bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances and challenges in oral health after a decade of the “Smiling Brazil” Program
Authors: Scherer Charleni Inês , Scherer Magda Duarte dos Anjos
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze oral health work changes in primary health care after Brazil’s National Oral Health Policy Guidelines were released. METHODS A literature review was conducted on Medline, LILACS, Embase, SciELO, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, and The Cochrane Library databases, from 2000 to 2013, on elements to analyze work changes. The descriptors used included: primary health care, family health care, work, health care policy, oral health care services, dentistry, oral health, and Brazil. Thirty-two studies were selected and analyzed, with a predominance of qualitative studies from the Northeast region with workers, especially dentists, focusing on completeness and quality of care. RESULTS Observed advances focused on educational and permanent education actions; on welcoming, bonding, and accountability. The main challenges were related to completeness; extension and improvement of care; integrated teamwork; working conditions; planning, monitoring, and evaluation of actions; stimulating people’s participation and social control; and intersectorial actions. CONCLUSIONS Despite the new regulatory environment, there are very few changes in oral health work. Professionals tend to reproduce the dominant biomedical model. Continuing efforts will be required in work management, training, and permanent education fields. Among the possibilities are the increased engagement of managers and professionals in a process to understand work dynamics and training in the perspective of building significant changes for local realities.
Política energética e agentes científicos: o caso das pesquisas em células a combustível no Brasil
Authors: Andrade Thales Novaes de , Lorenzi Bruno Rossi
Published: January 2016

Resumo Este artigo tem como objetivo fazer uma análise das dimensões políticas e sociais das pesquisas em células a combustível e uso energético do hidrogênio no Brasil. Esta pesquisa é um estudo de caso sobre o Centro Nacional de Referência em Energia do Hidrogênio (Ceneh), centro público de pesquisa e consulta em tecnologias relacionadas ao hidrogênio e células a combustível. Como referencial teórico, partimos da sociologia da ciência, em especial a Teoria Ator-Rede de Bruno Latour e Michel Callon, com a qual pudemos identificar os diversos atores sociais envolvidos nas pesquisas nesta área, suas ações, relações e tensões, assim como o panorama social e político em âmbito nacional e internacional relacionado às células à combustível.
The Literariness of Literature and the History of Emotion
Authors: McNamer Sarah
Published: January 2016

The middle english pearl is one of the most moving and beautiful poems ever composed. occasioned, it seems, by the death of a two-year-old daughter, whose identity has never been determined, it casts the grieving narrator-father as one who has treasured the child as a jewel beyond compare. She was round and smooth, rare and radiant—a precious pearl fit for a prince. Yet this dear small thing just slipped away one day in the garden, tumbling down through the grass into the dark earth:

Perle, plesaunte to prynces paye

To clanly clos in golde so clere,

Oute of oryent, I hardyly saye,

Ne proved I never her precious pere.

So rounde, so reken in uche araye

So smal, so smothe her sydes were,

Quere-so-ever I jugged gemmes gaye,

I sette hyr sengeley in synglere.

Allas! I leste hyr in on erbere;

Thurgh gresse to grounde hit fro me yot.

I dewyne, fordolked of luf-daungere

Of that pryvy perle wythouten spot. (lines 1-12)

Pearl, pleasing and delightful for a prince to enclose in fine gold: of all those from the orient, I declare that I never knew one as precious. So round, so radiant in every setting; so small, so smooth her sides were; wherever I judged beautiful gems, I appraised her as singularly rare. Alas! I lost her in a garden; through grass to ground it sped from me. I mourn, overcome with love-longing for my own precious, spotless pearl.

As this opening stanza reveals, Pearl relies on the polyvalence and sensuous power of poetic language for its affective effects, gathering associative resonance through shifting meanings, working through indirection and allusiveness, tapping into the sensory power of visual and tactile images and patterned sound, and leaving much unsaid, to be grasped and felt between the lines. But the poem's broad emotional arc is clear. It scripts a therapeutic narrative of affective experience, taking its reader, whom it enfolds within the textual “I” of the poem, from “woe” to “weal” (56, 1187).
Historicizing Emotions in Berlin
Authors: Frevert Ute
Published: January 2016

In the last few years there has been a tremendous surge in research projects focusing on the history of emotions. Historians all over the world, from Australia to London, from Princeton to Madrid, from Canada to Paris, have started to examine emotions from a historical perspective. Among the many individual and collective projects, the Berlin Center for the History of Emotions holds a special place. Since its founding in 2008, a group of twenty to thirty historians have devoted their research efforts to the single but complex goal of historicizing emotions. As an integral part of the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, the center is sufficiently funded to carry out such basic research and will continue to do so for years. It offers superb working conditions, providing offices and excellent library resources to its pre- and postdoctoral fellows and organizing weekly seminars and a great number of international conferences with the participation of distinguished scholars. Furthermore, the center welcomes visiting researchers (who mostly bring their own funding) and invites them to actively participate in and contribute to ongoing debates and events. Together with three major Berlin universities (Free University, Humboldt University, Technical University), the center launched an International Max Planck Research School for graduate training. Every year, six graduate students are accepted to the program, which focuses on moral economies of modern societies, with an emphasis on moral emotions.
High Proliferation Predicts Pathological Complete Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Alba Emilio , Lluch Ana , Ribelles Nuria , Anton-Torres Antonio , Sanchez-Rovira Pedro , Albanell Joan , Calvo Lourdes , García-Asenjo Jose Antonio Lopez , Palacios Jose , Chacon Jose Ignacio , Ruiz Amparo , De la Haba-Rodriguez Juan , Segui-Palmer Miguel A. , Cirauqui Beatriz , Margeli Mireia , Plazaola Arrate , Barnadas Agusti , Casas Maribel , Caballero Rosalia , Carrasco Eva , Rojo Federico
Published: January 2016

Background.

In the neoadjuvant setting, changes in the proliferation marker Ki67 are associated with primary endocrine treatment efficacy, but its value as a predictor of response to chemotherapy is still controversial.

Patients and Methods.

We analyzed 262 patients with centralized basal Ki67 immunohistochemical evaluation derived from 4 GEICAM (Spanish Breast Cancer Group) clinical trials of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. The objective was to identify the optimal threshold for Ki67 using the receiver-operating characteristic curve method to maximize its predictive value for chemotherapy benefit. We also evaluated the predictive role of the defined Ki67 cutoffs for molecular subtypes defined by estrogen receptor (ER) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2).

Results.

A basal Ki67 cutpoint of 50% predicted pathological complete response (pCR). Patients with Ki67 >50% achieved a pCR rate of 40% (36 of 91) versus a pCR rate of 19% in patients with Ki67 ≤50% (33 of 171) (p = .0004). Ki67 predictive value was especially relevant in ER-HER2− and ER-HER2+ patients (pCR rates of 42% and 64%, respectively, in patients with Ki67 >50% versus 15% and 45%, respectively, in patients with Ki67 ≤50%; p = .0337 and .3238, respectively). Both multivariate analyses confirmed the independent predictive value of the Ki67 cutpoint of 50%.

Conclusion.

Basal Ki67 proliferation index >50% should be considered an independent predictive factor for pCR reached after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, suggesting that cell proliferation is a phenomenon closely related to chemosensitivity. These findings could help to identify a group of patients with a potentially favorable long-term prognosis.
Phase II Study of Olaparib (AZD-2281) After Standard Systemic Therapies for Disseminated Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Leichman Lawrence , Groshen Susan , O’Neil Bert H. , Messersmith Wells , Berlin Jordan , Chan Emily , Leichman Cynthia G. , Cohen Steven J. , Cohen Deirdre , Lenz Heinz-Josef , Gold Philip , Boman Bruce , Fielding Anitra , Locker Gershon , Cason Ronald C. , Hamilton Stan R. , Hochster Howard S.
Published: January 2016

Background.

Effective new agents for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) with disease progression during standard therapy regimens are needed. We hypothesized that poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor therapy in patients with CRC and inefficient tumor DNA repair mechanisms, such as those with high-level microsatellite instability (MSI-H), would result in synthetic lethality.

Methods.

This was an open-label phase II trial testing olaparib 400 mg p.o. b.i.d. for patients with disseminated, measurable CRC failing standard therapies with centrally confirmed tumor MSI status. The primary endpoint was the tumor response, assessed by RECIST, version 1.0. The secondary endpoints were safety/toxicity, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results.

Thirty-three patients (20 microsatellite stable [MSS], 13 MSI-H) were enrolled. The median age for all patients was 57 years and for MSS and MSI-H patients was 51 and 61 years, respectively. All patients received at least one 28-day cycle of olaparib. No patient had a complete or partial response. Nausea (48%), fatigue (36%), and vomiting (33%) were the most commonly reported treatment-related adverse events. The median PFS for all patients was 1.84 months. No statistically significant differences were found in the median PFS or OS for the MSS group compared with the MSI-H group.

Conclusion.

Single-agent olaparib delivered after failure of standard systemic therapy did not demonstrate activity for CRC patients, regardless of microsatellite status. Future trials, testing PARP inhibitors in patients with CRC should focus on the use of DNA-damaging chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, combined with PARP inhibitors, remembering the toxicity reported in the present study.
Geo-characterisation of lime water treatment sludge
Authors: Fei Xunchang , Zekkos Dimitrios , Li Lei , Woods Richard , Sanford Larry
Published: January 2016

In-situ and laboratory tests were performed on lime sludge generated from a drinking water-softening process and disposed of in a sedimentation lagoon. The sludge consists predominantly of calcite. It is poorly graded, low-plasticity silt with in-situ w c around 70%, γ t around 15 kN/m3 and e between 1·5 and 2·5. The optimum w c for standard and modified Proctor compaction is 30% and the maximum γ d values are 12 and 13·5 kN/m3 respectively. The C c and C r for undisturbed sludge specimens are 0·54–0·68 and 0·021–0·046. C v and k decrease with increasing vertical stress. The disposed sludge is sensitive and the in-situ S u,max varies with depth. Stratification of the sludge is evident by the varying values of in-situ S u,max, S u,r and S t with depth and V s profiles. Potential engineering reuse options for the sludge are buffer for acidic soil and low-permeability fill for landfills and brownfields, as well as engineering fill. The properties of lime sludge are different from those of coagulation sludge, primarily due to their different chemical compositions. Coagulation sludge has the physical characteristics of high-plasticity clay. Consequently, lime sludge shows comparatively higher γ d, lower C c and C r and higher C v than coagulation sludge.
Laser-perforated polymer films for possible use in tissue engineering
Authors: Çatıker Efkan , Stakleff Kimberly Sloan , Carr Kelley Bondor , Sancaktar Erol
Published: January 2016

Ablation experiments were carried out to modify surfaces of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and polyurethane (PU)/poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) films using a krypton fluoride excimer laser, which was employed to produce cavities and orderly perforated holes on the films for tissue engineering. Surface patterning was assisted by prefabricated stainless steel masks with different mesh sizes. Film surfaces modified in this manner were studied and analyzed for different laser parameters (such as pulse energy and pulse repetition rate), and characterized using optical microscopy and surface profilometry. The present study demonstrated that laser surface modification of PHB, PLA, PMMA, and PU/PDMS films can be achieved with a high degree of success and precision. The effect of the surface changes on the tendency of cells to adhere to the polymers, as well as its effect on cell growth, were subsequently investigated. Cell–polymer film interfacial interactions were examined based on the proliferation of human fibroblast cells cultured on the laser-modified membranes in comparison to unexposed membranes and tissue culture dishes as controls. Surface topographical features created by excimer laser modification seem to improve the attachment and growth of human fibroblast cells on some of the films.
Comparison of Three-Dimensional Planning-Assisted and Conventional Acetabular Cup Positioning in Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Sariali Elhadi , Boukhelifa Nadia , Catonne Yves , Pascal Moussellard Hugues
Published: January 2016

Background:

Malpositioning of the acetabular cup during total hip arthroplasty increases the risk of dislocation, edge-loading, squeaking, early wear, and loosening. We hypothesized that the use of three-dimensional (3-D) visualization tools to identify the planned cup position relative to the acetabular edge intraoperatively would increase the accuracy of cup orientation. The purpose of this study was to compare 3-D planning-assisted implantation and freehand insertion of the acetabular cup.

Methods:

This was a prospective randomized controlled study of two groups of twenty-eight patients each. In the first group, cup positioning was guided by 3-D views of the cup within the acetabulum obtained during 3-D preoperative planning. In the control group, the cup was placed freehand. All of the patients were operated on by the same surgeon, through a minimally invasive direct anterior approach with the patient in the supine position. Cup anteversion and abduction angles were measured on 3-D computed tomography (CT) reconstructions. The main evaluation criterion was the percentage of outliers according to the Lewinnek safe zone.

Results:

Operative time did not differ between the two groups. The cup anteversion was more accurate in the 3-D planning group (mean difference from the planned angle [and standard deviation], −2.7° ± 5.4°) compared with the freehand-placement group (6.6° ± 9.5°). According to the Lewinnek safe zone, overall, the percentage of outliers was lower in the 3-D planning group (21%; six patients) than in the control group (46%; thirteen patients). According to the Callanan safe zone, the percentage of outliers was also lower in the 3-D planning group (25% versus 64%). Although cup abduction was also restored with greater accuracy in the 3-D planning group, on the basis of the Lewinnek safe zone, the percentage of abduction outliers was comparable between groups, with fewer high-abduction values, but more low-abduction values, in the 3-D planning group.

Conclusions:

Preoperative 3-D planning increased the accuracy of anteversion restoration and reduced the percentage of outliers without increasing the operative time. In this study, the same advantage could not be demonstrated for abduction.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Comparative study on toxicity evaluation of anaerobically treated parboiled rice manufacturing wastewater through fish bioassay
Authors: Giri Dipti Ramesh , Singh Ekta , Satyanarayan Shanta
Published: January 2016

Short term aquatic bioassay has been developed into a useful tool in water quality management. These tests give information on comparative toxicity of several compounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of raw and anaerobically treated effluents of the parboiled rice manufacturing industry. The acute toxicity test was carried out by using the fish Lebistes reticulatus under laboratory conditions. LC50 values for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours ranged between 4.6 and 7.0% for the raw parboiled rice manufacturing wastewater. Two anaerobic fixed film fixed bed reactors and two different media matrices, i.e. UV stabilized Biopac media and Fugino spirals, were used for the treatment of parboiled rice mill wastewater. Effluents from these two reactors depicted LC50 values in the range of 68–88% and 62–78% for Biopac and Fugino spiral packed reactors, respectively. From the results, it is evident that anaerobically treated effluents from Biopac packed reactor is marginally better than Fugino spiral packed reactor. Results subjected to statistical evaluation depicted regression coefficient of more than 0.9 indicating good correlation between the mortality and effluent concentration.
A Regulatory T-Cell Gene Signature Is a Specific and Sensitive Biomarker to Identify Children With New-Onset Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Pesenacker Anne M. , Wang Adele Y. , Singh Amrit , Gillies Jana , Kim Youngwoong , Piccirillo Ciriaco A. , Nguyen Duc , Haining W. Nicholas , Tebbutt Scott J. , Panagiotopoulos Constadina , Levings Megan K.
Published: January 2016

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is caused by immune-mediated destruction of insulin-producing β-cells. Insufficient control of autoreactive T cells by regulatory T cells (Tregs) is believed to contribute to disease pathogenesis, but changes in Treg function are difficult to quantify because of the lack of Treg-exclusive markers in humans and the complexity of functional experiments. We established a new way to track Tregs by using a gene signature that discriminates between Tregs and conventional T cells regardless of their activation states. The resulting 31-gene panel was validated with the NanoString nCounter platform and then measured in sorted CD4+CD25hiCD127lo Tregs from children with T1D and age-matched control subjects. By using biomarker discovery analysis, we found that expression of a combination of six genes, including TNFRSF1B (CD120b) and FOXP3, was significantly different between Tregs from subjects with new-onset T1D and control subjects, resulting in a sensitive (mean ± SD 0.86 ± 0.14) and specific (0.78 ± 0.18) biomarker algorithm. Thus, although the proportion of Tregs in peripheral blood is similar between children with T1D and control subjects, significant changes in gene expression can be detected early in disease process. These findings provide new insight into the mechanisms underlying the failure to control autoimmunity in T1D and might lead to a biomarker test to monitor Tregs throughout disease progression.
Initial Combination Therapy With Canagliflozin Plus Metformin Versus Each Component as Monotherapy for Drug-Naïve Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Rosenstock Julio , Chuck Leonard , González-Ortiz Manuel , Merton Kate , Craig Jagriti , Capuano George , Qiu Rong
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the efficacy/safety of canagliflozin (CANA), a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, plus metformin extended-release (MET) initial therapy in drug-naïve type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This 26-week, double-blind, phase 3 study randomized 1,186 patients to CANA 100 mg (CANA100)/MET, CANA 300 mg (CANA300)/MET, CANA100, CANA300, or MET. Primary end point was change in HbA1c at week 26 for combinations versus monotherapies. Secondary end points included noninferiority in HbA1c lowering with CANA monotherapy versus MET; changes in fasting plasma glucose, body weight, and blood pressure; and proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7.0% (<53 mmol/mol).

RESULTS

From mean baseline HbA1c of 8.8% (73 mmol/mol), CANA100/MET and CANA300/MET significantly lowered HbA1c versus MET (median dose, 2,000 mg/day) by –1.77%, –1.78%, and –1.30% (–19.3, –19.5, and –14.2 mmol/mol; differences of −0.46% and –0.48% [–5.0 and –5.2 mmol/mol]; P = 0.001) and versus CANA100 and CANA300 by –1.37% and –1.42% (–15.0 and –15.5 mmol/mol; differences of –0.40% and –0.36% [–4.4 and –3.9 mmol/mol]; P = 0.001). CANA100 and CANA300 monotherapy met noninferiority for HbA1c lowering and had significantly more weight loss versus MET (–2.8, –3.7, and –1.9 kg [–3.0%, –3.9%, and –2.1%]; P = 0.016 and P = 0.002). Greater attainment of HbA1c <7.0% (50%, 57%, and 43%) and significantly more weight loss (–3.2, –3.9, and –1.9 kg [–3.5%, –4.2%, and –2.1%]; P = 0.001) occurred with CANA100/MET and CANA300/MET versus MET. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) related to SGLT2 inhibition (genital mycotic infections, osmotic diuresis– and volume depletion–related AEs) was higher in the CANA arms (0.4–4.4%) versus MET (0–0.8%). AE-related discontinuation rates were 1.3–3.0% across groups. The incidence of hypoglycemia was 3.0–5.5% in the CANA arms and 4.6% with MET.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial therapy with CANA plus MET was more effective and generally well tolerated versus each monotherapy in drug-naïve type 2 diabetes. CANA monotherapy demonstrated noninferior HbA1c lowering versus MET.
Diabetes and the Association of Postoperative Hyperglycemia With Clinical and Economic Outcomes in Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Greco Giampaolo , Ferket Bart S. , D’Alessandro David A. , Shi Wei , Horvath Keith A. , Rosen Alexander , Welsh Stacey , Bagiella Emilia , Neill Alexis E. , Williams Deborah L. , Greenberg Ann , Browndyke Jeffrey N. , Gillinov A. Marc , Mayer Mary Lou , Keim-Malpass Jessica , Gupta Lopa S. , Hohmann Samuel F. , Gelijns Annetine C. , O'Gara Patrick T. , Moskowitz Alan J.
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

The management of postoperative hyperglycemia is controversial and generally does not take into account pre-existing diabetes. We analyzed clinical and economic outcomes associated with postoperative hyperglycemia in cardiac surgery patients, stratifying by diabetes status.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Multicenter cohort study in 4,316 cardiac surgery patients operated on in 2010. Glucose was measured at 6-h intervals for 48 h postoperatively. Outcomes included cost, hospital length of stay (LOS), cardiac and respiratory complications, major infections, and death. Associations between maximum glucose levels and outcomes were assessed with multivariable regression and recycled prediction analyses.

RESULTS

In patients without diabetes, increasing glucose levels were associated with a gradual worsening of outcomes. In these patients, hyperglycemia (≥180 mg/dL) was associated with an additional cost of $3,192 (95% CI 1,972 to 4,456), an additional hospital LOS of 0.8 days (0.4 to 1.3), an increase in infections of 1.6% (0.5 to 2.8), and an increase in respiratory complications of 2.6% (0.0 to 5.3). However, among patients with insulin-treated diabetes, optimal outcomes were associated with glucose levels considered to be hyperglycemic (180 to 240 mg/dL). This level of hyperglycemia was associated with cost reductions of $6,225 (−12,886 to −222), hospital LOS reductions of 1.6 days (−3.7 to 0.4), infection reductions of 4.1% (−9.1 to 0.0), and reductions in respiratory complication of 12.5% (−22.4 to −3.0). In patients with non–insulin-treated diabetes, outcomes did not differ significantly when hyperglycemia was present.

CONCLUSIONS

Glucose levels <180 mg/dL are associated with better outcomes in most patients, but worse outcomes in patients with diabetes with a history of prior insulin use. These findings support further investigation of a stratified approach to the management of patients with stress-induced postoperative hyperglycemia based on prior diabetes status.
Prevalence of Underweight, Stunting and Thinness Among Adolescent Girls in Kavre District
Authors: Mansur Dil Islam , Haque Mohammad Khurshidul , Sharma Kalpana , Mehta Dilip Kumar , Shakya Rojina
Published: January 2016

Introduction: Poor nutritional status during adolescence is an important determinant of health outcome. The adolescents have different needs and have diverse problems. Nutritional assessments among adolescents are important as they are the future parents and constitute a potentially susceptible group. The present study is an attempt to evaluate the prevalence of underweight, stunting and thinness including overweight among adolescent girls from rural community.Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among school going adolescent girls, 9-16 years studying in various schools in rural area of Kavre district, Nepal during 15thMarch to 15th September 2014. The weight and height were recorded from each participant in kilogram and centimetre respectively, and nutritional status of the adolescent girls was assessed through the Z-scores of underweight (weight for age), stunting (height for age) and thinness (BMI for age) according to WHO criteria. Data was entered and analyzed by using SPSS 19.0.Results: The overall prevalence of underweight, stunting and thinness was 31.98%, 21.08% and 14.94% respectively. It was concluded that highest (49.5%) prevalence of underweight was among 11 years of adolescent girls and the lowest (20.7%) was found in the age group of 13 years. Stunting was highest in age group of 9 years (37.34%) and the lowest prevalence of stunting was 10.7% in the age group of 14 years. The highest prevalence (24.2%) of thinness was found in 9 years and lowest prevalence (11.0%) was found in 10 years adolescent girls.Conclusion: It is concluded that there is a high prevalence of under nutrition among studied adolescent girls in the rural areas of Kavre district. Health education and nutrition interventions are needed on priority basis.J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2015;35(2):129-135
A Letter to the Editor: Comment, Reply, and Etiquette
Authors: Donovan Stephen K.
Published: January 2016

Comments and replies (Letters to the Editor) are short notes arising from a published paper. They can be contentious, even hostile. However, comments may correct an original error or reveal alternative interpretations, support a new contribution or extend its discussion. Comments and replies can add to academic discourse, but they may tread the edges of academic civility. In these days of publication metrics, a cynical author may just use them to improve their citation statistics.
High Compact, High Quality Single Longitudinal Mode Hundred Picoseconds Laser Based on Stimulated Brillouin Scattering Pulse Compression
Authors: Bai Zhenxu , Wang Yulei , Lu Zhiwei , Yuan Hang , Zheng Zhenxing , Li Sensen , Chen Yi , Liu Zhaohong , Cui Can , Wang Hongli , Liu Rui
Published: January 2016

A high beam quality hundred picoseconds single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) laser is demonstrated based on stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) pulse compression and aberration compensation. Flash-lamp-pumped Q-switched Nd3+:Y3Al5O12 (Nd:YAG) SLM laser with Cr4+:Y3Al5O12 (Cr4+:YAG) as a saturable absorber is used as the seed source. By combining master-oscillator-power-amplifier (MOPA), a compact single-cell with FC-770 as working medium is generated as pulse compressor. The 7.8 ns SLM laser is temporally compressed to about 450 ps, and 200 mJ energy is obtained at 1064 nm without optical damage. The energy stability is better than 3% with beam quality factor M2 less than 1.8, which makes this laser system an attractive source for scientific and industrial applications.
Music and Language in Ancient Verse: The Dynamics of an Antagonistic Concord
Authors: Bennett Fionn
Published: January 2016

In antiquity, the relationship between “music”, “poetry”, and “language” was very different from the way they relate to each other today, for back then each of these mediums was endowed with a distinct, independent signifying code expressing a semiosis all its own. However, these separate “semiospheres” nonetheless never ceased growing towards and into one another. This is so because music and “melic” poetry were believed to have the capacity to denote something ordinary language could not denote but could not do without, namely “etymonic truth”. As a result, the users of ordinary language were obsessed with divining the “hyponoia” poets encoded in music and chant. Above all, they wanted this hyponoia to constitute the signifié of their language. For this reason, the meaning expressed in language was subject to a process in which it was constantly being “deported” from its ordinary acceptations and transported towards meanings encoded in music. However, this “deterritorialization” of ordinary meaning never resulted in a full “reterritorialization” upon the terrain of the truth encoded in music. Musicians and poets would not tolerate it. As far as they were concerned, music and poetry would cease being “truthful” if the semiosis they conveyed and the semiosis conveyed by language were interchangeable. For, again, as a signifying code, prosaic language was sui generis incapable of representing the truth. Hence, the relationship between these three codes consisted of a sort of intersemiotic dynamic equilibrium in which language was continuously evolving towards a non-linguistic expression of meaning which conferred truth upon it and what it means. And yet the music and poetry which were the source of that truth deliberately kept language from consummating the aspiration of accosting the truth they encoded. This paper explores the mechanics of this intersemiotic dynamic equilibrium.
Airborne Particulate Matter in Two Multi-Family Green Buildings: Concentrations and Effect of Ventilation and Occupant Behavior
Authors: Patton Allison , Calderon Leonardo , Xiong Youyou , Wang Zuocheng , Senick Jennifer , Sorensen Allacci MaryAnn , Plotnik Deborah , Wener Richard , Andrews Clinton , Krogmann Uta , Mainelis Gediminas
Published: January 2016

There are limited data on air quality parameters, including airborne particulate matter (PM) in residential green buildings, which are increasing in prevalence. Exposure to PM is associated with cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, and since Americans spend almost 90% of their time indoors, residential exposures may substantially contribute to overall airborne PM exposure. Our objectives were to: (1) measure various PM fractions longitudinally in apartments in multi-family green buildings with natural (Building E) and mechanical (Building L) ventilation; (2) compare indoor and outdoor PM mass concentrations and their ratios (I/O) in these buildings, taking into account the effects of occupant behavior; and (3) evaluate the effect of green building designs and operations on indoor PM. We evaluated effects of ventilation, occupant behaviors, and overall building design on PM mass concentrations and I/O. Median PMTOTAL was higher in Building E (56 µg/m3) than in Building L (37 µg/m3); I/O was higher in Building E (1.3–2.0) than in Building L (0.5–0.8) for all particle size fractions. Our data show that the building design and occupant behaviors that either produce or dilute indoor PM (e.g., ventilation systems, combustion sources, and window operation) are important factors affecting residents’ exposure to PM in residential green buildings.
Maternal and Neonatal Levels of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Relation to Gestational Weight Gain
Authors: Ashley-Martin Jillian , Dodds Linda , Arbuckle Tye , Morisset Anne-Sophie , Fisher Mandy , Bouchard Maryse , Shapiro Gabriel , Ettinger Adrienne , Monnier Patricia , Dallaire Renee , Taback Shayne , Fraser William
Published: January 2016

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are ubiquitous, persistent pollutants widely used in the production of common household and consumer goods. There is a limited body of literature suggesting that these chemicals may alter metabolic pathways and growth trajectories. The relationship between prenatal exposures to these chemicals and gestational weight gain (GWG) has received limited attention. One objective was to analyze the associations among maternal plasma levels of three common perfluoroalkyl substances (perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexanesulfanoate (PFHxS)) and GWG. Additionally, we explored whether GWG was associated with cord blood PFAS levels. This study utilized data collected in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study, a trans-Canada cohort study of 2001 pregnant women. Our analysis quantified associations between (1) maternal PFAS concentrations and GWG and (2) GWG and cord blood PFAS concentrations. Maternal PFOS concentrations were positively associated with GWG (β = 0.39 95% CI: 0.02, 0.75). Interquartile increases in GWG were significantly associated with elevated cord blood PFOA (OR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.56) and PFOS (OR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.40) concentrations. No statistically significant associations were observed between GWG and either measure of PFHxS. These findings warrant elucidation of the potential underlying mechanisms.
Iron Homeostasis in Health and Disease
Authors: Gozzelino Raffaella , Arosio Paolo
Published: January 2016

Iron is required for the survival of most organisms, including bacteria, plants, and humans. Its homeostasis in mammals must be fine-tuned to avoid iron deficiency with a reduced oxygen transport and diminished activity of Fe-dependent enzymes, and also iron excess that may catalyze the formation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals, oxidative stress, and programmed cell death. The advance in understanding the main players and mechanisms involved in iron regulation significantly improved since the discovery of genes responsible for hemochromatosis, the IRE/IRPs machinery, and the hepcidin-ferroportin axis. This review provides an update on the molecular mechanisms regulating cellular and systemic Fe homeostasis and their roles in pathophysiologic conditions that involve alterations of iron metabolism, and provides novel therapeutic strategies to prevent the deleterious effect of its deficiency/overload.
VLDL from Metabolic Syndrome Individuals Enhanced Lipid Accumulation in Atria with Association of Susceptibility to Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Lee Hsiang-Chun , Lin Hsin-Ting , Ke Liang-Yin , Wei Chi , Hsiao Yi-Lin , Chu Chih-Sheng , Lai Wen-Ter , Shin Shyi-Jang , Chen Chu-Huang , Sheu Sheng-Hsiung , Wu Bin-Nan
Published: January 2016

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a cluster of metabolic derangements. Dyslipidemia is an important factor in MetS and is related to atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesized that very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) in MetS (MetS-VLDL) may induce atrial dilatation and vulnerability to AF. VLDL was therefore separated from normal (normal-VLDL) and MetS individuals. Wild type C57BL/6 male mice were divided into control, normal-VLDL (nVLDL), and MetS-VLDL (msVLDL) groups. VLDL (15 µg/g) and equivalent volumes of saline were injected via tail vein three times a week for six consecutive weeks. Cardiac chamber size and function were measured by echocardiography. MetS-VLDL significantly caused left atrial dilation (control, n = 10, 1.64 ± 0.23 mm; nVLDL, n = 7, 1.84 ± 0.13 mm; msVLDL, n = 10, 2.18 ± 0.24 mm; p < 0.0001) at week 6, associated with decreased ejection fraction (control, n = 10, 62.5% ± 7.7%, vs. msVLDL, n = 10, 52.9% ± 9.6%; p < 0.05). Isoproterenol-challenge experiment resulted in AF in young msVLDL mice. Unprovoked AF occurred only in elderly msVLDL mice. Immunohistochemistry showed excess lipid accumulation and apoptosis in msVLDL mice atria. These findings suggest a pivotal role of VLDL in AF pathogenesis for MetS individuals.
Influence of Oxygen Concentration on the Performance of Ultra-Thin RF Magnetron Sputter Deposited Indium Tin Oxide Films as a Top Electrode for Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Gwamuri Jephias , Marikkannan Murugesan , Mayandi Jeyanthinath , Bowen Patrick , Pearce Joshua
Published: January 2016

The opportunity for substantial efficiency enhancements of thin film hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) solar photovoltaic (PV) cells using plasmonic absorbers requires ultra-thin transparent conducting oxide top electrodes with low resistivity and high transmittances in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Fabricating ultra-thin indium tin oxide (ITO) films (sub-50 nm) using conventional methods has presented a number of challenges; however, a novel method involving chemical shaving of thicker (greater than 80 nm) RF sputter deposited high-quality ITO films has been demonstrated. This study investigates the effect of oxygen concentration on the etch rates of RF sputter deposited ITO films to provide a detailed understanding of the interaction of all critical experimental parameters to help create even thinner layers to allow for more finely tune plasmonic resonances. ITO films were deposited on silicon substrates with a 98-nm, thermally grown oxide using RF magnetron sputtering with oxygen concentrations of 0, 0.4 and 1.0 sccm and annealed at 300 °C air ambient. Then the films were etched using a combination of water and hydrochloric and nitric acids for 1, 3, 5 and 8 min at room temperature. In-between each etching process cycle, the films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, 4-point probe (electrical conductivity), and variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry. All the films were polycrystalline in nature and highly oriented along the (222) reflection. Ultra-thin ITO films with record low resistivity values (as low as 5.83 × 10−4 Ω·cm) were obtained and high optical transparency is exhibited in the 300–1000 nm wavelength region for all the ITO films. The etch rate, preferred crystal lattice growth plane, d-spacing and lattice distortion were also observed to be highly dependent on the nature of growth environment for RF sputter deposited ITO films. The structural, electrical, and optical properties of the ITO films are discussed with respect to the oxygen ambient nature and etching time in detail to provide guidance for plasmonic enhanced a-Si:H solar PV cell fabrication.
Influence of Radiation Sterilization on Properties of Biodegradable Lactide/Glycolide/Trimethylene Carbonate and Lactide/Glycolide/ε-caprolactone Porous Scaffolds with Shape Memory Behavior
Authors: Rychter Piotr , Śmigiel-Gac Natalia , Pamuła Elżbieta , Smola-Dmochowska Anna , Janeczek Henryk , Prochwicz Wojciech , Dobrzyński Piotr
Published: January 2016

The aim of the study was the evaluation of gamma irradiation and electron beams for sterilization of porous scaffolds with shape memory behavior obtained from biodegradable terpolymers: poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide-co-trimethylene carbonate) and poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide-co-ɛ-caprolactone). The impact of mentioned sterilization techniques on the structure of the scaffolds before and after the sterilization process using irradiation doses ranged from 10 to 25 kGy has been investigated. Treatment of the samples with gamma irradiation at 15 kGy dose resulted in considerable drop in glass transition temperature (Tg) and number average molecular weight (Mn). For comparison, after irradiation of the samples using an electron beam with the same dose, no significant changes in structure or properties of examined scaffolds have been noticed. Higher doses of irradiation via electron beam caused essential changes of the scaffolds’ pores resulting in partial melting of their surface. Nevertheless, obtained results have revealed that sterilization with electron beam, when compared to gamma irradiation, is a better method because it does not affect significantly the physicochemical properties of the scaffolds. Both used methods of sterilization did not influence the shape memory behavior of the examined materials.
Solid-State Gas Sensors: Sensor System Challenges in the Civil Security Domain
Authors: Müller Gerhard , Hackner Angelika , Beer Sebastian , Göbel Johann
Published: January 2016

The detection of military high explosives and illicit drugs presents problems of paramount importance in the fields of counter terrorism and criminal investigation. Effectively dealing with such threats requires hand-portable, mobile and affordable instruments. The paper shows that solid-state gas sensors can contribute to the development of such instruments provided the sensors are incorporated into integrated sensor systems, which acquire the target substances in the form of particle residue from suspect objects and which process the collected residue through a sequence of particle sampling, solid-vapor conversion, vapor detection and signal treatment steps. Considering sensor systems with metal oxide gas sensors at the backend, it is demonstrated that significant gains in sensitivity, selectivity and speed of response can be attained when the threat substances are sampled in particle as opposed to vapor form.
Effects of Halide Ions on the Carbamidocyclophane Biosynthesis in Nostoc sp. CAVN2
Authors: Preisitsch Michael , Heiden Stefan , Beerbaum Monika , Niedermeyer Timo , Schneefeld Marie , Herrmann Jennifer , Kumpfmüller Jana , Thürmer Andrea , Neidhardt Inga , Wiesner Christoph , Daniel Rolf , Müller Rolf , Bange Franz-Christoph , Schmieder Peter , Schweder Thomas , Mundt Sabine
Published: January 2016

In this study, the influence of halide ions on [7.7]paracyclophane biosynthesis in the cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. CAVN2 was investigated. In contrast to KI and KF, supplementation of the culture medium with KCl or KBr resulted not only in an increase of growth but also in an up-regulation of carbamidocyclophane production. LC-MS analysis indicated the presence of chlorinated, brominated, but also non-halogenated derivatives. In addition to 22 known cylindrocyclophanes and carbamidocyclophanes, 27 putative congeners have been detected. Nine compounds, carbamidocyclophanes M−U, were isolated, and their structural elucidation by 1D and 2D NMR experiments in combination with HRMS and ECD analysis revealed that they are brominated analogues of chlorinated carbamidocyclophanes. Quantification of the carbamidocyclophanes showed that chloride is the preferably utilized halide, but incorporation is reduced in the presence of bromide. Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of 30 [7.7]paracyclophanes and related derivatives against selected pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria exhibited remarkable effects especially against methicillin- and vancomycin-resistant staphylococci and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. For deeper insights into the mechanisms of biosynthesis, the carbamidocyclophane biosynthetic gene cluster in Nostoc sp. CAVN2 was studied. The gene putatively coding for the carbamoyltransferase has been identified. Based on bioinformatic analyses, a possible biosynthetic assembly is discussed.
Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-Based Rapid Secondary-Metabolite Profiling of Marine Pseudoalteromonas sp. M2
Authors: Kim Woo , Kim Young , Kim Jin , Nam Bo-Hye , Kim Dong-Gyun , An Cheul , Lee Jun , Kim Pan , Lee Hye , Oh Joa-Sup , Lee Jong
Published: January 2016

The ocean is a rich resource of flora, fauna, and food. A wild-type bacterial strain showing confluent growth on marine agar with antibacterial activity was isolated from marine water, identified using 16S rDNA sequence analysis as Pseudoalteromonas sp., and designated as strain M2. This strain was found to produce various secondary metabolites including quinolone alkaloids. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, we identified nine secondary metabolites of 4-hydroxy-2-alkylquinoline (pseudane-III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, and XI). Additionally, this strain produced two novel, closely related compounds, 2-isopentylqunoline-4-one and 2-(2,3-dimetylbutyl)qunoline-4-(1H)-one, which have not been previously reported from marine bacteria. From the metabolites produced by Pseudoalteromonas sp. M2, 2-(2,3-dimethylbutyl)quinolin-4-one, pseudane-VI, and pseudane-VII inhibited melanin synthesis in Melan-A cells by 23.0%, 28.2%, and 42.7%, respectively, wherein pseudane-VII showed the highest inhibition at 8 µg/mL. The results of this study suggest that liquid chromatography (LC)-MS/MS-based metabolite screening effectively improves the efficiency of novel metabolite discovery. Additionally, these compounds are promising candidates for further bioactivity development.
Clarification of Orange Press Liquors by PVDF Hollow Fiber Membranes
Authors: Simone Silvia , Conidi Carmela , Ursino Claudia , Cassano Alfredo , Figoli Alberto
Published: January 2016

Press liquors are typical by-products of the citrus juice processing characterized by a high content of organic compounds and associated problems of environmental impact, which imply high treatment costs. However, these wastes contain a great number of health promoting substances, including fibers, carotenoids and phenolic compounds (mainly flavonoids), whose recovery against waste-destruction technologies is very attractive for new business opportunities. In this work, the clarification of orange press liquor by using microfiltration (MF) membranes is studied as a preliminary step to obtain a permeate stream enriched in antioxidant compounds which can be further processed to produce extracts of nutraceutical and/or pharmaceutical interest. MF poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) hollow fibers were prepared by the dry/wet spinning technique. A series of fibers was produced from the same polymeric dope, in order to investigate the effect of selected spinning parameters, i.e., bore fluid composition and flowrate, on their properties. The morphology of the produced fibers was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Fibers were further characterized for their mechanical properties, porosity, bubble point, pore size distribution and pure water permeability (PWP). Some of the produced fibers exhibited high permeability (pure water permeability ~530 L/m2·h·bar), coupled to good mechanical resistance and pore size in the range of MF membranes. These fibers were selected and used for the clarification of press liquor from orange peel processing. In optimized operating conditions, the selected fibers produced steady-state fluxes of about 41 L/m2·h with rejections towards polyphenols and total antioxidant activity of 4.1% and 1.4%, respectively.