bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between the brain injury location and its volume with the severity profile of language impairment measured with the ScreeLing in Chilean adults after stroke: a pilot study
Authors:   , Urrutia Goldsack Francisca Pilar
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Post-stroke aphasia is a high-prevalence disorder that impacts an individual's quality of life, environment, and health care systems. Thanks to novel neuroimaging techniques, new cortical language processing models have emerged; however, characterizing the neuronal organization associated with a linguistic task and domain has proven to be surprisingly challenging. This study aims to explore associations between the brain injury location and extension with the severity profile of language impairment measured with the Chilean version of the ScreeLing in post-stroke adults.Methods: This is an analytical, observational, cross-sectional study. We recruited 144 post-stroke adults within the first week after stroke. Neuroimaging and language performance data were collected. Our dependent variable was the ScreeLing score, while the brain injury location and volume were the independent variables. Linear regression models were performed in RStudio using a significance level of p < 0.05.Results: Among the patients, ScreeLing diagnosed 56 with aphasia and 60 without linguistic disorders, while 28 could not be included in the analysis. In the aphasic group, linear regressions revealed an association between the left temporal lesion and phonological performance; subcortical lesions correlated with lower phonological and syntactic scores. Poorer performance in the overall ScreeLing was associated with injuries in the left temporal lobe and subcortical regions. No association was found between the ScreeLing performance and the extension of the lesion.Conclusions: This study corroborated associations described in modern language processing models. Our future efforts will focus on precise location of the lesion and expand the sample size evaluated with MRI.
Almost 1-1 extensions, equicontinuous systems and residually finite groups
Authors:   , Gómez Ortiz, Jaime Andrés
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this document is to present our study on the various properties of almost 1-1 extensions of G-odometers with regards to the realization of Choquet simplices, mean-equicontinuity, and the construction of specific almost 1-1 exten- sions of equicontinuous systems. These systems can be viewed as a topological generalization of equicontinuous systems with diverse behavior on some aspects as entropy, the set of probability invariant measures, and more. Each problem is addressed within a general framework without assuming any amenable property on the acting group, except for the last problem where amenability was essential for constructing a specific type of almost 1-1 extensions. This thesis is divided into three parts, with the first two chapters presenting the results of two different manuscripts that are published and submitted, respectively.
Association between Maternal-Neonatal Separation Stress and the Development of Algias in Preclinical Trials: An Integrative Literature Review
Authors: Saldanha Pedro Isac Fontenele , Silveira Felipe Dantas , Goes Paula , Bezerra Mirna Marques , Chaves Hellíada Vasconcelos
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Maternal separation (MS) is a frequent neonatal stress experience, given the diverse social inequalities and needs in modern society. It is known that social losses or separations are experiences that considerably affect people's psychological patterns, but there is still no review of the associations between the stress caused by the separation of mothers from their children and its impact on the onset or increase in pain. From this perspective, the study in question aimed to review the literature in an integrative manner to seek to elucidate the association between neonatal MS and the onset or increase in pain in later stages of life, in animal models.
Methodology: For this purpose, the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, Lilacs and Google Scholar databases were used, without date or language restrictions, to search for related literature, using the “PICO” strategy.
Results: A total of 843 articles were found and, after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 35 articles were selected for this review, all of which were in animal models. Evidence indicates that the experience of neonatal MS is associated with the development of not only psychological but also neurophysiological disorders, which tend to reduce the threshold of sensitization of nociceptors, amplifying their receptivity to stimuli, generating painful sensations of varied natures and through different mechanisms, inherent to each type of pain generated.
Conclusion: However, despite advances in research, new studies still need to be conducted focused on Orofacial Pain, since there is only one study on this topic.
A Comparative Analysis of the Influence of Various Processing Techniques on Quality Attributes of Jackfruit Seed Flour (JSF) from Different Cultivars
Authors: U Sreejaya , U Krishnaja , Divakar Suma , Gopinath Pratheesh P
Published: September 2024

Despite the fact that jackfruit seeds have been shown to have a number of beneficial nutrients and bioactive components that provide significant value to meals, they are widely neglected. The study was aimed at investigating the effect of processing on the functional properties, proximate composition and storage stability of jackfruit seed flour from different cultivars. The jackfruit seeds of cultivars Koozha and Varikka were selected for the study. The water absorption capacity (WAC), oil absorption capacity (OAC), solubility index (SI), swelling power (SP) and bulk density (BD) of the JSF ranged between 194.6-200.1ml/100g, 84.19-85.06ml/100g, 1.12-1.20%, 3.12-3.51g/g and 0.67-0.71g/cm3, respectively. The moisture, ash, crude fat, protein, crude fiber and carbohydrate contents varied from 4.86-5.11%, 2.40-2.60%, 1.68-1.76%, 12.22-12.79g/100g, 2.82-2.98% and 72.01- 72.45g/100g, respectively. Microbial analysis of jackfruit seed flour was performed to determine its shelf life and showed favorable results. Jackfruit seed flour produced from different processing techniques is found to have good storage stability. The jackfruit seed flour thus processed can be employed as a key ingredient to create a wide range of nutrient-dense food products.
Biochemical Characteristics of Bacterial Isolates Obtained from Bovine Mastitic Milk Samples
Authors: Ganesh  , K. L. Phaniraj , P. Rajasekhar , R. Prabha
Published: September 2024

Aim: Bovine mastitis affects the milk production in milking cattle and the milk producer. The major causative organism of mastitis includes the bacteria. The present study is focused on the identification of bacterial isolates obtained from milk samples of bovine mastitis based on their biochemical activities.
Study Design: The bacterial isolates obtained from California mastitis test positive milk samples of in and around Bengaluru district, Karnataka were collected from Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary College, KVAFSU, Bengaluru, Karnataka and subjected to staining for morphology, Gram’s reaction and other biochemical tests. Identification key for both Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial isolates were prepared and based on the activities they were identified up to species level.
Place and Duration of Study: The work was carried out in the Department of Dairy Microbiology, Dairy Science College, KVAFSU, Hebbal, Bengaluru, Karnataka from Feb.2021 to Feb. 2022.
Methodology: Bacterial isolates obtained were subcultured, purified on plate count agar. The bacterial isolates were coded and subjected to simple staining, spore staining, Gram’s staining, oxidase test, catalase test and other biochemical tests like indole, VP, methyl red, citrate tests by preparing specific sterile media. The results obtained for the tests conducted were compared with the standard identification key and declared the species of bacterial genera.
Result: In the present study, 45 isolates of bovine mastitis obtained were phenotyped through staining techniques and biochemical tests. Among 45 isolates, 40 Gram positive isolates and 5 Gram negative, which were identified as streptococcus agalactiae (12); str. uberis (10); one each of staphylococcus delphini, staph. carnosus and staph. gallanarium while 6 each of staph. equorum; staph. epidermis and 3 staph. aureus. Gram negative (5) isolates were identified as Escherichia coli (3), Salmonella enterica (1) and Alcaligenes sp. (1) based on their biochemical characteristics.
Conclusion: The major mastitis causing bacteria isolated from CMT positive bovine milk samples was Streptococcus agalactiae followed by Str. uberis, Staphylococcus equorum, staph. epidermis, Staph. aureus and Escherichia coli some of which may be harboured in the udder of milch animals while few bacteria may enter through various sources of dairy farm environment. Hence precautions need to be taken about the udder health of the milch animals as well as hygiene of dairy farm to reduce the incidences of mastitis.
Mitigating Climate Change Through Energy Recovery at Dandora Wastewater Treatment Plant, Nairobi County, Kenya
Authors: Omollo Mercy Achieng , Kirubi Gathu , Manohar Ram
Published: September 2024

The world is experiencing an increase in the rate of greenhouse gases emissions accumulating in the atmosphere due to natural and anthropogenic causes. These gasses absorb and emits radiation within the thermal infrared range thus contributing to the Green House effect. The building up of greenhouse gasses beyond the natural acceptable levels can change the earth's climate thus contributing to climate change. To mitigate climate change, there is need to cease the increase of greenhouse gases either by not adding them into the air and or increasing the earths’ ability to withdraw them out of air. This study looked into mitigating climate change through energy recovery at Dandora wastewater treatment plant in Nairobi. The study employed both primary and secondary data. Operational data on the raw sewer chemical oxygen demand and biological oxygen demand levels was collected from the plant between 2007 and 2013.  MS excel was used to analyze the data in order to cipher the trends of biological oxygen demand & chemical oxygen demand loadings and removals and thus estimation of biogas and methane likely to be generated and energy recovery thereof. The relationship between these two variables were tested through a Correlation coefficient test. The two-level computations estimated the daily biogas generation at the treatment plant as 2738m3. The study estimates methane generated to be equivalent to 68398MJ/Day of energy. Considering the calorific value of LPG of 46MJ/kg, this is equivalent to 495 cylinders daily serving 2974 households daily. The findings indicate that recovery of energy from the Plant mitigates climate change through reduction of emissions by 16 tCO2-e per day. The energy recovered had a positive correlation with the emission reduction at a high value of r= 0.99. The study concludes that energy recovery from wastewater treatment plant reduces emission thus mitigates climate change.
Deep oxidative–extractive desulfurization of fuels using benzyl‐based ionic liquid
Authors: Li Mingxia , Zhou Zhiyong , Zhang Fan , Chai Wenshuai , Zhang Lele , Ren Zhongqi
Published: May 2016

Four benzyl‐based ionic liquids (ILs) were synthetized and used for deep desulfurization of model oil and real diesel fuel. The removal efficiencies of benzothiophene (BT) and dibenzothiophene (DBT) with [Bzmim][NTf2] and [Bzmim][SCN] as extractants are higher than that with [Bzmp][NTf2] and [Bzmp][SCN] as extractants. The desulfurization capability follows the Nernst's Law. A reactive extraction mathematical model for desulfurization was established. An oxidative‐extractive two‐step deep desulfurization method was developed. DBT was first oxidized by H2O2 with CH3COOH as catalyst and then the unoxidized DBT and uncrystallized dibenzothiophene sulfoxide (DBTO2) in model oil were extracted by [Bzmim][NTf2], and finally the removal efficiency was 98.4% after one‐stage extraction. Besides, the removal efficiency of 4,6‐DMDBT was 96.4% after oxidation and one‐stage extraction processes. Moreover, the oxidative‐extractive two‐step deep desulfurization method was also effective for desulfurization of diesel fuel. The removal efficiency of sulfur reached up to 96% after oxidation and three‐stage cross‐current extraction processes. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 4023–4034, 2016
Cyclic operation strategies in inclined and moving packed beds—Potential marine applications for floating systems
Authors: Dashliborun Amir Motamed , Larachi Faïçal , Hamidipour Mohsen
Published: May 2016

The hydrodynamics of a periodically operated packed bed subjected to column oscillations and obliquity was studied. Electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) and capacitance wire mesh sensors were employed to measure the local instantaneous liquid saturation in stationary slanted and moving packed beds, respectively. A swell simulator with six‐degree‐of‐freedom motions was applied to emulate the behavior of floating packed beds. The results revealed that column inclination from the vertical position considerably decayed liquid waves excited by different cyclic operation strategies. However, ON–OFF liquid and gas/liquid alternating cyclic operations showed an attempt to conserve wave identity in the slanted bed and to decrease phase maldistribution resulting from bed inclination. It was also found that symmetric and non‐symmetric split ratios of ON–OFF liquid cyclic mode were able to noticeably decrease fluid maldistribution in the oscillating packed bed. This study opens up possible prospects for process intensification of floating packed bed reactors and contactors. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 4157–4172, 2016
Biocomposites based on chemically modified cellulose fibers with renewable fatty‐acid‐based thermoplastic systems: Effect of different fiber treatments
Authors: Reulier M. , Perrin R. , Avérous L.
Published: May 2016

Advanced biocomposites, based on binary and ternary systems, were developed with thermoplastic matrices such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polyamide (DAPA) obtained from dimers of fatty acids, and cellulose fibers (CF). The CF were modified to display high interfacial adhesion and compatibility with the rather hydrophobic matrices. Different routes were considered such as grafting onto with prepolymers, or grafting from with aromatic isocyanate or fatty acid. An original approach of this work is to consider CF as a polyol with an equivalent hydroxyl index obtained by titration. In order to understand better the effect of each phase, the resulting modified CF were tested with neat TPU and DAPA matrices. The most promising fibers treatments were then tested with 80/20 and 50/50 wt %/wt % TPU/DAPA blends. Properties at the molecular and macromolecular scale were investigated. Improvement of the interfacial adhesion between the fibers and the polymers were observed. From the different grafting approaches tested, the best performing were the isocyanate‐terminated prepolymer and the silane‐terminated prepolymer modifications. In comparison with neat CF, modification with isocyanate‐terminated prepolymer improved threefold the storage and Young's modulus of TPU biocomposites. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43878.
Diving for science ‐ science for diving: volunteer scuba divers support science and conservation in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Cerrano Carlo , Milanese Martina , Ponti Massimo
Published: May 2016

Recreational diving engages 20 million people worldwide. Most of the literature refers to tropical destinations but at least 1 million dives per year take place in Mediterranean marine protected areas (MPAs).

Divers may negatively affect underwater habitats. However, if effectively engaged, they can contribute to science, territorial management and more sustainable local economies.

During 2006–2014, volunteers trained by the not‐for‐profit organization Reef Check Italia (RCI) completed 24 714 observations and 2417 dives in six Mediterranean countries, contributing to a dataset that supports scientific papers about climate change, rare and non‐indigenous species (NIS), and informs MPA management decision‐making.

The wide range of opportunities offered by this dataset is illustrated with two examples relevant to marine conservation in the context of MPA management. They concern: (i) the spread of the NIS Caulerpa cylindracea along the Ligurian coasts, with a focus on Portofino MPA, and (ii) the distribution and abundance of protected species in the Portofino MPA.

A diver‐focused survey showed that RCI volunteers are highly committed, and that participation in RCI activities has led to a better understanding of, and a sense of stewardship towards, favoured dive sites and the marine world. Knowing who volunteers are, and why they volunteer in their favourite sector, is crucial to designing citizen‐science based projects able to achieve their multiple goals.

Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transgender college students more at risk for suicide when denied bathroom, housing rights
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: May 2016

A study published in The Journal of Homosexuality shows that transgender college students are at a significantly higher risk for suicide and suicide attempts when denied access to bathrooms and gender‐appropriate housing on campus. The study, conducted by Kristie Seelman, assistant professor of social work in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University, analyzed data from the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, including the experience of 2,300 individuals who self‐identified as transgender during their college or university experience.
ChemInform Abstract: Combined Theoretical and in situ Scattering Strategies for Optimized Discovery and Recovery of High‐Pressure Phases: A Case Study of the GaN—Nb2O5 System.
Authors: Woerner William R. , Qian Guang‐Rui , Oganov Artem R. , Stephens Peter W. , Dharmagunawardhane H. A. Naveen , Sinclair Alexandra , Parise John B.
Published: May 2016

Two new oxynitride phases are discovered in the title system by high‐pressure synthesis using state of the art crystal structure prediction theory and in situ synchrotron‐based X‐ray scattering.
ChemInform Abstract: Rhodium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of α‐Dehydroamino Ketones: A General Approach to Chiral α‐Amino Ketones.
Authors: Gao Wenchao , Wang Qingli , Xie Yun , Lv Hui , Zhang Xumu
Published: May 2016

Efficient asymmetric hydrogenation of α‐dehydroamino ketones is achieved in excellent enantioselectivity using a Rh‐DuanPhos catalyst.
ChemInform Abstract: An Efficient and General Method for Formylation of Aryl Bromides with CO2 and Poly(methylhydrosiloxane).
Authors: Yu Bo , Yang Zhenzhen , Zhao Yanfei , Hao Leiduan , Zhang Hongye , Gao Xiang , Han Buxing , Liu Zhimin
Published: May 2016

A wide range of aryl/hetaryl aldehydes is synthesized from aryl bromides in moderate to good yields and without by‐products using CO2 as C‐1 source and PMHS as hydrogen donor.
ChemInform Abstract: Palladium‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Aryl Amides Through Silanoate‐Mediated Hydrolysis of Nitriles.
Authors: McPherson Christopher G. , Livingstone Keith , Jamieson Craig , Simpson Iain
Published: May 2016

The starting amide salts are prepared by reaction of appropriate nitriles with Tms—OK according to a known procedure.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Fluorine‐Containing Exoalkylidene β‐Lactams.
Authors: Nasr El Dine Assaad , Gree Danielle , Roisnel Thierry , Caytan Elsa , Hachem Ali , Gree Rene
Published: May 2016

Propargylic gem‐difluorides are applied to the Kinugasa reaction affording novel exoalkylidene β‐lactams with a fluorine in the vinylic position.
ChemInform Abstract: Metal‐Free Oxidative Carbonylation on Enaminone C=C Bond for the Cascade Synthesis of Benzothiazole‐Containing Vicinal Diketones.
Authors: Wan Jie‐Ping , Zhou Youyi , Liu Yunyun , Sheng Shouri
Published: May 2016

The title diketones are prepared from enaminones and aminothiophenols by the cascade reaction involving partial cleavage of the C=C bond.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of 1,3‐Dihydro‐2H‐benzo[d]azepin‐2‐ones
Authors: Petuskovs Andrejs , Shubin Kirill
Published: May 2016

Review: 37 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Chemical Constituents of Plants from the Genus Ixora
Authors: Chen Li‐Jun , Zhang Yan , Chen Ye‐Gao
Published: May 2016

Review: 56 refs.
Cre‐dependent DREADD (Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs) mice
Authors: Zhu Hu , Aryal Dipendra K. , Olsen Reid H.J. , Urban Daniel J. , Swearingen Amanda , Forbes Stacy , Roth Bryan L. , Hochgeschwender Ute
Published: May 2016

DREADDs, designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs, are engineered G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCR) which can precisely control GPCR signaling pathways (for example, Gq, Gs, and Gi). This chemogenetic technology for control of GPCR signaling has been successfully applied in a variety of in vivo studies, including in mice, to remotely control GPCR signaling, for example, in neurons, glia cells, pancreatic β‐cells, or cancer cells. In order to fully explore the in vivo applications of the DREADD technology, we generated hM3Dq and hM4Di strains of mice which allow for Cre recombinase‐mediated restricted expression of these pathway‐selective DREADDs. With the many Cre driver lines now available, these DREADD lines will be applicable to studying a wide array of research and preclinical questions. genesis 54:439–446, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mutualism exploitation: predatory drosophilid larvae sugar‐trap ants and jeopardize facultative ant‐plant mutualism
Authors: Vidal Mayra C. , Sendoya Sebastian F. , Oliveira Paulo S.
Published: May 2016

An open question in the evolutionary ecology of ant‐plant facultative mutualism is how other members of the associated community can affect the interaction to a point where reciprocal benefits are disrupted. While visitingQualea grandiflorashrubs to collect sugary rewards at extrafloral nectaries, tropical savanna ants deter herbivores and reduce leaf damage. Here we show that larvae of the flyRhinoleucophenga myrmecophaga, which develop on extrafloral nectaries, lure potentially mutualistic, nectar‐feeding ants and prey on them. Foraging ants spend less time on fly‐infested foliage. Field experiments showed that predation (or the threat of predation) on ants by fly larvae produces cascading effects through three trophic levels, resulting in fewer protective ants on leaves, increased numbers of chewing herbivores, and greater leaf damage. These results reveal an undocumented mode of mutualism exploitation by an opportunistic predator at a plant‐provided food source, jeopardizing ant‐derived protection services to the plant. Our study documents a rather unusual case of predation of adult ants by a dipteran species and demonstrates a top‐down trophic cascade within a generalized ant‐plant mutualism.
Consider advantages, challenges of competency‐based transcripts
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: May 2016

PHOENIX — Many employers don't see a direct connection between credit hours and job skills. Various solutions have been proposed to translate the experience of a student enrolled in a four‐year institution to tangible knowledge for the work force. During a session at the annual American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers conference, Kelly Brooks, university registrar at Capella University; Joellen Evernham Shendy, associate vice provost and registrar at the University of Maryland, University College; and Michael Sessa, president of the Postsecondary Electronic Standards Council, discussed initiatives to develop portable credit that reflects a student's collegiate learning as it applies to their work after they graduate, as well as challenges and potential suggestions for institutions looking to move from a traditional to a competency‐based transcript.
Focus on staff development to get strong results
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: May 2016

Monique Perry started her career in the corporate world before transitioning to higher education, first serving as a faculty member. “I definitely think higher ed is my calling,” she said of the path her career has taken, leading to her current position as dean of enrollment services at York Technical College in South Carolina.
Gegenüberstellung direkter und indirekter Versuchsmethoden zur Bestimmung der Zugfestigkeit bindiger Böden
Authors: Köditz Jens , Wudtke Robert‐Balthasar , Witt Karl Josef
Published: May 2016

Bei allen Arten der Rissinitiation in bindigen Böden ist deren Zugfestigkeit die wesentliche Kenngröße des Materialwiderstands. Direkte und indirekte Methoden zur experimentellen Ermittlung der Zugfestigkeit wurden an unterschiedlich bindigen Böden vergleichend bei verschiedenen Proctor‐Verdichtungsgraden und Wassergehalten an gesättigten und ungesättigten Proben durchgeführt. Anhand der Versuchsergebnisse werden Aussagen zu Präzision, Zuverlässigkeit und Qualität der Versuchsmethoden abgeleitet, welche Entscheidungsgrundlagen zur Festlegung der für eine spezielle Fragestellung angemessenen Versuchsmethode sind.

Comparison of direct and indirect test methods for determining the tensile strength of cohesive soils. Related to the initiation of cracks in cohesive soils, the tensile strength is the most important parameter concerning resistance. Direct and indirect methods for the experimental determination of the tensile strength of different cohesive soils were comparatively investigated and evaluated. The experiments were carried out on saturated and unsaturated specimen at various degrees of compaction and water content. Based on the results, the different experimental approaches are compared in respect to precision and reproducibility. This comparison and evaluation might be a basis to find the appropriate test method for a specific impact.
An Efficient Stereoselective Synthesis of Key Fragments of Elaiophylin
Authors: Padmaja Pannala , Reddy Pedavenkatagari Narayana , Yadav Jhillu Singh
Published: May 2016

The stereoselective synthesis of key fragments 3 and 7 of elaiophylin has been accomplished from readily available epichlorohydrin as the starting material. The key reactions involved are Jacobsen's kinetic resolution, Prins cyclization, pyridinium chlorochromate‐mediated oxidative cleavage, Grignard reaction, and cross‐metathesis reaction.
The Effects of Different Behavioral Goals on Transfer from a Management Development Program
Authors: Brown Travor C. , Warren Amy M. , Khattar Vipul
Published: May 2016

The present field study examined transfer from a training program that focused on interpersonal skills for public‐sector management development participants (n = 172). Using a quasi‐experimental design, participants were assigned to one of three behavioral conditions (behavioral outcome goals, behavioral specific goals, rank‐ordered behavioral goals) or a comparison do‐your‐best condition. Transfer was assessed using a self‐report survey, self‐BOS (behavioral observation scale) ratings, and workplace observer (median = 4) BOS ratings. Overall, the results suggest that the management development program was effective. Self‐efficacy and transfer (self‐BOS ratings) scores, across all conditions, were higher post‐program relative to pre‐program. Post‐program self‐BOS ratings revealed that behavioral outcome goals increased transfer relative to the other two forms of behavioral goals. Behavioral specific goals reduced transfer, as assessed by workplace observer BOS ratings, relative to all other study conditions. There was no evidence that either form of behavioral goals was superior to do‐your‐best.
In silico Structural characterization of podocin and assessment of nephrotic syndrome‐associated podocin mutants
Authors: Mulukala Sandeep Kumar Narasimha , Nishad Rajkishor , Kolligundla Lakshmi Prasanna , Saleem Moin A. , Prabhu Nagu Prakash , Pasupulati Anil Kumar
Published: May 2016

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is manifested by hyperproteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema. NPHS2 that encodes podocin was found to have most mutations among the genes that are involved in the pathophysiology of NS. Podocin, an integral membrane protein belonging to stomatin family, is expressed exclusively in podocytes and is localized to slit‐diaphragm (SD). Mutations in podocin are known to be associated with steroid‐resistant NS and rapid progression to end‐stage renal disease, thus signifying its role in maintaining SD integrity and podocyte function. The structural insights of podocin are not known, and the precise mechanism by which podocin contributes to the architecture of SD is yet to be elucidated. In this study, we deduced a model for human podocin, discussed the details of transmembrane localization and intrinsically unstructured regions, and provide an understanding of how podocin interacts with other SD components. Intraprotein interactions were assessed in wild‐type podocin and in some of its mutants that are associated with idiopathic NS. Mutations in podocin alter the innate intraprotein interactions affecting the native structure of podocin and its ability to form critical complex with subpodocyte proteins. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(7):578–588, 2016
Comparative Transcriptomics of Alternative Developmental Phenotypes in a Marine Gastropod
Authors: Lesoway Maryna Pauline , Abouheif Ehab , Collin Rachel
Published: May 2016

Alternative phenotypes are discrete phenotypic differences that develop in response to both genetic and environmental cues. Nutritive embryos, which arrest their development to serve as nutrition for their viable siblings, are an example of an alternative developmental phenotype found in many animal groups. Females of the marine snail,Crepidula navicella, produce broods that consist mainly of nutritive embryos and a small number of viable embryos. In order to better understand the genetic mechanisms that lead to the development of alternative phenotypes in this species, we compared the transcriptomes of viable and nutritive embryos at the earliest stage that we were able to distinguish visually between the two. Using high‐throughput Illumina sequencing, we assembled and annotated a de novo transcriptome and compared transcript levels in viable and nutritive embryos. Viable embryos express high levels of transcripts associated with known developmental events, while nutritive embryos express high levels of apoptosis‐related transcripts. Gene Ontology term enrichment with GOSeq found that these are associated with the negative regulation of apoptotic processes. This enrichment, combined with morphological evidence, suggests that apoptosis is important in the formation of gastrula‐like nutritive embryos. Apoptosis has been implicated in the development of alternative phenotypes in other animal groups, raising the possibility that this mechanism's role in alternative phenotypes is conserved in gastropod development. We suggest possible alternative mechanisms of nutritive embryo development. Most importantly, we contribute further evidence to the hypothesis that nutritive embryos are an alternative developmental phenotype.
Characterization of chemical constituents in Rhodiola Crenulate by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (HPLC‐FT‐ICR MS)
Authors: Han Fei , Li Yanting , Mao Xinjuan , Xu Rui , Yin Ran
Published: May 2016

In this work, an approach using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode‐array detection and Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (HPLC‐FT‐ICR MS) for the identification and profiling of chemical constituents in Rhodiola crenulata was developed for the first time. The chromatographic separation was achieved on an Inertsil ODS‐3 column (150 mm × 4.6 mm,3 µm) using a gradient elution program, and the detection was performed on a Bruker Solarix 7.0 T mass spectrometer equipped with electrospray ionization source in both positive and negative modes. Under the optimized conditions, a total of 48 chemical compounds, including 26 alcohols and their glycosides, 12 flavonoids and their glycosides, 5 flavanols and gallic acid derivatives, 4 organic acids and 1 cyanogenic glycoside were identified or tentatively characterized. The results indicated that the developed HPLC‐FT‐ICR MS method with ultra‐high sensitivity and resolution is suitable for identifying and characterizing the chemical constituents in R. crenulata. And it provides a helpful chemical basis for further research on R. crenulata. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Basal Ganglia Gliosis in a Case of Rapid‐Onset Dystonia‐Parkinsonism (DYT12) with a Novel Mutation in ATPase 1A3 (ATP1A3)
Authors: Sampson Jacinda B. , Michaeli Tamar H. , Wright Brenton A. , Goldman James E. , Vonsattel Jean‐Paul , Fahn Stanley
Published: May 2016

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Cyclopropenimine as pincer ligand and strong electron donor in proton sponges
Authors: Barić Danijela , Kovačević Borislav
Published: May 2016

The basicity of cyclopropenimines (CPIs) and cyclopropenimino‐based proton sponges is investigated by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations and for the first time directly compared with the basicity of phosphazenes. It is found that CPIs are more basic than the corresponding phosphazenes in the gas phase. Proton sponges based on CPI as pincer ligands also possess higher or at least the same gas‐phase proton affinity as proton sponges based on phosphazenes. However, in comparison with phosphazenes, CPI‐based pincer ligands possess greater conformational flexibility, which enables almost complete avoidance of nitrogen lone pairs. This leads to the substantially smaller destabilization of neutral base in CPI proton sponges. Utilizing homodesmotic reactions, we have shown that significant contribution to the proton affinity of CPI proton sponges is an electron‐donating effect of the second CPI substituent, whereas only a smaller portion of the stabilization energy should be attributed to intramolecular hydrogen bond. Further, it was shown that tetrasubstituted CPI naphthalenes possess very low ionization potential, which qualifies them as very strong electron donors. Finally, utilizing cyclopropenimino substituents, it was found that theoretical gas basicity limit of 370 kcal mol−1 recently calculated by Leito and coworkers could be extended beyond 370 kcal mol−1 in a case of cyclopropenimino phosphorus carbenes and cylopropenimino phosphorus ylides. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Randomized‐controlled trial of mindfulness‐based cancer recovery versus supportive expressive group therapy among distressed breast cancer survivors (MINDSET): long‐term follow‐up results
Authors: Carlson Linda E. , Tamagawa Rie , Stephen Joanne , Drysdale Elaine , Zhong Lihong , Speca Michael
Published: May 2016

Background

Mindfulness‐based cancer recovery (MBCR) and supportive expressive group therapy (SET) are two well‐validated psychosocial interventions, but they have not been directly compared, and little is known about long‐term outcomes. This comparative effectiveness study measured the effects of these two interventions immediately following the groups and for 1 year thereafter in distressed breast cancer survivors.

Methods

Two hundred fifty‐two distressed Stage I–III breast cancer survivors were randomized into either MBCR or SET. Women completed questionnaires addressing mood, stress symptoms, quality of life, social support, spirituality and post‐traumatic growth before and after the interventions, and 6 and 12 months later.

Results

Immediately following the intervention, women in MBCR reported greater reduction in mood disturbance (primarily fatigue, anxiety and confusion) and stress symptoms including tension, sympathetic arousal and cognitive symptoms than those in SET. They also reported increased emotional and functional quality of life, emotional, affective and positive social support, spirituality (feelings of peace and meaning in life) and post‐traumatic growth (appreciation for life and ability to see new possibilities) relative to those in SET, who also improved to a lesser degree on many outcomes. Effect sizes of the time × group interactions were small to medium, and most benefits were maintained over 12 months of follow‐up.

Conclusions

This study is the first and largest to demonstrate sustained benefits of MBCR in distressed breast cancer survivors relative to an active control. MBCR was superior to SET for improving psychological well‐being with lasting benefits over 1 year, suggesting these women gained long‐lasting and efficacious tools to cope with cancer.

Trial Registration

Registered on clinicaltrials.gov number NCT00390169, October 2006. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Leading the Way Through Changing Times
Authors: Joe Kathy
Published: May 2016

The last revision of the ICC/ESOMAR International Code of Market and Social Research celebrates its ninth birthday this year. The fact that all ESOMAR members and over 60 national and international associations have adopted or endorsed the code, underlines its unique value as a global currency of self‐regulation for our industry.
Aneuploidy screening by non‐invasive prenatal testing in twin pregnancy
Authors: Fosler L. , Winters P. , Jones K. W. , Curnow K. J. , Sehnert A. J. , Bhatt S. , Platt L. D.
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To describe our experience with non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in twin pregnancy.

Methods

Two sets of maternal blood samples from twin pregnancies were analyzed at our laboratory using NIPT: 115 stored samples from pregnancies with known outcome (Clinical Study A) and 487 prospectively collected samples for which outcomes were requested from providers (Clinical Study B). NIPT was used to screen for the presence of fetal aneuploidy on chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y in all cases, and results were compared with outcomes when known.

Results

In Clinical Study A, all 115 samples were classified correctly by NIPT: three cases of trisomy 21 (one fetus affected), one of monochorionic trisomy 18 (both fetuses affected) and 111 euploid. In Clinical Study B, a NIPT result was reported for 479 (98.4%) of the 487 samples. Aneuploidy was detected or suspected in nine (1.9%) cases: seven cases of trisomy 21 detected, one case of trisomy 21 suspected and one case with trisomy 21 detected and trisomy 18 suspected. Information on aneuploidy outcome was available for 171 (35.7%) cases in Clinical Study B. Of the nine cases with aneuploidy detected or suspected, six were confirmed to be a true positive in at least one twin based on karyotype or birth outcome and two were suspected to be concordant based on ultrasound findings; the one known discordant result was for the aneuploidy suspected case. No false negatives were reported.

Conclusion

NIPT performed well in the detection of trisomy 21 in twin pregnancy, with a combined false‐positive frequency for trisomies 13, 18 and 21 of 0% for Clinical Study A and 0.2% for Clinical Study B. © 2016 Illumina. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
UNDERSTANDING ASSERTION TO UNDERSTAND SILENCING: FINDING AN ACCOUNT OF ASSERTION THAT EXPLAINS SILENCING ARISING FROM TESTIMONIAL INJUSTICE
Authors: Spewak David C.
Published: May 2016

Rae Langton and Jennifer Hornsby provide accounts of how pornography silences women by appealing to J.L. Austin's account of speech-acts. Since their accounts focus only on instances of silencing where the hearer does not grasp the type of speech-act the speaker intends to perform, their accounts of silencing do not generalize to explain silencing that arises from what Miranda Fricker calls “testimonial injustice.” I argue that silencing arising from testimonial injustice can only be explained by what we shall call the dialectical account of assertion, according to which assertion is the undertaking of a commitment in reasoned discourse. In doing so, I show that accounts of assertion based on speakers' intentions, proposals to common ground, and constitutive norms do not provide the necessary framework to explain silencing within the context of testimonial injustice. Having shown the strength of the dialectical account in explaining silencing, I conclude that the dialectical account also provides a way to remedy some instances of silencing arising from testimonial injustice providing further evidence that the dialectical account is the correct account of assertion.
Minkowski Symmetry Sets of Plane Curves
Authors: Reeve Graham Mark , Tari Farid
Published: May 2016

We study the Minkowski symmetry set of a closed smooth curveγin the Minkowski plane. We answer the following question, which is analogous to one concerning curves in the Euclidean plane that was treated by Giblin and O’Shea (1990): given a pointponγ, does there exist a bi-tangent pseudo-circle that is tangent toγboth atpand at some other pointqonγ? The answer is yes, but as pseudo-circles with non-zero radii have two branches (connected components) it is possible to refine the above question to the following one: given a pointponγ, does there exist a branch of a pseudo-circle that is tangent toγboth atpand at some other pointqonγ? This question is motivated by the earlier quest of Reeve and Tari (2014) to define the Minkowski Blum medial axis, a counterpart of the Blum medial axis of curves in the Euclidean plane.
On a Class of Semilinear Elliptic Eigenvalue Problems in ℝ2
Authors: Furtado Marcelo F. , Medeiros Everaldo S. , Severo Uberlandio B.
Published: May 2016

We consider the semilinear problem

where λ is a positive parameter andfhas exponential critical growth. We first establish the existence of a non-zero weak solution. Then, by assuming thatfis odd, we prove that the number of solutions increases when the parameter λ becomes large. In the proofs we apply variational methods in a suitable weighted Sobolev space consisting of functions with rapid decay at infinity.
Serotype-specific differences in short- and longer-term mortality following invasive pneumococcal disease
Authors: HUGHES G. J. , WRIGHT L. B. , CHAPMAN K. E. , WILSON D. , GORTON R.
Published: May 2016

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), caused by infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae, has a substantial global burden. There are over 90 known serotypes of S. pneumoniae with a considerable body of evidence supporting serotype-specific mortality rates immediately following IPD. This is the first study to consider the association between serotype and longer-term mortality following IPD. Using enhanced surveillance data from the North East of England we assessed both the short-term (30-day) and longer-term (⩽7 years) independent adjusted associations between individual serotypes and mortality following IPD diagnosis using logistic regression and extended Cox proportional hazards models. Of the 1316 cases included in the analysis, 243 [18·5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 16·4–20·7] died within 30 days of diagnosis. Four serotypes (3, 6A, 9N, 19 F) were significantly associated with overall increased 30-day mortality. Effects were observable only for older adults (⩾60 years). After extension of the window to 12 months and 36 months, one serotype was associated with significantly increased mortality at 12 months (19 F), but no individual serotypes were associated with increased mortality at 36 months. Two serotypes had statistically significant hazard ratios (HR) for longer-term mortality: serotype 1 for reduced mortality (HR 0·51, 95% CI 0·30–0·86) and serotype 9N for increased mortality (HR 2·30, 95% CI 1·29–4·37). The association with serotype 9N was no longer observed after limiting survival analysis to an observation period starting 30 days after diagnosis. This study supports the evidence for associations between serotype and short-term (30-day) mortality following IPD and provides the first evidence for the existence of statistically significant associations between individual serotypes and longer-term variation in mortality following IPD.
Dynamics of dormancy during seed development of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Huang Shoubing , Gruber Sabine , Stockmann Falko , Claupein Wilhelm
Published: May 2016

Seed dormancy is a critical factor in determining seed persistence in the soil and can create oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) volunteer problems in subsequent years. A 3-year field trial in south-west Germany investigated the effects of seed maturity on primary dormancy and disposition to secondary dormancy of ten oilseed rape varieties (lines) in 2009 and 2010, and of five imidazolinone-tolerant varieties (hybrids) in 2014. Fresh seeds were sampled weekly from about 30 d after flowering (DAF) until full maturity and tested for dormancy on the day of seed collection. Primary dormancy decreased from a high level of 70−99% at 30−40 DAF to 0−15% after 7−14 d, coinciding with embryo growth and depending on variety and year. For some oilseed rape varieties, 30−50% primary dormancy was still present in mature seeds. Depending on variety, disposition to secondary dormancy was nearly zero at the early stage of seed development, increased to its highest level during development, and decreased afterwards. Some varieties maintained a high level of secondary dormancy at maturity or during the entire seed development period. The correlation between primary dormancy and secondary dormancy was significantly positive at early seed development (r = 0.95, 50 DAF), but declined in mature seeds. Environmental conditions during ripening are also expected to affect dormancy dynamics. The deeper insights into dormancy formation of oilseed rape provide the possibility to improve harvest time and harvest method, and to better assess the potential for volunteer oilseed rape in following crops.
Sequential Approach-Avoidance Movements
Authors: Topolinski Sascha , Bakhtiari Giti
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The affective consequences of sequential approach-avoidance movements in the mouth were investigated. Participants (total N = 872) received words for which consonantal stricture spots either wandered first-inward-then-outward (e.g., FOLOKOLOF; approach-avoidance) or first-outward-then-inward (e.g., KOLOFOLOK; avoidance-approach) in the mouth. In a pilot study, it was established that first-inward-then-outward (first-outward-then-inward) is associated with negative disgust (positive ingestion) reactions (Experiment 1). Approach-avoidance sequences were preferred less than avoidance-approach sequences (Experiments 2a–3b); and this effect disappeared under oral motor-interference (Experiment 4). Experiment 5 provides evidence that a mere recency effect is an unlikely explanation for these effects. Thus, sequentially executed oral approach and avoidance movements do not cancel each other out but jointly influence resulting affective responses.
Understanding ligand effects in gold clusters using mass spectrometry
Authors: Johnson Grant E. , Laskin Julia
Published: May 2016

This review summarizes recent research on the influence of phosphine ligands on the size, stability, and reactivity of gold clusters synthesized in solution.
A high-resolution method to assess cell multinucleation with cytoplasm-localized fluorescent probes
Authors: Wen Hui , Cui Qinghua , Meng Hui , Lai Fangfang , Wang Shufang , Zhang Xiang , Chen Xiaoguang , Cui Huaqing , Yin Dali
Published: May 2016

Cell multinucleation is closely related to chromosomal instability.
Photoresponsive gelators
Authors: Draper Emily R. , Adams Dave J.
Published: May 2016

We review the different approaches that have been used to form low molecular weight gels that respond to light.
Enhancing the biological properties of carbon nanofibers by controlling the crystallization of incorporated bioactive glass via silicon content
Authors: Cheng Dan , Xie Rongrong , Jin Le , Cao Man , Jia Xiaolong , Cai Qing , Yang Xiaoping
Published: May 2016

Mechanism and model of biomineralization behavior of CNF and CNF/BG hybrids containing BG with different silicon contents.