bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of prostate and kidney cancer in the Aboriginal population of Canada: A systematic review
Authors: Wong Emily Chu Lee , Kapoor Anil
Published: May 2017

Introduction: Prostate and kidney cancer rates in the Aboriginal population of Canada is a growing issue.Methods: A systematic review of prostate and kidney cancer epidemiology in the Aboriginal population of Canada was performed with international comparison and evaluation of present epidemiological disparities. PubMed, Medline, and Embase (from January 1946 to June 2016), relevant government-published reports, and the websites of organizations contributing to prostate or kidney cancer guidelines were searched. We included studies that informed any of the three epidemiological questions this review is focused on answering. Results: Two systematic reviews, two meta-analyses, five literature reviews, and 21 single-study papers were included. The incidence and mortality rates of kidney cancer were elevated among Canadian Aboriginals when compared to the provincial or national population and to several international regions. No studies reported data on survival. Prostate cancer incidence, mortality, and survival rates were lower in Aboriginals provincially, nationally, and internationally, with incidence and survival reaching statistical significance. Elevated rate of risk factors for kidney cancer was a significant finding among Canadian Aboriginals. Aboriginals were screened for prostate cancer less than the general Canadian population, a trend also observed in the U.S.Conclusions: The elevated incidence and mortality of kidney cancer among Canadian Aboriginals is most likely attributable to the rise in lifestyle-based risk factors. Two correlations concerning prostate cancer are made. However, due to temporal and regional disparities in data, further investigation is required to elucidate these observations.
Modified C index: Novel predictor of postoperative renal functional loss of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy
Authors: Ito Hiroki , Makiyama Kazuhide , Kawahara Takashi , Osaka Kimito , Izumi Koji , Yokomizo Yumiko , Nakaigawa Noboru , Yao Masahiro
Published: May 2017

Introduction: We aimed to develop a scoring system to quantify the distance between the renal hilum and renal tumour, termed the modified C index (m-CI), and to predict renal functional loss (RFL)following laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN).Methods: The m-CI was measured by using computed tomography in 113 patients who underwent LPN between May 2003 and June 2014. The RFL following LPN was calculated by examining the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and radioisotope renography one year postoperatively. The Pythagorean theorem was used to calculate the distance from the tumour centre to the renal hilum. The distance was divided by the tumour radius to obtain the m-CI. The correlation between the m-CI and the postoperative RFL were evaluated using Pearson’s coefficient values. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the potential predictive factors of RFL following LPN. The correlation between the m-CI and the operative time, ischemia time, and blood loss during LPN were also evaluated by the unpaired t-test.Results: Pearson’s coefficient values between the postoperative RFL and the m-CI and C index were 0.294 and 0.173, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the resected volume (p=0.031) and m-CI (p=0.036) significantly correlated with the postoperative RFL following LPN. The operative time (p<0.001), ischemia time (p=0.028), and blood loss (p=0.047) during LPN was significantly longer and larger, respectively, in the group with shorter m-CI (≤4.5) than in the group with the longer m-CI (>4.5).Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that the m-CI can predict RFL following LPN, as well as the surgical difficulty.
OnabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of idiopathic overactive bladder is effective and safe for repeated use
Authors: Carlson Kevin , Civitarese Andrea , Baverstock Richard
Published: May 2017

Introduction: The objective of this study was to compare efficacy and safety outcomes between patients receiving onabotulinumtoxinA (OnabotA) for the first time and those receiving a repeat injection.Methods: Data collected before and after OnabotA injection were extracted from a clinical registry. Patients were classified into either first or repeat injection subgroups. Efficacy was measured by the change in use of oral bladder medications, the number of voids per day or night, the frequency of urinary incontinence (UI) episodes, and patient-reported outcomes. Safety was measured by the number of self-reported complications. Differences in safety measures between the subgroups were tested.Results: The analysis included complete data from 81 patients; 30 (37%) receiving OnabotA for the first time, 51 (63%) receiving a repeat injection. Both subgroups reported significant reductions in the use of anticholinergics, more tolerable bladder symptoms, and improvements in patient-reported outcomes. Dry rates were similarly high in both groups (50% and 43%, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences between the subgroups in terms of their safety outcomes.Conclusions: OnabotA is equally as efficacious and safe for patients with overactive bladder receiving a repeat injection as it is for those receiving their first injection.
Utility of preoperative 3 Tesla pelvic phased-array multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in prediction of extracapsular extension and seminal vesicle invasion of prostate cancer and its impact on surgical margin status: Experience at a Canadian academic tertiary care centre
Authors: Lee Taehyoung , Hoogenes Jen , Wright Ian , Matsumoto Edward D. , Shayegan Bobby
Published: May 2017

Introduction: To evaluate the utility of 3 Tesla (3T) pelvic phased-array (PPA) multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to predict extracapsular extension (ECE) and seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) and its subsequent effect on radical prostatectomy (RP) surgical margin status.Methods: A retrospective evaluation was conducted of RP patients who underwent preoperative 3T PPA mpMRI (without endorectal coil) based on clinical probability of adverse pathological features. Frequencies, specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of mpMRI in predicting the status of ECE and SVI were calculated.Results: Forty-eight consecutive patients were included. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for 3T PPA mpMRI using T2-weighted sequences with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) imaging to predict ECE was 39%, 56%, 45%, and 50%, respectively, while SVI prediction was 33%, 95%, 50%, and 91%, respectively. Twelve of the 28 cases predicted as being negative for ECE had positive margins, while two of the 20 cases predicted to be positive for ECE had positive margins. Imaging predicted four cases would have SVI, yet two had positive margins, while of the 44 cases predicted as being negative for SVI, four had positive margins.Conclusions: These findings at our centre suggest that the use of 3T PPA mpMRI using T2-weighted sequences with DWI and DCE in predicting pathological ECE and SVI is of questionable benefit. These mpMRI reports may result in closer dissection of neurovascular bundles and subsequent positive surgical margins. Caution should be exercised when basing intraoperative decisions on mpMRI findings.
Recurrent, bilateral, and metastatic pheochromocytoma in a young patient with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome: A genetic link?
Authors: Caza Tiffany , Manwaring Jared , Riddell Jonathan
Published: May 2017

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a genetic disorder at chromosome 11p15 that leads to increased activity of insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF2) and reduced activity, with no active copy of the inhibitor of cell proliferation, CDKN1C, resulting in excessive growth and increased risk of tumour formation. Isolated cases of patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and pheochromocytoma are reported in the literature; however, none have described a molecular or cytogenetic evaluation for associated genetic abnormalities.We present a case of an adolescent female with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome who developed recurrent, bilateral, and metastatic pheochromocytoma despite low-risk histopathology. Genotyping studies, which evaluated for genetic predisposition to pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma (PHEO/PGL), including the PGLNext sequencing panel of 12 associated genes, and a whole genome comparative genome hybridization microarray, were performed. Genomic studies were unexpectedly negative. Additionally, the histopathology of the PHEO/PGL of our patient had low-risk features, which is unusual in cases of metastases, occurring in less than 4% of cases.1 This case suggests that the BWS in itself could predispose to formation of a PHEO/PGL phenotype with aggressive behaviour. The following manuscript summarizes the case report, reviews pertinent literature, and proposes a possible mechanism for this association.
Synthesis of Network Polymers Containing Si-Vinylene Units by Mizoroki-Heck Reaction
Authors: Naga Naofumi , Sugano Yasuto , Senda Arie
Published: May 2017

Network polymers containing Si-vinylene units have been synthesized by Mizoroki-Heck reaction of cyclic siloxane or cubic silsesquioxane compounds with vinyl groups, as joint molecules, and dibromo aryl compounds, as linker molecules, using a Pd catalyst. The reaction of 1,3,5,7-tetravinyltetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (TVMCTS) or octavinyloctasilsesquioxane (PVOSS) with o, m, p-dibromobenzene (DBB) or 4,4'-dibromobiphenyl (DBBP) yielded the corresponding network polymers, except TVMCTS-oDBB system. Optical properties of the network polymers were studied by UV-vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy, and absorption and emission derived from s-p conjugation of the Si-vinylene units were detected. Copolymerization of TVMCTS-DBB/bromobenzene yielded CHCl3 soluble fraction due to formation of the network fragments. The network polymers of TVMCTS or PVOSS with 2,7-dibromofluorene (BFl) or 9,9-dihexyl-2,7-dibromofluorene were synthesized by the same procedures. Scanning electron microscope image of TVMCTS-BFl network polymer indicated formation of porous structure. The network polymers have been also synthesized by the reactions of multifunctional aryl bromide, as the joint molecules, with divinyl or dially silane compounds, as the linker molecules. The molecular structure of the multifunctional aryl bromide affected the emission wavelengths of the network polymers. In the case of the 2,2’,7,7’-tetrabromo-9,9’-spirobifluorene-based network polymers, the emission spectra widely ranged from 450 to 500 nm, which were sensitive to molecular structure of the divinyl or dially silane compounds.
Empowering Fishermen through Local Wisdom and Sustainable Development: a Policy Research
Authors: Sukarmi Sukarmi
Published: May 2017

The current study was to observe to what extent efforts are taken by the local government of Demak Regency, Central Java Indonesia to empower the fishermen based on local wisdom, as well as what model is right with the sustainable development. Technically, the government can take benefit from this study to issue a policy of ‘empowering and protecting fisherman with sustainable development model. The regency has bio and non-bio potential resources. However, due to the lack of visionary attention to the resources and the absence of the comprehensive maritime planning, the ecology and the socio-economy of the area are facing serious problems, such as unhealthy competition in fishing in its multiple manifestations contributing to the poor welfare of the fishermen along the coastline. In-depth interviews were held among 20 fishermen to find out their wishes for improvement of the welfare. It was concluded that policies of pro-fishermen have to be developed on the basis of local wisdom and sustainable development and recommendations were offered accordingly.
Quadratic form Approach for the Number of Zeros of Homogeneous Linear Recurring Sequences over Finite Fields
Authors: Kottegoda Yasanthi
Published: May 2017

We consider homogeneous linear recurring sequences over a finite field $\mathbb{F}_{q}$, based on an irreducible characteristic polynomial of degree $n$ and order $m$. Let $t=(q^{n}-1)/ m$. We use quadratic forms over finite fields to give the exact number of occurrences of zeros of the sequence within its least period when $t$ has q-adic weight 2. Consequently we prove that the cardinality of the set of zeros for sequences from this category is equal to two.
From Partnership to Program: the Evolution of SHIRP
Authors: Murphy Susan A.
Published: May 2017

Created to license a subset of the University of Saskatchewan Library’s electronic resources for access by health care practitioners in the province, the Saskatchewan Health Information Resources Program (SHIRP) has undergone substantive organizational and administrative changes in its first decade of existence. Although its mandate remains the same, the transition of SHIRP from a partnership to a program and its subsequent integration into the University Library’s operations, has streamlined processes, increased the visibility and understanding of SHIRP across the province, and enhanced SHIRP’s ability to provide electronic resources and library services to practitioners working alongside Saskatchewan health sciences students.
Прийоми одивнення драматичного твору (на матеріалі п’єси
Ігоря Костецького „Близнята ще зустрінуться”)
Authors: Batcevich Flory
Published: May 2017

The article presents the analysis of the means of “odyvnennia verging on being absurd”
of the form and content of the most well-known Ukrainian Diaspora playwright Ihor
Kostetskiy’s (1913–1984) play ”The Twins will Meet One Day” (1947). It was established
that the formal-semantic organization of the “dramatic work” text type is deformed to
a great extent. First of all, these are communicative-lingual actions of the “presenter” in
the prologue and interlude of the play. Communicative actions of the heroes of the play
in a number of cases break the rules, conventions and maxims of confl ict free communication.
Besides, the author introduces mystical elements in a quite realistic content of the
play.
Редуплікати в сучасній українській мові: структура, семантика, функція
Authors: Nikolashyna Tatiana
Published: May 2017

The article deals with the structural, semantic, and functional features of reduplicated words in literary discourse. Reduplicated manifestations are implemented in diff erent lexical and grammatical forms in the following versions: diversity, similarity, expressiveness, strengthening the quality of the signs or the features of other signs depicting the intensity, frequency and duration, and the plurality of processes. In the modern Ukrainian language reduplicated words often consist of two components and are created in the following models: 1) a complete redo of a duplicated word and a duplicator: Subs1-Subs1, Adjec1- Adjec1, Numer1-Numer1, Pron1-Pron1, Verb fi nitum1-Verb fi nitum1, Adv1 -Adv1, Inter1- Inter1; 2) divergent repetition: Adjec1-pref (pre-) Adjec1, Adjec1-Adjec2 suf (-isink-), Pron1-Pron2 suf (-isink-), Adv1-part (non)-Adv1, Adv1-part (non)-Adv1, Adv1-pref (pre-) Adv1. Tripled reduplicate of multiplicative verbs (Verb fi nitum1-Verb fi nitum1-Verb fi nitum1) and the adverbs of qualitative semantics (Adv1-Adv1-Adv1) are functioning in the Ukrainian language sporadically.
Jak motywować? Techniki skutecznej
motywacji w pracy ze studentami
studiów ukrainistycznych
Authors: Szafernakier-Świrko Anna
Published: May 2017

This article attempts to answer the question – how to motivate learners? The study
group consisted of Ukrainian studies students. This paper presents techniques of eff ective
motivation particularly emphasizing the role and attitude of a teacher. Emotions controlled
by the teacher in a proper way and an appropriate way of communication with the learners
infl uence signifi cantly the increase of the classes eff ectiveness.
У пошуках гармонії: Vals
mèlancolque в контексті малої прози
О. Кобилянської кінця ХІХ ст.
Authors: Yablonska Olga
Published: May 2017

This paper analizes O. Kobylanska’s story “Vals mèlancolque” as the epicenter of the
writers’ refl ections on the category of harmony and happiness. The relationship of O. Kobylanska’s
spiritual quest in «Diary» and short prose of the late nineteenth century is observed
(“Nature”, “Rose”, “Ignorant”, “Vals mèlancolque”, “Humility”, etc.). The author’s vision
of the substantial role of art and words in the story “Vals mèlancolque” is highligted. This
paper also investigates the symbolist nature of a text. The writer emphasizes the understanding
of the actual idea of women’s emancipation. The paper shows that female characters
embody the author’s conscious distinction of such categories as “love” (Martha),
“cold art” (Anna) and a harmonious combination of “pieces” and “love” (Sofi a). It is
concluded that in the work of Kobylanska the text is a landmark, being both a kind of life
and artistic credo.
Українська поезія в Польщі у період „Хрущовської відлиги”
Authors: Yaruchyk Victor
Published: May 2017

The article deals with the origin, development and importance of the Ukrainian literature that has been present in Poland since 1956. It was then that Ukrainians were able not only to easily express their artistic creativity, but they could also publish their works in the newly created media. The founders of the Ukrainian poetry in Poland were Ostap Lapskyy, Eugene Samohvalenko, Jakiv Hudemchuk, Mila Luchak, Olga Petyk and others. Among the main motives of their poems were longing for their homeland, loss of their native land, love of the homeland, and a high value of their native language. Since the eighties of 20 century, there has appeared literature of the new, younger generation.
Своєрідність поетики малої
прози Клима Поліщука
Authors: Maftyn Natalia
Published: May 2017

The determination of genre end style paradigm of the small prose of the Ukrainian
writer by main features of expressionism aesthetics is examined in the article. The dependence
of genre-composition, singularities (fragmentation, underplot, with the inclusion of
the complicated set of leitmotifs in the plot) as well as style peculiarities (especially the
apocalyptical, imagery, the tendency to saturation and the phrase expression) on the epiphany
of death as one of the dominating artistic devices of K. Polishchuk`s prose is considered.
Психоаналітичний наратив
у прозі О. Забужко
Authors: Natyazhko Svitlana
Published: May 2017

The article deals with the research importance of Oksana Zabuzhko’s works. Particularly,
the necessity of studying the works of the contemporary Ukrainian writer in the
psychoanalytic sense is proved. An attempt to consider the author’s prose as psychoanalytic
narrative is made. Stages of the writer’s evolution from a theorist to a practicalworker,
from a researcher to a writer are traced. An attempt to examine Zabuzhko as an experienced
analyst is accomplished. The analysis of the novel in the context of Oksana Zabuzhko’s
works is envisaged. Its narrative structure and psychoanalytic base are proved. The direct connection between a literary narrative and a psychoanalysis is highlighted with the aim
of underlining the feasibility of studying works of the fi ction literature, written in the style
of Freud’s disease stories as psychoanalytic narratives. On the basis of the above basis,
the expediency of using the psychoanalytic method in researches of the works of modern
literature and the urgency of researching the interaction of a narrative and a psychoanalysis
in contemporary literary studies are established.
Художня освіта та мистецтво
аванґарду в Україні у контексті
радянської соціалістичної програми
Authors: Prokopchuk Inna
Published: May 2017

The study presents retrospectives of the early periods of the so-called “Soviet culture”,
through the prism of historical and political events which occurred after 1917 when Soviet
ideologists assigned to avant-garde art, in particular, to futurism and constructivism, to
carry out their destructive work. The attention is drawn to historical preconditions of the
formation and development of the new forms of the Ukrainian art education. The artistic
works of 1920 designated out of passion of the prospects opened by cubofuturism, suprematism,
and constructivism are analyzed. The unique features of works of prominent authors
consist in their organic combination of social experiment of post – revolutionary epoch
with the experiments of avant-garde arts. It is underlined that in particular avant-garde art
impregnated by the ideas of futuristic utopia became a real foundation for the offi cial soviet
art until 1932.
Дослідження експресіонізму
в сучасному українському
літературознавстві
Authors: Radavska Oksana
Published: May 2017

The article refers to the work of Ukrainian researchers devoted to expressionism, such
as O. Chernenko, M. Moklytsi, A. Biloi, O. Osmak, G. Yastrubetskoyi and others. It
defi nes the main directions of research and characterizes researchers by their theoretical
concepts, focusing on the names of the writers who are called the representatives of
Ukrainian literary expressionism. Attention is paid to the fact that the theories may often be similar but researchers represent diff erent series of names and works. This requires
further development of the theory of expressionism and the Ukrainian literature study in
this aspect.
Pisarz poza ojczyzną:
sylwetka Jurija Szewelowa
Authors: Stefanowska Lidia
Published: May 2017

In the second half of the 1940s, Ukrainian literature outside of Soviet Ukraine experienced
an unusually intensive period of development in the Displaced Person’s camps in
western Germany and Austria. Thrown together from various regions of Ukraine, writers
managed to develop an amazing literary activity. A key role in this period was played by
one of the most important Ukrainian émigré scholar, literary critic and essayist – Yuryii
Shevelov (born on 17 December 1908 in Kharkiv, died 12 April 2002 in New York.)
Having emigrated to Germany in 1944, he taught at the Ukrainian Free University in
Münich (1946–9) and obtained a doctorate there (1949). He was also a vice-president of
the MUR literary association (1945–8) and edited a monthly journal Arka. Shevelov is the
author of some 500 articles, reviews, and books on Slavic philology and linguistics and
the history of literature. He was one of the organizers of émigré literary life in Germany
after the Second World War.
In the postwar period Yurii Shevelov (pseud: Yu. Sherekh) has been the most infl uential
literary critic within the Ukrainian émigré community in the West. In his articles in
the journal Arka (1947–8) he formulated the principles of a ‘national-organic style’ and
stimulated a lively discussion that continued for some time. Another émigré critic, Volodymyr
Derzhavyn, produced articles that combined the Neoclassicist and modernist
approaches. They both began a discussion that contributed to a revival of postwar Ukrainian
literature. The principal intellectual discord between them was an understanding of
what “national” means and what kind of tradition should serve as a “source of revival”
for Ukrainian culture in exile.
His numerous articles in the fi eld of literature and literary criticism were collected in
Ne dlia ditei (Not for Children, 1964), Druha cherha: literatura, teatr, ideolohiï (The
Second Round: Literature, Theater, Ideologies, 1978), and Tretia storozha (The Third Watch,
1991). Most of these essays were reprinted in Kharkiv in 1998 in a two-volume edition
Porohy i zaporizhzhia (The Rapids and zaporizhzhia).
Ciało martwe i umierające w ukraińskiej sztuce współczesnej
Authors: Zambrzycka Marta
Published: May 2017

The subject of the article are images of death and human corps in the Ukrainian contemporary art as exemplifi ed by two Ukrainian representatives of contemporary art: Vasily Cagolov and Arsen Savadov. Savadov uses a dead body as a metaphor of a political and social situation. Vasyl Cagolow analyzes the subject of death and violence in popular culture, presenting it as a show that is kitsch and detached from reality.
Людина світлої душі і щедрої любові
Authors: Ostash Lyubov , Mytnik Irena
Published: May 2017

This article was written in the memory of Roman Ivanovych Ostash, a prominent
Ukrainian onomastic researcher, dialectologist and lexicographer, a man with a great heart
and moral authority. This article presents the story of his life, scientifi c activity and his
contribution to the development of the Ukrainian linguistics. Very rich scientifi c achievements
of Roman Ivanovych Ostash have been shown in the context of his cooperation with
a number of researchers and academic institutions in Ukraine and abroad. The article has
been included in full bibliography of his scientific papers.
MCTP is an ER-resident calcium sensor that stabilizes synaptic transmission and homeostatic plasticity
Authors: Genç Özgür , Dickman Dion K , Ma Wenpei , Tong Amy , Fetter Richard D , Davis Graeme W
Published: May 2017

Presynaptic homeostatic plasticity (PHP) controls synaptic transmission in organisms from Drosophila to human and is hypothesized to be relevant to the cause of human disease. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of PHP are just emerging and direct disease associations remain obscure. In a forward genetic screen for mutations that block PHP we identified mctp (Multiple C2 Domain Proteins with Two Transmembrane Regions). Here we show that MCTP localizes to the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that elaborate throughout the soma, dendrites, axon and presynaptic terminal. Then, we demonstrate that MCTP functions downstream of presynaptic calcium influx with separable activities to stabilize baseline transmission, short-term release dynamics and PHP. Notably, PHP specifically requires the calcium coordinating residues in each of the three C2 domains of MCTP. Thus, we propose MCTP as a novel, ER-localized calcium sensor and a source of calcium-dependent feedback for the homeostatic stabilization of neurotransmission.
Running wheel training does not change neurogenesis levels or alter working memory tasks in adult rats
Authors: Acevedo-Triana Cesar A. , Rojas Manuel J. , Cardenas Fernando P.
Published: May 2017

Background

Exercise can change cellular structure and connectivity (neurogenesis or synaptogenesis), causing alterations in both behavior and working memory. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of exercise on working memory and hippocampal neurogenesis in adult male Wistar rats using a T-maze test.

Methods

An experimental design with two groups was developed: the experimental group (n = 12) was subject to a forced exercise program for five days, whereas the control group (n = 9) stayed in the home cage. Six to eight weeks after training, the rats’ working memory was evaluated in a T-maze test and four choice days were analyzed, taking into account alternation as a working memory indicator. Hippocampal neurogenesis was evaluated by means of immunohistochemistry of BrdU positive cells.

Results

No differences between groups were found in the behavioral variables (alternation, preference index, time of response, time of trial or feeding), or in the levels of BrdU positive cells.

Discussion

Results suggest that although exercise may have effects on brain structure, a construct such as working memory may require more complex changes in networks or connections to demonstrate a change at behavioral level.
Network science meets respiratory medicine for OSAS phenotyping and severity prediction
Authors: Mihaicuta Stefan , Udrescu Mihai , Topirceanu Alexandru , Udrescu Lucretia
Published: May 2017

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common clinical condition. The way that OSAS risk factors associate and converge is not a random process. As such, defining OSAS phenotypes fosters personalized patient management and population screening. In this paper, we present a network-based observational, retrospective study on a cohort of 1,371 consecutive OSAS patients and 611 non-OSAS control patients in order to explore the risk factor associations and their correlation with OSAS comorbidities. To this end, we construct the Apnea Patients Network (APN) using patient compatibility relationships according to six objective parameters: age, gender, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), neck circumference (NC) and the Epworth sleepiness score (ESS). By running targeted network clustering algorithms, we identify eight patient phenotypes and corroborate them with the co-morbidity types. Also, by employing machine learning on the uncovered phenotypes, we derive a classification tree and introduce a computational framework which render the Sleep Apnea Syndrome Score (SASScore); our OSAS score is implemented as an easy-to-use, web-based computer program which requires less than one minute for processing one individual. Our evaluation, performed on a distinct validation database with 231 consecutive patients, reveals that OSAS prediction with SASScorehas a significant specificity improvement (an increase of 234%) for only 8.2% sensitivity decrease in comparison with the state-of-the-art score STOP-BANG. The fact that SASScorehas bigger specificity makes it appropriate for OSAS screening and risk prediction in big, general populations.
Student evaluations of teaching: teaching quantitative courses can be hazardous to one’s career
Authors: Uttl Bob , Smibert Dylan
Published: May 2017

Anonymous student evaluations of teaching (SETs) are used by colleges and universities to measure teaching effectiveness and to make decisions about faculty hiring, firing, re-appointment, promotion, tenure, and merit pay. Although numerous studies have found that SETs correlate with various teaching effectiveness irrelevant factors (TEIFs) such as subject, class size, and grading standards, it has been argued that such correlations are small and do not undermine the validity of SETs as measures of professors’ teaching effectiveness. However, previous research has generally used inappropriate parametric statistics and effect sizes to examine and to evaluate the significance of TEIFs on personnel decisions. Accordingly, we examined the influence of quantitative vs. non-quantitative courses on SET ratings and SET based personnel decisions using 14,872 publicly posted class evaluations where each evaluation represents a summary of SET ratings provided by individual students responding in each class. In total, 325,538 individual student evaluations from a US mid-size university contributed to theses class evaluations. The results demonstrate that class subject (math vs. English) is strongly associated with SET ratings, has a substantial impact on professors being labeled satisfactory vs. unsatisfactory and excellent vs. non-excellent, and the impact varies substantially depending on the criteria used to classify professors as satisfactory vs. unsatisfactory. Professors teaching quantitative courses are far more likely not to receive tenure, promotion, and/or merit pay when their performance is evaluated against common standards.
Social relationships enhance the time spent eating and intake of a novel diet in pregnant Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) heifers
Authors: Shin Dong-Han , Kang Hyun-Min , Seo Seongwon
Published: May 2017

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of social relationships on the feed intake, eating behavior, and growth, upon exposure to a novel diet, in Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) heifers during pregnancy. Twenty-four pregnant Hanwoo heifers, averaging 438 ± 27.8 kg in weight, 21 months in age, and 194 ± 8.5 days in pregnancy, were involved in a two-month (eight weeks) experiment. The heifers were randomly assigned to either the single housing group (SG; one individual per pen, n = 12), or the paired housing group (PG; two individuals per pen, n = 12). All pens were of the same size (5 × 5 m) and provided with one feed bin, which automatically recorded the individual feed intake and eating behavior. As the experiment began, the diet of the heifers was switched from a total mixed ration (TMR; 250 g/kg ryegrass straw and 750 g/kg concentrate mix) to a forage-only diet (mixed hay cubes composed of 500 g/kg alfalfa, 250 g/kg timothy, and 250 g/kg blue grass hay). The heifers were fed ad libitum twice a day. The individual feed intake and eating behavior were recorded daily throughout the experiment, and body weights (BWs) were measured every four weeks before the morning feeding. PG animals visited the feed bin 22% less often than SG. PG, however, stayed 39% longer in the feed bin and consumed 40% more feed per visit, compared with SG. Consequently, PG heifers spent 23% more time in eating and had 16% more daily dry matter intake than SG during the experiment. Average daily gain during the experimental period tended to be greater in PG than in SG. When pregnant Hanwoo heifers encountered a novel diet, social relationships (i.e., presence of a pen-mate) enhanced their time spent eating and feed intake. Social interactions, even with an unfamiliar individual, may be helpful for pregnant Hanwoo heifers cope with a diet challenge compared to solitary situation.
Divergent effect of fluoxetine on the response to physical or chemical stressors in zebrafish
Authors: Abreu Murilo S. , Giacomini Ana Cristina V.V. , Koakoski Gessi , Piato Angelo L.S. , Barcellos Leonardo J.G.
Published: May 2017

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that increases serotonin concentration in the central nervous system and modulates various systems, including the control of sympathetic outflow and the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal. However, it is not yet established whether fluoxetine can modulate the responses to stressors stimulants (physical or chemical) that trigger cortisol response in zebrafish. We demonstrate that fluoxetine blunts the response to physical stress, but not to chemical stress.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Catalytic Properties, and Luminescent of a Novel Eu(III) Complex Material with 4-Imidazolecarboxaldehyde-pyridine-2-carbohydrazone
Authors: Wang Li-Hua , Liang Lei , Li Peng-Fei
Published: May 2017

A novel Eu(III) complex, [Eu(L)2(H2O)4]·(NO3)·(H2O)4 (1) (H2L = 4-imidazolecarboxaldehyde-pyridine-2-carbohydrazide), was synthesized. Its structure has been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis. Complex 1 is of orthorhombic, space group Fdd2 with a = 29.471(6) A˚, b = 10.287(2) A˚, c = 24.340(5) A˚, V = 7379(3) A˚3, Z = 8, Mr = 902.58, Dc = 1.625 µg·m-3, µ = 1.789 mm-1, F(000) = 3656, GOOF = 1.099, the final R= 0.0517, ωR= 0.1292 for 3043 observed reflections with I > 2σ(I).  The A3 coupling reaction has been investigated using the complex 1 as catalyst. The luminescent spectrum of the complex 1 gives two weak peaks (448 nm and 491 nm) and two strong peaks (596 nm and 620 nm) from excitation at 279 nm.
Synthesis of Ag3PO4 using Hydrophylic Polymer and Their Photocatalytic Activities under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Sulaeman Uyi , Liu Bin , Yin Shu , Sato Tsugio
Published: May 2017

The highly active Ag3PO4 photocatalysts were successfully synthesized using the hydrophylic polymer of PVA (polyvinyl alcohol), PEG (polyethylene glycol) and PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone). The products were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Photocatalytic activities were evaluated using decomposition of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The results showed that the PVA, PEG, and PVP increased the specific surface area and enhanced the photocatalytic activity of Ag3PO4. The highest photocatalytic activity could be observed in Ag3PO4 synthesized with PVA, mainly due to an increase in electron excitation induced by PVA chemically adsorbed on the surface.
Effects of Weight Hourly Space Velocity and Catalyst Diameter on Performance of Hybrid Catalytic-Plasma Reactor for Biodiesel Synthesis over Sulphated Zinc Oxide Acid Catalyst
Authors: Buchori Luqman , Istadi Istadi , Purwanto Purwanto
Published: May 2017

Biodiesel synthesis through transesterification of soybean oil with methanol on hybrid catalytic-plasma reactor over sulphated zinc oxide (SO42-/ZnO) active acid catalyst was investigated. This research was aimed to study effects of Weight Hourly Space Velocity (WHSV) and the catalyst diameter on performance of the hybrid catalytic-plasma reactor for biodiesel synthesis. The amount (20.2 g) of active sulphated zinc oxide solid acid catalysts was loaded into discharge zone of the reactor. The WHSV and the catalyst diameter were varied between 0.89 to 1.55 min-1 and 3, 5, and 7 mm, respectively. The molar ratio of methanol to oil as reactants of 15:1 is fed to the reactor, while operating condition of the reactor was kept at reaction temperature of 65 oC and ambient pressure. The fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) component in biodiesel product was identified by Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that the FAME yield decreases with increasing WHSV. It was found that the optimum FAME yield was achieved of 56.91 % at WHSV of 0.89 min-1 and catalyst diameter of 5 mm and reaction time of 1.25 min. It can be concluded that the biodiesel synthesis using the hybrid catalytic-plasma reactor system exhibited promising the FAME yield.
Esterification of Benzyl Alcohol with Acetic Acid over Mesoporous H-ZSM-5
Authors: Kusumaningtyas Desy Tri , Prasetyoko Didik , Suprapto Suprapto , Triwahyono Sugeng , Jalil Aishah Abdul , Rosidah Afifah
Published: May 2017

In this study, the performance of mesoporous ZSM-5 has been studied on the esterification of acetic acid (AA) with benzyl alcohol (BA). The mesoporous ZSM-5 catalyst has been synthesized with the variation of aging time i.e. 6, 12, and 24 hours at the same temperature, 70 °C. The cation exchange of Na-ZSM-5 to H-ZSM-5 was performed before the catalytic activity test. The acidity type and amount of solids were determined by FT-IR spectroscopy using pyridine as a probe molecule. The characterization by pyridine adsorption showed that at a higher mesoporous surface area, the number of Lewis acid was increased. The highest mesoporous surface area, Lewis, and Brönsted acid sites were obtained by sample which has the lowest crystallinity, i.e. 255.78 m2/g, 0.2732 mmol/g, and 0.20612 mmol/g, respectively. Influence of mesoporous volume was studied on the catalytic activity of the mesoporous ZSM-5 in the esterification reaction. Conversion of acetic acid in the esterification reaction for samples of    HZ-6, HZ-12, and HZ-24 were obtained by titration methods, i.e. 39.59, 36.39, and 32.90 %, respectively. Hence, the reaction temperature of 393 K, molar ratio 1:4 (AA:BA) and catalyst loading 5 % were selected as an optimum reaction parameters.
Measurement of Antioxidant Effects on the Auto-oxidation Kinetics of Methyl Oleate – Methyl Laurate Blend as a Surrogate Biodiesel System
Authors: Samadhi Tjokorde Walmiki , Hirotsu Toshihiro , Goto Shinichi
Published: May 2017

This research investigates the feasibility of methyl oleate-methyl laurate blend as a surrogate biodiesel system which represents jatropha-coconut oil biodiesel, a potentially suitable formulation for tropical climate, to quantify the efficacy of antioxidant additives in terms of their kinetic parameters. This blend was tested by the Rancimat EN14112 standard method. The Rancimat tests results were used to determine the primary oxidation induction period (OIP) and first-order rate constants and activation energies. Addition of BHT and EcotiveTM antioxidants reduces the rate constants (k, h-1) between 15 to 90% in the 50-200 ppm dose range, with EcotiveTM producing significantly lower k values. Higher dose reduces the rate constant, while oleate/laurate ratio produces no significant impact. Antioxidants increase the oxidation activation energy (Ea, kJ/mol) by 180 to almost 400% relative to the non-antioxidant value of 27.0 kJ/mol. EcotiveTM exhibits lower Ea, implying that its higher efficacy stems from a better steric hindrance as apparent from its higher pre-exponential factors. The ability to quantify oxidation kinetic parameters is indicative of the usefulness of methyl oleate-laurate pure FAME blend as a biodiesel surrogate offering better measurement accuracy due to the absence of pre-existing antioxidants in the test samples.
Properties of the high‐spin heme of MauG are altered by binding of preMADH at the protein surface 40 Å away
Authors: Feng Manliang , Ma Zhongxin , Crudup Breland F. , Davidson Victor L.
Published: May 2017

The diheme enzyme MauG catalyzes oxidative post‐translational modifications of a protein substrate, precursor protein of methylamine dehydrogenase (preMADH), that binds to the surface of MauG. The high‐spin heme iron of MauG is located 40 Å from preMADH. The ferric heme is an equilibrium of five‐ and six‐coordinate states. PreMADH binding increases the proportion of five‐coordinate heme three‐fold. On reaction of MauG with H2O2 both hemes become FeIV. In the absence of preMADH the hemes autoreduce to ferric in a multistep process involving multiple electron and proton transfers. Binding of preMADH in the absence of catalysis alters the mechanism of autoreduction of the ferryl heme. Thus, substrate binding alters the environment in the distal heme pocket of the high‐spin heme over very long distance.
Stromal SPOCK1 supports invasive pancreatic cancer growth
Authors: Veenstra Veronique L. , Damhofer Helene , Waasdorp Cynthia , Steins Anne , Kocher Hemant M. , Medema Jan P. , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. , Bijlsma Maarten F
Published: May 2017

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is marked by an abundant stromal deposition. This stroma is suspected to harbor both tumor‐promoting and tumor‐suppressing properties. This is underscored by the disappointing results of stroma targeting in clinical studies. Given the complexity of tumor–stroma interaction in PDAC, there is a need to identify the stromal proteins that are predominantly tumor‐promoting. One possible candidate is SPOCK1 that we previously identified in a screening effort in PDAC. We extensively mined PDAC gene expression datasets, and used species‐specific transcript analysis in mixed‐species models for PDAC to study the patterns and driver mechanisms of SPOCK1 expression in PDAC. Advanced organotypic coculture models with primary patient‐derived tumor cells were used to further characterize the function of this protein. We found SPOCK1 expression to be predominantly stromal. Expression of SPOCK1 was associated with poor disease outcome. Coculture and ligand stimulation experiments revealed that SPOCK1 is expressed in response to tumor cell‐derived transforming growth factor‐beta. Functional assessment in cocultures demonstrated that SPOCK1 strongly affects the composition of the extracellular collagen matrix and by doing so, enables invasive tumor cell growth in PDAC. By defining the expression pattern and functional properties of SPOCK1 in pancreatic cancer, we have identified a stromal mediator of extracellular matrix remodeling that indirectly affects the aggressive behavior of PDAC cells. The recognition that stromal proteins actively contribute to the protumorigenic remodeling of the tumor microenvironment should aid the design of future clinical studies to target specific stromal targets.
Impacts of ENSO on air‐sea oxygen exchange: Observations and mechanisms
Authors: Eddebbar Yassir A. , Long Matthew C. , Resplandy Laure , Rödenbeck Christian , Rodgers Keith B. , Manizza Manfredi , Keeling Ralph F.
Published: May 2017

Models and observations of atmospheric potential oxygen (APO ≃ O2 + 1.1 * CO2) are used to investigate the influence of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on air‐sea O2 exchange. An atmospheric transport inversion of APO data from the Scripps flask network shows significant interannual variability in tropical APO fluxes that is positively correlated with the Niño3.4 index, indicating anomalous ocean outgassing of APO during El Niño. Hindcast simulations of the Community Earth System Model (CESM) and the Institut Pierre‐Simon Laplace model show similar APO sensitivity to ENSO, differing from the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory model, which shows an opposite APO response. In all models, O2 accounts for most APO flux variations. Detailed analysis in CESM shows that the O2 response is driven primarily by ENSO modulation of the source and rate of equatorial upwelling, which moderates the intensity of O2 uptake due to vertical transport of low‐O2 waters. These upwelling changes dominate over counteracting effects of biological productivity and thermally driven O2 exchange. During El Niño, shallower and weaker upwelling leads to anomalous O2 outgassing, whereas deeper and intensified upwelling during La Niña drives enhanced O2 uptake. This response is strongly localized along the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, leading to an equatorial zonal dipole in atmospheric anomalies of APO. This dipole is further intensified by ENSO‐related changes in winds, reconciling apparently conflicting APO observations in the tropical Pacific. These findings suggest a substantial and complex response of the oceanic O2 cycle to climate variability that is significantly (>50%) underestimated in magnitude by ocean models.
Halophiles
Authors: DasSarma Shiladitya , DasSarma Priya
Published: May 2017

Halophiles, salt‐loving organisms that flourish in saline environments, are classified as slight, moderate or extreme, depending on their requirement for sodium chloride. While most marine organisms are slight halophiles, moderate and extreme halophiles are generally more specialised microbes inhabiting hypersaline environments found all over the world in arid, coastal and deep‐sea locations, underground salt mines and artificial salterns. Halophilic microorganisms include heterotrophic, phototrophic and methanogenic archaea, photosynthetic, lithotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria and photosynthetic and heterotrophic eukaryotes. Examples of extremely halophilic microorganisms include
Halobacterium
sp. NRC‐1, an archaeon;
Aphanothece halophytica
, a cyanobacterium; and
Dunaliella salina
, a green alga. Common multicellular halophilic eukaryotes include brine shrimp and brine fly larvae that serve as an important food source for birds. In order to balance the osmotic stress of hypersaline environments, halophilic microorganisms either accumulate organic compatible solutes internally, produce acidic proteins to increase solvation and improve function in high salinity, or use a combination of strategies.

Key Concepts

Halophiles are salt‐loving organisms that inhabit saline and hypersaline environments and include prokaryotic (archaeal and bacterial) and eukaryotic organisms.

Halophiles may be classified as slight, moderate or extreme, and as obligate halophiles or halotolerant.

Many halophiles accumulate compatible solutes in cells to balance the osmotic stress in their environment.

Some halophiles produce acidic proteins that function in high salinity by increasing solvation and prevent protein aggregation, precipitation and denaturation.

Halophiles and their biomolecules are useful for applications in biotechnology, medicine and industry.