bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La Prueba Saber de Ciencias Sociales en Colombia y su utilidad pedagógica para los maestros
Authors: Palacios Mena Nancy
Published: February 2018

El objetivo del artículo es analizar la naturaleza y las características del examen que evalúa el conocimiento de las ciencias sociales en secundaria en Colombia. La metodología utilizada es el análisis documental. La lectura de los documentos fue registrada en tarjetas con información como título, carácter del texto, procedencia, fecha de producción, contenido y orientación. Se pudo establecer que de un examen centrado principalmente en la memorización de contenidos, se pasó a uno en el que es importante el desarrollo de competencias, sin embargo hay críticas respecto a que este se orienta a habilidades y conocimientos evaluados en el Informe PISA, o en los que tienen interés organismos multilaterales, que a los ojos de muchos pretenden afianzar el modelo neoliberal y con ello profundizar las condiciones de pobreza y desigualdad.
A randomized feasibility trial comparing four antimalarial drug regimens to induce Plasmodium falciparum gametocytemia in the controlled human malaria infection model
Authors: Reuling Isaie J , van de Schans Lisanne A , Coffeng Luc E , Lanke Kjerstin , Meerstein-Kessel Lisette , Graumans Wouter , van Gemert Geert-Jan , Teelen Karina , Siebelink-Stoter Rianne , van de Vegte-Bolmer Marga , de Mast Quirijn , van der Ven André J , Ivinson Karen , Hermsen Cornelus C , de Vlas Sake , Bradley John , Collins Katharine A , Ockenhouse Christian F , McCarthy James , Sauerwein Robert W , Bousema Teun
Published: February 2018

Background:

Malaria elimination strategies require a thorough understanding of parasite transmission from human to mosquito. A clinical model to induce gametocytes to understand their dynamics and evaluate transmission-blocking interventions (TBI) is currently unavailable. Here, we explore the use of the well-established Controlled Human Malaria Infection model (CHMI) to induce gametocyte carriage with different antimalarial drug regimens.

Methods:

In a single centre, open-label randomised trial, healthy malaria-naive participants (aged 18–35 years) were infected with Plasmodium falciparum by bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Participants were randomly allocated to four different treatment arms (n = 4 per arm) comprising low-dose (LD) piperaquine (PIP) or sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), followed by a curative regimen upon recrudescence. Male and female gametocyte densities were determined by molecular assays.

Results:

Mature gametocytes were observed in all participants (16/16, 100%). Gametocytes appeared 8.5–12 days after the first detection of asexual parasites. Peak gametocyte densities and gametocyte burden was highest in the LD-PIP/SP arm, and associated with the preceding asexual parasite biomass (p=0.026). Male gametocytes had a mean estimated circulation time of 2.7 days (95% CI 1.5–3.9) compared to 5.1 days (95% CI 4.1–6.1) for female gametocytes. Exploratory mosquito feeding assays showed successful sporadic mosquito infections. There were no serious adverse events or significant differences in the occurrence and severity of adverse events between study arms (p=0.49 and p=0.28).

Conclusions:

The early appearance of gametocytes indicates gametocyte commitment during the first wave of asexual parasites emerging from the liver. Treatment by LD-PIP followed by a curative SP regimen, results in the highest gametocyte densities and the largest number of gametocyte-positive days. This model can be used to evaluate the effect of drugs and vaccines on gametocyte dynamics, and lays the foundation for fulfilling the critical unmet need to evaluate transmission-blocking interventions against falciparum malaria for downstream selection and clinical development.

Funding:

Funded by PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI).

Clinical trial number:

NCT02836002.
Why plants make puzzle cells, and how their shape emerges
Authors: Sapala Aleksandra , Runions Adam , Routier-Kierzkowska Anne-Lise , Das Gupta Mainak , Hong Lilan , Hofhuis Hugo , Verger Stéphane , Mosca Gabriella , Li Chun-Biu , Hay Angela , Hamant Olivier , Roeder Adrienne HK , Tsiantis Miltos , Prusinkiewicz Przemyslaw , Smith Richard S
Published: February 2018

The shape and function of plant cells are often highly interdependent. The puzzle-shaped cells that appear in the epidermis of many plants are a striking example of a complex cell shape, however their functional benefit has remained elusive. We propose that these intricate forms provide an effective strategy to reduce mechanical stress in the cell wall of the epidermis. When tissue-level growth is isotropic, we hypothesize that lobes emerge at the cellular level to prevent formation of large isodiametric cells that would bulge under the stress produced by turgor pressure. Data from various plant organs and species support the relationship between lobes and growth isotropy, which we test with mutants where growth direction is perturbed. Using simulation models we show that a mechanism actively regulating cellular stress plausibly reproduces the development of epidermal cell shape. Together, our results suggest that mechanical stress is a key driver of cell-shape morphogenesis.
Automated analysis of long-term grooming behavior in Drosophila using a k-nearest neighbors classifier
Authors: Qiao Bing , Li Chiyuan , Allen Victoria W , Shirasu-Hiza Mimi , Syed Sheyum
Published: February 2018

Despite being pervasive, the control of programmed grooming is poorly understood. We addressed this gap by developing a high-throughput platform that allows long-term detection of grooming in Drosophila melanogaster. In our method, a k-nearest neighbors algorithm automatically classifies fly behavior and finds grooming events with over 90% accuracy in diverse genotypes. Our data show that flies spend ~13% of their waking time grooming, driven largely by two major internal programs. One of these programs regulates the timing of grooming and involves the core circadian clock components cycle, clock, and period. The second program regulates the duration of grooming and, while dependent on cycle and clock, appears to be independent of period. This emerging dual control model in which one program controls timing and another controls duration, resembles the two-process regulatory model of sleep. Together, our quantitative approach presents the opportunity for further dissection of mechanisms controlling long-term grooming in Drosophila.
Forgotten Meaning of ʿāpār in Biblical Hebrew
Authors: Amzallag Nissim
Published: February 2018

It is argued in this study that ʿāpār, in the context of mining expressed in Job 28:2, 6, probably denotes neither ‘dust’ nor related materials (‘earth’, ‘dirt’, or ‘ashes’), as is generally assumed, but ‘metallic ore’. A similar designation of ʿāpār as ore is identified in Job 30:6 and Ezek. 26:12. Further examination reveals the figurative use of ʿāpār as ore in Job 22:24, Isa. 34:9, and Isa. 41:2. In contrast to the abasement, humiliation, and worthlessness that are closely related to dust, metallic ore is associated with preciousness, rarity, and wisdom. Consequently, disregard of the figurative meaning of ʿāpār as ore may generate misunderstandings of the biblical text. It may also conceal a theological reality. For example, the identification of ʿāpār as ore in Prov. 8:26 promotes homology between Lady Wisdom and the Egyptian goddess Hathor in Prov. 8:22–31. In Gen. 3:14, it stresses the metallurgical background of the Hebrew myth of origin and helps to clarify its significance. The meaning of ʿāpār as ore in Isa. 65:25 even transforms the metallurgical theological component into the source of eschatological developments. It is concluded that the ‘ore’ dimension of meaning of ʿāpār coexists in Biblical Hebrew with the traditional association of ʿāpār with dust and that the disregard of this dimension overlooks the meaning of these verses and the theology that inspires them; it also reflects misunderstandings of Biblical Hebrew after the Persian period.
Interpreting Avicenna: Critical Essays. Edited by Peter Adamson
Authors: Rizvi Sajjad
Published: February 2018

Interpreting Avicenna: Critical Essays. Edited by Peter Adamson. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2013. Pp. xi + 300. $99, £55.
Family Matters in Indian Buddhist Monasticism. By Shayne Clarke
Authors: McDaniel Justin Thomas
Published: February 2018

Family Matters in Indian Buddhist Monasticism. By Shayne Clarke. Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press, 2014. Pp. xvi + 275. $52; Family in Buddhism. Edited by LIz WILsON. Albany: State University of New York Press, 2013. Pp. 298. $85 (cloth) (Rpt. [paper], 2014. $28.95.)
Poetic Heroes: Literary Commemorations of Warriors and Warrior Culture in the Early Biblical World. By Mark S. Smith
Authors: Trimm Charlie
Published: February 2018

Poetic Heroes: Literary Commemorations of Warriors and Warrior Culture in the Early Biblical World. By Mark S. Smith. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2013. Pp. xiv + 636. $55 (paper).
ʻDurch Dein Wort ward jegliches Ding!ʼ / ʻThrough Thy Word All Things Were Made!ʼ: 2. Mandäistische und samaritanistische Tagung. Edited by Rainer Voigt
Authors: Stadel Christian
Published: February 2018

ʻDurch Dein Wort ward jegliches Ding!ʼ / ʻThrough Thy Word All Things Were Made!ʼ: 2. Mandäistische und samaritanistische Tagung. Edited by Rainer Voigt. Mandäistische Forschungen, vol. 4. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz Verlag, 2013. Pp. x + 393, illus. €98.
Impeachment no Brasil: O governo Temer e a privatização nas universidades públicas brasileiras
Authors: Figueiredo Julio Carlos
Published: February 2018

Este trabalho trata da questão do avanço das privatizações nas universidades públicas brasileiras ao avaliar, ainda que de forma a preliminar, as principais iniciativas do governo Michel Temer que confluem nesta direção. A iniciativa de diminuir a oferta de vagas nas universidades públicas e as facilidades para a ação de grupos privados internacionais – seja incorporando ou associando-se a grupos privados brasileiros - ampliando sua presença no ensino superior no país confirma a linha política adotada. Trata-se mais uma vez de iniciativas de corte neoliberal que buscam recuperar as taxas de acumulação de capital em um cenário de crise econômica e política agravada no período pós-impeachment de Dilma Rousseff. A aprovação da PEC 55 revela o sentido geral dessa política que transfere aos trabalhadores a responsabilidade pela solução da crise, promovendo de imediato o aumento do desemprego, a retirada de investimentos em saúde e educação ao mesmo tempo em que garante o pagamento da divida publica ao capital financeiro. A privatização das universidades públicas brasileiras desde o governo FHC, tendo prosseguimento nos períodos de Lula da Silva e Dilma Rousseff caracteriza um processo em curso onde o ensino público, em particular o ensino superior, está submetido a uma dupla apropriação: enquanto mercadoria e como setor público a serviço da acumulação privada. Assim, a área de educação, segmento tido inicialmente como pouco atrativo, passa a ser cobiçada pelo mercado e se destaca no conjunto de iniciativas do atual governo visando uma nova fase de privatizações no país.
América Latina, 100 anos da Revolução Russa, educação e ensino
Authors: Castanha André Paulo , Silva João Carlos da
Published: February 2018

Em grande parte a realidade vivida pela América Latina nos últimos 100 anos tem sido marcada pela Revolução Russa, ainda que não apareça de forma muito explícita. Sem dúvida, trata-se de um acontecimento central para a história da humanidade. Daí, por um lado, se a preocupação dos capitalistas e seus ideólogos tem sido a de combatê-la, denegri-la, condená-la ao esquecimento e deletá-la da história, para os trabalhadores representa um marco fundamental na construção de uma nova humanidade, um passo para o reino da liberdade.
CAUSES: Diagnosis of the Summertime Warm Bias in CMIP5 Climate Models at the ARM Southern Great Plains Site
Authors: Zhang Chengzhu , Xie Shaocheng , Klein Stephen A. , Ma Hsi‐yen , Tang Shuaiqi , Van Weverberg Kwinten , Morcrette Cyril J. , Petch Jon
Published: February 2018

All the weather and climate models participating in the Clouds Above the United States and Errors at the Surface project show a summertime surface air temperature (T2 m) warm bias in the region of the central United States. To understand the warm bias in long‐term climate simulations, we assess the Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5, with long‐term observations mainly from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program Southern Great Plains site. Quantities related to the surface energy and water budget, and large‐scale circulation are analyzed to identify possible factors and plausible links involved in the warm bias. The systematic warm season bias is characterized by an overestimation of T2 m and underestimation of surface humidity, precipitation, and precipitable water. Accompanying the warm bias is an overestimation of absorbed solar radiation at the surface, which is due to a combination of insufficient cloud reflection and clear‐sky shortwave absorption by water vapor and an underestimation in surface albedo. The bias in cloud is shown to contribute most to the radiation bias. The surface layer soil moisture impacts T2 m through its control on evaporative fraction. The error in evaporative fraction is another important contributor to T2 m. Similar sources of error are found in hindcast from other Clouds Above the United States and Errors at the Surface studies. In Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project simulations, biases in meridional wind velocity associated with the low‐level jet and the 500 hPa vertical velocity may also relate to T2 m bias through their control on the surface energy and water budget.
Enzyme‐Responsive Supramolecular Nanoparticles Based on Carboxyl‐Modified Cyclodextrins for Dual Substrate Loading
Authors: Han Xu , Chen Yong , Sun He‐Lue , Liu Yu
Published: February 2018

Enzyme‐responsive supramolecular assemblies have recently attracted more and more attention in biomaterial fields because of their controlled drug release at specific sites where the target enzyme is located. In this work, an enzyme‐responsive nanoparticle (NP) was successfully constructed through the molecular‐induced aggregation of hepta‐carboxyl‐modified cyclodextrins (carboxyl‐CDs) towards the enzyme‐responsive small molecule myristoylcholine, and the resulting spherical NP from carboxyl‐CD and myristoylcholine was fully characterized. Significantly, this NP can load two different substrates, that is, amantadine and anionic dye HPTS, and disassemble when treated by butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), an enzyme that can break the ester linkage of myristoylcholine chloride. Therefore, this NP may find applications in dual drug delivery.
Diagnosis and endoscopic endonasal management of nontraumatic pseudoaneurysms of the cranial base
Authors: Faden Daniel L. , Hughes Marion A. , Lavigne Philippe , Jankowitz Brian T. , Wang Eric W. , Fernandez‐Miranda Juan C. , Gardner Paul A. , Snyderman Carl H.
Published: February 2018

Background

Nontraumatic pseudoaneurysms of the cranial base are rare and present unique diagnostic and treatment dilemmas compared with both true aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms outside of the cranial base. There is a dearth of knowledge regarding the management of these complicated lesions.

Methods

Nontraumatic pseudoaneurysms of the cranial base internal carotid artery (ICA) were retrospectively identified at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center through a key word search of cranial base cases from 2010 to 2017.

Results

Three cases were identified, demonstrating pseudoaneurysms of the cavernous and petrous ICA. Each patient underwent diagnostic work‐up with computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography, followed by endovascular occlusion and endoscopic endonasal surgery, which resulted in relief of presenting complaints and ablation of the pseudoaneurysm.

Conclusion

Symptomatic cranial base pseudoaneurysms should undergo treatment to obliterate the aneurysm and relieve the mass effect. First, formal angiography is necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Next, endovascular occlusion is performed, with a preference for coiling or endoluminal reconstruction with a flow diverter. Last, endoscopic intervention follows in cases where: (1) decompression of vital structures is indicated; (2) diagnosis of the pseudoaneurysm cannot be definitively confirmed with angiography; or (3) the etiology of the confirmed pseudoaneurysm requires further investigation.
Management of long‐lasting phantosmia: a systematic review
Authors: Saltagi Mohamad Z. , Rabbani Cyrus C. , Ting Jonathan Y. , Higgins Thomas S.
Published: February 2018

Background

Interest in the pathophysiology and management of phantom smells has increased rapidly over the last decade. A PubMed search for the term “phantosmia” demonstrated a near‐doubling of articles published on phantosmia within the past 7 years. We aimed to systematically review the literature on the management of phantosmia.

Methods

The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for articles published since January 1990, using terms combined with pertinent Boolean search operators. We included articles evaluating management of phantosmia written in the English language, with original data and a minimum of 6 months of follow‐up, on at least 2 patients and with well‐defined and measurable outcomes.

Results

A total of 2151 unique titles were returned upon the initial search. Of these, 146 abstracts were examined, yielding 7 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. All articles were predominantly level 4 evidence. One prospective level 3 study was included. The studies included a total of 96 patients, with follow‐up ranging from 6 months to 11 years. Endpoints were primarily based on subjective patient responses. Management options included observation and medical and surgical therapy. Olfactory mucosa excision was the only surgical intervention studied, with short‐term symptomatic improvement in 10 of 11 patients. Forty‐one patients were treated medically, which included antipsychotic, antimigraine, and antiseizure medications, transcranial stimulation, and topical cocaine application.

Conclusion

Despite increasing interest in the treatment of phantosmia and reports of successful therapies, there remains a paucity of data and lack of consensus regarding optimal management of this difficult condition.
Low‐Coordinate Single‐Ion Magnets by Intercalation of Lanthanides into a Phenol Matrix
Authors: Meng Yin‐Shan , Xu Ling , Xiong Jin , Yuan Qiong , Liu Tao , Wang Bing‐Wu , Gao Song
Published: February 2018

It is very challenging to synthesize stable trivalent rare‐earth complexes in which the coordination number is lower than 3 for the high oxidation state, there is a large ion radius and nearly non‐bonding character of trivalent lanthanide ions. The bulky phenol ligand ArOH (Ar=2,6‐Dipp2C6H3, Dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) was utilized to construct low‐coordinate lanthanide compound [(ArO)Ln(OAr′)] (Ar′=6‐Dipp‐2‐(2′‐iPr‐6′‐CHMe(CH2−)C6H3)C6H3O−; Ln=Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm). These complexes and the free ligand ArOH were isostructural. Magnetic measurements and theoretical studies demonstrated that both the oblate‐type dysprosium and prolate‐type erbium analogues exhibited single‐ion magnet (SIM) behavior. The bulky phenol ligands provided strong uniaxial ligand field, making the dysprosium SIM possessing blocking barrier up to 961 K.
Designing Homogeneous Bromine Redox Catalysis for Selective Aliphatic C−H Bond Functionalization
Authors: Becker Peter , Duhamel Thomas , Martínez Claudio , Muñiz Kilian
Published: February 2018

The potential of homogeneous oxidation catalysis employing bromine has remained largely unexplored. We herein show that the combination of a tetraalkylammonium bromide and meta‐chloroperbenzoic acid offers a unique catalyst system for the convenient and selective oxidation of saturated C(sp3)−H bonds upon photochemical initiation with day light. This approach enables remote, intramolecular, position‐selective C−H amination as demonstrated for 20 different examples. For the first time, an N‐halogenated intermediate was isolated as the active catalyst state in a catalytic Hofmann–Löffler reaction. In addition, an expeditious one‐pot synthesis of N‐sulfonyl oxaziridines from N‐sulfonamides was developed and exemplified for 15 transformations. These pioneering examples provide a change in paradigm for molecular catalysis with bromine.
Information triangulation: A complex and agentic everyday information practice
Authors: Greyson Devon
Published: February 2018

In contemporary urban settings, information seekers may face challenges assessing and making use of the large quantity of information to which they have access. Such challenges may be particularly acute when laypeople are considering specialized or technical information pertaining to topics over which knowledge is contested. Within a constructivist grounded theory study of the health information practices of 39 young parents in urban Canada, a complex practice of information triangulation was observed. Triangulation comprised an iterative process of seeking, assessment, and sense‐making, and typically resulted in a decision or action. This paper examines the emergent concept of information triangulation in everyday life, using data from the young parent study. Triangulation processes in this study could be classified as one of four types, and functioned as an exercise of agency in the face of structures of expertise and exclusion. Although triangulation has long been described and discussed as a practice among scientific researchers wishing to validate and enrich their data, it has rarely been identified as an everyday practice in information behavior research. Future investigations should consider the use of information triangulation for other types of information, including by other populations and in other areas of contested knowledge.
The impact of classification systems in the evaluation of the research performance of the Leiden Ranking universities
Authors: Perianes‐Rodriguez Antonio , Ruiz‐Castillo Javier
Published: February 2018

In this article, we investigate the consequences of choosing different classification systems—namely, the way publications (or journals) are assigned to scientific fields—for the ranking of research units. We study the impact of this choice on the ranking of 500 universities in the 2013 edition of the Leiden Ranking in two cases. First, we compare a Web of Science (WoS) journal‐level classification system, consisting of 236 subject categories, and a publication‐level algorithmically constructed system, denoted G8, consisting of 5,119 clusters. The result is that the consequences of the move from the WoS to the G8 system using the Top 1% citation impact indicator are much greater than the consequences of this move using the Top 10% indicator. Second, we compare the G8 classification system and a publication‐level alternative of the same family, the G6 system, consisting of 1,363 clusters. The result is that, although less important than in the previous case, the consequences of the move from the G6 to the G8 system under the Top 1% indicator are still of a large order of magnitude.
Rechen‐ und Messwerte der Rissbreite im Stahlbetonbau
Authors: Meichsner Heinz , Röhling Stefan
Published: February 2018

Risse gehören zum Alltag im Stahlbetonbau. Trotzdem gibt es keine Norm für die Rissbreitenmessungen, sondern nur für die Ermittlung von Rechenwerten der Rissbreite. Es besteht auch keine Regelung, wie Mess‐ und Rechenwerte abgeglichen werden müssen. Ein Vergleich zwischen Mess‐ und Rechenwerten ist derzeit noch mit größeren Streuungen verbunden.

Mit den verwendeten Messverfahren – optische Messung oder Wegmessung – werden für den gleichen Riss unterschiedliche Messwerte gewonnen. Die Rissuferverschiebung (Wegmessung) ist immer etwas größer als die Rissbreite (optisch gemessen). Die Ursache sind plastische Verformungen der Rissuferflächen während der Rissbildung mit einem Dehnungsanteil bis zu etwa 0,1 mm, die bei der Wegmessung, aber nicht bei der optischen Messung erfasst werden. Den beiden Messwerten steht nur ein Rechenwert der Rissbreite gegenüber. Ein bestimmter Anteil der Streuungen im Vergleich zwischen Rechen‐ und Messwerten wird dieser Differenz zugerechnet.

Die Mikrorissbildung entlang der Einleitungslänge führt zu Verformungen und einer Verminderung der Rissbreite an der Bewehrungsstahloberfläche. Daraus resultieren die nachgewiesenen Veränderungen der Rissbreite innerhalb der Betondeckung, die zu unzutreffenden Definitionen der rechnerischen Rissbreite geführt haben.

Die Differenzen in den Messergebnissen haben Auswirkungen auf die Kalibrierung und die Vorhersage der Rechenwerte bei kleinen Rissbreiten sowie die Annahmen über die Selbstheilungswahrscheinlichkeit.
Thalamic functional connectivity and its association with behavioral performance in older age
Authors: Goldstone Aimée , Mayhew Stephen D. , Hale Joanne R. , Wilson Rebecca S. , Bagshaw Andrew P.
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Despite the thalamus’ dense connectivity with both cortical and subcortical structures, few studies have specifically investigated how thalamic connectivity changes with age and how such changes are associated with behavior. This study investigated the effect of age on thalamo‐cortical and thalamo‐hippocampal functional connectivity (FC) and the association between thalamic FC and visual–spatial memory and reaction time (RT) performance in older adults.

Methods

Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance images were obtained from younger (n = 20) and older (n = 20) adults. A seed‐based approach was used to assess the FC between the thalamus and (1) sensory resting‐state networks; (2) the hippocampus. Participants also completed visual–spatial memory and RT tasks, from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB).

Results

Older adults exhibited a loss of specificity in the FC between sensory thalamic subregions and corresponding sensory cortex. Greater thalamo‐motor FC in older adults was associated with faster RTs. Furthermore, older adults exhibited greater thalamo‐hippocampal FC compared to younger adults, which was greatest for those with the poorest visual–spatial memory performance.

Conclusion

Although older adults exhibited poorer visual–spatial memory and slower reaction times compared to younger adults, “good” and “poorer” older performers exhibited different patterns of thalamo‐cortical and thalamo‐hippocampal FC. These results highlight the potential role of thalamic connectivity in supporting reaction times and memory in aging. Furthermore, these results highlight the importance of including the thalamus in studies of aging to fully understand how brain changes with age may be associated with behavior.
Release of Singlet Oxygen from Organic Peroxides under Mild Conditions
Authors: Fudickar Werner , Linker Torsten
Published: February 2018

Singlet oxygen can be released in the dark in nearly quantitative yield from endoperoxides of naphthalenes, anthracenes and pyridones as an alternative to its generation by photosensitization. Recently, new donor systems have been designed which operate at very low temperatures but which are prepared from their parent forms at acceptable rates. Enhancement of the reactivity of donors is conveniently achieved by the design of the substitution pattern or through the use of plasmonic heating of nanoparticle‐bound donors. The most important aim of these donor molecules is to transfer singlet oxygen in a controlled and directed manner to a target. Low temperatures and the linking between donors and acceptors reduce the random walk of oxygen and may force an attack at the desired position. By using chiral donor systems, new stereocenters might be introduced into prochiral acceptors.
Effect of maternal foraging habitat on offspring quality in the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta)
Authors: Hatase Hideo , Omuta Kazuyoshi , Itou Koutarou , Komatsu Teruhisa
Published: February 2018

Exploring a trade‐off between quantity and quality of offspring allows differences in the fitness between alternative life histories to be accurately evaluated. We addressed the mechanism that maintains alternative life histories (small oceanic planktivores vs. large neritic benthivores) observed in a loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) population, which has been suggested to be environmental, based on the lack of genetic structure and a large difference in reproductive output. We examined whether maternal foraging habitat affects offspring quality, by measuring the morphology, emergence success, and righting response of hatchlings following incubation in a common open sand area over the whole nesting season at Yakushima Island, Japan, and by recording early growth and survival of offspring that were reared in a common environment at a Japanese aquarium. Furthermore, we tested whether sea turtles adjust egg size in response to temporal shifts of the incubation environment. There were no significant differences in any hatchling traits between oceanic and neritic foragers (which were classified by stable isotope ratios), except for clutches laid during the warmest period of the nesting season. There were also no significant differences in the growth and survival of offspring originating from the two foragers. The size of eggs from both foragers significantly increased as the season progressed, even though the rookery had heavy rainfall, negating the need to counteract heat‐related reduction in hatchling morphology. In comparison, the sizes of adult body and clutches from both foragers did not vary significantly. The results further support our previous suggestions that the size‐related foraging dichotomy exhibited by adult sea turtles does not have a genetic basis, but derives from phenotypic plasticity. Adjustment in reproductive investment may be associated with: (1) predation avoidance, (2) founder effect, and/or (3) annual variation in egg size.
A new RelB‐dependent CD117+CD172a+ murine DC subset preferentially induces Th2 differentiation and supports airway hyperresponses in vivo
Authors: Andreas Nico , Riemann Marc , Castro Carla N. , Groth Marco , Koliesnik Ievgen , Engelmann Christian , Sparwasser Tim , Kamradt Thomas , Haenold Ronny , Weih Falk
Published: February 2018

The NF‐κB transcription factor subunit RelB is important for the full activation of conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) during T‐cell‐dependent immune responses. Although the number of splenic DCs is greatly reduced in RelBnull mice, the cause and consequences of this deficiency are currently unknown. To circumvent the impact of the pleiotropic defects in RelBnull mice we used a reporter model for RelB expression (RelBKatushka mice) and conditionally deleted RelB in DCs (RelBCD11c‐Cre mice). Thereby, we can show here that RelB is essential for the differentiation of a CD117+CD172a+ cDC subpopulation that highly expresses RelB. Surprisingly, these DCs depend on p50 for their development and are negatively regulated by a constitutive p52 activation in absence of p100. The absence of p52/p100 had no influence on the homeostasis of CD117+CD172a+ cDCs. RelB‐dependent CD117+CD172a+ DCs strongly induce the production of the type 2 cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐13, as well as GM‐CSF from naïve Th cells. Consequently, mice lacking RelB in cDCs show an attenuated bronchial hyperresponsiveness with reduced eosinophil infiltration. Taken together, we have identified a new splenic RelB‐dependent CD117+CD172a+ cDC population that preferentially induces Th2 responses.
Punishment and the potential for negative reinforcement with histamine injection
Authors: Mayer Paulo César Morales , de Carvalho Neto Marcus Bentes , Katz Jonathan L.
Published: February 2018

The present study examined punishment of responding with histamine injection, and its potential to generate avoidance of punishment. Sprague–Dawley rats were trained under concurrent schedules in which responses on one lever (the punishment lever) produced food under a variable‐interval schedule, and under some conditions intermittent injections of histamine, which suppressed behavior. Responses on a second (avoidance) lever prevented histamine injections scheduled on the punishment lever. After stabilization of punished responding, a variable‐interval 15‐s schedule of cancellation of histamine (avoidance) was added for responding on the second/avoidance lever, without subsequent acquisition of responding on that lever. Progressive decreases in the length of the punishment variable‐interval schedule increased suppression on the punishment lever without increases in response rates on the avoidance lever. Exchanging contingencies on the levers ensured that response rates on the avoidance lever were sufficiently high to decrease the histamine injection frequency; nonetheless response rates on the avoidance lever decreased over subsequent sessions. Under no condition was responding maintained on the avoidance lever despite continued punishing effectiveness of histamine throughout. The present results suggest that avoidance conditioning is not a necessary condition for effective punishment, and confirm the importance of empirical rather than presumed categorization of behavioral effects of stimulus events.
γδ cells and tumor microenvironment: A helpful or a dangerous liason?
Authors: Lo Presti Elena , Di Mitri Roberto , Pizzolato Gabriele , Mocciaro Filippo , Dieli Francesco , Meraviglia Serena
Published: February 2018

γδ T cells are a subset of T lymphocytes that have been implicated in immunosurveillance against infections and tumors. γδ T cells are endowed with antitumor activities, and hence several γδ T cell-based small-scale clinical trials have been conducted either by in vivo activation by intravenous administration of aminobiphosphonates or by adoptive transfer of in vitro expanded γδ T cells. Although both these strategies have yielded promising results, there are a number of limitations associated with each of them which, if overcome may help to further improve efficacy. One of the most important limits is the possible polarization of tumor-infiltrating γδ T cells toward different γδ T cells population with functional activities that help the progression and spread of the tumor. Here, we review the modalities and the possible mechanisms involved in the polarization of tumor-infiltrating γδ T cells upon interaction with several components of the tumor microenvironment and discuss their implications for the manipulation of γδ T cells in cancer immunotherapy.
Diet Composition and Feeding Strategy of the New World Silverside Odontesthes argentinensis in a Temperate Coastal Area (South America)
Authors: Thompson Gustavo A. , Volpedo Alejandra V.
Published: February 2018

The diet composition and feeding strategy of the New World silverside Odontesthes argentinensis were evaluated in a temperate coastal area during austral summer. This species is an economically significant resource for the fishing industry in South America. The food preference of O. argentinensis varied with its size-class: the smallest size-classes preferred diatoms and annelids, larger size-classes seemed to prefer barnacle cypris larvae, and the largest size-classes showed a preference for decapod megalopa larvae. Plankton samples were dominated by calanoid and cyclopoid copepods; however, contrary to what was expected, O. argentinensis showed negative selectivity for both groups. A selectivity index indicated that O. argentinensis selects the food it eats with regard to prey availability in the environment. The information obtained in this study demonstrates the importance of knowing the food preference of O. argentinensis to obtain a better condition factor, which will be key to its potential farming in closed systems.
Burden of illness in patients with treatment refractory myasthenia gravis
Authors: Engel‐Nitz Nicole M. , Boscoe Audra , Wolbeck Ryan , Johnson Jonathan , Silvestri Nicholas J.
Published: February 2018

Introduction: This study assessed the clinical burden of refractory myasthenia gravis (MG), relative to nonrefractory MG. Methods: Rates of myasthenic crises, exacerbations, inpatient hospitalizations, and emergency room (ER) visits over a 1‐year period were measured for 403 refractory, 3,811 nonrefractory, and 403 non‐MG control patients from two administrative health plan databases. Results: Compared with nonrefractory patients, a significantly greater percentage of refractory patients had at least one myasthenic crisis (21.3% vs. 6.1%; P < 0.001) and at least one exacerbation (71.2% vs. 32.4%; P < 0.001) over a 1‐year period. Refractory patients were also significantly more likely to be hospitalized and/or have an ER visit than nonrefractory patients and non‐MG controls (P < 0.001 for all). Discussion: Refractory MG patients have significantly greater clinical burden and are more likely to utilize intensive healthcare resources than nonrefractory patients. Furthermore, refractory patients may be at greater risk of crises throughout the disease course than previous studies have suggested. Muscle Nerve 58: 99–105, 2018
Extruded conductive silicone rubber with high compression recovery and good aging‐resistance for electromagnetic shielding applications
Authors: Zhang Jihua , Zhang Hui , Wang Hao , Chen Fengbo , Zhao Yunfeng
Published: February 2018

Present conductive silicone rubber with carbon blacks has low compression recovery, and is difficult to make long‐term electromagnetic shielding products. In order to solve the problem, special hollow‐shell carbon blacks were used and then treated by coupling agent to prepare conductive silicone rubber. The compression set of conductive rubber at 100°C for 48 h was only 8.9%, displaying a extremely good recovery. Importantly, the special rubber can be extruded and then continuously vulcanized. Moreover, its electromagnetic shielding effectiveness reached beyond 20 dB at the frequency of 0.01 MHz–10 GHz. After the thermal oxidative aging at 90 and 110°C for 30 days, carbon blacks occurred to aggregate, which gives rise to a drop of tensile property and slight effects on the modulus and hardness. The compression set also increased, but it still maintained a low level after 30 days. There is only little change for the conductivity of silicone rubber and thus its electromagnetic shielding effectiveness still retained beyond 20 dB, showing a good aging resistance. It is believed that our findings may provide an effective solution to fabricate rubber products to sever the electromagnetic protection. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1078–1086, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
A 3D thermomechanical constitutive model for polycarbonate and its application in ballistic simulation
Authors: Wang Jun , Xu Yingjie , Gao Tenglong , Zhang Weihong , Moumni Ziad
Published: February 2018

This paper presents a 3D thermomechanical constitutive model for polycarbonate (PC) polymers, aiming to predict the material characteristics of PC under complex thermomechanical boundary and strong impact loading conditions. The model is applied to simulate the high‐velocity ballistic impact tests. Quasi‐static tension, Split‐Hopkinson Tension Bar (SHTB), and ballistic impact tests are carried out to experimentally investigate the thermomechanical behavior of PC. Fundamental characteristics of PC, such as the transient yield peak, the post‐yield softening and the subsequent hardening, are characterized by introducing two scalar and one tensorial internal variables. Constitutive equations, specifically, (i) the plastic flow rule; (ii) the evolution equations associated with the internal variables; (iii) the temperature evolution; (iv) the strain rate, temperature and pressure‐dependent yield limit are derived within a thermodynamically consistent framework. The model is then implemented into the finite element software ABAQUS/Explicit by means of a user‐defined material subroutine VUMAT. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out and validated against experimental data. Finite element simulations of the ballistic tests well demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed model to accurately predict thermomechanical behavior of PC undergoing high‐velocity impact loadings. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:2237–2248, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Analysis of KRAS G12C Covalent Inhibitors
Authors: Stites Edward C. , Shaw Andrey S.
Published: February 2018

KRAS has proven difficult to target pharmacologically. Two strategies have recently been described for covalently targeting the most common KRAS mutant in lung cancer, KRAS G12C. Previously, we developed a computational model of the processes that regulate Ras activation. Here, we use this model to investigate KRAS G12C covalent inhibitors. We updated the model to include Ras protein turnover, and validation demonstrates that our model performs well in areas of G12C targeting where conventional wisdom struggles. We then used the model to investigate possible strategies to improve KRAS G12C inhibitors and identified GEF loading as a mechanism that could improve efficacy. Our simulations also found resistance‐promoting mutations may reverse which class of KRAS G12C inhibitor inhibits the system better, suggesting that there may be value to pursuing both types of KRAS G12C inhibitors. Overall, this work demonstrates areas in which systems biology approaches can inform Ras drug development.
Surface Passivation of CIGS Solar Cells Using Gallium Oxide
Authors: Garud Siddhartha , Gampa Nikhil , Allen Thomas G. , Kotipalli Ratan , Flandre Denis , Batuk Maria , Hadermann Joke , Meuris Marc , Poortmans Jef , Smets Arno , Vermang Bart
Published: February 2018

This work proposes gallium oxide grown by plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition, as a surface passivation material at the CdS buffer interface of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells. In preliminary experiments, a metal‐insulator‐semiconductor (MIS) structure is used to compare aluminium oxide, gallium oxide, and hafnium oxide as passivation layers at the CIGS‐CdS interface. The findings suggest that gallium oxide on CIGS may show a density of positive charges and qualitatively, the least interface trap density. Subsequent solar cell results with an estimated 0.5 nm passivation layer show an substantial absolute improvement of 56 mV in open‐circuit voltage (VOC), 1 mA cm−2 in short‐circuit current density (JSC), and 2.6% in overall efficiency as compared to a reference (with the reference showing 8.5% under AM 1.5G).
Nanoparticles and Liposomes for the Surface Modification of Implants: A Comparative Study of Spraying and Dipping Techniques
Authors: Seitz Benjamin S. , Plenagl Nikola , Raschpichler Michael , Vögeling Hendrik , Wojcik Matthias , Pinnapireddy Shashank R. , Brüßler Jana , Bakowsky Udo
Published: February 2018

Polysiloxane and polyurethane are one of the most commonly employed synthetic polymers for medical devices. Both materials are inexpensive and can be modified easily. The layer‐by‐layer technique is a well‐documented method for surface modification. There are only two ways to modify large surface areas i.e. dipping and spraying. Both methods can be used to create anti‐adhesive, antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory layers. Particle density on the surface is an important parameter for preventing biofilm formation, bacterial adhesion and release of active agents. There should be an optimal number of particles covering the coated surface due to its direct correlation with the release of active agent (per time) and contact area with bacteria. Preliminary studies using regular dipping technique of layer‐by‐layer method have not produced substantial particle densities. Therefore, spraying method is employed using an atomiser to produce a fine mist containing norfloxacin‐loaded nanoparticles and liposomes. An optimal density of particles on the implant surface together with a homogeneous distribution is achieved using this method.
Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties of Nd‐, Sm‐, Eu‐Based Cuprate High‐Temperature Superconductors
Authors: Peczkowski Pawel , Kowalik Marcin , Zachariasz Piotr , Jastrzebski Cezariusz , Jaegermann Zbigniew , Szterner Piotr , Woch Wieslaw Marek , Szczytko Jacek
Published: February 2018

The aim of the research is to create new high‐temperature superconductors (HTS) NdBa2Cu3O7−x, SmBa2Cu3O7−x, EuBa2Cu3O7−x, and Nd1/3Sm1/3Eu1/3Ba2Cu3O7−x based on light rare earth (LRE) metals. The superconducting materials are investigated for microstructural and physicochemical properties. The paper describes the preparation process of substrate powders and the granulation results of the raw material mixtures before the first calcination, as well as after the first and the second calcination. The granulation analysis of the raw materials are performed using a low‐angle laser light scattering (LALLS) method. Qualitative and quantitative phase analysis of the superconducting materials after the first and the second calcination and after annealing in oxygen atmosphere have been performed by X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) technique. A detailed structural investigations mainly shows the orthorhombic phase with small amounts of BaCuO2 and CuO compounds detected in all samples. A microstructural analysis of materials are carried out by using Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The magnetic properties of the superconducting materials are characterized by AC magnetic susceptibility as a function of temperature. The critical current densities at liquid nitrogen temperatures were also measured.
Upscaling and upgrading for the future
Authors: Heeg Robert
Published: February 2018

Most countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan (MENAP) show a healthy growth in market research spend. We asked ESOMAR representatives if they expect even better forecasts for the coming year.
Citizen science on the rise
Authors: Galiay Philippe
Published: February 2018

EU expert group invites European citizens to take a more active part in research and innovation
Selective Inhibition of Enterovirus A Species Members’ Reproduction by Furano[2, 3‐d]pyrimidine Nucleosides Revealed by Antiviral Activity Profiling against (+)ssRNA Viruses
Authors: Kozlovskaya Liubov I. , Golinets Anastasia D. , Eletskaya Anastasia A. , Orlov Alexey A. , Palyulin Vladimir A. , Kochetkov Sergey N. , Alexandrova Liudmila A. , Osolodkin Dmitry I.
Published: February 2018

The rational design of broad‐spectrum antivirals requires data on antiviral activity of compounds against multiple viruses, which are often not available. We have developed a panel of (+)ssRNA viruses composed of Enterovirus and Flavivirus genera members allowing to study these activity spectra. Antiviral activity profiling of a set of nucleoside analogues revealed N4‐hydroxycytidine as an efficient inhibitor of replication of coxsackieviruses and other enteroviruses, but ineffective against tick‐borne encephalitis virus. Furano[2, 3‐d]pyrimidine nucleosides with n‐pentyl or n‐hexyl tails showed selective inhibition of Enterovirus A representatives. 5‐(Tetradec‐1‐yn‐1‐yl)‐uridine showed selective inhibition of tick‐borne encephalitis virus at the micromolar level.