bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inteligência Social: Discussão Acerca da Possibilidade de um Modelo para o Secretariado Executivo
Authors: Tremarin de Andrade Mônica Luísa , Borneo Funck Susana
Published: June 2015

Este estudo tem o objetivo de compreender o conceito da Inteligência Social e relacioná-lo à realidade e às competências do profissional de secretariado por meio da exposição dos pressupostos do modelo de inteligência social de Daniel Goleman, das informações relacionadas aos aspectos desse modelo que estão presentes na literatura do secretariado e das respostas obtidas através de um questionário enviado à uma secretária executiva sobre a relevância desses aspectos a partir de sua experiência profissional. Por meio dessa discussão foi possível propor um modelo de inteligência social direcionado ao secretariado executivo, de modo a contribuir para o aprimoramento das habilidades de relacionamento esperadas do secretário executivo e identificá-la como uma competência a ser agregada ao perfil deste profissional.DOI: 10.7769/gesec.v5i2.197
A Importância das Cooperações Universidade-Empresa: Um Estudo no Curso de Secretariado Executivo da Unioeste
Authors: Alves Josmary Karoline Demko , Biscoli Fabiana Regina Veloso , Schmidt Carla Maria
Published: June 2015

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo descrever a importância da formalização dos projetos de cooperação entre o Curso de Secretariado Executivo da Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná - Unioeste e as empresas de Toledo/PR e região, visando melhorar a gestão das parcerias Universidade-Empresa. Ao longo da história do curso foram desenvolvidas muitas atividades em conjunto com empresas (realização de eventos, cursos, projetos de pesquisa e extensão, além dos campos de estágio). Entretanto, nunca houve a formalização e gestão dessas cooperações, ação necessária para a melhoria da qualidade dos resultados das parcerias. Vários autores defendem que o crescimento de acordos cooperativos entre instituições de ensino e entidades empresariais é uma tendência colocada pela sociedade e o estudo desses arranjos, sua estrutura e gestão, podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento de modelos inovadores, dando suporte ao crescimento econômico e tecnológico. A metodologia deste trabalho se caracteriza como um estudo de caso de abordagem qualitativa, que visa apresentar a situação do curso de Secretariado Executivo da Unioeste – Campus de Toledo no que tange a gestão das cooperações. A principal coleta de dados se deu a partir da análise documental das parcerias já realizadas no curso de Secretariado Executivo. Os principais resultados apontam que as parcerias entre universidades e empresas apresentam relevantes benefícios para ambos os envolvidos.DOI: 10.7769/gesec.v5i2.259
O Processo e os Estilos de Aprendizagem de Gestores de Diferentes Formações: Administradores e não Administradores
Authors: De Souza Camila Ribas , Tanaka Juliana Oliveira , Dias Maitê Fumagali , Da Silva Natacha Bertoia
Published: June 2015

Este estudo visa a análise e a comparação do processo de aprendizagem de gerentes com formação em administração e de outras formações. Para tanto, foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa de caráter quantitativo, utilizando-se de uma amostra não- probabilística composta por 72 gestores de diversas empresas situadas no estado de São Paulo. Para o tratamento dos dados coletados, foram aplicadas técnicas de estatística descritiva, de estatística multivariada, além da técnica de cálculo de estilos de aprendizagem elaborada por Kolb (1984). Como resultado, foi identificado o estilo de aprendizagem predominante, por acomodação, para o total de gestores da amostra, e a relação desse estilo com as variáveis contextuais (a cultura da empresa, o relacionamento com os demais funcionários, das experiências adquiridas ao realizar o trabalho) e também com a aprendizagem informal. Além disso, foi identificada a preferência dos gestores por esse tipo de aprendizagem, em comparação com a aprendizagem formal, apesar de esse método também ter sido identificado como fator importante para a aquisição de novos conhecimentos no contexto empresarial.DOI: 10.7769/gesec.v5i2.268
Espiritualidade Corporativa: Realidade ou Mito na Visão do Profissional de Secretariado?
Authors: Santiago Cibelle da Silva , Reis Lidiane , Lizitana Conceição dos Santos Maria
Published: June 2015

Este estudo foi desenvolvido para mostrar como uma determinada Diretoria de Cultura, objeto de estudo empírico, têm visto e exercitado a espiritualidade dentro de suas dimensões organizacionais e o seu entendimento a cerca deste tema. Para tal, o objetivo geral é identificar a existência ou não das práticas da espiritualidade corporativa numa fundação cultural, através da percepção do profissional de secretariado. Como objetivo específico buscou-se verificar se o Secretário (a) consegue encontrar na cultura desta organização situações que possam estimulá-los a desenvolver/aprimorar uma postura mais espiritualizada; identificar se o profissional de secretariado tem exercitado a espiritualidade nesta corporação, como um meio para o desenvolvimento pessoal e profissional. Foi utilizado nesta pesquisa o método exploratório e o método qualitativo como procedimento para as etapas de investigação, fazendo uso da pesquisa bibliográfica e do estudo de caso, além da utilização da entrevista como técnica para coleta de dados, sendo estruturada com perguntas abertas. Para fins de análise dos dados, utilizou-se o método quantitativo e a análise de conteúdo. Os profissionais de secretariado, sujeitos da pesquisa, devem saber o quanto é importante desenvolverem comportamentos espirituais, mais humanos e com atitudes que pensem no bem-estar do próximo. No entanto, é necessário que haja a participação enfática dos seus líderes para conhecer os conceitos referentes à espiritualidade corporativa e inteligência emocional, visando repassar aos seus liderados. Percebe-se, então, a importância do profissional de secretariado conhecer conceitos sobre espiritualidade, para internalizar e socializar com outros funcionários os benefícios deste novo comportamento organizacional.DOI: 10.7769/gesec.v5i3.269
Evaluation of Left Ventricular Regional Systolic Function Using Tissue Doppler Echocardiography After Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in Rabbits With Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Jiang Shuangquan , Li Hairu , Ren Min , Tian Jiawei , Su Yanxin , Leng Xiaoping
Published: June 2015

Objectives

The aim of this work was to assess left ventricular (LV) regional systolic function in rabbits with myocardial infarction after allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation using quantitative tissue velocity imaging.

Methods

Thirty New Zealand White rabbits were assigned into 3 groups randomly: a sham‐operated group (n = 10), a myocardial infarction (MI) group (n = 10), and a MSC transplantation group (n = 10). Mesenchymal stem cells (1 × 107 in total) were delivered into 5 spots around the left anterior descending artery (LAD) blood supply area via direct intramyocardial injections 1 hour after LAD ligation in the MSC group, whereas the MI group received the same amount of phosphate‐buffered saline injections. Echocardiography was performed before LAD ligation and 1 day and 2 weeks after MSC transplantation, respectively. The peak systolic velocity (Vs) of each LV wall segment was measured. The myocardial slices were harvested for histologic staining after the last echocardiographic examination.

Results

The velocity curves for the LV myocardium before LAD ligation had a trend showing that the Vs value decreased gradually from basal to apical segments. The Vs values for the LV segments around the infarcted area in the MSC group decreased significantly compared with the sham group (P < .05) 1 day after MSC transplantation, whereas they increased significantly 2 weeks after MSC transplantation compared with 1 day after LAD ligation (P < .05).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that quantitative tissue velocity imaging may provide a promising approach to quantitatively assessing LV regional systolic function before and after MSC transplantation.
A Predictive Model for Selecting Malignant Thyroid Nodules in Patients With Nondiagnostic or Indeterminate Fine‐Needle Aspiration Cytologic Findings
Authors: Lin Kuailu , Xiang Yingying , Qiao Li , Liu Ruoli , Dong Siyang , Zhang Xiaohua
Published: June 2015

Objectives

The management of nodules with nondiagnostic or indeterminate fine‐needle aspiration cytologic findings remains challenging. This study evaluated the clinical differences, conventional sonographic findings, elastographic findings, and cytologic findings for predicting thyroid malignancy.

Methods

A total of 167 patients with a nondiagnostic or indeterminate thyroid fine‐needle aspiration cytologic findings were enrolled in this study. The clinicopathologic and sonographic data from the patients were analyzed retrospectively to determine the independent predictive factors for thyroid malignancy. Then a scoring system was designed on the basis of statistically significant predictors.

Results

Fine‐needle aspiration cytologic findings, Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System categorization, and elastographic findings were independent predictive factors for thyroid cancer on multivariate analysis. The index points were statistically significant, with a score higher than 3 favoring malignant nodules with sensitivity of 79.37%, specificity of 85.85%, a positive predictive value of 76.9%, and a negative predictive value of 87.3%.

Conclusions

For patients with nondiagnostic or indeterminate fine‐needle aspiration cytologic findings, our scoring system for prediction of thyroid malignancy can be another choice. We suggest surgery for nodules with index points higher than 3. For nodules with index points of 3 or lower, observation and regular follow‐up are recommended.
Monocular Elevation Deficit-Simplified
Authors: Goray Apurva , Kamlesh  , Dhiman Shweta , Thacker Prolima , Goel Yashpal , Babita  , Rastogi Anju , Mishra Manisha
Published: June 2015

Managing hypotropia is a challenge for strabismologists. Monocular Elevation Deficit (MED) is one of the causes of hypotropia seen frequently by a stabismologist. Co-existence of horizontal deviations, ptosis, amblyopia, Dissociated Vertical Deviation(DVD) make the management of MED difficult. Even for the correction of hypotropia, there are different surgical techniques, which reflect the variety of causative mechanisms. After reviewing available literature, we have attempted to simplify this complex entity in terms of its pathogenesis, presentation, differential diagnosis and finally, appropriate management.
Refractive and Visual Outcomes of Laser in Situ Kerato Mileusis for Moderate to High Myopia Using 213nm Solid State Laser - A Four Year Follow Up Study
Authors: Raman Yenugandula
Published: June 2015

Aims:

To evaluate and report the visual, refractive outcomes and corneal integrity of conventional LASIK performed using 213nm solid laser to correct moderate to high myopia.

Design:

Prospective case series

Methods:

Present study analysed 53 eyes of 28 patients, with moderate to high myopia, who underwent conventional LASIK using PULZAR Z1 SOLID LASER, long term (4 year) visual refractive outcomes and the corneal integrity were studied. The patients were followed up for minimum of 48 months.

Results:

There was a significant improvement in uncorrected distant visual acuity, post operatively (P value < 0.01). No significant change was detected in decimal notations in CDVA pre and post op (p=0.383). At the end of fourth year, post op logMAR UDVA was 0.30(20/40 or 0.50 decimal notation) in 87% of eyes and 85% of eyes achieved 0.18 logMAR (20/30 or 0.67 decimal notation). The post op logMAR CDVA 0.48(0.33 in decimal notation) was 100%, where as logMAR UDVA 0.48(0.33 in decimal notation) was 92%. The efficacy index was 1.11 and safety index was 1.19. In the long run, no serious complications pertaining to corneal integrity were noticed and 4% of eyes had complaints of haloes and night vision problems.

Conclusion:

LASIK using PULZAR Z1 solid state laser, proved safe and effective providing predictable correction of moderate to high myopia.
Diagnosis And Management Of Retained Host’s Descemet’s Membrane After Penetrating Keratoplasty
Authors: Raj Anuradha , Nagpal R C , Dhasmana Renu
Published: June 2015

Retained descemet's membrane is a rare complication of penetrating keratoplasty. It can lead to graft failure by compromising the endothelial tissue of the cornea. We report a case which was diagnosed as retained descemet's membrane post penetrating keratoplasty by anterior segment optical coherence tomogram and was managed surgically by descemetorhexis without compromising the graft integrity which led to good visual gain.
Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion as a Presenting Feature of Anti-Phospholipid Antibody Syndrome and Homocysteinemia
Authors: Agarwal Richa , Veerwal Vikas , Jain Parul , Goyal J L , Jain Neha
Published: June 2015

Retinal artery occlusion (RAO) is an uncommon presentation at a young age. In contrast to retinal artery occlusion in the elderly, where the most common mechanism of occlusion involves embolic disease from the carotid artery, RAO in young adults occur secondary to a diverse group of pathologic conditions, like hypercoagulable states leading to thrombosis, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), elevated homocysteine levels. We report a unique case of a young female who presented with decreased vision in her right eye due to a branch RAO. Thorough systemic evaluation led to a diagnosis of APS along with presence of hyperhomocysteinemia and Rheumatic Heart Disease. Patient was advised warfarin therapy along with vitamin supplementation to reduce the risk of further thrombotic events. By means of this report, we would like to highlight that the high prevalence of underlying systemic disease in young patients with RAO necessitates a thorough, aggressive examination to rule out potential life-threatening embolic and hypercoagulable conditions.
Management of Keratoconus: Recent Trends
Authors: Veerwal Vikas , Jain Pooja , Goyal J L , Arora Ritu , Malhotra Ankit
Published: June 2015

Keratoconus (KC) is a bilateral, progressive disease characterised by corneal thinning, ectasia, variable degree of irregular astigmatism and resultant mild to severe reduction in visual acuity. Multiple advances in corneal imaging and topographic mapping have led to a better understanding of the disease and its progression. Traditionally, use of spectacles and rigid contact lenses has been the primary mode of treatment in early KC, while keratoplasty has been the treatment of choice in advanced cases. However, development of an array of therapeutic options over the last decade has revolutionized the approach to this disease. The preferred treatment for progressive KC has shown a paradigm shift from contact lens fitting for as long as tolerated, followed by Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK) or Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK), to Ultraviolet-A (UV-A) induced collagen cross-linking (CXL) to stabilize corneal ectasia in the long term. Recently, use of Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments (ICRS), Phakic IOLs, application of excimer laser and use of combination techniques have all made significant contribution in providing options for effective management of different stages of this disease. Bowman layer (BL) transplantation is a new technique that has recently been introduced as an alternative to PK/ DALK in eyes with advanced KC, unsuitable for either UV-CXL or ICRS. By means of this article, we aim to provide a summary of these recent trends in therapeutic options for the optimal management of keratoconus.
Contact Transfer Printing of Side Edge Prefunctionalized Nanoplasmonic Arrays for Flexible microRNA Biosensor
Authors: Lee Jihye , Park Jiyun , Lee Jun‐Young , Yeo Jong‐Souk
Published: June 2015

For a nanoplasmonic approach of wearable biochip platform, understanding correlation between near‐field enhancement on nanostructures and sensing capability is a crucial step to improve the sensitivity in biosensing. A novel and effective method is demonstrated to increase sensitivity with the enhanced electric fields and to reduce noise with targeted functionalization enabled by transferring side edge prefunctionalized (SEPF) nanostructure arrays onto flexible substrates. Nanostructure sidewalls have selective biochemically functional terminals for the hybridization of microRNAs (miRNAs) and the immobilization of resonant nanoparticles, thus forming hetero assemblies of the nanostructure and the nanoparticles. The unique configuration has shown ultrasensitive biosensing of miRNA‐21 in a 10 × 10−15 m level by a red‐shift in scattering spectra induced by a plasmon coupling. This ultrasensitive SEPF nanostructure arrays are fabricated on a flexible substrate using a contact transfer printing with a release layer of trichloro(1H, 1H, 2H, 2H‐perfluorooctyl)silane. The introduction of the release layer at a prefunctionalizing step has proven to provide selective functionalization only on the sidewalls of the nanostructures. This reduces a background noise caused by the scattering from nonspecifically bound nanoparticles on the substrate, thus enabling reliable and precise detection.
Impact of water film thickness on kinetic rate of mixed hydrate formation during injection of CO2 into CH4 hydrate
Authors: Baig Khuram , Kvamme Bjørn , Kuznetsova Tatiana , Bauman Jordan
Published: June 2015

In this work, nonequilibrium thermodynamics and phase field theory (PFT) has been applied to study the kinetics of phase transitions associated with CO2 injection into systems containing CH4 hydrate, free CH4 gas, and varying amounts of liquid water. The CH4 hydrate was converted into either pure CO2 or mixed CO2CH4 hydrate to investigate the impact of two primary mechanisms governing the relevant phase transitions: solid‐state mass transport through hydrate and heat transfer away from the newly formed CO2 hydrate. Experimentally proven dependence of kinetic conversion rate on the amount of available free pore water was investigated and successfully reproduced in our model systems. It was found that rate of conversion was directly proportional to the amount of liquid water initially surrounding the hydrate. When all of the liquid has been converted into either CO2 or mixed CO2CH4 hydrate, a much slower solid‐state mass transport becomes the dominant mechanism. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 3944–3957, 2015
An energy‐efficient cost‐effective transient batch rectifier with bottom flashing: Process dynamics and control
Authors: Jana Amiya K.
Published: June 2015

Exploring an internal heat source through bottom flashing route, this work introduces a dynamic batch column configuration within the framework of mechanical heat pump system. This batch rectifier with bottom flashing (BRBF) scheme attempts to use the reboiler liquid as a heat exchanging medium in the overhead condenser, thereby avoiding the use of any external coolant stream and reducing the consumption of hot utility in the reboiler. Aiming to operate the proposed transient process unit at an optimal state of energy use, we formulate an online open‐loop control policy that estimates the multiple control actions simultaneously. Furthermore, in order to achieve constant product purity, a gain‐scheduled closed‐loop control system is synthesized with keeping the stability margin constant. Simulating a multicomponent reactive system, the novel BRBF arrangement is evaluated in the aspects of energy savings and cost under both the open‐loop and closed‐loop control modes. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 3699–3707, 2015
Differences in Sedentary Time and Physical Activity Between Female Patients With Fibromyalgia and Healthy Controls: The al‐Ándalus Project
Authors: Segura‐Jiménez Víctor , Álvarez‐Gallardo Inmaculada C. , Estévez‐López Fernando , Soriano‐Maldonado Alberto , Delgado‐Fernández Manuel , Ortega Francisco B. , Aparicio Virginia A. , Carbonell‐Baeza Ana , Mota Jorge , Silva Pedro , Ruiz Jonatan R.
Published: June 2015

Objective

To characterize the levels of objectively measured time spent in sedentary activities (sedentary time) and physical activities in female patients with fibromyalgia and compare them with the levels in age‐matched healthy control women.

Methods

The study comprised 413 female patients with fibromyalgia (mean ± SD age 51.9 ± 7.4 years) and 188 female control subjects (age 50.9 ± 7.5 years). Sedentary time, the amount of time spent engaged in physical activity, and step counts were measured using triaxial accelerometry. The amounts of time (minutes/day) during which the participants were engaged in sedentary behaviors as well as in physical activity of different intensities (light, moderate, and moderate‐to‐vigorous) and the step counts were calculated.

Results

The amount of time spent in sedentary behavior was longer in patients with fibromyalgia compared with controls (estimated mean ± SEM difference 39 ± 8 minutes/day; P < 0.001). The patients with fibromyalgia spent less time than controls engaged in light physical activity (mean ± SEM difference −21 ± 7 minutes/day; P = 0.005), moderate physical activity (mean ± SEM difference −17 ± 3 minutes/day; P < 0.001), and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (mean ± SEM difference −19 ± 3 minutes/day; P < 0.001). The patients with fibromyalgia took fewer steps/day compared with the control subjects (mean ± SEM difference −1,881 ± 262 steps/day; P < 0.001). Only 20.6% of the patients with fibromyalgia and 46.3% of the control subjects fulfilled the recommendation for 150 minutes/week of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity in bouts of at least 10 minutes/bout (χ2 = 41.8, P < 0.001). Similarly, only 16.0% of the patients fulfilled the recommendation for ≥10,000 steps/day compared with 44.7% of the control subjects (χ2 = 56.8, P < 0.001). Both the patients and the control subjects were more active (physical activity of all intensities and numbers of steps) on weekdays than on weekend days (all P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

Female patients with fibromyalgia spent more time in sedentary behaviors and were less physically active than age‐matched controls. The low proportions of female patients with fibromyalgia and control subjects who met the physical activity and step count recommendations is worrisome.
Simultaneous determination of praziquantel, pyrantel embonate, febantel and its active metabolites, oxfendazole and fenbendazole, in dog plasma by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Klausz Gabriella , Keller Éva , Sára Zoltán , Székely‐Körmöczy Péter , Laczay Péter , Ary Kornélia , Sótonyi Péter , Róna Kálmán
Published: June 2015

A liquid chromatography–electrospray–mass spectrometry method (LC/MS) has been developed and validated for determination of praziquantel (PZQ), pyrantel (PYR), febantel (FBT), and the active metabolites fenbendazole (FEN) and oxfendazole (OXF), in dog plasma, using mebendazole as internal standard (IS). The method consists of solid‐phase extractions on Strata‐X polymeric cartridges. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a Phenomenex Gemini C6‐Phenyl column using binary gradient elution containing methanol and 50 mm ammonium–formate (pH 3). The method was linear (r2 ≥ 0.990) over concentration ranges of 3–250 ng/mL for PYR andFEB, 5–250 ng/mL for OXF and FEN, and 24–1000 ng/mL for PZQ. The mean precisions were 1.3–10.6% (within‐run) and 2.5–9.1% (between‐run), and mean accuracies were 90.7–109.4% (within‐run) and 91.6–108.2% (between‐run). The relative standard deviations (RSD) were <9.1%. The mean recoveries of five targeted compounds from dog plasma ranged from 77 to 94%.The new LC/MS method described herein was fully validated and successfully applied to the bioequivalence studies of different anthelmintic formulations such as tablets containing PZQ, PYR embonate and FBT in dogs after oral administration. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic association of the transcription of neuroplasticity‐related genes and variation in stress‐coping style
Authors: Aizawa Saeko , Ishitobi Yoshinobu , Masuda Koji , Inoue Ayako , Oshita Harumi , Hirakawa Hirofumi , Ninomiya Taiga , Maruyama Yoshihiro , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Okamoto Kana , Kawashima Chiwa , Nakanishi Mari , Higuma Haruka , Kanehisa Masayuki , Akiyoshi Jotaro
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Stress coping has been defined as the cognitive and behavioral efforts made to conquer, endure, or decrease external and internal demands and the conflicts between them. It has two main elements: the control or modification of the person–environment relationship causing the stress (i.e., problem‐focused coping) and/or regulation of stressful feelings (i.e., emotion‐focused coping). Research suggests that the expressions of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor type 2 (NTRK2) play important roles in brain adaptation to investigate stress. To clarify the genetic basis of stress coping, we investigated the association of stress‐coping strategies and social adaptation with single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) involved in neural plasticity, anxiety, and depression.

Methods

In 252 healthy controls (94 women; 158 men), we measured and estimated the stress‐coping style using the Lazarus‐type stress‐coping inventory, ego aptitude scale (EAS), and social adaptation self‐evaluation scale (SASS). We investigated one SNP of BDNF (rs6265, Val/Met) and five SNPs of NTRK2 (rs11140800, rs1187286, rs1867283, rs1147198, and rs10868235).

Results

We observed significant associations between BDNF and emotion‐focused strategies, seeking social support, self‐control, and distancing. We also found significant associations between NTRK2 and cognitive strategies, problem‐solving, confrontive‐ coping, seeking social support, distancing and positive reappraisal. Significant associations were also found between BDNF and critical attitudes and between NTRK2 and all seven ego‐related factors on the EAS. In the SASS, the minor allele rs1867283 of NTRK2 had a significantly higher score than the heterozygote.

Conclusions

These findings may provide insights into the partial effects of genetic mutations in BDNF and NTRK2 on stress tolerance and personality.
Training the next generation of hepatologist: What will they need to know?
Authors: Halegoua‐De Marzio Dina L. , Herrine Steven K.
Published: June 2015

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Increasing impact of drug‐induced liver injury
Authors: Hayashi Paul H. , Chalasani Naga P.
Published: June 2015

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Future watch: Evolving trends in the management of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Sanyal Arun J.
Published: June 2015

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Renal dysfunction in cirrhosis
Authors: Parke Chong Y. , Martin Paul , Bunnapradist Suphamai
Published: June 2015

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Microcystins in Two Low Nutrient Lakes in the Epirus Region of North‐West Greece
Authors: Vareli Katerina , Touka Anastasia , Theurillat Xantippe , Briasoulis Evangelos , Pilidis George , Sainis Ioannis
Published: June 2015

The eutrophic character of a growing number of freshwaters around the world is a global health concern as in these high nutrient ecosystems toxic cyanobacteria often bloom. The well‐studied cyanobacterial toxins are microcystins (MCs), a family of more than 90 closely related hepatotoxic heptapeptides. Since MCs are products of the first trophic level, they tend to accumulate in the food chain. Moreover, there is evidence suggesting that irrigation with contaminated water results in severely contaminated crops. As expected, scientific efforts have focused on the elucidation of mechanisms for cyanobacterial bloom formation and toxicity in these eutrophic freshwaters. However, recent studies indicated that oligotrophic freshwaters are also prone to toxic cyanobacterial blooms. In this context, we compared the toxic potential of two low nutrient lakes in NW Greece to a eutrophic lake of the same region. Interestingly, in seston samples, MC concentrations were found to be higher in these lakes. Cyanobacterial communities were compared based on molecular data. Our findings suggest that the MC producers are mainly cosmopolitan non‐diazotrophic cyanobacteria. In conclusion, based on the results, monitoring programs should be established for oligotrophic lakes to prevent of health hazards from use of such “innocent” ecosystems.
Heterojunction Synergies in Titania‐Supported Gold Photocatalysts: Implications for Solar Hydrogen Production
Authors: Jovic Vedran , Smith Kevin E. , Idriss Hicham , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N.
Published: June 2015

The mixed‐phase nature of P25 TiO2 (85 % anatase/15 % rutile) plays a key role in the high H2 production rates shown by Au/P25 TiO2 photocatalysts in alcohol/water systems. However, a full understanding of the synergistic charge transfer mechanisms between the TiO2 polymorphs that drive the high rates is yet to be realised. Here, we deconstruct P25 TiO2 into its component phases, functionalise the phases with Au nanoparticles and explore charge transfer in Au/TiO2 systems using EPR spectroscopy. EPR spectroscopy and photocatalytic data provide direct evidence that electrons excited across the rutile band gap move to anatase lattice traps through interfacial surface sites, which decreases electron–hole pair recombination and increases charge carrier availability for photoreactions. In particular, three‐phase interfacial sites between Au, anatase and rutile appear to be H2 evolution “hot spots”. The results isolate the origin of high photocatalytic H2 production rates seen in Au/P25 TiO2 systems.
A far‐red fluorescent probe for flow cytometry and image‐based functional studies of xenobiotic sequestering macrophages
Authors: Keswani Rahul K. , Yoon Gi S. , Sud Sudha , Stringer Kathleen A. , Rosania Gus R.
Published: June 2015

Clofazimine (CFZ) is an optically active, red‐colored chemotherapeutic agent that is FDA approved for the treatment of leprosy and is on the World Health Organization's list of essential medications. Interestingly, CFZ massively accumulates in macrophages where it forms crystal‐like drug inclusions (CLDIs) after oral administration of the drug in animals and humans. The analysis of the fluorescence spectra of CLDIs formed by resident tissue macrophages revealed that CFZ, when accumulated as CLDIs, undergoes a red shift in fluorescence excitation (from Ex: 540–570 to 560–600 nm) and emission (Em: 560–580 to 640–700 nm) signal relative to the soluble and free‐base crystal forms of CFZ. Using epifluorescence microscopy, CLDI(+) cells could be identified, relative to CLDI(−) cells, based on a >3‐fold increment in mean fluorescence signal at excitation 640 nm and emission at 670 nm. Similarly, CLDI(+) cells could be identified by flow cytometry, based on a >100‐fold increment in mean fluorescence signal using excitation lasers at 640 nm and emission detectors >600 nm. CLDI's fluorescence excitation and emission was orthogonal to that of cell viability dyes such as propidium iodide and 4,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI), cellular staining dyes such as Hoechst 33342 (nucleus) and FM 1‐43 (plasma membrane), as well as many other fluorescently tagged antibodies used for immunophenotyping analyses. In vivo, >85% of CLDI(+) cells in the peritoneal exudate were F4/80(+) macrophages and >97% of CLDI(+) cells in the alveolar exudate were CD11c(+). Most importantly, the viability of cells was minimally affected by the presence of CLDIs. Accordingly, these results establish that CFZ fluorescence in CLDIs is suitable for quantitative flow cytometric phenotyping analysis and functional studies of xenobiotic sequestering macrophages. © 2015 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Prevalence of undiagnosed dysglycemia in an emergency department observation unit
Authors: Silverman Robert A. , Schleicher Mackenzie G. , Valente Christopher J. , Kim Mark , Romanenko Yevgeniy , Schulman Rifka C. , Tiberio Allison , Greenblatt Benjamin , Rentala Manju , Salvador‐Kelly Annabella V. , Kwon Nancy S. , Jornsay Donna L.
Published: June 2015

Background

The proposed 2015 US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines recommend diabetes screening for individuals ≥45 years or demonstrating other risk factors for dysglycemia. Still, many patients with dysglycemia remain undiagnosed, and opportunities for early intervention are lost.

Methods

To test novel approaches for diagnosis using the haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test, we screened adult patients who were admitted to an observation unit from the emergency department with no known history of pre‐diabetes or diabetes.

Results

Of 256 subjects, 9% were newly diagnosed with diabetes and 52% were newly diagnosed with pre‐diabetes. Of those aged 18–29 years, 33% were newly diagnosed with dysglycemia, while 55% of those aged 30–44 years and 70% of those aged ≥45 years were newly diagnosed with dysglycemia.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that regardless of age, a large proportion of patients in the emergency department observation unit have undiagnosed dysglycemia, an important finding given the large number of observation admissions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tandem Organocatalyzed Knoevenagel Condensation/1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition towards Highly Functionalized Fused 1,2,3‐Triazoles
Authors: John Jubi , Thomas Joice , Parekh Nikita , Dehaen Wim
Published: June 2015

Facile synthesis of fused 1,2,3‐triazoles by a proline‐catalyzed reaction of an azido aldehyde and a nitroalkane is elaborated. The present tandem protocol proceeds via an organocatalytic Knoevenagel condensation of the azido aldehyde and nitroalkane followed by intramolecular azide–nitroalkene cycloaddition. The functionalized bicyclic triazole is obtained by elimination of HNO2 from the cycloadduct. Application of this strategy enabled us to synthesize a range of functionalised 5–7 membered ring fused triazoles. The reaction calls for mild conditions, affords high yields, and results in good regiospecificity while displaying excellent substrate scope.
Conditioned pain modulation is not decreased after partial sleep restriction
Authors: Matre D. , Andersen M.R. , Knardahl S. , Nilsen K.B.
Published: June 2015

Background

Sleep problems have been identified as a risk factor for several chronic pain conditions. Reduced sleep has been related to increased pain perception and it has been hypothesized that reduced pain inhibition may explain this. The aim of this study was to determine if sleep restriction (SR) affects heat pain perception and conditioned pain modulation (CPM).

Methods

In a paired cross‐over design with two conditions (2 nights habitual sleep (HS) vs. 2 nights 50% SR) CPM was tested in 22 healthy individuals (14 women, 8 men). The test stimulus (TS) was 2‐min contact heat stimulation (47  ± 1.3  °C) to the volar forearm. TS was delivered before and during a 7 °C cold pressor test (conditioning stimulus, CS) to the contralateral hand.

Results

TS was perceived as more painful after SR compared to after HS (p < 0.001). A stronger inhibitory CPM was found after SR versus after HS (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results indicate that SR leads to increased heat pain perception, but not reduced inhibitory CPM. This contradicts general assumptions on the relation between SR and the CPM effect.
Personality subtypes and chest pain in patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease from the TweeSteden Mild Stenosis study: mediating effect of anxiety and depression
Authors: Mommersteeg P.M.C. , Widdershoven J.W. , Aarnoudse W. , Denollet J.
Published: June 2015

Background

Patients presenting with chest pain in nonobstructive coronary artery disease (CAD, luminal narrowing <60%) are at risk for emotional distress and future events. We aimed to examine the association of personality subtypes with persistent chest pain, and investigated the potential mediating effects of negative mood states.

Methods

Any chest pain in the past month was the primary outcome measure reported by 523 patients with nonobstructive CAD (mean age 61.4 years, SD = 9.4; 48% men), who participate in the TweeSteden Mild Stenosis (TWIST) observational cohort. Personality was categorized into a ‘reference group’, a high social inhibition (‘SI only’), a high negative affectivity (‘NA only’) and a ‘Type D’ (NA and SI) group. Negative mood states included symptoms of depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and cognitive and somatic depression (Beck Depression Inventory). The PROCESS macro was used to examine the relation between personality subtypes and chest pain presence, with the negative mood states as potential mediators.

Results

Persistent chest pain was present in 44% of the patients with nonobstructive CAD. Type D personality (OR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.24–2.95), but not the ‘NA only’ (OR = 1.48, 95% CI 0.89–2.44) or the ‘SI only’ (OR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.53–1.64) group was associated with chest pain, adjusted for age and sex. Negative mood states mediated the association between personality and chest pain.

Conclusions

Type D personality, but not negative affectivity or social inhibition, was related to chest pain in nonobstructive CAD, which was mediated by negative mood states.
Sixty years of change in the macrophyte vegetation of north‐west German running waters: a community‐ and landscape‐level analysis
Authors: Steffen Kristina , Leuschner Christoph
Published: June 2015

Long‐term change in the macrophyte assemblages of 70 streams and rivers in four regions of north‐west Germany was examined with a semi‐permanent plot design based on 337 historical vegetation relevés from the 1950s that were repeated in 2010/2011. Plant assemblages were classified with two alternative phytosociological approaches based on character species and dominant species. Over the ∼60 years, the structure and composition of the vegetation changed profoundly in all four regions, even though local differences in vegetation dynamics existed. In general, stands assignable to the alliances Ranunculion (Batrachion) and Potamogetonion (assemblages dominated by submerged rooted plants) decreased greatly in frequency, while Nymphaeion stands (dominated by floating‐leaved rooted plants) increased. Communities weakly characterized by diagnostic species increased, revealing losses of specialist taxa and homogenization of the assemblages; macrophyte community diversity at the landscape level decreased. Eutrophication, hydraulic engineering and regular maintenance works in the water courses are discussed as likely causes of the vegetation change. We conclude that decade‐long human impact on river hydraulics and chemistry has significantly reduced community diversity at the landscape level, profoundly altering the relative abundance of the assemblages.

The nomenclature follows Buttler & Thieme (2011) for vascular plants, Koperski et al. (2000) for bryophytes and Preising et al. (1990) or Chytrý (2011) for vegetation units. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A New subspecies of Cassiope fastigiata (Wall.) D. Don (Ericaceae) from Sikkim Himalaya
Authors: Maity Debabrata
Published: June 2015

Cassiope fastigiata (Wall.) D. Don subsp. sennikovii D. Maity, subsp. nov. (Ericaceae) is described from Sikkim Himalaya. It differs from the previously known typical Cassiope fastigiata (Wall.) D. Don subsp. fastigiata by its funnel‐shaped or narrowly campanulate corolla and larger corolla lobes, sepals, stamens and anther awns. This new taxon is described and illustrated. PCA (Principal Component Analysis) and UP‐GMA (unweighted pair‐group method with arithmetic averages) cluster analysis are used to test the identity of Cassiope taxa found in this region. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evaluating the importance of characterizing soil structure and horizons in parameterizing a hydrologic process model
Authors: Mirus Benjamin B.
Published: June 2015

Incorporating the influence of soil structure and horizons into parameterizations of distributed surface water/groundwater models remains a challenge. Often, only a single soil unit is employed, and soil‐hydraulic properties are assigned based on textural classification, without evaluating the potential impact of these simplifications. This study uses a distributed physics‐based model to assess the influence of soil horizons and structure on effective parameterization. This paper tests the viability of two established and widely used hydrogeologic methods for simulating runoff and variably saturated flow through layered soils: (1) accounting for vertical heterogeneity by combining hydrostratigraphic units with contrasting hydraulic properties into homogeneous, anisotropic units and (2) use of established pedotransfer functions based on soil texture alone to estimate water retention and conductivity, without accounting for the influence of pedon structures and hysteresis. The viability of this latter method for capturing the seasonal transition from runoff‐dominated to evapotranspiration‐dominated regimes is also tested here. For cases tested here, event‐based simulations using simplified vertical heterogeneity did not capture the state‐dependent anisotropy and complex combinations of runoff generation mechanisms resulting from permeability contrasts in layered hillslopes with complex topography. Continuous simulations using pedotransfer functions that do not account for the influence of soil structure and hysteresis generally over‐predicted runoff, leading to propagation of substantial water balance errors. Analysis suggests that identifying a dominant hydropedological unit provides the most acceptable simplification of subsurface layering and that modified pedotransfer functions with steeper soil‐water retention curves might adequately capture the influence of soil structure and hysteresis on hydrologic response in headwater catchments. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA
Simulating high‐resolution soil moisture patterns in the Shale Hills watershed using a land surface hydrologic model
Authors: Shi Yuning , Baldwin Douglas C. , Davis Kenneth J. , Yu Xuan , Duffy Christopher J. , Lin Henry
Published: June 2015

Soil moisture is a critical variable in the water and energy cycles. The prediction of soil moisture patterns, especially at high spatial resolution, is challenging. This study tests the ability of a land surface hydrologic model (Flux‐PIHM) to simulate high‐resolution soil moisture patterns in the Shale Hills watershed (0.08 km2) in central Pennsylvania. Locally measured variables including a soil map, soil parameters, a tree map, and lidar topographic data, all have been synthesized into Flux‐PIHM to provide model inputs. The predicted 10‐cm soil moisture patterns for 15 individual days encompassing seven months in 2009 are compared with the observations from 61 soil moisture monitoring sites. Calibrated using only watershed‐scale and a few point‐based measurements, and driven by spatially uniform meteorological forcing, Flux‐PIHM is able to simulate the observed macro spatial pattern of soil moisture at ~10‐m resolution (spatial correlation coefficient ~ 0.6) and the day‐to‐day variation of this soil moisture pattern, although it underestimates the amplitude of the spatial variability and the mean soil moisture. Results show that the spatial distribution of soil hydraulic parameters has the dominant effect on the soil moisture spatial pattern. The surface topography and depth to bedrock also affect the soil moisture patterns in this watershed. Using the National Land Cover Database (NLCD) in place of a local tree survey map makes a negligible difference. Field measured soil type maps and soil type‐specific hydraulic parameters significantly improve the predicted soil moisture pattern as compared to the most detailed national soils database (Soil Survey Geographic Database, or SSURGO, 30‐m resolution). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The fruits of a functional approach for psychological science
Authors: Stewart Ian
Published: June 2015

The current paper introduces relational frame theory (RFT) as a functional contextual approach to complex human behaviour and examines how this theory has contributed to our understanding of several key phenomena in psychological science. I will first briefly outline the philosophical foundation of RFT and then examine its conceptual basis and core concepts. Thereafter, I provide an overview of the empirical findings and applications that RFT has stimulated in a number of key domains such as language development, linguistic generativity, rule‐following, analogical reasoning, intelligence, theory of mind, psychopathology and implicit cognition.
Hitting Restart
Authors: Altura Gerard J. , Curwood Jen Scott
Published: June 2015

Research suggests that video games can foster deep engagement, critical thinking, and collaborative learning. To highlight how video games promote student achievement, we focus on a year 9 elective class in Australia. Our findings suggest that this games‐based class encouraged student learning and motivated students to develop advanced literacy skills, including critical analysis, creative writing, and programming.
Density Gradient Centrifugation for the Isolation of Cells of Multiple Lineages
Authors: Yamamoto Yumiko , Itoh Shousaku , Yamauchi Yukako , Matsushita Kenta , Ikeda Shun , Naruse Haruna , Hayashi Mikako
Published: June 2015

We recently developed a simple strategy for the enrichment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with the capacity for osteoblast, chondrocyte, and adipocyte differentiation. On transplantation, the progenitor‐enriched fraction can regenerate bone with multiple lineages of donor origin. Although comprising multiple precursor cell types, the population is enriched >100‐fold in osteoprogenitors, hence the name “highly purified osteoprogenitors” (HipOPs). To establish a new modified method of purifying pure MSCs, it is useful to know the expression patterns of surface markers on heterogeneous MSCs and committed cells such as osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. However, calcium deposition by osteoblasts is a critical obstacle in visualizing the expression patterns of surface markers. We now report a new method of separating differentiated osteoblastic HipOPs (OB‐HipOPs) from calcium deposits using the Percoll density gradient centrifugation technique. After centrifuge separation, calcium deposits were observed at the bottom of the centrifuge tube, and living OB‐HipOPs were harvested from the 10–70% fractions. However, there were no living cells in the 70–80% fraction. We concluded that living OB‐HipOPs are separated by one 10–70% Percoll gradient. Furthermore, we analyzed the expression patterns of putative MSC markers on differentiated HipOPs. FACS analysis revealed that Sca‐1, CD44, CD73, CD105, and CD106 were decreased in OB‐HipOPs. In adipogenic‐ and chondrogenic‐HipOPs, Sca‐1, CD73, CD105, and CD106 were decreased. This new technique is a helpful tool to identify MSC surface markers and to clarify in more detail the differentiation stages of osteoblasts. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2709–2714, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.