bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE IMPACT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY CONSUMPTION ON CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS - THE CASE OF SOUTH AMERICAN COUNTRIES
Authors: Koengkan Matheus Da Costa , Fuinhas José Alberto
Published: March 2018

The impact of renewable energy consumption on the carbon dioxide emissions was analyzed for a panel of ten South American countries in a period from 1980 to 2012. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag Methodology was used in order to decompose the total effect of renewable energy consumption on the carbon dioxide emissions in its short- and long-run components. The results indicate that the consumption of renewable energy reduce the carbon dioxide emissions in -0.0420 % when the consumption of alternative sources increases in 1% in short-run. The empirical evidence shows that the renewable consumption plays an important role in reducing CO2 emissions and that the economic growth and energy consumption in the South American countries are still based on fossil fuels.  Keywords: Environmental, Energy economics, Econometric.
Antínoo(s) e Antinous: da reinterpretação de Antínoo no poema homônimo de Fernando Pessoa
Authors: Lemos Moreira Igor , Costa Vítor M
Published: March 2018

O presente trabalho busca, através da História Cultural e da Hermenêutica, realizar uma análise do poema Antinous (1918) publicado pela primeira vez em língua inglesa por Fernando Pessoa. Dividido em duas partes, propõe-se inicialmente uma reflexão acerca do uso de fontes literárias para as pesquisas e estudos na área de história partindo das propostas da historiografia francesa. Na segunda parte do texto, é realizada uma análise seguida de algumas considerações interpretativas acerca o texto de Pessoa sob a ótima da hermenêutica e dos estudos da linguagem, relacionado sua escrita ao período vivido pelo escritor e as narrativas acerca do personagem Antínoo.
Opressão e escravidão no episódio do vergalho, em Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas
Authors: Stringuetti Lucas Mateus Vieira de Godoy
Published: March 2018

Este texto tem por objetivo analisar e discutir a questão da opressão e a escravidão no episódio do vergalho, no romance Memórias póstumas de Brás Cubas, de Machado de Assis. Faremos uso dessa fonte literária do século XIX, pois além de ser uma obra importante e considerada uma das mais revolucionárias e inovadoras da literatura brasileira, permite-nos analisá-la sob viés histórico, uma vez que o presente romance marcou o início do realismo no Brasil. Tomando como eixo central o episódio do vergalho, protagonizado pelo escravo Prudêncio, procuramos discutir como o escravo após ser alforriado pelo pai de Brás Cubas comportou-se na sociedade de sua época e como este sobrevivia num meio de dominação da elite senhorial.
Entre livros e leitores: o catálogo de obras da Biblioteca do Gabinete de Leitura de Jundiaí.
Authors: Oliveira Paulo Henrique
Published: March 2018

O presente artigo objetiva apresentar o trabalho metodológico e quantitativo desenvolvido com o catálogo de obras do Gabinete de Leitura de Jundiaí. A pesquisa baseou-se na catalogação e ordenação do catálogo com referência à Classificação Decimal Dewey (CDD).  Essa classificação possibilitou observar aspectos qualitativos, como as preferências de leitura dos sócios e frequentadores do Gabinete de Leitura, revelando ainda um universo de circulação de livros, de práticas de leitura e um breve panorama do campo editorial brasileiro, nas primeiras décadas da República 1910/1930.
Lugares-comums e interpretação alegórica: considerações sobre a elaboração da literatura medieval a partir de um roman do século XIV
Authors: Macedo Jaqueline Silva de
Published: March 2018

Durante a querela entre o rei da França Filipe o Belo (1285-1314) e o papas Bonifácio VIII (1294-1303) e Clemente V (1305-1314), foram produzidos textos que discutiam, em termos gerais, o direito e o dever de sobrepujar o seu adversário em poder como liderança espiritual e material. Um deles é o Roman de Fauvel, em sua fase final. Propomos esboçar o teor desta fonte considerando os topoi (lugares-comuns) percorridos por ela. Esta abordagem nos ajuda a analisar o tipo de registro textual e o contexto que possibilitou sua construção na sociedade medieval nos círculos principescos.
Ana Cristina César: entre escritas de si e Poesia Marginal
Authors: Fidelix da Silva Emilly Fidelix
Published: March 2018

Ana Cristina César, a escritora que fez parte de um grupo caracterizado como “geração mimeógrafo” nos anos 1970-1980, foi marcada pelo gosto pela escrita desde a infância, quando aos quatro anos começa a ditar suas poesias para a mãe. Mais tarde, formaria técnica e personalidade próprias aos seus escritos, desenvolvendo um estilo marcado pelo uso da linguagem coloquial, centrando-se em aspectos individuais e cotidianos. Entre escritas de si, num exercício de autorreflexão e registro sobre a própria vida e a poesia marginal, marcadas por publicações mimeografadas, basicamente artesanais e pagas pelos próprios autores, Ana, assim como outros poetas marginais, escapava à padronização imposta pelo mercado de produção cultural. Sua atividade transgressora, os envolvia em todas as fases por que passavam seus livros: da edição à venda. Assim, Ana C. constitui-se pouco a pouco como escritora do cotidiano, das impressões urbanas, desenvolvendo uma técnica de recorte e colagem, que se forma através de fragmentos, formando uma escrita por vezes desconexa, ainda que com forte caráter confessional e reflexivo sobre o próprio fazer literário.
Morgagni hernia: Report of two cases and brief review of anatomy and literature
Authors: Krol Emilia , McCormick Michael W. , Chase Daniel M. , Sparks Dorothy A. , Bogen Gregg L. , Smaroff Gregory G.
Published: March 2018

Morgagni hernias are rare defects which comprise approximately three percent of congenital diaphragmatic hernias. They are often found incidentally but may present with symptoms of bowel obstruction due to viscera entering the hernia sac. Here we present a case series of two Morgagni hernias. The first case is an elderly woman who presented with strangulated transverse colon in the hernia sac, and the other is a young man who complained of vague chest discomfort. These cases exemplify the varied clinical presentation of Morgagni hernias, the importance of being cognizant of their pathology, and their treatment.
Adoption of Human Resource Information Systems in Developing Countries: An Empirical Study
Authors: Quaosar G. M. Azmal Ali
Published: March 2018

There is an inadequate understanding of the successful use and effects of a human resource information system (HRIS) in a developing country context. Given this backdrop, this study plans to explore the determinants impact on HRIS adoption in a developing country. A research model was developed after studying the existing literature, and a questionnaire was developed accordingly to collect data through a purposive sampling method.Materials and Methods: To assess adoption of human resource information system, this study applied the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Data were collected from HR executives and HR professionals of different private and public organizations situated in Dhaka (capital of Bangladesh) and Chittagong (commercial capital of Bangladesh), Bangladesh. To analyze the data, researcher applied partial least square method based on structural equation modeling.Results: The study found that the research factors performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating condition as well as the extended factors of UTAUT model employee involvement and training support (p < 0.05) had a weighty influence on HRIS adoption.Conclusions: The findings of this study may become beneficial for the human resource department of various organizations (public, private and others) of developing countries like Bangladesh by adopting HRIS.
Belle Fourche River-Cheyenne River Drainage Divide Area in the Wyoming Powder River Basin Analyzed by Topographic Map Interpretation Methods, USA
Authors: Clausen Eric
Published: March 2018

The dearth of scientific literature in which specific erosional landform origins are determined is an example of what Thomas Kuhn considered a scientific crisis. Scientific crises arise when scientists following their discipline’s established paradigm’s rules, or doing what Kuhn calls normal science, cannot explain observed evidence. Scientific crises are resolved in one of three ways. Normal science may eventually explain the evidence and normal science returns, the unsolved problems may be identified and labeled and left for future scientists to solve, or a new paradigm may emerge with an ensuing battle over its acceptance. To succeed any new paradigm must demonstrate its ability to explain the previously unexplained evidence and also open up new research opportunities. During the 20th century’s first half regional geomorphologists abiding by their discipline’s paradigm rules unsuccessfully tried to explain origins of numerous erosional landforms, such as drainage divides and erosional escarpments. Their failures eventually caused the regional geomorphology discipline, at least that part of the discipline concerned with determining specific erosional landform origins, to almost completely disappear. A new and fundamentally different geomorphology paradigm that requires massive southeast-oriented continental ice sheet melt-water floods to have flowed across the Powder River Basin has the ability to explain specific erosional landform origins and is demonstrated here by using detailed topographic map evidence to show how large southeast-oriented floods eroded the Powder River Basin’s Belle Fourche River-Cheyenne River drainage divide segment, eroded through valleys now crossing that drainage divide segment, eroded the Powder River Basin’s Belle Fourche River valley, established Belle Fourche and Cheyenne River Powder River Basin tributary valley orientations, and eroded the north-facing Pine Ridge Escarpment. The success of this and other similar new paradigm demonstrations suggest many if not all specific erosional landform origins can be determined.
‘The closer you are the more information you get’ – interview met professor Emanuel Marx
Authors: Siegel Dina
Published: March 2018

‘The closer you are the more information you get’ – interview with professor Emanuel Marx

This is an interview with one of the most important social anthropologists of the 20th century – prof. Emanuel Marx.
Phytoremediation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soils Artificially Polluted Using Plant-Associated-Endophytic Bacteria and Dactylis glomerata as the Bioremediation Plant
Authors: Gałązka Anna , Gałązka Rafał
Published: March 2018

The reaction of soil microorganisms to the contamination of soil artificially polluted with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was evaluated in pot experiments. The plant used in the tests was cock’s foot (Dactylis glomerata). Three different soils artificially contaminated with PAHs were applied in the studies. Three selected PAHs (anthracene, phenanthrene, and pyrene) were used at the doses of 100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg d.m. of soil and diesel fuel at the doses of 100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg d.m. of soil. For evaluation of the synergistic effect of nitrogen fixing bacteria, the following strains were selected: associative Azospirillum spp. and Pseudomonas stutzerii. Additionally, in the bioremediation process, the inoculation of plants with a mixture of the bacterial strains in the amount of 1 ml suspension per 500 g of soil was used. Chamber pot-tests were carried out in controlled conditions during four weeks of plant growth period. The basic physical, microbiological and biochemical properties in contaminated soils were determined. The obtained results showed a statistically important increase in the physical properties of soils polluted with PAHs and diesel fuel compared with the control and also an important decrease in the content of PAHs and heavy metals in soils inoculated with Azospirillum spp. and P. stutzeri after cock’s foot grass growth. The bioremediation processes were especially intensive in calcareous rendzina soil artificially polluted with PAHs.
Activity of Natural Polyether Ionophores: Monensin and Salinomycin against Clinical Staphylococcus epidermidis Strains
Authors: Stefańska Joanna , Stępień Karolina , Huczyński Adam , Tyski Stefan
Published: March 2018

Staphylococcus epidermidis, a coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, is the most important pathogen responsible for chronic nosocomial infections. These bacteria produce extracellular slime and form biofilms on various biotic and abiotic surfaces. Bacterial biofilms are very resistant to standard antimicrobial therapy and difficult to eradicate, so it is important to search for new more effective anti-biofilm agents, for example in the group of natural substances. The aim of the study was to examine the activity of two ionophores-salinomycin and monensin against clinical S. epidermidis strains, using MIC/MBC method and biofilm formation inhibition assay. Bacterial strains were tested also for slime production using Congo Red Agar. Both tested ionophore antibiotics showed the highest activity against planktonic bacteria of clinical as well as standard S. epidermidis strains and effectively inhibited the formation of bacterial biofilm.
Cuentos de vacaciones: La literatura de ficción de Santiago Ramón y Cajal
Authors: Collado-Vázquez Susana , Carrillo Jesús María
Published: March 2018

Santiago Ramón y Cajal, padre de la neurociencia, obtuvo el Premio Nobel de Medicina en 1906 por su teoría neuronal. Además de ser un gran histólogo, investigador y docente, mostró interés por la fotografía, la filosofía, la astronomía, el ajedrez y la hipnosis. Escribió obras científicas y biográficas muy relevantes así como los Cuentos de vacaciones. Narraciones pseudocientíficas, cinco relatos con finalidad pedagógica en los que se mezclan conceptos científicos, ficción, algo de ironía y donde siempre están presentes el microscopio y la microbiología. Los relatos plantean dilemas sociales o morales de difícil solución motivados por avances de la ciencia o por una incorrecta educación científica de la población. Cajal pretendía mejorar esa educación y desterrar falsas creencias y supersticiones.
Death and literature: Different approaches, from simplicity to obscurity
Authors: Skelton John
Published: March 2018

This study looks briefly at a range of ways in which writers have approached the concept of death, from expressions of personal grief, through to the ways in which attitudes to death represented in a culture are also picked up and used by writers from the culture concerned. Writers considered are mostly (but not all) from the English and Spanish language traditions, and in particular Seamus Heaney, Thomas Hardy, Miguel de Cervantes and Federico García Lorca. The point is made that not all writing about death is centred on death as a source of personal grief, though a great deal is. Also considered is the way in which some writing about death is transparent, and in a sense overtly simple, while other writing is less so, and may even seem obscure.
¿En qué grado afectan las Pseudociencias al profesorado? Una mirada al pensamiento de los docentes de ciencias en formación
Authors: Solbes Matarredona Jordi , Palomar Fons Rafael , Domínguez Sales María Consuelo
Published: March 2018

Las pseudociencias están presentes y son aceptadas con naturalidad por amplios sectores de la población. A pesar de su potencial peligrosidad, la enseñanza de las ciencias no las tiene en cuenta e, incluso, algunas universidades han llegado a ofrecerlas de manera reglada. En este trabajo se pretende conocer el grado de aceptación de estas creencias por parte del profesorado de secundaria de ciencias en formación, donde se han detectado porcentajes importantes de aceptación de las pseudociencias.
A reference cytochrome c oxidase subunit I database curated for hierarchical classification of arthropod metabarcoding data
Authors: Richardson Rodney , Bengtsson-Palme Johan , Gardiner Mary M , Johnson Reed M
Published: March 2018

Metabarcoding is a popular application which warrants continued methods optimization. To maximize barcoding inferences, hierarchy-based sequence classification methods are increasingly common. We present methods for the construction and curation of a database designed for hierarchical classification of a 157 bp barcoding region of the arthropod cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) locus. We produced a comprehensive arthropod COI amplicon dataset including annotated arthropod COI sequences and COI sequences extracted from arthropod whole mitochondrion genomes, which provided the only source of representation for Zoraptera, Callipodida and Holothyrida. The database contains extracted sequences of the target amplicon from all major arthropod clades, including all insect orders, all arthropod classes and Onychophora, Tardigrada and Mollusca outgroups. During curation, we extracted the COI region of interest from approximately 81 percent of the input sequences, corresponding to 73 percent of the genus-level diversity found in the input data. Further, our analysis revealed a high degree of sequence redundancy within the NCBI nucleotide database, with a mean of approximately 11 sequence entries per species in the input data. The curated, low-redundancy database is included in the Metaxa2 sequence classification software ( http://microbiology.se/software/metaxa2/ ). Using this database with the Metaxa2 classifier, we characterized the relationship between the Metaxa2 reliability score, an estimate of classification confidence, and classification error probability. We used this analysis to select a reliability score threshold which minimized error. We then estimated classification sensitivity, false discovery rate and overclassification, the propensity to classify sequences from taxa not represented in the reference database. Our work will help researchers design and evaluate classification databases and conduct metabarcoding on arthropods and alternate taxa.
Preliminary analysis of New Zealand scampi (Metanephrops challengeri) diet using metabarcoding
Authors: van der Reis Aimee L , Laroche Olivier , Jeffs Andrew G , Lavery Shane D
Published: March 2018

Deep sea lobsters are highly valued for seafood and provide the basis of important commercial fisheries in many parts of the world. Despite their economic significance, relatively little is known about their natural diets. Microscopic analyses of foregut content in some species have suffered from low taxonomic resolution, with many of the dietary items difficult to reliably identify as their tissue is easily digested. DNA metabarcoding has the potential to provide greater taxonomic resolution of foregut and hindgut contents of the New Zealand (NZ) scampi (Metanephrops challengeri), but a number of methodological concerns need to first be overcome to ensure optimum DNA metabarcoding results.

In this study, a range of methodological parameters were trialled to determine the optimum protocols for DNA metabarcoding, and provide a first view of the NZ scampi diet. Several PCR protocols were trialled, using two universal primer pairs targeting the 18S rRNA and COI genes, on DNA extracted from frozen and ethanol preserved samples of both foregut and hindgut digesta.

The selection of appropriate DNA polymerases, buffers and methods for reducing PCR inhibitors (including use of BSA) were found to be critical. Amplification from frozen or ethanol preserved gut contents appeared similarly dependable, but metabarcoding results showed that ethanol samples resulted in better results from the COI gene. The COI gene was found to be more effective than 18S rRNA gene for identifying large eukaryotic taxa from the digesta, however, it was less successfully amplified. The 18S rRNA gene was more easily amplified, but identified mostly smaller marine organisms such as plankton and parasites. This preliminary analysis of the diet of the NZ scampi identified a range of species, which included the ghost shark (Hydrolagus novaezealandiae), silver warehou (Seriolella punctate), tall sea pen (Funiculina quadrangularis ) and salp (Ihlea racovitza), suggesting that they have a varied diet, with a high reliance on scavenging a diverse range of pelagic and benthic species from the seafloor.
Characterization of shifts of koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) intestinal microbial communities associated with antibiotic treatment
Authors: Dahlhausen Katherine E. , Doroud Ladan , Firl Alana J. , Polkinghorne Adam , Eisen Jonathan A.
Published: March 2018

Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are arboreal marsupials native to Australia that eat a specialized diet of almost exclusively eucalyptus leaves. Microbes in koala intestines are known to break down otherwise toxic compounds, such as tannins, in eucalyptus leaves. Infections by Chlamydia, obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens, are highly prevalent in koala populations. If animals with Chlamydia infections are received by wildlife hospitals, a range of antibiotics can be used to treat them. However, previous studies suggested that koalas can suffer adverse side effects during antibiotic treatment. This study aimed to use 16S rRNA gene sequences derived from koala feces to characterize the intestinal microbiome of koalas throughout antibiotic treatment and identify specific taxa associated with koala health after treatment. Although differences in the alpha diversity were observed in the intestinal flora between treated and untreated koalas and between koalas treated with different antibiotics, these differences were not statistically significant. The alpha diversity of microbial communities from koalas that lived through antibiotic treatment versus those who did not was significantly greater, however. Beta diversity analysis largely confirmed the latter observation, revealing that the overall communities were different between koalas on antibiotics that died versus those that survived or never received antibiotics. Using both machine learning and OTU (operational taxonomic unit) co-occurrence network analyses, we found that OTUs that are very closely related to Lonepinella koalarum, a known tannin degrader found by culture-based methods to be present in koala intestines, was correlated with a koala’s health status. This is the first study to characterize the time course of effects of antibiotics on koala intestinal microbiomes. Our results suggest it may be useful to pursue alternative treatments for Chlamydia infections without the use of antibiotics or the development of Chlamydia-specific antimicrobial compounds that do not broadly affect microbial communities.
Change in skeletal muscle stiffness after running competition is dependent on both running distance and recovery time: a pilot study
Authors: Sadeghi Seyedali , Newman Cassidy , Cortes Daniel H.
Published: March 2018

Long-distance running competitions impose a large amount of mechanical loading and strain leading to muscle edema and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Damage to various muscle fibers, metabolic impairments and fatigue have been linked to explain how DOMS impairs muscle function. Disruptions of muscle fiber during DOMS exacerbated by exercise have been shown to change muscle mechanical properties. The objective of this study is to quantify changes in mechanical properties of different muscles in the thigh and lower leg as function of running distance and time after competition. A custom implementation of Focused Comb-Push Ultrasound Shear Elastography (F-CUSE) method was used to evaluate shear modulus in runners before and after a race. Twenty-two healthy individuals (age: 23 ± 5 years) were recruited using convenience sampling and split into three race categories: short distance (nine subjects, 3–5 miles), middle distance (10 subjects, 10–13 miles), and long distance (three subjects, 26+ miles). Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) measurements were taken on both legs of each subject on the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), soleus, lateral gastrocnemius (LG), medial gastrocnemius (MG), biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles. For statistical analyses, a linear mixed model was used, with recovery time and running distance as fixed variables, while shear modulus was used as the dependent variable. Recovery time had a significant effect on the soleus (p = 0.05), while running distance had considerable effect on the biceps femoris (p = 0.02), vastus lateralis (p < 0.01) and semitendinosus muscles (p = 0.02). Sixty-seven percent of muscles exhibited a decreasing stiffness trend from before competition to immediately after competition. The preliminary results suggest that SWE could potentially be used to quantify changes of muscle mechanical properties as a way for measuring recovery procedures for runners.
Prognostic value of new-onset right bundle-branch block in acute myocardial infarction patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Juntao , Luo Hongxing , Kong Chunling , Dong Shujuan , Li Jingchao , Yu Haijia , Chu Yingjie
Published: March 2018

Background

Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and bundle-branch block have poor prognoses. The new European Society of Cardiology guideline suggests a primary percutaneous coronary intervention strategy when persistent ischemic symptoms occur in patients with persistent ischemic symptoms and right bundle-branch block (RBBB), but the level of evidence is not high. In fact, the presence of RBBB may lead to the misdiagnosis of transmural ischemia and mask the early diagnosis of ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Moreover, new-onset RBBB is occasionally caused by AMI. Our study aims to investigate the prognostic value of new-onset RBBB in AMI.

Methods and Results

We conducted a meta-analysis of studies to evaluate the prognostic value of RBBB in AMI patients. Of 914 primary records, five studies and 874 MI patients were included for meta-analysis. Compared with previous RBBB, AMI patients with new-onset RBBB had a higher risk of long-term mortality (RR, 1.66, 95% CI [1.31–2.09], I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.000, n = 2), ventricular arrhythmia (RR, 4.86, 95% CI [2.10–11.27], I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.000, n = 3), and cardiogenic shock (RR, 2.76, 95% CI [1.66–4.59], I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.000, n = 3), but a lower risk of heart failure (RR, 0.66, 95% CI [0.52–0.85], I2 = 2.50%, p = 0.001, n = 4). Compared with AMI patients with new-onset permanent RBBB, patients with new-onset transient RBBB had a lower risk of short-term mortality (RR, 0.20, 95% CI [0.11–0.37], I2 = 44.1%, p = 0.000, n = 4).

Conclusion

New-onset RBBB is likely to increase long-term mortality, ventricular arrhythmia, and cardiogenic shock, but not heart failure in AMI patients. AMI patients with new-onset transient RBBB have a lower risk of short-term mortality than those with new-onset permanent RBBB. Revascularization therapies should be considered when persistent ischemic symptoms occur in patients with RBBB, especially new-onset RBBB.
Mechanisms to Explain the Elemental Composition of the Initial Aragonite Shell of Larval Oysters
Authors: Haley Brian A. , Hales Burke , Brunner Elizabeth L. , Kovalchik Kevin , Waldbusser George G.
Published: March 2018

Calcifying organisms face increasing stress from the changing carbonate chemistry of an acidifying ocean, particularly bivalve larvae that live in upwelling regions of the world, such as the coastal and estuarine waters of Oregon (USA). Arguably the first and most significant developmental hurdle faced by larval oysters is formation of their initial prodissoconch I (PDI) shell, upon which further ontological development depends. We measured the minor metal compositions (Sr/Ca, Mg/Ca) of this aragonitic PDI shell and of post‐PDI larval Crassostrea gigas shell, as well as the water they were reared in, over ∼20 days for a May and an August cohort in 2011, during which time there was no period of carbonate under‐saturation. After testing various methods, we successfully isolated the shell from organic tissue using a 5% active chlorine bleach solution. Elemental compositions (Sr, Mg, C, N) of the shells post‐treatment showed that shell Sr/Ca ranged from 1.55 to 1.82 mmol/mol; Mg/Ca from 0.60 to 1.11 mmol/mol, similar to the few comparable published data for larval oyster aragonite compositions. We compare these data in light of possible biomineralization mechanisms: an amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) path, an intercellular path, and a direct‐from‐seawater path to shell formation via biologically induced inorganic precipitation of aragonite. The last option provides a mechanistic explanation for: (1) the accelerated precipitation rates of biogenic calcification in the absence of a calcifying fluid; (2) consistently elevated precipitation rates at varying ambient‐water saturation states; and (3) the high Ca‐selectivity of the early larval calcification despite rapid precipitation rates.
A Newly Designed Analytical Line to Examine Fluid Inclusion Isotopic Compositions in a Variety of Carbonate Samples
Authors: Dassié Emilie P. , Genty Dominique , Noret Aurélie , Mangenot Xavier , Massault Marc , Lebas Nicolas , Duhamel Maxence , Bonifacie Magali , Gasparrini Marta , Minster Benedicte , Michelot Jean‐Luc
Published: March 2018

δ18O and δD of fluid inclusions in carbonates provide insights into temperatures and fluid chemical compositions prevailing during the carbonate precipitation, however, various analytical restrictions limit a wider application of this proxy. This paper presents a new fluid inclusions isotopic analytical line coupled to an online cavity ring‐down spectrometer that increased the analytical productivity up to 10 carbonate samples per working day. This efficiency allowed for the first time to assess the reliability a large set of water samples with size ranging from 0.1 to 1 µL. Good reproducibility (±0.5‰ for δ18O and ± 2‰ δD; 1σ) is obtained for water quantity superior or equal to 0.3 μL and no evidence of memory effect is found. The line is further tested using two types of natural carbonates: (1) modern speleothems samples from caves for which δ18O and δD values of drip water were measured and (2) diagenetic carbonates for which the δ18O of the parent water were independently back‐calculated from carbonate clumped isotope Δ47 measurements. Speleothem fluid inclusion values despite falling close to the Global Meteoritic Water Line are not always representative of the isotopic composition of the parent drip water. Results on diagenetic cements show that the δ18Owater values measured in fluid inclusions agree, within 1%, with the δ18Owater independently derived from Δ47 measurements. Overall, this study confirms the reliability and accuracy of the developed analytical line for carbonate fluid inclusion analyses with a good reproducibility obtained for water quantity above 0.3 μL.
Postshock Thermally Induced Transformations in Experimentally Shocked Magnetite
Authors: Kontny A. , Reznik B. , Boubnov A. , Göttlicher J. , Steininger R.
Published: March 2018

We studied the effect of 973 K heating in argon atmosphere on the magnetic and structural properties of a magnetite‐bearing ore, which was previously exposed to laboratory shock waves between 5 and 30 GPa. For this purpose magnetic properties were studied using temperature‐dependent magnetic susceptibility, magnetic hysteresis and low‐temperature saturation isothermal remanent magnetization. Structural properties of magnetite were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction, high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron‐assisted X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. The shock‐induced changes include magnetic domain size reduction due to brittle and ductile deformation features and an increase in Verwey transition temperature due to lattice distortion. After heating, the crystal lattice is relaxed and apparent crystallite size is increased suggesting a recovery of lattice defects documented by a mosaic recrystallization texture. The structural changes correlate with modifications in magnetic domain state recorded by temperature‐dependent magnetic susceptibility, hysteresis properties and low‐temperature saturation isothermal remanent magnetization. These alterations in both, magnetic and structural properties of magnetite can be used to assess impact‐related magnetic anomalies in impact structures with a high temperature overprint.
Recent Progress in the Study of Molecularly Doped Metals
Authors: Avnir David
Published: March 2018

A unique materials' methodology enables the doping of metals with functional molecules, polymers, enzymes, and nanoparticles. The resulting materials have either the combined properties of the metal and the dopants, or new, sometimes synergetic properties that are not found in the separate components, emerge. Metals that have been doped so far include gold, silver, copper, iron, gallium, palladium, platinum, and several alloys. Numerous applications have been demonstrated including catalysis, biocatalysis, bioactivity, electrochemistry (including new type of batteries), corrosion resistance, induction of chirality, tailoring unconventional properties to metals, and more. Doping of metals and adsorption on them are completely different processes, doping being a 3D event, while adsorption is a 2D process. Thus, practically all special properties and functionalities that have been demonstrated are apparent only in the doped case. Here, progress made in this field in the past four years is reviewed, including methodologies for obtaining metallic doped thin films, enhancing corrosion resistance, biomedical applications, and the use of doped metals for complex catalytic network of reactions.
Improving Luminescent Performances of Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Conjugated Polymer by Inhibiting the Intra‐ and Interchain Quenching
Authors: Zhu Yunhui , Yang Yike , Wang Yanjie , Yao Bing , Lin Xingdong , Zhang Baohua , Zhan Hongmei , Xie Zhiyuan , Cheng Yanxiang
Published: March 2018

Suppressing emission quenching is still a real issue for thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials as the emitters generally tend to aggregate in condensed film, leading to deteriorating performance in devices. In contrast to the TADF small molecules adopting host–guest systems, polymers possess the advantage that the TADF chromophore can be chemically dispersed into the backbone and thus the quenching process can be inhibited effectively. Here, a strategy applied to the conjugated polymer is presented, in which a TADF chromophore with controlled content is embedded into the backbone of polycarbazole through its donor moiety. The oligomeric carbazole segment acts as the role of “blocking segment,” suppressing the intra‐ and interchain interactions. The polymers therefore exhibit superior photoluminescence quantum yield of up to 92.1%. More importantly, the efficiency roll‐offs of the relevant devices are significantly reduced, offering an external quantum yield (EQE) of 15.6% even at luminance of 1000 cd m−2, corresponding to 92.3% to the maximum EQE.
Preparing graduate student teaching assistants in the sciences: An intensive workshop focused on active learning
Authors: Roden Julie A. , Jakob Susanne , Roehrig Casey , Brenner Tamara J.
Published: March 2018

In the past ten years, increasing evidence has demonstrated that scientific teaching and active learning improve student retention and learning gains in the sciences. Graduate teaching assistants (GTAs), who play an important role in undergraduate education at many universities, require training in these methods to encourage implementation, long‐term adoption, and advocacy. Here, we describe the design and evaluation of a two‐day training workshop for first‐year GTAs in the life sciences. This workshop combines instruction in current research and theory supporting teaching science through active learning as well as opportunities for participants to practice teaching and receive feedback from peers and mentors. Postworkshop assessments indicated that GTA participants' knowledge of key topics increased during the workshop. In follow‐up evaluations, participants reported that the workshop helped them prepare for teaching. This workshop design can easily be adapted to a wide range of science disciplines. Overall, the workshop prepares graduate students to engage, include, and support undergraduates from a variety of backgrounds when teaching in the sciences. © 2018 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46:318–326, 2018.
Design of a drug discovery course for non‐science majors
Authors: Dube Danielle H.
Published: March 2018

“Drug Discovery” is a 13‐week lecture and laboratory‐based course that was developed to introduce non‐science majors to foundational chemistry and biochemistry concepts as they relate to the unifying theme of drug discovery. The first part of this course strives to build students' understanding of molecules, their properties, the differences that enable them to be separated from one another, and their abilities to bind to biological receptors and elicit physiological effects. After building students' molecular worldview, the course then focuses on four classes of drugs: antimicrobials, drugs that affect the mind, steroid‐based drugs, and anti‐cancer drugs. During each of these modules, an emphasis is placed on how understanding the basis of disease and molecular‐level interactions empowers us to identify novel medicinal compounds. Periodic in class discussions based on articles pertinent to class topics ranging from the spread of antibiotic resistance, to the molecular basis of addiction, to rational drug design, are held to enable students to relate course material to pressing problems of national and daily concern. In addition to class time, weekly inquiry‐based laboratories allow students to critically analyze data related to course concepts, and later in the semester give students an opportunity to design and implement their own experiments to screen for antimicrobial activity. This course provides students with an understanding of the importance of chemistry and biochemistry to human health while emphasizing the process, strategies, and challenges related to drug discovery. © 2018 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46:327–335, 2018.
Drug‐coated balloons for de novo lesions in small coronary arteries: rationale and design of BASKET‐SMALL 2
Authors: Gilgen Nicole , Farah Ahmed , Scheller Bruno , Ohlow Marc‐Alexander , Mangner Norman , Weilenmann Daniel , Wöhrle Jochen , Jamshidi Peiman , Leibundgut Gregor , Möbius‐Winkler Sven , Zweiker Robert , Krackhardt Florian , Butter Christian , Bruch Leonhard , Kaiser Christoph , Hoffmann Andreas , Rickenbacher Peter , Mueller Christian , Stephan Frank‐Peter , Coslovsky Michael , Jeger Raban ,   for the BASKET‐SMALL 2 Investigators
Published: March 2018

The treatment of coronary small vessel disease (SVD) remains an unresolved issue. Drug‐eluting stents (DES) have limited efficacy due to increased rates of instent‐restenosis, mainly caused by late lumen loss. Drug‐coated balloons (DCB) are a promising technique because native vessels remain structurally unchanged. Basel Stent Kosten‐Effektivitäts Trial: Drug‐Coated Balloons vs. Drug‐Eluting Stents in Small Vessel Interventions (BASKET‐SMALL 2) is a multicenter, randomized, controlled, noninferiority trial of DCB vs DES in native SVD for clinical endpoints. Seven hundred fifty‐eight patients with de novo lesions in vessels <3 mm in diameter and an indication for percutaneous coronary intervention such as stable angina pectoris, silent ischemia, or acute coronary syndromes are randomized 1:1 to angioplasty with DCB vs implantation of a DES after successful initial balloon angioplasty. The primary endpoint is the combination of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and target‐vessel revascularization up to 1 year. Secondary endpoints include stent thrombosis, Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 3 to 5 bleeding, and long‐term outcome up to 3 years. Based on clinical endpoints after 1 year, we plan to assess the noninferiority of DCB compared to DES in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for SVD. Results will be available in the second half of 2018. This study will compare DCB and DES regarding long‐term safety and efficacy for the treatment of SVD in a large all‐comer population.
Higher Performance and Safer Handling: Formulation Based on 2,2,2‐Trinitroethyl Formate and Nitrocellulose
Authors: Abd‐Elghany Mohamed , Klapötke Thomas M. , Krumm Burkhard , Elbeih Ahmed
Published: March 2018

A new, green propellant formulation based on the high‐energy dense oxidizer (HEDO) 2,2,2‐trinitroethyl formate (TNEF) and nitrocellulose (NC) was prepared and thermally investigated using non‐isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to check the crystals of the oxidizer and the homogeneity of the new propellant formulation (NC‐TNEF). The burning behavior of NC‐TNEF was recorded by high‐speed camera to observe the smoke produced. A high specific impulse (Is=257.4 s) was obtained from the characteristics calculation of the new propellant formulation by using EXPLO5_V6.03 software. The NC‐TNEF mixture did not show any endothermic peak and its exothermic peak was at 204.6 °C, which means that a composite might be formed. The activation energy of the NC‐TNEF was in the range of 184–190 kJ mol−1. NC‐TNEF has a higher performance and a lower hazard compared with the double‐base propellant.
Feasibility and principal acceptability of school‐based mobile communication applications to disseminate healthy lunchbox messages to parents
Authors: Reynolds Renee , Sutherland Rachel , Nathan Nicole , Janssen Lisa , Lecathelinais Christophe , Reilly Kathryn , Walton Alison , Wolfenden Luke
Published: March 2018

Issue addressed

This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of using an existing school‐based mobile communication application to deliver messages to parents on how to pack a healthy lunchbox.

Methods

A telephone survey was conducted with 196 primary school principals within the Hunter New England region of New South Wales, Australia, in 2016.

Results

Almost two thirds of primary schools (59%) currently use a school‐based mobile communication application to communicate with parents. Most principals (91%) agreed school lunchboxes need improving, of which 80% agree it is a school's role to provide information and guidelines to parents. However, only 50% of principals reported currently providing such information. The provision of lunchbox messages to parents by a third party appeared an acceptable model of delivery by principals. Larger schools and schools in urban and lower socio‐economic localities were more likely to have used a school‐based mobile communication application.

Conclusion

The majority of principals recognise student lunchboxes need improving. The use of school‐based mobile communication applications appears to be feasible and acceptable by principals as a method of communicating lunchbox messages to parents.

So what?

Use of school‐based mobile communication applications may be an effective method for delivering health information at a population level. Future research should assess the potential efficacy of disseminating health interventions via this modality.
Synthesis of 7‐Azido‐3‐Formylcoumarin – A Key Precursor in Bioorthogonally Applicable Fluorogenic Dye Synthesis
Authors: Pünkösti Zoltán , Kele Péter , Herner András
Published: March 2018

Coumarins represent an important group of natural products and a common part of various drugs and fluorescent dyestuffs. Herein, we present the synthesis of a coumarin that can serve as a key starting material in the design and synthesis of bioorthogonally applicable fluorogenic dyes. The synthesis of 7‐azido‐3‐formylcoumarin started from 7‐diallylaminocoumarin. This allyl protected aminocoumarin is otherwise hard to obtain by conventional methods but was conveniently accessed in good yields by a sequential, Wittig‐reaction–UV isomerization process. This sequential approach was studied in more details and applied for the synthesis of a series of substituted coumarins even in one‐pot.
An assessment of set up position for MRI scanning for the purposes of rectal cancer radiotherapy treatment planning
Authors: Juresic Ewa , Liney Gary P. , Rai Robba , Descalar Joseph , Lee Mark , Wong Karen , Moses Daniel , Veera Jacqueline , Holloway Lois
Published: March 2018

Introduction

A magnetic resonance (MR) scanner for radiotherapy treatment simulation was commissioned in our department in June 2013. Practical set up and MR image quality trade‐offs using a variety of patient positions and immobilisation devices routinely used in the treatment planning of rectal cancer patients were considered. The study also aimed to investigate the MR compatibility of the device materials with a focus on temperature changes during routine clinical examinations.

Methods

Ten volunteers were scanned: (1) Prone on a Civco Contoura Bellyboard (BBB), (2) Prone on a Civco MR Series Bellyboard (WBB), (3) Prone with no bellyboard and (4) Supine. All scans were performed with a T2 weighted (T2‐w) turbo spin echo (TSE) sequence. Images were scored by five assessors for: (1) ease of identifying specific organs, (2) overall image quality and (3) signal to noise ratio (SNR). Temperature changes were measured for each volunteer in each position.

Results

Both expert scores and SNR analysis demonstrated that images obtained in the supine position allowed for easier and clearer delineation of the organs. Image factors such as artefacts and noise, along with the overall image quality, also performed better in the supine position. The carbon fibre bellyboard did not demonstrate significant heating during scanning with the T2‐w TSE transverse sequence.

Conclusions

A supine position was determined to be superior to the other positions in a majority of comparisons. The volunteers did not experience any increased temperature changes during scanning on the bellyboard in comparison to the other positions.
Sustainable community engagement in a constantly changing health system
Authors: Key Kent D. , Lewis E. Yvonne
Published: March 2018

Engaging patients and communities is invaluable for achieving a patient‐centered learning health system. Based on lessons learned in genomic and public health public engagement efforts of our community‐based organizations in Flint, Michigan, we offer a continuum model for distinguishing various levels of community engagement and recommendations for approaching community, patient, and public engagement for health care systems that are expanding uses of health information.
Pediatric choroid plexus carcinoma: Biologically and clinically in need of new perspectives
Authors: Zaky Wafik , Finlay Jonathan L.
Published: March 2018

Choroid plexus (CP) carcinoma is a rare pediatric brain neoplasm. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of genome‐wide methylation and gene expression profiling to provide additional layers of information to improve tumor risk‐stratification. There is a lack of data regarding the best therapy, and approaches have been heterogeneous. Despite multidisciplinary treatment approaches, the outcome remains guarded and treatments have been based on case series and expert opinions. In this study, we discuss the recent wealth of data regarding CP carcinoma molecular biology and current management. We also briefly highlight the remaining barriers to formulate the best treatment strategies, and future therapeutic potentials.