bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Risk Factors of Miscarriage using Advanced Survival Analysis Techniques: Cure Model
Authors: Chibayi John Olives
Published: September 2024

Background: A miscarriage is an abrupt and distressing occurrence that might have adverse consequences for the individual experiencing it. However the risk factors that lead normal pregnancy to a miscarriage are fairly well established. That is, its prevalence and causes is still a subject for continuing investigation. Cox's model and the accelerated failure time model are commonly utilized statistical models to assess the factors associated with spontaneous abortion. These models assume that all patients under surveillance would inevitably experience the event of interest, assuming they are monitored for a sufficiently long period of time. However, it is imperative to recognize that certain subjects may not undergo a comprehensive manifestation of the phenomenon, irrespective of the length of their investigation.
Objectives: To estimate cure fraction of miscarriage and evaluate the effects of covariates on the cure rate, using cure models.
Methods: This study used secondary data collected from 6077 pregnant women who were enrolled for antenatal care in Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital (KCGTRH) in Kakamega county, western Kenya. The study period was from 1 January, 2019 up to 31 October, 2020 and miscarriages were regarded as failures. Cox model and a proportional hazards mixture cure model (PHMC) were utilized to analyze the dataset.
Results: The cure model showed that place of residency ( ), ethnicity: kalenjin ( ), kikuyu ( ) and luo ( ), number of prior miscarriages ( ), number of previous stillbirths ( ), and number of ANC visits ( ) statistically affect cure fraction. However these factors did not affect survival time, apart from the number of ANC visits ( ). The number of previous miscarriages, stillbirths, ANC visits, site of residency, and ethnic groups (Kalenjin, Kikuyu, and Luo) had cure probabilities of 54.9%, 47.1%, 76.1%, 87.2%, 39.3%, 44.9%, and 58.3%, respectively. All analysis was carried out using R software. The level of significance was 5%.
Conclusion: The cure model in this study showed that these factors had effect on long-term survivors. On short-term trends there were little changes. Using the cure model to investigate miscarriage data provided more insights than Cox model analysis.
Adaptation Strategies of Women Rice Farmers in Karnataka: A Critical Perspective on Climate Change
Authors: H. N Sampreetha. , Shankar K. Ravi , Savitha B. , K.R Anand. , Bharath Chinni Venkata Sai
Published: September 2024

Rice is a staple crop in India. However, climate change has a considerable impact on rice production at many growth phases. On the other side, agricultural practices also contribute to about 30 percent of overall greenhouse gas emissions. 18 percent of the total methane is emitted from rice fields. Hence agriculture is both a victim of and a contributor to climate change. Women, especially in poverty, bear a disproportionate burden from climate change consequences. Further, they are major contributors in rice farming. Therefore, an attempt was made to study the adaptation of women rice farmers to climate change through an ex-post facto research design. The study encompassed 120 respondents from two districts in Karnataka. The findings indicated that majority of women farmers exhibited a medium level of adaptation to climate change (53.33%) followed by low (30.00%) and high (16.67%) adaptation. Understanding the profile characteristics of farmers and identifying factors influencing their adaptation emerged as key challenges in this study. Conducting more result demonstrations for showing the worth of improved varieties and technologies to women farmers and increasing the number of female extension officers to ensure higher participation by the women farmers can enhance their adaptation to climate change.
Hepatoprotective Effects of Piperine on Thioacetamide-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats: A Lipid Profile Analysis
Authors: Debbarma Bhaskar , Rani M Usha , Shivakumar P. , Madhuri D. , Kumar K. Satish , Hanuman D D V , Sree K. Vanitha , Ramavtar
Published: September 2024

Piperine is an alkaloid primarily found in the fruits of Piper nigrum L. (black pepper) and Piper longum L. (long pepper), which belong to the Piperaceae family. It is also present in smaller amounts in the roots of these plants. They possesses bio-enhancing properties, has a long history of traditional use in revitalizing the liver and treating various hepatic ailments. Therefore, the current investigation aimed to determine the hepatoprotective potential of Piperine following oral administration in albino rats with liver damage induced by thioacetamide. In this study, thirty rats were divided into five equal groups, each groups containing 6 rats and experimented for eighth weeks. Group I (control): received normal saline @ 0.9 % p.o daily. Group II (diseased): received a single dose of Thioacetamide (TAA@ 150 mg/kg), twice per week. Group III: received Piperine (PIP @ 50 mg/kg b.d wt p.o daily) orally. Group IV: received TAA (@ 150 mg/kg i.p. twice/week) + PIP (@ 50 mg/kg b.d wt p.o daily). Group V (standard group): TAA (@ 150 mg/kg i.p. twice/week) +standard drug (Silymarin @ 50 mg/kg p.o daily). At the end of the experiment (57th day) all rats were sacrificed. The thioacetamide-treated group (group II) exhibited severe changes in the lipid profile parameters (total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and glucose level. Based on the observed results in piperine-treated groups (IV) compared to the thioacetamide group (II), the study suggests piperine’s potential for hepatoprotection against thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity.
Determining the Role of Pharmacist in Cardiovascular Disease-Related Health Promotion and in Hypertension and Dyslipidemia Management: A Cross-Sectional Study in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Razzaq Tabinda , Hanif Raza , Pervaiz Muhammad Haris , Raza Shehzada Muhammad Afaq , Zia Samar , Mahmood Mahgull , Ahsan Muhammad Shahmir , Ahmad Rania , Abdullah Mohammad , Riaz Wasaeia , Fayyaz M. Hassan , Iqbal Muhammad Zahid
Published: September 2024

Background: Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be the primary cause of morbidity and mortality. Conditions including dyslipidemia, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and stroke play a significant role in this regard. Community pharmacists are essential in promoting health, especially when controlling risk factors like dyslipidemia and hypertension. However, little is known about community pharmacists' involvement in these initiatives in Pakistan, especially in Lahore.
Objective: This study aimed to determine how involved community pharmacists in Lahore are in CVD-related health promotion initiatives and to analyze how they manage hypertension and dyslipidemia.
Methods: This study is cross-sectional research conducted from May to August 2024—a self-structured questionnaire validated by experts with a Cronbach's value of 0.7291 is utilized for this study. The sample size was 113, determined by the convenient sampling method. The questionnaire included demographics, participation in cardiovascular health promotion, hypertension care services, and dyslipidemia care services. SPSS version 26 was used for the statistical analysis
Results: In a study of 113 community pharmacists in Lahore, 53.1% were from the age group of 26-35 years, and only 2% were over 45. The study assessed pharmacists' roles in cardiovascular health promotion and management of hypertension and dyslipidemia. Findings revealed that 61.1% of pharmacists consistently counsel patients on healthy lifestyles, while 43.4% regularly educate patients about potential adverse drug reactions. However, only 22.1% of pharmacies offered diagnostic tests for dyslipidemia. The study highlights pharmacists' critical yet varied involvement in cardiovascular disease prevention and management.
Conclusion: In this study, improved behavior was seen by the pharmacists as most of them always provide services to promote health in CVD patients and management of hypertension and dyslipidemia.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of the Farmers towards Antibiotic Usage in Layer Birds in Haryana, India: A Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Khushbu  , Moudgil Pallavi , Jadhav Vijay J. , Soni Deepak , Bangar Yogesh Chandrakant , Kumar Ashish
Published: September 2024

The antibiotic usage practices of poultry farmers have drastically changed over decades in most of the developing countries like India. The present study carried out in 100 layer farms of Haryana, India from March, 2022 to November, 2022 to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of farmers towards antibiotic usage in layer birds using structured questionnaire. The findings suggested that 39 (39%) farmers had correct knowledge, 67 (67%) farmers had positive attitudes and 64 (64%) farmers followed good practices towards antibiotic usage in layer farms. The statistical analysis revealed farmers owning small size farms had 0.12 times lower odds (p<0.01, OR=0.12, 95% CI=0.03-0.55) of positive attitudes than farmers owning large size farms. Further, the farmers who used self-made feeds at their farms had 5.08 times lower odds (p<0.01, OR=5.08, 95% CI=1.49-17.25) of positive attitudes towards antibiotic usage as compared to commercial feed users. An interesting finding of the survey was that farmers who had education level up to 12th grade showed 5.65 times higher odds (p<0.01, OR=5.65, 95% CI=1.52-20.93) of having better knowledge of antibiotic usage than graduate farmers. A high proportion of farmers even used antibiotics without proper consultation with the veterinarian. Thus, the study suggests that farmers owning small sized farms and using self-made feed had positive attitude towards antibiotic usage. Additionally, farmers who had education up to 12th grade showed better knowledge of antibiotic usage. There is a significant gap between farmer's knowledge and attitudes. Lack of strict legislation, restrictions on antibiotic use and farmer's self-prescription of antibiotics to the flock are highly accountable for the increasing antibiotic resistance and production of residues contaminated eggs which is a major threat to public health globally.
Reflexões sobre o Conceito de Ensino em Animais Humanos e Não Humanos a partir de uma Perspectiva Etológica
Authors: de-Sá Bruna , Resende Briseida
Published: September 2024

Our objective in this essay is to discuss the concept of teaching from an expanded perspective that integrates the ethological approach with concepts of niche construction, embodied cognition, and ideas from libertarian pedagogy. Initially, we discuss some of the diff erent defi nitions of teaching and social learning, pointing out that teaching permeates epistemological and ontological issues. Diff erent areas focus on this subject, and generally the defi nitions of teaching are based on the presence of complex cognitive abilities such as intentionality and theory of mind. By this approach, teaching is understood as something uniquely human. In this article we use a bottom-up approach seeking to understand evolutionary origins and shared phenomena between species, thus we present a broader concept of teaching, which can also be applied in contexts involving non-human animals. Even considering broad defi nitions, evidence of teaching in non-human animals remains rare. By integrating diff erent areas, we emphasize the role of interactions between individuals and environment. From these interactions, teaching and learning processes emerge. We argue that deconstructing the classical thinking about cognition, teaching and learning surpasses academic defi nitions, by promoting refl ections on how to conduct experiments and research projects. Thus, new questions and methodologies are encouraged, allowing advances in the study of teaching and learning from diff erent theoretical perspectives and greater communication between disciplines.Keywords:Social learning, cognition, ethology, libertarian pedagogy
The climate response of the Indo‐Pacific warm pool to glacial sea level
Authors: Di Nezio Pedro N. , Timmermann Axel , Tierney Jessica E. , Jin Fei‐Fei , Otto‐Bliesner Bette , Rosenbloom Nan , Mapes Brian , Neale Rich , Ivanovic Ruza F. , Montenegro Alvaro
Published: June 2016

Growing climate proxy evidence suggests that changes in sea level are important drivers of tropical climate change on glacial‐interglacial timescales. These paleodata suggest that rainfall patterns over the Indo‐Pacific warm pool (IPWP) are highly sensitive to the landmass configuration of the Maritime Continent and that lowered sea level contributed to large‐scale drying during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, approximately 21,000 years B.P.). Using the Community Earth System Model Version 1.2 (CESM1), we investigate the mechanisms by which lowered sea level influenced the climate of the IPWP during the LGM. The CESM1 simulations show that, in agreement with previous hypotheses, changes in atmospheric circulation are initiated by the exposure of the Sunda and Sahul shelves. Ocean dynamical processes amplify the changes in atmospheric circulation by increasing the east‐west sea surface temperature (SST) gradient along the equatorial Indian Ocean. The coupled mechanism driving this response is akin to the Bjerknes feedback and results in a large‐scale climatic reorganization over the Indian Ocean with impacts extending from east Africa to the western tropical Pacific. Unlike exposure of the Sunda shelf, exposure of Sahul shelf and the associated changes in surface albedo play a key role because of the positive feedback. This mechanism could explain the pattern of dry (wet) eastern (western) Indian Ocean identified in climate proxies and LGM simulations. However, this response also requires a strengthened SST gradient along the equatorial Indian Ocean, a pattern that is not evident in marine paleoreconstructions. Strategies to resolve this issue are discussed.
Using climate regionalization to understand Climate Forecast System Version 2 (CFSv2) precipitation performance for the Conterminous United States (CONUS)
Authors: Regonda Satish K. , Zaitchik Benjamin F. , Badr Hamada S. , Rodell Matthew
Published: June 2016

Dynamically based seasonal forecasts are prone to systematic spatial biases due to imperfections in the underlying global climate model (GCM). This can result in low‐forecast skill when the GCM misplaces teleconnections or fails to resolve geographic barriers, even if the prediction of large‐scale dynamics is accurate. To characterize and address this issue, this study applies objective climate regionalization to identify discrepancies between the Climate Forecast System Version 2 (CFSv2) and precipitation observations across the Contiguous United States (CONUS). Regionalization shows that CFSv2 1 month forecasts capture the general spatial character of warm season precipitation variability but that forecast regions systematically differ from observation in some transition zones. CFSv2 predictive skill for these misclassified areas is systematically reduced relative to correctly regionalized areas and CONUS as a whole. In these incorrectly regionalized areas, higher skill can be obtained by using a regional‐scale forecast in place of the local grid cell prediction.
Ubiquitous influence of waves on tropical high cirrus clouds
Authors: Kim Ji‐Eun , Alexander M. Joan , Bui T. Paul , Dean‐Day Jonathan M. , Lawson R. Paul , Woods Sarah , Hlavka Dennis , Pfister Leonhard , Jensen Eric J.
Published: May 2016

Cirrus clouds in the tropical tropopause layer (TTL) and water vapor transported into the stratosphere have significant impacts on the global radiation budget and circulation patterns. Climate models, however, have large uncertainties in representing dehydration and cloud processes in the TTL, and thus their feedback on surface climate, prohibiting an accurate projection of future global and regional climate changes. Here we use unprecedented airborne measurements over the Pacific to reveal atmospheric waves as a strong modulator of ice clouds in the TTL. Wave‐induced cold and/or cooling conditions are shown to exert a nearly ubiquitous influence on cirrus cloud occurrence at altitudes of 14–18 km, except when air was very recently influenced by convective hydration. We further observe that various vertical scales of cloud layers are associated with various vertical scales of waves, suggesting the importance of representing TTL waves in models.
Scintillation and irregularities from the nightside part of a Sun‐aligned polar cap arc
Authors: van der Meeren Christer , Oksavik Kjellmar , Lorentzen Dag A. , Paxton Larry J. , Clausen Lasse B. N.
Published: June 2016

In this paper we study the presence of irregularities and scintillation in relation to the nightside part of a long‐lived, Sun‐aligned transpolar arc on 15 January 2015. The arc was observed in DMSP UV and particle data and lasted at least 3 h between 1700 and 2000 UT. The arc was more intense than the main oval during this time. From all‐sky imagers on Svalbard we were able to study the evolution of the arc, which drifted slowly westward toward the dusk cell. The intensity of the arc as observed from ground was 10–17 kR in 557.7 nm and 2–3.5 kR in 630.0 nm, i.e., significant emissions in both green and red emission lines. We have used high‐resolution raw data from global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) receivers and backscatter from Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) radars to study irregularities and scintillation in relation to the polar cap arc. Even though the literature has suggested that polar cap arcs are potential sources for irregularities, our results indicate only very weak irregularities. This may be due to the background density in the northward IMF polar cap being too low for significant irregularities to be created.
On the mutual relationship of the equatorial electrojet, TEC and scintillation in the Peruvian sector
Authors: Khadka Sovit M. , Valladares Cesar , Pradipta Rezy , Pacheco Edgardo , Condor Percy
Published: May 2016

This paper presents the interrelationship between the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) strength, Global Positioning System (GPS)‐derived total electron content (TEC), and postsunset scintillation from ground observations with the aim of finding reliable precursors of the occurrence of ionospheric irregularities. Mutual relationship studies provide a possible route to predict the occurrence of TEC fluctuation and scintillation in the ionosphere during the late afternoon and night respectively based on daytime measurement of the equatorial ionosphere. Data from ground based observations in the low latitudes of the west American longitude sector were examined during the 2008 solar minimum. We find a strong relationship exists between the noontime equatorial electrojet and GPS‐derived TEC distributions during the afternoon mediated by vertical E × B drift via the fountain effect, but there is little or no relationship with postsunset ionospheric scintillation.
Ultrafine Alloy Nanoparticles Converted from 2D Intercalated Coordination Polymers for Catalytic Application
Authors: Li Ping , Liu Wen , Dennis John S. , Zeng Hua Chun
Published: June 2016

Supported multimetallic alloy nanoparticles (NPs) have shown great potential for applications owing to combined functions of constituent metals, and more remarkably, enhanced physicochemical properties and even novel synergistic effects that are not possessed by their parent metals. Nevertheless, synthesizing this kind of nanocomposites has been a long‐standing challenge using conventional wet chemistry. Here, this study reports an efficient, versatile strategy for the preparation of multimetallic alloy NPs supported by layered double hydroxides (LDH) and/or layered double oxides (LDO). In this approach, different metal precursors are intercalated stepwise into the gallery space of LDH. Along with the coordination reaction between the metal precursors, 2D cyanide bridged coordination polymers (CP) are formed in the confined space. Afterward, supported multimetallic alloy NPs can be obtained via either liquid‐phase reduction or thermal autoreduction. Due to the homogeneous mixing of metals in the 2D CP, ultrafine alloy NPs can be obtained with high particulate uniformity and compositional tailorability. A large series of supported binary alloy NPs (FePd, FePt, CoPd, CoPt, NiPd, NiPt, and PtPd) and ternary alloy NPs (FePdPt, FeNiPt, FeCoPt, and NiCoPt) are successfully synthesized with this approach. The resulting supported multimetallic alloy NPs present great potential in numerous applications. To demonstrate their workability, one class of LDH/NiPd nanocomposite is explored as a model heterogeneous catalyst with respect to the carbon–carbon cross‐coupling reactions (Suzuki–Miyaura, Heck, and Sonogashira cross‐coupling reactions).
Synthesis of Two‐Dimensional Materials for Capacitive Energy Storage
Authors: Mendoza‐Sánchez Beatriz , Gogotsi Yury
Published: June 2016

The unique properties and great variety of two‐dimensional (2D) nanomaterials make them highly attractive for energy storage applications. Here, an insight into the progress made towards the application of 2D nanomaterials for capacitive energy storage is provided. Synthesis methods, and electrochemical performance of various classes of 2D nanomaterials, particularly based on graphene, transition metal oxides, dichalcogenides, and carbides, are presented. The factors that directly influence capacitive performance are discussed throughout the text and include nanosheet composition, morphology and texture, electrode architecture, and device configuration. Recent progress in the fabrication of 2D‐nanomaterials‐based microsupercapacitors and flexible and free‐standing supercapacitors is presented. The main electrode manufacturing techniques with emphasis on scalability and cost‐effectiveness are discussed, and include laser scribing, printing, and roll‐to‐roll manufacture. Various issues that prevent the use of the full energy‐storage potential of 2D nanomaterials and how they have been tackled are discussed, and include nanosheet aggregation and the low electrical conductivity of some 2D nanomaterials. Particularly, the design of hybrid and hierarchical 2D and 3D structures based on 2D nanomaterials is presented. Other challenges and opportunities are discussed and include: control of nanosheets size and thickness, chemical and electrochemical instability, and scale‐up of electrode films.
Cooperative Indium(III)/Silver(I) System for Oxidative Coupling/Annulation of 1,3‐Dicarbonyls and Styrenes: Construction of Five‐Membered Heterocycles
Authors: Ko Tae Yun , Youn So Won
Published: June 2016

A cooperative indium(III)/silver(I) system for the synthesis of various five‐membered heterocycles, including dihydrofurans, pyrroles, spirolactones, and spiroiminolactones, through the sequential oxidative coupling/annulation reaction of 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds with styrenes has been developed. Four different heterocyclic systems were successfully synthesized depending on the substitution pattern of the substrates using readily available starting materials. This system has the advantages of a broad substrate scope, moderate to good chemical yields, an operationally easy and simple procedure, and short reaction times.

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Nickel‐Catalyzed Borylation of Aryl and Benzyl 2‐Pyridyl Ethers: A Method for Converting a Robust ortho‐Directing Group
Authors: Tobisu Mamoru , Zhao Jiangning , Kinuta Hirotaka , Furukawa Takayuki , Igarashi Takuya , Chatani Naoto
Published: June 2016

The nickel‐catalyzed borylation of aryl 2‐pyridyl ethers via the loss of a 2‐pyridyloxy group is described. This method allows a 2‐pyridyloxy group to be used as a convertible directing group in C−H bond functionalization reactions. The nickel catalyst can also borylate arylmethyl 2‐pyridyl ethers, in which the stereochemistry at the benzylic position is retained in the case of chiral secondary benzylic substrates.

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Slow Organic‐to‐Inorganic Sub‐Lattice Thermalization in Methylammonium Lead Halide Perovskites Observed by Ultrafast Photoluminescence
Authors: Chang Angela Y. , Cho Yi‐Ju , Chen Kuan‐Chen , Chen Chang‐Wen , Kinaci Alper , Diroll Benjamin T. , Wagner Michael J. , Chan Maria K. Y. , Lin Hao‐Wu , Schaller Richard D.
Published: May 2016

Carrier dynamics in methylammonium lead halide (CH3NH3PbI3–xClx) perovskite thin films, of differing crystal morphology, are examined as functions of temperature and excitation wavelength. At room temperature, long‐lived (>nanosecond) transient absorption signals indicate negligible carrier trapping. However, in measurements of ultrafast photoluminescence excited at 400 nm, a heretofore unexplained, large amplitude (50%–60%), 45 ps decay process is observed. This feature persists for temperatures down to the orthorhombic phase transition. Varying pump photon energy reveals that the fast, band‐edge photoluminescence (PL) decay only appears for excitation ≥2.38 eV (520 nm), with larger amplitudes for higher pump energies. Lower photon‐energy excitation yields slow dynamics consistent with negligible carrier trapping. Further, sub‐bandgap two‐photon pumping yields identical PL dynamics as direct absorption, signifying sensitivity to the total deposited energy and insensitivity to interfacial effects. Together with first principles electronic structure and ab initio molecular dynamics calculations, the results suggest the fast PL decay stems from excitation of high energy phonon modes associated with the organic sub‐lattice that temporarily enhance wavefunction overlap within the inorganic component owing to atomic displacement, thereby transiently changing the PL radiative rate during thermalization. Hence, the fast PL decay relates a characteristic organic‐to‐inorganic sub‐lattice equilibration timescale at optoelectronic‐relevant excitation energies.
Computational Design and Preparation of Cation‐Disordered Oxides for High‐Energy‐Density Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Urban Alexander , Matts Ian , Abdellahi Aziz , Ceder Gerbrand
Published: May 2016

Cation‐disordered lithium‐excess metal oxides have recently emerged as a promising new class of high‐energy‐density cathode materials for Li‐ion batteries, but the exploration of disordered materials has been hampered by their vast and unexplored composition space. This study proposes a practical methodology for the identification of stable cation‐disordered rocksalts. Here, it is established that the efficient method, which makes use of special quasirandom structures, correctly predicts cation‐ordering strengths in agreement with accurate Monte‐Carlo simulations and experimental observations. By applying the approach to the composition space of ternary oxides with formula unit LiA0.5B0.5O2 (A, B: transition metals), this study discovers a previously unknown cation‐disordered structure, LiCo0.5Zr0.5O2, that may function as the basis for a new class of cation‐disordered cathode materials. This computational prediction is confirmed experimentally by solid‐state synthesis and subsequent characterization by powder X‐ray diffraction demonstrating the potential of the computational screening of large composition spaces for accelerating materials discovery.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and assessment of maxillary and mandibular arc measurements
Authors: Abell Katherine , May Warren , May Philip A. , Kalberg Wendy , Hoyme H. Eugene , Robinson Luther K. , Manning Melanie , Jones Kenneth Lyons , Abdul‐Rahman Omar
Published: June 2016

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) comprise a range of physical differences and neurologic deficits from prenatal alcohol exposure. Previous studies suggest that relative maxillary growth deficiency can accompany FASD. Using the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Epidemiologic Research (FASER) database, we investigated how maxillary and mandibular arcs and the ratio between them differ between FASD and non‐FASD individuals. First, we established normative values for maxillary and mandibular arcs and maxillary‐to‐mandibular arc ratio. In our control group (545 males, 436 females), mean maxillary and mandibular arcs for males/females were 24.98/24.52 cm and 25.91/25.35 cm, respectively. The ratio was 0.9643 and 0.9676 for males and females, respectively. We then evaluated the effect of microcephaly, short stature, and low weight (<10th centile), individually on arcs in controls. Generally, arcs were reduced significantly but the ratio did not differ. We compared our controls to 138 male and 135 female FASD cases. We noted a significant difference in arcs in male and female groups, but not the ratio. We compared non‐FAS controls with reduced growth parameters to similar cases with FASD. We did not find a significant difference in arc or ratio measurements. Therefore, we conclude the effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on maxillary and mandibular arc measurements is primarily on overall facial growth and less on asymmetric growth of the maxilla relative to the mandible, at least using this technique. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biallelic CACNA1A mutations cause early onset epileptic encephalopathy with progressive cerebral, cerebellar, and optic nerve atrophy
Authors: Reinson Karit , Õiglane‐Shlik Eve , Talvik Inga , Vaher Ulvi , Õunapuu Anne , Ennok Margus , Teek Rita , Pajusalu Sander , Murumets Ülle , Tomberg Tiiu , Puusepp Sanna , Piirsoo Andres , Reimand Tiia , Õunap Katrin
Published: June 2016

The CACNA1A gene encodes the transmembrane pore‐forming alpha‐1A subunit of the Cav2.1 P/Q‐type voltage‐gated calcium channel. Several heterozygous mutations within this gene, including nonsense mutations, missense mutations, and expansion of cytosine‐adenine‐guanine repeats, are known to cause three allelic autosomal dominant conditions—episodic ataxia type 2, familial hemiplegic migraine type 1, and spinocerebellar ataxia type 6. An association with epilepsy and CACNA1A mutations has also been described. However, the link with epileptic encephalopathies has emerged only recently. Here we describe two patients, sister and brother, with compound heterozygous mutations in CACNA1A. Exome sequencing detected biallelic mutations in CACNA1A: A missense mutation c.4315T>A (p.Trp1439Arg) in exon 27, and a seven base pair deletion c.472_478delGCCTTCC (p.Ala158Thrfs*6) in exon 3. Both patients were normal at birth, but developed daily recurrent seizures in early infancy with concomitant extreme muscular hypotonia, hypokinesia, and global developmental delay. The brain MRI images showed progressive cerebral, cerebellar, and optic nerve atrophy. At the age of 5, both patients were blind and bedridden with a profound developmental delay. The elder sister died at that age. Their parents and two siblings were heterozygotes for one of those pathogenic mutations and expressed a milder phenotype. Both of them have intellectual disability and in addition the mother has adult onset cerebellar ataxia with a slowly progressive cerebellar atrophy. Compound heterozygous mutations in the CACNA1A gene presumably cause early onset epileptic encephalopathy, and progressive cerebral, cerebellar and optic nerve atrophy with reduced lifespan. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CRIPT exonic deletion and a novel missense mutation in a female with short stature, dysmorphic features, microcephaly, and pigmentary abnormalities
Authors: Leduc Magalie S. , Niu Zhiyv , Bi Weimin , Zhu Wenmiao , Miloslavskaya Irene , Chiang Theodore , Streff Haley , Seavitt John R. , Murray Stephen A. , Eng Christine , Chan Audrey , Yang Yaping , Lalani Seema R.
Published: June 2016

Mutations in CRIPT encoding cysteine‐rich PDZ domain‐binding protein are rare, and to date have been reported in only two patients with autosomal recessive primordial dwarfism and distinctive facies. Here, we describe a female with biallelic mutations in CRIPT presenting with postnatal growth retardation, global developmental delay, and dysmorphic features including frontal bossing, high forehead, and sparse hair and eyebrows. Additional clinical features included high myopia, admixed hyper‐ and hypopigmented macules primarily on the face, arms, and legs, and syndactyly of 4–5 toes bilaterally. Using whole exome sequencing (WES) and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), we detected a c.8G>A (p.C3Y) missense variant in exon 1 of the CRIPT gene inherited from the mother and a 1,331 bp deletion encompassing exon 1, inherited from the father. The c.8G>A (p.C3Y) missense variant in CRIPT was apparently homozygous in the proband due to the exon 1 deletion. Our findings illustrate the clinical utility of combining WES with copy number variant (CNV) analysis to provide a molecular diagnosis to patients with rare Mendelian disorders. Our findings also illustrate the clinical spectrum of CRIPT related mutations. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ontogenetic scaling of fore limb and hind limb joint posture and limb bone cross‐sectional geometry in vervets and baboons
Authors: Burgess M. Loring , Schmitt Daniel , Zeininger Angel , McFarlin Shannon C. , Zihlman Adrienne L. , Polk John D. , Ruff Christopher B.
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Previous studies suggest that the postures habitually adopted by an animal influence the mechanical loading of its long bones. Relatively extended limb postures in larger animals should preferentially reduce anteroposterior (A‐P) relative to mediolateral (M‐L) bending of the limb bones and therefore decrease A‐P/M‐L rigidity. We test this hypothesis by examining growth‐related changes in limb bone structure in two primate taxa that differ in ontogenetic patterns of joint posture.

Materials and Methods

Knee and elbow angles of adult and immature vervets (Chlorocebus aethiops, n = 16) were compared to published data for baboons (Papio hamadryas ursinus, n = 33, Patel et al., ). Ontogenetic changes in ratios of A‐P/M‐L bending rigidity in the femur and humerus were compared in skeletal samples (C. aethiops, n = 28; P. cynocephalus, n = 39). Size changes were assessed with linear regression, and age group differences tested with ANOVA.

Results

Only the knee of baboons shows significant postural change, becoming more extended with age and mass. A‐P/M‐L bending rigidity of the femur decreases during ontogeny in immature and adult female baboons only. Trends in the humerus are less marked. Adult male baboons have higher A‐P/M‐L bending rigidity of the femur than females.

Conclusions

The hypothesized relationship between more extended joints and reduced A‐P/M‐L bending rigidity is supported by our results for immature and adult female baboon hind limbs, and the lack of significant age changes in either parameter in forelimbs and vervets. Adult males of both species depart from general ontogenetic trends, possibly due to socially mediated behavioral differences between sexes. Am J Phys Anthropol 161:72–83, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wasser als Schlüssel zu amorphem Proto‐Aragonit‐CaCO3
Authors: Farhadi‐Khouzani Masoud , Chevrier Daniel M. , Zhang Peng , Hedin Niklas , Gebauer Denis
Published: June 2016

Temperatur und pH‐Wert können die Nahordnung in proto‐strukturiertem, amorphem Calciumcarbonat (ACC) in Abwesenheit von Additiven beeinflussen. Während im Proto‐Vaterit(pv)‐ACC bei pH 9.80 bei >45 °C eine ausgeprägte Veränderung stattfindet, ist dies beim Proto‐Calcit(pc)‐ACC innerhalb des untersuchten Temperaturbereichs von 7 bis 65 °C nicht der Fall. Mit IR‐ und NMR‐Spektroskopie sowie EXAFS konnte gezeigt werden, dass die temperaturbedingten Veränderungen auf die Bildung von Proto‐Aragonit(pa)‐ACC zurückzuführen sind. Die experimentellen Befunde sprechen zudem dafür, dass bei pa‐ACC durch die Bindung von Wassermolekülen ein Dipolmoment innerhalb der Carbonationen induziert wird, vergleichbar mit dem Effekt der Kristallsymmetrie auf die Carbonationen in der Aragonitstruktur. So kann in Abhängigkeit von Zustandsgrößen wie der Temperatur und Lösungsparametern wie dem pH‐Wert die Polyamorphie von CaCO3 anhand eines (Pseudo‐)Phasendiagramms, in dem Wasser eine Schlüsselrolle spielt, dargestellt werden.
Myeloperoxidase‐responsive materials for infection detection based on immobilized aminomethoxyphenol
Authors: Schiffer Doris , Tegl Gregor , Vielnascher Robert , Weber Hansjoerg , Herrero‐Rollett Alexandra , Sigl Eva , Heinzle Andrea , Guebitz Georg M.
Published: May 2016

There is a strong need for simple and fast diagnostic tools for the detection of wound infection. Immune system‐derived enzymes like myeloperoxidase are efficient biomarkers for wound infection that emerge in the early stage infection process. In this study, 5‐amino‐2‐methoxyphenol was functionalized with alkoxysilane to allow visual detection of MPO on carrier materials, for example, in test strips. Indeed, MPO activity was visually detectable in short time in wound background. Oxidation of the substrate was followed spectrophotometrically and proved via HPLC. LC‐ESI TOF and NMR analyses unveiled the reaction mechanism and a dimeric reaction product responsible for the visualization of MPO activity. The substrate specificity and sensitivity toward MPO detection was proved and tests with infected wound fluids were successfully performed. The study demonstrates the suitability of the novel MPO substrate for the detection of wound infection and the covalent immobilization on diagnostic carrier materials. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 2553–2560. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bacterial community dynamics in long‐term operation of a pilot plant using aerobic granular sludge to treat pig slurry
Authors: Fra‐Vázquez A. , Morales N. , Figueroa M. , Val del Río A. , Regueiro L. , Campos J.L. , Mosquera‐Corral A.
Published: June 2016

Aerobic granular sludge represents an interesting approach for simultaneous organic matter and nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment plants. However, the information about microbial communities in aerobic granular systems dealing with industrial wastewater like pig slurry is limited. Herein, bacterial diversity and dynamics were assessed in a pilot scale plant using aerobic granular sludge for organic matter and nitrogen elimination from swine slurry during more than 300 days. Results indicated that bacterial composition evolved throughout the operational period from flocculent activated sludge, used as inoculum, to mature aerobic granules. Bacterial diversity increased at the beginning of the granulation process and then declined due to the application of transient organic matter and nitrogen loads. The operational conditions of the pilot plant and the degree of granulation determined the microbial community of the aerobic granules. Brachymonas, Zoogloea and Thauera were attributed with structural function as they are able to produce extracellular polymeric substances to maintain the granular structure. Nitrogen removal was justified by partial nitrification (Nitrosomonas) and denitrification (Thauera and Zoogloea), while Comamonas was identified as the main organic matter oxidizing bacteria. Overall, clear links between bacterial dynamics and composition with process performance were found and will help to predict their biological functions in wastewater ecosystems improving the future control of the process. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:1212–1221, 2016
G‐Quadruplexes with Tetra(ethylene glycol)‐Modified Deoxythymidines are Resistant to Nucleases and Inhibit HIV‐1 Reverse Transcriptase
Authors: Tateishi‐Karimata Hisae , Muraoka Takahiro , Kinbara Kazushi , Sugimoto Naoki
Published: June 2016

G‐quadruplex formation in virally encoded templates arrests reverse transcription. Methods to stabilize this structure are promising for antiviral approaches. To stabilize G‐quadruplex formation, deoxythymidines were modified with tetra(ethylene glycol) (TEG). The TEG‐modified G‐quadruplexes were stabilized significantly relative to unmodified DNA. In the presence of a TEG‐modified oligonucleotide that is capable of forming an intermolecular G‐quadruplex with a template containing a hu‐ man immunodeficiency virus‐1 sequence, reverse transcription was inhibited by more than 70 % relative to the reaction in the absence of the TEG‐modified oligonucleotide. Moreover, the TEG‐modified deoxythymidines protected the DNA oligonucleotide from degradation by various nucleases in human serum. Thus, DNA oligonucleotides modified with TEG have potential in therapeutic applications.
Semirational Protein Engineering of CYP153AM.aq.‐CPRBM3 for Efficient Terminal Hydroxylation of Short‐ to Long‐Chain Fatty Acids
Authors: Notonier Sandra , Gricman Łukasz , Pleiss Jürgen , Hauer Bernhard
Published: June 2016

The regioselective terminal hydroxylation of alkanes and fatty acids is of great interest in a variety of industrial applications, such as in cosmetics, in fine chemicals, and in the fragrance industry. The chemically challenging activation and oxidation of non‐activated C−H bonds can be achieved with cytochrome P450 enzymes. CYP153AM.aq.‐CPRBM3 is an artificial fusion construct consisting of the heme domain from Marinobacter aquaeolei and the reductase domain of CYP102A1 from Bacillus megaterium. It has the ability to hydroxylate medium‐ and long‐chain fatty acids selectively at their terminal positions. However, the activity of this interesting P450 construct needs to be improved for applications in industrial processes. For this purpose, the design of mutant libraries including two consecutive steps of mutagenesis is demonstrated. Targeted positions and residues chosen for substitution were based on semi‐rational protein design after creation of a homology model of the heme domain of CYP153AM.aq., sequence alignments, and docking studies. Site‐directed mutagenesis was the preferred method employed to address positions within the binding pocket, whereas diversity was created with the aid of a degenerate codon for amino acids located at the substrate entrance channel. Combining the successful variants led to the identification of a double variant—G307A/S233G—that showed alterations of one position within the binding pocket and one position located in the substrate access channel. This double variant showed twofold increased activity relative to the wild type for the terminal hydroxylation of medium‐chain‐length fatty acids. This variant furthermore showed improved activity towards short‐ and long‐chain fatty acids and enhanced stability in the presence of higher concentrations of fatty acids.
6‐Substituted 2‐Aminopurine‐2′‐deoxyribonucleoside 5′‐Triphosphates that Trace Cytosine Methylation
Authors: von Watzdorf Janina , Marx Andreas
Published: June 2016

Gene expression is extensively regulated by the occurrence and distribution of the epigenetic marker 2′‐deoxy 5‐methylcytosine (5mC) in genomic DNA. Because of its effects on tumorigenesis there is an important link to human health. In addition, detection of 5mC can serve as an outstanding biomarker for diagnostics as well as for disease therapy. Our previous studies have already shown that, by processing O6‐alkylated 2′‐deoxyguanosine triphosphate (dGTP) analogues, DNA polymerases are able to sense the presence of a single 5mC unit in a template. Here we present the synthesis and evaluation of an extended toolbox of 6‐substituted 2‐aminopurine‐2′‐deoxyribonucleoside 5′‐triphosphates modified at position 6 with various functionalities. We found that sensing of 5‐methylation by this class of nucleotides is more general, not being restricted to O6‐alkyl modification of dGTP but also applying to other functionalities.
Development of Bifunctional Thiourea Organocatalysts Derived from a Chloramphenicol Base Scaffold and their Use in the Enantioselective Alcoholysis of meso Cyclic Anhydrides
Authors: Yan Lin‐Jie , Wang Hai‐Feng , Chen Wen‐Xue , Tao Yuan , Jin Kai‐Jun , Chen Fen‐Er
Published: June 2016

The synthesis of new chloramphenicol‐base‐derived thiourea organocatalysts, (1S,2R)‐12 a–f and (1R,2R)‐15 a–c, and their use in the enantioselective alcoholysis of meso‐anhydrides are described. In particular, hemiesters afforded excellent enantioselectivities if low loadings of (1S,2R)‐12 a–f were used. Almost no enantioselectivities were achieved with the use of (1R,2R)‐15 a–c. This technique was used to synthesize (R)‐(−)‐baclofen.
Iron Complexes in Visible‐Light‐Sensitive Photoredox Catalysis: Effect of Ligands on Their Photoinitiation Efficiencies
Authors: Zhang Jing , Campolo Damien , Dumur Frederic , Xiao Pu , Fouassier Jean Pierre , Gigmes Didier , Lalevée Jacques
Published: June 2016

The novel role of metal‐based complexes as photoinitiator catalysts fits well into the concept of green chemistry, as it realizes the activation of polymer synthesis processes by visible light that are abundant in the solar light and allows the marked reduction of photoinitiator amount in the systems. In the present paper, a series of iron complexes (FeC_x) with various ligands have been proposed as new photoinitiator catalysts to initiate the cationic polymerization of epoxides or the free radical polymerization of acrylates upon a near‐UV or visible‐light LED exposure. The ligands play an important role on the light absorption properties and the photoinitiation ability of the iron complexes. In combination with one or two additives, FeC_x are capable to efficiently generate radicals, cations, and radical cations through an oxidative or a reductive path. Two of the newly developed FeC_x‐based photoinitiating systems exhibited comparable photoinitiation efficiency with the commercial Type I photoinitiator bis(2,4,6‐trimethylbenzoyl)‐phenylphosphineoxide (BAPO). Owing to the photocatalytic effect, remarkable photoinitiation efficiencies have been achieved by using very low concentration of iron complexes (0.02 wt %) in the systems. The involved photochemical mechanisms have been studied using electron spin resonance spin trapping, steady state photolysis, cyclic voltammetry, and laser flash photolysis techniques.
Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production over Rh‐Doped Inverse Spinel Zn2TiO4
Authors: Sun Xiaoqin , Wang Shuwei , Shen Cai , Xu Xiaoxiang
Published: June 2016

Introducing foreign elements is an appealing means to endow wide band gap semiconductors with visible‐light responses. Here, we investigated a series of Rh‐doped Zn2TiO4 as water reduction photocatalysts. Our results show that Rh doping is effective to improve the visible‐light response as well as surface hydrophilicity of Zn2TiO4. Efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution was observed after Rh doping and was found to be compositional dependent. The best performance was recorded for sample Zn2Ti0.96Rh0.04O4, with an apparent quantum efficiency of ≈0.74 % under full‐range irradiation (λ≥250 nm) and ≈0.25 % under visible‐light irradiation (λ≥420 nm). The light absorption and surface hydrophilicity are likely the controlling factors for the better activity. Theoretical calculations suggest that Rh doping is responsible for a band gap reduction and is due to a newly formed valence band composed mainly of Rh 4d orbitals at the top of the original valence band. The visible‐light activity can be attributed to the electron excitations from this new valence band to the conduction band.