bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LA SALUD MENTAL EN LA PSICOLOGÍA DE LA RELIGIÓN Y DE LA ESPIRITUALIDAD
Authors: Simkin Hugo
Published: August 2018

Si bien la psicología se ha interesado por los fenómenos religiosos y espirituales desde sus origines, recién en la década del ochenta se constituye la psicología de la religión y de la espiritualidad como un área específica de la psicología. En este marco, entre las principales líneas de investigación, numerosos autores se han interesado en explorar el modo en que la religiosidad y la espiritualidad se asocian a la salud mental. Sin embargo, a pesar de la considerable cantidad de estudios que abordan el tema, en la literatura especializada aún se evidencia una amplia diversidad de resultados contradictorios. El presente trabajo se propone revisar los antecedentes vinculados al modo en que se han asociado estas variables, atendiendo a los debates teórico-epistemológicos que podrían contribuir a explicar las enormes diferencias que se observan entre los distintos hallazgos empíricos.Abstract.Although psychology has been interested in religious and spiritual phenomena since its origins, it was not until the 1980s that the psychology of religion and spirituality was established as a specific psychological field. Within this framework, among the main lines of research, numerous authors have been interested in exploring the way in which religiosity and spirituality are associated with mental health. However, despite the considerable number of studies that address the issue, a wide diversity of mixed results is still evident in the literature. The present work intends to review the antecedents linked to the way in which these variables have been associated, taking into account the theoretical-epistemological debates that could contribute to explain the enormous differences that are observed between the different empirical findings.
Chemical Characterization of Craft Filuferru Spirit from Sardinia, Italy
Authors: Langasco Ilaria , Caredda Marco , Sanna Gavino , Panzanelli Angelo , Pilo Maria Itria , Spano Nadia , Petretto Giacomo , Urgeghe Pietro Paolo
Published: August 2018

Traditional Filuferru is an ancient spirit from Sardinia, Italy, which is usually obtained from the distillation of wine or grape marc. In this contribution, the results of the first chemical characterization of a wide number of crafts Filuferru samples has been accomplished in terms of an evaluation of the alcoholic strength, qualitative and quantitative gas-chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the volatile composition of the distillate, and its trace element composition by means an inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. Both instrumental methods have been validated and applied on 21 craft samples of Filuferru, whereas one sample of commercial distillate has been analyzed for comparison purposes. Alcoholic strength ranged between 41.0 and 62.4% (v/v). Sixty volatile compounds were identified and ten of them have been quantified. Analogies and differences with Grappa (i.e., the Italian distilled spirit closer to Filuferru) have been highlighted in the qualitative and quantitative profile of this matrix. Often meaningful amounts of acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, dietyl acetal, and acetic acid were measured. Elemental analysis, performed on toxic, non-toxic elements, and oligoelements, 18 in total, revealed a wide variability of concentrations in both analytes and samples. High concentrations of Cu are sometimes evidenced, which are likely caused by losses from the distillation apparatus. The principal components analysis (PCA) allowed the differentiation of the ten volatile compounds quantified in two groups: the former, as described mainly by PC1, constituted by acetic acid, ethyl acetate, dietyl acetal, and acetaldehyde, and the second, described by PC2, constituted by 1-propanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, the two coeluiting isomers 2-methyl-1-butanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol,1-hexanol, 2-phenylethanol, and 2,3-butanediol. Data obtained may be useful in order to establish a regulation for the production of high-quality traditional Filuferru from Sardinia.
Low-Level Control of 3D Printers from the Cloud: A Step toward 3D Printer Control as a Service
Authors: Okwudire Chinedum E. , Huggi Sharankumar , Supe Sagar , Huang Chengyang , Zeng Bowen
Published: August 2018

Control as a Service (CaaS) is an emerging paradigm where low-level control of a device is moved from a local controller to the Cloud, and provided to the device as an on-demand service. Among its many benefits, CaaS gives the device access to advanced control algorithms which may not be executable on a local controller due to computational limitations. As a step toward 3D printer CaaS, this paper demonstrates the control of a 3D printer by streaming low-level stepper motor commands (as opposed to high-level G-codes) directly from the Cloud to the printer. The printer is located at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, while its stepper motor commands are calculated using an advanced motion control algorithm running on Google Cloud computers in South Carolina and Australia. The stepper motor commands are sent over the internet using the user datagram protocol (UDP) and buffered to mitigate transmission delays; checks are included to ensure accuracy and completeness of the transmitted data. All but one part printed using the cloud-based controller in both locations were hitch free (i.e., no pauses due to excessive transmission delays). Moreover, using the cloud-based controller, the parts printed up to 54% faster than using a standard local controller, without loss of accuracy.
New Hopes for Plasma-Based Cancer Treatment
Authors: Tanaka Hiromasa , Mizuno Masaaki , Ishikawa Kenji , Toyokuni Shinya , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Kikkawa Fumitaka , Hori Masaru
Published: August 2018

Non-thermal plasma represents a novel approach in cancer treatment. Both direct and indirect plasma treatments are available, with clinical trials of direct plasma treatment in progress. Indirect treatments involve chemotherapy (i.e., plasma-activated medium) and immunotherapy. Recent studies suggest that integrated plasma treatments could be an extremely effective approach to cancer therapy.
An Integrated Mathematical Model of Cellular Cholesterol Biosynthesis and Lipoprotein Metabolism
Authors: Pool Frances , Sweby Peter K. , Tindall Marcus J.
Published: August 2018

Cholesterol regulation is an important aspect of human health. In this work we bring together and extend two recent mathematical models describing cholesterol biosynthesis and lipoprotein endocytosis to create an integrated model of lipoprotein metabolism in the context of a single hepatocyte. The integrated model includes a description of low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and cholesterol synthesis, delipidation of very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs) to LDLs and subsequent lipoprotein endocytosis. Model analysis shows that cholesterol biosynthesis produces the majority of intracellular cholesterol. The availability of free receptors does not greatly effect the concentration of intracellular cholesterol, but has a detrimental effect on extracellular VLDL and LDL levels. We test our model by considering its ability to reproduce the known biology of Familial Hypercholesterolaemia and statin therapy. In each case the model reproduces the known biological behaviour. Quantitative differences in response to statin therapy are discussed in the context of the need to extend the work to a more in vivo setting via the incorporation of more dietary lipoprotein related processes and the need for further testing and parameterisation of in silico models of lipoprotein metabolism.
High incidence of MBL-mediated imipenem resistance among Pseudomonas aeruginosa from surgical site infections in Egypt
Authors: Raouf Marian R , Sayed Mohamed , Rizk Hazim A , Hassuna Noha Anwar
Published: August 2018

Introduction: Surgical wound infection is a serious problem, especially with metallo-beta lactamases (MBLs)- producing gram-negative bacteria as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The main objective of this work was to evaluate for the first time in Minia- Upper Egypt, the incidence of imipenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection of surgical wounds particularly that mediated by MBL production.

Methodology: P. aeruginosa was isolated from infected wounds by swabs and underwent full microbiological identification and Antibiotic Susceptibility testing. MBL production was tested by E-test and PCR was used for imipenemase (blaIMP) and Verona integron-encoded metallo-beta-lactamase (blaVIM) gene detection.

Results: Out of 200 pus samples collected from surgical site infections, P. aeruginosa had the prevalence rate of 35%. Imipenem resistance was found in 28.57% of the isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The prevalence of MBL-producing isolates among Imipenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (IRPA) was 85 % by phenotypic method with 29% of them harboring blaVIM gene. High resistance rates to other classes of antibiotics were reported among the isolates with multi-drug resistance (MDR) detected in 97.3% of the isolates.

Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first report in Minia, Upper Egypt describing the relatively high incidence of IRPA in infected surgical wounds with MBLs involved in the majority of isolates.
Development of Immobilized Activated Carbon-Enzyme for Decolorization of Black Liquor
Authors: Sari Ajeng Arum , Hanifah Ummu , Parmawati Yusnita , Permadi Rahadian
Published: August 2018

Combination of activated carbon and crude enzyme that immobilized in alginate was developed immobilized enzyme to decolorize black liquor. Characterization of material and black liquor were analyzed by using SEM and FTIR. The study revealed that immobilized activated carbon-enzyme has high decolorization during the removal of black liquor. It has able to decolorize black liquor up to 97.7% for 5 hours. Further, it also reduced COD as 66.77%, pH 9, and TDS 7.42 g/L. Characterization of black liquor by using FTIR showed that the beads after treatment has addition of functional group such as C-O phenol at wave number 1220.94 cm-1 and C-O-C ether at wave number 1060.85 cm-1 from (C-O-C) ether. Characterization of immobilized activated carbon-enzyme by using SEM showed that this bead before treatment was more granulated than after treatment. After treatment, the bead surface was more homogeneous. Conclusively, immobilized activated carbon-enzyme is a high potential adsorption for the removal of black liquor.
Method of Detecting Unexpected Load Leading to Crack Growth Acceleration
Authors: Rahman S.M. Moshiar , Ferdous Md. Shafiul , Makabe Chobin
Published: August 2018

The crack growth can accelerate after applying unexpected overload or underload during usual operation of machine structure. An acceleration or deceleration of the crack growth was observed depending on the experimental conditions. In the present study, a method of detecting the application of an unexpected hazardous load, that is high levels of overload or underload, was investigated. It is expected that the acceleration of crack growth brings catastrophic failure in machine structure. Therefore, it is useful for machine maintenance to know whether an unexpected load was applied or not by doing daily inspection. In the present study by using center-crack specimens, a simple method of detecting application of overload or underload was investigated by using strain information.
On Computational Model of Nafion Membrane with Molecular Dynamic Method
Authors: Riku Isamu , Kawanishi Keisuke , Oka Ryoma , Mimura Koji
Published: August 2018

To clarify the effect of loading conditions on mechanical behavior of Nafion membrane, at first, molecular dynamic (MD) method is employed to constitute the computational models for Nafion membranes under periodic loading condition and for Nafion membrane under LJ flat wall loading condition. And then, a series of MD simulations are performed for Nafion membrane under different relative humidity (RH) circumstance. It is found that the computational results of the model under LJ flat wall loading condition gives a good agreement with the experimental result and is useful for the discussion on the localization of molecular chains at microscopic region.
Examination of Cultural and Gender Similarities and Differences among Canadian and U.S. College Students on a Measure of Manifest Anxiety
Authors: Lowe Patricia A.
Published: August 2018

A measurement invariance study was conducted among 1,344 college students from Canada and the United States on an anxiety measure specifically designed for the college student population to determine whether the construct of anxiety was equivalent across country (Canada, United States) and gender. In addition, country and gender differences were examined on the anxiety measure. The Adult Manifest Anxiety Scale-College Version (AMAS-C) was administered to the college students online. The AMAS-C consists of four anxiety (Physiological Anxiety, Social Concerns/Stress, Test Anxiety, and Worry/Oversensitivity) subscales, a Total Anxiety scale, and a Lie scale. Results of tests of measurement invariance found the construct of anxiety equivalent across country and gender and latent mean analyses found gender differences, but no country differences, on the AMAS-C anxiety factors. Implications of the findings for mental health professionals, educational practitioners, and current and future researchers who work with or who will work with the undergraduate student population in Canada are discussed.
Reliability in Multi-regional Power Systems: Capacity Adequacy and the Role of Interconnectors
Authors: Hagspiel Simeon , Knaut Andreas , Peter Jakob
Published: August 2018

Based upon probabilistic reliability metrics, we develop an optimization model to determine the efficient amount and location of firm generation capacity to achieve reliability targets in multi-regional electricity systems. A particular focus lies on the representation and contribution of transmission capacities as well as variable renewable resources. Calibrating our model with a comprehensive dataset for Europe, we find that there are substantial benefits from regional cooperation. The amount of firm generation capacity to meet a perfectly reliably system could be reduced by 36.2 GW (i.e., 6.4%) compared to an isolated regional approach, which translates to savings of 14.5 bn EUR. Interconnectors contribute in both directions, with capacity values up to their technical maximum of close to 200%, while wind power contributions are in the range of 3.8-29.5%. Furthermore, we find that specific reliability targets heavily impact the efficient amount and distribution of reliable capacity as well as the contribution of individual technologies.
Technology Choices in the U.S. Electricity Industry before and after Market Restructuring
Authors: Csereklyei Zsuzsanna , Stern David I.
Published: August 2018

We study the drivers of the adoption of electricity generation technologies between 1970 and 2014 in the lower 48 U.S. states. Since the 1990s, major electricity market restructuring took place in some parts of the United States. We explore the implications of changing from a regulated “cost-of-service”, or rate of return, system to liberalized wholesale electricity markets on technology and fuel choices.We find that wholesale market restructuring resulted in significant immediate investment in various natural gas technologies due to higher expected profits, and a reduction in coal investments. In states that adopted liberalized wholesale electricity markets, higher natural gas price expectations resulted in more investment in coal and renewable technologies, while higher coal price expectations resulted in lower coal-fired baseload power investments. Natural gas price expectations, therefore, have the potential to significantly shape the power generation landscape of the futur
What does „financial” mean in accounting?
Authors: Masztalerz Marek
Published: August 2018

Accounting is closely related to language, which is manifested in the fact that to describe phenomena and events, in addition to numbers, it uses natural language, as well as that it is sometimes referred to as the „business language”. The purpose of this article is to identify and explain the meanings of the adjective „financial” in accounting. To achieve this goal, the method of qualitative analysis was adopted, including the collection and coding of documents, the development of language corpora (Polish and English), descrip-
tive and comparative analysis, interpretation and explanation. The author adopts a semiotic perspective, in which the semantic (sense and meaning) and syntactic (logic and cohesion) aspects were analysed. As a result of the conducted research, it was determined that the adjective „financial” has numerous mean-
ings in accounting, depending on the context, namely: it may refer to „finance” (1), or „financing” (2), or „financial statement” (3), or it may denote categories having the opposite meaning to „non-financial” (4), „managerial” (5), „asset” (6), „material” (7), „intangible” (8), „operating” (9) or „investing” (10).
Pessoa, um mistério não decifrado e em permanente desvelar: crítica aos dualismos cartesiano e estrutural tangenciando a ética e a pastoral cristã
Authors: Fischer Gerson Joni
Published: August 2018

Há um Eu que controla a sua própria casa, o corpo? É possível, com base nos conhecimentos acerca do cérebro, assumir o ser humano como uma máquina biomolecular que funciona de modo determinado? Há um consenso de que é por meio do cérebro que ocorrem os processos mentais e não na alma, como no dualismo clássico. Pode-se, entretanto, reduzir ao pequeno órgão cinzento a explicação pela emergência da vida consciente? Reduzir o entendimento do evento contribui para a defesa do valor do humano, para uma compreensão deste como responsável por suas decisões e atos? A pessoa é um mistério não decifrado. Critica-se o conceito de pessoa que imperou na modernidade, mas também o uso totalizante do princípio de causa e efeito. A presente abordagem recebe o humano como uno e dual. O cérebro e a mente surgem como fatos distintos, porém, indivisíveis. Pessoas não possuem, são almas viventes. O atual estágio dos debates sugere que o dualismo cartesiano e o monismo reducionista não se apresentam como alternativas. É a pessoa toda quem percebe, pensa, recorda, emociona-se, motiva-se, é atenta e produz impulsos. A vida diária revela que se é tudo isto que se apresenta de modo inseparável. O diálogo proposto é posto a serviço das refinadas descobertas acerca da anatomia e da fisiologia do cérebro e do uso ético destas, bem como da afirmação do ser humano, que as transcende. Sob o ponto de vista da tradição bíblica, o testemunho de Deus jamais é dualista, fazendo-se perceptível sempre de modo encarnado.
Efficient single-copy HDR by 5’ modified long dsDNA donors
Authors: Gutierrez-Triana Jose Arturo , Tavhelidse Tinatini , Thumberger Thomas , Thomas Isabelle , Wittbrodt Beate , Kellner Tanja , Anlas Kerim , Tsingos Erika , Wittbrodt Joachim
Published: August 2018

CRISPR/Cas9 efficiently induces targeted mutations via non-homologous-end-joining but for genome editing, precise, homology-directed repair (HDR) of endogenous DNA stretches is a prerequisite. To favor HDR, many approaches interfere with the repair machinery or manipulate Cas9 itself. Using Medaka we show that the modification of 5’ ends of long dsDNA donors strongly enhances HDR, favors efficient single-copy integration by retaining a monomeric donor conformation thus facilitating successful gene replacement or tagging.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylative Coupling of Aryl Iodides with Alkyl Bromides: Efficient Synthesis of Alkyl Aryl Ketones
Authors: Peng Jin‐Bao , Chen Bo , Qi Xinxin , Ying Jun , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: August 2018

Alkyl aryl ketones are important structures with applications in many areas of chemistry. Hence, efficient procedures for their production are particularly attractive. In this communication, a general and efficient carbonylative cross‐coupling of aryl iodides and unactivated alkyl bromides is presented. By using a simple palladium catalyst, a series of alkyl aryl ketones were synthesized in moderate to excellent yields from readily available alkyl and aryl halides in an In‐Ex tube with formic acid as the CO source. In this study both primary and secondary alkyl bromides/iodides were suitable coupling partners. Additionally, this method can also be employed for the late‐stage functionalization of complex natural products and polyfunctionalized molecules.

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Computational Understanding of the Growth of 2D Materials
Authors: Gao Junfeng , Xu Ziwei , Chen Shuai , Bharathi Madurai S. , Zhang Yong‐Wei
Published: August 2018

Over the last two decades, remarkable progress has been made in use of computational methods for understanding 2D materials growth. The aim of this Review is to provide an overview of several state‐of‐the‐art computational methods for the modelling and simulation of 2D materials growth. First, the current status of 2D materials, and their major growth methods are addressed. Next, the applications of the ab initio method in 2D materials growth is discussed, focusing on reaction of precursors, diffusion of adatoms, energetics and kinetics of growth fronts, and effects of substrates. Then, the applications of the molecular dynamics approach in 2D materials growth is discussed, with emphasis on the growth of graphene on various substrates and the growth of boron nitride and silicene. Furthermore, the applications of the kinetic Monte Carlo method in 2D materials growth are discussed. The parametrization of the method and its application in dimer distribution, and nonlinear edge growth of graphene are discussed. Subsequently, the applications of the phase‐field method in 2D materials growth are discussed, focusing on the growth rate and morphological evolution of 2D domains. Finally, perspectives and conclusions are presented.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Highly Regio‐ and Enantioselective Hydrogenation of Tetrasubstituted Allenyl Sulfones: An Efficient Access to Chiral Allylic Sulfones
Authors: Long Jiao , Shi Liyang , Li Xiong , Lv Hui , Zhang Xumu
Published: August 2018

A highly regio‐ and enantioselective hydrogenation of challenging tetrasubstituted allenyl sulfones has been developed, affording chiral allylic sulfones in good yields with excellent regio‐ and enantioselectivities (up to 99 % yield and 99 % ee). This method provides an efficient and concise route to chiral allylic sulfones, thus offering an atom‐economic process with a wide range of potential applications in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry.
Synergism of Au and Ru Nanoparticles in Low‐Temperature Photoassisted CO2 Methanation
Authors: Mateo Diego , De Masi Deborah , Albero Josep , Lacroix Lise‐Marie , Fazzini Pier‐Francesco , Chaudret Bruno , García Hermenegildo
Published: August 2018

Au and Ru nanoparticles (NPs) have been deposited on Siralox® substrate by impregnation and chemical reduction, respectively (Au‐Ru‐S). The as‐prepared material is very active in the selective CO2 methanation to CH4 at temperatures below 250 °C. In addition, Au‐Ru‐S shows enhanced CH4 production upon irradiation with UV/Vis light starting at temperatures higher than 200 °C, although the contribution of the photoassisted pathway of CH4 production decreases as the temperature increases. Thus, a maximum CH4 production of 204 mmol gRu−1 at 250 °C upon 100 mW cm−2 irradiation was achieved. Control experiments, in which Ru‐S and Au‐S materials were used, revealed that Ru NPs are the CO2 methanation active sites, while Au NPs contribute by harvesting light, mainly visible as a consequence of the strong Au plasmon band centered at 529 nm. The visible light absorbed by the plasmonic band of Au NPs could make them act ass local heaters of the neighboring Ru NPs, increasing their temperature and enhancing CH4 production.
Electrocatalytic Upgrading of Biomass‐Derived Intermediate Compounds to Value‐Added Products
Authors: Li Kui , Sun Yujie
Published: August 2018

The continuous advance in exploring renewable energy resources such as solar and wind will certainly alleviate our reliance on limited fossil reserves. However, the sustainable development of mankind demands not only energy but also carbon‐based chemical goods. Unfortunately, exploitation of renewable energy resources like solar and wind will not lead to any carbon‐based chemicals. The only sustainable and green carbon source is biomass, the scale of annual production of which has an immense potential to complement that of fossil‐derived carbons. To utilize biomass in economically effective ways, many catalytic processes have been investigated. Among various strategies of biomass refinery, electrocatalytic upgrading stands out as an attractive option because of its benign operation conditions, high energy efficiency, and convenient control on production rate and selectivity using electrochemical parameters. This Minireview showcases several electrocatalytic systems for both reductive and oxidative upgrading of representative biomass‐derived intermediate compounds, including 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, levulinic acid, glycerol, and sorbitol to different value‐added products. The catalytic routes and mechanisms of each biomass‐derived platform compound are discussed and compared. In order to be feasible for large‐scale applications, low‐cost composition and preparation of electrocatalysts are mandatory and will be emphasized. Finally, our personal perspective on the current challenges and future directions of electrocatalytic biomass upgrading is presented.
Computational Modelling of Selectivity in Cobalt‐Catalyzed Propene Hydroformylation
Authors: Szlapa Ewa N. , Harvey Jeremy N.
Published: August 2018

A mechanistic model for the cobalt‐catalyzed hydroformylation of propene, based on density functional theory and coupled cluster electronic structure calculations and transition state theory, is proposed to explain the experimentally observed reactivity and selectivity. The electronic structure calculations provide very accurate energies, which are used with transition state theory to compute rate constants; the kinetics of the network of coupled reactions are then modelled numerically for this organometallic reaction. The model accounts well for the dependence of rate on the concentrations of catalysts and reagents, and also on the temperature, and the agreement with experiment is improved still further upon making small adjustments to the ab initio calculated free energy values. The calculations provide detailed kinetic insight into the mechanism of hydroformylation and the role of various elementary steps in defining reactivity and selectivity.
Does socioeconomic status account for racial and ethnic disparities in childhood cancer survival?
Authors: Kehm Rebecca D. , Spector Logan G. , Poynter Jenny N. , Vock David M. , Altekruse Sean F. , Osypuk Theresa L.
Published: August 2018

Background

For many childhood cancers, survival is lower among non‐Hispanic blacks and Hispanics in comparison with non‐Hispanic whites, and this may be attributed to underlying socioeconomic factors. However, prior childhood cancer survival studies have not formally tested for mediation by socioeconomic status (SES). This study applied mediation methods to quantify the role of SES in racial/ethnic differences in childhood cancer survival.

Methods

This study used population‐based cancer survival data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 18 database for black, white, and Hispanic children who had been diagnosed at the ages of 0 to 19 years in 2000‐2011 (n = 31,866). Black‐white and Hispanic‐white mortality hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for age, sex, and stage at diagnosis, were estimated. The inverse odds weighting method was used to test for mediation by SES, which was measured with a validated census‐tract composite index.

Results

Whites had a significant survival advantage over blacks and Hispanics for several childhood cancers. SES significantly mediated the race/ethnicity–survival association for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, neuroblastoma, and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma; SES reduced the original association between race/ethnicity and survival by 44%, 28%, 49%, and 34%, respectively, for blacks versus whites and by 31%, 73%, 48%, and 28%, respectively, for Hispanics versus whites ((log hazard ratio total effect – log hazard ratio direct effect)/log hazard ratio total effect).

Conclusions

SES significantly mediates racial/ethnic childhood cancer survival disparities for several cancers. However, the proportion of the total race/ethnicity–survival association explained by SES varies between black‐white and Hispanic‐white comparisons for some cancers, and this suggests that mediation by other factors differs across groups.
Chemical and Electrochemical Oxidation of Tris(3,5‐di‐tert‐butylphenyl)phosphine – High Z′ Crystal Structures and Conformational Effects Associated with Bulky meta Substituents
Authors: Dimbarre Lao Guimarães Ivelise , Garcia Jarem Raul , Wohnrath Karen , Boeré René T.
Published: August 2018

Synthesis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction structures of (3,5‐tBu2‐C6H3)3P, (3,5‐tBu2‐C6H3)3PO·H2O, (3,5‐tBu2‐C6H3)3PS and (3,5‐tBu2‐C6H3)3PSe are reported. The structure of (3,5‐tBu2‐C6H3)3P has Z′ = 4, with both M and P enantiomers of a helical conformation and a conformation with one flat ring in the same lattice. The pyramidality index, Σ{∠CPC}, is smaller for the helical compared to the flat conformers. All four have structures that are more pyramidal than the corresponding Ph3P(E) derivatives, which is attributed to stronger intramolecular dispersion forces. The oxide crystallizes with Z′ = 2 as a water‐bridged dimer that is the most separated such dimer amongst 26 known structures, providing evidence for a distal (or perimeter) steric effect. Cyclic voltammetry in CH3CN/[nBu4N][ClO4] indicated anodic peak potentials of +0.785 V for (3,5‐tBu2‐C6H3)3P, +0.745 for (3,5‐Me2‐C6H3)3P, +0.735 V for (4‐MeO‐3,5‐Me2‐C6H2)3P and +0.535 V for (4‐MeO‐C6H4)3P, all relative to Fc+/0. On this scale, Ph3P oxidizes at +1.04 V. The unexpectedly high oxidation potentials for the first three phosphines is attributed to a more pyramidal structure resulting in lowering of the HOMO energy compared to expectations from Hammett constants and 1J(P,Se) NMR coupling constants.
Topographic variation in soil erosion and accumulation determined with meteoric 10Be
Authors: Marquard Julia , Aalto Rolf E. , Barrows Timothy T. , Fisher Beth A. , Aufdenkampe Anthony K. , Stone John O.
Published: August 2018

Understanding natural soil redistribution processes is essential for measuring the anthropogenic impact on landscapes. Although meteoric beryllium‐10 (10Be) has been used to determine erosion processes within the Pleistocene and Holocene, fewer studies have used the isotope to investigate the transport and accumulation of the resulting sediment. Here we use meteoric 10Be in hilltop and valley site soil profiles to determine sediment erosion and deposition processes in the Christina River Basin (Pennsylvania, USA). The data indicate natural erosion rates of 14 to 21 mm 10−3 yr and soil ages of 26 000 to 57 000 years in hilltop sites. Furthermore, valley sites indicate an alteration in sediment supply due to climate change (from the Pleistocene to the Holocene) within the last 60 000 years and sediment deposition of at least 0.5–2 m during the Wisconsinan glaciation. The change in soil erosion rate was most likely induced by changes in geomorphic processes; probably solifluction and slope wash during the cold period, when ice advanced into the mid latitudes of North America. This study shows the value of using meteoric 10Be to determine sediment accumulation within the Quaternary and quantifies major soil redistribution occurred under natural conditions in this region. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HPV‐mRNA and HPV‐DNA detection in samples taken up to seven years before severe dysplasia of cervix uteri
Authors: Forslund Ola , Miriam Elfström K. , Lamin Helena , Dillner Joakim
Published: August 2018

Randomized clinical trials using human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing have found increased protection against cervical cancer and HPV‐based screening is globally recommended for women ≥30 years of age. HPV‐mRNA is a promising alternative target for cervical screening tests, but assessing equivalence requires longitudinal evaluation over at least the length of a screening interval. Our aim is to analyze the longitudinal sensitivity of HPV‐mRNA and HPV‐DNA in cervical samples taken up to 7 years before severe cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or worse (CIN3+). From a population‐based cohort of 95,023 women in Sweden, cervical samples were frozen at −80°C between May 2007 and January 2012. Registry linkages identified that 1,204 of these women had CIN3+ 4 months to 7 years after enrolment. Baseline samples were analyzed for HPV‐mRNA (Aptima, Hologic) and for HPV‐DNA (Cobas 4800, Roche) and results from both tests obtained for 1,172 women. For both women <30 and ≥ 30 years, HPV‐mRNA had similar sensitivity for CIN3+ as HPV‐DNA (p = 0.0217 and p = 0.0123 in noninferiority testing for at least 90% relative sensitivity, respectively). Among women ≥30 years, the longitudinal sensitivities for CIN3+ occurring 5–7 years later were comparable [76.3% (95% CI: 65.8%–84.3%) and 82.5% (95% CI: 72.6%–89.4%)] as were the longitudinal negative predictive values for absence of CIN3+ [99.97% (95% CI: 99.95–99.98) and 99.98% (95% CI: 99.96–99.99)], for the HPV‐mRNA and HPV‐DNA test. In conclusion, HPV‐mRNA testing has similar longitudinal sensitivity as HPV‐DNA, implying that HPV‐mRNA testing can safely be used for cervical screening.
Berberine: A potential adjunct for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers?
Authors: Hesari AmirReza , Ghasemi Faezeh , Cicero Arrigo F. G. , Mohajeri Mohammad , Rezaei Omid , Hayat Seyed Mohammad Gheibi , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: August 2018

Gastrointestinal cancers are among the most prevalent cancers in the general population. Despite effective early diagnostics and intervention, the gastrointestinal cancer‐related mortality still remains elevated. Berberine (BBR) is a benzyl tetra isoquinoline alkaloid exracted from several plants. BBR is nontoxic to human normal cells, but suppresses the growth of different tumor cells: melanoma, epidermoid carcinoma, hepatoma, oral carcinoma, glioblastoma, prostatic carcinoma, and gastric carcinoma. In particular, BBR seems to suppress the proliferation of gastrointestinal cancers in a number of preclinical models. Several mechanisms of action have been hypothesized and demonstrated: immunomodulation, inhibition of topoisomerase enzymes, suppression of the EGF receptor, Her2/neu, and the VEGF receptor, induction of p53, Cip1/p21, Kip1/p27, Rb expression, induction of apoptosis (by regulation of MMPs pathway, caspases, Bax, and Smac/DIABLO), inhibition of arylamin N‐acetyltransferase activity, and regulation of microRNAs expression. The aim of this review is to summarize the pharmacological effects of BBR on animal and human gastrointestinal cancers.
Increased differentiation and production of extracellular matrix components of primary human osteoblasts after cocultivation with endothelial cells: A quantitative proteomics approach
Authors: Simunovic F. , Winninger O. , Strassburg S. , Koch H. G. , Finkenzeller G. , Stark G. B. , Lampert F. M.
Published: August 2018

Coculturing of bone‐forming and blood vessel‐forming cells is a strategy aimed at increasing vascularity of implanted bone constructs in tissue‐engineering applications. We previously described that the coculture of primary human osteoblasts (hOBs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) improves the differentiation of both cell types, leading to the formation of functional blood vessels and enhanced bone regeneration. The objective of this study was to further delineate the multifaceted interactions between both cell types. To investigate the proteome of hOBs after cocultivation with HUVECs we used stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture, revealing 49 significantly upregulated, and 54 significantly downregulated proteins. Amongst the highest regulated proteins, we found the proteins important for osteoblast differentiation, cellular adhesion, and extracellular matrix function, notably: connective tissue growth factor, desmoplakin, galectin‐3, and cyclin‐dependent kinase 6. The findings were confirmed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. We also investigated whether the mRNA transcripts correlate with the changes in protein levels by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the data was compared to our previous microarray analysis of hOB transcriptome. Taken together, this in‐depth analysis delivers reliable data suggesting the importance of coculturing of hOBs and HUVECs in tissue engineering.
Interactions of three bisphenol analogues with hemoglobin investigated by spectroscopy and molecular docking
Authors: Zhang Xun , Zhang Rui , Zong Wansong , Liu Rutao
Published: August 2018

Bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol S (BPS), and bisphenol B (BPB) have been extensively used in food packaging, plasticizer, and paper products, causing more concern about their biosafety. The mechanism of these bisphenols' toxicity was investigated by determining diverse effects of them on common protein bovine hemoglobin (BHb). The effects at the molecular level were determined by ultraviolet‐visible, circular dichroism, resonance light scattering, fluorescence spectroscopy, and molecular docking. The irreversible cross‐linking results of bisphenols and BHb demonstrate that hydrogen (H) bonding and hydrophobic forces play major roles in the interaction. Both BPF and BPS decreased the amount of α‐helix, leading to the loosening of protein skeleton while BPB made little change. In the loose structure, BPF exposed the internal amino acids to a hydrophobic environment and BPS (above 10μM) obviously quenched characteristic fluorescence. The variant effects of BPF, BPS, and BPB may arise from different structural formula. Accordingly, BPB could be used as a better substitute for bisphenol A, and it is necessary to control the concentration of BPS and BPF below 10μM in application. This study provided important basis for application of BPB and safe use of bisphenol analogues in industry.
LAMP detection of the genetic element ‘Mona’ associated with DMI resistance in Monilinia fructicola
Authors: Chen Shuning , Schnabel Guido , Yuan Huizhu , Luo Chaoxi
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

The increasing use of demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides for the control of peach brown rot has resulted in resistance in Monilinia fructicola. Resistance in the southeastern USA is caused by overexpression of the MfCYP51 gene due to the presence of a 65‐bp inserted element ‘Mona’ located in the upstream regulatory region of MfCYP51. A rapid diagnostic assay would be useful to detect the presence and monitor further spread of this resistance mechanism.

RESULTS

A loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method was developed for rapid detection of ‘Mona’‐based DMI resistance. The assay was optimized for specificity and sensitivity, and was shown to detect the presence of 10 fg of purified target DNA per reaction within 85 min. Only DNA isolated from DMI‐resistant isolates containing ‘Mona’ resulted in a fluorescent signal after LAMP assay amplification. DNA from sensitive isolates from China and the USA and six other common fungal species of peach did not yield a signal. The method also positively identified ‘Mona’ from crude DNA extracts (using Lyse and Go reagents heated to 100 °C for 10 min) obtained from the mycelium and conidia of symptomatic fruit.

CONCLUSION

Considering its specificity, stability and repeatability, the LAMP assay could be a valuable tool for rapid on‐site diagnosis of M. fructicola isolates resistant to DMI fungicides in the southeastern USA. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Millepachine showed novel antitumor effects in cisplatin‐resistant human ovarian cancer through inhibiting drug efflux function of ATP‐binding cassette transporters
Authors: Wu Wenshuang , Liu Yang , Ye Haoyu , Li Zhihui
Published: August 2018

Millepachine (MIL), a bioactive natural chalcone from Chinese herbal medicine Millettia pachycarpa Benth, exhibits strong antitumor effects against many human cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we found that MIL significantly inhibited the proliferation of cisplatin‐resistant A2780CP cells via inducing obvious G2/M arrest and apoptosis and down‐regulating the activity of topoisomerase II protein. We further found that the mechanism by which MIL showed good antitumor effects in cisplatin‐resistant human ovarian cancer was associated with inhibiting the expression of ATP‐binding cassette transporters in cisplatin‐resistant A2780CP cells. Importantly, MIL did not only significantly inhibit the tumor growth in cisplatin‐sensitive A2780S xenograft model, with an inhibitory rate of 73.21%, but also inhibited the tumor growth in the cisplatin‐resistant A2780CP xenograft model, with an inhibitory rate of 65.68% (p < 0.001 vs. control; p < 0.001 vs. DDP). In addition, MIL did not induce acquired drug resistance in A2780S tumor‐bearing mice with an inhibitory rate of 60.03%. The promising in vitro and in vivo performance indicated that MIL exhibited potential significance for drug research and development.
Goodness of fit tests for random effect models with binary responses
Authors: Korre Antonia K. , Vasdekis Vassilis G. S.
Published: August 2018

Correlated binary responses are very common in longitudinal and repeated measures studies. Random effects models are often used to analyze such data and the h‐likelihood estimating procedure provides an inferential tool. The objective of this study is to introduce goodness‐of‐fit score statistics for the fixed part of these models. The proposed statistics are based on processes that partition the observations into mutually exclusive groups. Weighted versions of these statistics are also introduced and are based on the correlation between an appropriately adjusted candidate covariate for entrance into the model and the model residuals. A simulation study indicates that the weighted statistics perform better than their unweighted counterparts, whereas the statistics that are based on the partitioning of the covariate space seem to perform slightly better compared with those based on other grouping procedures. The use of the proposed statistics is illustrated using a real data example.
Cross‐border mergers and acquisitions amid political uncertainty: A bargaining perspective
Authors: Lee Kyeong Hun
Published: August 2018

Research Summary: This article exploits a natural experiment to estimate the causal effect of political uncertainty on bargaining outcomes in cross‐border acquisitions. We argue that political uncertainty alters the relative bargaining power between acquiring versus target firms. The host country's political uncertainty makes the returns on cross‐border acquisitions more unpredictable. Accordingly, foreign acquirers demand compensation for such uncertainty in negotiations, otherwise they will not consider their acquisitions profitable. Thus, when political uncertainty is high in the host country, ceteris paribus, foreign acquirers have greater bargaining power, which leads to more favorable outcomes for acquirers. Using national elections to measure political uncertainty, we find evidence strongly supporting our prediction. Target firms capture a smaller portion of the acquisition gains than do acquiring firms, when political uncertainty is high.

Managerial Summary: The uncertainty about the host government policies is a major concern for firms considering cross‐border acquisitions. However, we know little about how such uncertainty influences cross‐border deal negotiations and outcomes. This research investigates the effect of political uncertainty on the bargaining outcomes in cross‐border acquisitions. We argue that high political uncertainty in the host country strengthens the foreign acquirer's bargaining position relative to the acquired firm. The outcome of investment is harder to predict under political uncertainty, and therefore the foreign acquirer will require compensation for political uncertainty such as paying a lower takeover premium and using a contingent payment option. Without such compensation, the foreign acquirer may not find it attractive to make a deal. Our empirical results support our argument.
Polyphenols from brown alga, Padina boergesenii (Allendar & Kraft) decelerates renal cancer growth involving cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis in renal carcinoma cells
Authors: Rajamani Karthikeyan , Thirugnanasambandan Somasundaram S.
Published: August 2018

In our previous work, we assessed the ameliorative effect of crude extract from Padina boergesenii. In this report, we have extended these study by fractionating the methanol extract with methanol:ethylacetate (1:3,v/v) (MME‐F) and assessed the cytotoxic effect of MME‐F fraction in human renal carcinoma cell lines (A498 and ACHN). The fraction had time‐and dose‐dependent inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, migration with deceleration of cancer growth at EC50—22.73 μg in A498 and 26.43 μg in ACHN cells. Cells treated at EC50 value 25 μg displayed twofold greater ability to induce early and late stage of apoptosis. The cells treated with polyphenolic fraction (MME‐F) induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. HPLC/DAD chromatographic procedures quantified polyphenols from active fraction (MME‐F). These data revealed the functional activity of polyphenols from brown alga, P. boergesenii as a potent inhibitor of cancer proliferation with induction of apoptosis, it suggest their applicability in preventing cancer metastasis.
Essential variables for reporting research studies on fetal growth restriction: a Delphi consensus
Authors: Khalil A. , Gordijn S. J. , Beune I. M. , Wynia K. , Ganzevoort W. , Figueras F. , Kingdom J. , Marlow N. , Papageorghiou A. T. , Sebire N. , Zeitlin J. , Baschat A. A.
Published: August 2018

Objective

To determine, by expert consensus using a Delphi procedure, a minimum reporting set of study variables for fetal growth restriction (FGR) research studies.

Methods

A panel of experts, identified based on their publication record as lead or senior author of studies on FGR, was asked to select a set of essential reporting study parameters from a literature‐based list of variables, utilizing the Delphi consensus methodology. Responses were collected in four consecutive rounds by online questionnaires presented to the panelists through a unique token‐secured link for each round. The experts were asked to rate the importance of each parameter on a five‐point Likert scale. Variables were selected in the three first rounds based on a 70% threshold for agreement on the Likert‐scale scoring. In the final round, retained parameters were categorized as essential (to be reported in all FGR studies) or recommended (important but not mandatory).

Results

Of the 100 invited experts, 87 agreed to participate and of these 62 (71%) completed all four rounds. Agreement was reached for 16 essential and 30 recommended parameters including maternal characteristics, prenatal investigations, prenatal management and pregnancy/neonatal outcomes. Essential parameters included hypertensive complication in the current pregnancy, smoking, parity, maternal age, fetal abdominal circumference, estimated fetal weight, umbilical artery Doppler (pulsatility index and end‐diastolic flow), fetal middle cerebral artery Doppler, indications for intervention, pregnancy outcome (live birth, stillbirth or neonatal death), gestational age at delivery, birth weight, birth‐weight centile, mode of delivery and 5‐min Apgar score.

Conclusions

We present a list of essential and recommended parameters that characterize FGR independent of study hypotheses. Uniform reporting of these variables in prospective clinical research is expected to improve data quality, study consistency and ultimately our understanding of FGR. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.