bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Durability of Red Mud Based Geopolymer Paste in Acid Solutions
Authors: Singh Smita , Aswath M.U. , Ranganath R.V.
Published: August 2016

The present investigation is on the effect of red mud on the mechanical properties and durability of the geopolymer paste in sulphuric and acetic acid solution. Red mud and fly ash were used to form the geopolymer paste along with the alkalies. The variation of red mud in the paste composition was from 0% to 90%. Cylindrical shaped specimens of 1 inch diameter and 1 inch height were prepared. The specimens were immersed in 5% sulphuric acid and 5% acetic acid for 1, 7, 14, 28, 56 and 84 days and tested for weight loss, visual deformation, strength loss and colour of the solvent, based on the procedure specified by ASTM C 267 – 01. SEM/EDX Tests were performed on the geopolymer specimens. Test results show that initially, the strength of the geopolymer increased upon the addition of red mud. The strength was maximum when the percentage of red mud was 30%. The maximum strength obtained was 38 MPa for the paste containing 30% red mud using 10M alkali solution as against 31.69 MPa, when only fly ash was used. Geopolymer paste containing 30% and 50% red mud showed better resistance to acid attack. The strength loss was minimum for the samples containing 30% red mud in both inorganic and organic acid i.e. sulphuric and acetic acid.
Impression management within the Zulu culture: Exploring tactics in the work context
Authors: Mtshelwane Debrah , Nel Jan Alewyn , Brink Lizelle
Published: August 2016

Orientation: Impression management tactics are utilised differently by people depending on the situation and the others around them.Research purpose: The purpose of the study was to identify the impression management tactics Zulu people display when they want to impress people in a work context.Motivation for this study: Organisations are competing for talented employees and people who contribute to the return on investment for the organisation. Individuals display impression tactics to influence the perceptions of others in the workplace, especially pertaining to performance appraisals and promotional opportunities.Research approach, design and method: The social constructivism paradigm was employed in conducting this study, following a phenomenological approach. The research sample consisted of 30 Zulu-speaking individuals from various organisations who were interviewed through semi-structured interviews. The researcher used thematic analysis to analyse the data.Main findings: The main findings in this study included impression management tactics that are used by Zulu people when attempting to impress people in the work context. The findings were divided into different categories (colleagues and supervisor). Conscientiousness,interpersonal amiability, openness and relational action are the themes that were reported as the most common impression management features people display at their workplace with colleagues. Themes that were reported when impressing a supervisor include conscientiousness,integrity, relational action and skilfulness.Practical/managerial implications: This study provides organisations with knowledge on the impression management tactics utilised by isiZulu employees. The nature of this information enables management to not misinterpret the use of certain tactics and will lead to more understanding and resilience by organisations and colleagues when working with isiZulu individuals.Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to the body of knowledge concerning impression management tactics within the South African context. The findings of this study might assist management to invent tools that are effective to identify impression management tactics, not just in the Zulu culture but within numerous other cultures in the South African spectrum.
The exceptional set and the Green–Griffiths locus do not always coincide
Authors: Diverio Simone , Rousseau Erwan
Published: August 2016

We give a very simple criterion for the Green–Griffiths locus of a projective manifold to be the whole manifold. Then, we use it to show that the Green–Griffiths locus of any projective manifold uniformized by a bounded symmetric domain of rank greater than one is the whole manifold. In particular, this clarifies an old undetailed example given by M. Green to S. Lang.
La trace de Dixmier et autres traces
Authors: Guichardet Alain
Published: August 2016

J. Dixmier published in 1966 a short note devoted to the construction of a “non normal trace”, i.e. a linear form on L(H) (set of all bounded operators in a Hilbert space H), possessing all the algebraic properties of the standard trace, but lacking of some continuity property. We expose in details the construction of the trace, as well as the functional analysis tools used by Dixmier, then the utilization of the Dixmier trace by A. Connes in his Non Commutative Geometry, and also some generalizations to certain von Neumann algebras, other than L(H).
Movements of Minorities: AusLankan Struggles for Transnational Justice
Authors: Sivanesan Sumugan
Published: August 2016

This paper reflects on arguments and positions put forth by Tamils in Sri Lanka, those in the diaspora and commentators in the ‘international community’ regarding the 2015 presidential elections in Sri Lanka. In particular it concerns the prospect of justice for those that suffered in the final stages of Sri Lanka’s civil war which concluded in May 2009. It is a self-reflexive account of my activities as a writer in residence at the University of Peradeniya in the lead-up to the election and the implications of those events upon my return to Sydney.
My Life as a Bookbinder: Binding Connection, Knowledge and Authenticity
Authors: Handayani Tarlen
Published: August 2016

I love to persuade people to write in a journal. In 2008, I received a cultural exchange program scholarship and took the opportunity to learn how to bind books in an Etsy class in Brooklyn, USA. After that, I decided to become a bookbinder. It wasn’t only because of my journaling habit; the decision also fit with my mission to support the literacy movement in Indonesia. This mission is embedded in Tobucil & Klabs, a literacy and hobby community space in Bandung, West Java, that I founded in 2001. The space allows me to spread ideas about literacy through writing and also to share my passion for making hand-bound journals.
Sustainable Tourism Development in Rote Ndao
Authors: Drake Campbell , Kelly William
Published: August 2016

Located in the eastern province of Nusa Tenggara Timur (West Timor), Rote Ndao is an island of 120,000 residents that can be accessed via ferry from the West Timorese capital of Kupang. Prior to East Timorese independence in 2002, Kupung saw direct international flights from Australia, since redirected through Bali and Jakarta. Rote Ndao is traditionally focused on subsistence farming and the harvesting of the Lontar Palm; however, recent years have seen an influx of foreign interest as domestic and international investors buy up large tracks of beach front property. White sand beaches and world class surfing, Rote is a quintessential island paradise and many are predicting that this remote part of eastern Indonesia will become the new Bali of the 21st century.
Exploration of the exonic variations of the iPSC-related Nanog gene and their effects on phenotypic traits in cattle
Authors: Zhang Meng , Pan Chuanying , Lin Qin , Hu Shenrong , Dang Ruihua , Lei Chuzhao , Chen Hong , Lan Xianyong
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Nanog is an important pluripotent transcription regulator transforming somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and its overexpression leads to a high expression of the growth and differentiation factor 3 (GDF3), which affects animal growth traits. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the genetic variations within the Nanog gene and their effects on phenotypic traits in cattle. Six novel exonic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found in six cattle breeds. Seven haplotypes were analyzed: TCAACC (0.260), TCAATA (0.039), TCATCC (0.019), TCGACC (0.506), TCGATA (0.137), TCGTCC (0.036), and CTGATA (0.003). There were strong linkage disequilibriums of SNP1 and SNP2 in Jiaxian cattle as well as of SNP5 and SNP6 in both Jiaxian cattle and Nanyang cattle. Moreover, SNP3, SNP4, and SNP5 were associated with phenotypes. The individuals with GG genotype at the SNP3 locus or AA genotype at the SNP4 locus showed better body slanting length and chest circumference or body height and hucklebone width in Nanyang cattle. The superiority of the SNP5-C allele regarding body height and cannon circumference was observed in Jiaxian cattle. The combination of SNP3 and SNP4 (GG–AA) had positive effects on body height, body slanting length, and chest circumference. These findings may indicate that Nanog, as a regulator of bovine growth traits, could be a candidate gene for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in breeding and genetics in cattle.
ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF SPEED RATIOS IN NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS OF HIGHLY VISCOUS RUBBER MIXING IN A PARTIALLY FILLED CHAMBER
Authors: Das Suma R. , Dhakal Pashupati , Poudyal Hari , Chandy Abhilash J.
Published: August 2016

Three-dimensional, transient, isothermal, and incompressible computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are carried out for rubber mixing with two counter-rotating rotors in a partially filled chamber in order to assess the effect of different speed ratios. The three different speed ratios that are investigated include 1.0, 1.125, and 1.5. In addition to the solution of the incompressible continuity and momentum equations, a Eulerian multiphase model is employed to simulate two phases, rubber and air, and the volume of fluid (VOF) technique is used to calculate the free surface flow between the phases. The Bird–Carreau model is used to characterize the non-Newtonian highly viscous rubber. Massless particles are injected in the simulations to obtain data required for statistical calculations related to dispersive and distributive mixing characteristics. Specifically, joint probability density functions of mixing index and shear rate, and cumulative distribution functions of maximum shear stress are calculated to assess dispersive mixing, while distributive mixing capabilities are evaluated using various quantities such as cluster distribution index, axial distribution, interchamber particle transfer, and segregation scale. Results showed the speed ratio 1.125 to be consistently superior to 1.5 and 1.0, in terms of both dispersive and distributive mixing performance. The large speed difference between the rotors in the case of 1.5 caused it to perform the worst.
The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gallstone among Adults in Karachi, South Pakistan: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Haseeb Abdul , Saad Muhammad , Ahsan Muhammad , Raza Madiha , Ahmed Aafia , Shahnawaz Waqas , Ahmed Bilal , Motiani Vanita
Published: August 2016

INTRODUCTION: The present study was aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of GSD among a sample of general population in Karachi, South Pakistan.

METHODOLOGY: A multistage random sampling method was employed on 30 clusters, where 60 subjects of age>=25 years were randomly recruited from the study population from June 2013 till March 2015. Finally, data was analyzed and logistic regression models were used to find the correlation between selected variables and gallstone disease.

RESULTS: It was found that 184 patients had echogenic mass with shadowing on ultrasonography; yielding a prevalence of 10.2% for gallstones in the study participants. The occurrence was higher in females (14.8%) than in male participants (5.7%). Further, participants over 40 years of age and single, widow/separated subjects had higher incidence of gallstones than married individuals. Moreover, an indirect correlation was obtained with daily physical activity, consumption of fruits, vegetables and fish with development of GD.

CONCLUSION: It can be evaluated that daily physical activity, female gender, increasing age and marital status play an important role in progression of GSD. Understanding pathogenesis and physiological mechanism involved in GSD can help to determine therapeutic options other than surgical treatment.
Hand Hygiene Training and Its Impact on the Knowledge of Undergraduate Nursing Students in Kosovo
Authors: Sopjani I. , Jahn P. , Behrens J.
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene (HH) performing is a must in health care settings because it affects the human lives. Health Care Workers (HCW) must be aware and be trained continuously as regards hand hygiene.AIM: The aim of this article was to evaluate and compare the knowledge before and after an educational training of undergraduate nursing students at an educational institution in Pristine, Kosovo.METHODS: A pre- post survey was conducted in February 2016 at an educational institution in Pristine, Kosovo. The World Health Organization (WHO) questionnaire for hand hygiene knowledge of Health Care Workers (HCW) was used to collect the data.RESULTS: From a total of 100 students, only 13 (13 %) were men and 87 (87%) were women. Their ages ranged between 18-23 years old. Only 55 (55 %) had poor knowledge level, 42 (42%) had moderate knowledge level and only 3 (3%) had good knowledge about HH practices before the training and after the training only 1 (1%) participant was found with poor knowledge, 61 (61%) moderate knowledge and 38 (38 %) good knowledge. The training had a significant impact on the acquisition of HH’ knowledge. This was shown by the significant difference between the total points before and after the training (p <0.001).CONCLUCION: The training should be done consistently and be part of the nursing school curriculum, maintaining a satisfactory level of knowledge about hand hygiene as these students in a near future will face with Hand Hygiene (HH) issues in their daily clinical work.
Hypnotics Use and Falls in Hospital Inpatients Stratified by Age
Authors: Zaitsu Masayoshi , Kurita Yoko , Iwahana Maki , Akiyama Hitomi , Watanabe Fujiko , Higashikawa Akiro , Kaneko Rena , Konishi Ryota , Itoh Mitsuko , Kobayashi Yasuki
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the association between hypnotics use and falls among inpatients in young and middle-aged populations. We aimed to determine whether the use of hypnotics elevated the fall risk in adult inpatients aged 20 and above.

METHODS: Patients admitted to the Kanto Rosai Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan, between April 1, 2013 and January 31, 2014 were followed up until discharge. We estimated the incidence rate ratio (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of falls for the use of hypnotic drugs with a Poisson regression model, adjusted for sex, age, activities of daily living, and comorbidities.

RESULTS: For the 6,949 inpatients whose medical records were examined, the incidence of falls was significantly higher in hypnotics’ users than in non-users. The IRR was 1.52 (95% CI, 1.10-2.11). When stratified by age, the risk of hypnotics use in the patients aged 65 and above was statistically elevated (IRR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.02-2.13); the risk in the patients aged 25-64 was elevated but not significant (IRR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.63-2.81).

CONCLUSION: Usage of hypnotics elevated fall risk in the older inpatients, though this association was not significant in the young and middle-aged inpatients. Further studies are needed.
The Effectiveness of Geography Student Worksheet to Develop Learning Experiences for High School Students
Authors: Sri Utami Wiwik , - Sumarmi , Ruja I. Nyoman , Utaya Sugeng
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of geography student worksheet in developing high school students’ learning experiences. The student worksheet was planned to gain opportunity to develop creative and geography skills. The effectiveness is assessed from the contribution of the worksheets in improving the skills of geography, geography learning outcomes, and students’ responses in learning geography worksheet. The students’ geography skills are considered good, learning outcomes also increased. Worksheet is able to increase the knowledge of learners. The response of student is very good towards geography worksheet, learning becomes active, interesting and not boring.
JUICIO ORAL Y AUDIENCIA PRELIMINAR EN EL NUEVO PROCESO CIVIL CHILENO: CLAVES PARA EVITAR ALLANAR EL CAMINO DE UNA COMPARECENCIA INÚTIL
Authors: Vélez Diego Palomo , Poblete Nelson Lorca
Published: August 2016

Este artículo está dedicado a analizar asunto de importancia excepcional en el siguiente marcha procedimiento civil chilena : el modelo procesal civil adoptado por Chile , que elige a la oralidad y el marco de procedimiento, especialmente en relación con el análisis de la obligación del interior de las reivindicaciones de procedimiento en debido al cambio repentino en materia civil .
Cultural Translation: Two Modes
Authors: Conway Kyle
Published: August 2016

This article examines why scholars who theorize cultural translation have not always agreed on what their object of study is. It provides a diachronic account of two competing definitions, one from anthropology and one from cultural studies. It also describes three factors that have complicated debates about cultural translation: the different epistemological and methodological assumptions made by anthropologists and cultural studies scholars; the ambiguous, politically charged relationships linking language, culture, and text; an asymmetry of usage. This article concludes by considering the implications of a point of convergence—the ethical turn taken in anthropology and cultural studies in the last two decades—for debates about attempts to ban Muslim veils from public spaces in North America.
Les langues de Leonard Cohen1
Authors: Mus Francis
Published: August 2016

La question sera d’abord abordée à partir d’une analyse de la place du français dans la première période de l’oeuvre littéraire de Leonard Cohen (1950-1967). Elle s’appuiera sur l’analyse d’une nouvelle inédite (sans titre) qui sera comparée au roman Beautiful Losers (1966). Au-delà de la place occupée par Cohen dans une discussion sur le bilinguisme canadien, la confrontation de plusieurs systèmes linguistiques montrera ensuite le caractère factice de ces systèmes et la recherche subséquente d’un mode de communication alternatif et plus authentique. En plus d’une analyse discursive, l’article vise un but historiographique dans la mesure où les liens de Cohen avec les milieux francophones des années 1960 seront explicités grâce à la découverte de matériaux inédits.
Du pastiche imaginaire de traduction chez Raymond Queneau : le cas de On est toujours trop bon avec les femmes
Authors: Gagné Tremblay Tanka
Published: August 2016

À la frontière des études littéraires et de la traductologie, cet article étudie la dimension pastichielle de traduction dans On est toujours trop bon avec les femmes de Raymond Queneau, prétendument traduit de l’irlandais vers le français. La présente étude cherche à déterminer comment le pseudo-traducteur s’y prend afin d’aveugler et de persuader son lecteur que le texte qu’il tient entre les mains est une véritable traduction. Le postulat repose sur la base du principe qu’il existe une corrélation entre le pastiche littéraire, qui consiste, grosso modo, à imiter à saturation le style d’un auteur singulier, et la pseudo-traduction, qui désigne un texte présenté comme s’il avait été traduit. En effet, il appert que On est toujours trop bon avec les femmes, en tant que « pastiche imaginaire », répond par essence au critère de saturation du pastiche littéraire tel que l’entend Gérard Genette. Considérant cela, il y a tout lieu de croire que la dimension « pastichielle » de cette pseudo-traduction, laissant présager qu’il y a foncièrement une véritable traduction sous-jacente, se manifeste par la mise en place d’empreintes de traduction, ou d’étrangetés, saturant le texte. La visée de cette étude est donc de révéler ces empreintes dans l’architectonique du roman, en y observant attentivement les divers éléments potentiellement saturés et conditionnels à la crédibilité du canular.
Translating an Imagetext: Verbal and Visual Self-Representation in Brett Whiteley’s Interior, Lavender Bay (1976)
Authors: Zanoletti Margherita
Published: August 2016

This paper explores the relationship between the words and images in the drawing Interior, Lavender Bay by the Australian artist Brett Whiteley (1939-1992). This artwork combines the depiction of the artist’s home with a written element composed of the title, date, artist’s monogram, and a brief inscription. By examining Whiteley’s use of words and images in this drawing, the verbal/visual synergy that underpins his language is emphasized as a key aspect of his communicative appeal. The interpretive lens used in order to analyze Interior, Lavender Bay is interlingual translation. Translating Whiteley’s words from English into Italian allows not only to decipher the literal meaning and comprehend the symbolic function of his words, but also to highlight the relation between art and language. From this perspective, drawing on W. J. T. Mitchell’s Picture Theory (1994), the paper aims to discuss the functioning of images and the way in which interlingual translation might bring out latent connections in the source, opening a window on the interdisciplinary encounter between creative processes in the visual art and translation theory and practice.
Distribución geográfica del mono aullador rojo (Alouatta seniculus) y la fiebre amarilla en Colombia
Authors: Piedrahita-Cortés Juan , Soler-Tovar Diego
Published: August 2016

Introducción. Colombia es un país con gran diversidad de primates no humanos, entre los cuales se destaca el mono aullador rojo (Alouatta seniculus) por su distribución y el papel que desempeña en la presentación de la fiebre amarilla.
Objetivo. Describir la coincidencia geográfica del hábitat del mono aullador rojo y la presencia de fiebre amarilla.
Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio de carácter descriptivo. Los antecedentes de la fiebre amarilla en Colombia se obtuvieron de los informes y boletines del Instituto Nacional de Salud y del estudio de 2013 de Segura, et al. La presencia de A. seniculus se determinó con base en la plataforma Global Biodiversity Information Facility y el Sistema de Información sobre Biodiversidad de Colombia; los mapas se elaboraron con el programa Diva-Gis, y el modelo de nicho ecológico bajo las condiciones actuales, con el programa Maxent.
Resultados. Los departamentos con mayor presencia de A. seniculus fueron Antioquia, Meta y Casanare; en 69,5 % de los departamentos con antecedentes de notificación de fiebre amarilla también había A. seniculus. El modelo de nicho ecológico evidenció que Antioquia, Bolívar, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Santander, Norte de Santander y Vichada tenían porciones de territorio con un índice de probabilidad cercano a 0,9 (90 %).
Conclusiones. En 69,5 % de los departamentos con antecedentes de fiebre amarilla se registró la presencia de A. seniculus, lo cual resulta relevante por el papel que los primates no humanos desempeñan como reservorio natural del virus y por su contribución en la presentación de la fiebre amarilla, lo cual les confiere gran utilidad como centinelas.
Analysis of hepatitis B virus genotypes by restriction fragment length polymorphism
Authors: Rendón Julio-C , Cortés-Mancera Fabián , Duque-Jaramillo Alejandra , Ospina Marta C. , Navas María Cristina
Published: August 2016

Introducción. Se han descrito diez genotipos (A-J) del virus de la hepatitis B (HBV) que están distribuidos en todos los continentes. Una de las técnicas utilizadas para determinar el genotipo viral es el análisis del polimorfismo de longitud de los fragmentos de restricción, un método simple y económico, pero con algunas limitaciones.
Objetivo. El objetivo inicial del estudio fue identificar el genotipo del HBV mediante RFLP en muestras de suero obtenidas de pacientes y donantes de sangre. Sin embargo, por las discrepancias observadas en los patrones de RFLP fue necesario realizar análisis filogenéticos y un análisis in silico de secuencias del HBV.
Materiales y métodos. Se obtuvieron 56 muestras de suero. Tras la extracción de ADN, se amplificó un fragmento del ORF S del HBV mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa, cuyos productos se analizaron por RFLP con las enzimas AlwI, BsrI, CfrI, HpaII y StyI, y algunos se secuenciaron. Los patrones obtenidos se compararon con los reportados previamente. Se efectuó un análisis in silico de RFLP en consideración de las diferencias entre los patrones esperados y los observados.
Resultados. Se identificaron los genotipos A y F, subgenotipo F3, en las muestras. Este resultado coincide con lo descrito en estudios previos en los que se ha demostrado que el genotipo F, subgenotipo F3, es prevalente en la población de la región andina del país, en tanto que el genotipo A predomina en el occidente (departamento del Chocó). Con base en el análisis in silico de 229 secuencias virales obtenidas del GenBank y las 11 secuencias de este estudio, se caracterizó un nuevo patrón de RFLP específico para el genotipo F, subgenotipo F3, y se describieron algunas modificaciones en el patrón de RFLP del genotipo A, subgenotipo A1.
Conclusiones. Se caracterizó el patrón de genotipificación del genotipo F, subgenotipo F3, del HBV mediante RFLP, análisis in silico y secuenciación. Se requieren nuevos análisis in silico con un número mayor de secuencias para validar los patrones de RFLP de los genotipos y subgenotipos del VHB.
Presencia de virus entéricos en muestras de agua para el consumo humano en Colombia: desafíos de los sistemas de abastecimiento
Authors: Peláez Dioselina , Guzmán Blanca Lisseth , Rodríguez Johanna , Acero Felipe , Nava Gerardo
Published: August 2016

Introducción. El agua de consumo humano puede ser vehículo de transmisión de agentes patógenos. La detección de virus entéricos en estas muestras de agua es esencial para establecer las acciones adecuadas de control y prevención de las enfermedades asociadas.
Objetivo. Analizar los resultados del diagnóstico de virus entéricos en muestras de agua para el consumo humano recibidas en el Instituto Nacional de Salud y establecer su asociación con los datos sobre la calidad del agua en los municipios de Colombia.
Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un análisis descriptivo retrospectivo de los resultados obtenidos en la detección de rotavirus, enterovirus, virus de la hepatitis A y adenovirus, en muestras de agua recibidas para estudios complementarios en la investigación de brotes de hepatitis entérica, de enfermedad diarreica aguda y de enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos. Dicha información se correlacionó con los datos de la vigilancia de la calidad del agua municipal determinada según el índice de riesgo de la calidad del agua (IRCA).
Resultados. Se procesaron 288 muestras de 102 municipios de Colombia, de las cuales el 50,7 % fue positivo para algún virus: 26,73 %, para el virus de la hepatitis A; 20,48 %, para enterovirus y rotavirus, y 18,05 % para adenovirus. Se detectaron virus en 48,26 % de las muestras de agua no tratada y en 45,83 % de las de agua tratada. El IRCA no mostró correlación con la presencia de virus.
Conclusiones. La presencia de virus en el agua representa un riesgo para la salud pública. La prevención de la transmisión de virus por medio del agua requiere políticas para fortalecer los sistemas de suministro y para mejorar la vigilancia epidemiológica.
Descripción de setas cuticulares externas de cabeza, tórax, patas, abdomen y genitalias en cuatro especies de Triatominae
Authors: Avendaño-Rangel Francys , Sandoval Claudia Magaly , Aldana Elis
Published: August 2016

Introducción. Las extensiones cuticulares de los insectos han sido estudiadas y se han propuesto clasificaciones para utilizarlas como herramienta taxonómica. A pesar de los diversos estudios morfológicos adelantados en Triatominae, el conocimiento que se tiene sobre la distribución y tipos morfológicos de estas estructuras en la subfamilia, aún es escaso y fragmentario.

Objetivo. Describir las setas de diferentes regiones de la cutícula externa de varias especies de triatominos mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido.

Materiales y métodos. Los triatominos fueron lavados, secados, se disecaron diferentes regiones del cuerpo de Eratyrus mucronatus, Triatoma maculata, Panstrongylus geniculatus y Belminus ferroae, se montaron sobre cinta doble adhesiva de grafito en soportes metálicos, fueron metalizadas con oro y se tomaron las micrografías para su posterior análisis.

Resultados. Se realizó la descripción de 9 tipos de setas cuticulares. En B. ferroae y T. maculata se encontraron 5 tipos de setas, en P. geniculatus cuatro tipos y en E. mucronatus un sólo tipo. Según la tipología propuesta, la seta tipo 3 fue la más común en cada especie, excepto en B. ferroae donde predominó la seta tipo 1a.

Conclusión. La seta más común en las especies que se incluyen en la tribu Triatomini (T. maculata, E. mucronatus y P. geniculatus) fue la tipo 3 y la seta tipo 1a es particular para la especie B. ferroae, taxón de la tribu Bolboderini, esto permite suponer que la morfología superficial de las setas podrían tener valor taxonómico a nivel de tribu.
Metabolomics of pulmonary exacerbations reveals the personalized nature of cystic fibrosis disease
Authors: Quinn Robert A. , Lim Yan Wei , Mak Tytus D. , Whiteson Katrine , Furlan Mike , Conrad Douglas , Rohwer Forest , Dorrestein Pieter
Published: August 2016

Background.Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that results in chronic infections of the lungs. CF patients experience intermittent pulmonary exacerbations (CFPE) that are associated with poor clinical outcomes. CFPE involves an increase in disease symptoms requiring more aggressive therapy.

Methods.Longitudinal sputum samples were collected from 11 patients (n= 44 samples) to assess the effect of exacerbations on the sputum metabolome using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The data was analyzed with MS/MS molecular networking and multivariate statistics.

Results.The individual patient source had a larger influence on the metabolome of sputum than the clinical state (exacerbation, treatment, post-treatment, or stable). Of the 4,369 metabolites detected, 12% were unique to CFPE samples; however, the only known metabolites significantly elevated at exacerbation across the dataset were platelet activating factor (PAF) and a related monacylglycerophosphocholine lipid. Due to the personalized nature of the sputum metabolome, a single patient was followed for 4.2 years (capturing four separate exacerbation events) as a case study for the detection of personalized biomarkers with metabolomics. PAF and related lipids were significantly elevated during CFPEs of this patient and ceramide was elevated during CFPE treatment. Correlating the abundance of bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons to metabolomics data from the same samples during a CFPE demonstrated that antibiotics were positively correlated toStenotrophomonasandPseudomonas, while ceramides and other lipids were correlated withStreptococcus,Rothia, and anaerobes.

Conclusions.This study identified PAF and other inflammatory lipids as potential biomarkers of CFPE, but overall, the metabolome of CF sputum was patient specific, supporting a personalized approach to molecular detection of CFPE onset.
The Patent Trial and Appeals Board
Authors: Freilich Janet , Kesselheim Aaron S.
Published: September 2024

This Viewpoint summarizes the role of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) in reforming the drug patent process to avoid erroneously granted patents; highlights how other reform efforts, such as the PREVAIL Act, actually weaken the PTAB; and suggests changes to strengthen the PTAB and promote generic availability and reduced health care costs.
Word Choice and the Patient Encounter
Authors: Robinson Jeffrey D. , Opel Douglas J.
Published: September 2024

This JAMA Insights in the Communicating Medicine series explores how differences in word choice can affect both visit interactions and visit outcomes in patient encounters.
Flavonoid-Rich Foods, Dementia Risk, and Interactions With Genetic Risk, Hypertension, and Depression
Authors: Jennings Amy , Thompson Alysha S. , Tresserra-Rimbau Anna , O’Neill Joshua K. , Hill Claire , Bondonno Nicola P. , Kühn Tilman , Cassidy Aedín
Published: September 2024

Importance

A composite score of flavonoid-rich foods (flavodiet) may provide a clear public health message regarding the range of foods with the potential to lower dementia risk.

Objective

To examine associations of flavodiet score and intakes of flavonoid subclasses with dementia risk according to genetic risk and presence of depression and hypertension.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective, population-based cohort study included dietary data from adults aged 40 to 70 years in the UK Biobank, recruited between 2006 and 2010, with a mean (SD) follow-up of 9.2 (1.5) years. The data analyses were conducted from September 1 to 30, 2023.

Exposure

Flavodiet score adherence and intake of flavonoid subclasses derived from 24-hour computerized dietary assessments.

Main Outcome and Measures

The main outcome was incident all-cause dementia and interactions with genetic risk, hypertension, and depressive symptoms using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

The sample included 121 986 participants (mean [SD] age, 56.1 [7.8] years; 55.6% female; 882 with incident dementia). Comparing the highest with lowest quintile of flavodiet score, consuming 6 additional servings per day of flavonoid-rich foods was associated with a lower risk of dementia among all participants (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 0.72; 95% CI, 0.57-0.89), those at high genetic risk (AHR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.42-0.78), and those with depressive symptoms (AHR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.33-0.81) after multivariable adjustment. The greatest risk reduction was observed in participants consuming at least 2 of the following per day: 5 servings of tea, 1 serving of red wine, and 0.5 servings of berries, compared with those who did not achieve any of these intakes (AHR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.46-0.84). Higher intakes of flavonoid subclasses, including anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, and flavones, of which tea, red wine, and berries are the main contributors, supported these findings, showing inverse associations with dementia risk.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, high adherence to a flavonoid-rich diet score was associated with a lower risk of dementia, with reductions more pronounced in individuals with a high genetic risk, hypertension, and depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that simple dietary changes of increasing intakes of commonly consumed flavonoid-rich foods and drinks may lower dementia risk.
Fabrication of Multiscale and Periodically Structured Zirconia Surfaces Using Direct Laser Interference Patterning
Authors: Henriques Bruno , Fabris Douglas , Voisiat Bogdan , Lasagni Andrés Fabián
Published: September 2024

The functionalization of zirconia surfaces by accurate and fast printing of periodical patterns embedding sub‐micrometric features is of great interest to many engineering fields and is yet to be explored. This study aims to assess the influence of the Direct Laser Interference Patterning processing parameters on the morphology and microstructure of zirconia surfaces using a 532 nm 10 ps‐pulsed laser source. Well‐defined linear structures with a period of 3 µm are successfully produced. Depending on the laser parameters, the structures are developed at or below the surface level, with higher depths (≈1 µm) being seen for increasing values of laser fluence and pulse overlap. Line‐like hierarchical structures with smaller interference spatial structures (3 µm period) and higher secondary structures with different periods (18, 15, and 12 µm) and heights (7, 5, and 3 µm, respectively) are also obtained on zirconia surface. Ablated regions presented few traces of molten material, nano‐droplets, and sub‐micrometric (<1 µm) pores, while no (sub) micrometric cracks are detected. A slight amount of tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation (≈5%) is detected by X‐ray diffractometry. A processability map for ps‐laser processing of zirconia is proposed based on the experimental data.
Stereoselective N‐Heterocyclic‐Carbene‐Catalyzed Spiroannulation as an Access Towards Spirobenzofuranone‐Fused Cyclohexenones
Authors: Lóška Ladislav , Dočekal Vojtěch , Čermák Daniel , Petrželová Simona , Pour Milan , Císařová Ivana , Konečná Klára , Janďourek Ondřej , Veselý Jan
Published: September 2024

In this work, we present an organocatalytic spiroannulation method that provides access to spirocyclic benzofuran‐2‐ones. The reaction proceeds via the generation of an azolium dienolate from an α‐bromo‐α,β‐unsaturated aldehyde using a chiral N‐heterocyclic carbene, followed by annulation with benzofuran‐2‐one‐derived alkenes. The resulting chiral spirobenzofuranone‐fused cyclohexenones were obtained in 77–99% ee and dr from 1.2:1 to 20:1. The utility of the protocol was underscored by gram‐scale reaction and follow‐up transformations.
Food assistance programs in China: Evolution, challenges and potential for improvement
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Ding Xinyue , Fan Shenggen
Published: September 2024

Food assistance, in its various forms, has played a significant role in tackling food insecurity and improving nutrition in many countries. Through an examination of the historical development and a comparison with other countries, the paper reviews the experiences and lessons of the evolution of Chinese food assistance programs and proposes pathways forward to further strengthen food assistance in China. Future efforts of food assistance should focus more on improving the effectiveness of programs through enhancing governance and public‐private partnerships, conducting evidence‐based evaluations of existing programs using data‐driven methods, adopting innovative technologies and digital tools, and employing a targeted approach to address the issue of double burden of malnutrition.
Boron Cluster Anions Dissolve En Masse in Lipids Causing Membrane Expansion and Thinning
Authors: Barba‐Bon Andrea , El Haitami Alae , Pasquier Coralie , Nikšić‐Franjić Ivana , Diat Olivier , Bauduin Pierre , Cantin Sophie , Nau Werner M.
Published: September 2024

Boron clusters are applied in medicinal chemistry because of their high stability in biological environments and intrinsic ability to capture neutrons. However, their intermolecular interactions with lipid membranes, which are critical for their cellular delivery and biocompatibility, have not been comprehensively investigated. In this study, we combine different experimental methods – Langmuir monolayer isotherms at the air–water interface, calorimetry (DSC, ITC), and scattering techniques (DLS, SAXS) – with MD simulations to evaluate the impact of closo‐dodecaborate clusters on model membranes of different lipid composition. The cluster anions interact strongly with zwitterionic membranes (POPC and DPPC) via the chaotropic effect and cause pronounced expansions of lipid monolayers. The resulting lipid membranes contain up to 33 mol % and up to 52 weight % of boron cluster anions even at low aqueous cluster concentrations (1 mM). They show high (μM) affinity to the hydrophilic‐hydrophobic interface, affecting the structuring of the lipid chains, and therefore triggering a sequence of characteristic effects: (i) an expansion of the surface area per lipid, (ii) an increase in membrane fluidity, and (iii) a reduction of bilayer thickness. These results aid the design of boron cluster derivatives as auxiliaries in drug design as well as transmembrane carriers and help rationalize potential toxicity effects.
Simultaneous Tailoring of Chemical Composition and Morphology Configuration in Metal Hexacyanoferrate for Ultrafast and Durable Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Cheng Hao , Xu Huan , Shang Jian , Xu Yinan , Zong Haoming , Yao Wenjiao , Fang Zebo , Dou Weidong , Zhang Luojiang , Tang Yongbing
Published: September 2024

Metal hexacyanoferrates (MHCFs) with adjustable composition and open framework structures have been considered as intriguing cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Exploiting MHCFs with ultrafast and durable sodium storage capability as well as comparable capacity is always a goal that many investigators pursue, but remains challenging. Herein, simultaneous tailoring of chemical composition and morphology configuration is carried out to design a hollow monoclinic high‐entropy MHCF (HMHE‐HCF) assembled by nanocubes for the first time to realize the objective. The “cocktail effect” of high‐entropy construction, rich sodium content of monoclinic phase, and unique hollow structure endow HMHE‐HCF cathode with fast reaction kinetics and energetically stable performance during continuous charging/discharging processes. As a result, the HMHE‐HCF cathode demonstrates superior rate performance up to an ultra‐high rate of 100 C (71.1 % retention to 0.1 C), and remarkable cycling stability with a capacity retention of 77.8 % over 25,000 cycles at 100 C, outperforming most reported sodium‐ion cathodes. Further, the HMHE‐HCF//hard carbon full‐cell delivers capacities of 99.0 and 82.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and 10 C, respectively, and retains 98.1 % of the initial capacity after 1,600 cycles at 5 C, demonstrating its potential application for sodium‐ion storage.
Synthesis, recognition properties and drug release behavior of diltiazem‐imprinted chitosan‐based biomaterials
Authors: Kim Kyeong‐Jung , Kang Ji‐Hoon , Choe Se‐woon , Yun Yeon‐Hum , Yoon Soon‐Do
Published: September 2024

In this study, we prepared diltiazem (DTZ)‐imprinted biomaterials for TDDS using chitosan, PVA, plasticizers, and sulfosuccinic acid. DTZ and the prepared biomaterials were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. DTZ recognition properties were confirmed by the binding isotherm, Scatchard plot analysis, the adsorption of materials with structures similar to DTZ, selectivity factor (α), and the imprinting‐induced promotion of binding (IPB). Results revealed that adsorbed amount (Q) of DTZ‐imprinted biomaterials was 1.63–2.53 times higher than that of non‐imprinted biomaterials. In addition, it could be verified that DTZ‐imprinted biomaterials have a binding site for DTZ according to Scatchard plot analysis. Furthermore, the results of α and IPB indicated that the recognition capacity of the prepared DTZ‐imprinted biomaterials is superior to that non‐imprinted biomaterials. DTZ release properties were evaluated under various pH buffers and artificial skin. Results indicated that the DTZ release in buffers at low pH was faster than that in buffers at high pH. The DTZ release using artificial skin was continuous over 20 days. Furthermore, the DTZ release profile in the buffer followed the pseudo‐Fickian diffusion mechanism, whereas the profile in the artificial skin test followed a non‐Fickian diffusion mechanism.
Optimal quantized feedback control for linear quandratic Gaussian systems with input delay
Authors: Chen Huiling , liang Xiao , Zhang Guilin
Published: September 2024

This paper is concerned with the optimal quantized feedback linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control problem for a discrete‐time stochastic system with input delay as well as the measurements to be quantized before transmitted to the controller. In this scenario, the system is presented with several choices of quantizers, along with the cost of using each quantizer. The objective is to jointly select the quantizers and synthesize the controller to maintain an optimal balance between control performance and quantization cost. It is shown that this problem can be decoupled into two optimization problems when the innovation signal is quantized instead of state: one for optimal controller synthesis and the other for optimal quantizer selection. More specifically, a necessary and sufficient condition is derived for the optimal control problem based on Pontryagin's maximum principle. On the other hand, the optimal quantizer selection policy is established by dealing with a certain Markov decision process (MDP).
Untersuchungen zur Verbundverankerung von durchtrennten Spanngliedern beim Brückenrückbau
Authors: Burger Harald , Betz Peter , Richter Bertram , Herbers Max , Schramm Nicholas , Diers Johannes , Schacht Gregor , Lingemann Jan , Marx Steffen , Fischer Oliver
Published: September 2024

Beim Rückbau von Spannbetonbrücken wird gelegentlich aus baupraktischen Gründen angestrebt, in Herstellrichtung abzubrechen. Dadurch liegen die Trennfugen für die Abbruchtakte nicht an den bestehenden Koppelfugen und die Spannglieder müssen sich über Verbund verankern. Nach dem Durchtrennen der Spannglieder kann nicht immer von einer sofortigen vollständigen Rückverankerung ausgegangen werden. Die Bemessung der Rückbauzustände erfordert aber eine konkrete Annahme für die Verankerungslänge. Ferner ist eine Überprüfung der tatsächlich auftretenden Spaltzugkräfte im Bereich der Verbundverankerung von Interesse. Für diese Bemessung gibt es bereits Ansätze, die bisher jedoch nicht vollständig experimentell untersucht wurden. Daher wurden beim Rückbau einer Talbrücke mehrere Messungen mit faseroptischen Sensoren durchgeführt, die Aufschluss über die Dehnungsänderung beim Abbohren eines Spannglieds geben. Daraus können Informationen über die Verbundlänge und die Spannungsverteilungen im Diskontinuitätsbereich gewonnen werden. Die Ansätze für die Bemessung aus der Literatur konnten teilweise experimentell bestätigt werden. Es zeigt sich, dass bei der Bemessung sowohl globale als auch lokale Effekte berücksichtigt werden müssen, da die Verbundlänge bei gerissenen Bauteilen größer ist. Außerdem bieten sich die präsentierten faseroptischen Messlayouts auch zur Verifizierung der rechnerischen Verankerungslängen und zur Reduktion von Unsicherheiten bei einem Rückbau an.
Discrepancies between treatment preference and effectiveness
Authors: Morris Cody , Zarcaro Elise A. , Perrin Jesse , Ellsworth Megan E.
Published: September 2024

Involving clients in therapeutic decisions is a crucial component of effective and ethical behavior‐analytic practice. However, discrepancies between client preference for treatment options and treatment effectiveness are possible in the course of treatment. The purpose of this paper is to advance the discussion of discrepancies between client preference for treatment options and treatment effectiveness by (a) reviewing relevant considerations for adapted strategies to involve clients with limited prerequisite skills in therapeutic decisions, (b) presenting clinical data that exemplifies discrepancies between client preference for treatment options and treatment effectiveness, (c) describing nuanced considerations for navigating discrepancies, and (d) providing suggestions for future research on this topic.
Neighbourhood diversity and acculturation profiles of Mexican‐origin adolescents
Authors: Bolick Barbara , Yan Jinjin , Li Xin , Wen Wen , Han Quan , Wang Jun , Kim Su Yeong
Published: September 2024

More than 20% of US youth are immigrants or the children of immigrants, and Mexicans represent the largest immigrant group. In an increasingly pluralistic society, research is needed to elucidate how risk and protective/promotive factors in immigrants' life contexts are associated with their acculturation. Within the Integrative Risk and Resilience framework, we examined the mediating role of discrimination in the association between neighbourhood diversity and acculturation strategies of 334 Mexican‐origin youth over a five‐year study (Mage = 12.80; 44.3% female). Neighbourhood diversity was computed using American Community Survey data. Perceived discrimination was self‐reported. Acculturation profiles, including transition profiles, were adopted from a previous study. Findings indicated that Mexican‐origin youth living in more diverse neighbourhoods were more likely to demonstrate an Integrated than a Moderately Assimilated profile. Over time, they were more likely to develop a Stable Integrated or Progressive than a Regressive transition profile. No mediating effect of discrimination was found. These findings imply that diverse neighbourhoods promote integrated acculturation strategies, benefiting both Mexican‐origin youth and the evolving pluralistic US society.