bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increase of the Serum FGF-23 in Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament
Authors: Kawaguchi Yoshiharu , Kitajima Isao , Nakano Masato , Yasuda Taketoshi , Seki Shoji , Suzuki Kayo , Yahara Yasuhito , Makino Hiroto , Ujihara Yasuhiro , Ueno Tomohiro , Kimura Tomoatsu
Published: September 2018

Study Design:

Case-control study.

Objectives:

To determine the possible pathogenesis of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in regard to the serum concentration of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23).

Methods:

The study included 95 patients with OPLL and a control group of 73 age- and sex-matched volunteers. The serum concentrations of FGF-23, creatinine (Cre), alkaline phosphatase, calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphate (Pi), and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were analyzed from blood samples, and Cre, Ca, Pi, and tubular reabsorption of phosphate were measured using urine samples. We evaluated the severity of ossified spinal lesions in patients with OPLL according to the ossification index (the OP index and the OS index). Data was compared between the OPLL and control group and between the OPLL progression and no progression group.

Results:

Serum FGF-23 and hs-CRP were higher, and serum Pi was lower in patients with OPLL than in the controls. There was a positive correlation between FGF-23 and hs-CRP and a negative correlation between serum Pi and the OS index; however, the correlations were very weak. Overall, 31.7% of patients had progression of OPLL during follow-up. FGF-23 and hs-CRP were higher in the progression group than in the no progression group.

Conclusions:

These results might indicate that FGF-23 and hs-CRP are positive markers for OPLL. Phosphate metabolism via FGF-23 might be a target for future study on the pathogenesis of OPLL.
Surgical Trend Analysis for Use of Cement Augmented Pedicle Screws in Osteoporosis of Spine: A Systematic Review (2000-2017)
Authors: Singh Vishwajeet , Mahajan Rajat , Das Kalidutta , Chhabra Harvinder Singh , Rustagi Tarush
Published: September 2018

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Objectives:

(1) Study indications for cement-augmented pedicle screws (CAPS) in patients with osteoporosis. Have they changed over the years (2000-2017)? Are there any differences in usage of CAPS based on the geographical region? (2) What were the outcome of the studies? (3) What are the complications associated with this technique?

Methods:

Electronic database and reference list of desired articles were searched from the database (2000-2017). Articles were selected discussing indications, clinical and radiological outcomes, and complications in cases of preexistent osteoporosis treated surgically using CAPS.

Results:

Seventeen studies were identified; 3 were comparative studies and had a control arm (cemented vs noncemented screws). Most studies originated from Europe (10) or Asia (7). Painful vertebral fracture with or without neurological deficit, Kummell’s lesion, deformity and failure to respond to conservative treatment are the common indications for cement augmentation. Visual analogue scale score was the most commonly used to assess pain and average improvement after surgery was 6.1. Average improvement in kyphosis was 13.21° and average loss of correction at the end of the study was 3°. Cement leak was the most common complication observed and pulmonary cement embolism was the most dreaded complication. Nevertheless, majority of cement leaks discussed in studies were asymptomatic.

Conclusion:

CAPS are being increasingly used in osteoporotic spine. Pain scores, functional quality of life, and neurological function indices were studied. CAPS improved anchorage in osteoporotic vertebra and helped improve/maintain clinical and radiological improvement. Common risks of cement leak were observed.
Relationship between Liquidity and Profitability: An Exploratory Study of SMEs in India
Authors: Mohanty Birajit , Mehrotra Shweta
Published: September 2018

In today’s dynamic business environment, survival of the organization is more uncertain even though the companies are earning profit, unless they have a robust financial management system. Among these liquidity management is basically considered as life line for any economic unit and its management is considered as the most important functions of corporate management. The trade-off between the company’s liquidity and the profitability has been an interesting debate in financial management. Theoretically, the liquidity management decisions of any company affect profitability. Bearing in mind this notion, this article makes a modest attempt to investigate the relationship between liquidity and profitability in 28 Bombay Stock Exchange listed and traded small and medium enterprises (SMEs) between 2011 and 2016. The correlation analysis showed that the relationships between liquidity ratios and performance of SMEs are negative but not significant. The results from the pooled regression analysis showed that there is a significant effect of liquidity management on profitability of selected SMEs. Further, the result also showed negative association between profitability measures (net profit margin, return on assets, and return on capital employed) and the explanatory variables (current ratio, quick ratio, and cash ratio) in selected SMEs. Market capitalization, sales growth rate, and financial debt ratio were used as control variables in this study.
Determinants of Total Factor Productivity in Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Turkey (1980–2014)
Authors: Olomola Phillip Akanni , Osinubi Tolulope Temilola
Published: September 2018

This study analyzed the macroeconomic and institutional determinants of total factor productivity (TFP) in the MINT (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Turkey) countries during the period 1980–2014. Annual data covering the period between 1980 and 2014 were used. Data on real gross domestic product (real GDP), labor force, gross fixed capital formation, foreign direct investment (FDI), human capital, and inflation were sourced from the World Development Indicators published by the World Bank. Also, data on corruption, government stability, and law and order were obtained from the database of International Country Risk Guide. Panel autoregressive distributed lag (PARDL) regression technique was used to estimate the model. Results showed that TFP growth rate declined on average by 1.4 per cent and 1.8 per cent in Mexico and Turkey, respectively, while Indonesia and Nigeria did not experience productivity growth on the average. Results also showed that in the long run, human capital and government stability had positive and significant effects on TFP, while FDI and corruption had negative but significant effects on TFP. In the short run, there existed a significant negative relationship between TFP and inflation. However, the effects of human capital and corruption on TFP were positive and significant. The study concluded that human capital and corruption were key drivers of TFP in the MINT countries both in the long run and short run.
‘I felt closed in and like I couldn’t breathe’: A qualitative study exploring the mainstream educational experiences of autistic young people
Authors: Goodall Craig
Published: September 2018

Background and aim

More autistic young people are being educated in mainstream schools. While existing research suggests that the outcomes of mainstream inclusion are mixed for autistic young people, few studies have examined their views and experiences directly. This article discusses the educational experiences of 12 autistic young people (aged 11–17 years) from their perspectives and how education could be improved to better support the others with autism.

Methods

A flexible qualitative participatory approach was used which incorporated a range of methods, including individual semi-structured interviews, diamond ranking activities and draw-and-tell activities. A Children’s Research Advisory Group (CRAG) advised on the methods used and matters to be explored.

Results

The young people offered insights into how education has been for them in mainstream school, mostly negative, but with islets of positive experience. Several described themselves as being socially, emotionally and physically isolated from peers, with loneliness and bullying experienced by some. Participants felt unsupported and misunderstood by teachers within a social and sensory environment that was antithetical to their needs. Some spoke of the dread they felt before and during school and the negative impact their experiences in mainstream has had on their wellbeing. Many participants suggested simple strategies and curriculum adaptations that they felt would have helped make their time at mainstream more successful. These include having more breaks, smaller class sizes, less homework, instructions broken down, safe places to use when anxious and teachers who listen to their concerns and take account of their needs. In short they want to be understood, supported and included.

Conclusions

There exists scope to better support autistic young people in mainstream education, as evidenced by the literature and the participants in this paper. The participants demonstrate that mainstream is not working for all and that changes, such as smaller class sizes, flexible pedagogy and understanding could improve education for autistic learners.

Implications

Autistic young people can and should be central to the discussion on school improvement. They also show that being academically able for mainstream school should not be the only aspect when deciding on the suitability of mainstream school for meeting their needs. The young person’s social and emotional wellbeing must be considered to ensure they can flourish, and not flounder.
Investigating unilateral pleural effusions: the role of cytology
Authors: Arnold David T. , De Fonseka Duneesha , Perry Siobhan , Morley Anna , Harvey John E. , Medford Andrew , Brett Mary , Maskell Nick A.
Published: September 2018

The vast majority of undiagnosed unilateral pleural effusions have fluid sent for cytological analysis. Despite widespread use, there is uncertainty about its sensitivity to diagnose malignant pleural effusions (MPEs). Our aim was to ascertain the utility of cytology using a large prospective cohort.

Consecutive patients presenting with an undiagnosed unilateral pleural effusion were recruited to this UK-based study. All had pleural fluid sent for cytological analysis. Cytological sensitivity was based on the final diagnosis at 12 months, confirmed by two consultants.

Over 8 years, 921 patients were recruited, of which 515 had a MPE. Overall sensitivity of fluid cytology to diagnose malignancy was 46% (95% CI 42–58%). There was variation in sensitivity depending on cancer primary, with mesothelioma (6%) and haematological malignancies (40%) being significantly lower than adenocarcinomas (79%). MPEs secondary to ovarian cancer had high pick-up rates (95%). In asbestos-exposed males with exudative effusions, the risk of MPE was 60%, but cytological sensitivity was 11%.

This is the largest prospective study of pleural fluid cytology and informs discussions with patients about the likely requirement for investigations following thoracentesis. In patients presenting with a clinical suspicion of mesothelioma, cytological sensitivity is low, so more definitive investigations could be performed sooner.
Improved Survival by Adding Lomustine to Conventional Chemotherapy for Elderly Patients With AML Without Unfavorable Cytogenetics: Results of the LAM-SA 2007 FILO Trial
Authors: Pigneux Arnaud , Béné Marie C. , Salmi Louis-Rachid , Dumas Pierre-Yves , Delaunay Jacques , Bonmati Caroline , Guièze Romain , Luquet Isabelle , Cornillet-Lefebvre Pascale , Delabesse Eric , Ianotto Jean-Christophe , Ojeda-Uribe Mario , Hunault Mathilde , Banos Anne , Fornecker Luc Matthieu , Bernard Marc , Jourdan Eric , Vey Norbert , Zerazhi Hacene , Hishri Yosr , Mineur Ariane , Asselineau Julien , Delepine Roselyne , Cahn Jean-Yves , Ifrah Norbert , Récher Christian ,   on behalf of the French Innovative Leukemia Organization
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in elderly patients has a poor prognosis. In an attempt to improve outcome for these patients, the prospective open-label phase III LAM-SA 2007 (Adding Lomustine to Chemotherapy in Older Patients With Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), and Allogeneic Transplantation for Patients From 60 to 65 Years Old) trial randomly assigned patients to a standard induction regimen with lomustine added or to a consolidation regimen with cytarabine and idarubicin.

Patients and Methods

Adults age 60 years or older with previously untreated AML who were fit to receive intensive chemotherapy and who were without unfavorable cytogenetics received standard chemotherapy with lomustine (idarubicin, cytarabine, and lomustine [ICL]) or without (idarubicin and cytarabine [IC]). The primary objective of the study was overall survival (OS); secondary objectives were response rate, cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR), event-free survival (EFS), and safety.

Results

From February 2008 to December 2011, 459 patients were enrolled. Comparing patients in the IC and ICL arms, complete response or complete response with incomplete recovery was achieved in 74.9% versus 84.7% ( P = .01). The proportional hazards assumption was rejected for OS ( P = .02), which led us to consider two separate time intervals: during and after induction. There was no significant difference between the two arms during induction, although induction deaths were 3.7% versus 7.7%, respectively ( P = .11). However, significantly better results were observed after induction with an improved 2-year OS of 56% in the ICL arm versus 48% in the IC arm ( P = .02). At 2 years, EFS was improved at 41% in the ICL arm versus 26% in the IC arm ( P = .01). The CIR at 2 years was 41.2% in the ICL arm versus 60.9% in the IC arm ( P = .003). Grade 3 and 4 toxicities, mostly hematologic, were significantly higher in the ICL arm ( P = .04), and fewer patients required a second treatment after ICL.

Conclusion

Adding lomustine to standard chemotherapy significantly improved the outcome of elderly patients with AML.
CD151 regulates expression of FGFR2 in breast cancer cells via PKC-dependent pathways
Authors: Sadej Rafal , Lu Xiaohong , Turczyk Lukasz , Novitskaya Vera , Lopez-Clavijo Andrea F. , Kordek Radzisław , Potemski Piotr , Wakelam Michael J. O. , Romanska-Knight Hanna , Berditchevski Fedor
Published: September 2018

Expression of the tetraspanin CD151 is frequently upregulated in epithelial malignancies and correlates with poor prognosis. Here, we report that CD151 is involved in regulation of the expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2). Depletion of CD151 in breast cancer cells resulted in an increased level of FGFR2. Accordingly, an inverse correlation between CD151 and FGFR2 was observed in breast cancer tissues. CD151-dependent regulation of the FGFR2 expression relies on post-transcriptional mechanisms involving HuR (also known as ELAVL1), a multifunctional RNA-binding protein, and the assembly of processing bodies (P-bodies). Depletion of CD151 correlated with inhibition of PKC, a well-established downstream target of CD151. Accordingly, the levels of dialcylglycerol species were decreased in CD151-negative cells, and inhibition of PKC resulted in the increased expression of FGFR2. Whereas expression of FGFR2 itself did not correlate with any of the clinicopathological data, we found that FGFR2−/CD151+ patients were more likely to have developed lymph node metastasis. Conversely, FGFR2−/CD151− patients demonstrated better overall survival. These results illustrate functional interdependency between CD151 complexes and FGFR2, and suggest a previously unsuspected role of CD151 in breast tumorigenesis.
Housing Booms and Busts, Labor Market Opportunities, and College Attendance
Authors: Charles Kerwin Kofi , Hurst Erik , Notowidigdo Matthew J.
Published: September 2018

We study how the recent housing boom and bust affected college enrollment during the 2000s. We exploit cross-city variation in local housing booms, which improved labor market opportunities for young men and women. We find that the boom lowered college enrollment, with effects concentrated at two-year colleges. The decline in enrollment during the boom was generally reversed during the bust; however, attainment remains persistently low for particular cohorts, suggesting that reduced educational attainment is an enduring effect of the recent housing cycle. The housing boom can account for approximately 25 percent of the recent slowdown in college attainment. (JEL I23, I25, J24, J31, R21, R31)
Adolescent THC exposure does not sensitize conditioned place preferences to subthreshold d-amphetamine in male and female rats
Authors: Keeley Robin J , Bye Cameron , Trow Jan , McDonald Robert J
Published: September 2018

The acute effects of marijuana consumption on brain physiology and behaviour are well documented, but the long-term effects of its chronic use are less well known. Chronic marijuana use during adolescence is of increased interest, given that the majority of individuals first use marijuana during this developmental stage , and  adolescent marijuana use is thought to increase the susceptibility to abusing other drugs when exposed later in life. It is possible that marijuana use during critical periods in adolescence could lead to increased sensitivity to other drugs of abuse later on. To test this, we chronically administered ∆ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to male and female Long-Evans (LER) and Wistar (WR) rats directly after puberty onset. Rats matured to postnatal day 90 before being exposed to a conditioned place preference task (CPP). A subthreshold dose of d-amphetamine, found not to induce place preference in drug naïve rats, was used as the unconditioned stimulus. The effect of d-amphetamine on neural activity was inferred by quantifying cfos expression in the nucleus accumbens and dorsal hippocampus following CPP training. Chronic exposure to THC post-puberty had no potentiating effect on a subthreshold dose of d-amphetamine to induce CPP. No differences in cfos expression were observed. These results show that chronic exposure to THC during puberty did not increase sensitivity to a sub-threshold dose of d-amphetamine in adult LER and WR rats. This supports the concept that THC may not sensitize the response to all drugs of abuse.
Chronic oedema and the older person
Authors: Cooper-Stanton Garry
Published: September 2018

Chronic oedema (CO) and lymphoedema (LO) are long-term conditions that can become more complicated or are more likely to develop with age. The ageing process can involve alterations in the structures that support the normal function of the lymphatic system or put it at greater risk of damage. The main three components (skin care, exercise and compression therapy) within the management of CO/LO can become more difficult to apply with age. This is because of reduced healing rates, decreased cardiovascular capacity and deterioration in vascular and arterial structures. The impact of ageing and how this can affect patients and treatment outcomes requires careful consideration.
The fine art of doing nothing
Authors: Sharma Priya
Published: September 2018

Simple life changes can often have the most profound impact. Priya Sharma investigates the evidence supporting the practice of mindfulness
An update on discoloured teeth and bleaching part 2: mechanism of action of bleaching agents and management of discoloured teeth
Authors: Dubal Raj , Porter Richard WJ
Published: September 2018

Abstract:

The term ‘discoloured teeth’ describes a very broad array of clinical manifestations which can result from an equally broad list of aetiologies. The ability to assess and diagnose the cause accurately allows clinicians to prescribe and execute the appropriate treatment modality and avoid disappointing outcomes and potential overtreatment. This article aims to provide an overview of the current legislation related to dental bleaching, the mechanism of action of bleaching agents and an update regarding the techniques which are at practitioners' disposal for managing different clinical challenges. The potential risks and complications related to bleaching are presented.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: A sound understanding of the different bleaching materials and techniques available and their appropriate application are essential in helping clinicians to provide appropriate, safe and effective treatment modalities.
The surgical removal of an impacted canine: diagnosis, investigations and technique
Authors: Rahman Zarish , Azam Hamnah , Ahmed Bilal
Published: September 2018

Abstract:

Impacted canines occur in 1.7% of the population. These cases may be seen in general practice for further referral to an orthodontist or oral surgeon. Diagnosis often involves clinical examination, palpation and radiographic imaging to ascertain the location and association with anatomical structures. By using a clinical case, this paper aims to demonstrate one conservative way of managing the removal of impacted maxillary canines.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Canine impactions can cause resorption to adjacent teeth. They may require orthodontic traction to be brought into alignment but in some cases surgical removal is necessary.
Politics and palliative care: Rwanda
Authors: Smyth Dion
Published: September 2018

Dion Smyth's review of palliative nursing on the internet
Inverse matrix based phase estimation algorithm for structured illumination microscopy
Authors: Cao Ruizhi , Chen Youhua , Liu Wenjie , Zhu Dazhao , Kuang Cuifang , Xu Yingke , Liu Xu
Published: September 2018

The fast imaging speed and low-intensity requirement of structured illumination microscopy (SIM) have made it one of the most widely used imaging tools in live cell imaging. In order to obtain a high fidelity reconstructed image, a precise estimation of the phase of the illumination pattern is required, especially in those structured illumination based techniques that rely on high-order harmonics to improve the resolution. This can be achieved in one of two fundamental ways. The first is to build a high-end control system capable of shifting a sinusoidal pattern with high precision, while the second is to apply estimation algorithms to determine how patterns shift during post-processing. The latter method is preferred in low-cost super-resolution imaging systems; however, existing algorithms are either time-consuming or fail due to noise and a low modulation depth. In this paper, we introduce additional matrixes into the phase estimation algorithm and propose an inverse matrix based phase estimation method with which analytical solutions of the phases can be determined without iteration. The proposed algorithm was validated via simulation and experiments using a home-made total internal reflection fluorescent SIM system (TIRF-SIM). When tested, the method obtained the true phase even when the modulation depth was low. The source code is now available for download by researchers and others.
Stabilization of Plasma Glucose: The Use of Newer Technology and Pragmatic Laboratory Practice
Authors: Coward Stephen M , O'Neill Fiona C , McAdam Leanne , Reilly Lynsey , McKeeman Gareth C
Published: September 2018

Background

The target values for plasma glucose concentrations for the investigation and diagnosis of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose, and the realization that small incremental changes in glucose concentration increase the risk of adverse events, has led to greater focus on laboratory glucose results. Although analytical methods show acceptable precision, the control of preanalytical error due to the stability of glucose remains problematic. The aim of this study was to compare glucose concentrations in 3 different and commercially available blood tubes, with analysis and storage under current practices and conditions.

Methods

Blood samples for glucose were obtained from consenting patients attending the Diabetic Clinic at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. Blood was collected into BD Vacutainer® Barricor™ Lithium Heparin tubes, BD Vacutainer Fluoride EDTA tubes, and Greiner Vacuette® FC-Mix (sodium fluoride/citrate/Na2EDTA) tubes in that order. The Barricor tubes were immediately centrifuged at 4000g for 3 min. All samples were then sent to the Biochemistry Laboratory for analysis on the same day, and again the following day after storage at 4 °C.

Results

There was no significant difference in mean glucose concentrations between immediately centrifuged Barricor and FC-Mix tubes when analyzed on day 0. Both tube types demonstrated higher mean glucose concentrations than traditional fluoride EDTA (F/EDTA) samples.

Conclusions

Both immediately separated Barricor and citrated FC-Mix plasma preserve glucose concentrations to the same extent, and better than F/EDTA preservative. These newer technologies involved offer pragmatic solutions to improved glucose analysis, allowing laboratories to choose the best option given the source of their samples.
Personality profile of successful entrepreneurs
Authors: Setia Shinta
Published: September 2018

Working as entrepreneurs has become popular in Indonesia in recent years. The reason is not only they are deemed to be as a hero by the society, but also they are seen as an alternative career by young generation. This is due to their being quite attractive in terms of time flexibility as well as their potential income.Â  People have seen a fact that job opportunities and the competition in the market are getting more and more competition. Therefore, entrepreneurs seem to be an alternative promising career, Supported by modern technology, e-commerce era, digital life style have indeed provided more positive hopes being an entrepreneur, The objective of this research is to examine the influence of personality towards successful entrepreneur. The personality of entrepreneur is based on The Big Five Model of Personality translating personality into 5 different profiles: conscientiousness, openness to experience, extraversion, agreeableness and emotional stability. Sample of this research are 39 successful entrepreneurs, measured by its business growth, profit and turnover growth, employment growth, and length of company's survival. Result indicated that 1 out of 5 personality dimensions: conscientiousness showed the strongest significant correlation to successful entrepreneurs.Â
Aesthetic Experience in Virtual Museums: A Postphenomenological Perspective
Authors: Moens Bart G.
Published: September 2018

This article explores the impact of the digitization of traditional works of art on the aesthetic experience from a philosophical point of view. Presenting and making use of a recent approach in the philosophy of technology, initiated by the American philosopher Don Ihde, called postphenomenology. This hybrid form of phenomenology builds on traditional phenomenology and combines it with a pragmatic approach in order to focus on the mediating roles of technology. Concrete technologies and applications such as screens and virtual museums are the starting point for our examination of the specific character of these digital media, which are then compared with their physical referents. Following Ihde’s arguments, we show that digital image technologies, and digital images themselves, are not merely functional, but shape perceptions and experiences. Although currently the positive effects and opportunities of these new applications are emphasized in the field – for collection management, the democratization and accessibility of art, possibilities to interact and intervene in the image, efficient marketing, etc. – they do have a significant impact on the way in which art is experienced.
Leached compounds from the extracts of pomegranate peel, green coconut shell, and karuvelam wood for the removal of hexavalent chromium
Authors: Abdul Salam Femina , Narayanan Anantharaman
Published: September 2018

During biosorption, the biosorbent releases many organic compounds to the medium. In the present study, extracts of pomegranate peel (PP), green coconut shell (GCS), and karuvelam wood (KW) were prepared at three different conditions, namely 12 h, 3 h, and 3 h at pH 2, for the removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)]. The amount of organic compounds, mainly the leached organic compounds in the extract before and after treatment with Cr(VI) solution, was determined by chemical oxygen demand analysis. The total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and total flavonoid content were used to estimate the chromium reduction potential of the extracts. The PP extract is the richest in all the three factors, followed by GCS and KW. The disappearance rate of Cr(VI) in the presence of PP extract reached 99.63% for the 50 mg/l concentration within 3 min, while it was 12% and 10% for GCS and KW, respectively, for the same concentration and time. Reaction mechanisms were formulated with the help of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to confirm the role of leached compounds from natural materials for the removal of heavy metal.
An efficient green synthesis of novel 1H-imidazo[1,2-a]imidazole-3-amine and imidazo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazole-5-amine derivatives via Strecker reaction under controlled microwave heating
Authors: Sadek Kamal Usef , Abdel-Hameed Afaf Mohamed , Abdelnabi Hisham A. , Meleigy Yasser
Published: September 2018

A highly efficient multi-component one-pot synthesis of novel 1H-imidazo[1,2-a]imidazole-3-amine and imidazo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazole-5-amine derivatives has been developed through the reaction of easily available aromatic aldehydes, benzoyl cyanide and either 2-aminoimidazole-4,5-dicarbonitrile or 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole in pyridine under controlled microwave heating. The process is environmentally friendly, is operationally simple, with short reaction time and with high yields.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from lauan (
Shorea
ssp.) plyboard prepared with kraft lignin, soy flour, gluten meal and tannin: emissions during hot pressing and from panels as a function of time
Authors: Grigsby Warren , Tohmura Shin-ichiro , Miyamoto Kohta
Published: September 2018

Soy and corn gluten proteins are common ingredients in adhesives and resins together with kraft lignin and condensed tannin. The relative contribution of these additives to volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in the course of processing hardwood veneer products was evaluated. Press emissions were captured and separated into condensate and gaseous fractions. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to characterize aldehydes in condensate and gaseous fractions, while GCMS served for identification and quantitative determination of the compounds in the gas phase. Aldehydes dominate the press emissions with both proteinaceous binders producing significantly higher formaldehyde (FA), acetaldehyde (AcA) and hexaldehyde (hexA) emissions compared to pressed veneer without additives. Other aldehydes, including valeraldehyde and propionaldehyde were also captured, but in relatively lower amounts. In contrast, lignin as a binder led to lower FA content in press emissions, whereas tannin significantly reduced contributions of FA, AcA and other aldehydes. VOC emissions from plywood panels during chamber testing were similar to compounds evolved on hot-pressing.
Current insights and future perspectives of hypoxia-inducible factor-targeted therapy in cancer
Authors: Ajith Thekkuttuparambil A.
Published: September 2018

Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are transcription factors that are expressed in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. They are involved in the cellular adaptations by improving the metabolism of glucose and enhance the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor and angiopoietin, thereby they play a pivotal role in the angiogenesis. Hypoxia can increase the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B which promotes the pro-inflammatory status. Abnormally high angiogenesis, inflammation, antiapoptosis and anaerobic glycolysis can augment the progression and metastasis of tumor. Hence, HIFs remain one of the promising antiangiogenic agents as well as a direct target for interfering with the energetic of cancer cells in order to regulate the tumor growth. Previous studies found agents like topotecan, acriflavine and benzophenone-1B etc. to block the HIF-α mediated angiogenesis. The effect is mediated through interfering any one of the processes in the activation of HIF such as nuclear translocation of HIF-1α; dimerization of HIF-1α with β in the nucleus; HIF-1α/HIF-2α mediated induction of VEGF or translation of HIF-1α mRNA. Despite the experimental studies on the inhibitory molecules of HIFs, none of them are available for the clinical use. This review article discusses the recent update on the HIF-targeted therapy in cancer.
Saliva and serum ghrelin and obestatin in iron deficiency anemia patients
Authors: Ugur Kader , Aydin Suleyman , Donder Emir , Sahin İbrahim , Yardim Meltem , Kalayci Mehmet , Gozel Nevzat , Ulu Ramazan , Dag Muhammed Sait , Sarikaya Murat
Published: September 2018

Background

Serum ghrelin level is also associated with iron deficiency anemia (IDA), but no study has yet been published on the obestatin level in patients with IDA, even though both hormones are a single gene product. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine whether there is a link between IDA and these two hormones among other hematological parameters in patients with IDA.

Methods

To measure ghrelin and obestatin, human saliva and serum were collected from 30 women with IDA and 30 control women with repeated collection of samples over a period of 1 week and 1 month. Saliva and serum ghrelin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Saliva and serum ghrelin and obestatin levels were significantly lower in the IDA group compared with controls; these levels increased slightly above baseline with iron treatment, but remained below the control values. Serum hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin and hematocrit (Hct) levels significantly increased with iron treatment, while total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) decreased compared to baseline concentrations.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that IDA might be linked to imbalance of circulating (serum) and non-circulating (saliva) ghrelin and obestatin levels. Using saliva in place of serum for monitoring the two hormones should minimize inconvenience and patient discomfort.
Rediscovery of Furipterus horrens (Chiroptera: Furipteridae) in Costa Rica
Authors: Alfaro-Lara Henry , Villalobos-Chaves David , Castillo-Gómez José Ivan , Zuñiga-Montero Alfredo F. , Pineda-Lizano Willy
Published: September 2018

Furipterus horrens is a small insectivorous bat with distinct clawless tiny thumbs, and with a patchy geographic distribution in the Neotropics. We report the rediscovery of F. horrens in Costa Rica 44 years after it was first recorded. A colony of 100–130 individuals, each one with the distinctive external and morphological characteristics of the species, was found roosting in the lower parts of the floor of bungalows located in the Sarapiquí area. The rediscovery of this species validates the protection of several rainforest fragments through ecotourism, a modern way to balance human development and biodiversity conservation.
Recent progress in terahertz difference-frequency quantum cascade laser sources
Authors: Fujita Kazuue , Jung Seungyong , Jiang Yifan , Kim Jae Hyun , Nakanishi Atsushi , Ito Akio , Hitaka Masahiro , Edamura Tadataka , Belkin Mikhail A.
Published: September 2018

Terahertz quantum cascade laser (QCL) sources based on intra-cavity difference frequency generation are currently the only electrically pumped monolithic semiconductor light sources operating at room temperature in the 1–6-THz spectral range. Relying on the active regions with the giant second-order nonlinear susceptibility and the Cherenkov phase-matching scheme, these devices demonstrated drastic improvements in performance in the past several years and can now produce narrow-linewidth single-mode terahertz emission that is tunable from 1 to 6 THz with power output sufficient for imaging and spectroscopic applications. This paper reviews the progress of this technology. Recent efforts in wave function engineering using a new active region design based on a dual-upper-state concept led to a significant enhancement of the optical nonlinearity of the active region for efficient terahertz generation. The transfer of Cherenkov devices from their native semi-insulating InP substrates to high-resistivity silicon substrates resulted in a dramatic improvement in the outcoupling efficiency of terahertz radiation. Cherenkov terahertz QCL sources based on the dual-upper-state design have also been shown to exhibit ultra-broadband comb-like terahertz emission spectra with more than one octave of terahertz frequency span. The broadband terahertz QCL sources operating in continuous-wave mode produces the narrow inter-mode beat-note linewidth of 287 Hz, which indicates frequency comb operation of mid-infrared pumps and thus supports potential terahertz comb operation. Finally, we report the high-quality terahertz imaging obtained by a THz imaging system using terahertz QCL sources based on intra-cavity difference frequency generation.
Crystal structure of ethyl 2-amino-4-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-5-oxo-4H,5H-pyrano[3,2-c] chromene-3-carboxylate, C21H15F2NO5
Authors: Li Jingwei , Nie Xingyu , Fan Hao , Wu Xuejiao , Li Xiaonan , He Jieli
Published: September 2018

C18H20BrNO3S, triclinic, P1̄, a = 5.699(3) Å, b = 9.629(4) Å, c = 16.888(2) a, α = 86.51(3)°, β = 84.31(3)°, γ = 81.06(3)°, V = 909.9(7) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0643, wRref
(F2
) = 0.2270, T = 296(2) K.
Crystal structure of 9-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)-3,4,5,6,7,9-hexahydro-1H-xanthene-1,8(2H)-dione, C18H18O3S
Authors: Li Jingwei , Hu Shuai , Zhu Hongjuan , Zhang Xuesha , Xu Ting , He Jieli
Published: September 2018

C18H18O3S, orthorhombic, Cmc21 (no. 36), a = 14.463(3) Å, b = 9.780(5) Å, c = 10.848(4) Å, V = 1534.4(10) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0416, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1132, T = 293(2) K.
Investigation of radiation shielding properties for some ceramics
Authors: Kacal Mustafa R. , Akman Ferdi , Sayyed M. I.
Published: September 2018

In this work, the radiation shielding parameters like mass and linear attenuation coefficient, half value layer, tenth value layer, mean free path, effective atomic number, effective electron density, exposure buildup factor and fast neutron removal cross section were examined for the peridot, aluminum nitride, ruby, yttrium oxide, magnesium silicate, and silicon nitride ceramic samples. Furthermore, the dependence of the effective conductivity on the energy was investigated. The experimental studies were carried out in the photon energy range of 81 keV–1333 keV using a high resolution HPGe detector and six different radioactive sources. The experimental results were validated with the theoretical results and a good agreement was observed for all samples. The yttrium oxide has more shielding effectiveness for γ radiation, while magnesium silicate, aluminum nitride and silicon nitride possess least γ-ray shielding. However, the optimum neutron shielding material is ruby.
Crosstalk between neurokinin receptor signaling and neuroinflammation in neurological disorders
Authors: Eapen Prasanth M. , Rao Chamallamudi Mallikarjuna , Nampoothiri Madhavan
Published: September 2018

The neurokinin 1 receptor with the natural substrate substance P is one of the intensely studied receptors among the neurokinin receptors. The intracellular signaling mechanism uses G protein-coupled transduction regulating various physiological processes from nausea to Alzheimer’s disease. The neurokinin 1 receptor plays a significant role in neuroinflammation-mediated alterations in neural circuitry. Neurokinin 1 receptor antagonists are selective, potent and exhibited efficacy in animal models of nervous system disorders. Evolving data now strengthen the viewpoint of brain substance P/neurokinin 1 receptor axis-mediated action in neural circuit dysfunction. Thus, a deep-rooted analysis of disease mechanism in which the neurokinin 1 receptor is involved is necessary for augmenting disease models which encourage the pharmaceutical industry to intensify the research pipeline. This review is an attempt to outline the concept of neurokinin 1 receptor signaling interlinked to the brain innate immune system. We also uncover the mechanisms of the neurokinin 1 receptor involved in neurological disorder and various methods of modulating the neurokinin 1 receptor, which may result in therapeutic action.
Die SPD und El Salvador 1979 bis 1985
Authors: Rother Bernd
Published: September 2018

Vorspann

Konnte es in Zentralamerika einen Weg der Befreiung von repressiven und ausbeuterischen Regimen geben, der nicht in die Geleise der Blockkonfrontation von Ost und West mündete? In El Salvador hielten SPD und Sozialistische Internationale Anfang der 1980er Jahre eine solche progressive Alternative für möglich. Angesichts einer Bürgerkriegsdynamik, bei der ihre Partnerorganisation Movimiento Nacional Revolucionario (MNR) auf Seiten eines Guerillabündnisses stand, das den Aufstand gegen eine Regierung mit christdemokratischer Beteiligung wagte, zogen die Sozialdemokraten indes Kritik seitens der CDU/CSU und der USA auf sich. Bernd Rother analysiert auf einer breiten Quellenbasis das konflikthafte Setting der El Salvador-Politik und die divergierenden Handlungslogiken, die hier aufeinander trafen.
Differential Representation of Articulatory Gestures and Phonemes in Precentral and Inferior Frontal Gyri
Authors: Mugler Emily M. , Tate Matthew C. , Livescu Karen , Templer Jessica W. , Goldrick Matthew A. , Slutzky Marc W.
Published: September 2018

Speech is a critical form of human communication and is central to our daily lives. Yet, despite decades of study, an understanding of the fundamental neural control of speech production remains incomplete. Current theories model speech production as a hierarchy from sentences and phrases down to words, syllables, speech sounds (phonemes), and the actions of vocal tract articulators used to produce speech sounds (articulatory gestures). Here, we investigate the cortical representation of articulatory gestures and phonemes in ventral precentral and inferior frontal gyri in men and women. Our results indicate that ventral precentral cortex represents gestures to a greater extent than phonemes, while inferior frontal cortex represents both gestures and phonemes. These findings suggest that speech production shares a common cortical representation with that of other types of movement, such as arm and hand movements. This has important implications both for our understanding of speech production and for the design of brain–machine interfaces to restore communication to people who cannot speak.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDespite being studied for decades, the production of speech by the brain is not fully understood. In particular, the most elemental parts of speech, speech sounds (phonemes) and the movements of vocal tract articulators used to produce these sounds (articulatory gestures), have both been hypothesized to be encoded in motor cortex. Using direct cortical recordings, we found evidence that primary motor and premotor cortices represent gestures to a greater extent than phonemes. Inferior frontal cortex (part of Broca's area) appears to represent both gestures and phonemes. These findings suggest that speech production shares a similar cortical organizational structure with the movement of other body parts.
A GAL80 Collection To Inhibit GAL4 Transgenes in Drosophila Olfactory Sensory Neurons
Authors: Eliason Jessica , Afify Ali , Potter Christopher , Matsumura lchiro
Published: September 2018

Fruit flies recognize hundreds of ecologically relevant odors and respond appropriately to them. The complexity, redundancy and interconnectedness of the olfactory machinery complicate efforts to pinpoint the functional contributions of any component neuron or receptor to behavior. Some contributions can only be elucidated in flies that carry multiple mutations and transgenes, but the production of such flies is currently labor-intensive and time-consuming. Here, we describe a set of transgenic flies that express the Saccharomyces cerevisiae GAL80 in specific olfactory sensory neurons (OrX-GAL80s). The GAL80s effectively and specifically subtract the activities of GAL4-driven transgenes that impart anatomical and physiological phenotypes. OrX-GAL80s can allow researchers to efficiently activate only one or a few types of functional neurons in an otherwise nonfunctional olfactory background. Such experiments will improve our understanding of the mechanistic connections between odorant inputs and behavioral outputs at the resolution of only a few functional neurons.
Clonación, expresión y evaluación inmunológica de la proteína Omp31 de Brucella melitensis y evaluación de su posible uso para el diagnóstico en brucelosis bovina
Authors: Rosales Rangel Jose David , Castillo Ochoa Annie , Reyna Bello Armando , Serrano Ana Teresa , Fernandez Gomez Rodolfo
Published: September 2018

El diagnóstico serológico de la brucelosis se lleva a cabo por la detección de anticuerpos generados contra el liposacárido “LPS” o extractos bacterianos de células enteras por ELISA o pruebas de aglutinación. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar una proteína recombinante que pueda ser usada en el diagnóstico serológico de la brucelosis bovina. Se escogió el gen de la Omp31 de Brucella melitensis 16M. El gen fue clonado a partir de ADN de B. melitensis. La expresión de la proteína Omp31r se realizó en un sistema de expresión procariota utilizando el vector pET28a y la purificación por cromatografía de afinidad a metales (IMAC). Un ELISA indirecto fue estandarizado utilizando sueros controles de bovinos positivos y negativos. La proteína Omp31r reaccionó con los sueros controles positivos y logró discriminarlos frente a los sueros negativos. La sensibilidad y especificidad del ensayo de ELISA fue de 77.2% y de 90.6%, respectivamente. Este sistema de ELISA indirecto puede ser útil para los diagnósticos rápidos de grandes números de muestras en el diagnóstico de la brucelosis bovina.
Queso de leche de alpaca: una nueva alternativa
Authors: Larico Medina Heinz , Fernández Ruelas Eliseo , Rodrigo Vargas Yésica , Machaca Ticona Pedro , Roque Huanca Bernardo , Sumari Machaca Regina , Chui Betancur Heber , Olarte Daza Ceferino
Published: September 2018

El trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar la posibilidad de elaborar queso a partir de leche de alpaca. Se determinaron las propiedades fisicoquímicas de la leche, así como el rendimiento, composición química y características sensoriales del queso. La leche se obtuvo por ordeño manual de alpacas madres en inicio de lactación con crías en pie, apartadas 12 horas antes del ordeño. En la leche se analizó la densidad, acidez Dornic, grasa Gerber, y se estimaron los sólidos totales y no grasos de la leche. La composición química del queso se determinó por métodos oficiales de la AOAC, y las características sensoriales del queso a través de la prueba hedónica en escala de 1 a 4 con 100 panelistas. La leche fresca presentó una densidad de 1.0469 ± 0.0025, acidez 16.92 ± 1.74 °D, grasa 4.12 ± 0.08%, proteína 6.34 ± 0.41%, sólidos totales 16.84 ± 0.70%, sólidos no grasos 12.72 ± 0.63% y un rendimiento quesero de 21.6 ± 1.9%. La composición química del queso fue humedad 46.5%, ceniza 18.9%, proteína 41.8%, grasa 24.4% (en materia seca). El queso resultó un producto magro, de textura dura y agradable al consumo.