bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AI Dalam Gereja : Mengungkap Peluang AI Bagi Pertumbuhan Iman Jemaat Dalam Gereja
Authors: Laoli Opriyaman , Pogo Bella Atalia , Saer Siti Nurbayani , Kurniawan Johanes
Published: June 2024

AI merupakan kepanjangan dari Artificial Intelligence yang berarti kecerdasan buatan, bukanlah barang langka tetapi sebuah terobosan generasi terkini. Kemampuannya sebagai teknologi telah menimbulkan ketakutan bahwa AI membawa dampak negatif baik dalam kehidupan masyarakat secara umum maupun gereja karena meniru cara berpikir manusia dan terus berkembang. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengungkap peluang apa saja yang diperoleh oleh gereja dengan adanya teknologi AI dalam menumbuhkan iman jemaat sekaligus jawaban atas pertanyaan “apakah AI mempunyai peran bagi pertumbuhan iman Kristen atau justru keberadaan AI menjadi ancaman semata-mata bagi pertumbuhan iman Kristen?”. Metode yang digunakan dalam artikel ini adalah metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan analisis deskriptif penelitian yang objek kajiannya menggunakan data pustaka berupa buku-buku sebagai sumber datanya (library research).  Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa keberadaan AI memberikan banyak peluang bagi gereja dalam pertumbuhan iman jemaatnya, yakni gereja jadi melek teknologi, mempermudah akses terhadap informasi di gereja, sumber daya manusia dalam pelayanan di gereja terus berinovasi dan pengembangan jaringan internet kian merambah ke seluruh pelosok sebagai akibat kebutuhan mendesak. Gereja harus memiliki pemahaman dan pertimbangan etis tentang AI sehingga tidak terikat atau bergantung sepenuhnya pada teknologi. Kehadiran teknologi AI mampu menyiarkan kebenaran firman Tuhan sampai keujung bumi sehingga amanat agung dapat terlaksana.
2024 Maternal Mental Health State Report Cards
Authors:   Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health
Published: June 2024

In 2023, recognizing that in the U.S., responsibility for healthcare systems and health outcomes largely fall to the states, the Policy Center introduced the inaugural maternal mental health reports to identify key data sets and track results by state. The 2024 report cards highlight progress and remaining areas of opportunity. In 2024, the overall national grade improved slightly from a D to a D+ as state grades inched upwards. Thirty-four state grades improved; four states earned Bs (an increase from 1 state in 2023) and five states earned failing grades (down from 15 states in 2023).
Comparative Foreign Policy Analysis (CFP) of Nigeria and South Africa: An overview
Authors: IDAHOSA Stephen Osaherumwen , Egesi Blessing Chimanpa
Published: June 2024

This article assesses the foreign policy roles of Nigeria and South Africa, given their status as regional powers, and the regional complexes within which they operate. Drawing references from a plethora of policies and speeches of the Presidents of the two States, this article argues that CFP, given its emphasis on foreign policy decision-making processes related to momentous events as well as its implication in day-to-day events, is useful as a theoretical framework in this assessment. Nigeria and South Africa are both active state actors in the international system. Unarguably, Nigeria and South Africa are two important nations in the continent of Africa whose foreign policy actions and inactions are crucial to the desire development of their areas of regional and global influence, particularly for the African continent. Methodologically, it employs the use of comparative analysis relying solely on secondary information for data generation and analysis of the direction of the foreign policy of Nigeria and South Africa. The article contributes to the literature by illustrating the potential impact and regional implications of foreign policy analysis as an approach to international relations (IR), within which the behavior of these two African States can be analyzed in the wake of new members into BRICS, African Union (AU) been made a permanent member of the G20, giving the continent an important voice on key global issues. Noting that the dynamic evolving role of South Africa and Nigeria in the global arena, should be expected to increase positioning Africa in decision making process of both regional and world politics; regional and global peace and security, such as in Ukraine crisis and reform within the United Nations security Council. Both countries need to unite their efforts and practical strategies to advance the common goal of Africa development, peace and security.
Local Volume Concentration, Packing Domains and Scaling Properties of Chromatin
Authors: Carignano Marcelo , Kröger Martin , Almassalha Luay Matthew , Agrawal Vasundhara , Li Wing Shun , Pujadas-Liwag Emily M. , Nap Rikkert J. , Backman Vadim , Szleifer Igal
Published: June 2024

We propose the Self Returning Excluded Volume (SR-EV) model for the structure of chromatin based on stochastic rules and physical interactions that can capture the observed behavior across imaging and sequencing based measures of chromatin organization. From nucleosome to chromosome scales, the model captures the overall chromatin organization as a corrugated system, with dense and dilute regions alternating in a manner that resembles the mixing of two disordered bi-continuous phases. This particular organizational topology is a consequence of the multiplicity of interactions and processes ocurring in the nuclei, and mimicked by the proposed return rules. Single configuration properties and ensemble averages show a robust agreement between theoretical and experimental results including chromatin volume concentration, contact probability, packing domain identification and size characterization, and packing scaling behavior. Model and experimental results suggest that there is an inherent chromatin organization regardless of the cell character and resistent to external forcings such as Rad21 degradation.
When and where? Day-night alterations in wild boar space use captured by a generalized additive mixed model
Authors: Bollen Martijn , Casaer Jim , Neyens Thomas , Beenaerts Natalie
Published: June 2024

Wild boar (Sus scrofa), an abundant species across Europe, is often subjected to management in agro-ecosystems in order to control population size, or to scare them away from agricultural fields to safeguard crop yields. Wild boar management can benefit from a better understanding on changes in its space use across the diel cycle (i.e., diel space use) in relation to variable hunting pressures or other factors. Here, we estimate wild boar diel space use in an agro-ecosystem in central Belgium during four consecutive “growing seasons” (i.e., April–September). To achieve this, we fit generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs) to camera trap data of wild boar aggregated over 1-h periods. Our results reveal that wild boar are predominantly nocturnal in all of the hunting management zones in Meerdaal, with activity peaks around sunrise and sunset. Hunting events in our study area tend to take place around sunrise and sunset, while non-lethal human activities occur during sunlight hours. Our GAMM reveals that wild boar use different areas throughout the diel cycle. During the day, wild boar utilized areas in the centre of the forest, possibly to avoid human activities during daytime. During the night, they foraged near (or in) agricultural fields. A post hoc comparison of space use maps of wild boar in Meerdaal revealed that their diurnal and nocturnal space use were uncorrelated. We did not find sufficient evidence to prove that wild boar spatiotemporally avoid hunters. Finally, our work reveals the potential of GAMMs to model variation in space across 24-h periods from camera trap data, an application that will be useful to address a range of ecological questions. However, to test the robustness of this approach we advise that it should be compared against telemetry-based methods to derive diel space use.
Effectiveness of Art Therapy and Physical Activity in Improving Quality of Sleep in Children with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Quasi-experimental Pilot Study
Authors: Sant Namrata S , Bhavsar Sakshi M , Vetkar Kankshi N , Nandgaonkar Nikita S , Palaskar Pallavi R
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy (CP) is characterised by abnormalities in movement and posture, along with sensory and tone abnormalities. It also represents significant impairments in cognition and sleep quality. Art activity involves playfulness, creativity, improvisation, and brings benefits to cognition and the alleviation of mental suffering. Physical activity shows considerable improvement in sleep quality as it concentrates on cardiorespiratory fitness and increases total energy expenditure. Aim: To evaluate the effect of art therapy and physical activity on sleep quality in children with hemiplegic CP. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental pilot study was performed among six ambulant children with hemiplegic CP in December 2022 at MGM School of Physiotherapy, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. Both male and female children aged between 4 to 12 years were included in the study. Pretest scores were recorded using the Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ). The participants then underwent a physiotherapy protocol lasting one hour, which included art therapy along with upper limb physical activities for four weeks. Art therapy included colouring pictures, drawing geometrical shapes, line-drawing connections, thumbprints, and vegetable prints. The protocol was given for one month, which included three sessions of art therapy and physical activity each week. Parents and children were encouraged to follow the protocol before sleep. At the end of one month, postscoring of all outcome measures was calculated, and statistical analysis was done using the paired t-test. Results: From the results, the median pretest and post-test PSQ scores were 0.68 and 0.49, respectively. Interquartile Range (IQR) value for the outcome measure was 0.0675 and 0.0775, which was significant. Conclusion: Art therapy, along with physical activity, improved sleep quality in children with hemiplegic CP.
Perception of Taste and Smell in Sitting and Standing Posture among Healthy Individuals: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Himawani Suresh , Ramesh Rajendran , Anu Sengottaiyan , Anto James Vijay
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Taste and smell are vital senses interlinked to each other that stimulate the desire to eat food. The physiological stress of a standing posture might alter taste and smell sensitivity, compelling individuals to eat more until satiety is achieved. Aim: To determine and compare the perception of taste and smell in sitting and standing postures among healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the physiology laboratory of Velammal Medical College, Tamil Nadu, India, over a duration of two months from February 2021 to April 2021. The study included 100 medical students (both genders) aged between 18-21 years. For taste assessment, the Sip spit rinse test was performed, where taste strips were impregnated with sweet and salty solutions of different concentrations (0.05-0.00625 g/mL). Odour threshold was measured with various dilutions of rose water (1:10000 to 1:1) using olfactometer. Taste and smell thresholds in standing and sitting postures were analysed using the Paired sample T-test and Lin’s concordance test, using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 A significance level of 0.05 was used to interpret the p-value. Results: A statistically significant difference (p<0.001**) was observed for taste threshold, with a higher mean value in the standing position (0.0108) compared to the sitting position (0.0086). No statistically significant difference was observed for olfactory threshold in both sitting and standing postures (p>0.05). Additionally, no significant gender difference was found for taste and smell threshold values (p=0.418). Conclusion: Standing posture decreases taste sensitivity with no significant change in olfactory sensitivity
Exploration of Myopia Trends among Medical Students in Saudi Arabia: A One-year Cohort Study
Authors: Raffa Lina , Aynousah Remmaz , Balto Ghadah , Alotaibi Felwa , Alem Rahaf , Aljondi Raghad , Kadi Shahd , Alsaeedi Rowida
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Myopia is a prevalent refractive condition associated with higher occupational groups and education. Contributing data from a region like Saudi Arabia adds to the global understanding of myopia progression, potentially uncovering patterns or risk factors that may differ from those observed in other parts of the world. Aim: To estimate myopia progression among junior medical students. Materials and Methods: This was a one-year longitudinal cohort study conducted on 85 students at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Demographics, detailed ocular history, use of electronic devices, and other related risk factors were collected at the start of the study. Students underwent a comprehensive eye examination including visual acuity, autorefraction, ocular biometry, and Spectral Domain-Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) of the macula and optic nerve at the start and end of the study. Progression of myopia over one year and its associations were assessed using pairedsamples t-test for a single group, while ≥two-group comparison was tested with Independent t-tests and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), respectively. Results: This cohort study involved 85 medical students (41 men and 44 women) aged between 19 and 23 years. Myopia prevalence was 76.5% (65/85) on the first visit. One participant progressed from hyperopia to myopia, five from initial emmetropia to myopia, four from mild to moderate myopia, and one from moderate to high myopia. A significant myopic shift was observed in the second visit in both eyes {Right Eye (RE): -0.3D, p-value=0.001; Left Eye (LE): -0.2 D, p-value=0.015}. The myopic shift in male participants from a mean±SD of -1.1±1.6 D (RE) and -1.0±1.5 D (LE) to -1.5±1.7 D (RE) and -1.4±1.7 D (LE) in the one year follow-up was statistically significant (RE: p-value=0.006; LE: p-value=0.004). Myopia prevalence was significantly related to the hours spent reading for learning/ studying and hours spent watching TV at the first visit (p-value=0.023, p-value=0.046, respectively) and total weekly average screen time at the second visit (p-value=0.002). Conclusion: The medical students had a significant myopic shift over one year, which was associated with longer hours spent reading. The factors associated with the rapid refraction change should be identified to reduce myopic shift among medical students.
A AUDIODESCRIÇÃO E OS ESPAÇOS DESINTERDITOS PARA AS PESSOAS COM DEFICIÊNCIA VISUAL NO CONTEXTO EDUCACIONAL
Authors: De Melo Dina Pereira , De Andrade da Silva Izaura Maria
Published: June 2024

A pandemia da covid impôs uma reestruturação radical sobre a forma de ensino e trabalho, ao passo que as tecnologias viraram o suporte possível de acesso aos estudos. Este artigo versa sobre o uso da audiodescrição como potente ferramenta pedagógica; um saber-fazer moldado aos constructos da cognição humana capaz de converter a materialidade simbólica visual em textos verbais. Baseamo-nos nas contribuições das teorias vygostkyanas e nas mais recentes prospecções de Lima e Motta para entrevistarmos, via questionários semiestruturados, graduandos DVs do Núcleo de Educação Especial da Universidade Federal da Paraíba e saber em que medida os ambientes virtuais favorecem as aprendizagens individuais. A abordagem permitiu-nos concluir que atos excludentes ainda persistem, mas cresce o engajamento dos professores quanto às práticas tradutórias.
TECNOLOGIA DIGITAL DA INFORMAÇÃO E COMUNICAÇÃO NO ENSINO DE GEOGRAFIA
Authors: Schuhmacher Vera R. Niedersberg , Pereira Paula Fabichaki
Published: June 2024

O presente artigo tem por objetivo apresentar um mapeamento sistemático de literatura do uso de estratégias didáticas alinhadas a metodologias ativas, fazendo uso da Tecnologia Digital da Informação e Comunicação – TDIC, no ensino de Geografia. Quanto a abordagem a pesquisa é qualitativa, quanto aos procedimentos se caracterizam como bibliográfica. Nos resultados identificou-se que o uso da TDIC contribui para a construção de novos conhecimentos. Das temáticas curriculares com maior número de ocorrências, tem-se os conceitos geográficos e a cartografia. A gamificação, a sala de aula invertida e projetos integradores são as estratégias alinhadas a metodologias ativas mais presentes. A análise dos dados trouxe à tona obstáculos epistemológicos e didáticos que imobilizam o uso da TDIC na prática docente.
CORROSÃO MICROBIOLOGICAMENTE INDUZIDA EM ESTRUTURAS DE SANEAMENTO
Authors: Salamoni Natália , Rodrigues Gustavo Gutierrez de Oliveira , Rohden Abrahão Bernardo
Published: June 2024

A corrosão microbiologicamente induzida (CMI) é a principal causa da biodeterioração do concreto nos sistemas sanitários. O biofilme aderido à superfície dessas estruturas de concreto é o agente responsável por essa biodeterioração que apresenta riscos para a saúde e o meio ambiente. Além de água, o biofilme também é constituído por substâncias poliméricas extracelulares e, na maioria dos casos, por inúmeras espécies de microrganismos. O avanço das técnicas moleculares é fundamental para análise da comunidade microbiana presente na CMI do concreto. Dessa forma, o presente artigo busca fornecer uma revisão do estado da arte sobre a CMI do concreto de sistemas de esgoto e as bactérias envolvidas. Com isso, espera-se caracterizar os microrganismos envolvidos no processo para melhor compreensão do fenômeno e desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias para sua prevenção e mitigação.
PLANTAS MEDICINAIS NO TRATAMENTO DE INFEÇÕES URINÁRIAS NO ESTADO DO AMAPÁ, BRASIL
Authors: Silva Maisa Cardoso da , Pantoja Tiago Rodrigues , Oliveira Alzira Marques
Published: June 2024

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo é realizar um levantamento no estado da arte das plantas medicinais utilizadas em comunidades tradicionais amapaenses para tratamento de infecções urinárias. Trata-se de uma revisão da literatura, de caráter sistemático. A metodologia utilizada foi a consulta em bases científicas como Google Acadêmico, SCIELO e Web of Scienc. Foram encontrados 29 trabalhos, sendo que apenas 6 publicações foram selecionadas após aplicação dos critérios de elegibilidade. Encontraram-se 26 espécies, distribuídas em 19 famílias botânicas, sendo as mais representativas a Amaranthaceae (n=4 espécies), a Arecaceae (n=2), Fabaceae (n=2) e a Poaceae (n=2). As plantas mais citadas foram: Costus spicatus (Jacq.) Sw. (Canaficha, canafistula, canarana), Phyllanthus niruri L. (Quebra pedra), Annona muricata L. (Gravioleira), Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex Mart. (Mucajazeiro), Persea americana Mill. (Abacateiro), Coix lacryma-jobi L. (Lágrima de Nossa Senhora). Conclui-se que o uso de plantas medicinais para tratamento de patologias faz parte da cultura das comunidades tradicionais amapaenses e esta opção pelo uso de plantas pode estar relacionada à manutenção do conhecimento tradicional, o distanciamento das comunidades quanto ao sistema público de saúde, bem como o elevado custo dos medicamentos sintéticos. Contudo, para segurança e uso racional das plantas são necessárias informações científicas sobre os compostos bioativos das espécies.
The Influence of Marketing Stimulation and Situational Factors on Impulse Purchasing Behavior of Vietnamese Consumers
Authors: Khanh Cao Tuan , Huong Nguyen Thi Thu
Published: June 2024

Today, with the increasingly improved standards of living, consumers’ demands are becoming more diverse. As daily purchasing activities are becoming less planned, impulse purchases are increasingly the norm. This paper focuses on factors influencing consumers’ impulse purchase behavior in three of Vietnam’s largest cities (Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh) based on a review of previous research as well as an analysis of effects of marketing stimuli and situational factors. Data were obtained from 264 Vietnamese consumers who have made impulse purchases using an online survey. Hypothesis testing and path modeling demonstrated that among four marketing stimuli factors, except for price incentives, all have a significant positive impact on impulsive purchase behavior. In addition, time pressure and ability to pay have a significant impact on impulsive purchase behaviors of urban Vietnamese consumers. These findings enrich the extant knowledge on the relationship between marketing stimulation, situational factors and impulse purchasing behavior. They also have important implications for firms that aim to stimulate changes in consumers' psychological desires, thereby stimulating consumers to engage in impulsive purchase behavior.
Evaluating the Intervention Programs of Juvenile Delinquency: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Abella Arianne Joy E. , Bongcawil Richa Abigail , Doña Maria May
Published: June 2024

This study assessed the juvenile delinquency intervention programs in Barangay Tibal-og, Municipality of Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, to inform enhanced strategies for addressing youth crime.  It utilized qualitative approaches such as in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis to analyze the experiences, insights, and recommendations of program stakeholders. Eight themes emerged regarding experiences, highlighting procedural equity, trust-building, and individual growth. The insights on implementation revealed five key themes, emphasizing effective interventions and collaborative efforts. The recommendations highlighted on establishing separate detention centers, allocating adequate resources and rehabilitation centers, enhancing parental awareness, and adhering to guidelines. The study further stressed the significance of the guidelines and assisting with current programs, while pressing for more resources and rehabilitation institutions. Parental awareness had a crucial role in avoiding and dealing with delinquency, coupled with community engagement and the development of positive values. The results concluded the need for continuous improvements in the juvenile justice system, promoting cooperation among all involved and implementing strategies that are supported by empirical facts. By utilizing these observations, communities can aim for fairer and more efficient actions, promoting safer surroundings and more promising prospects for vulnerable young individuals.
Innovative Method of Devulcanizing Waste Rubber from the Automotive Industry
Authors: Deepa H A , N V Chandini , Mishra Himanshu , Sahu Priyanka , Neelesh R
Published: June 2024

Chemical devulcanization of waste rubber from the automotive industry was carried using benzoyl peroxide as devulcanizing agent and, o-xylene and toluene, as solvents. The effect of time on the process of devulcanizing was investigated. The extent of sulphur removal from the reclaimed rubber was studied by using EDAX technique. Thus, this devulcanized rubber can be blended with virgin rubber and on revulcanizing the mixture, it becomes possible to reuse waste rubber and give it a new life.
Maximizing Productivity and Profitability of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) through Fertility Levels and Bio Fertilizers
Authors: Gavhane Priya , Rajput Pradeep , Kanaujiya Pradeep Kr. , Gautam Sandip Kr. , Suryawanshi Deepali
Published: June 2024

A field experiment was conducted at the Crop Research Centre, School of Agriculture, ITM University Gwalior (M.P.) during the Kharif season of 2023 to evaluate the maximizing productivity and profitability of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) through fertility levels and biofertilizers. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 10 treatment combinations and each treatment was replicated thrice. The results revealed that the application of 100% RDF + RSI (10 g kg⁻¹) + PSB & KSB (5 kg ha⁻¹ each) had significantly improved the growth attributes viz., Plant height, number of branches, dry matter accumulation, Leaf area index and number of nodules plant⁻¹ of green gram over rest of the treatments. However, the higher grain yield (1424.71 kg ha-1), straw yield (3206.13 kg ha­­⁻¹) and biological (4630.84 kg ha­­⁻¹) yield was recorded with the treatment 100% RDF + RSI (10 g kg⁻¹) + PSB & KSB (5 kg ha⁻¹ each) which was being at par with 100% RDF + RSI (10 g kg⁻¹) + PSB 5 kg ha⁻¹ soil application, while the lowest grain yield and straw yield were recorded in control.
The Importance and Use of Adjuvants in Vaccine Production Technology: A Mini-review
Authors: Paiva Maykon Jhuly Martins de , Lara Edielma de Oliveira , Oliveira Francyslayne de Jesus , Sampaio Adriana Oliveira dos Santos , Damasceno Iangla Araújo de Melo , Vasconcelos Fernando Holanda , Brito Márcio Miranda , Santos Taides Tavares dos
Published: June 2024

Aims: To provide an overview of vaccine adjuvants, with insights into the importance, classification, and use of these substances in vaccine production technology.
Methodology: An exploratory-descriptive literature review was carried out, with a qualitative approach. The search was guided by keywords (vaccine adjuvant, chemical composition of vaccine, immunological adjuvants, aluminum salts + vaccine, among others) and was conducted according to the following criteria: original studies published during the period between 2000 and 2024, and available as full text; those using experimental and clinical studies as methodology were included.
Results: Vaccine adjuvants play an important role in the success of the vaccine technology used. With the advancement of knowledge, adjuvants have gone from substances used to increase the immunogenicity of vaccines to highly purified antigen substances that induce a response, acting as molecular patterns associated with pathogens. In this study, the most common classes of adjuvants in use or experimental studies, their characteristics, benefits, and limitations of use are presented. There are classes of adjuvants that are already well known in terms of their use and effects (e.g.: mineral salts). However, there are also those (e.g. polysaccharides) that require even more studies to be widely incorporated into vaccine technology.
Conclusion: Adjuvants are an integral part of the ongoing development of more effective vaccines. Therefore, it is necessary to continue studies regarding the benefits and limitations of the different types of adjuvants currently available, such as continuing to search for new adjuvants to expand and increasingly guarantee the success of vaccine technologies.
Measurement of Glucose Uptake in Cultured Cells
Authors: Yamamoto Norio , Ueda Manabu , Sato Takuya , Kawasaki Kengo , Sawada Keisuke , Kawabata Kyuichi , Ashida Hitoshi
Published: December 2011

Facilitative glucose uptake transport systems are ubiquitous in animal cells and responsible for transporting glucose across the cell surface membrane. Evaluation of glucose uptake is crucial in the study of numerous diseases and metabolic disorders, such as myocardial ischemia, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. Methods for assessing glucose uptake into mammalian cells are detailed in this unit. The work is divided into four sections: (1) a brief overview of glucose uptake assays in cultured cells; (2) a method for measuring glucose uptake using radiolabeled 3‐O‐methylglucose; (3) a method for measuring glucose uptake using radiolabeled 2‐deoxyglucose (2DG); and (4) an improved method for measuring 2DG‐uptake using an enzymatic, fluorometric assay, eliminating the need for radiolabeled glucose analogs. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 55:12.14.1‐12.14.22. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cation‐exchange membranes: Comparison of homopolymer, block copolymer, and heterogeneous membranes
Authors: Schauer Jan , Llanos Javier , Žitka Jan , Hnát Jaromír , Bouzek Karel
Published: December 2011

Three types of sulfonic cation‐exchange membranes were compared: (a) homogenous membranes prepared by sulfonation of poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) or poly[oxy(1,4‐phenylene)oxy(1,4‐phenylene)carbonyl(1,4‐phenylene)] and solution casting of the sulfonated products, (b) membranes prepared by sulfonation of poly [styrene‐block‐(ethene‐stat‐butene)‐block‐styrene] film, and (c) heterogeneous membranes prepared by melt‐blending linear polyethylene and particles 10–25 μm particles of sulfonated cation‐exchanger followed by compression molding. At the same ion‐exchange capacity (IEC), the membranes based on the block copolymer showed considerably higher ionic conductivity than the homogeneous membranes. Though having a higher IEC, the heterogeneous membranes were less conductive than the other investigated membranes. Their advantage consists in the ease of preparation and superior resistance to oxidative environment. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
On the Microdistributions of Cr‐Ion Complexes within mm‐Sized γ‐Al2O3 Catalyst Bodies upon Impregnation as Studied by UV/Vis and Raman Microspectroscopy
Authors: Zandbergen Mathijs W. , Beale Andrew M. , Weckhuysen ir. Bert M.
Published: December 2011

The incipient wetness impregnation steps of 3 mm cylindrical γ‐Al2O3 pellets with CrIII‐nitrate and CrVI‐oxide as precursors was investigated by using UV/Vis and Raman microspectroscopy. The speciation and microdistributions of metal‐ion complexes in the pellets were followed in time after impregnation. Measurements on the catalyst bodies were performed by applying a scan‐line on the surface of bisected pellets. The microdistributions of the Cr‐ion complexes were altered by varying the pH, the ratio of the CrIII‐nitrate and CrVI‐oxide and by including either citric acid or phosphoric acid to the impregnation solution. Three factors were found to be most influential: i) Hydrolysis of CrIII complexes to yield solid Cr(OH)3 near the exterior of the pellets, ii) electrostatic interaction between the support and the respective CrIII and CrVI complexes, and iii) competitive adsorption of the additives. The opposite charge of the CrIII and CrVI complexes was exploited to obtain differences in the overall Cr‐ion complex microdistributions, for example, egg‐shell, egg‐yolk, egg‐white, and uniform type of distributions.
Chiral ionic liquids: A compendium of syntheses and applications (2005–2012)
Authors: Payagala Tharanga , Armstrong Daniel W.
Published: December 2011

In recent years, the field of chiral ionic liquids (CILs) has undergone exponential growth. As the technology has advanced, new ways of synthesizing stable and structurally diverse ionic liquids have been established. This has led to heretofore unknown applications of CILs as well as in improving efficiency of previously identified applications. In this review article we have compiled a comprehensive database containing structures and physical properties of notable CILs that have been synthesized during the last 6 years. Their applications in the fields of asymmetric organic synthesis, spectroscopy, and chromatography are also illustrated. This is an expansion of our previous review, which covered the literature before 2005. Chirality, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic manganese‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging can detect chronic cryoinjury‐induced infarction in pig hearts in vivo
Authors: Yang Yanmin , de Gervai Patricia Dreessen , Sun Jiankang , Gruwel Marco L. , Kupriyanov Valery
Published: December 2011

The purpose was to investigate whether MnCl2 can serve as an MRI contrast agent to detect chronic cryoinjury infarction in pigs in vivo and whether MnCl2 causes significant hemodynamic disturbances. Hearts were subjected to a topical 2 min cryothermia to establish myocardial infarction (MI). Thereafter GdDTPA‐enhanced MRI was performed at 0, 1, 2 and 3 weeks using a 3 T scanner. Four weeks post‐cryoinjury the pigs underwent in vivo Mn‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI). MnCl2 (70 μmol/kg, 14 min) was infused i.v. intermittently (n = 4) or continuously (n = 5) and T1‐weighted images were acquired every 2 min simultaneously recording heart rate and arterial blood pressure. Either infusion scheme led to an immediate increment in MR signal intensity (SI) within the left ventricular (LV) blood pool and LV normal and cryoinjured myocardium, which reached a maximum at the end of infusion. No significant difference was observed between the normal and cryoinjured myocardium. After infusion termination, SI decreased faster within the LV blood pool and the MI, as compared with the normal myocardium in either group, resulting in significant contrast between the MI and normal tissue (intermittent: 18 ± 7 vs 49 ± 13%, p = 0.002; continuous: 19 ± 8 vs 36 ± 9%, p = 0.004). Infarction sizes were similar in Mn2+‐ and GdDTPA‐enhanced images at 4 and 3 weeks post injury, respectively. Thus, in vivo MEMRI differentiated infarcted from normal myocardium in pig hearts subjected to 4‐week cryoinjury. Compared with intermittent infusion, continuous infusion minimized hemodynamic fluctuations. Copyright © 2011 National Research Council Canada.
The pH sensitivity of –NH exchange in LnDOTA–tetraamide complexes varies with amide substituent
Authors: Opina Ana Christina L. , Wu Yunkou , Zhao Piyu , Kiefer Garry , Sherry A. Dean
Published: December 2011

The amide proton exchange rates in various lanthanide(III) DOTA–tetraamide complexes were investigated by CEST as a function of variable chemical structures and charges on the amide substituents. Comparisons were made between YbDOTA–(gly)4− (Yb‐1), YbDOTA–(NHCH2PO3)45− (Yb‐2) and YbDOTA–(NHCH2PO3Et2)43+ (Yb‐3). The general shapes of the CEST vs pH profiles were similar for the three complexes but they showed maximum CEST intensities at different pH values, pH 8.3, 8.8 and 6.9 for Yb‐1, Yb‐2 and Yb‐3, respectively. This indicates that a more negatively charged substituent on the amide helps stabilize the partial positive charge on the amide nitrogen and consequently more base is required to catalyze proton exchange. The chemical shifts of the –NH protons in Yb‐1 and Yb‐2 were similar (−17 ppm) while the –NH proton in Yb‐3 was at −13 ppm. This shows that the crystal field produced by the amide oxygen donor atoms in Yb‐3 is substantially weaker than that in the other two complexes. In an effort to expand the useful range of pH values that might be measured using these complexes as CEST agents, the shapes of the CEST vs pH curves were also determined for two thulium(III) complexes with much larger hyperfine shifted –NH proton resonances. The ratio of CEST from –NH exchange in Tm‐1 compared with CEST from –NH exchange in Tm‐3 was found to be linear over an extended pH range, from 6.3 to 7.4. This demonstrates a potential advantage of using mixtures of lanthanide(III) DOTA–tetraamides for mapping tissue pH by use of ratiometric CEST imaging. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
β‐Cell subcellular localization of glucose‐stimulated Mn uptake by X‐ray fluorescence microscopy: implications for pancreatic MRI
Authors: Leoni Lara , Dhyani Anita , La Riviere Patrick , Vogt Stefan , Lai Barry , Roman B. B.
Published: December 2011

Manganese (Mn) is a calcium (Ca) analog that has long been used as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent for investigating cardiac tissue functionality, for brain mapping and for neuronal tract tracing studies. Recently, we have extended its use to investigate pancreatic β‐cells and showed that, in the presence of MnCl2, glucose‐activated pancreatic islets yield significant signal enhancement in T1‐weigheted MR images. In this study, we exploited for the first time the unique capabilities of X‐ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) to both visualize and quantify the metal in pancreatic β‐cells at cellular and subcellular levels. MIN‐6 insulinoma cells grown in standard tissue culture conditions had only a trace amount of Mn, 1.14 ± 0.03 × 10−11 µg/µm2, homogenously distributed across the cell. Exposure to 2 m m glucose and 50 µ m MnCl2 for 20 min resulted in nonglucose‐dependent Mn uptake and the overall cell concentration increased to 8.99 ± 2.69 × 10−11 µg/µm2. When cells were activated by incubation in 16 m m glucose in the presence of 50 µ m MnCl2, a significant increase in cytoplasmic Mn was measured, reaching 2.57 ± 1.34 × 10−10 µg/µm2. A further rise in intracellular concentration was measured following KCl‐induced depolarization, with concentrations totaling 1.25 ± 0.33 × 10−9 and 4.02 ± 0.71 × 10−10 µg/µm2 in the cytoplasm and nuclei, respectively. In both activated conditions Mn was prevalent in the cytoplasm and localized primarily in a perinuclear region, possibly corresponding to the Golgi apparatus and involving the secretory pathway. These data are consistent with our previous MRI findings, confirming that Mn can be used as a functional imaging reporter of pancreatic β‐cell activation and also provide a basis for understanding how subcellular localization of Mn will impact MRI contrast. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Structure of (H3O)2B12F12·6H2O – a CCP Lattice of B12F122– Anions Intercalated with a Nonplanar Network of O–H···O Connected O6 Rings
Authors: Bukovsky Eric V. , Fiedler Stephanie R. , Peryshkov Dmitry V. , Popov Alexey A. , Strauss Steven H.
Published: December 2011

Hydrates of the dihydronium salt of the superweak anion B12F122– have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The structure of (H3O)2B12F12·6H2O consists of a cubic close‐packed (CCP) array of B12F122– anions intercalated with nonplanar, infinite networks of O6 rings composed of H3O+ ions and H2O molecules. Similar to other salts of B12F122–, (H3O)2B12F12·6H2O exhibits rapid structural modification, termed latent porosity, and reversibly desorbswater to form other hydrate phases: (H3O)2B12F12·4H2O,(H3O)2B12F12·2H2O, and (H3O)2B12F12. (H3O)2B12F12·6H2O is another example of the weak coordinating properties of the B12F122– anion.
Who's left? Symptoms of schizophrenia that predict clinical trial dropout
Authors: Thompson Jason , Berk Michael , Dean Olivia , Kohlmann Kristy , Jeavons Sue , Bush Ashley , Copolov David
Published: December 2011

A significant proportion of subjects drop out of medium to long‐term clinical studies prior to trial completion. This may bias reported study outcomes and reduce the statistical power of analyses. There is therefore a need for researchers to better understand the characteristics of dropout populations to increase completion rates. Data from a set of participants recruited as part of a 24‐week placebo‐controlled trial were used to determine the relationship between the five Lindenmayer factors of positive, negative, cognitive, anxiety/depression and excitement symptoms and dropout at trial completion. Results indicated that the rate of trial dropout was significantly predicted by scores on the negative Lindenmayer factor (X2(6, N = 126) = 15.60, p < .05). By trial completion, participants with ‘high’ negative Lindenmayer scores dropped out at a rate of 64%, whereas ‘medium’ and ‘low’ groups dropped out at 43% and 30%, respectively. No other relationship between symptom severity scores and dropout across the remaining Lindenmayer factors was found. These findings reflect important considerations for the future design of clinical trials involving people with schizophrenia and may also provide clues into treatment compliance issues more generally. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterisation of enzyme prodrug gene therapy combinations in coated spheroids and vascular networks in vitro
Authors: Hunt Michelle A. , Li Dan , Hay Michael P. , Currie Margaret J. , Robinson Bridget A. , Patterson Adam V. , Dachs Gabi U.
Published: December 2011

Background

Enzyme prodrug gene therapy is designed as a targeted cancer treatment, destroying gene‐modified and bystander cells via exogenous enzyme‐generated cytotoxins. Targeting of tumour blood vessels using gene therapy is attractive, although optimal enzyme prodrug combinations have yet to be identified.

Methods

Seven enzyme prodrug combinations were ranked in two endothelial (HUVEC, HMEC‐1) and one tumour cell line (T24) for their ability to reduce proliferation and viability. The ability to destroy bystander cells in two dimensions (2D) and three dimensions (3D), mode of cell kill, and the ability to disrupt vascular networks were measured.

Results

Endothelial cell proliferation (bromodeoxyuridine uptake) was reduced most effectively by Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (TK) with ganciclovir (GCV), followed by Escherichia coli nitroreductase NfsB (NTR) with CB1954; viability [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay] was reduced most efficiently by NTR/CB1954 followed by TK/GCV. Of the seven combinations, only NTR/CB1954 displayed measurable bystander effects in 2D monolayers, and none demonstrated bystander killing in coated spheroids, a 3D spatially distinct model with tissue‐like cell density. NTR‐expressing endothelial cells displayed increased apoptosis, necrosis and caspase‐3 activity after CB1954 treatment. Despite good antiproliferative activity, TK/GCV was ineffective at disrupting vascular network‐like structures of endothelial cells, whereas NTR/CB1954 was efficient. NTR/metronidazole and the vascular disrupting agent, combretastatin A‐4 phosphate, were the only other effective agents.

Conclusions

Collectively, these data demonstrate that cytotoxic rather than cytostatic activity is necessary for efficient vascular disruption in vitro, and bystander killing is not essential. We identify NTR/CB1954 and NTR/metronidazole as candidates for in vivo investigation of vascular‐targeted gene therapy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single breathhold noncontrast thoracic MRA using highly accelerated parallel imaging with a 32‐element coil array
Authors: Xu Jian , Mcgorty Kelly Anne , Lim Ruth P. , Bruno Mary , Babb James S. , Srichai Monvadi B. , Kim Daniel , Sodickson Daniel K.
Published: December 2011

Purpose:

To evaluate the feasibility of performing single breathhold three‐dimensional (3D) thoracic noncontrast MR angiography (NC‐MRA) using highly accelerated parallel imaging.

Materials and Methods:

We developed a single breathhold NC MRA pulse sequence using balanced steady state free precession (SSFP) readout and highly accelerated parallel imaging. In 17 subjects, highly accelerated noncontrast MRA was compared against electrocardiogram‐triggered contrast‐enhanced MRA. Anonymized images were randomized for blinded review by two independent readers for image quality, artifact severity in eight defined vessel segments and aortic dimensions in six standard sites. NC‐MRA and CE‐MRA were compared in terms of these measures using paired sample t‐ and Wilcoxon tests.

Results:

The overall image quality (3.21 ± 0.68 for NC‐MRA versus 3.12 ± 0.71 for CE‐MRA) and artifact (2.87 ± 1.01 for NC‐MRA versus 2.92 ± 0.87 for CE‐MRA) scores were not significantly different, but there were significant differences for the great vessel and coronary artery origins. NC‐MRA demonstrated significantly lower aortic diameter measurements compared with CE‐MRA; however, this difference was not considered clinically relevant (>3 mm difference) for less than 12% of segments, most commonly at the sinotubular junction. Mean total scan time was significantly lower for NC‐MRA compared with CE‐MRA (18.2 ± 6.0 s versus 28.1 ± 5.4 s, respectively; P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Single breathhold NC‐MRA is feasible and can be a useful alternative for evaluation and follow‐up of thoracic aortic diseases. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:963–968. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changes in the global heat transport and eddy‐mean flow interaction associated with weaker thermohaline circulation
Authors: Machado Jeferson Prietsch , Justino Flavio , Pezzi Luciano Ponzi
Published: December 2011

This study investigates the anomalous patterns of the oceanic and atmospheric heat transport, transient waves and the interaction between transient waves and the mean zonal flow. The evaluation is based on simulations performed with a coupled model forced by an increase of 1 Sverdrup of freshwater flux into the North Atlantic Ocean. It is found that an increase of freshwater flux in the North Atlantic leads to a weakening in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) oceanic heat transport by up to 1 Petawatt (1015) PW but results in an intensification of the Southern Hemisphere (SH) total heat transport. This inter‐hemispheric seesaw leads to substantial changes in transient wave activity which is associated with anomalous meridional temperature flux and eddy kinetic energy (EKE). During winter in the NH, weakening of the thermohaline circulation induces an increase in the storm track activity. However, a reduction in storm tracks is found over the extratropical regions of the SH. The correspondence between the anomalies of storm track intensity and Eady growth rate lead to the conclusion that changes in the transient eddy activity are mostly generated by changes in baroclinic conditions. Furthermore, calculations of the E vector show that interaction between transient and mean flow is most pronounced over the North Atlantic where stronger storm tracks enhance the mean westerlies, thus minimising the effect of changes in the oceanic heat transport. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Exposure to violence and PTSD symptoms among Somali women
Authors: de Jong Kaz , van der Kam Saskia , Swarthout Todd , Ford Nathan , Mills Clair , Yun Oliver , Kleber Rolf J.
Published: December 2011

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, exposure to traumatic stressors, and health care utilization were examined in 84 women attending a primary health care clinic in Mogadishu, Somalia. The Somalia‐Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale was used in this active warzone to measure symptoms. Nearly all women reported high levels of confrontations with violence; half described being exposed to a potentially traumatizing event. Nearly one third had significant PTSD symptoms. Compared to those who did not, women who reported exposure to a traumatic stressor reported more confrontations with violence (7.1 vs. 3.3; p < . 001), health complaints (3.8 vs. 2.9; p = .03), and nearly 3 times as much (p = .03) health service utilization. A potentially traumatizing event was found to be a simplified proxy for assessing mental health distress in women attending a primary health care facility in highly insecure, unpredictable, resource‐limited settings.
Sorafenib inhibits neuroblastoma cell proliferation and signaling, blocks angiogenesis, and impairs tumor growth
Authors: Kakodkar Nisha C. , Peddinti Radhika R. , Tian Yufeng , Guerrero Lisa J. , Chlenski Alexandre , Yang Qiwei , Salwen Helen R. , Maitland Michael L. , Cohn Susan L.
Published: December 2011

Background

More effective therapy for children with high‐risk neuroblastoma is desperately needed. Preclinical studies have shown that neuroblastoma tumor growth can be inhibited by agents that block angiogenesis. We hypothesized that drugs which target both neuroblastoma cells and tumor angiogenesis would have potent anti‐tumor activity. In this study we tested the effects of sorafenib, a multi‐kinase inhibitor, on neuroblastoma cell proliferation and signaling, and in mice with subcutaneous human neuroblastoma xenografts or orthotopic adrenal tumors.

Procedure

Mice with subcutaneous neuroblastoma xenografts or orthotopic adrenal tumors were treated with sorafenib, and tumor growth rates were measured. Blood vessel architecture and vascular density were evaluated histologically in treated and control neuroblastoma tumors. The in vitro effects of sorafenib on neuroblastoma proliferation, cell cycle, and signaling were also evaluated.

Results

Sorafenib inhibited tumor growth in mice with subcutaneous and orthotopic adrenal tumors. Decreased numbers of cycling neuroblastoma cells and tumor blood vessels were seen in treated versus control tumors, and the blood vessels in the treated tumors had more normal architecture. Sorafenib treatment also decreased neuroblastoma cell proliferation, attenuated ERK signaling, and enhanced G1/G0 cell cycle arrest in vitro.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that sorafenib inhibits the growth of neuroblastoma tumors by targeting both neuroblastoma cells and tumor blood vessels. Single agent sorafenib should be evaluated in future phase II neuroblastoma studies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:642–647. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.