bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What controls the formation of nocturnal low-level stratus clouds
over southern West Africa during the monsoon season?
Authors: Babić Karmen , Kalthoff Norbert , Adler Bianca , Quinting Julian F. , Lohou Fabienne , Dione Cheikh , Lothon Marie
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Nocturnal low-level stratus clouds (LLC) are frequently observed in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) over southern West Africa (SWA) during the summer monsoon season. Considering the effect these clouds have on the surface energy and radiation budgets as well as on the diurnal cycle of the ABL, they are undoubtedly important for the regional climate. However, an adequate representation of LLC in the state–of–the–art weather and climate models is still a challenge, which is largely due to the lack of high-quality observations in this region. In several recent studies, a unique and comprehensive data set collected in summer 2016 during the DACCIWA (Dynamics-Aerosol-Cloud-Chemistry Interactions in West Africa) ground-based field campaign was used for the first observational analyses of the parameters and physical processes relevant for the LLC formation over SWA. However, occasionally stratus-free nights occur during the monsoon season as well. Using observations and ERA5 reanalysis, we investigate differences in the boundary layer conditions during 6 stratus-free and 20 stratus nights observed during the DACCIWA campaign. Our results suggest that the interplay between three major mechanisms is crucial for the formation of LLC during the monsoon season: (i) the onset time and strength of the nocturnal low-level jet (NLLJ), (ii) horizontal cold-air advection and (iii) background moisture level. Namely, weaker or later onset of NLLJ leads to reduced contribution from horizontal cold-air advection. This in turn results in a weaker cooling and thus saturation is not reached. Such deviation in the dynamics of NLLJ is related to the arrival of cold air mass propagating northwards from the coast called Gulf of Guinea maritime inflow. Additionally, stratus-free nights occur when the intrusions of dry air masses, originating from e.g. central or south Africa, reduce the background moisture over the large parts of SWA. Based on the backward trajectories analysis, another possible reason for clear nights is descending of air originating from drier levels above the marine boundary layer.
Benthic C fixation and cycling in diffuse hydrothermal and background sediments in the Bransfield Strait, Antarctica
Authors: Woulds Clare , Bell James B. , Glover Adrian G. , Bouillon Steven , Brown Louise S.
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Sedimented hydrothermal vents are likely to be widespread compared to hard substrate hot vents. They host chemosynthetic microbial communities which fix inorganic C at the seafloor, as well as a wide range of macroinfauna, including vent-obligate and background non-vent taxa. There are no previous direct observations of Carbon cycling at a sedimented hydrothermal vent. We conducted 13C isotope tracing experiments at 3 sedimented sites in the Bransfield Strait, Antarctica, which showed different degrees of hydrothermalism. Two experimental treatments were applied, with 13C added as either algal detritus (photosynthetic C), or as bicarbonate (substrate for benthic C fixation). Algal 13C was taken up by both bacteria and metazoan macrofaunal, but its dominant fate was respiration, as observed at deeper and more food limited sites elsewhere. Rates of 13C uptake and respiration suggested that the diffuse hydrothermal site was not the hotspot of benthic C-cycling that we hypothesised it would be. Fixation of inorganic C into bacterial biomass was observed at all, and was measurable at 2 out of 3 sites. At all sites, newly fixed C was transferred to metazoan macrofauna. Fixation rates were relatively low compared to similar experiments elsewhere, thus C fixed at the seafloor was a minor C source for the benthic ecosystem. However, as the greatest amount of benthic C fixation occurred at the off vent (non-hydrothermal) site (0.077 ± 0.034 mg C m−2 fixed during 60 h), we suggest that benthic fixation of inorganic C is more widespread than previously thought, and warrants further study.
Representações do trabalho na creche por Professores e Agentes de Educação Infantil: Um campo de tensões
Authors: Lima Raquel Garcia Braga de , Lima Rita de Cássia Pereira
Published: June 2019

Objetivo do estudo é investigar representações de agentes e de professores/as de Educação Infantil do Rio de Janeiro sobre o trabalho que realizam, buscando aproximações entre a Teoria das Representações Sociais e a abordagem (auto)biográfica. A pesquisa foi realizada com duas agentes e duas professoras.  Para coleta de dados optou-se pela entrevista/conversa com ênfase na indução de metáforas, que se constituiu em relevante instrumento para a formação de um esquema representacional sobre o trabalho na creche. As entrevistas/conversas foram analisadas com apoio da análise de conteúdo. Os resultados mostraram que, entre as agentes, há reivindicação de que exercem o mesmo trabalho que professoras. As professoras reforçam a intencionalidade pedagógica do trabalho, mencionando o desenvolvimento infantil, o que não caracteriza o trabalho das agentes, provocando tensões entre os grupos.  As entrevistas revelaram que as experiências de vida dos sujeitos são fundamentais para a compreensão das representações que elaboram sobre seu trabalho.
Mal de amor, de Marco Lucchesi
Authors: Ramos Débora De Freitas
Published: June 2019

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Do outro lado do Oceano, entrevista com a professora Montserrat Villar González
Authors: Maria Haddad Baptista Ana , Fusaro Marcia
Published: June 2019

Entrevista com a professora Montserrat Villar González
Zeit, dass sich was dreht!
Authors: Bühler Sylvia
Published: June 2019

Von Wohlfahrtsverbänden darf man erwarten, dass sie faire Arbeitgeber sind, statt sich mit kommerziellen Anbietern auf den Kostensenkungswettlauf einzulassen. Wer sich als professionell Helfende*r um Menschen kümmert, Kinder fördert, Kranke versorgt oder alte Menschen pflegt, hat gute Arbeitsbedingungen und eine faire Bezahlung verdient. Doch sichere Arbeitsplätze mit tarifvertraglicher Entlohnung sind im Sozial- und Gesundheitswesen längst nicht mehr die Regel.
Fachliche Anforderungen in der Sozialen Arbeit und die organisationalen Bedingungen ihrer Bewältigung
Authors: Lochner Barbara , Henn Sarah , Meiner-Teubner Christiane
Published: June 2019

Die Frage, wie Arbeitsbedingungen in der Sozialen Arbeit angemessen gestaltet werden können, um Fachkräfte zu motivieren und aktiv zu binden, ist aus mindestens zwei Gründen hoch relevant: Vor dem Hintergrund des demografischen Wandels sowie der steigenden Beschäftigtenzahlen, die etwa für den Bereich der Kinder- und Jugendhilfe empirisch gut belegt sind (Fuchs-Rechlin/Schilling 2018), deutet sich erstens an, dass der Mangel an qualifizierten Fachkräften in vielen Feldern der Sozialen Arbeit zunehmen wird. Zweitens gilt die kontinuierliche, stabile Arbeitsbeziehung zwischen den professionellen Fachkräften und ihren Adressat*innen als einer der wenigen empirisch gesicherten Befunde für den Erfolg und die Wirksamkeit sozialpädagogischer Interventionen (Albus/Greschke et al. 2010).
Measurements in First-Trimester Abortion Products: A Pathologic Study
Authors: Nogueira Rosete , Sousa Sara , Braga Ana Cristina , Azevedo Ana , Pereira Nuno , Carmo Olímpia , Tavares Maria Purificação , Pinto Jorge Correia
Published: June 2019

Context.—

Related to the advances in prenatal diagnosis and the emergence of medically challenging situations, there has been an increased interest in conducting a pathologic study of first-trimester abortion products.

Objective.—

To evaluate measurements across a large group of first-trimester spontaneous abortion specimens. Potential goals include a validation of prenatal embryo and gestational-sac measurements as a function of gestational age (GA).

Design.—

A retrospective case study of first-trimester spontaneous abortions between June 2015 and April 2017 in Centro de Genética Clínica Embryo-Fetal Pathology Laboratory, Porto, Portugal. Considering the inclusion criteria, 585 complete gestational sacs, 182 embryos, and 116 umbilical cords were selected. We recorded the weight of the gestational sacs and embryos and measurements of gestational sacs, umbilical cords, and embryo crown-rump length. Models were computed using regression techniques.

Results.—

Gestational-sac diameter percentiles 5, 25, 50, 75 and 95 were calculated according to GA, and at each 1-week interval the diameter increased an average of 3 mm. Umbilical cord length percentiles 5, 25, 50, 75 and 95 were calculated according to GA, and at each 1-week interval, the length increased an average of 1.35 mm. Embryo crown-rump length estimated mean ± SD values were GA 6 weeks, 5.3 ± 2.3 mm; GA 7 weeks, 9.4 ± 4.8 mm; GA 8 weeks, 13.7 ± 8.2 mm; GA 9 weeks, 20.8 ± 9.1 mm; GA 10 weeks, 22.6 ± 13.4 mm; GA 11 weeks, 29.4 ± 12.9 mm; and GA 12 weeks, 52 mm.

Conclusions.—

Pathologic measurements obtained should be compared to expected measurements and correlated with ultrasound findings, clinical information, and microscopic findings. Deviations from expected values could lead to an understanding of early pregnancy loss.
The Dark Side of Study: When Study Negatively Affects Relationships and School Climate. The Study-Relationships Conflict Scale
Authors: Loscalzo Yura , Giannini Marco
Published: June 2019

This study proposes a new instrument for evaluating the Study-Relationships Conflict, or the conflict that may exist between study and personal relationships with family, friends, schoolmates, and teachers. We recruited a sample of 598 Italian University students (age: M = 22.58 ± 3.85) of different majors. By means of Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses, we reduced the 16-item pilot version to nine items and three factors: 1) Quarrels at School—QS; 2) Relationship Impairment—RI; 3) Family and Friends’ Complaints—FFC. Moreover, we analyzed the correlation between these scales and some academic indicators: Grade Point Average (GPA) and time spent studying. The results showed that the Study-Relationships Conflict Scale (SRCS) has good psychometric properties. In addition, GPA positively correlates with the FFC scale; while time spent studying correlates positively with both the RI and the FFC scales. Finally, QS has a statistically and low significant positive correlation with the hours a day of study before exams. The SRCS will be useful in future research aiming to analyze how studying behaviors could affect social and school relationships. Moreover, it could also be used as a quick screening for detecting student at-risk of high social impairment due to their overstudying, and for developing preventive interventions.
Frogs’ legs versus roast beef: How culture can influence mind-wandering episodes across the lifespan
Authors: Martinon Léa M. , Smallwood Jonathan , Hamilton Colin , Riby Leigh M.
Published: June 2019

Numerous studies have captured the nature of mind-wandering and how it changes across the lifespan; however, the influence of culture has been neglected. This study investigated the joint effects of culture and age in a large scale online questionnaire-based survey of 308 adults over 18 years of age, both in France and the United Kingdom. To capture a profile of thinking style, self-report measures of mind-wandering frequency, mindfulness, mood, rumination, self-reflection, future thinking, depressive symptoms, and cognitive failures were gathered. Findings revealed an earlier decrease in mind-wandering frequency for French speaking participants. Cultural effects were demonstrated on rumination and reflection rates across the life span, with in general more rumination and less reflection for English speakers. Overall, negatively toned thoughts were dominant for English compared to more expressive thoughts in general for French speakers. Confirmatory factor analyses featured different theoretical models to explain mind-wandering frequency in the French and British populations. This study provides the basis for further investigations of sociocultural influences on the eclectic phenomenon of mind-wandering.
Coliformes no rio São Manoel (MG) durante o período chuvoso
Authors: Martins João Batista , Monteiro da Silva Silvio Leite , Kozusny-Andreani Dora Inés
Published: June 2019

As bactérias do grupo coliformes são consideradas indicadores de contaminação fecal. Em decorrência disso, este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a qualidade da água do rio São Manoel (MG) ao longo dos 37 Km de extensão, foram monitorados cinco locais entre setembro 2015 e março 2016. Os parâmetros observados foram coliformes totais, coliformes fecais, oxigênio dissolvido e vazão. Os coliformes foram detectados em triplicata por meio de cartelas em meio de cultura em forma de gel desidratado (dipslide de papel - Tecnobac Colipaper®). A ANOVA de duas vias (Bonferroni) demostrou que houve diferença altamente significativa (p<0,0001) com interação (p<0,05) entre os fatores: local de coleta e tempo, para contaminação bacteriana (Log). A água a montante do rio encontrava-se em boas condições, porém, ao longo de sua trajetória, a qualidade foi degradada até desembocar no rio Pomba. Esta poluição é característica de esgoto não tratado e tornou a água inapropriada ao consumo animal e humano. Portanto, para solucionar esta situação, é necessária a aplicação de medidas de saneamento básico.
La littérature infamante et son rapport à la vie privée
Authors: Richard Marie-Odile
Published: June 2019

La publication de L’enfant d’octobre (2006) de Philippe Besson a été génératrice de débats tant dans la société française qu’au tribunal quant à la légitimité d’un auteur à s’inspirer de la réalité pour en faire une fiction. Le présent article entend étudier, à travers l’affaire qui a opposé les époux Villemin à Philippe Besson, les liens qui unissent actuellement la littérature du réel potentiellement infamante au droit dû au respect de la vie privée des protagonistes d’affaires criminelles réelles.
CCL2 mobilizes ALIX to facilitate Gag-p6 mediated HIV-1 virion release
Authors: Ajasin David O , Rao Vasudev R , Wu Xuhong , Ramasamy Santhamani , Pujato Mario , Ruiz Arthur P , Fiser Andras , Bresnick Anne R , Kalpana Ganjam V , Prasad Vinayaka R
Published: June 2019

Cellular ESCRT machinery plays pivotal role in HIV-1 budding and release. Extracellular stimuli that modulate HIV-1 egress are currently unknown. We found that CCL2 induced by HIV-1 clade B (HIV-1B) infection of macrophages enhanced virus production, while CCL2 immuno-depletion reversed this effect. Additionally, HIV-1 clade C (HIV-1C) was refractory to CCL2 levels. We show that CCL2-mediated increase in virus production requires Gag late motif LYPX present in HIV-1B, but absent in HIV-1C, and ALIX protein that recruits ESCRT III complex. CCL2 immuno-depletion sequestered ALIX to F-actin structures, while CCL2 addition mobilized it to cytoplasm facilitating Gag-ALIX binding. The LYPX motif improves virus replication and its absence renders the virus less fit. Interestingly, novel variants of HIV-1C with PYRE/PYKE tetrapeptide insertions in Gag-p6 conferred ALIX binding, CCL2-responsiveness and enhanced virus replication. These results, for the first time, indicate that CCL2 mediates ALIX mobilization from F-actin and enhances HIV-1 release and fitness.
A toolkit for studying cell surface shedding of diverse transmembrane receptors
Authors: Hayward Amanda N , Aird Eric J , Gordon Wendy R
Published: June 2019

Proteolysis of transmembrane receptors is a critical cellular communication mechanism dysregulated in disease, yet decoding proteolytic regulation mechanisms of hundreds of shed receptors is hindered by difficulties controlling stimuli and unknown fates of cleavage products. Notch proteolytic regulation is a notable exception, where intercellular forces drive exposure of a cryptic protease site within a juxtamembrane proteolytic switch domain to activate transcriptional programs. We created a Synthetic Notch Assay for Proteolytic Switches (SNAPS) that exploits the modularity and unequivocal input/response of Notch proteolysis to screen surface receptors for other putative proteolytic switches. We identify several new proteolytic switches among receptors with structural homology to Notch. We demonstrate SNAPS can detect shedding in chimeras of diverse cell surface receptors, leading to new, testable hypotheses. Finally, we establish the assay can be used to measure modulation of proteolysis by potential therapeutics and offer new mechanistic insights into how DECMA-1 disrupts cell adhesion.
HDX-MS reveals structural determinants for RORγ hyperactivation by synthetic agonists
Authors: Strutzenberg Timothy S , Garcia-Ordonez Ruben D , Novick Scott J , Park HaJeung , Chang Mi Ra , Doebellin Christelle , He Yuanjun , Patouret Rémi , Kamenecka Theodore M , Griffin Patrick R
Published: June 2019

Members of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily regulate both physiological and pathophysiological processes ranging from development and metabolism to inflammation and cancer. Synthetic small molecules targeting NRs are often deployed as therapeutics to correct aberrant NR signaling or as chemical probes to explore the role of the receptor in physiology. Nearly half of NRs do not have specific cognate ligands (termed orphan NRs) and it’s unclear if they possess ligand dependent activities. Here we demonstrate that ligand-dependent action of the orphan RORγ can be defined by selectively disrupting putative endogenous—but not synthetic—ligand binding. Furthermore, the characterization of a library of RORγ modulators reveals that structural dynamics of the receptor assessed by HDX-MS correlate with activity in biochemical and cell-based assays. These findings, corroborated with X-ray co-crystallography and site-directed mutagenesis, collectively reveal the structural determinants of RORγ activation, which is critical for designing RORγ agonists for cancer immunotherapy.
The influence of pharmacologically-induced affective states on attention bias in sheep
Authors: Monk Jessica E. , Lee Caroline , Belson Sue , Colditz Ian G. , Campbell Dana L.M.
Published: June 2019

When an individual attends to certain types of information more than others, the behavior is termed an attention bias. The occurrence of attention biases in humans and animals can depend on their affective states. Based on evidence from the human literature and prior studies in sheep, we hypothesized that an attention bias test could discriminate between pharmacologically-induced positive and negative affective states in sheep. The test measured allocation of attention between a threat and a positive stimulus using key measures of looking time and vigilance. Eighty 7-year-old Merino ewes were allocated to one of four treatment groups; Anxious (m-chlorophenylpiperazine), Calm (diazepam), Happy (morphine) and Control (saline). Drugs were administered 30 min prior to attention bias testing. The test was conducted in a 4 × 4.2 m arena with high opaque walls. An approximately life-size photograph of a sheep was positioned on one wall of the arena (positive stimulus). A small window with a retractable opaque cover was positioned on the opposite wall, behind which a dog was standing quietly (threat). The dog was visible for 3 s after a single sheep entered the arena, then the window was covered and the dog was removed. Sheep then remained in the arena for 3 min while behaviors were recorded. Key behaviors included time looking toward the dog wall or photo wall, duration of vigilance behavior and latency to become non-vigilant. In contrast with our hypothesis, no significant differences were found between treatment groups for duration of vigilance or looking behaviors, although Anxious sheep tended to be more vigilant than Control animals (P < 0.1) and had a longer latency to become non-vigilant (P < 0.001). A total of 24 of 80 animals were vigilant for the entire test duration. This censoring of data may explain why no differences were detected between groups for vigilance duration. Overall, a lack of difference between groups may suggest the test cannot discriminate positive and negative states in sheep. We suggest that the censoring of vigilance duration data, the use of insufficient drug doses, the potential influence of background noise and the age of the sheep may explain a lack of difference between groups. Due to these potential effects, it remains unclear whether the attention bias test can detect positive states in sheep.
Triggering Factors for Breakthrough Seizures among Epileptic Patients. Cross Sectional Study in Epileptic Patients Attending Epilepsy Clinic Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt
Authors: Gomaa Mohammed , Esmael Ahmed , Saad Mohammed
Published: June 2019

Background: The prevalence of breakthrough seizures in persons with epilepsy is very high in developing countries. Consequently, patients and physicians should be aware of the possible factors that may cause breakthrough seizures.

Objective: The aim of our study is to determine the possible factors that may be a precipitating cause for breakthrough seizures in patients with epilepsy.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 persons with epilepsy with idiopathic epilepsy receiving antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). They were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 50 persons with epilepsy with a history of recent breakthrough seizures. Group 2 included 50 persons with epilepsy who had not experienced any recent breakthrough seizures. Patients were subjected to a thorough questionnaire addressing precipitating factors. All participants were subjected to an electroencephalogram (EEG) and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS).

Results: There was no significant differences between group 1 and group 2 regarding age, sex, age of onset of epilepsy, occupation and marital status (P value range 0.5 – 0.2). The patients in group 1 were found to have longer durations of epilepsy, lower adherence to AEDs (P = 0.001), more missed doses of AEDs (P = 0.0001), more side effects of AEDs (P = 0.0005), more sleep deprivation, lower level of AEDs (P = 0.0006), more frequently on AED polytherapy (P = 0.0002), and more flickering lights (P = 0.04) than the participants in group 2. In terms of the EEG, group 1 showed a higher percentage of abnormal EEGs and more frequent focal epileptiform discharges (P = 0.003). Also, pathological findings in MRI brain were associated with higher breakthrough seizures (P = 0.005). No significant difference was found in both group1 and group 2 regarding emotional stress (P = 0.55), substitution of brand AEDs by generic one (P = 0.83), concurrent illness (P = 1), or the use of non AEDs (P = 0.79).

Conclusion: The precipitating factors of breakthrough seizures are multifactorial and it is very important to educate patients about these precipitating factors to achieve better control of epilepsy.
Enhancement of Doxorubicin Cytotoxicity by Verapamil in Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Al-harthy Sameer E. , Al-Motairi Mashael S. , Al-Kreathy Huda M. , Kamel Fatemah O. , Sayed-Ahmed Mohamed M. , Huwait Etimad Abbas , Al-Malkey Hamdan S. , Osman Abdel-Moneim M.
Published: June 2019

Background: Worldwide, breast cancer is a main cause of morbidity and mortality in females. Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline anticancer drug and most commonly employed in polychemotherapy protocols in the treatment of solid and hematological tumors. Unfortunately, its optimal clinical benefit is limited secondary to the rapid development of DOX resistance and therapeutic failure.

Aim: Therefore, the current study has been initiated to investigate the possible mechanisms whereby the calcium channel blocker Verapamil (VER) could decrease DOX resistance and enhance the cytotoxic activity of DOX against the growth of human breast cancer cells.

Methodology: To achieve the ultimate goal of this study, we have examined DOX-induced cytotoxicity, apoptosis, alteration in the function of multidrug resistance proteins and cell cycle phase distribution against MCF-7 cell line in presence and absence of Verapamil. 

Results: Addition of VER enhanced the cytotoxic effect of DOX against the growth of MCF-7 cells which manifested as a significant decrease in the IC50 from 36 µg/ml for DOX alone to 13 µg/ml for DOX plus VER.  Moreover, combined treatment with VER and DOX significantly increased percentage of early apoptosis and cells arrested in G0/G1 phase when compared to DOX alone. In addition, VER significantly increased DOX cellular uptake through inhibition of the function of multidrug resistant proteins.  

Conclusion: VER treatment enhanced the cytotoxic activity of DOX against the growth of MCF-7 cells secondary to increase its cellular accumulation.  The observed increase in DOX uptake by VER was parallel to increased accumulation of Rho-123 dye which my point to the contribution of inhibition of multidrug resistant proteins by VER in the enhancement of DOX cytotoxicity.
Dividend Policy and Financial Performance- A Study of Quoted Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria and Kenya
Authors: Ajibade Ayodeji Temitope , Amuda Motunronke Bintu , Olurin Oluwatoyosi Tolulope
Published: June 2019

One of the indicators of shareholders’ wealth maximization is dividend policy (DP) consistency, proxied by dividend per share (DPS) with moderating variable of company size and financial performance measured by the return on asset (ROA). The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the significance level of changes in ROA based on DPS comparing manufacturing companies in Nigeria and Kenya. The data used in this study is the use of panel data method and Convenience Sampling is applied and data analyzed by comparing the regression model, Ordinary Least Square (common effect). The results indicate that there is a significant positive effect on ROA in Kenya manufacturing companies, while Nigeria’s records insignificant negative effect as revealed by the t-statistics due to DP. These undeveloped economies’ relevant sector for growth is the manufacturing and is the focus of this study. The paper concludes by recommending that Kenya and Nigeria manufacturing companies should focus on DP.
KCNC1‐related disorders: new de novo variants expand the phenotypic spectrum
Authors: Park Joohyun , Koko Mahmoud , Hedrich Ulrike B. S. , Hermann Andreas , Cremer Kirsten , Haberlandt Edda , Grimmel Mona , Alhaddad Bader , Beck‐Woedl Stefanie , Harrer Merle , Karall Daniela , Kingelhoefer Lisa , Tzschach Andreas , Matthies Lars C. , Strom Tim M. , Ringelstein Erich Bernd , Sturm Marc , Engels Hartmut , Wolff Markus , Lerche Holger , Haack Tobias B.
Published: June 2019

A recurrent de novo missense variant in KCNC1, encoding a voltage‐gated potassium channel expressed in inhibitory neurons, causes progressive myoclonus epilepsy and ataxia, and a nonsense variant is associated with intellectual disability. We identified three new de novo missense variants in KCNC1 in five unrelated individuals causing different phenotypes featuring either isolated nonprogressive myoclonus (p.Cys208Tyr), intellectual disability (p.Thr399Met), or epilepsy with myoclonic, absence and generalized tonic‐clonic seizures, ataxia, and developmental delay (p.Ala421Val, three patients). Functional analyses demonstrated no measurable currents for all identified variants and dominant‐negative effects for p.Thr399Met and p.Ala421Val predicting neuronal disinhibition as the underlying disease mechanism.
The generality of belief in unsubstantiated claims
Authors: Bensley D. Alan , Lilienfeld Scott O. , Rowan Krystal A. , Masciocchi Christopher M. , Grain Florent
Published: June 2019

We tested the hypothesis that people show generality in their endorsement of unsubstantiated claims, employing more types of measures than used in previous studies. We found that measures of generic conspiracist ideation, specific fictitious conspiracy theory, and false conspiracy theory beliefs were all strongly and positively intercorrelated. A multiple regression analysis revealed that the measures of specific false and fictitious conspiracy theories both significantly predicted generic conspiracist ideation. A second broader test of the generality hypothesis showed that these measures of false and fictitious conspiracy belief were positively intercorrelated with measures of psychological misconceptions, pseudoscience, poorly supported psychological practices, and paranormal beliefs. However, the measures of misconceptions and pseudoscience displayed substantially lower correlations. The results provide support for the generality of acceptance of a wider variety of unsubstantiated claims than used in previous studies and also suggest differences in the types endorsed based on the kind of knowledge and content measured.
Online and stable parameter estimation based on normalized brain emotional learning model (NBELM)
Authors: Naderi Akhormeh Alireza , Roshanian Jafar , MoradiMaryamnegari Hoomaan , Khoshnood Abdol Majid
Published: June 2019

Recently, a computational model of Amygdala based on the brain emotional learning is presented by psychologists. This brain emotional learning model (BELM) that has a neuro‐inspired architecture is utilized to train the weights which are in Amygdala and Orbitofrontal. In this paper, unknown parameters of dynamic systems are estimated by developing the normalized BELM (NBELM). To this end, after proving the stability of the model output, the sufficient condition for weights convergence is extracted while the sensitivity analysis is applied for this model. In order to evaluate the performance of NBELM, in the first example, the matrices of a twin rotor MIMO system are estimated and compared with the equation error method (EEM). In the second example, the nonlinear model of a servomotor is utilized as a case study. In the third example, the performance of the NBELM in experimental systems is validated using a reaction wheel with a DC motor. An important feature of the brain emotional system is its fast response, leading the NBELM to have a high speed performance in estimating the parameters of dynamic systems. A few number of adjustable parameters and low computing complexity also cause the NBELM to be an appropriate method for online estimation of the unknown parameters of dynamic systems.
Defect‐Rich Nitrogen Doped Co3O4/C Porous Nanocubes Enable High‐Efficiency Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Wang Zhichao , Xu Wenjia , Chen Xiaokang , Peng Yanhua , Song Yanyan , Lv Chunxiao , Liu Hongli , Sun Junwei , Yuan Ding , Li Xiyan , Guo Xiangxin , Yang Dongjiang , Zhang Lixue
Published: June 2019

Heteroatom doping plays a significant role in optimizing the catalytic performance of electrocatalysts. However, research on heteroatom doped electrocatalysts with abundant defects and well‐defined morphology remain a great challenge. Herein, a class of defect‐engineered nitrogen‐doped Co3O4 nanoparticles/nitrogen‐doped carbon framework (N‐Co3O4@NC) strongly coupled porous nanocubes, made using a zeolitic imidazolate framework‐67 via a controllable N‐doping strategy, is demonstrated for achieving remarkable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysis. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray absorption fine structure, and electron spin resonance results clearly reveal the formation of a considerable amount of nitrogen dopants and oxygen vacancies in N‐Co3O4@NC. The defect engineering of N‐Co3O4@NC makes it exhibit an overpotential of only 266 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2, a low Tafel slope of 54.9 mV dec−1 and superior catalytic stability for OER, which is comparable to that of commercial RuO2. Density functional theory calculations indicate N‐doping could promote catalytic activity via improving electronic conductivity, accelerating reaction kinetics, and optimizing the adsorption energy for intermediates of OER. Interestingly, N‐Co3O4@NC also shows a superior oxygen reduction reaction activity, making it a bifunctional electrocatalyst for zinc–air batteries. The zinc–air battery with the N‐Co3O4@NC cathode demonstrates superior efficiency and durability, showing the feasibility of N‐Co3O4/NC in electrochemical energy devices.
Macromolecular Coatings Enhance the Tribological Performance of Polymer‐Based Lubricants
Authors: Winkeljann Benjamin , Leipold Philippe‐Maximilian A. , Lieleg Oliver
Published: June 2019

In many biomedical settings, hard surfaces cause friction and wear at interfaces. Surface coatings have been introduced to reduce tribological stress—especially at slow sliding velocities where boundary friction dominates. Here, the ability of coatings generated from differently charged macromolecules, i.e., poly(ethylene glycol) (uncharged), mucin (polyanionic), and poly‐l‐lysine (polycationic), to synergistically interact with polymer‐based lubricants is studied as they are also present in almost every body fluid. It is demonstrated that, in combination with solutions containing either poly(ethylene glycol) or hyaluronic acid, these surface‐bound macromolecules significantly reduce boundary friction and, in addition, protect the surfaces from wear formation. This is attributed to entanglement effects between surface‐bound and solubilized macromolecules, which are most efficient in the absence of repulsive electrostatic forces. The synergetic effects described here could help optimizing medical devices such as catheters, endotracheal tubes, stents, or contact lenses to reduce patient discomfort and prevent inflammatory reactions arising from tribological stress.
Construction of Optically Active 2H‐ and 3H‐Pyrroles by Cyclization and Chirality Maintaining 1,5‐Ester Shift Reactions
Authors: Li Dan , Wang Linqing , Yang Yuling , Zhang Minmin , Peng Tianyu , Yang Dongxu , Wang Rui
Published: June 2019

Construction of enantioenriched 2H‐ and 3H‐pyrroles are achieved in current work by using readily available α‐isocyanoacetates and alkynyl ketones as precursors. To realize the asymmetric synthesis of 2H‐pyrroles, a proper in situ generated magnesium catalytic method was developed. On the other hand, the discovery of an aluminium mediated chirality maintaining 1,5‐ester shift reaction promoted the successful synthesis of enantioenriched 3H‐pyrroles.

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Recent Progress on 2D Group II‐VI Binary Chalcogenides ZnX and CdX (X = S, Se, Te): From a Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Zhou Jia
Published: June 2019

2D nanomaterials of ZnX and CdX (X = S, Se, and Te) usually produced by colloidal synthesis are coated with various organic ligands; however, recent experimental work on ZnS and ZnSe demonstrates that the organic ligands can be removed with heating, and the freestanding 2D sheets of ZnS and ZnSe are then fabricated. The freestanding zinc chalcogenide single layers demonstrate superior solar water splitting efficiency and photostability, and hold great promise for numerous optoelectronic applications. Here, recent advances in 2D group II‐VI binary chalcogenides ZnX and CdX are presented from a theoretical perspective. Specifically, the article starts with 2D‐layered organic–inorganic hybrid materials of group II‐VI binary chalcogenides ZnX and CdX, and then focuses on the freestanding 2D nanosheets of pristine inorganic ZnX and CdX. Various possible structures of 2D ZnX and CdX proposed by first‐principles calculations, and their unique electronic and optical structures are discussed. It is envisioned that the freestanding 2D‐layered sheets of ZnX and CdX, as well as their derivatives, are potential synthesis targets for a great wealth of applications in energy storage and conversion.
Voltage Control of Perpendicular Exchange Bias in Multiferroic Heterostructures
Authors: Yang Qu , Hu Zhongqiang , Zhang Yao , Su Wei , Cheng YuXin , Peng Bin , Wu Jingen , Zhou Ziyao , He Yun , Cui Wanzhao , Wang Zhiguang , Liu Ming
Published: June 2019

Perpendicular exchange bias (EB), which combines perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and ferromagnetic (FM)–anti‐ferromagnetic (AFM) exchange coupling, is extremely important in high‐density AFM spintronics. However, the effective modulation of EB remains challenging, since the alternant spins at the AFM/FM interface are strongly pinned by the AFM layer. Voltage tuning of EB through magnetoelectric coupling provides a potential way to achieve rapid magnetization switching in an energy‐efficient manner. Nevertheless, the interfacial strain mediation of perpendicular EB induced by E‐field remains unexplored. In this work, perpendicular EB nanostructure by room‐temperature fabrication process is obtained, and the voltage tunable perpendicular EB in Pt/IrMn/(Co/Pt)2/Ta/(011) Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐PbTiO3 multiferroic heterostructure is demonstrated. To enhance the voltage control effect on perpendicular EB, both strain‐mediated magnetoelectric coupling and ionic liquid gating method are further investigated in the thinned EB system with the structure of Pt/IrMn/Co/Pt/Ta. As a result, the voltage induced lattice distortion effectively transmits to the AFM/FM interface, while the charge accumulation and ion migrations in gating method generate a relatively large hysteresis loop offset that has not been observed before at room temperature. The voltage manipulation of perpendicular EB at room temperature provides new possibilities toward novel AFM devices and memories with great energy‐efficiency and ultrahigh density.
Luminescent, Oxygen‐Supplying, Hemoglobin‐Linked Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Jiang Linye , Bai Haotian , Liu Libing , Lv Fengting , Ren Xueqin , Wang Shu
Published: June 2019

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising method for cancer treatment. Two parameters that influence the efficacy of PDT are the light source and oxygen supply. Herein, we prepared a system for PDT using hemoglobin (Hb)‐linked conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs), which can luminesce and supply oxygen. Hb catalyzes the activation of luminol, the conjugated polymer poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2‐ethylhexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene] (MEH–PPV) nanoparticles can absorb the chemiluminescence of luminol through chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET) and then sensitize the oxygen supplied by Hb to produce reactive oxygen species that kill cancer cells. This system could be used for the controlled release of an anticancer prodrug. The system does not need an external light source and circumvents the insufficient level molecular oxygen under hypoxia. This work provides a proof‐of‐concept to explore smart and multifunctional nanoplatforms for phototherapy.
Contributions of Lorente de Nó to the Nonlinear Circuitry of the Brain
Authors: Carrillo‐Reid Luis , Larriva‐Sahd Jorge
Published: June 2019

Rafael Lorente de Nó, the youngest disciple of Santiago Ramón y Cajal, made significant and versatile contributions to the broad area of neuroscience. Present assay highlights the groundbreaking contributions of this Spanish investigator to neuronal connectivity. From Lorente de Nó laws of plurality and recurrence of connections among neurons emerged nonlinear connectivity and, therefore, set the foundation to understand the emergent properties of neuronal circuits. The emergence, truthfulness, and applicability of these organizing principles are discussed in the context of their current impact in studying neuronal ensembles. Anat Rec, 303:1215–1220, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Ontogeny of Orbit Orientation in Primates
Authors: Nett Emily M. , Ravosa Matthew J.
Published: June 2019

Orbit orientation in primates has been linked to adaptive factors related to activity pattern and size‐related variation in structural influences on orbit position. Although differences in circumorbital form between anthropoids and strepsirrhines appear to be related to interspecific disparities in levels of orbital convergence and orbital frontation, there is considerable overlap in convergence between suborders. Unfortunately, putative links between convergence and frontation across primates, and consequent arguments about primate and anthropoid origins, are likely to be influenced by allometry, the size range of a respective sample, and adaptive influences on encephalization and activity patterns. Such a multifarious system is less amenable to interspecific treatment across higher‐level clades. An ontogenetic perspective is one way to evaluate transformations from one character state to another, especially as they pertain to allometric effects on phenotypic variation. We characterized the ontogeny of orbital convergence and frontation in 13 anthropoid and strepsirrhine species. In each suborder, correlation and regression analyses were used to test hypotheses regarding the allometric bases of variation in orbital orientation. Growth trajectories were analyzed intra‐ and inter‐specifically. Frontation decreased postnatally in all taxa due to the negative scaling of brain vs. skull size. Further, interspecific variation in relative levels of frontation was linked to corresponding ontogenetic transpositions in encephalization that differed within both suborders. In strepsirrhines, postnatal increases in convergence were largely due to the negative allometry of orbit vs. skull size. In contrast, convergence in anthropoids varied little during growth, being unrelated to ontogenetic variation in either relative orbit or interorbit size. Anat Rec, 302:2093–2104, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Meta‐analysis of rare events under the assumption of a homogeneous treatment effect
Authors: Piaget‐Rossel Romain , Taffé Patrick
Published: June 2019

We studied the performance of several meta‐analysis methods in rare event settings, when the treatment effect is assumed to be homogeneous and baseline prevalences are either homogeneous or heterogeneous. We conducted extensive simulations that included the three most common effect sizes with count data: the odds ratio, the relative risk, and the risk difference. We investigated several important scenarios by varying the level of rareness, the value of the trials’ arms unbalance, and the size of the treatment effect. We found that the Mantel–Haenszel method and the Binomial regression model provided the best results across all the scenarios investigated. The Peto method performed satisfactorily only when the true effect size was not too large and the degree of unbalance moderate. Inverse variance was the least reliable method. The use of a continuity correction factor slightly improved the performance of the inverse variance method but deteriorated that of the Peto and Mantel–Haenszel methods. A method based on median unbiased estimators of the probabilities provided similar results to those obtained when using the inverse variance method with a continuity correction. Therefore, when the treatment effect can be assumed to be homogeneous and for either homogeneous or heterogeneous baseline prevalences, we highly recommend using the Mantel‐Haenszel method without continuity correction (for all the effect sizes) or the Binomial regression model (for the odds ratio only) to meta‐analyze the data.
Light Absorption Enhancement by Employing A Plasmonic Nanobox Cavity Array
Authors: Jung Kinam
Published: June 2019

This research numerically investigated a plasmonic nanobox cavity array situated on top of a back reflecting film to produce significant light confinement in close proximity to the nanobox configuration. The back reflector‐coupled metallic nanostructure platform effectively absorbs incident light sources of a wide range of wavelengths due to local field enhancement from the coupling of the surface plasmon. The electromagnetic field distribution and light absorption spectra of the nanobox cavity platform were analyzed via a finite‐difference time‐domain method to identify the degree of absorption enhancement of the platform. By adjusting the design parameters of the nanostructure array, the absorption spectra peaks of the nanobox cavity platform can be precisely tuned. The proposed metallic nanostructure‐based platform can be employed for various applications to achieve highly enhanced optical performance such as photovoltaics, surface‐enhanced Raman scattering, and bio‐sensing devices.
Synthesis of Novel Palladium Complexes Containing β‐Diketonate and NHC Ligands and their Catalytic Ability for Addition Polymerizations of the Functional Norbornenes
Authors: Lee Dong Jin , Kim Myungwoong , Kim Chan Kyung , Lee Ik Mo
Published: June 2019

Palladium complexes containing various N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands have been successfully synthesized by the reaction with various β‐diketonate complexes. Treatments of Pd(acac)2 with NHC salts such as 1,3‐di(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazolium chloride (IPr·HCl) or 1,3‐di(mesityl)imidazolium chloride (IMes·HCl) resulted in [Pd(acac)(NHC)Cl] complexes and these complexes were characterized by NMR. Moreover, these palladium complexes showed moderate to good catalytic activities towards addition polymerization of various functional norbornenes. The effects of various reaction parameters onto the catalytic activity towards polymerization of functional norbornenes have been thoroughly investigated.
Breast cancer screening: Impact on care pathways
Authors: Lefeuvre Delphine , Catajar Nathalie , Le Bihan Benjamin Christine , Ifrah Norbert , De Bels Frédéric , Viguier Jérôme , Bousquet Philippe Jean
Published: June 2019

Background

Controversy persists concerning screening programs (SPs), related to a potential risk of overdiagnosis or the impact on survival. One of the main questions to be addressed concerns the aggressiveness of the related treatments.

Methods

Using the "Cancer Cohort,” a national‐based cohort (medico‐administrative database), all women between the ages of 50 and 74 years and treated in 2014 for incident breast cancer were compared, according to whether their diagnosis was made following a mammogram performed within the framework of the SP (SP group) or outside it (NSP group).

Results

A total of 23 788 women were identified: 13 530 (57%) in the SP group and 10 258 (43%) in the NSP group. The women in the SP group had a higher rate of in situ or localized invasive breast cancer. They had a higher rate of breast‐conserving surgery (82% vs 70%), and a lower rate of chemotherapy (34% vs 53%). These findings were observed irrespective of the stage. They had a higher rate of pathways involving breast‐conserving surgery followed by radiotherapy. Among women with metastatic cancer, those in the SP group had a lower proportion of liver, lung, brain, and bone metastases, and a higher proportion of lymph node metastases (other than axillary), irrespective of the time to onset of the metastases.

Conclusion

The women in whom cancer was diagnosed following a mammogram performed in the context of the SP had less advanced cancer and less aggressive treatments. This observational study helps illustrate the benefit of the SP in France using a different approach.
What patients want
Authors: Seto Arnold H. , Kern Morton J.
Published: June 2019

Key Points

Patients may have preferences and priorities for their catheterization procedure that may differ from the operator's expectations.

This online survey of normal volunteers suggested that patients place the highest value on same‐day discharge and lesser values for radiation exposure, bleeding risk, and access site.

Patient‐centered care needs to increasingly emphasize same‐day discharge after PCI for highest patient satisfaction.
Multiple mucoceles of the lower lip: A case report
Authors: Abe Atsushi , Kurita Kenichi , Hayashi Hiroki , Minagawa Masashi
Published: June 2019

A 2‐year‐old girl developed three mucoceles on lower lip, probably due to her habit of rolling lower lip behind the maxillary anterior teeth. The spacing in the dentition and mechanical irritation from habitual lip biting may have caused the mucoceles. At 3 years after excision surgery, the patient remained recurrence‐free.