology, molecular weight, and thermal properties of obtained composite microspheres with different monomer feeding ways (batch polymerization and dropwise monomer feeding procedure) and reaction time (1–6 h) were investigated. The results revealed that dropwise monomer feeding procedure leaded to remarkably decreased diameter of composite microspheres. Compared with polymer microspheres, the addition of CNTs resulted in earlier formation of composite microspheres. When the reaction time was controlled for 1–6 h, the morphology of the composite microspheres underwent a shape change from deformed particles to spherical structure. Although reaction time had no significant effect on molecular weight, the thermal property was gradually improved with increase of reaction time. For ensuring the effectiveness of the produced composite microspheres and tailoring them for any specific application, our investigation shows significant reference value on choosing feeding ways and controlling reaction time to obtain different morphology microspheres. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45741.