bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of the Surgical Management of Perineal Hernias in Dogs
Authors: Gill Sukhjit Singh , Barstad Robert D.
Published: May 2018

Perineal hernia refers to the failure of the muscular pelvic diaphragm to support the rectal wall, resulting in herniation of pelvic and, occasionally, abdominal viscera into the subcutaneous perineal region. The proposed causes of pelvic diaphragm weakness include tenesmus associated with chronic prostatic disease or constipation, myopathy, rectal abnormalities, and gonadal hormonal imbalances. The most common presentation of perineal hernia in dogs is a unilateral or bilateral nonpainful swelling of the perineum. Clinical signs do occur, but not always. Clinical signs may include constipation, obstipation, dyschezia, tenesmus, rectal prolapse, stranguria, or anuria. The definitive diagnosis of perineal hernia is based on clinical signs and findings of weak pelvic diaphragm musculature during a digital rectal examination. In dogs, perineal hernias are mostly treated by surgical intervention. Appositional herniorrhaphy is sometimes difficult to perform as the levator ani and coccygeus muscles are atrophied and unsuitable for use. Internal obturator muscle transposition is the most commonly used technique. Additional techniques include superficial gluteal and semitendinosus muscle transposition, in addition to the use of synthetic implants and biomaterials. Pexy techniques may be used to prevent rectal prolapse and bladder and prostate gland displacement. Postoperative care involves analgesics, antibiotics, a low-residue diet, and stool softeners.
Safety and Tolerability of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Cats and Dogs
Authors: Birnie Gemma L. , Fry Darren R. , Best Matthew P.
Published: May 2018

This prospective clinical trial was designed to evaluate the safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in a population of cats and dogs with a variety of naturally occurring diseases. Seventy-eight dogs and twelve cats with various naturally occurring disease conditions, who had the potential to benefit from HBOT, were enrolled in the study. These patients were treated with HBOT in a monoplace hyperbaric oxygen chamber at 2 air pressure absolute for a treatment length of either 45 min or 60 min. There were 230 hyperbaric oxygen treatments performed during the study period. No major adverse effects were observed. There were 76 minor adverse effects recorded, which were not considered to be of clinical significance. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was well tolerated and there were no major adverse effects recorded during treatment.
Comparison of Compounded, Generic, and Innovator-Formulated Itraconazole in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Renschler Janelle , Albers Amanda , Sinclair-Mackling Hanna , Wheat Lawrence Joseph
Published: May 2018

The triazole antifungal itraconazole may be cost prohibitive in brand name form; therefore, compounded and generic products are often used as alternatives. Itraconazole blood concentrations have not been studied in clinical patients receiving these formulations. Itraconazole bioassay was performed on serum/plasma from 95 dogs and 20 cats receiving itraconazole (compounded from bulk powder, generic pelletized, or brand name) for systemic mycosis treatment. Mean itraconazole concentration was lower in the compounded group (n = 42) as compared with the generic (n = 40) or brand name (n = 33) groups (0.5 µg/mL versus 8.3 µg/mL and 6.5 µg/mL, respectively; P < .001). No statistical difference was observed between itraconazole concentrations in the generic and brand name groups. Forty animals (95.2%) in the compounded group had subtherapeutic (<1.0 µg/mL) values. All cats in this group (n = 10) had undetectable itraconazole concentrations. Some animals in the generic and brand name groups had subtherapeutic values (12.5 and 12.1%, respectively) or potentially toxic values (>10 µg/mL; 37.5 and 24%, respectively). Compounded itraconazole should be avoided, but generic itraconazole appears to serve as a reasonable alternative to brand name itraconazole. Therapeutic drug monitoring may be beneficial in all cases.
Efecto del tamaño de semilla de Moringa stenopetala sobre el comportamiento de plántulas en vivero
Authors: Reyes-Sánchez Nadir , Jiménez-Campos Marcos Antonio
Published: May 2018

El presente estudio se realizó en la finca Santa Rosa propiedad de la Universidad Nacional Agraria, localizada geográficamente en los 12°08’15’’ latitud Norte y 86°09’36’’ longitud Este, en el Departamento de Managua, Nicaragua con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto del tamaño y peso de la semilla de Moringa stenopetala sobre el crecimiento y desarrollo de plántulas en su etapa inicial en condiciones de vivero. Se utilizó un Diseño Completamente al Azar (DCA) unifactorial, con 20 repeticiones, donde el factor evaluado fue el tamaño de las semillas, clasificadas de acuerdo al largo, diámetro ecuatorial y peso. Las semillas grandes obtuvieron mejor tasa de germinación (25%) y tasa de sobrevivencia (100%) que las semillas pequeñas con 22 y 90.9%, respectivamente. Las plántulas obtenidas de las semilla grandes de M. stenopetala fueron estadísticamente.
Aproximación al comportamiento electoral de los centroamericanos (años 1980-1996)
Authors: Artiga-González Alvaro
Published: May 2018

No abstract availableRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 59, 1997: 459-475
A Pragmatic Study of Relational Identity in Bystander Intervention
Authors: Huang Xu
Published: May 2018

Given that intervention has been relatively under-researched in pragmatics, this paper offers a linguistic-pragmatic examination of a case of bystander intervention, a notion which is generally known in social psychology. This study approaches the phenomenon of bystander intervention by analyzing discourse data transcribed from a video posted online. Drawing on participation status and relational identity theory, this paper investigates the issues of relational identity and relationships involved in an intervening interaction. The findings indicate that the intervener’s relational identity is in a constant process of construction and negotiation, and the study also notices that three most prominent strategies in our case are employed that give rise to the effective intervention, namely humor, empathy and imposition of power, which might provide some insights into further research in this field.
Evaluation of the Accuracy of Pedicle Screw Insertion without Intraoperative Radiographic Guidance
Authors: Guzik Grzegorz
Published: May 2018

Background. Three methods of pedicle screw insertion are in common use. Each has its advantages and disad­vantages and the decision to use a particular method depends on the type of procedure, indications, the patient’s age, and the preferences and experience of the operator. The accuracy of screw insertion through the vertebral arch into the vertebral body may be assessed on post-operative CT or MRI and classified according to different systems. The free-hand method was analysed according to the Gertzbein classification and was compared with the other methods in terms of accuracy and complications.
Material and methods. The accuracy of screw insertion was evaluated with post-operative MRI of the spine.
A study group of 50 patients was randomly selected from among 124 patients who had undergone surgery. The pla­cement of a total of 426 screws in the thoracic and lumbar spine was assessed.
Results. The shortest procedure was 87 minutes long and the longest surgery took 290 minutes. 93% (397) of the screws were classified as inserted in Gertzbein’s “safe zone”. 7% (29) of the screws were placed in the “dangerous zone”; this was seen in 14 (28%) patients. Only 2 patients had mild neurological symptoms in the form of radicular pain.
Conclusions. 1. Free-hand pedicle screw insertion with pre-operative planning based on CT or MRI requires con­siderable experience, but if this condition is met, the percentage of successfully inserted screws is not significantly different from that seen in other techniques. 2. The highest number of screw placement errors occurs in the thoracic section of the spine, but these errors rarely prompt repeat surgery. 3. Clinically overt complications are very rare and usually have the form of radicular pain.
Assessment of the Impact of Kinesiology Taping Application Versus Placebo Taping on the Knee Joint Position Sense. Preliminary Report
Authors: Hadamus Anna , Grabowicz Marta , Wąsowski Patryk , Mosiołek Anna , Boguszewski Dariusz , Białoszewski Dariusz
Published: May 2018

Background. Kinesiology Taping is a very popular physiotherapy method. It is used in both healthy people and orthopaedic patients in order to relieve pain, increase range of motion and for other purposes. Many researchers claim that these applications will also improve proprioception and sensorimotor efficiency, which are important for recovery after injuries and orthopaedic surgeries, especially on the knee joint. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the muscle application of Kinesiology Taping on knee joint position sense in active motion.
Material and methods. The study involved 50 healthy people (30 men and 20 women). Mean age was 23.2 years (range 18-30 years). The exclusion criteria were past knee injuries and knee surgery that could affect the test results. The participants were divided randomly into two equal groups. The first group (KT group) had a Kinesiology Taping muscle application placed, whereas a placebo application of an adhesive tape was used in the remaining participants (placebo group). Both applications were supposed to support quadriceps muscle activity. Joint position sense (JPS) was evaluated by measuring the error of active reproduction of the joint position (EARJP) of the knee in 45° flexion. The test was performed prior to applying the patch, after the patch was applied, then after 24 hours of wearing it and after removing the tape. The interval between trials before and after application of the patch was not less than 30 minutes. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 12.0. Distribution characteristics were calculated and the Wilcoxon test, Friedman‘s ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U test were performed.
Results. The average test scores of JPS in the KT group and the placebo group before applying the KT patch were 3.48° and 5.16° respectively, compared to 4.84° and 4.88°, respectively, with the patch on, 5.12° and 4.96°, respectively, after 24 hours of wearing the tape, and 3.84° and 5.12°, respectively, after removing the patch. Within-group differences at any two time points were not statistically significant. There were also no significant differences between the groups.
Conclusions. 1. Kinesiology Taping application to the quadriceps muscle had no significant effect on knee joint proprioception. Its use in order to improve sensorimotor skills therefore seems unreasonable. 2. The results are the basis for future prospective, randomised trials of larger experimental groups and involving the use of other Kinesiology Taping applications as well as including individuals with lesions of knee joint structures.
The subject of technology in the Swedish elementary school, seen through the magnifier of the research circle
Authors: Gustafsson Peter , Jonsson Gunnar , Nilsson Tor
Published: May 2018

Technology has been a compulsory subject in the Swedish school curriculum since 1980. However, many primary school teachers say that they do not feel comfortable with teaching technology. This often results in a teaching time that is a (too) small part of the total teaching time of science and technology. In addition, studies show that pupils are probably not given equivalent education as the syllabi may be interpreted in different ways. Against this background, we have conducted three research circles under the guidance of researchers, in three municipalities in the Mälardalen region, addressing teachers working in preschool class to grade 6. Each circle had up to five participants and had five meetings during one year. Based on the teachers’ own questions and needs we have studied didactic literature connected to the subject of technology, discussed the syllabi for technology and different forms of teaching support. An existing model for pedagogical content knowledge in technology has been used to interpret the activities in the research circles. The teachers experienced and appreciated the opportunities to work with the subject content linked to the syllabi for technology and saw ways to integrate technology with other school subjects.
Becoming a Chemistry Teacher – Expectations for Chemistry Education Courses
Authors: Streller Sabine , Bolte Claus
Published: May 2018

The development of professional competence is of major importance for each teacher student and in the end for the entire education system. Therefore, optimising students’ learning processes is a central goal of professional development at the university level. Learning processes are influenced by an individual’s prior knowledge, beliefs, and expectations. Having insights into the beliefs and expectations of our students should give us the opportunity to optimize their university courses. To obtain a better understanding of these beliefs and expectations we used a questionnaire with open questions. All statements of feedback from 168 students in BA/MA programmes were categorised. For this purpose, we developed a category system based on the COACTIV model of professional competence. The results indicated that many students assume that the most important influence on their future profession is the possession of self-related ability cognitions, but they do not expect to develop such cognitions in their university courses. As a consequence of these findings, the Division of Chemistry Education has begun offering students authentic learning situations with real pupils. This approach offers the chance for the students to try out the teacher role and to reflect upon the first teaching experiences. They can revise their image of the teachers’ role and acquire a realistic view of their future profession.
Students developing representational competence as producers with and of augmented reality in science
Authors: Nielsen Birgitte Lund , Brandt Harald , Swensen Hakon
Published: May 2018

This research aims to examine how augmented reality (AR) can be used in lower secondary science education. The focus is on outcomes as perceived by students and teachers from 3 rounds of piloting AR-resources, in the third round supporting students as producers of AR. Data sources are teacher interviews, questionnaires and video/observation from Danish, Norwegian and Spanish classrooms. Findings point to positive possibilities for supporting students’ representational competencies, however dependent of the teachers’ thorough use of scaffolding. Teachers refer to student learning of the science content through active engagement in technology-supported inquiry. Students report a high level of outcomes, e.g., by experiencing a sense of presence in the science phenomena and “seeing the invisible”. The piloting with students as AR-producers in particular revealed affordances for their creative and collaborative use of digital resources (21st century skills), stimulating also dialogue about ICT from their everyday life as produced by someone.
Teachers´ challenges with new interdisciplinary science in Denmark
Authors: Daugbjerg Peer S. , Krogh Lars Brian , Ormstrup Charlotte
Published: May 2018

In Denmark, a new interdisciplinary agenda has been invented across the science subjects in lower secondary school. Interdisciplinary integration around six major problem-based teaching sequences in grades 7-9 has been made mandatory, and a new interdisciplinary oral end examination has been devised. The new examination format was piloted with volunteering teachers/classes during spring 2016 end examination. The present study captures teacher challenges facing and implementing the new interdisciplinary agenda in its pilot-year, including the end examination. Empirically, we have surveyed interdisciplinary beliefs, attitudes, and related practices amongst a diverse sample of teachers across the sciences (N=94). Further, we have made observations and teacher interviews with nine teachers participating in the 2016-pilotting. Against a generally positive background, we have identified substantial challenges related to teacher beliefs, subject matter knowledge and interdisciplinary self-efficacy, traditional teaching practices, as well as a range of organizational barriers to the implementation of reform intentions.
The use of examples in school science: Developing an analytical tool to enable a discussion in science teacher education
Authors: Johansen Gerd , Rocksén Miranda , Bjønness Birgitte
Published: May 2018

Examples play important roles in science teaching as vehicles for both conceptual learning and affective engagement. In this article, we develop an analytical tool that deconstructs and deliberates on the use of examples in school science. This analytical tool approaches examples as part of social interactions in the classroom. The tool can be used to deconstruct the use of examples by identifying the relations among the actors, the types of knowledge and how knowledge is communicated. The tool then facilitates a deliberation on examples’ epistemic affordance – their potential for pupils’ learning. We apply the analytical tool on empirical materials from two classrooms where teachers and pupils (aged 15–16) work with examples connected to evolution, genes and traits. We presume that if this analytical tool is applied on authentic classroom materials in pre-service training, student teachers will benefit when they design or re-use examples in their own future teaching practices.
Novel human genome variants associated with alcohol use disorders identified in a Lithuanian cohort
Authors: Baronas Karolis , Rančelis Tautvydas , Pranculis Aidas , Domarkienė Ingrida , Ambrozaitytė Laima , Kučinskas Vaidutis
Published: May 2018

Background. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over alcohol intake, and a negative emotional state when not using (1). Abusive alcohol consumption directly affects a person’s physical and psychological health and social life. The World Health Organization has shown that Lithuania is a leading country in pure alcohol consumption in the world (2). The aim of this study is to find novel genome variants that are associated with the AUD in the Lithuanian cohort.
Materials and methods. A case-control study included 294 individuals of Lithuanian ethnicity, who were divided into two groups based on their habits of alcohol use. Single nucleotide polymorphism array analysis was performed using Illumina HiScanSQ™ genome analyzer.
Results. Our study showed that rs686141T>C variant in NALCN gene is more prevalent in the non-drinker group compared to the alcohol drinker group (relative allele frequency, respectively: 0.38 and 0.27, OR = 0.60 (CI 95% 0.37–0.98), p = 0.0408). Meanwhile, rs6354C>A, in SLC6A4 gene, variant’s genotype distribution showed statistically significant difference between the non-drinker and alcohol drinker group (distribution of genotypes in the case group: 9/72/172 (CC/CA/AA) and in the control group: 5/7/29, p = 0.0264).
Conclusion. We analyzed 23 genes associated with AUD and identified two novel genome variants (rs686141T>C and rs6354C>A). The study shows that genome analysis is an important tool for AUD research. The results supplement the known information about genes associated with AUD.
Primary gastric Burkitt lymphoma-induced anaemia: a case report and a literature review
Authors: Kapitančukė Monika , Vaščiūnaitė Agnija , Augustinienė Rasa , Sakalinskienė Jūratė , Kleinotienė Gražina
Published: May 2018

Background. Primary tumours of the gastrointestinal tract are very uncommon in children. They can present with anaemia caused by gastrointestinal acute or chronic bleeding. One of the most common gastrointestinal tumours is Burkitt lymphoma. This lymphoma is a highly aggressive, rapidly growing B-cell neoplasm, making survival without treatment possible only for a few weeks. For this reason it requires immediate hospitalization and treatment.
Case report. We report a case of a gastric Burkitt lymphoma in an adolescent girl who presented with anaemia due to gastrointestinal bleeding. She received out-patient care with iron medications orally due to suspected iron-deficiency anaemia but there was no sufficient effect. The patient was referred to Children’s Oncohematology Department with a progression of symptoms (weakness, fatigue, sound in the ears, and nausea) five months after anaemia was diagnosed in the complete blood count. The imaging tests showed a massive solid tumour with bleeding in the stomach. The final diagnosis was a histologically atypical Burkitt lymphoma. Chemotherapy treatment was started according to NHL-BFM 2004 paediatric protocol.
Conclusions. Non-Hodgin’s lymphoma is the most common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract in children and about 75% of these tumours are Burkitt lymphomas. They can present with anaemia in the complete blood count due to bleeding. Reticulocyte test and serum ferritin level test help to differentiate pathophysiological origin of anaemia. Combination chemotherapy according to standardized protocols is the best current standard of care and has a very good clinical response without unfavourable risk factors.
Malignant mixed epithelial and stromal tumour of the kidney: a case report and a literature review
Authors: Bakavičius Arnas , Barisienė Marija , Snicorius Marius , Valančienė Dileta , Dasevičius Darius , Žalimas Algirdas , Kvaščevičius Robertas , Ramonas Henrikas , Sokolovas Vitalijus , Jankevičius Feliksas
Published: May 2018

Introduction. Mixed epithelial and stromal tumour of the kidney (MEST) is a rare and distinctive neoplasm accounting for 0.2% of all renal cancers. Most of these tumours behave in a benign fashion but 13 cases with malignant transformation have already been reported. We present the first case of an extremely aggressive MEST with rapid recurrence after radical treatment, demonstrating objective response to chemotherapy.
Case presentation. A 31-year-old female presented to the hospital complaining of gross hematuria. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an intraparenchymal mass in the left kidney forming a tumour thrombus in the inferior vena cava (IVC). Metastatic disease was ruled out and, under the clinical diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma, left radical nephrectomy with IVC thrombectomy was performed. The histopathological examination confirmed malignant MEST of the kidney. At the follow-up 12 months after surgery, a recurrent tumour in the left paravertebral area and a tumour thrombus in the IVC were detected. A second surgery was recommended and the mass from the paravertebral area was removed, so resection of the IVC with prosthetic replacement was performed. The histopathologic examination confirmed a recurrent malignant MEST. At the follow-up three months after the second surgery disease progression was diagnosed, so chemotherapy with ifosfamide and doxorubicin was initiated. The CT scan performed 14 months after the chemotherapy confirmed a stable process of the disease with no signs of progression.
Conclusions. A literature review and our case report confirm the existence of extremely aggressive malignant MEST that shows response to chemotherapy. However, more reports are needed to improve our understanding about the biology of the MEST to develop any recommendations on personalized therapy.
El discurso mediático en la prensa digital del baloncesto masculino y femenino en Huelva
Authors: De Casas-Moreno P. , Rodríguez-Vázquez F. M. , Aguaded I.
Published: May 2018

La presente investigación se centra en estudiar la transformación del discurso periodístico a través de un análisis semántico e interpretativo de las unidades hermenéuticas recogidas, atendiendo a un estudio cuanti-cualitativo de los tópicos y las figuras retóricas más repetidas encontradas en las noticias de la prensa digital de Huelva. El poder de los medios de comunicación en la conformación de la opinión pública y la construcción de la realidad generan un debate constante sobre la forma de redactar las informaciones periodísticas. Las diferencias de género, así como los aspectos positivos y negativos en la Liga masculina y femenina de baloncesto provocan que el discurso informativo en la prensa digital se convierta en un elemento de análisis. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que los medios online de Huelva, apuestan por las oraciones y códigos positivos a la hora de informar sobre los equipos masculinos y femeninos analizados.
Percepción de los entrenadores sobre la toma de decisión de los jugadores en la iniciación al baloncesto
Authors: Jiménez A. C.
Published: May 2018

El baloncesto es un deporte colectivo de cooperación-oposición. La táctica es un factor importante y está basada en componentes cognitivos y motrices: percepción, decisión y ejecución. Para enseñar este deporte hay alternativas basadas en la táctica. Se trata de comenzar por la comprensión del juego para conseguir los aprendizajes tácticos y técnicos. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo conocer el perfil de un conjunto de entrenadores de baloncesto en la iniciación, respecto a cómo plantean la táctica, en particular el componente de las toma de decisión en la enseñanza. Han participado 89 entrenadores, 72 hombres y 17 mujeres. Han completado un cuestionario con 15 preguntas relacionadas con sus datos personales y sobre el uso del componente táctico en la enseñanza del baloncesto. Los resultados muestran una mayoría de entrenadores jóvenes que fomentan frecuentemente la toma de decisión y utilizan ejercicios de superioridad e igualdad numérica.
The Effect of Planarization on Width
Authors: Eppstein David
Published: May 2018

We study the effects on graph width parameters of planarization, the construction of a planar diagram from a non-planar graph drawing by replacing each crossing with a new vertex.
We show that for treewidth, pathwidth, branchwidth, clique-width, and tree-depth there exists a family of $n$-vertex graphs with bounded parameter value, all of whose planarizations have parameter value $\Omega(n)$.
However, for bandwidth, cutwidth, and carving width, every graph with bounded parameter value has a planarization of linear size whose parameter value remains bounded. The same is true for the treewidth, pathwidth, and branchwidth of graphs of bounded degree. To show our lower bounds on the width of planarizations, we prove that arrangements of curves with many crossing pairs of curves must generate planar graphs of high width.
Effects of agriculture management on fungal phyllosphere diversity in vineyards and its relationship with native forests
Authors: Castañeda Luis E , Miura Toshiko , Sánchez Roland , Barbosa Olga
Published: May 2018

Agriculture is one of the main drivers of land conversion and agriculture practices can impact on microbial diversity. Here we characterized the phyllosphere fungal diversity associated with Carmenere grapevines under conventional and organic agricultural management. We also explored the fungal diversity present in the adjacent sclerophyllous forests to explore the potential role of native forest on phyllosphere in vineyards. After conducting deep amplicon sequencing, no significant differences in fungal diversity indices and community structure were detected between organic and conventional vineyards, suggesting that the phyllosphere microorganisms of grapevines are highly resilient to agricultural treatments. On the other hand, we found a high proportion of shared fungal OTUs between vineyards and native forests. In addition, both habitats had similar levels of fungal diversity despite forest samples were derived from multiple plant species. In contrast, the community structure was different between habitats. Nevertheless, the native forest had more unidentified genera and OTUs unique to this habitat than did the vineyards. Cladosporium, Aureobasidium, and Endoconidioma were more abundant in vineyards, whereas Davidiella, Didymella, and Erysiphie were more abundant in forests. Overall, this study argues that a better understanding of the relationship native forests and agroecosystems is needed for maintaining and enhancing ecosystem services provided by natural ecosystems. Finally, knowledge of microbial communities living in the Chilean Mediterranean biome is needed for appropriate conservation management of these biomes and their classification as biodiversity hotspots.
Modulation of transcriptional activity in brain lower grade glioma by alternative splicing
Authors: Li Jin , Wang Yang , Meng Xianglian , Liang Hong
Published: May 2018

Proteins that modify the activity of transcription factors (TFs) are often called modulators and play a vital role in gene transcriptional regulation. Alternative splicing is a critical step of gene processing, and differentially spliced isoforms may have different functions. Alternative splicing can modulate gene function by adding or removing certain protein domains and thereby influence the activity of a protein. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of alternative splicing in modulating the transcriptional regulation in brain lower grade glioma (LGG), especially transcription factor ELK1, which is closely related to various disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome. The results showed that changes in the exon inclusion ratio of proteins APP and STK16 are associated with changes in the expression correlation between ELK1 and its targets. In addition, the structural features of the two modulators are strongly associated with the pathological impact of exon inclusion. The results of our analysis suggest that alternatively spliced proteins have different functions in modifying transcription factors and can thereby induce the dysregulation of multiple genes.
Study of the relationships between brachytherapy plan parameters in an attempt to verify total dwell time in vaginal cylinder applications
Authors: Oyekunle Emmanuel O. , Akinlade Bidemi I. , Jimoh Mutiu A.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Source strength (Sk), sizes of vaginal cylinder applicators (VCA), number of dwell positions (DPs), and the prescribed dose (D) are basic parameters in brachytherapy (BT) treatment planning contributing to total dwell time (TDT). This study was aimed at assessing the relationships between the specified variables in an attempt to verify the TDT in high‐dose‐rate (HDR) vaginal cylinder applications.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐one patients treated with Gynesource‐Co60 (Bebig, Germany) using VCAs of diameters 20, 25, and 30 mm at University College Hospital, Nigeria, were enrolled in this study. Brachytherapy doses ranging from 3 to 7 Gy were always prescribed to points 5 mm away from the cylinder's surface. Treatment planning was undertaken on HDR‐Basic treatment planning system (TPS) which utilizes source step size of 5 mm. Data on the stated parameters related to the first BT fractions of the patients were acquired. With the aid of EViews statistical software, two forms of mathematical models were thereafter developed. The resulting TDTs from the models were compared with the TPS values using Minitab statistical software.

Results

The relationships obtained for the increasing sizes of the VCA were The model‐based TDTs correlate with the TPS‐calculated values with r1 = 0.80 (P = 0.412) and r2 = 0.97 (P = 0.468).

Conclusions

The findings of this study could suggest likely variations in the treatment time when certain changes occur in the related parameters. The increasing size of the vaginal cylinder has a positive influence on the brachytherapy treatment time. The latter model has been a useful tool in the verification of the dose delivery time at the first HDR brachytherapy center in Nigeria and West Africa.
An Ultrahigh Output Rechargeable Electrode of a Hydrophilic Radical Polymer/Nanocarbon Hybrid with an Exceptionally Large Current Density beyond 1 A cm−2
Authors: Hatakeyama‐Sato Kan , Wakamatsu Hisato , Katagiri Ryu , Oyaizu Kenichi , Nishide Hiroyuki
Published: May 2018

Facile charge transport by a hydrophilic organic radical‐substituted polymer and the 3D current collection by a self‐assembled mesh of single‐walled carbon nanotube bundles lead to the operation of an ultrahigh‐output rechargeable electrode. Exceptionally large current density beyond 1 A cm−2 and high areal capacity around 3 mAh cm−2 are achieved, which are 101−2 times larger than those of the previously reported so‐called “ultrafast electrodes.” A sub‐millimeter‐thick, flexible, highly safe organic redox polymer‐based rechargeable device with an aqueous sodium chloride electrolyte is fabricated to demonstrate the superior performance.
Distributions of ectomycorrhizal and foliar endophytic fungal communities associated with Pinus ponderosa along a spatially constrained elevation gradient
Authors: Bowman Elizabeth A. , Arnold A. Elizabeth
Published: May 2018

Premise of the Study

Understanding distributions of plant‐symbiotic fungi is important for projecting responses to environmental change. Many coniferous trees host ectomycorrhizal fungi (EM) in association with roots and foliar endophytic fungi (FE) in leaves. We examined how EM and FE associated with Pinus ponderosa each vary in abundance, diversity, and community structure over a spatially constrained elevation gradient that traverses four plant communities, 4°C in mean annual temperature, and 15 cm in mean annual precipitation.

Methods

We sampled 63 individuals of Pinus ponderosa in 10 sites along a 635 m elevation gradient that encompassed a geographic distance of 9.8 km. We used standard methods to characterize each fungal group (amplified and sequenced EM from root tips; isolated and sequenced FE from leaves).

Key Results

Abundance and diversity of EM were similar across sites, but community composition and distributions of the most common EM differed with elevation (i.e., with climate, soil chemistry, and plant communities). Abundance and composition of FE did not differ with elevation, but diversity peaked in mid‐to‐high elevations.

Conclusions

Our results suggest relatively tight linkages between EM and climate, soil chemistry, and plant communities. That FE appear less linked with these factors may speak to limitations of a culture‐based approach, but more likely reflects the small spatial scale encompassed by our study. Future work should consider comparable methods for characterizing these functional groups, and additional transects to understand relationships of EM and FE to environmental factors that are likely to shift as a function of climate change.
Hole Mobility Modulation in Single‐Crystal Metal Phthalocyanines by Changing the Metal–π/π–π Interactions
Authors: Jiang Hui , Hu Peng , Ye Jun , Ganguly Rakesh , Li Yongxin , Long Yi , Fichou Denis , Hu Wenping , Kloc Christian
Published: May 2018

Weak intermolecular interactions in organic semiconducting molecular crystals play an important role in determining molecular packing and electronic properties. Single crystals of metal‐free and metal phthalocyanines were synthesized to investigate how the coordination of the central metal atom affects their molecular packing and resultant electronic properties. Single‐crystal field‐effect transistors were made and showed a hole mobility order of ZnPc>MnPc>FePc>CoPc>CuPc>H2Pc>NiPc. Density functional theory (DFT) and 1D polaron transport theory reach a good agreement in reproducing the experimentally measured trend for hole mobility. Additional detail analysis at the DFT level suggests the metal atom coordination into H2Pc planes can tune the hole mobility via adjusting the intermolecular distances along the shortest axis with closest parallel π stackings.
Zwei bakterielle Diterpensynthasen aus Allokutzneria albata für Bonnadien sowie für Phomopsen und Allokutzneren
Authors: Lauterbach Lukas , Rinkel Jan , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: May 2018

Zwei Diterpensynthasen aus Allokutzneria albata wurden auf ihre Produkte untersucht. Das Produkt des ersten Enzyms wurde als die neue Verbindung Bonnadien identifiziert. Obwohl das zweite Enzym phylogenetisch nicht mit der pilzlichen Phomopsen‐Synthase in Verbindung steht, produzierte es eine Mischung aus Phomopsen und einer biosynthetisch verwandten neuen Verbindung, Allokutzneren, sowie Spiroviolen. Beide Enzyme wurden im Detail durch Isotopenmarkierungsexperimente, Variation des Metallcofaktors und ortsgerichtete Mutagenese auf ihren Mechanismus untersucht. Oxidationsprodukte von Phomopsen und Allokutzneren werden ebenfalls diskutiert.
Reversible SC‐SC Transformation involving [4+4] Cycloaddition of Anthracene: A Single‐Ion to Single‐Molecule Magnet and Yellow‐Green to Blue‐White Emission
Authors: Huang Xin‐Da , Xu Yan , Fan Kun , Bao Song‐Song , Kurmoo Mohamedally , Zheng Li‐Min
Published: May 2018

In search of magneto‐optic materials, the mononuclear compounds LnIII(depma)(NO3)3(hmpa)2 (Ln=Dy, Gd) were synthesized. The anthracene moieties undergo [4+4] dimerization when irradiated at 365 nm without loss of crystallinity. The Dy compound switches from a single‐ion to a single‐molecule magnet with doubling of the spin reversal barrier energy and from yellow‐green to blue‐white emission. The dimerization is reversed by heating at 100 °C or partially on light irradiating at 254 nm. The results suggest that lanthanide phosphonates with anthracene are promising smart materials displaying synergistic magneto‐optic property.
Stable Boron Dithiolene Radicals
Authors: Wang Yuzhong , Xie Yaoming , Wei Pingrong , Blair Soshawn A. , Cui Dongtao , Johnson Michael K. , Schaefer Henry F. , Robinson Gregory H.
Published: May 2018

Whereas low‐temperature (−78 °C) reaction of the lithium dithiolene radical 1. with boron bromide gives the dibromoboron dithiolene radical 2., the parallel reaction of 1. with (C6H11)2BCl (0 °C) affords the dicyclohexylboron dithiolene radical 3.. Radicals 2. and 3. were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, UV/Vis, and EPR spectroscopy. The nature of these radicals was also probed computationally. Under mild conditions, 3. undergoes unexpected thiourea‐mediated B−C bond activation to give zwitterion 4, which may be regarded as an anionic dithiolene‐modified carbene complex of the sulfenyl cation RS+ (R=cyclohexyl).
Bioactive efficacy of low‐density polyethylene films with natural additives
Authors: Moura Lídia Eloy , de Souza Carolina Oliveira , de Oliveira Eleidiana Andréia Seixas , Lemos Paulo Vitor França , Druzian Janice Izabel
Published: May 2018

Active packaging can be defined as packaging that includes additives that help to extend the shelf life of food; among the advantages of its use is the possibility to reduce the amount of additives added to the food during processing. The aim of this study was to develop, characterize, and apply active films of low‐density polyethylene, incorporating carotenoid and yerba mate extracts as active additives. Active films were obtained by extrusion and were characterized for water vapor permeability, thickness, color, and mechanical and thermal properties. The effectiveness of the films was evaluated using butter packed in the formulated films. There was a significant reduction in thickness, and mechanical, thermal, and water vapor barrier parameters of the films compared to the control. The concentration of additives directly influenced coloration and antioxidant and antimicrobial action of the films. The formulated films provided protection against oxidative action and inhibition of microbial growth. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2018,135, 46461.
Prodegradant effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticulates on polypropylene–polyhydroxybutyrate blends
Authors: Fonseca Flávio M. C. , Patricio Patrícia S. O. , Souza Sâmara D. , Oréfice Rodrigo L.
Published: May 2018

Polymers are gradually replacing conventional materials in various sectors of the economy because of their low cost and broad functionality. However, the high stability of polymers under most environmental conditions can lead to their accumulation in the form of waste. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is an alternative because of its biodegradability, but it is usually expensive and brittle. These aspects can be improved through the formation of blends, such as with polypropylene (PP). The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of using titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles as a prodegradant agent in the PP–PHB–TiO2 system through the evaluation of the effects of these nanoparticles under UV light on the structure and properties of the materials. Samples were produced through extrusion and injection molding and were characterized by their mechanical and thermal properties and structural analyses. The results show that the TiO2 nanoparticles were able to act as a prodegradant agent for the PP–PHB blend; they also successfully improved some of the mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of the blend. However, a TiO2 nanoparticle content higher than 7.5 wt % was not able to extend the photodegradation process further, possibly as a consequence of the agglomeration of nanoparticles during the processing of these more concentrated blends. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46636.
Silica Gel as a Promoter of Sequential Aza‐Michael/Michael Reactions of Amines and Propiolic Esters: Solvent‐ and Metal‐Free Synthesis of Polyfunctionalized Conjugated Dienes
Authors: Aleksić Jovana , Stojanović Milovan , Baranac‐Stojanović Marija
Published: May 2018

We present an efficient, simple, metal‐ and solvent‐free silica‐gel‐promoted synthesis of functionalized conjugated dienes by sequential aza‐Michael/Michael reactions by starting from commercially available primary amines and propiolic esters. The scope and usefulness of the method is demonstrated for 31 examples, including a range of propiolic esters, aliphatic amines, and differently substituted aromatic amines. For aliphatic amines, the products were obtained within 0.5 to 4 h in 52 to 85 % yield, compared with 3.5 to 22 h under classical solution‐phase synthesis, which proceeds with similar or lower yields. The method was found to be particularly useful for weakly nucleophilic aromatic amines, which provided products in 21 to 73 % yield over 2.5 to 9.5 h compared with yields of 0 to 49 % over 1 to 6 d under standard solution‐phase conditions, and for more hydrophobic esters that gave products in yields of 47 to 79 % over 1 to 3 h compared with 0 to 45 % over 4 to 114 h in solvent.
Mammalian X Chromosome Dosage Compensation: Perspectives From the Germ Line
Authors: Sangrithi Mahesh N. , Turner James M. A.
Published: May 2018

Sex chromosomes are advantageous to mammals, allowing them to adopt a genetic rather than environmental sex determination system. However, sex chromosome evolution also carries a burden, because it results in an imbalance in gene dosage between females (XX) and males (XY). This imbalance is resolved by X dosage compensation, which comprises both X chromosome inactivation and X chromosome upregulation. X dosage compensation has been well characterized in the soma, but not in the germ line. Germ cells face a special challenge, because genome wide reprogramming erases epigenetic marks responsible for maintaining the X dosage compensated state. Here we explain how evolution has influenced the gene content and germ line specialization of the mammalian sex chromosomes. We discuss new research uncovering unusual X dosage compensation states in germ cells, which we postulate influence sexual dimorphisms in germ line development and cause infertility in individuals with sex chromosome aneuploidy.
Adsorption and Electrochemical Oxidation of Small Sulfur−Containing Anions on Pt Electrodes in Organic Media
Authors: Chen Chang‐Hui , Brennan Colin , Lai Stanley C. S. , Fermin David J. , Unwin Patrick R. , Rodriguez Paramaconi
Published: May 2018

Acetic acid is an important organic solvent for the chemical industry, such as in catalytic hydrogenation and for electrosynthesis reactions generally. In this work, the adsorption and electrochemical oxidation of several sulfur‐containing anions (S2−, S2O42−, S2O52− and SO32−) over Pt electrodes in a mixture of sulfuric acid/acetic acid was investigated by using cyclic voltammetry. Electrochemical oxidation provides a means of regenerating Pt catalysts and the sulfur‐containing anions studied are examples of species that might be produced under synthetic conditions or could be present as impurities in industrial feedstock. To determine the oxidation reaction mechanism and its surface‐structure sensitivity, Pt polycrystalline and single‐crystal electrodes are implemented in this study. It is found that the oxidation of the sulfur‐containing species on Pt polycrystalline electrode takes place at higher potentials in comparison to the same reactions in aqueous media. This is attributed to the low coverage of surface oxide, owing to the low concentration of water and the adsorption of acetate at the surface. Experiments on the Pt basal planes and stepped surfaces reveal a strong surface‐structure dependence for the oxidation of all the sulfur‐containing species. These results provide valuable information that will aid the engineering of nanocatalysts with specific crystalline structure less prone to contamination during catalytic process in mixtures of sulfuric/acetic acid.
Rational Design and Facile Synthesis of Boranophosphate Ionic Liquids as Hypergolic Rocket Fuels
Authors: Liu Tianlin , Qi Xiujuan , Wang Binshen , Jin Yunhe , Yan Chao , Wang Yi , Zhang Qinghua
Published: May 2018

The design and synthesis of new hypergolic ionic liquids (HILs) as replacements for toxic hydrazine derivatives have been the focus of current academic research in the field of liquid bipropellant fuels. In most cases, however, the requirements of excellent ignition performances, good hydrolytic stabilities, and low synthetic costs are often contradictory, which makes the development of high‐performance HILs an enormous challenge. Here, we show how a fuel‐rich boranophosphate ion was rationally designed and used to synthesize a series of high‐performance HILs with excellent comprehensive properties. In the design strategy, we introduced the {BH3} moiety into the boranophosphate ion for improving the self‐ignition property, whereas the complexation of boron and phosphite was used to improve the hydrolytic activity of the borohydride species. As a result, these boranophosphate HILs exhibited wide liquid operating ranges (>220 °C), high densities (1.00–1.10 g cm−3), good hydrolytic stabilities, and short ignition delay times (2.3–9.7 milliseconds) with white fuming nitric acid (WFNA) as the oxidizer. More importantly, these boranophosphate HILs could be readily prepared in high yields from commercial phosphite esters, avoiding complex and time‐consuming synthetic routes. This work offers an effective strategy of designing boranophosphate HILs towards safer and greener hypergolic fuels for liquid bipropellant applications.
Acylation of Homoatomic Ge9 Cages and Subsequent Decarbonylation
Authors: Frischhut Sabine , Klein Wilhelm , Drees Markus , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: May 2018

The direct acylation of Ge9 Zintl clusters by the reaction of K[Ge9{Si(SiMe3)3}3] with acyl chlorides in hexane or toluene solutions is presented, leading to the neutral, carbonyl‐derivatized products [{Si(SiMe3)3}3Ge9(CO)R′] (R′=Me, iPr, tBu, Ph, Bz, cyclopropylmethyl, phenethyl, 4‐vinylphenyl). This reaction is applicable to a wide range of acyl chlorides and allows for diverse functionalization of Ge9 Zintl clusters. [{Si(SiMe3)3}3Ge9(CO)tBu] readily releases CO at ambient conditions under formation of [{Si(SiMe3)3}3Ge9tBu]. This temperature‐dependent decarbonylation most likely proceeds via a radical Norrish‐type I α‐bond cleavage. Except for R′=tBu and Bz all obtained acyl‐derivatized Ge9 cluster compounds do not release CO even at elevated temperatures. All compounds were characterized by NMR spectroscopy. [{Si(SiMe3)3}3Ge9(CO)R′] (R′=tBu, Ph, Me, iPr) as well as [{Si(SiMe3)3}3Ge9tBu] were further structurally characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction.