bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial distribution & physicochemical characterization of the breeding habitats of Aedes aegypti in & around Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Authors: Chatterjee Soumendranath , Chakraborty Arunima , Sinha Shuvra Kanti
Published: February 2016

Background & objectives:

Dengue infection is endemic in several areas and the dengue virus is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Thus, it becomes important to understand the breeding ecology of dengue vector and characterize the physicochemical parameters of its breeding habitat. The objective of this study was to analyze the physicochemical parameters of the breeding habitat of the dengue vector and to find out the nutrient composition of the habitat in and around Kolkata, West Bengal. In addition, a geographic information system (GIS) was used to map the disease prone areas for its effective management and prevention.

Methods:

Water samples were collected from various breeding habitats of Aedes mosquitoes of Kolkata and adjoining areas and were analysed for various physicochemical properties like acidity, alkalinity, hardness, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, concentration of chloride (Cl-), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), fluoride (F-) in relation to larval prevalence.

Results:

Parameters like water pH, total dissolved solids, total hardness, electrical conductivity, concentration of chloride, sodium and potassium were seen to vary throughout the year. Certain parameters were found to be dependent on container type, like concentration of fluoride. Significant positive correlations were seen between per dip larval density and total dissolved solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Water pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids were seen to play a major role in the ovipositional preferences. Container type did not seem to affect TDS. Tyres had the highest TDS in most of the cases. Nutrient composition like sodium concentration was mostly found in the coconut shells, potassium concentration also showed the same. Thus, container type and various parameters and nutrients play a major role in determining where a gravid female mosquito will lay its eggs. It was observed that by altering various chemical and physical properties of breeding habitats it was possible to control the larvae survivability.
Insecticidal effect of plant extracts on Phlebotomus argentipes (Diptera
Authors: Dinesh Diwakar Singh , Kumari Seema , Pandit Vibhishan , Kumar Jainendra , Kumari Nisha , Kumar Prahlad , Hassan Faizan , Kumar Vijay , Das Pradeep
Published: February 2016

Background & objectives:

Phlebotomus argentipes (Diptera: Psychodidae), the established vector for kala-azar is presently being controlled by indoor residual spray of DDT in kala-azar endemic areas in India. Search for non-hazardous and non-toxic biodegradable active molecules from botanicals may provide cost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides. The present study was aimed at evaluating various plant extracts from endemic and non-endemic areas of Bihar for their insecticidal activity against sandfly to identify the most effective plant extract.

Methods:

Bio-assay test was conducted with larvae and adult of P. argentipes with different plant extracts collected in distilled water, hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol. Thin layer chromatography (TLC), column chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were conducted for detection of active molecules.

Results:

Adults and larvae of sandflies exposed to the aqueous extract of Nicotiana tabacum resulted in 100 per cent mortality. The hexane extract of Clerodendrum infortunatum was found to kill 77 per cent adults but was ineffective against larvae. Bio-assay test of the ninth fraction (hexane extract-methanol phase) separated by column chromatography was found to be 63 per cent effective. The purple spot on the TLC of this fraction indicated the presence of a diterpenoid. HPLC of this fraction detected nine compounds with two peaks covering 20.44 and 56.52 per cent areas with retention time of 2.439 and 5.182 min, respectively supporting the TLC results.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The column separated 9th fraction of C. infortunatum extract was found to be effective in killing 63 per cent of adult P. argentipes. Compounds of this fraction need to be evaluated further for identification and characterization of the active molecule by conducting individual bio-assay tests followed by further fractionation and HPLC. Once the structure of the active molecule is identified and validated, it may be synthesized and formulated as a product.
Multimodality molecular imaging (FDG-PET/CT, US elastography, and DWI-MRI) as complimentary adjunct for enhancing diagnostic confidence in reported intermediate risk category thyroid nodules on bethesda thyroid cytopathology reporting system
Authors: Basu Sandip , Mahajan Abhishek , Arya Supreeta
Published: February 2016

The potential complimentary role of various molecular imaging modalities [fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT), ultrasound (US)-elastography, and  diffusion weighted imaging-magnetic resonance imaging (DWI-MRI)] in characterizing thyroid nodules, which have been designated as "intermediate risk category" on the  Bethesda thyroid cytopathology reporting system (BTCRS), is illustrated in this communication. The clinical cases described (category III thyroid nodules on BTCRS) show the imaging features and  the final diagnostic impressions rendered by the interpreting physicians with the modalities that have been independently compared in a tabular format at the end; of particular note is the high negative predictive value of these (specifically FDG-PET/CT), which could aid in enhancing the diagnostic confidence in the reported "intermediate risk category" thyroid nodules, a "gray zone" from the patient management viewpoint.
Challenges and Current Efforts in the Development of Biomarkers for Chronic Inflammatory and Remodeling Conditions of the Lungs
Authors: Grunig Gabriele , Baghdassarian Aram , Park Sung-Hyun , Pylawka Serhiy , Bleck Bertram , Reibman Joan , Berman-Rosenzweig Erika , Durmus Nedim
Published: February 2016

This review discusses biomarkers that are being researched for their usefulness to phenotype chronic inflammatory lung diseases that cause remodeling of the lung's architecture. The review focuses on asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary hypertension. Biomarkers of environmental exposure and specific classes of biomarkers (noncoding RNA, metabolism, vitamin, coagulation, and microbiome related) are also discussed. Examples of biomarkers that are in clinical use, biomarkers that are under development, and biomarkers that are still in the research phase are discussed. We chose to present examples of the research in biomarker development by diseases, because asthma, COPD, and pulmonary hypertension are distinct entities, although they clearly share processes of inflammation and remodeling.
Exceptional collections on isotropic Grassmannians
Authors: Kuznetsov Alexander , Polishchuk Alexander
Published: February 2016

We introduce a new construction of exceptional objects in the derived category of coherent sheaves on a compact homogeneous space of a semisimple algebraic group and show that it produces exceptional collections of the length equal to the rank of the Grothendieck group on homogeneous spaces of all classical groups.
Degree three cohomological invariants of semisimple groups
Authors: Merkurjev Alexander
Published: February 2016

We study the degree 3 cohomological invariants with coefficients in

\mathbb Q/\mathbb Z(2)

of a semisimple group over an arbitrary field. A list of all invariants of adjoint groups of inner type is given.
The Utility of Blood Culture Fluid for the Molecular Diagnosis of Leptospira: A Prospective Evaluation
Authors: Dittrich Sabine , Rudgard William E. , Woods Kate L. , Silisouk Joy , Phuklia Weerawat , Davong Viengmon , Vongsouvath Manivanh , Phommasone Koukeo , Rattanavong Sayaphet , Knappik Michael , Craig Scott B. , Weier Steven L. , Tulsiani Suhella M. , Dance David A. B. , Newton Paul N.
Published: February 2016

Leptospirosis is an important zoonosis worldwide, with infections occurring after exposure to contaminated water. Despite being a global problem, laboratory diagnosis remains difficult with culture results taking up to 3 months, serology being retrospective by nature, and polymerase chain reaction showing limited sensitivity. Leptospira have been shown to survive and multiply in blood culture media, and we hypothesized that extracting DNA from incubated blood culture fluid (BCF), followed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) could improve the accuracy and speed of leptospira diagnosis. We assessed this retrospectively, using preincubated BCF of Leptospira spp. positive (N = 109) and negative (N = 63) febrile patients in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The final method showed promising sensitivities of 66% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 55–76) and 59% (95% CI: 49–68) compared with direct or direct and indirect testing combined, as the respective reference standards (specificities > 95%). Despite these promising diagnostic parameters, a subsequent prospective evaluation in a Lao hospital population (N = 352) showed that the sensitivity was very low (∼30%) compared with qPCR on venous blood samples. The disappointingly low sensitivity does suggest that venous blood samples are preferable for the clinical microbiology laboratory, although BCF might be an alternative if leptospirosis is only suspected postadmission after antibiotics have been used.
An Emerging Epidemic of Noncommunicable Diseases in Developing Populations Due to a Triple Evolutionary Mismatch
Authors: Koopman Jacob J. E. , van Bodegom David , Ziem Juventus B. , Westendorp Rudi G. J.
Published: February 2016

With their transition from adverse to affluent environments, developing populations experience a rapid increase in the number of individuals with noncommunicable diseases. Here, we emphasize that developing populations are more susceptible than western populations to acquire these chronic diseases, because their genetic, cultural, and epigenetic characteristics do not match with the eagerly awaited affluent environments. In regard to this, there is an urgent need for public health organizations to reorganize current environments in developing populations so as to fit their inherited characteristics. Unfortunately, this need is neglected as an essential part of the Sustainable Development Goals that form the core of the United Nations' Post-2015 Development Agenda. Only through global collaborative efforts can the environments in developing populations be reorganized and, thereby, the emerging epidemic of noncommunicable diseases be stalled.
Everyday Belonging and Ageing: Place and Generational Change
Authors: May Vanessa , Muir Stewart
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we discuss findings from a study on intergenerational relationalities in order to examine some aspects of how people over 50 years of age experience belonging in their everyday lives. Belonging emerged not as a single unitary ‘thing’, but a complex intersecting of relational, cultural and sensory experiences. We explore how people, place, time and cultural context intertwined in people's sense of belonging to place. Although much previous research on belonging has largely focused on geographical movement, we found that temporal movement, at an individual level in the form of ageing and at a collective level in terms of generational change, proved to be an important layer of our participants’ experiences of belonging and not belonging. Furthermore, we argue that people often come to understand and speak of temporal shifts in belonging in embodied terms, based on their sensory engagement with the world. The paper concludes by considering the consequences of this additional aspect of the experience of belonging for the study of belonging as a social and personal process, and how our findings contribute to debates around ‘ageing well’.
Generation of resonant Alfvén waves in the auroral oval
Authors: Pilipenko V. A. , Klimushkin D. Yu. , Mager P. N. , Engebretson M. J. , Kozyreva O. V.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Many independent observations have shown that resonant field line Pc5 pulsations (typical periods of about several minutes) are preferably excited inside the auroral oval. Consideration of the most evident interpretation schemes shows that there is no simple explanation of this effect. Here we consider theoretically the generation of toroidal Pc5 Alfvén waves by fluctuating magnetospheric field-aligned currents. It is shown that the Alfvén wave latitudinal structure has the same features as in the case of the classical field line resonance driven by external sources: a peak localized in latitude and a 180° phase shift across the resonant magnetic shell. This model suggests an additional mechanism of ultra-low-frequency (ULF) wave excitation which can operate at auroral latitudes.
Variations in triple isotope composition of dissolved oxygen and primary production in a subtropical reservoir
Authors: Jurikova Hana , Guha Tania , Abe Osamu , Shiah Fuh-Kwo , Wang Chung-Ho , Liang Mao-Chang
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Lakes and reservoirs play an important role in the carbon cycle, and therefore, monitoring their metabolic rates is essential. The triple oxygen isotope anomaly of dissolved O2 [17Δ = ln(1+δ17O) − 0.518×ln(1+δ18O)] offers a new, in situ, perspective on primary production, but is yet to be evaluated in freshwater systems. We investigated the 17Δ together with oxygen-argon ratio (δO2/Ar) in the subtropical Feitsui Reservoir in Taiwan from June 2014 to July 2015. Here, we present the seasonal variations in 17Δ, GP (gross production), NP (net production) and the NP/GP (net to gross ratio) in association with environmental parameters measured. The 17Δ varied with depth and season, with values ranging between 19 and 186 per meg. The 17Δ GP rates were lower from April to September averaging 215±93 mg C m−2 d−1 and higher from October to January averaging 523±66 mg C m−2 d−1. The estimated average annual 17Δ GP was 104 g C m−2 year−1 and the average annual NP was 22 g C m−2 year−1. Overall, the NP/ GP varied slightly between 0.02 and 0.36 and the reservoir was net autotrophic in the mixed layer. Comparisons between 17Δ GP rates and the production rates estimated by in vitro 14C bottle incubation method (14C GP) were consistent on the same order of magnitude, with the 17Δ GP/14C GP ratio of 1±0.8 throughout the study. Although typhoon occurrences were scarce, higher than average 17Δ values and 17Δ GP rates were recorded after typhoon events.
Technical note: Applying equilibration systems to continuous measurements of pCO2 in inland waters
Authors: Yoon T. K. , Jin H. , Oh N.-H. , Park J.-H.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. High-frequency measurements of the partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) are crucial in elucidating spatiotemporal dynamics of CO2 evasion from inland water systems and their role in the global carbon cycle. However, direct measurements of pCO2 are scarce, and the currently used measurement systems have not been compared for long-term deployment under various field conditions. A literature review was combined with laboratory and field tests to evaluate the application potential of three widely used automated equilibration systems, including spray- and marble-type equilibrators and a membrane-enclosed CO2 sensor, to continuous long-term or underway pCO2 measurements in an urbanized river system in Korea. Both equilibrators had a shorter response time than the membrane-enclosed sensor, well capturing large spatial variations of pCO2 during a transect study along a highly urbanized river reach. The membrane-enclosed sensor based on passive equilibration provided comparable underway measurements for the same river reach until pCO2 approached the upper detection limit of the sensor. The membrane-enclosed sensor deployed in a eutrophic river site could detect large temporal variations of pCO2 over several weeks. To tackle biofouling on the membrane that can reduce sensor accuracy over time, we suggest that antifouling measures, such as copper-mesh screening, be used for long-term deployments with maintenance intervals ranging from several days to weeks. The overall results suggest that the equilibrators are better suited for relatively short underway measurements than long-term deployment, whereas the membrane-enclosed sensor can be used for both the underway and long-term continuous measurements if the sensor has a proper detection range and can be protected by a biofouling-resistant covering.
Evaluating uncertainty in estimates of soil moisture memory with a reverse ensemble approach
Authors: MacLeod Dave , Cloke Hannah , Pappenberger Florian , Weisheimer Antje
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Soil moisture memory is a key component of seasonal predictability. However uncertainty in current memory estimates is not clear and it is not obvious to what extent these are dependent on model uncertainties. To address this question, we perform a global sensitivity analysis of memory to key hydraulic parameters, using an uncoupled version of the land surface model H-TESSEL. Results show significant dependency of estimates of memory and its uncertainty on these parameters, suggesting that operational seasonal forecasting models using deterministic hydraulic parameter values are likely to display a narrower range of memory than exists in reality. Explicitly incorporating hydraulic parameter uncertainty in models may then give improvements in forecast skill and reliability, as has been shown elsewhere in the literature. Our results also show significant differences with with previous estimates of memory uncertainty, warning against placing too much confidence in a single quantification of uncertainty.
Long-term research challenges in wind energy – a research agenda by the European Academy of Wind Energy
Authors: van Kuik G. A. M. , Peinke J. , Nijssen R. , Lekou D. , Mann J. , Sørensen J. N. , Ferreira C. , van Wingerden J. W. , Schlipf D. , Gebraad P. , Polinder H. , Abrahamsen A. , van Bussel G. J. W. , Sørensen J. D. , Tavner P. , Bottasso C. L. , Muskulus M. , Matha D. , Lindeboom H. J. , Degraer S. , Kramer O. , Lehnhoff S. , Sonnenschein M. , Sørensen P. E. , Künneke R. W. , Morthorst P. E. , Skytte K.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. The European Academy of Wind Energy (eawe), representing universities and institutes with a significant wind energy programme in 14 countries, has discussed the long-term research challenges in wind energy. In contrast to research agendas addressing short- to medium-term research activities, this eawe document takes a longer-term perspective, addressing the scientific knowledge base that is required to develop wind energy beyond the applications of today and tomorrow. In other words, this long-term research agenda is driven by problems and curiosity, addressing basic research and fundamental knowledge in 11 research areas, ranging from physics and design to environmental and societal aspects. Because of the very nature of this initiative, this document does not intend to be permanent or complete. It shows the vision of the experts of the eawe, but other views may be possible. We sincerely hope that it will spur an even more intensive discussion worldwide within the wind energy community.
Cowboys and kings: The coming of age film in 1990s Irish cinema
Authors: Menendez-Otero Carlos
Published: February 2016

The article explores why in the 1990s many Irish filmmakers chose precisely a coming of age narrative to attempt to take the international box office by storm, and assesses some of the films that resulted from the attempt. First, it discusses the cultural roots and generic conventions of the Hollywood teen film, especially the rites of passage it has reified and its idealization of small-town, mid-century America. Second, it studies the economic and cultural reasons behind the (over)production of coming of age films in Ireland over the 1990s. Finally, we tackle how these films alternatively deviate from and rely on the conventions of the Hollywood coming of age film to meet investor demands and engage global audiences with Irish concerns.
Editorial
Authors: Bayrak Bengisu
Published: February 2016

...
Teaching Certificates Earned Online and Hiring Practices of High School Principals
Authors: Adams Jonathan
Published: February 2016

A national survey of United States high school principals (n = 2,187) was used to assess the acceptability of job applicant qualifications that included degrees earned either online, partly online, or in a residential teacher-training program. The applicants with coursework taken in a residential setting were overwhelmingly preferred over applicants holding a degree earned partly or wholly online. Analysis indicated that the type of institution, personal experience and perceived benefits of face-to-face interaction play an important role in the formation of the perceived quality of online degree, programs and courses.
Intelligibility: The Goal of Language Learning and Teaching
Authors: Rashid Shah Sayyed , Al-Bargi Abdullah
Published: February 2016

This action research study investigates the intelligibility of Saudi EFL learners’ speeches in relation to the Lingua Franca Core (LFC). This study is carried out in an EFL class of 15 Saudi learners. One native and four non-native speakers of English performed the role of evaluators. A mixed-method approach was adopted to collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data. The learners’ scores in their pre and post-intervention speeches led to the understanding of the impact of LFC on leaders’ speeches. The scores were awarded by five evaluators responding to a five-point Likert scale questionnaire while judging learners’ intelligibility. The results showed moderate improvement in the learners’ post-intervention speeches in terms of intelligibility. This procedure was followed by semi-structured interviews conducted with individual evaluators/listeners who rated post-intervention speeches as well-organized, lengthier and planned, delivered fluently and confidently in spite of insignificant improvement in the production of LFC features. Based on the findings, it can be recommended that LFC can have little or no impact on the learners’ pronunciation, thus intelligibility should be the goal of language teaching and learning in EFL settings.
Subjective Well-Being and Universal Cultural Patterns: A Cross-Cultural Study
Authors: Genkova Petia
Published: February 2016

Until now it has not been analysed in previous research if and how cultures affect the well-being of people. It was the aim of this investigation to find conform and different patterns of subjective cultural well-being in the examined cultures of Bulgaria, France, Germany and China. Overall, 280 test persons from these countries were surveyed, namely 70 persons from each country. These samples are connected with different cultural traditions. A cohort design was used with subject to age and sex to assure comparability and to be able to meet the demands for a variance analysis. Overall, the results show that the relationships between the cultural patterns and the subjective specific well-being are not as strong as assumed, but significant. The sociodemographic variables do not influence subjective well-being.
Olhares sobre a cidade: um olhar sobre o casario antigo de Cachoeiro de Itapemirim
Authors: Santos Adilson Silva
Published: February 2016

Este artigo objetiva apresentar os resultados de uma proposta de trabalho desenvolvida com alguns alunos do curso de História do Centro Universitário São Camilo - Espírito Santo. Trata-se de uma pesquisa sobre o casario antigo da cidade de Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, sul do Espírito Santo, em que se utilizou tanto a história oral quanto o registro fotográfico, numa tentativa de construir um pouco da identidade cachoeirense considerando as maneiras de morar de seus habitantes. Entre os resultados encontrados com a realização desse trabalho, destaca-se a descoberta de diversos documentos que retratam um pouco do cotidiano da cidade e de seus moradores.
Standard surgical approach of testissparing surgery for testicular tumour with benign or malignant tendency
Authors: Guragac Ali , Demirer Zafer
Published: February 2016

No abstract
Efficiency of Vegetable Marketing in Peri-Urban Areas of Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Isitor Samuel Uche , Otunaiya Abiodun Olanrewaju , Iyanda Joel Oluwaseyi
Published: February 2016

Against the backdrop evidenced in the substantial wastage, deterioration in quality, and frequent mismatch between demand and supply of vegetables spatially and overtime; this study examined the efficiency of vegetable marketing in Ifo and Ado-Odo L.G.As of Ogun State, Nigeria. Primary data were employed for the study. Data were collected from 120 respondents with the aid of structured questionnaire using multistage sampling procedure. Analytical tools used included, Descriptive statistics, budgetary and marketing efficiency analyses. The study revealed that women (78.3%) were the major players in the enterprise and most had basic education with majority having business experience of more than five years. However, they relied on their personal savings to run their enterprise. Indigenous vegetable marketing was found to be profitable and efficient as indicated by the positive net margin of N29,180.05. As an indication of the profit maximization motive of the marketers, various marketing efficiency scores were computed for the selected indigenous vegetables. The scores are 10.85%, 3.88%, 5.27%, 2.54%, 5.32%, and 2.46% for ugu, tomato, okra, amaranthus, celocia and chocorus, respectively. It is recommended that extension trainings on preservation of indigenous vegetables should be conducted and accessible funds should be made available to these marketers, to forestall the problem of spoilage and lack of funds, as these constituted major drawbacks on marketing efficiency in the study areas.
Da culpa em Freud à responsabilidade em Lacan: paradigmas para uma articulação entre psicanálise e criminologia
Authors: Siqueira Fídias Gomes
Published: February 2016

Este artigo discute o paradigma da culpa em Freud e sua relação com oato criminoso, propondo ainda uma articulação com o paradigma daresponsabilidade em Lacan, apontando o possível diálogo entre psicanálise ecriminologia no tratamento do sujeito criminoso.
Lake Wobegon’s guns: Overestimating our gun-related competences
Authors: Stark Emily , Sachau Daniel
Published: February 2016

The Lake Wobegon Effect is a general tendency for people to overestimate their own abilities. In this study, the authors conducted a large, nationally-representative survey of U.S. citizens to test whether Americans overestimate their own gun-relevant personality traits, gun safety knowledge, and ability to use a gun in an emergency. The authors also tested how gun control attitudes, political identification, gender, and gun experience affect self-perceptions. Consistent with prior research on the Lake Wobegon Effect, participants overestimated their gun-related competencies. Conservatives, males, and pro-gun advocates self-enhanced somewhat more than their counterparts but this effect was primarily due to increased gun experience among these participants. These findings are important to policymakers in the area of gun use, because overconfidence in one’s gun-related abilities may lead to a reduced perceived need for gun training.
Constructive algorithms for the partial directed weighted improper coloring problem
Authors: Hertz Alain , Montagné Romain , Gagnon François
Published: February 2016

Given a complete directed graph G with weights on the vertices and on the arcs, a θ-improper k-coloring is an assignment of at most k different colors to the vertices of G such that the weight of every vertex v is greater, by a given factor 1/θ, than the sum of the weights on the arcs (u,v) entering v with the tail u of the same color as v. For a given real number θ and an integer k, the Partial Directed Weigthed Improper Coloring Problem (PDWICP) is to determine the order of the largest induced subgraph G′ of G such that G′ admits a θ-improper k-coloring. This problem is motivated by a practical channel assignment application where the objective is to maximize the number of simultaneously communicating mobiles in a wireless network. We consider three constructive algorithms for the standard vertex coloring problem, and adapt them to the PDWICP. We show that they perform better than today's phone operator systems based on decentralized channel assignment strategies such as fractional frequency reuse.
Imagen y palabra en la devoción al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús: un cuadro de P. Battoni y un poema de F. Arévalo
Authors: Chaparro Gómez César
Published: February 2016

ABSRACT: In this study I relate the building of the Basilica of Estrela (Lisbon) to the painting by Pompeo Battoni and the poem by Faustino Arévalo, both dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, whose worship, suffering a similar fate to that of the suppressed Society of Jesus (1773), went beyond the ecclesiastical sphere and became a source of controversy in the secular milieu of the period. KEYWORDS: P. Battoni, F. Arevalo, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Jesuits.   RESUMEN: En este trabajo se relacionan la construcción de la basílica de la Estrela (Lisboa) y, especialmente, el cuadro de Pompeo Battoni y el poema de Faustino Arévalo, dedicados estos últimos al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, cuyo culto, corriendo una suerte paralela a la de la suprimida Compañía de Jesús (1773), trascendió el ámbito eclesiástico y se convirtió en objeto de controversia en los ambientes profanos de la época. PALABRAS CLAVES: P. Battoni, F. Arévalo, Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, jesuitas.
As Agências Reguladoras: entre o velho, o novo e o que se anuncia. Do paradigma econômico ao paradigma ecosófico
Authors: Portanova Rogério Silva , Medeiros José Augusto
Published: February 2016

O presente artigo objetiva analisar o lugar de fala que o meio ambiente atualmente ocupa na atuação das Agências Reguladoras. Para tanto, leva em consideração o fato de que, no Brasil, o processo historicizado de agencificação, ou mesmo a configuração política que legitima as agências reguladoras, é puramente econômico. Neste sentido, busca projetar o que desta percepção afeta o espaço dialético constitucionalmente previsto entre a ordem econômica e o meio ambiente. Ao final, tenciona demonstrar que uma possível saída seja, talvez, reencontrar o conceito de “desenvolvimento” – perdido em desvios semânticos – dentro da própria força normativa constitucional do sistema jurídico vigente.
Disability Progression After Switching from Natalizumab to Fingolimod or Interferon Beta/Glatiramer Acetate Therapies
Authors: Cofield Stacey S. , Fox Robert J. , Tyry Tuula , Salter Amber R. , Campagnolo Denise
Published: February 2016

Background: Physicians must weigh the benefits against the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in patients treated with natalizumab, especially beyond 2 years. However, disability progression associated with switching therapies versus continuing natalizumab therapy after 2 years has not been fully evaluated.

Methods: In this retrospective analysis using the NARCOMS Registry, disability progression (Patient-Determined Disease Steps [PDDS] scale) and physical health-related quality of life (HRQOL) worsening (12-item Short Form Health Status Survey Physical Component Score [SF-12 PCS]) were compared between participants switching to fingolimod (n = 50) or interferon beta (IFNβ)/glatiramer acetate (GA) (n = 71) therapy and those continuing natalizumab (n = 406) after 2 years or more of treatment (median follow-up: natalizumab, 4 years; fingolimod, 4.5 years; IFNβ/GA, 5 years).

Results: Participants continuing to take natalizumab had less disability progression (mean PDDS change: natalizumab, 0.3; fingolimod, 0.6; IFNβ/GA, 0.7; P = .0036), were less likely to report disability progression (proportion with PDDS increase: natalizumab, 31%; fingolimod, 46%; IFNβ/GA, 42%; P = .0296), and had less worsening in physical HRQOL (mean SF-12 PCS change: natalizumab, −1.4; fingolimod, −2.8; IFNβ/GA, −4.6; P = .0476) than those switching treatment.

Conclusions: Although all medication groups exhibited some level of worsening, switching from natalizumab treatment after 2 years was associated with increased disability progression and worsening physical HRQOL. The risk of disability progression from disease activity and the risk of PML should be considered when making natalizumab treatment decisions.
Blockbuster Outsourcing: Is There Really No Place Like Home?
Authors: Cucco Marco
Published: February 2016

The outsourcing of film shoots has long been adopted by US producers to cut costs and improve box-office performance. According to the academic literature, outsourcing is exploited mainly for low- and middle-budget films, but this article aims to demonstrate that blockbusters are also migrating towards other states and countries to take part in an even more competitive film location market. It investigates 165 blockbusters released between 2003 and 2013. The collected data show that blockbuster shoots are not an exclusive to California, but are re-drawing the map of film production in favour of an even more polycentric and polyglot audiovisual panorama.
Registered report: Kinase-dead BRAF and oncogenic RAS cooperate to drive tumor progression through CRAF
Authors: Bhargava Ajay , Anant Madan , Mack Hildegard ,   Reproducibility Project: Cancer Biology
Published: February 2016

The Reproducibility Project: Cancer Biology seeks to address growing concerns about reproducibility in scientific research by conducting replications of selected experiments from a number of high-profile papers in the field of cancer biology. The papers, which were published between 2010 and 2012, were selected on the basis of citations and Altmetric scores (Errington et al., 2014). This Registered Report describes the proposed replication plan of key experiments from "Kinase-dead BRAF and oncogenic RAS cooperate to drive tumor progression through CRAF" by Heidorn and colleagues, published in Cell in 2010 (Heidorn et al., 2010). The experiments to be replicated are those reported in Figures 1A, 1B, 3A, 3B, and 4D. Heidorn and colleagues report that paradoxical activation of the RAF-RAS-MEK-ERK pathway by BRAF inhibitors when applied to BRAFWT cells is a result of BRAF/CRAF heterodimer formation upon inactivation of BRAF kinase activity, and occurs only in the context of active RAS. The Reproducibility Project: Cancer Biology is a collaboration between the Center for Open Science and Science Exchange, and the results of the replications will be published by eLife.
Sinonasal small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: a systematic review of 80 patients
Authors: Rivero Alexander , Liang Jonathan
Published: February 2016

Background

The objective of this study was to review the published literature related to sinonasal small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (SCNECs). Clinical presentation, demographics, treatment, and outcomes of this uncommon disease are reported.

Methods

A systematic review of studies for sinonasal SCNECs in PubMed and Ovid databases from 1970 to 2014 was conducted. Bibliographies of selected articles were also examined. Articles were examined for patient data that reported disease outcome.

Results

Thirty‐four articles were included in this analysis, comprising a total of 80 cases. The mean age of presentation was 53.0 years. Nasal obstruction (53.8%) and epistaxis (48.8%) were the most common presenting symptoms. The nasal cavity and septum (32.5%) was the most common site of involvement. Seventy percent of patients presented with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage IV disease. Combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy was the most common treatment modality, used in 21 cases (26.3%). The second and third most common treatment modalities was combination surgery and chemoradiation therapy (21.3%), and surgery alone (18.8%), respectively. A total of 37 patients (46.3%) were alive after a mean follow‐up of 30.8 months (median 15.5 months), independent of treatment modality. Of the treatment modalities, multimodality therapy remained the most common therapy.

Conclusion

This review contains the largest pool of sinonasal SCNEC patients to date. Sinonasal SCNEC is a rare and aggressive neoplasm, and there is currently no standard of care for treatment. Various treatment modalities have been employed. Our systematic review suggests that multimodality therapy remains the most common treatment of sinonasal SCNEC.
Combatting Synthetic Designer Opioids: A Conjugate Vaccine Ablates Lethal Doses of Fentanyl Class Drugs
Authors: Bremer Paul T. , Kimishima Atsushi , Schlosburg Joel E. , Zhou Bin , Collins Karen C. , Janda Kim D.
Published: February 2016

Fentanyl is an addictive prescription opioid that is over 80 times more potent than morphine. The synthetic nature of fentanyl has enabled the creation of dangerous “designer drug” analogues that escape toxicology screening, yet display comparable potency to the parent drug. Alarmingly, a large number of fatalities have been linked to overdose of fentanyl derivatives. Herein, we report an effective immunotherapy for reducing the psychoactive effects of fentanyl class drugs. A single conjugate vaccine was created that elicited high levels of antibodies with cross‐reactivity for a wide panel of fentanyl analogues. Moreover, vaccinated mice gained significant protection from lethal fentanyl doses. Lastly, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR)‐based technique was established enabling drug‐specificity profiling of antibodies derived directly from serum. Our newly developed fentanyl vaccine and analytical methods may assist in the battle against synthetic opioid abuse.
Stability of B12(CN)122−: Implications for Lithium and Magnesium Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Hongmin , Zhou Jian , Jena Puru
Published: February 2016

Multiply charged negative ions are seldom stable in the gas phase. Electrostatic repulsion leads either to autodetachment of electrons or fragmentation of the parent ion. With a binding energy of the second electron at 0.9 eV, B12H122− is a classic example of a stable dianion. It is shown here that ligand substitution can lead to unusually stable multiply charged anions. For example, dodecacyanododecaborate, B12(CN)122−, created by substituting H by CN is found to be highly stable with the second electron bound by 5.3 eV, which is six times larger than that in the B12H122−. Equally important is the observation that CB11(CN)122−, which contains one electron more than needed to satisfy the Wade‐Mingos rule, is also stable with its second electron bound by 1.1 eV, while CB11H122− is unstable. The ability to stabilize multiply charged anions in the gas phase by ligand manipulation opens a new door for multiply charged species with potential applications as halogen‐free electrolytes in ion batteries.
Promotion of the microalgal photo‐biocatalytic asymmetric reduction of prochiral ketone by NADPH metabolic regulation
Authors: Luo Wei , Deng Xin‐Xing , Gong Zhi‐Wei , Yang Zhong‐Hua
Published: February 2016

A metabolic regulation method was proposed to increase the microalgal intracellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) by lowering NADPH consumption in the Calvin cycle or accelerating NADPH regeneration in photosynthesis, thereby to promote the asymmetric reduction of prochiral ketone to chiral alcohol catalyzed by microalgae cell. The NADPH consumption was efficiently decreased by inhibiting glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase with inhibitors, such as iodoacetic acid and Angeli's Salt, which increased the microalgal intracellular NADPH by 80% and 96%, respectively. Correspondingly, the yields of the asymmetric reduction reaction were enhanced by 12.9% and 63.3%, respectively. On the other hand, NADPH regeneration was accelerated by promoting electron transfer and ferredoxin‐NADP+ reductase activity with addition of sodium cholate, sodium acetate and sodium thiosulfate; the intracellular NADPH was increased 73.1%, 60.2% and 70.4%, respectively. The yields of the asymmetric reduction reaction were correspondingly enhanced by 118.4%, 36.7% and 26.2%, respectively. This provides a practical technique to promote microalgae intracellular NADPH amount to enhance asymmetric reduction reaction by photo‐biocatalytic processes. © 2016 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Habitat specialization and sensitivity to change in a threatened crayfish occupying upland streams
Authors: Noble Mae M. , Fulton Christopher J.
Published: February 2016

1. Crayfish are culturally and ecologically important species in freshwater ecosystems, but many are now threatened with extinction, due to threats such as habitat loss. Depending on their habitat selectivity and sensitivity, freshwater crayfish could provide effective targets for stream monitoring, restoration and conservation. This study used repeated field surveys of the threatened Murray crayfish, Euastacus armatus (family Parastacidae), to establish their habitat preferences and sensitivity to habitat loss across mesohabitat and microhabitat scales within upland streams of south‐east Australia.

2. Selectivity analysis revealed that upland populations of E. armatus displayed a strong preference for areas of intermediate water flow velocity, deeper water, and stream beds dominated by boulders and gravel. Variations in E. armatus density among and within the two upland streams aligned with these microhabitat preferences, with best‐subsets analyses revealing that E. armatus abundance hotspots were best predicted by models combining water depth with percentage cover of boulders, gravel and overhanging riparian vegetation.

3. Major shifts in stream habitat condition from 2009 to 2015 (e.g. 32% and 50% decline in boulder and overhanging vegetation cover, respectively) was associated with a 91% decline in E. armatus mean density within glide‐pool mesohabitats.

4. These findings highlight how habitat specialization in threatened crayfish such as E. armatus may render them sensitive to changes in stream habitat condition, and how targeted monitoring, restoration and conservation of their preferred habitats could yield multiple benefits for montane freshwater ecosystems. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interfacial Engineering for Quantum‐Dot‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Shen Chao , Fichou Denis , Wang Qing
Published: February 2016

Quantum‐dot‐sensitized solar cells (QDSCs) are promising solar‐energy‐conversion devices, as low‐cost alternatives to the prevailing photovoltaic technologies. Compared with molecular dyes, nanocrystalline quantum dot (QD) light absorbers exhibit higher molar extinction coefficients and a tunable photoresponse. However, the power‐conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of QDSCs are generally below 9.5 %, far behind their molecular sensitizer counterparts (up to 13 %). These low PCEs have been attributed to a large free‐energy loss during sensitizer regeneration, energy loss during the charge‐carrier transport and transfer processes, and inefficient charge separation at the QD/electrolyte interfaces, and various interfacial engineering strategies for enhancing the PCE and cell stability have been reported. Herein, we review recent progress in the interfacial engineering of QDSCs and discuss future prospects for the development of highly efficient and stable QDSCs.
Essential‐Oil Variability in Natural Populations of Pinus mugoTurra from the Julian Alps
Authors: Bojović Srdjan , Jurc Maja , Ristić Mihailo , Popović Zorica , Matić Rada , Vidaković Vera , Stefanović Milena , Jurc Dušan
Published: February 2016

The composition and variability of the terpenes and their derivatives isolated from the needles of a representative pool of 114 adult trees originating from four natural populations of dwarf mountain pine (Pinus mugo Turra) from the Julian Alps were investigated by GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses. In total, 54 of the 57 detected essential‐oil components were identified. Among the different compound classes present in the essential oils, the chief constituents belonged to the monoterpenes, comprising an average content of 79.67% of the total oil composition (74.80% of monoterpene hydrocarbons and 4.87% of oxygenated monoterpenes). Sesquiterpenes were present in smaller amounts (average content of 19.02%), out of which 16.39% were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and 2.62% oxygenated sesquiterpenes. The most abundant components in the needle essential oils were the monoterpenes δ‐car‐3‐ene, β‐phellandrene, α‐pinene, β‐myrcene, and β‐pinene and the sesquiterpene β‐caryophyllene. From the total data set of 57 detected compounds, 40 were selected for principal‐component analysis (PCA), discriminant analysis (DA), and cluster analysis (CA). The overlap tendency of the four populations suggested by PCA, was as well observed by DA. CA also demonstrated similarity among the populations, which was the highest between Populations I and II.
Reducing the Cost and Preserving the Reactivity in Noble‐Metal‐Based Catalysts: Oxidation of CO by Pt and Al–Pt Alloy Clusters Supported on Graphene
Authors: Koizumi Kenichi , Nobusada Katsuyuki , Boero Mauro
Published: February 2016

The oxidation mechanisms of CO to CO2 on graphene‐supported Pt and Pt‐Al alloy clusters are elucidated by reactive dynamical simulations. The general mechanism evidenced is a Langmuir–Hinshelwood (LH) pathway in which O2 is adsorbed on the cluster prior to the CO oxidation. The adsorbed O2 dissociates into two atomic oxygen atoms thus promoting the CO oxidation. Auxiliary simulations on alloy clusters in which other metals (Al, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni) replace a Pt atom have pointed to the aluminum doped cluster as a special case. In the nanoalloy, the reaction mechanism for CO oxidation is still a LH pathway with an activation barrier sufficiently low to be overcome at room temperature, thus preserving the catalyst efficiency. This provides a generalizable strategy for the design of efficient, yet sustainable, Pt‐based catalysts at reduced cost.
From Umpolung to Alternation: Modified Reactivity of Donor–Acceptor Cyclopropanes Towards Nucleophiles in Reaction with Nitroalkanes
Authors: Budynina Ekaterina M. , Ivanov Konstantin L. , Chagarovskiy Alexey O. , Rybakov Victor B. , Trushkov Igor V. , Melnikov Mikhail Ya.
Published: February 2016

A conceptually new type of donor–acceptor cyclopropane reactivity towards nucleophiles has been disclosed. An essential characteristic of the process is an unusual nucleophilic attack on the C(3)‐position of a cyclopropane, combined with typical small ring‐opening by cleavage of the C(1)−C(2) bond between the acceptor and the donor. Based on this new reaction between cyclopropane‐1,1‐diesters and nitroalkanes, we developed a convenient approach to γ‐nitroesters that can be efficiently transformed to the substituted pyrrolidones, structural analogues of racetame family drugs (rolipram, phenylpiracetam, etc.).