bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GANDRA-BARTA FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF FACIAL EMOTION RECOGNITION IN ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY
Authors: Leite Marcela , Guerreiro Sandra , Almeida Isabel , Peixoto Bruno
Published: August 2017

[b]Background[/b][b]:[/b] Patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) may experience social difficulties more specifically in the emotional recognition of faces. The present research aims to test the discriminative validity of Gandra-BARTA to the changes in the emotional recognition of faces after ABI and to perceive its connection with the general cognitive functioning, executive functioning and other variables associated with ABI. [b]Material/ Methods: [/b]The sample consists of two groups, the Clinical Group (n=20, ABI participants) and the Control Group (n=16, healthy participants). All participants underwent a global cognitive assessment through the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), executive functioning was measured by INECO Frontal Screening and the evaluation of emotional recognition of faces through Gandra-BARTA.[b]Results: [/b]The results demonstrate that Gandra-BARTA presents discriminative capacity for the evaluation of the emotional recognition of faces in patients with acquired brain injury. We observed differences between the two groups in the capacity of emotional recognition especially in the identification of emotions such as anger, disgust, happiness and surprise. The study also shows the existence of a decline in the identification of emotions with age, in the recognition of the disgusting stimuli presents a deficit related to the age and executive functioning, while with the rage the decline is related to the age and schooling. The emotional recognition of faces presents improvements with time after injury. Identification of the neutral expression demonstrates an improvement over time after injury.[b]Conclusions:[/b]The discriminative ability of Gandra-BARTA allows it to be an instrument to be used in the evaluation of the emotional recognition of faces in patients with acquired brain injury. Individuals with brain injury have difficulties in identifying anger, disgust, happiness and surprise. Emotional recognition differs in relation to age, executive functioning, schooling, and time after injury.
THE NEUROPSYCHOLOGY OF CREATIVITY: A PROFILE OF INDIAN ARTISTS
Authors: Sadana Divya , Rajeswaran Jamuna , Jain Sanjeev , Kumaran Senthil , Thennarasu K. , S Ravi , Sundar N
Published: August 2017

[b]Background: [/b]The present study aims at comparing the cognitive profile of creative artists and non-creative participants. We assessed creativity correlates by taking a sample of professionally creative artists unlike those previous studies conducted with college students or which employed biographical data from eminent creators who form a rare and extreme group on the continuum of creativity.[b]Material/ Methods: [/b]A matched control design with cross sectional assessment was used for the study. The study sample comprised two groups – Creative group (CR) and matched Non-creative group (NC) with 30 participants each. All participants were in the age range of 20-40 years and had a minimum average intelligence (IQ score &gt;90). Screening measures included the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory, Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices and the Creativity Achievement Questionnaire used to select pro C creative individuals for the creative group. NIMHANS Neuropsychological Battery (Rao et al, 2004) was used to assess the comprehensive cognitive profile (domains of speed and attention; executive functions; learning &amp; memory) of the participants. The Battery comprises globally recognized neuropsychological tests which have been standardized for the Indian population.[b]Results: [/b]It was found that CR group had statistically significant higher scores on focused attention, category fluency, design fluency (both free and fixed), visuo-spatial working memory (medium effect size), set shifting ability, response inhibition and verbal memory. A significant positive correlation was found between intelligence, mental speed, focused attention, category fluency, design fluency (both free &amp; fixed), set shifting, response inhibition, verbal memory and all components of creativity.[b]Conclusions:[/b]The present study elucidates the functions associated with creativity. It was possible to identify creative individuals, one to one matching across both the groups, thereby controlling the influence of age, gender and education; using a standardized and comprehensive battery to assess cognitive functions and statistical rigor in analyzing the data.
Ergonomic evaluation of physiological stress of building construction workers associated with manual material handling tasks
Authors: Saha P , Basu B , Devashish Sen D
Published: August 2017

Purpose: In India, the cost of manpower is very low; hence Manual Material Handling (MMH) is the cheapest solution. This study aimed to quantify the cardiac strain and postural stress of male building construction workers associated with MMH tasks.
Materials and methods: Mean (SD) age (years) and job experience (years) of the workers were 31.0(4.65) and 8.8 (3.23), respectively (n=35). Working peak heart rate was recorded by polar heart rate monitor, posture analysis was done by the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method, body part discomfort was assessed by the Nordic questionnaire, and perceived exertion was evaluated by the Borg scale. Two-tailed unpaired Student’s t test was performed between peak heart rate of workers associated with MMH tasks and upper extremity intensive tasks (n=31).
Results: Results revealed that mean peak heart rate of the workers was significantly different (higher) compared with that of the upper extremity intensive workers (p<0.05). This study showed that most of the working postures were hazardous. The magnitude of risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) was much higher as per REBA compared with OWAS. Most of the workers suffered from pain in the head, neck, shoulder, lower back, and arm region. As per the Borg scale, the rate of perceived exertion was ‘hard and heavy’ among most of the workers (68.57%).
Conclusions: Postural stress and cardiac strain beyond the safe limit indicates the heavy nature of the job. Load limit optimization, ergonomic lifting technique, and rescheduled work-rest cycle are essential to reducing physiological and perceived work load.
Uma problemática da Arqueologia e da História: a cidade e seus territórios
Authors: Kern Arno Alvarez
Published: August 2017

Os estudos que atualmente se desenvolvem sobre a temática da cidade apresentam como objetivo principal aprofundar as reflexões e os conhecimentos históricos sobre esses microcosmos em que muitas sociedades do passado escolheram viver. Este trabalho tem como objetivo pesquisar a originalidade, as causas do desenvolvimento e as mudanças ocorridas nessa história de longa duração. A urbanidade, ou seja, uma maneira de ser característica das aglomerações urbanas, está diretamente relacionada à história de longa duração das civilizações e, certamente, com a história das sociedades ibero-americanas. Esse é um fenômeno que nós, historiadores e arqueólogos da atualidade, julgamos não apenas importante, mas mais fundamental em nosso modo de vida social do que os próprios homens da época poderiam pensar em relação às suas próprias sociedades.
O Espelho da História: práticas patrimonialistas e transformações na paisagem urbana de Viçosa (1980-2010)
Authors: Civale Leonardo , Martins Walkíria Maria Freitas
Published: August 2017

Ao final do século XX e início do século XXI, as paisagens urbanas modificadas, após anos de atividades industriais, vêm passando por um processo de reconfiguração. As ações nos centros urbanos foram projetadas pelos interesses do capital ou por decisões de políticas públicas. Os grupos dominantes optam por reconstruir as paisagens urbanas ditas degradas, levando em consideração os interesses do capital e o narcisismo de memórias coletivas previamente selecionadas. Portanto, a construção, reconstrução ou preservação de paisagens urbanas é, na realidade, um campo aberto, de conflito acirrado, de discussão apaixonada e veleidades estéticas entre os diferentes grupos que habitam o mesmo espaço. Tal fato reforça a importância do estudo da dimensão simbólica nas paisagens urbanas. Este trabalho analisa  as políticas patrimoniais do município de Viçosa, entre os anos de 1980 e 2010 e tem o objetivo de interpretar as discussões e os discursos relacionados ao patrimônio, que modelaram a paisagem da cidade.
Vivências quotidianas na rua: os costumes e foros na Idade Média portuguesa
Authors: Tavares Maria Alice Da Silveira
Published: August 2017

Neste trabalho, pretendemos analisar as ruas e as vivências quotidianas nos concelhos medievais portugueses (Alfaiates, Castelo Bom, Castelo Melhor, Castelo Rodrigo, Guarda, Santarém, Torres Novas, Évora e Beja), tendo como suporte os seus costumes e foros redigidos no século XIII. Utilizamos exclusivamente esta fonte jurídica de caráter local e consuetudinário porque nos oferece múltiplos campos de análise para o estudo das estruturas urbanas, tais como a rua, da sociedade municipal medieval e dos seus modos de vida. Para levar a cabo o nosso estudo, estabelecemos três pontos de análise diferentes, assentes na criminalidade urbana, fazendo uma apresentação dos delitos e conflitos, bem como das penas estipuladas. Em segundo lugar, refletiremos sobre as condições higiene e salubridade e, por fim, focaremos a atenção na economia desenvolvida, sobretudo pelos mesteirais e comerciantes nas ruas.
Estimativa da temperatura-base para emissão de folhas e do filocrono da erva-mate na fase de muda
Authors: Poleto Gian Carlos , Paula Gizelli Moiano de , Caron Braulio Otomar , Elli Elvis Felipe
Published: August 2017

A erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) é uma espécie nativa do Brasil, Argentina e Paraguai. O cultivo dessa espécie é um dos sistemas agroflorestais mais antigos e característicos da região Sul do Brasil, assumindo significativa importância ambiental e socioeconômica. O objetivo desse trabalho foi estimar a temperatura-base para a emissão de folhas e o filocrono da erva-mate na fase de muda. O experimento foi conduzido em um viveiro da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, campus Frederico Westphalen. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com três épocas de transplantio diferentes, com vinte repetições cada. A Temperatura-base (Tb) foi estimada usando a metodologia do menor valor do Quadrado Médio do Erro (QME) e o filocrono foi obtido através do inverso do coeficiente angular da regressão linear entre o número de folhas emitidas e a soma térmica acumulada. A Tb foi de 8,5 °C e o filocrono estimado variou de 393,27 °C dia folha -1 a 401,01 °C dia folha -1, em mudas de erva-mate.
Quantile Regression for Area Disease Counts: Bayesian Estimation using Generalized Poisson Regression
Authors: Congdon Peter
Published: August 2017

Generalized linear models based on Poisson regression are commonly applied to count data for area morbidity outcomes, focused on modelling the conditional mean of the response as a function of a set of risk factors. Mean regression models may be sensitive to outliers and provide no information on other distributional features of the response. We consider instead a Poisson lognormal hierarchical approach to quantile regression of spatially configured count data, allowing for observed risk factors and spatially correlated unobserved risk factors. This technique has the advantage that a profile of the relative outcome risk across quantiles can be obtained, including estimates of uncertainty (e.g. the uncertainty attaching to 2.5% or 5% relative risk quantiles). An application involves counts of emergency hospitalisations for self-harm for 6791 small areas in England. Known risk factors are area deprivation, a measure of social fragmentation and a measure of rural status. It is shown that impact of these predictors varies between quantiles, and that hierarchical quantile regression generally produces narrower risk intervals, except for outlier areas, and leads to a higher number of areas being classed as high risk.
Using Copulas to Select Prognostic Genes in Melanoma Patients
Authors: Chaba Linda , Odhiambo John , Omolo Bernard
Published: August 2017

Melanoma of the skin is the fifth and seventh most commonly diagnosed carcinoma in men and women, respectively, in the USA. So far, gene signatures prognostic for overall and distant metastasis-free survival, for example, have been promising in the identification of therapeutic targets for primary and metastatic melanoma. But most of these gene signatures have been selected using statistics that depend entirely on the parametric distributions of the data (e.g. t-statistics). In this study, we assessed the impact of relaxing the parametric assumptions on the power of the models used for gene selection. We developed a semi-parametric model for feature selection that does not depend on the distributions of the covariates. This copula-based model only assumed that the marginal distributions of the covariates are continuous. Simulations indicated that the copula-based model had reasonable power at various levels of the false discovery rate (FDR). These results were validated in a publicly-available melanoma dataset. Relaxing parametric assumptions on microarray data may yield procedures that have good power for differential gene expression analysis.
Portfolio, refleksion og feedback
Authors: Qvortrup Ane , Hansen Jens Jørgen , Christensen Inger-Marie Falgren
Published: August 2017

Denne leder definerer indledningsvist begrebet portfolio og gør rede for anvendelsesmuligheder i en uddannelseskontekst. Dernæst behandles portfoliometodens kvalitet og effekt for læring og undervisning og de centrale begreber refleksion, progression og feedback præsenteres og diskuteres. Herefter listes teknologier, der understøtter portfolioens opbygning og brug og implikationerne forbundet med valg af teknologi diskuteres kort. Afslutningsvist præsenteres temanummerets 5 artikler, der endvidere er inddraget undervejs i lederen som eksemplificering af de præsenterede begreber og teknologier.
Kono-S Anastomosis for Crohn's Disease: Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Eto Shohei , Yoshikawa Kozo , Iwata Takashi , Higashijima Jun , Tokunaga Takuya , Nishi Masaaki , Kashihara Hideya , Takasu Chie , Shimada Mitsuo , Kono Toru
Published: August 2017

Crohn disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the entire gastrointestinal tract. The standard treatment for CD is medication to control the inflammation and relieve the symptoms. CD patients often require surgery at some point in their life for complications, treatment resistance, and side effects of medication. However, postoperative recurrences are common. To reduce anastomotic troubles, several types of anastomosis were investigated. Kono-S anastomosis, an antimesenteric, functional, end-to-end handsewn anastomosis, was introduced in order to prevent the restenosis caused by recurrence of CD in 2010. Kono-S anastomosis is expected lower susceptibility to mechanical distortions due to the stability provided by the “supporting column.” We herein report 2 cases of CD performed with a Kono-S anastomosis. The importance of these cases is that Kono-S anastomosis is useful for preventing restenosis caused by recurrence. The first patient was a 26-year-old man who suffered from CD for 9 years. Computed tomography (CT) showed inflammation and stenosis at the ileocecum, a fistula between the terminal ileum and sigmoid colon, and an intraperitoneal abscess. We performed an ileocecal resection and a Kono-S anastomosis. The second patient was a 25-year-old woman who suffered from CD for 8 years. CT showed inflammation and stenosis at the ileocecum, and a retroperitoneal abscess. We performed an ileocecal resection and Kono-S anastomosis. Both patients showed no recurrence after surgery. Kono-S anastomosis may be effective for preventing recurrence at anastomotic sites in CD patients.
In silico analysis of heme oxygenase structural homologues identifies group‐specific conservations
Authors: Irvin Joseph , Ropelewski Alexander J. , Perozich John
Published: July 2017

Heme oxygenases (HO) catalyze the breakdown of heme, aiding the recycling of its components. Several other enzymes have homologous tertiary structures to HOs, while sharing little sequence homology. These homologues include thiaminases, the hydroxylase component of methane monooxygenases, and the R2 component of Class I ribonucleotide reductases (RNR). This study compared these structural homologues of HO, using a large number of protein sequences for each homologue. Alignment of a total of 472 sequences showed little sequence conservation, with no residues having conservation in more than 80% of aligned sequences and only five residues conserved in at least 60% of the sequences. Fourteen additional positions, most of which were critical for hydrophobic packing, displayed amino acid similarity of 60% or higher. Ten conserved sequence motifs were identified in HOs and RNRs. Phylogenetic analysis verified the existence of the four distinct groups of HO homologues, which were then analyzed by group entropy analysis to identify residues critical to the unique function of each enzyme. Other methods for determining functional residues were also performed. Several common index positions identified represent critical evolutionary changes that resulted in the unique function of each enzyme, suggesting potential targets for site‐directed mutagenesis. These positions included residues that coordinate ligands, form the active sites, and maintain enzyme structure.

Enzymes

Heme oxygenase (EC 1.14.14.18), methane monooxygenase (EC 1.14.13.25), ribonucleotide reductase (EC 1.17.4.1), thiaminase II (EC 3.5.99.2).
Mouse glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) has a similar enzyme activity and inhibition profile but a different tissue distribution to human GCPII
Authors: Knedlík Tomáš , Vorlová Barbora , Navrátil Václav , Tykvart Jan , Sedlák František , Vaculín Šimon , Franěk Miloslav , Šácha Pavel , Konvalinka Jan
Published: July 2017

Glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII), also known as prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) or folate hydrolase, is a metallopeptidase expressed predominantly in the human brain and prostate. GCPII expression is considerably increased in prostate carcinoma, and the enzyme also participates in glutamate excitotoxicity in the brain. Therefore, GCPII represents an important diagnostic marker of prostate cancer progression and a putative target for the treatment of both prostate cancer and neuronal disorders associated with glutamate excitotoxicity. For the development of novel therapeutics, mouse models are widely used. However, although mouse GCPII activity has been characterized, a detailed comparison of the enzymatic activity and tissue distribution of the mouse and human GCPII orthologs remains lacking. In this study, we prepared extracellular mouse GCPII and compared it with human GCPII. We found that mouse GCPII possesses lower catalytic efficiency but similar substrate specificity compared with the human protein. Using a panel of GCPII inhibitors, we discovered that inhibition constants are generally similar for mouse and human GCPII. Furthermore, we observed highest expression of GCPII protein in the mouse kidney, brain, and salivary glands. Importantly, we did not detect GCPII in the mouse prostate. Our data suggest that the differences in enzymatic activity and inhibition profile are rather small; therefore, mouse GCPII can approximate human GCPII in drug development and testing. On the other hand, significant differences in GCPII tissue expression must be taken into account when developing novel GCPII‐based anticancer and therapeutic methods, including targeted anticancer drug delivery systems, and when using mice as a model organism.
High glucose stimulates expression of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) and secretion of aldosterone in human adrenal cells
Authors: Shimada Hiroki , Kogure Naotaka , Noro Erika , Kudo Masataka , Sugawara Kaori , Sato Ikuko , Shimizu Kyoko , Kobayashi Makoto , Suzuki Dai , Parvin Rehana , Saito‐Ito Takako , Uruno Akira , Saito‐Hakoda Akiko , Rainey William E. , Ito Sadayoshi , Yokoyama Atsushi , Sugawara Akira
Published: July 2017

Aldosterone synthase is the key rate‐limiting enzyme in adrenal aldosterone production, and induction of its gene (CYP11B2) results in the progression of hypertension. As hypertension is a frequent complication among patients with diabetes, we set out to elucidate the link between diabetes mellitus and hypertension. We examined the effects of high glucose on CYP11B2 expression and aldosterone production using human adrenal H295R cells and a stable H295R cell line expressing a CYP11B2 5′‐flanking region/luciferase cDNA chimeric construct. d‐glucose (d‐glu), but not its enantiomer l‐glucose, dose dependently induced CYP11B2 transcription and mRNA expression. A high concentration (450 mg·dL−1) of d‐glu time dependently induced CYP11B2 transcription and mRNA expression. Moreover, high glucose stimulated secretion of aldosterone into the media. Transient transfection studies using deletion mutants/nerve growth factor‐induced clone B (NGFIB) response element 1 (NBRE‐1) point mutant of CYP11B2 5′‐flanking region revealed that the NBRE‐1 element, known to be activated by transcription factors NGFIB and NURR1, was responsible for the high glucose‐mediated effect. High glucose also induced the mRNA expression of these transcription factors, especially that of NURR1, but NURR1 knockdown using its siRNA did not affect high glucose‐induced CYP11B2 mRNA expression. Taken together, it is speculated that high glucose may induce CYP11B2 transcription via the NBRE‐1 element in its 5′‐flanking region, resulting in the increase in aldosterone production although high glucose‐induced NURR1 is not directly involved in the effect. Additionally, glucose metabolism and calcium channels were found to be involved in the high glucose effect. Our observations suggest one possible explanation for the high incidence of hypertension in patients with diabetes.
Quality assurance in proton beam therapy using a plastic scintillator and a commercially available digital camera
Authors: Almurayshid Mansour , Helo Yusuf , Kacperek Andrzej , Griffiths Jennifer , Hebden Jem , Gibson Adam
Published: July 2017

Purpose

In this article, we evaluate a plastic scintillation detector system for quality assurance in proton therapy using a BC‐408 plastic scintillator, a commercial camera, and a computer.

Methods

The basic characteristics of the system were assessed in a series of proton irradiations. The reproducibility and response to changes of dose, dose‐rate, and proton energy were determined. Photographs of the scintillation light distributions were acquired, and compared with Geant4 Monte Carlo simulations and with depth‐dose curves measured with an ionization chamber. A quenching effect was observed at the Bragg peak of the 60 MeV proton beam where less light was produced than expected. We developed an approach using Birks equation to correct for this quenching. We simulated the linear energy transfer (LET) as a function of depth in Geant4 and found Birks constant by comparing the calculated LET and measured scintillation light distribution. We then used the derived value of Birks constant to correct the measured scintillation light distribution for quenching using Geant4.

Results

The corrected light output from the scintillator increased linearly with dose. The system is stable and offers short‐term reproducibility to within 0.80%. No dose rate dependency was observed in this work.

Conclusions

This approach offers an effective way to correct for quenching, and could provide a method for rapid, convenient, routine quality assurance for clinical proton beams. Furthermore, the system has the advantage of providing 2D visualization of individual radiation fields, with potential application for quality assurance of complex, time‐varying fields.
Pnictogen (As, Sb, Bi) Nanosheets for Electrochemical Applications Are Produced by Shear Exfoliation Using Kitchen Blenders
Authors: Gusmão Rui , Sofer Zdeněk , Bouša Daniel , Pumera Martin
Published: July 2017

Layered materials are of high importance because of their anisotropy and as a source of 2D materials. Whilst there is a plethora of multi‐elemental 2D materials, the number mono‐elemental 2D materials is rather limited. Herein, we demonstrate that aqueous shear exfoliation can be used to obtain As, Sb, and Bi exfoliated nanosheets. Morphological and chemical characterization of the exfoliated materials shows a decrease in thickness, sheet‐to‐nanosheet scale, and partial oxidation owing to a higher surface area. The electrochemical performance is tested in terms of inherent electrochemistry, electron transfer, and sensing applications as demonstrated with ascorbic acid. Potential energy‐related applications are evaluated in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), with shear‐exfoliated Sb having the best electrochemical performance overall. These findings will have a profound impact on the preparation and application of 2D mono‐elemental materials.
Metabolic engineering of isopropyl alcohol‐producing Escherichia coli strains with 13C‐metabolic flux analysis
Authors: Okahashi Nobuyuki , Matsuda Fumio , Yoshikawa Katsunori , Shirai Tomokazu , Matsumoto Yoshiko , Wada Mitsufumi , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: July 2017

Metabolic engineering of isopropyl alcohol (IPA)‐producing Escherichia coli strains was conducted along with 13C‐metabolic flux analysis (MFA). A metabolically engineered E. coli strain expressing the adc gene derived from Clostridium acetobutylicum and the IPADH gene from C. beijerinckii did not produce IPA during its exponential growth phase in the aerobic batch culture. 13C‐MFA was carried out, and revealed a deficiency in NADPH regeneration for IPA production in growth phase. Based on these findings, we used nitrogen‐starved culture conditions to reduce NADPH consumption for biomass synthesis. As a result, IPA yield was increased to 20% mol/mol glucose. 13C‐MFA revealed that the relative flux levels through the oxidative pentose phosphate (PP) pathway and the TCA cycle were elevated in nitrogen‐starved condition relative to glucose uptake rate. To prevent CO2 release in the 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGDH) reaction, metabolism of this E. coli strain was further engineered to redirect glycolytic flux to the glucose 6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and Entner‐Doudoroff (ED) pathway. IPA yield of 55% mol/mol glucose was achieved by combining the nitrogen‐starved culture condition with the metabolic redirection. The 13C‐MFA data and intracellular NADPH levels obtained under these IPA production conditions revealed linear correlations between the specific IPA production rate and NADPH concentration, as well as between IPA yield and the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) flux. Our results showed that 13C‐MFA is a helpful tool for metabolic engineering studies, and that further improvement in IPA production by E. coli may be achieved by fine‐tuning the cofactor ratio and concentrations, as well as optimizing the metabolic pathways and culture conditions.
A novel keratin 13 variant in a four‐generation family with white sponge nevus
Authors: de Haseth Stephanie B. , Bakker Egbert , Vermeer Maarten H. , el Idrissi Hakima , Bosse Tjalling , Smit Vincent T.H.B.M. , Terron‐Kwiatkowski Anna , McLean W.H. Irwin , Peters Alexander A.W. , Hes Frederik J.
Published: July 2017

Key Clinical Message

We report a novel KRT13 germ line variant that causes white sponge nevus (WSN) with mucosal dysplasia. Genital, vaginal, and cervical WSN were observed in four female patients, of whom two had premalignant cervical lesions at young age. Two of the 12 patients with oral WSN developed oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Zeolitic Materials for DeNOx Selective Catalytic Reduction
Authors: Xin Ying , Li Qian , Zhang Zhaoliang
Published: July 2017

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx has been proven to be the most efficient technique for the removal of NOx (deNOx) from flue gas of stationary sources and diesel engine exhaust of mobile sources. Among various SCR catalysts, zeolites are considered as the most promising candidates for heavy‐duty trucks owing to their benign nature, very high NOx conversion and N2 selectivity, as well as excellent hydrothermal stability at high temperatures. In recent years, a tremendous number of research articles have reported on the evolution of zeolitic materials for deNOx, which makes a critical review timely to provide inspiration for future development. This paper first gives a chronological progress of zeolite catalysts specifically highlighting the CHA zeolites, the hotspot of present research and application, followed by a summary on the synthesis of CHA zeolites, the structure–activity relationships, as well as the reaction mechanisms and kinetics. Last but not least, a critical outlook is given together with expected research directions in developing zeolite‐based catalysts for deNOx.
Rhodium Pyrrolylphosphine Complexes as Highly Active and Selective Catalysts for Propene Hydroformylation: The Effect of Water and Aldehyde on the Reaction Regioselectivity
Authors: Mieczyńska Ewa , Grzybek Ryzard , Trzeciak Anna M.
Published: July 2017

The hydroformylation of propene catalyzed by Rh(acac)(CO)2 (acac=acetylacetonate) with a 13‐fold excess of N‐pyrrolylphosphine ligands PPyr3, PPh2Pyr, or PPh(Pyr)2 (Pyr=NC4H4) was investigated under a pressure of 15 bar (propene/H2/CO=5:5:5) at 80 °C. The N‐pyrrolylphosphine ligands facilitated an excellent regioselectivity towards n‐butanal aldehyde, significantly better than PPh3 and PCy3 under the same conditions. In the presence of the strongest π‐acceptor, PPyr3, the linear‐to‐branched aldehyde (l/b) ratio was 8.6, which increased to 27.1 if water was added to the system. The application of a pure aldehyde as a solvent instead of toluene caused a significant increase in the aldehyde yield but with a decreased l/b ratio (2.9–7.6). The regioselectivity parameter l/b increased to 19.3 after the introduction of water as a cosolvent.
α‐Oxo‐Ketenimines from Isocyanides and α‐Haloketones: Synthesis and Divergent Reactivity
Authors: Mamboury Mathias , Wang Qian , Zhu Jieping
Published: July 2017

The palladium‐catalyzed reaction of α‐haloketones with isocyanides afforded α‐oxo‐ketenimines through β‐hydride elimination of the β‐oxo‐imidoyl palladium intermediates. Reaction of these relatively stable α‐oxo‐ketenimines with nucleophiles such as hydrazines, hydrazoic acid, amines, and Grignard reagent afforded pyrazoles, tetrazole, β‐keto amidines, and enaminone, respectively, with high chemoselectivity. Whereas amines attack exclusively on the ketenimine functions, the formal [3+2] cycloaddition between N‐monosubstituted hydrazines and α‐oxo‐ketenimines was initiated by nucleophilic addition to the carbonyl group.
Evaluation of the use of Gossypium hirsutum oil and supercritical ethanol for the production of ethyl esters in non‐catalytic process
Authors: Azevêdo Saulo , Santos Ênio , Medeiros Aldo , Jesus Anderson , Oliveira Humberto , Sousa Elisa
Published: July 2017

The search for new sources of energy requires more and more interaction between the economical and technological viabilities associated with social development, increasing, in this manner, the interest in raw materials that generate regional development. Thus, this work analyzed the viability of ethyl esters production (biodiesel) from Gossypium hirsutum L. (cottonseed oil) without the use of a catalyst, in a continuous supercritical reactor. The reactions occurred at a tubular reactor, under 15 MPa and 20 MPa of pressure, reaction time (3.75–50 min), molar ratio of oil:alcohol (1:30–1:50), and temperature (250–400 °C). The maximum yield obtained was 75.05 % at 375 °C, under 20 or 15 MPa of pressure, molar ratio of oil:ethanol 1:40, and reaction times 30 and 40 min, respectively. A significant influence of the temperature on yield in esters was verified, but there was also thermal degradation under high temperatures, which caused a decrease in the ester's yield. The high content of polyunsaturated acids present in cotton oil possibly hampered the process of transesterification in long periods of reaction time and high temperatures.
The effect of synthesis parameters on the conductivity of PSf/PANI and PSf/PPy composite membranes
Authors: Sontakke Sharad M. , Awate Vedraj
Published: July 2017

In the present work, synthesis of PANI and PPy was carried out by chemical oxidative polymerization. The effect of synthesis parameters on the conductivity of the polymers was studied. The synthesized polymers, at optimized conditions of conductivity, were further characterized by XRD, SEM, FTIR, and TGA. Pure polysulphone membrane and its composite with the synthesized conductive membrane were carried out using immersion precipitation phase inversion. The synthesized membranes were characterized by FTIR, confocal microscopy, and TGA. The membranes were compared on the basis of various performance properties. It was observed that the pure water flux and water permeability increased in the order PSf < PSf/PANI < PSf/PPy. The composite membranes showed higher porosity, hydrophilicity, and better anti‐fouling characteristics compared to the pure PSf membrane.
Escaping introns in COI through cDNA barcoding of mushrooms: Pleurotus as a test case
Authors: Avin Farhat A. , Subha Bhassu , Tan Yee‐Shin , Braukmann Thomas W. A. , Vikineswary Sabaratnam , Hebert Paul D. N.
Published: July 2017

DNA barcoding involves the use of one or more short, standardized DNA fragments for the rapid identification of species. A 648‐bp segment near the 5′ terminus of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene has been adopted as the universal DNA barcode for members of the animal kingdom, but its utility in mushrooms is complicated by the frequent occurrence of large introns. As a consequence, ITS has been adopted as the standard DNA barcode marker for mushrooms despite several shortcomings. This study employed newly designed primers coupled with cDNA analysis to examine COI sequence diversity in six species of Pleurotus and compared these results with those for ITS. The ability of the COI gene to discriminate six species of Pleurotus, the commonly cultivated oyster mushroom, was examined by analysis of cDNA. The amplification success, sequence variation within and among species, and the ability to design effective primers was tested. We compared ITS sequences to their COI cDNA counterparts for all isolates. ITS discriminated between all six species, but some sequence results were uninterpretable, because of length variation among ITS copies. By comparison, a complete COI sequences were recovered from all but three individuals of Pleurotus giganteus where only the 5′ region was obtained. The COI sequences permitted the resolution of all species when partial data was excluded for P. giganteus. Our results suggest that COI can be a useful barcode marker for mushrooms when cDNA analysis is adopted, permitting identifications in cases where ITS cannot be recovered or where it offers higher resolution when fresh tissue is. The suitability of this approach remains to be confirmed for other mushrooms.
Spatial and temporal drivers of avian population dynamics across the annual cycle
Authors: Rushing Clark S. , Hostetler Jeffrey A. , Sillett T. Scott , Marra Peter P. , Rotenberg James A. , Ryder Thomas B.
Published: July 2017

Untangling the spatial and temporal processes that influence population dynamics of migratory species is challenging, because changes in abundance are shaped by variation in vital rates across heterogeneous habitats and throughout the annual cycle. We developed a full‐annual‐cycle, integrated, population model and used demographic data collected between 2011 and 2014 in southern Indiana and Belize to estimate stage‐specific vital rates of a declining migratory songbird, the Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina). Our primary objective was to understand how spatial and temporal variation in demography contributes to local and regional population growth. Our full‐annual‐cycle model allowed us to estimate (1) age‐specific, seasonal survival probabilities, including latent survival during both spring and autumn migration, and (2) how the relative contribution of vital rates to population growth differed among habitats. Wood Thrushes in our study populations experienced the lowest apparent survival rates during migration and apparent survival was lower during spring migration than during fall migration. Both mortality and high dispersal likely contributed to low apparent survival during spring migration. Population growth in high‐quality habitat was most sensitive to variation in fecundity and apparent survival of juveniles during spring migration, whereas population growth in low‐quality sites was most sensitive to adult apparent breeding‐season survival. These results elucidate how full‐annual‐cycle vital rates, particularly apparent survival during migration, interact with spatial variation in habitat quality to influence population dynamics in migratory species.
Variation in organ‐specific PIK3CA and KRAS mutant levels in normal human tissues correlates with mutation prevalence in corresponding carcinomas
Authors: Parsons Barbara L. , McKim Karen L. , Myers Meagan B.
Published: July 2017

Large‐scale sequencing efforts have described the mutational complexity of individual cancers and identified mutations prevalent in different cancers. As a complementary approach, allele‐specific competitive blocker PCR (ACB‐PCR) is being used to quantify levels of hotspot cancer driver mutations (CDMs) with high sensitivity, to elucidate the tissue‐specific properties of CDMs, their occurrence as tumor cell subpopulations, and their occurrence in normal tissues. Here we report measurements of PIK3CA H1047R mutant fraction (MF) in normal colonic mucosa, normal lung, colonic adenomas, colonic adenocarcinomas, and lung adenocarcinomas. We report PIK3CA E545K MF measurements in those tissues, as well as in normal breast, normal thyroid, mammary ductal carcinomas, and papillary thyroid carcinomas. We report KRAS G12D and G12V MF measurements in normal colon. These MF measurements were integrated with previously published ACB‐PCR data on KRAS G12D, KRAS G12V, and PIK3CA H1047R. Analysis of these data revealed a correlation between the degree of interindividual variability in these mutations (as log10 MF standard deviation) in normal tissues and the frequencies with which the mutations are detected in carcinomas of the corresponding organs in the COSMIC database. This novel observation has important implications. It suggests that interindividual variability in mutation levels of normal tissues may be used as a metric to identify mutations with critical early roles in tissue‐specific carcinogenesis. Additionally, it raises the possibility that personalized cancer therapeutics, developed to target specifically activated oncogenic products, might be repurposed as prophylactic therapies to reduce the accumulation of cells carrying CDMs and, thereby, reduce future cancer risk. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 58:466–476, 2017. © 2017 This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Environmental Mutagen Society
Effect of aging on surface chemistry of rice husk‐derived biochar
Authors: Huang Zhaoqin , Hu LinChao , Zhou Qiang , Guo Yue , Tang Wei , Dai Jingyu
Published: July 2017

Herein, we aimed to determine the physicochemical properties of biochar produced from rice husk at 350 and 550°C, to characterize changes in the biochar properties during aging and to identify the effect of aging time on these changes. To simulate different stages in the aging process, samples were incubated at a constant temperature in the dark and maintained at 60% water holding capacity for 100–300 d. The transformation and morphology of the biochar particles were monitored by diffuse‐reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy X‐ray dispersive spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). During aging, a layer formed on the surface and the content of easily oxidized substances increased with increased aging time. In addition, SEM indicated that oxidation occurred close to the biochar surface rather than in the biochar particle interior. Furthermore, the DRIFTS and XPS results indicated that the biochar surface produced at 550°C underwent decarboxylation and hydroxylation, while for the 350°C biochar, the increase in surface oxygen content was associated with the presence of hydroxyl moieties. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 410–417, 2018
Seizures, electroencephalographic abnormalities, and outcome of ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Bentes Carla , Peralta Ana Rita , Martins Hugo , Casimiro Carlos , Morgado Carlos , Franco Ana Catarina , Viana Pedro , Fonseca Ana Catarina , Geraldes Ruth , Canhão Patrícia , Pinho e Melo Teresa , Paiva Teresa , Ferro José M.
Published: July 2017

Objective

Seizures and electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities have been associated with unfavorable stroke functional outcome. However, this association may depend on clinical and imaging stroke severity. We set out to analyze whether epileptic seizures and early EEG abnormalities are predictors of stroke outcome after adjustment for age and clinical/imaging infarct severity.

Methods

A prospective study was made on consecutive and previously independent acute stroke patients with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥ 4 on admission and an acute anterior circulation ischemic lesion on brain imaging. All patients underwent standardized clinical and diagnostic assessment during admission and after discharge, and were followed for 12 months. Video‐EEG (<60 min) was performed in the first 72 h. The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score quantified middle cerebral artery infarct size. The outcomes in this study were an unfavorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] ≥ 3) and death (mRS = 6) at discharge and 12 months after stroke.

Results

Unfavorable outcome at discharge was independently associated with NIHSS score (p = 0.001), EEG background activity slowing (p < 0.001), and asymmetry (p < 0.001). Unfavorable outcome 1 year after stroke was independently associated with age (p = 0.001), NIHSS score (p < 0.001), remote symptomatic seizures (p = 0.046), EEG background activity slowing (p < 0.001), and asymmetry (p < 0.001). Death in the first year after stroke was independently associated with age (p = 0.028), NIHSS score (p = 0.001), acute symptomatic seizures (p = 0.015), and EEG suppression (p = 0.019).

Significance

Acute symptomatic seizures were independent predictors of vital outcome and remote symptomatic seizures of functional outcome in the first year after stroke. Therefore, their recognition and prevention strategies may be clinically relevant. Early EEG abnormalities were independent predictors and comparable to age and early clinical/imaging infarct severity in stroke functional outcome discrimination, reflecting the concept that EEG is a sensitive and robust method in the functional assessment of the brain.
An examination of the steady‐state assumption in soil development models with application to landscape evolution
Authors: Yu F. , Hunt A.G.
Published: July 2017

Soil depth and soil production are highly complicated phenomena, generated from a complex interaction of physical, biological and chemical processes. It has, nevertheless, become increasingly clear that soil formation rates are closely related to chemical weathering rates. Somewhat paradoxically, it is likewise becoming apparent that such biogeochemical reactions as slowly transform rock to soil are limited by physical processes, such as flowing water and the formation of fractures. We have formulated a theoretical approach that relates soil formation rates to chemical weathering rates, and those, likewise, to solute transport rates. For such a theoretical framework to be relevant, the solute transport rates cannot equal those of the flowing water, as is the case in Gaussian solute transport. Rather, solute transport must be slowed in accordance with heavy‐tailed solute arrival time distributions. The inference is that the traditional advection–dispersion equation formulation for solute transport is inadequate in the typically heterogeneous geological media that weather to form soils. Here we examine the implications of this soil production model on the assumption of the approach to steady state. Particularly at slow erosion rates we find that many soil columns are not in equilibrium. This tendency may be accentuated in dry climates. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hymen protection and the sexual practices, perceptions, and attitudes of female university students from Lebanon
Authors: El Kak Faysal , El Salibi Noura , Yasmine Rola , Ghandour Lilian
Published: July 2017

Objective

To investigate associations between hymen protection and women's alternative sexual practices, perceptions, and attitudes.

Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey was administered among university students (aged 18–30 years) in Lebanon between April 30 and August 31, 2012. The present analysis focused on female students who had engaged in oral/anal sex.

Results

Among 416 included women, 163 (39.3%) reported anal/oral sex to protect their hymen. Women ever concerned with hymen protection were less likely to be non‐Lebanese and not religious/spiritual, but more likely to report unwanted sexual activities, a relationship in which they felt things were moving too fast physically, and to feel guilty about sexual feelings (all P<0.01). They were two‐to‐three times more likely to agree that it is harder to refuse sex after the first time and that oral sex is not as big of a deal as sexual intercourse (both P<0.001). Concerned women who later engaged in vaginal sex (n=75) were less religious and more accepting of premarital sex than were those who continued to protect their hymen (n=88; all P<0.005).

Conclusion

Women concerned about hymen‐breaking engage in alternative sexual practices, yet experience pressure, guilt, worry, and indecisiveness regarding their sex‐related decisions. The navigation of sexual decisions is a more vulnerable process for these women because of prevailing patriarchal values and discriminating gender norms in Lebanon.