bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXTRACTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BIOPOLYMERS FROM EXOSKELETON RESIDUES OF THE AMAZON CRAB DILOCARCINUS PAGEI
Authors: Ribeiro Ana Gracy Oliveira , Viana Márcia Loyana Pedreno , Hattori Gustavo Yomar , Constantino Vera Regina Leopoldo , Perotti Gustavo Frigi
Published: April 2019

Chitin is the second most abundant biopolymer worldwide and is found ina large variety of animals. Besides shrimps, other species possess significantchitin contents in their external non-edible fraction, thus allowing them tobe also economically viable sources of this macromolecule. According tomass-loss evaluation of crab residues, 78.4% of the mass is comprised ofCaCO3 and 21.6% associated to the organic phase. The chitin content foundwas 8.0% of the residue’s initial mass and after the deacetylation step, theaverage chitosan yield was 5.0% of the initial residue mass. The thermaldecomposition profiles of obtained chitin and chitosan samples werecharacteristic of biopolymers, exhibiting non-oxidative (190–360°C) andoxidative (340–670°C) events of mass loss. Vibrational spectroscopic analysisshowed that the degrees of deacetylation of the obtained chitosan sampleswere time-dependent and between 68.4 and 81.9%.
ANÁLISE ENVOLTÓRIA DE DADOS PARA A GESTÃO ENERGÉTICA EM INSTITUIÇÕES DE ENSINO SUPERIOR MULTICAMPI
Authors: Da Silva Osvaldo Augusto Vasconcelos de Oliveira Lopes , Moita Neto José Machado , Lira Marcos Antônio Tavares
Published: April 2019

O objetivo geral desta pesquisa foi apresentar uma metodologia para odiagnóstico energético e benchmarking do uso de energia elétrica eminstituições de ensino superior multicampi. Assim, utilizou-se o InstitutoFederal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Piauí como objeto de estudo,com dados coletados nas faturas de energia, correlacionando-os comindicadores que medem a sua atividade. Em toda a instituição, puderam‑seconstatar perdas maiores que todo o valor gasto individualmente com energiaelétrica em oito dos 17 campi, e puderam-se sugerir estratégias para oaumento da eficiência energética. Por fim, concluiu-se que as faturas podemser utilizadas no diagnóstico energético e direcionar projetos de eficiênciaenergética; que o modelo Pressão-Estado-Resposta pode ser utilizadopara caracterizar os campi das instituições, possibilitando o agrupamento,a elaboração de índices, níveis e ranking de eficiência energética relativa,além de metas para o aumento da eficiência energética que devem serestimuladas simultaneamente.
ASSEMBLEIAS DE FORMIGAS (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE) RESPONDEM AO PROCESSO DE RECUPERAÇÃO DE ÁREAS DE PRESERVAÇÃO PERMANENTE?
Authors: Lutinski Junir Antônio , Guarda Carin , Lutinski Cladis Juliana , Dorneles Fernanda Emanuela , Pedroso Jefferson , Busato Maria Assunta , Garcia Flavio Roberto Mello
Published: April 2019

A formação de Áreas de Preservação Permanente (APPs) no entorno delagos de usinas hidrelétricas (UHEs) ajuda a amenizar os impactos doempreendimento sobre a biodiversidade. Este estudo avaliou a riqueza, aabundância e a composição das assembleias de formigas que ocorrem naárea de APP da UHE Foz do Chapecó. Foi realizada uma amostragem emcinco sítios, com históricos distintos de uso do solo, utilizando-se armadilhaspitfalls, guarda-chuva entomológico, rede de varredura, iscas de sardinha e deglicose e coleta manual. As assembleias foram avaliadas segundo a riqueza,a abundância e o índice de diversidade (H). Foram registradas 122 espéciespertencentes a 36 gêneros. A maior riqueza encontrada foi para Myrmicinae(S = 41) e Pheidole (S = 20), e a maior abundância, para Pheidole aberransMayr, 1868 (n = 46). A riqueza pode ser 60,5% maior do que a observada.A riqueza, a abundância e a composição da fauna de formigas informa sobreo processo de reconstituição da APP.
ECOLOGIA INDUSTRIAL: EVOLUÇÃO HISTÓRICA E PRODUÇÃO CIENTÍFICA
Authors: Sousa Luis Henrique dos Santos Silva , Da Silva Elaine Aparecida
Published: April 2019

A ecologia industrial (EI) constitui conhecimento de natureza interdisciplinarque propõe a analogia entre os ecossistemas naturais e industriais, com vistas a identificar semelhanças nos processos de transformação e reaproveitamento de materiais e energia. Este trabalho apresenta a construção histórica/epistemológica da EI, o desenvolvimento da área com base em uma revisãode literatura e a cienciometria sobre o conteúdo. Para isso, foi utilizado oPortal de Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de NívelSuperior (CAPES), a base de dados Web of Science e o software VOSviewer.Constatou-se que a EI começou a ser difundida na década de 1960 sem asignificação atual e, posteriormente, verificou-se que ela passou a sernotada como uma estratégia para a operacionalização do desenvolvimentosustentável. A maior parte dos trabalhos sobre EI é produzida nos EstadosUnidos (31,56%) e utiliza a avaliação do ciclo de vida (ACV) e a análise dofluxo de materiais (AFM). As pesquisas brasileiras, representadas pelosgrupos de pesquisa do Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico eTecnológico (CNPq), concentram-se no eixo sul-sudeste, com poucos casesnacionais, uma vez que existem iniciativas isoladas até então não estudadas,ou até mesmo não compreendidas como EI por parte dos gestores.
Constraining the Economic Potential of By-Product Recovery by Using a Geometallurgical Approach: The Example of Rare Earth Element Recovery at Catalão I, Brazil
Authors: Pereira Lucas , Birtel Sandra , Möckel Robert , Michaux Bruno , Silva Andre C. , Gutzmer Jens
Published: April 2019

Geometallurgy aims to develop and deploy predictive spatial models based on tangible and quantitative resource characteristics that are used to optimize the efficiency of minerals beneficiation and extractive metallurgy operations. While most current applications of geometallurgy are focused on the major commodity to be recovered from a mineral deposit, this contribution delineates the opportunity to use a geometallurgical approach to provide an early assessment of the economic potential of by-product recovery from an ongoing mining operation.

As a case study for this methodology, possible rare earth element (REE) recovery as a by-product of Nb production at the Chapadão mine in the Catalão I carbonatite complex is used. Catalão I is part of the Alto Paranaíba igneous province in the Goias Province of Brazil. Currently, niobium is produced in the complex as a by-product of the Chapadão phosphates mine. This production is performed in the Tailings plant, the focus of this study. REEs, albeit present in significant concentrations, are currently not recovered as by-products.

Nine samples from different stages of the Nb beneficiation process in the Tailings plant were taken and characterized by mineral liberation analyzer, X-ray powder diffraction, and bulk-rock chemistry. The recovery of REEs in each of the tailing streams was quantified by mass balance. The quantitative mineralogical and microstructural data are used to identify the most suitable approach to recover REEs as a by-product—without placing limitations on niobium production. Monazite, the most common rare earth mineral identified in the feed, occurs as Ce-rich and La-rich varieties that can be easily distinguished by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-based image analysis. Quartz, Fe-Ti oxides, and several phosphate minerals are the main gangue minerals. The highest rare earth oxide content concentrations (1.75 wt % total rare earth oxides) and the greatest potential for REE processing are reported for the final flotation tailings stream. To place tentative economic constraints on REE recovery from the tailings material, an analogy to the Browns Range deposit in Australia is drawn. Its technical flow sheet was used to estimate the cost for a hypothetical REE production at Chapadão. Parameters derived from SEM-based image analysis were used to model possible monazite recovery and concentrate grades. This exercise illustrates that a marketable REE concentrate could be obtained at Chapadão if the process recovers at least 53% of the particles with no less than 60% of monazite on their surface. Applying capital expenditure and operational expenditure values similar to those of Browns Range suggests that such an operation would be profitable at current REE prices.
The Role of Faculty Mentoring in Improving Retention and Completion Rates for Historically Underrepresented STEM Students
Authors: Chelberg Kelli , Bosman Lisa
Published: April 2019

There is a growing recognition of the need for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workers who provide diverse perspectives enabling companies to keep up with the demands of the 21st-century workforce. Creating a diverse workforce requires improving access to STEM education for historically underrepresented students, including low-income students and first-generation students. However, significant challenges and barriers exist. The purpose of this paper is to showcase an innovative approach to mentoring historically underrepresented STEM students which integrates photovoice and photo-elicitation. This new approach in mentoring takes student participation one step further by asking students to document and share their lived experiences through photographs (e.g., photovoice). Then, photo-elicitation is used to further engage students in discussing what led to their subsequent empowerment in leveraging successes or overcoming barriers. The study was conducted with 19 participants who were primarily American Indian students attending a small college in Wisconsin, USA. The findings suggest students benefited from the mentoring program and perceived it as an enriching learning experience which aided in goal development, accountability, and an opportunity to learn more about strategies for student success. The implementation of this new approach and the results gathered from this study are important as they may inform educational leaders and postsecondary institutions serving historically underrepresented STEM students on supports and strategies that could be carried out on their campuses.
Investigation of Pore Pressure on Seismic Amplitude Response: A Well-Based Modeling Case Study of Sojuko Field, Niger Delta
Authors: Ogagarue Difference O.
Published: April 2019

The Sojuko field was discovered in 2001 in the eastern shallow offshore area of the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Three (3) exploration wells have so far been drilled in the field, two (2) of which are reasonably vertical and the third highly deviated. Three (3) key reservoirs which are laterally continuous across the wells have been identified with proven oil and gas reserves. Pore pressure data from repeat formation test (RFT) measurements acquired in the deviated well show that the wells are entirely hydrostatic to true depth (TD). This research focuses on investigating how seismic amplitudes change with offset/angle of incidence in relation to varying pore pressure regimes at the shale-hydrocarbon sand and shale-brine sand interfaces using well data. The aim is to aid quantitative interpretation in an on-going field-wide exploration drive to de-risk hydrocarbon exploration in the deeper plays in the area which are below TD, and are expected to be overpressured. The study is hinged on end-member shale elastic parameter substitution in which the shales are subjected to varying overpressure regimes while keeping the reservoirs (sands) at in situ (hydrostatic) condition. The end-member shale property substitution simulated shale compaction dis-equilibrium as the main overpressure generation mechanism in this study. The results show that top gas sands, top oil sands and top brine sands would be visible on seismic in the deeper plays where pore pressures are expected to be very high, but with distinctive seismic amplitude with offset/angle behavior. The top gas sands are visible as blue loop with small positive reflection coefficients at the near offsets/angles, but with polarity reversal to red loop with negative reflection coefficients which become more and more negative at the far angles at hard overpressure regimes. Top oil sands are recognized as blue loop with large positive reflection coefficients at the near angles; the coefficients becoming less and less positive at the far angles/offsets. The top oil sands may not be detected on seismic at the far angles/offsets unless at very hard overpressures. Brine sands have similar seismic response as oil sands at hard overpressures, but can be distinguished from oil sands based on their much higher amplitudes over the entire offset/angle range. The study is also aimed at removing uncertainty in seismic-based pore pressure quantification at the deeper targets where there is absence of well data for calibrating pore pressure effects at varying conditions.
Compliance Issues with Public Procurement Regulations in Ghana
Authors: Uzoma Chikwere Godwin , Dzandu Simon S. K. , Dza Mawuko
Published: April 2019

This study examines compliance issues with public procurement regulations in Ghana. The simple random sampling technique was used to draw a sample size of 100 practitioners from public institutions in Ghana. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that although public procurement entities in Ghana have made some strides in improving compliance levels with the public procurement law, majority of public institutions disregard their management systems and contract management processes among others. The study indicates that familiarity (p-value = 0.020) though inversely related, incompetence (p-value =0.023), political interference (p-value =0.000) and poor monitoring (p-value =0.010) were significant factors in explaining non-compliance with the legal framework of public procurement in Ghana. The research further discovered that officials in charge of public procurement flout the rules and regulations with impunity. To address the issue of non-conformance by public officials, it is imperative for the Public Procurement Authority to desist from embarking on what could best be described as selective justice and apply the law equally on all non-conforming public institutions. The authority must also strengthen its monitoring systems to ensure that offenders are apprehended and adequately sanctioned according to the law.
Harmonic Suppression Strategy in Single-phase SPWM Based on Mixed Integer Nonlinear Programming
Authors: Wu Lubin , Liang Ziquan , Li Weihua , Wang Xiaoteng
Published: April 2019

In single-phase bipolar SPWM inverter circuit, the output voltage contains high content of harmonic components. To solve this problem, we build a model of output voltage in single-phase SPWM bipolar inverter based on SPWM theory and Fourier series theory. Through theoretical analysis, calculation and plotting, we work out the distribution of harmonic in output voltage, investigate the relationship between amplitude modulation (AM) depth and harmonic components and finally determine a proper amplitude modulation depth to efficiently reduce harmonic components. To further reduce harmonic components of output voltage, we use LC low-pass filter. Then, based on the mathematical model of the filter and the distribution law of harmonics, we establish a mixed integer nonlinear programming to fully suppress harmonics and reduce switching losses. After searching for two times based on genetic algorithm, we work out the best frequency-modulation ratio and LC low-pass filter parameter. Finally in simulation, total harmonic distortion is reduced from 213.47 percent to 0.16 percent after harmonic suppression strategy implemented. The result has proved the effectiveness of the harmonic suppression strategy we applied, which can be used as a reference for output voltage harmonic elimination in single-phase SPWM inverter.
Evaluating the Most Suitable Tree Species Using Land Expectation Value: A Case Study from Plantation in North of Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Zohreh , Limaei Soleiman Mohammadi , Shahraji Teymoor Rostami
Published: April 2019

Plantation in north of Iran is rapidly increasing by local farmers and state but it is not clear which species is most suitable for perpetual timber production. Thus, this study is carried out to evaluate the most suitable timber species among ash (Fraxinus excelsior), elm (Alnus glutinosa), maple (Acer velutinum), oak (Quercus castanifolia), bald cypress (Taxodium distichumin) in north of Iran for evaluation of most suitability using Land Expectation Value (LEV). Data such as wood price at forest road side and variable harvesting cost was collected from secondary souce especially General Office of Natural Resources in Guilan province for a period of 20 years. Average annual increment of different species derived from previous researches. Consumer Price Index (CPI) was used for deflation of stumpage price. Regression analysis was used to predict the stumpage price of different species. Then, the mean price process was determined for different species. Faustmann's formula was used to determine the LEV or Net Present Value (NPV) for a perpetual timber production of different species.  The results showed that the LEV of ash, elm, maple, oak and bald cypress were 2623.883, 4653.042, 4319.9644, 2206.8788, 8064.667 (0.33 US dollar/ m3), respectively. The LEV of bald cypress was the highest, so it can be concluded that this species is the most suitable for timber production.
Evaluation of Uniformity Coefficient and Soil Moisture Distribution under Drip Irrigation System
Authors: Selvaperumal A. , Sujitha E. , Muthuchamy I.
Published: April 2019

Drip irrigation system uniformity can preserve a higher crop yield and deplete the initial investment of cost. The experiment was conducted at precision farming development centre research farm, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, to evaluate the uniformity coefficient and soil moisture distribution under drip irrigation system. The experiment was designed under Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) which included three fertigation levels 80%, 100% and 120% of Recommended Dose of fertilizers which were replicated thrice. The Coefficient of Variation (CV) was obtained as 0.0207 per cent kept at a constant pressure of 50.66 kPa, Statistical Uniformity (SU) as 97 per cent and Coefficient of Uniformity (CU) as 0.9518. As the elapsed time increased, the rate of increase of wetted zone diameter decreased. A high R2 value of 0.97 shows the goodness of fit for the horizontal movement. The mean soil moisture distribution 39.2 per cent was observed below the emitter at the depth of 10 cm immediately after irrigation.
Pressure-discharge and Hydraulic Gradient along the Lateral of the Drip Irrigation System for Okra
Authors: Vanitha S. , Senthilvel S.
Published: April 2019

Micro irrigation system should ensure relatively same amount of water to each plant along the total length of lateral line. In general, the drip irrigation systems are low to medium operating pressure head systems with a pressure requirement in range of 0.5 kg/cm2 to 2.5 kg/cm2 depending on the area irrigated and field layout geometry. However, since these systems are pressure irrigation systems which require appropriate operating pressure heads to deliver the required rates of flow, the inevitable frictional head losses are to be compensated for maintaining uniformity in water application. Hence, the hydraulic gradient compensation needs to be achieved by some viable mechanism so that the inequality in pressure heads and discharges can be eliminated or minimized. The crop production will have its maximum yield and water use efficiency only one the water distribution uniformities at its the highest. Hydraulic gradient compensation assumes a vital role in compensating the operating pressure heads as well as the emitter discharges. The hydraulic gradient compensated drip lateral layout registered high order of water distribution uniformity in the range of 97.8% and irrigation usage efficiency in the range of 17.98 kg/ha/mm to 20.69 kg/ha/mm for 2 lph emitter arrangements.
Comparative Assessment of Formaldehyde Concentrations in Public and Private Mortuaries in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Roland Obed-Whyte, , Douglas K. E. , Akaranta O.
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Formaldehyde is an industrial chemical that is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC). It is commonly use in mortuaries for the preservation (embalmment) of the dead in Rivers State. Mortuary workers are occupationally exposed to formaldehyde by inhalation and skin contact. This objective/aim of the study was to measure and compare the concentration of formaldehyde in public and private mortuaries of Rivers State, Nigeria.

Methodology: This cross-sectional (field) survey was carried out in 9 public and 6 private mortuaries in Rivers State. The Time-Weighted Average (TWA) and short- Term Exposure Limit (STEL) of formaldehyde concentrations in the embalmment sections of the mortuaries were measured using a suitable formaldehyde gas detector instrument. The mortuaries were selected by a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected, entered and analyzed using XL STATA and SPSS and presented in tables and graphs.

Results: The mean TWA concentration of formaldehyde in public and private mortuaries was 2.42+-1.77 and 2.52+-0.99 ppm respectively. Also, the STEL concentration measured in public and private mortuaries were 0.91+-0.99 and 1.93+-1.22 ppm. The 8 hour TWA values exceeded OSHA (0.75) and NIOSH (0.016 ppm) standards.

Conclusion: There was a high concentration of formaldehyde in both public and private mortuaries which may pose high risk to the health of the mortuary workers of Rivers State. The study recommended health education and surveillance among mortuary workers and good engineering design in the mortuary.
Biochemical pathways mediated by KLK6 protease in breast cancer
Authors: Pampalakis Georgios , Zingkou Eleni , Sidiropoulos Konstantinos Gus , Diamandis Eleftherios P. , Zoumpourlis Vassilis , Yousef George M. , Sotiropoulou Georgia
Published: April 2019

Kallikrein‐related peptidase 6 (KLK6) is a serine protease normally expressed in mammary tissue and aberrantly regulated in breast cancer. At physiological levels, KLK6 functions as a suppressor of breast cancer, while its aberrant overexpression (> 50‐fold higher than normal) is characteristic of a subset of breast cancers and has been linked to accelerated growth of primary breast tumors in severe combined immunodeficiency mice (Pampalakis et al. Cancer Res 2009, 69, 3779). Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the concentration‐dependent functions of KLK6 by comparing MDA‐MB‐231 stable transfectants expressing increasing levels of KLK6 in in vitro and in vivo tumorigenicity assays (soft agar, xenograft growth, tail vein metastasis). Quantitative proteomics was applied to identify proteins that are altered upon re‐expression of KLK6 in MDA‐MB‐231 at normal or constitutive levels. Overexpression of KLK6 is associated with increased metastatic ability of breast cancer cells into lungs, increased expression of certain S100 proteins (S100A4, S100A11) and keratins (KRT), and downregulation of the apoptosis‐related proteases CASP7 and CASP8, and RABs. On the other hand, KLK6 re‐expression at physiological levels leads to inhibition of lung metastases associated with suppression of S100 proteins (S100A4, S100A10, S100A13, S100A16) and induced CASP7 and CASP8 expression. As this is the first report that KLK6 expression is associated with S100 proteins, caspases, RABs, and KRTs, we validated this finding in clinical datasets. By integrating proteomics and microarray data from breast cancer patients, we generated two composite scores, KLK6 + S100B‐S100A7 and KLK6 + S100B‐S100A14‐S100A16, to predict long‐term survival of breast cancer patients. We present previously unknown pathways implicating KLK6 in breast cancer. The findings promise to aid our understanding of the functional roles of KLK6 in breast cancer and may yield new biomarkers for the cancer types in which KLK6 is known to be aberrantly upregulated.
Retracted: High‐intensity focused ultrasound inhibits invasion and metastasis of colon cancer cells by enhancing microRNA‐124‐mediated suppression of STAT3
Authors: Li Meiying , Wan Guangsheng , Yu Hongjie , Xiong Wei
Published: April 2019

Metastasis is the primary contributor to colorectal cancer mortality. High‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is an emerging technology for tumor therapy that exerts its effects through tumor ablation, mechanical disruption, and enhancement of immune responses. However, it remains unclear whether HIFU can influence tumor metastasis. Here, we examined the effect of HIFU on tumor metastasis of colorectal cancer cells and the underlying mechanisms. HIFU was observed to inhibit migration of HCT‐116 cells in vitro and suppress lung metastasis in a mouse model of colon cancer. In addition, HIFU up‐regulated microRNA (miR) ‐124 expression, which inhibited the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and inhibited migration of HCT‐116 cells. Treatment with an inhibitor of miR‐124 reversed the effect of HIFU on cell migration. In conclusion, our results suggest that HIFU exerts anti‐metastatic effects in colon cancer, and this effect is possibly mediated via up‐regulation of miR‐124 and subsequent miR‐124‐mediated STAT3 suppression.
Effect of a Misoprostol/Phenytoin Gel on Experimentally Induced Wounds in Brook Trout—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Coutant Thomas , Vergneau-Grosset Claire , Lair Stéphane
Published: April 2019

Topical treatment for wound management in fish is challenging due to their aquatic life. The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of a topical gel containing misoprostol and phenytoin on the healing of skin wounds in Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis. Four 16- × 8-mm, full-thickness wounds were created in each trout. Fish were randomly assigned either to the misoprostol/phenytoin group (14 fish) or to the untreated control group (5 fish). In fish from the misoprostol/phenytoin group, two randomly selected wounds were topically treated with a misoprostol/phenytoin gel, while the other two wounds were left without topical treatment. Follow-up and treatment were performed every 5 d for 120 d. Different macroscopic healing indexes were recorded over time, and histological characteristics of each wound were scored at the end of the study. Treatment with misoprostol/phenytoin was associated with delayed epithelialization and wound maturation in comparison with contralateral untreated wounds. The treatment was also associated with lower histological inflammation scores and increased dermal neovascularization. The untreated wounds of fish in the misoprostol/phenytoin group showed delayed maturation and decreased healing speed and had lower inflammation scores and increased neovascularization compared to untreated control wounds. Topical treatment of wounds in Brook Trout with misoprostol/phenytoin gel at the concentration used had a local and systemic deleterious effect on wound healing. The results of the present study do not support the use of this gel at this dosage for the treatment of wounds in Brook Trout.
Does text–picture integration also occur with longer text segments?
Authors: Schüler Anne , Arndt Jana , Scheiter Katharina
Published: April 2019

Text–picture integration is one of the most important cognitive processes when reading illustrated text. There is empirical evidence that text‐picture integration takes place when learning with pictures combined with single sentences. The present experiment investigated whether text–picture integration also takes place when the single sentences are embedded into longer text segments and hence when materials become more complex. In a within‐subjects design, 43 participants read an illustrated story, in which the different combinations of general and specific sentences and pictures, respectively, were embedded. In line with previous findings, participants were more likely to falsely recognize specific versions of the sentences after having studied their general versions combined with specific pictures. Thus, the experiment shows that text–picture integration also occurs when learners have to read longer text passages combined with pictures.
Learner control of the pacing of an online slideshow lesson: Does segmenting help?
Authors: Mayer Richard E. , Wells Ashleigh , Parong Jocelyn , Howarth Jeffrey T.
Published: April 2019

How can we improve the instructional effectiveness of an online slideshow lesson? In the present study, college students received a 12‐slide multimedia slideshow lesson on how a geographic information system works. In a 2 × 2 design, the lesson was presented one complete slide at a time (large segment) or added one section of the slide at a time (small segment) when the student pressed the CONTINUE key, and the words were presented in printed form (text) or spoken form (voice). Students performed significantly better on a transfer posttest when the lesson was paced in small segments rather than large segments (d = 0.34); there was no effect or interaction involving modality. The small‐segment version was rated as less difficult than the large‐segment version (d = 0.43). The segmenting principle was supported in the context of online slideshows.
Potential Role of Cost and Quality of Life in Treatment Decisions for Arthritis‐Related Knee Pain in African American and Latina Women
Authors: Gaskin Darrell J. , Karmarkar Taruja D. , Maurer Anne , Bucay‐Harari Linda , Casillas Giselle , Gittens Allyson , Jones Lynne C. , Thorpe Roland J. , Tolbert Elliott , Wood James E.
Published: April 2019

Objective

The present study was undertaken to investigate whether Latina and African American women with arthritis‐related knee pain and primary care providers who treat them believe their treatment decisions would benefit from having more information about the impact of treatment on their quality of life, medical care costs, and work productivity.

Methods

We conducted 4 focus groups of Latina and African American women over age 45 years who had knee pain. We also conducted 2 focus groups with primary care providers who treated Latina and African American women for knee pain. The participants were recruited from the community. They were asked their opinions about a decision tool that presented information on a range of treatment options and their impacts on quality of life, medical care costs, and work productivity. They were asked whether providing this information would help them make better treatment decisions. We analyzed the focus group transcripts using ATLAS.ti.

Results

We found that minority women and primary care providers endorsed the use of a decision‐making tool that provided information of the impact of treatment on quality of life, medical care costs, and work productivity. Providers felt that patients would benefit from having the additional information but were concerned about its complexity and some patients’ ability to comprehend the information.

Conclusion

Latina and African American women could make more informed treatment decisions for their knee pain using a decision‐making tool that provides them with significant information about how various treatment options may impact their quality of life, medical care costs, and workforce productivity.
Systematic Review and Appraisal of the Cross‐Cultural Validity of Functional Status Assessment Measures in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kulhawy‐Wibe Stephanie C. , Zell JoAnn , Michaud Kaleb , Yazdany Jinoos , Davis Aileen M. , Ehrlich‐Jones Linda , Thorne J. Carter , Everix Donna , Cappelli Laura C. , Suter Lisa G. , Limanni Alex , Barber Claire E. H.
Published: April 2019

Objective

We conducted a systematic review and appraisal of the cross‐cultural adaptation and cross‐cultural validity of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and its derivatives, and of the more recent Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) functional status assessment measures (FSAMs) in rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

Four electronic medical databases were searched from inception until April 4, 2018 according to the Consensus‐Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) group search strategy. Included studies were evaluated using the COSMIN tool for cross‐cultural validity and were scored as excellent, good, fair, or poor.

Results

Of 58 articles identified by our search strategy and 3 by manual search, 39 were included: 29 described the translation, cultural adaptation, or cross‐cultural validity of the HAQ disability index, 8 other HAQ derivatives, and 2 PROMIS measures, representing 22 languages. Of the 39 articles reviewed, 3 examined the cross‐cultural validity of translated versions. These studies were rated as follows: 2 as excellent, 3 good, 13 fair, and 21 poor. Two studies examining cross‐cultural validity noted differential item functioning (DIF) between Dutch and US populations for the HAQ‐II and PROMIS measures, and a third study found DIF between Turkish and UK populations on the HAQ, indicating cultural differences in questionnaire response.

Conclusion

This review highlights a paucity of data on the cross‐cultural validity of FSAMs and the mostly poor‐ or fair‐quality methods by which they were translated and adapted, which needs to be considered when using these measures for multinational clinical trials and for day‐to‐day use in clinical practice.
Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Golimumab Through One Year in Patients With Active Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Husni M. Elaine , Kavanaugh Arthur , Murphy Frederick , Rekalov Dmytro , Harrison Diane D. , Kim Lilianne , Lo Kim Hung , Leu Jocelyn H. , Hsia Elizabeth C.
Published: April 2019

Objective

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous (IV) golimumab in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) through 1 year.

Methods

GO‐VIBRANT was a phase III, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of 480 adults with active PsA. Patients were randomized to receive IV placebo (n = 239) or golimumab 2 mg/kg (n = 241) at weeks 0, 4, and every 8 weeks, with placebo crossover to golimumab at weeks 24, 28, and every 8 weeks thereafter. Efficacy through week 52 was assessed using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) ≥20%, 50%, or 70% improvement criteria (ACR20/50/70), and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index ≥75% improvement criteria (PASI75). Radiographic progression was measured using the PsA‐modified Sharp/van der Heijde score (SHS). Adverse events (AEs) were monitored through week 60.

Results

The primary and major secondary end points through week 24 were achieved. At week 52, 76.8% of patients in the golimumab group and 77.0% in the placebo‐crossover group achieved an ACR20 response, 58.1% and 53.6%, respectively, achieved an ACR50 response, and 38.6% and 33.9%, respectively, achieved an ACR70 response. Among patients with ≥3% body surface area affected, 71.9% in the golimumab group and 60.6% in the placebo‐crossover group achieved a PASI75 response at week 52. Mean change from baseline in total SHS at week 52 was –0.5 in the golimumab group and 0.8 in the placebo‐crossover group. Through week 60, 50.9% of all golimumab‐treated patients had ≥1 AE, and 5.2% had ≥1 serious AE. There were no opportunistic infections, 2 malignancies, and 1 death in patients treated with golimumab.

Conclusion

Sustained improvements in joint and skin disease in patients with PsA were maintained through 1 year in the GO‐VIBRANT study. No new safety signals for IV golimumab were identified.
Suboxone maker indicted for fraud, with focus on pill‐film patent switch
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2019

The maker of Suboxone — Indivior, formerly (until 2014) Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals (RBP) — has been indicted by a federal grand jury for its machinations to ensure that it kept market share for its product. The indictment, released by the federal Department of Justice (DOJ) April 9, charges that Indivior illicitly schemed to increase prescriptions of its Suboxone Film by deceiving prescribers and insurance companies into thinking it was safer than other drugs, including its own tablets, which were about to lose patent protection. Instead of having to compete with generics, Indivior worked to transfer all its tablet Suboxone patients to film, on which it held the patent.
Prenatal care providers stymied over best practices for substance users
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: April 2019

Providers of prenatal care generally want to do the right thing for pregnant women and their families, but their concerns about maternal substance use often are misplaced or get lost amid confusion over their reporting responsibilities, states the co‐author of a new report on screening for substance use in pregnancy.
States call on HHS to immediately change year‐1 bupe cap
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2019

A coalition of 22 states and territories is requesting that the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) lift restrictions on providing buprenorphine, one of the only three federally approved medications to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). “Buprenorphine is an essential tool in the fight to end the opioid epidemic,” said Howard Zucker, M.D., commissioner of health for New York state, which is leading the initiative. “Removing federal restrictions on prescribing buprenorphine will ultimately save lives and eliminate unnecessary barriers that prevent people with opioid use disorder from having access to treatment,” he said.
ASAM: Medicaid featured in plenary
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2019

At the weekend plenary session of this year's annual American Society of Addiction Medicine conference, held in Orlando earlier this month, attendees heard about the role of Medicaid in treating substance use disorders (SUDs). “I hope that today's conversation will help our audience understand these key changes and explore creative ways we can work with federal and state officials to respond to our patients' needs,” said ASAM President Paul Earley, M.D., who moderated the session. Kimberly Brandt, J.D., M.A., principal deputy administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), said the federal agency is using its “Opioid Roadmap” to implement its three‐pronged approach of preventing new cases of opioid use disorder (OUD), treating patients who have OUD, and targeting prevention and treatment using data. She also discussed two new initiatives from the CMS: the Maternal Opioid Misuse (MOM) model and the Integrated Care for Kids (InCK) model.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations on Aspergillus niger Monoamine Oxidase: Conformational Dynamics and Inter‐monomer Communication Essential for Its Efficient Catalysis
Authors: Curado‐Carballada Christian , Feixas Ferran , Osuna Sílvia
Published: April 2019

Aspergillus niger Monoamine Oxidase (MAO‐N) is a homodimeric enzyme responsible for the oxidation of amines into the corresponding imine. Laboratory evolved variants of MAO‐N in combination with a non‐selective chemical reductant represents a powerful strategy for the deracemisation of chiral amine mixtures and, thus, is of interest for obtaining chiral amine building blocks. As we reported recently, MAO‐N presents a rich conformational dynamics with a flexible β‐hairpin region that can adopt closed, partially closed and open states. Despite the β‐hairpin conformational dynamics is altered along the laboratory evolutionary pathway of MAO‐N, the connection between the β‐hairpin conformational dynamics and how this affects active site catalysis still remains unclear. In this work, we use accelerated molecular dynamics to elucidate the potential interplay between the β‐hairpin conformational dynamics and catalytic activity in MAO‐N wild type (WT) and its evolved D5 variant. Our study reveals a delicate communication between both MAO‐N monomers that impacts the active site architecture, and thus its catalytic efficiency. In both MAO‐N WT and the laboratory evolved D5 variant, the β‐hairpin conformation in one of the monomers affects the productive binding of the substrate in the active site of the other subunit. However, both MAO‐N WT and D5 variants show a quite different behaviour due to the impact of distal mutations introduced experimentally with Directed Evolution on the conformational dynamics of the enzyme.

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Examining U.S. grain marketing and farm supply cooperatives’ sustainable growth rates
Authors: Smart Nathan , Briggeman Brian C. , Tack Jesse , Perry Edward
Published: April 2019

A challenge for many U.S. grain marketing and farm supply cooperatives is ensuring that exceptional growth rates are sustainable in the long run. Growing too rapidly can sacrifice financial soundness, causing a business to effectively grow broke. The objective of this study is to examine whether or not U.S. grain marketing and farm supply cooperatives are able to manage their recent growth. To do so, we apply the sustainable growth rate (SGR) and sustainable growth challenge (SGC) metrics to a unique panel data set of United States cooperatives. Examining the SGRs for these cooperatives suggests that positive net profit margins are key to positive growth. When actual growth exceeds sustainable growth, most cooperatives are able to rapidly alleviate this difference through increasing leverage or operational efficiency. However, some cooperatives face more persistent growth challenges and are thus the most at risk of growing broke. Large cooperatives and cooperatives more dependent on farm supply sales rely heavily on leverage for managing growth.
Direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists after recent ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Seiffge David J. , Paciaroni Maurizio , Wilson Duncan , Koga Masatoshi , Macha Kosmas , Cappellari Manuel , Schaedelin Sabine , Shakeshaft Clare , Takagi Masahito , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Bonetti Bruno , Kallmünzer Bernd , Arihiro Shoji , Alberti Andrea , Polymeris Alexandros A. , Ambler Gareth , Yoshimura Sohei , Venti Michele , Bonati Leo H. , Muir Keith W. , Yamagami Hiroshi , Thilemann Sebastian , Altavilla Riccardo , Peters Nils , Inoue Manabu , Bobinger Tobias , Agnelli Giancarlo , Brown Martin M. , Sato Shoichiro , Acciarresi Monica , Jager Hans Rolf , Bovi Paolo , Schwab Stefan , Lyrer Philippe , Caso Valeria , Toyoda Kazunori , Werring David J. , Engelter Stefan T. , De Marchis Gian Marco ,   on behalf of the CROMIS‐2, RAF, RAF‐DOAC, SAMURAI, NOACISP LONGTERM, Erlangen and Verona registry collaborators
Published: April 2019

Objective

We compared outcomes after treatment with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and a recent cerebral ischemia.

Methods

We conducted an individual patient data analysis of seven prospective cohort studies. We included patients with AF and a recent cerebral ischemia (<3 months before starting oral anticoagulation) and a minimum follow‐up of 3 months. We analyzed the association between type of anticoagulation (DOAC versus VKA) with the composite primary endpoint (recurrent ischemic stroke [AIS], intracerebral hemorrhage [ICH], or mortality) using mixed‐effects Cox proportional hazards regression models; we calculated adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results

We included 4,912 patients (median age, 78 years [interquartile range {IQR}, 71–84]; 2,331 [47.5%] women; median National Institute of Health Stroke Severity Scale at onset, 5 [IQR, 2–12]); 2,256 (45.9%) patients received VKAs and 2,656 (54.1%) DOACs. Median time from index event to starting oral anticoagulation was 5 days (IQR, 2–14) for VKAs and 5 days (IQR, 2–11) for DOACs (p = 0.53). There were 262 acute ischemic strokes (AISs; 4.4%/year), 71 intracranial hemorrrhages (ICHs; 1.2%/year), and 439 deaths (7.4%/year) during the total follow‐up of 5,970 patient‐years. Compared to VKAs, DOAC treatment was associated with reduced risks of the composite endpoint (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.67–1.00; p = 0.05) and ICH (HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.24–0.71; p < 0.01); we found no differences for the risk of recurrent AIS (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.70–1.19; p = 0.5) and mortality (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.68–1.03; p = 0.09).

Interpretation

DOAC treatment commenced early after recent cerebral ischemia related to AF was associated with reduced risk of poor clinical outcomes compared to VKA, mainly attributed to lower risks of ICH. ANN NEUROL 2019;85:823–834.
Mechanistic Insight into the Reaction of Organic Acids with SO3 at the Air–Water Interface
Authors: Zhong Jie , Li Hao , Kumar Manoj , Liu Jiarong , Liu Ling , Zhang Xiuhui , Zeng Xiao Cheng , Francisco Joseph S.
Published: April 2019

The gas‐phase reaction of organic acids with SO3 has been recognized as essential in promoting aerosol‐particle formation. However, at the air–water interface, this reaction is much less understood. We performed systematic Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (BOMD) simulations to study the reaction of various organic acids with SO3 on a water droplet. The results show that with the involvement of interfacial water molecules, organic acids can react with SO3 and form the ion pair of sulfuric‐carboxylic anhydride and hydronium. This mechanism is in contrast to the gas‐phase reaction mechanisms in which the organic acid either serves as a catalyst for the reaction between SO3 and H2O or reacts with SO3 directly. The distinct reaction at the water surface has important atmospheric implications, for example, promoting water condensation, uptaking atmospheric condesation species, and incorporating “SO42−” into organic species in aerosol particles. Therefore, this reaction, typically occurring within a few picoseconds, provides another pathway towards aerosol formation.
Negative Charging of Au Nanoparticles during Methanol Synthesis from CO2/H2 on a Au/ZnO Catalyst: Insights from Operando IR and Near‐Ambient‐Pressure XPS and XAS Measurements
Authors: Abdel‐Mageed Ali M. , Klyushin Alexander , Rezvani Azita , Knop‐Gericke Axel , Schlögl Robert , Behm R. Jürgen
Published: April 2019

The electronic and structural properties of Au/ZnO under industrial and idealized methanol synthesis conditions have been investigated. This was achieved by kinetic measurements in combination with time‐resolved operando infrared (DRIFTS) as well as in situ near‐ambient pressure X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP‐XPS) and X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy (XANES) measurements at the O K‐edge together with high‐resolution electron microscopy. The adsorption of CO during the reaction revealed the presence of negatively charged Au nanoparticles/Au sites during the initial phase of the reaction. Near‐ambient‐pressure XPS and XANES demonstrate the build‐up of O vacancies during the reaction, which goes along with a substantial increase in the rate of methanol formation. The results are discussed in comparison with previous findings for Cu/ZnO and Au/ZnO catalysts.
Synthesis of absorbent polymer films made from fatty acid methyl esters, glycerol, and glutaric acid: Thermal, mechanical, and porosity analyses
Authors: Boakye Prince G. , Jones Kerby C. , Latona Nicholas P. , Liu Cheng‐Kung , Strahan Gary , Zhang Jianwei , Besong Samuel A. , Lumor Stephen E. , Wyatt Victor T.
Published: April 2019

In previous studies, monoglycerides (MGs) were incorporated into the matrix of poly(glutaric acid–glycerol) films to investigate their effect on the thermal, mechanical, and solvent absorption properties of the resultant films. In this study, the same properties were monitored when fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) were added to the polymer film formulation. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that, while the decomposition profile of the FAME and MG‐infused films were different, the final decomposition temperatures were similar for both film types at approximately 400 °C. Degree of branching (DB%) was calculated from nuclear magnetic resonance data and was used to examine the effect of DB% on the mechanical and absorption properties of the films. Experimental results did not show any correlation with DB% and any of the physical, chemical, mechanical, or thermal properties studied. Relative to the poly(glycerol–glutaric acid) control, the incorporation of MG into the polymer matrix resulted in improved % absorption but decreased the mechanical property values. Conversely, adding FAME into the matrix improved the mechanical property values; however, there was no significant change in the % absorption values relative to the control. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47822.