bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Private Higher Education in Africa: Old Realities and Emerging Trends
Authors: Tamrat Wondwosen
Published: January 2018

The growth of private higher education in Africa has been driven by factors such as burgeoning demand that could not be met by the public sector and policy inﬂuences as Structural Adjustment Programmes that promoted privatisation in the 1980s and beyond. In the past three decades, the continent’s private higher education institutions have exhibited diﬀerent growth trajectories. Variations are also evident in their policies and the quality of their oﬀerings. However, the variation and incremental growth of this sector is not adequately captured in the extant literature. This article investigates Africa’s private higher education sector based on past and emerging realities and argues that the sector exhibits nuances that have not received sufcient attention due to excessive stereotyping of PHE in Africa and elsewhere. Understanding these diﬀerences, which are sometimes described as ‘exceptions’, is a prerequisite for developing a comprehensive conceptualisation of current tapestries and future trends. The article begins by examining the major features of global private higher education and proceeds to Africa with its major focus on emerging trends within the continent. Des facteurs comme la demande croissante qui ne pouvait être absorbée par le secteur public et les inﬂuences politiques des Programmes d’Ajustement Structurel qui ont promu la privatisation pendant les années 80 et après sont à l’origine de la croissance de l’enseignement supérieur privé en Afrique. Pendant les trois dernières décennies, les institutions privées d’enseignement supérieur ont présenté diﬀérentes trajectoires de croissance. Des diﬀérences sont aussi observables quant à leurs politiques et à la qualité de leur oﬀre. Cependant, la variété et la croissance progressive de ce secteur ne sont pas correctement reﬂétées dans la littérature existante. Cet article examine le secteur de l’enseignement supérieur privé en Afrique à partir de réalités anciennes et nouvelles et soutient que les nuances de ce secteur n’ont pas reçu une attention sufsante à cause des stéréotypes excessifs auxquels fait face l’enseignement supérieur privé en Afrique et ailleurs. Comprendre ces diﬀérences, qui sont parfois catégorisées comme des exceptions, est un prérequis pour pouvoir conceptualiser de manière compréhensive le contexte actuel et les tendances futures. Cet article commence par analyser les caractéristiques principales de l’enseignement privé mondial avant de se focaliser sur l’Afrique avec une attention toute particulière pour les tendances émergentes sur le continent.
Freud’s Vienna Circle, Psychoanalysis, and Antisemitism
Authors: Cooper-White Pamela
Published: January 2018

No abstract is available.
Ciudad educadora, desde la relación: educación, integración, ciudad y comunicación
Authors: Pallarès Piquer Marc , Ahedo Josu , Planella Jordi
Published: January 2018

Si se acepta que una ciudad es algo más que una conjunción de espacios urbanos, se puede reivindicar la constitución de la ciudad educadora como proyecto pedagógico. El artículo reivindica un proyecto que percibe la ciudad como espacio-objeto de atención y como acción socio-pedagógica. La propuesta responde a un constructo social y educativo que articula la ciudad con una doble condición: como ámbito de conocimiento y como ámbito de acción. Se trata de la idea de acción como finalidad orientada a la consecución de expectativas y logros. Para tal finalidad, hay que entender la ciudad como un elemento cognoscible desde el que se crean conocimientos transculturales obtenidos de la realidad. Esto hace posible proponer experiencias que faciliten el contacto directo con la ciudad. Así, la propuesta se postula a favor de la ciudad como agente educativo, como eje de integración, como fuente permanente de información y como medio didáctico que proporciona aprendizajes. Se llega a la conclusión de que la ciudad educadora debe indagar en la vertiente educativa del espacio urbano y demandar una formación social basada en valores éticos que proporcionen al alumnado los valores de su acción y (una parte) del reconocimiento como persona social.
Espacios públicos, condición inmigrante, orden institucional y derecho a la ciudad. Reflexiones a propósito de Valencia
Authors: Moncusí Ferré Albert
Published: January 2018

Este texto aborda los espacios públicos urbanos en Valencia como contexto en el que puede construirse el derecho a la ciudad. Y lo hace con particular atención al caso de las personas de origen extranjero como sujetos de ese derecho. El texto parte de una noción de derecho a la ciudad enraizada en las obras de Lefebvre y Harvey y se centra en cuatro casos: los jardines del Turia, el debate sobre la instalación de una zona de juegos infantiles en Velluters, las calles del barrio de Els Orriols y la labor de los aparcacoches de origen extranjero en diversas zonas de la ciudad. El trabajo se contextualiza en dos ámbitos: el modelo de ciudad neoliberal y su relación con los espacios públicos urbanos, en general; y la ciudad de Valencia. La cuestión del derecho a la ciudad en los casos propuestos se centrará en el orden institucional y la razón espacial que proyectan sobre el espacio urbano las relaciones de poder. Las personas reconocidas como «inmigrantes» encarnan esa proyección de manera especial. La reflexión termina con una propuesta de apertura hacia un orden de la interacción en el que ésos y otros sujetos pueden construir vías de acceso al derecho a la ciudad.
Pour « un gouvernement jeune et dynamique1 »
Authors: LeBrun Andréanne , Bienvenue Louise
Published: January 2018

En 1963, l’Assemblée législative abaissait l’âge du suffrage de 21 à 18 ans au Québec. Si la mobilisation des associations de jeunesse explique en partie cette modification à la loi électorale, l’intérêt des partis politiques à s’attacher une jeunesse symboliquement et démographiquement forte est un facteur explicatif à ne pas négliger dans le contexte des années 1960. L’examen des débats et des évènements indique également que ce rajeunissement de la majorité électorale – en phase avec une mouvance internationale – s’inscrit harmonieusement dans l’entreprise de modernisation étatique menée par l’équipe libérale de Jean Lesage. Dans cette perspective, on peut la considérer comme une politique au sens fort de la Révolution tranquille.
Phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity of thePolypedates leucomystaxcomplex in Thailand
Authors: Buddhachat Kittisak , Suwannapoom Chatmongkon
Published: January 2018

Taxonomic uncertainty of the Asian tree frogPolypedates leucomystaxcomplex presents the challenging task of inferring its biogeographical history. Here, we describe its dispersion and the genetic relationships among different populations in Thailand, where we connect the population of theP. leucomystaxcomplex of the Sunda Islands to the Indochina (mainland) population based on analyses of 266 sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Our maternal genealogy implies that there are four well-supported lineages in Thailand, consisting of Northern A (clade A:Polypedatessp.), Nan (clade B:P.cf.impresus), Southern (clade C:P. cf.leucomystax) and Northern D (clade D:P.cf.megacephalus), with Bayesian posterior probability >0.9. Phylogeny and haplotype networks indicate that clades A, B and D are sympatric. In contrast, clade C (P. cf.leucomystax) and clade D (P.cf.megacephalus) are genetically divergent due to the geographical barrier of the Isthmus of Kra, resulting in an allopatric distribution. Climatic conditions, in particular differences in rainfall on each side of the Isthmus of Kra, may play an important role in limiting the immigration of both clades. For the within-populations of either clades C or D, there was no significant correlation between geographic and genetic distance by the isolation-by-distance test, indicating intraspecific-dispersal of each clade. Population expansion occurred in clade C, whereas clade D showed a constant population. Taken together, theP. leucomystaxcomplex in South East Asia may have diversified under climatic pressure, leading to allopatric and/or sympatric speciation.
Long-horned Ceratopsidae from the Foremost Formation (Campanian) of southern Alberta
Authors: Brown Caleb M.
Published: January 2018

The horned Ceratopsidae represent one of the last radiations of dinosaurs, and despite a decade of intense work greatly adding to our understanding of this diversification, their early evolution is still poorly known. Here, two postorbital horncores from the upper Foremost Formation (Campanian) of Alberta are described, and at ∼78.5 Ma represent some of the geologically oldest ceratopsid material. The larger of these specimens is incorporated into a fused supraorbital complex, and preserves a massive, straight, postorbital horncore that is vertical in lateral view, but canted dorsolaterally in rostral view. Medially, the supracranial sinus is composed of a small, restricted caudal chamber, and a large rostral chamber that forms the cornual diverticulum. This morphology is distinct from that of the long-horned Chasmosaurinae, and similar to, but still different from, those of younger Centrosaurinae taxa. The smaller specimen represents an ontogenetically younger individual, and although showing consistent morphology to the larger specimen, is less taxonomically useful. Although not certain, these postorbital horns may be referable to a long-horned basal (i.e., early-branching, non-pachyrhinosaurini, non-centrosaurini) centrosaurine, potentially the contemporaneousXenoceratops, largely known from the parietosquamosal frill. These specimens indicate the morphology of the supracranial sinus in early, long-horned members of the Ceratopsidae, and add to our understanding of the evolution of the cranial display structures in this iconic dinosaur clade.
Sodium Ion Dynamics in the Magnetospheric Flanks of Mercury
Authors: Aizawa Sae , Delcourt Dominique , Terada Naoki
Published: January 2018

We investigate the transport of planetary ions in the magnetospheric flanks of Mercury. In situ measurements from the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging spacecraft show evidences of Kelvin‐Helmholtz instability development in this region of space, due to the velocity shear between the downtail streaming flow of solar wind originating protons in the magnetosheath and the magnetospheric populations. Ions that originate from the planet exosphere and that gain access to this region of space may be transported across the magnetopause along meandering orbits. We examine this transport using single‐particle trajectory calculations in model Magnetohydrodynamics simulations of the Kelvin‐Helmholtz instability. We show that heavy ions of planetary origin such as Na+ may experience prominent nonadiabatic energization as they E × B drift across large‐scale rolled up vortices. This energization is controlled by the characteristics of the electric field burst encountered along the particle path, the net energy change realized corresponding to the maximum E × B drift energy. This nonadiabatic energization also is responsible for prominent scattering of the particles toward the direction perpendicular to the magnetic field.
Interannual Variability of Eddy Kinetic Energy in the Subtropical Southeast Indian Ocean Associated With the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation
Authors: Zheng Shaojun , Feng Ming , Du Yan , Meng Xiangfeng , Yu Weidong
Published: January 2018

Interannual variability of eddy kinetic energy (EKE) in the subtropical southeast Indian Ocean (SEIO) is investigated using satellite observations in three regions in the 20°S–35°S latitude band: R1 (108°E–115°E), R2 (100°E–108°E), and R3 (60°E–100°E). The El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) plays an important role in modulating the interannual variability of EKE in the SEIO. EKE in the three regions shows negative correlations with the Nino3.4, lagging Nino3.4 by 2, 14, and 22 months, respectively. In R1, the ENSO modulates the interannual variability of EKE through influencing baroclinic instability of meridional velocity shear between the upper poleward Leeuwin Current (LC) and the underlying equatorward Leeuwin Undercurrent (LUC). During La Niña (El Niño) year, both the poleward LC and equatorward LUC strengthened (weakened) due to the high (low) sea level anomaly (SLA) propagating from the Pacific Ocean as Rossby wave under geostrophic equilibrium, and baroclinic instability of vertical shear enhanced (slackened), further induced the strong (weak) EKE in the eastern boundary. In R2, the ENSO modulates the interannual variability of EKE through influencing baroclinic instability of zonal velocity shear between the central and southern branches of the upper eastward South Indian Countercurrent (SICC) and the lower extending westward South Equatorial Current (SEC). In R3, both the ENSO and the Southern Annual Mode modulate the interannual variability of EKE through influencing baroclinic instability of zonal velocity shear between the SICC and SEC. The interannual variability of EKE in the interior SEIO could be influenced by westward propagation of EKE originated from eastern boundary.
Control of Pre‐rift Lithospheric Structure on the Architecture and Evolution of Continental Rifts: Insights From the Main Ethiopian Rift, East Africa
Authors: Corti Giacomo , Molin Paola , Sembroni Andrea , Bastow Ian D. , Keir Derek
Published: January 2018

We investigate the along‐axis variations in architecture, segmentation, and evolution of the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER), East Africa, and relate these characteristics to the regional geology, lithospheric structure, and surface processes. We first illustrate significant along‐axis variations in basin architecture through analysis of simplified geological cross sections in different rift sectors. We then integrate this information with a new analysis of Ethiopian topography and hydrography to illustrate how rift architecture (basin symmetry/asymmetry) is reflected in the margin topography and has been likely amplified by a positive feedback between tectonics (flexural uplift) and surface processes (fluvial erosion and unloading). This analysis shows that ~70% of the 500 km long MER is asymmetric, with most of the asymmetric rift sectors being characterized by a master fault system on the eastern margin. We finally relate rift architecture and segmentation to the regional geology and geophysical constraints on the lithosphere. We provide strong evidence that rift architecture is controlled by the contrasting nature of the lithosphere beneath the homogeneous, strong Somalian Plateau and the weaker, more heterogeneous Ethiopian Plateau, differences originating from the presence of pre‐rift zones of weakness on the Ethiopian Plateau and likely amplified by surface processes. The data provided by this integrated analysis suggest that asymmetric rifts may directly progress to focused axial tectonic‐magmatic activity, without transitioning into a symmetric rifting stage. These observations have important implications for the asymmetry of continental rifts and conjugate passive margins worldwide.
Improvement of the Electrical Conductivity between Electrode and Sheet in Spot Welding Process by Direct Laser Interference Patterning
Authors: Heilmann Stefan , Zwahr Christoph , Knape Alexander , Zschetzsche Jörg , Lasagni Andrés Fabián , Füssel Uwe
Published: January 2018

The effort of automotive industry is the increasingly use of aluminum alloys to reduce the weight of the car. Regarding the lifetime of electrodes and the process reliability resistance, spot welding is not applied for joining of aluminum sheets. Instead, more expensive processes must be used, like riveting with supplementary component. This is caused by the electric isolating oxide layer at the sheet surface. This layer normally shows an irregular topography, causing a locale temperature increase and therefore high electrode wear. In this study, a new concept to increase the electrode lifetime and process reliability is reported. Using Direct Laser Interference Patterning, periodic surface patterns are produced at the contact area between the electrode and the sheet for influencing the contact resistance. The resulting topography and morphology are analyzed by confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The electrical resistance between the contact partners copper and aluminum is measured during spot welding tests and contact resistance studies. A reduction up to 50% of the electrical resistance by treating the electrodes or an increase of more than 100 times by treating the sheets can be achieved compared to the untreated references.
Catanionic Surfactant Vesicles as a New Platform for Probing Glycan–Protein Interactions
Authors: Mahle Amanda , Dashaputre Neeraja , DeShong Philip , Stein Daniel C.
Published: January 2018

Glycomics lags substantially behind proteomics and genomics in its ability to decipher and synthesize complex glycans. The slow progress in deciphering glycan interactions at a molecular level is in large part due to the absence of a functional system to express, on a large scale, carbohydrates of known structure, in the context of a biologically relevant assay system. Here, the characterization of glycan‐functionalized catanionic surfactant vesicles (CVs) as a platform for glycan synthesis is described, and it is demonstrated that the resulting glycan‐functionalized CVs can serve as a scaffold for the interrogation of protein‐glycan interactions. It is demonstrated that Neisseria gonorrhoeae lipooligosaccharide (LOS) glycosyltransferase LgtE, an enzyme that catalyzes the addition of galactose onto a terminal glucose found on LOS, can be used to biochemically modify LOS or glucose functionalized CVs. CVs are characterized by differential lectin binding using flow cytometry. LgtE activity is measured on whole cells and LOS functionalized vesicles and found to have approximately the same biochemical properties. It is further demonstrated that CVs can be inkjet printed. This paper presents proof‐of‐concept that glycan‐functionalized catanionic vesicles can be used to create a high‐specificity and high‐throughput glycan array that will allow for the investigation of a variety of protein–glycan interactions.
Anisotropic Ag2S–Au Triangular Nanoprisms with Desired Configuration for Plasmonic Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation in Visible/Near‐Infrared Region
Authors: Lou Zaizhu , Kim Sooyeon , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Yang Xianguang , Li Baojun , Majima Tetsuro
Published: January 2018

Anisotropic Ag2S‐edged Au‐triangular nanoprisms (TNPs) are constructed by controlling preferential overgrowth of Ag2S as plasmonic photocatalysts for hydrogen generation. Under visible and near‐infrared light irradiation, Ag2S‐edged Au‐TNPs exhibit almost fourfold higher efficiency (796 µmol h−1 g−1) than those of Ag2S‐covered Au‐TNPs (216 µmol h−1 g−1) and pure Au‐TNPs in hydrogen generation. A single‐particle photoluminescence study demonstrates that the plasmon‐induced hot electrons transfer from Au‐TNPs to Ag2S for hydrogen generation. Finite‐difference‐time‐domain simulations verify that the corners/edges of Au‐TNPs are high‐curvature sites with maximum electric field distributions facilitating hot electron generation and transfer. Therefore, Ag2S‐edged Au‐TNPs are efficient plasmonic photocatalyst with the desired configurations for charge separation boosting hydrogen generation.
Piezotronic Tuning of Potential Barriers in ZnO Bicrystals
Authors: Keil Peter , Trapp Maximilian , Novak Nikola , Frömling Till , Kleebe Hans‐Joachim , Rödel Jürgen
Published: January 2018

Coupling of magnetic, ferroelectric, or piezoelectric properties with charge transport at oxide interfaces provides the option to revolutionize classical electronics. Here, the modulation of electrostatic potential barriers at tailored ZnO bicrystal interfaces by stress‐induced piezoelectric polarization is reported. Specimen design by epitaxial solid‐state transformation allows for both optimal polarization vector alignment and tailoring of defect states at a semiconductor–semiconductor interface. Both quantities are probed by transmission electron microscopy. Consequently, uniaxial compressive stress affords a complete reduction of the potential barrier height at interfaces with head‐to‐head orientation of the piezoelectric polarization vectors and an increase in potential barrier height at interfaces with tail‐to‐tail orientation. The magnitude of this coupling between mechanical input and electrical transport opens pathways to the design of multifunctional electronic devices like strain triggered transistors, diodes, and stress sensors with feasible applications for human–computer interfacing.
Dual Drug Backboned Shattering Polymeric Theranostic Nanomedicine for Synergistic Eradication of Patient‐Derived Lung Cancer
Authors: Cong Yuwei , Xiao Haihua , Xiong Hejian , Wang Zigui , Ding Jianxun , Li Chan , Chen Xuesi , Liang Xing‐Jie , Zhou Dongfang , Huang Yubin
Published: January 2018

Most of the current nanoparticle‐based therapeutics worldwide failing in clinical trials face three major challenges: (i) lack of an optimum drug delivery platform with precise composition, (ii) lack of a method of directly monitoring the fate of a specific drug rather than using any other labelling molecules as a compromise, and (iii) lack of reliable cancer models with high fidelity for drug screen and evaluation. Here, starting from a PP2A inhibitor demethylcantharidin (DMC) and cisplatin, the design of a dual sensitive dual drug backboned shattering polymer (DDBSP) with exact composition at a fixed DMC/Pt ratio for precise nanomedicine is shown. DDBSP self‐assembled nanoparticle (DD‐NP) can be triggered intracellularly to break down in a chain‐shattering manner to release the dual drugs payload. Moreover, DD‐NP with extremely high Pt heavy metal content in the polymer chain can directly track the drug itself via Pt‐based drug‐mediated computer tomography and ICP‐MS both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, DD‐NP is used to eradicate the tumor burden on a high‐fidelity patient‐derived lung cancer model for the first time.
Underwater Mechanically Robust Oil‐Repellent Materials: Combining Conflicting Properties Using a Heterostructure
Authors: Meng Xiangfu , Wang Miaomiao , Heng Liping , Jiang Lei
Published: January 2018

The development of underwater mechanically robust oil‐repellent materials is important due to the high demand for these materials with the increase in underwater activities. Based on the previous study, a new strategy is demonstrated to prepare underwater mechanically robust oil‐repellent materials by combining conflicting properties using a heterostructure, which has a layered hydrophobic interior structure with a columnar hierarchical micro/nanostructure on the surface and a hydrophilic outer structure. The surface hydrophilic layer imparts underwater superoleophobicity and low oil adhesion to the material, which has oil contact angle of larger than 150° and adhesion of lower than 2.8 µN. The stability of the mechanical properties stemming from the interior hydrophobic‐layered structure enables the material to withstand high weight loads underwater. The tensile stress and the hardness of such a heterostructure film after 1 month immersion in seawater and pH solution are in the range from 83.92 ± 8.22 to 86.73 ± 7.8 MPa and from 83.88 ± 6.8 to 86.82 ± 5.64 MPa, respectively, which are superior to any underwater oil‐repellent material currently reported.
Marketing contracts and risk management for cereal producers
Authors: Roussy Caroline , Ridier Aude , Chaib Karim , Boyet Marie
Published: January 2018

French specialized durum wheat farmers are subject to market risks (price volatility), production risks (fluctuating quality and yields), and an increasingly restrictive regulatory environment (limits on inputs). The purpose of this paper is to gain a more in‐depth understanding of the strategies used by those farmers to manage these risks by analysing portfolio strategies in marketing methods and in production decisions. The findings show that three main categories of marketing methods can be adopted in different proportions: forward contracts, average price contracts and spot market selling. A hundred farmers are surveyed in South‐West France. An empirical analysis of the determinants of their marketing methods show that risk perceptions and the farmer's level of education influence the choice to sign a preharvest contract for part of their production. In addition, agricultural diversification is negatively correlated with the choice to use forward contracts to hedge against market risk. [EconLit citations: Q13, L24, C24].
Age difference between parents influences parity and number of sons
Authors: Kuna Berenika , Galbarczyk Andrzej , Klimek Magdalena , Nenko Ilona , Jasienska Grazyna
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Among couples, women usually prefer slightly older men, and men tend to choose much younger partners. Age difference between partners has been shown to influence their parity; however, results of previous studies are inconsistent. This study analyzed relationships between husband and wife age difference and their total number of children, and number of daughters and sons in a contemporary, rural Polish population.

Methods

Demographic and reproductive data were collected from 384 postmenopausal women from rural Poland who were married only once. Regression models were used to evaluate the impact of the age gap between partners on total number of children and on number of daughters and sons. Women's age, age at marriage (as an indicator of reproductive value), and years of education were used in analyzes as potential confounders.

Results

There was an inverted U‐shape association between parental age difference and number of children and also the number of sons. The highest number of children and sons was observed when men were approximately 6.5 years older than their wives. There was no significant relationship between parental age difference and number of daughters.

Conclusions

Age difference between partners is important for reproductive success (with younger wives having higher reproductive potential) and is also related to number of sons. Older husbands might provide more resources for the family, thus facilitating production of well‐nourished male offspring. Future research should evaluate not only number of children but also their biological condition, health, and lifetime achievements in relation to the age difference between their parents.
Cross‐sectional and longitudinal analysis of nutritional status of school‐children from Bumbire Island (United Republic of Tanzania)
Authors: Comandini Ornella , Carmignani Gabriele , Cipriano Alessandro , Carmignani Giovanni , Tiba Deodatus , Marini Elisabetta
Published: January 2018

Objective

To analyze the nutritional status of schoolchildren from Bumbire Island (Tanzania) from cross‐sectional and longitudinal perspectives.

Methods

During 2014 and 2015, we collected anthropometric measurements in a sample of 437 schoolchildren (226 males, 211 females; 5–16 years). A sub‐sample of 126 children were measured in both surveys. Socio‐demographic data have been taken and dietary habits investigated. The accuracy of age data was checked. Malnutrition prevalence was calculated according to the WHO references and the z‐score criteria.

Results

The prevalence of undernutrition was high (stunting: 30.7%; underweight: 12.9%; thinness: 4.5%), while overweight was rare (2.4%). The prevalence of stunting was higher in males and in older children. The one‐year longitudinal analysis indicated that stunting prevalence increased.

Conclusions

Undernutrition is affecting Bumbire Island children, likely due to micronutrient deficiencies. The effects of linear growth deficit continue to accumulate throughout childhood and adolescent years.
Gastrointestinal protists and helminths of habituated agile mangabeys (Cercocebus agilis) at Bai Hokou, Central African Republic
Authors: Pafčo Barbora , Tehlárová Zuzana , Jirků Pomajbíková Kateřina , Todd Angelique , Hasegawa Hideo , Petrželková Klára J. , Modrý David
Published: January 2018

Infectious diseases including those caused by parasites can be a major threat to the conservation of endangered species. There is thus a great need for studies describing parasite infections of these species in the wild. Here we present data on parasite diversity in an agile mangabey (Cercocebus agilis) group in Bai Hokou, Dzanga‐Sangha Protected Areas (DSPA), Central African Republic. We coproscopically analyzed 140 mangabey fecal samples by concentration techniques (flotation and sedimentation). Agile mangabeys hosted a broad diversity of protistan parasites/commensals, namely amoebas (Entamoeba spp., Iodamoeba buetschlli), a Buxtonella‐like ciliate and several parasitic helminths: strongylid and spirurid nematodes, Primasubulura sp., Enterobius sp., and Trichuris sp. Importantly, some of the detected parasite taxa might be of potential zoonotic importance, such as Entamoeba spp. and the helminths Enterobius sp., Trichuris sp., and strongylid nematodes. Detailed morphological examination of ciliate cysts found in mangabeys and comparison with cysts of Balantioides coli from domestic pigs showed no distinguishing structures, although significant differences in cyst size were recorded. Scanning or transmission electron microscopy combined with molecular taxonomy methods are needed to properly identify these ciliates. Further studies using molecular epidemiology are warranted to better understand cross‐species transmission and the zoonotic potential of parasites in sympatric non‐human primates and humans cohabiting DSPA.
Numerical simulation of two consecutive nasal respiratory cycles: toward a better understanding of nasal physiology
Authors: de Gabory Ludovic , Reville Nicolas , Baux Yannick , Boisson Nicolas , Bordenave Laurence
Published: January 2018

Background

Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations have greatly improved the understanding of nasal physiology. We postulate that simulating the entire and repeated respiratory nasal cycles, within the whole sinonasal cavities, is mandatory to gather more accurate observations and better understand airflow patterns.

Methods

A 3‐dimensional (3D) sinonasal model was constructed from a healthy adult computed tomography (CT) scan which discretized in 6.6 million cells (mean volume, 0.008 mm3). CFD simulations were performed with ANSYS©FluentTMv16.0.0 software with transient and turbulent airflow (k‐ω model). Two respiratory cycles (8 seconds) were simulated to assess pressure, velocity, wall shear stress, and particle residence time.

Results

The pressure gradients within the sinus cavities varied according to their place of connection to the main passage. Alternations in pressure gradients induced a slight pumping phenomenon close to the ostia but no movement of air was observed within the sinus cavities. Strong movements were observed within the inferior meatus during expiration contrary to the inspiration, as in the olfactory cleft at the same time. Particle residence time was longer during expiration than inspiration due to nasal valve resistance, as if the expiratory phase was preparing the next inspiratory phase. Throughout expiration, some particles remained in contact with the lower turbinates. The posterior part of the olfactory cleft was gradually filled with particles that did not leave the nose at the next respiratory cycle. This pattern increased as the respiratory cycle was repeated.

Conclusion

CFD is more efficient and reliable when the entire respiratory cycle is simulated and repeated to avoid losing information.
A Diazido Mannose Analogue as a Chemoenzymatic Synthon for Synthesizing Di‐N‐acetyllegionaminic Acid‐Containing Glycosides
Authors: Santra Abhishek , Xiao An , Yu Hai , Li Wanqing , Li Yanhong , Ngo Linh , McArthur John B. , Chen Xi
Published: January 2018

A chemoenzymatic synthon was designed to expand the scope of the chemoenzymatic synthesis of carbohydrates. The synthon was enzymatically converted into carbohydrate analogues, which were readily derivatized chemically to produce the desired targets. The strategy is demonstrated for the synthesis of glycosides containing 7,9‐di‐N‐acetyllegionaminic acid (Leg5,7Ac2), a bacterial nonulosonic acid (NulO) analogue of sialic acid. A versatile library of α2‐3/6‐linked Leg5,7Ac2‐glycosides was built by using chemically synthesized 2,4‐diazido‐2,4,6‐trideoxymannose as a chemoenzymatic synthon for highly efficient one‐pot multienzyme (OPME) sialylation followed by downstream chemical conversion of the azido groups into acetamido groups. The syntheses required 10 steps from commercially available d‐fucose and had an overall yield of 34–52 %, thus representing a significant improvement over previous methods. Free Leg5,7Ac2 monosaccharide was also synthesized by a sialic acid aldolase‐catalyzed reaction.
Is current floodplain management a cause for concern for fish and bird conservation in Bangladesh's largest wetland?
Authors: Galib Shams M. , Lucas Martyn C. , Chaki Nipa , Fahad Foyzul H. , Mohsin A.B.M.
Published: January 2018

Worldwide, water regulatory structures have impacts on aquatic ecological connectivity. This study determined the effects of current sluice management on the fish community in the Baral River, a major connection to the largest wetland (Chalan Beel) in Bangladesh. It also examines wider problems for biodiversity conservation (particularly waterbirds) in that wetland, which has shrunk to 30% of its former dry‐season size in 50 years.

During the flood period, the peak breeding time for native floodplain fishes, sluices were in undershot operation (open by 16–60% of water depth). During this time, fish abundance and species richness were 229% and 155% higher respectively at sites upstream of the sluices, despite similar habitat upstream and downstream. Outside this period, when sluices were fully open, abundance and species richness were similar upstream and downstream.

Fish samples were dominated by fry, which are susceptible to damage by sluices. Twenty (41.7%) of 48 fish species captured in this study are classed as threatened in Bangladesh and their abundance was significantly lower downstream of the sluices. Two alien species, Aristichthys nobilis and Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, were recorded, probably escapees from local aquaculture activities.

Twenty‐five species of wetland birds were recorded in the Chalan Beel. From interviews, 64% of these species appear to have decreased in the last 20 years, together with 11 more species that may have become locally extinct over this period. This suggests that widespread ecological disruption is occurring.

Improved water management (e.g. gate opening height and duration) or modification (e.g. fish pass) of the Baral sluices is needed, to meet biodiversity and fisheries needs, rather than just for flood control and crop production. Improved hydrological and ecological connectivity and habitat protection are needed, as are a cessation of destructive fishing and seasonal fish ranching practices that currently provide synergistic pressures.
Occupational exposure to extremely low‐frequency magnetic fields and the risk of ALS: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Huss Anke , Peters Susan , Vermeulen Roel
Published: January 2018

We performed a meta‐analysis to examine associations of occupational exposure to extremely‐low frequency magnetic fields (ELF‐MF) with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Epidemiologic studies were identified in EMBASE and MEDLINE, in reference lists and a specialist database. We included studies that reported risk estimates of ALS in association with occupational ELF‐MF exposure. Summary relative risks (RR) or odds ratios (OR) were obtained with random effect meta‐analysis, and analyses were stratified by type of exposure assessment. This was done to evaluate whether observed heterogeneity between studies could be explained with differences in the way the exposure had been determined. We included 20 studies in our meta‐analysis. Overall, studies reported a slightly increased risk of ALS in those exposed to higher levels of ELF‐MF compared to lower levels with a summary RR (sRR) of 1.14 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.00–1.30) and for workers in electrical occupations (sRR 1.41, CI 1.05–1.92), but with large heterogeneity between studies (I2 > 70%). Self‐reported exposure or occupations determined from death certificates did not show increased risks. Highest‐longest types of exposure translated into increased risks of ALS if the studies had evaluated the whole occupational history, in contrast to evaluating only few points in time (e.g., from census records); sRR were 1.89 (CI 1.31–2.73, I2 0%) and 1.06 (CI 0.75–1.57, I2 76%), respectively. In this meta‐analysis, we observed an increased risk of ALS in workers occupationally exposed to ELF‐MF. Results of studies depended on the quality of the exposure assessment. Bioelectromagnetics. 39:156–163, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isatin, an endogenous nonpeptide biofactor: A review of its molecular targets, mechanisms of actions, and their biomedical implications
Authors: Medvedev Alexei , Buneeva Olga , Gnedenko Oksana , Ershov Pavel , Ivanov Alexis
Published: January 2018

Isatin (indole‐2,3‐dione) is an oxidized indole. It is widely distributed in mammalian tissues and body fluids, where isatin concentrations vary significantly from <0.1 to > 10 µM. Isatin output is increased under conditions of stress. Exogenously administered isatin is characterized by low toxicity, mutagenicity, and genotoxicity in vivo. Cytotoxic effects of isatin on various cell cultures are usually observed at concentrations exceeding 100 µM. Binding of [3H]isatin to rat brain sections is consistent with its physiological concentrations. Proteomic analysis of mouse and rat brain isatin‐binding proteins revealed about 90 individual proteins, which demonstrated significant interspecies differences (rat versus mouse). Certain evidence exist that redox state(s) and possibly other types of posttranslational modifications regulate affinity of target proteins to isatin. Recent data suggest that interacting with numerous intracellular isatin binding proteins, isatin can act as a regulator of complex protein networks in norm and pathology. Physiological concentrations of isatin in vitro inhibit monoamine oxidase B and natriuretic peptide receptor guanylate cyclase, higher (neuroprotective) concentrations (50–400 μM) cause apoptosis of various (including malignant tumor) cell lines and influence expression of certain apoptosis‐related genes. Being administered in vivo, isatin exhibits various behavioral effects; it attenuates manifestations of MPTP‐induced parkinsonism and tumor growth in experimental animal models. © 2017 BioFactors, 44(2):95–108, 2018
Organizational Sustainability Determinants in Different Cultural Settings: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Horak Sven , Arya Bindu , Ismail Kiran M
Published: January 2018

Since the link between organizations’ sustainability initiatives and effects from the societal environment has not been consistently established in the literature, this paper provides a conceptual framework to demonstrate the antecedents to the levels of sustainability initiatives undertaken by firms. Taking insights from institutional theory, it proposes that the relationship between the sustainability determinants and the level of sustainability initiatives is mediated by coercive, mimetic and normative isomorphic pressures. Moreover, it suggests that culture plays a significant role in moderating the extent to which the various types of isomorphic pressure on firms may influence the levels of firms’ sustainability initiatives. The implications of the framework are discussed in the light of encouraging sustainability initiatives and overall sustainable development in various cultural settings as well as undertaking future research to enhance the framework and its applicability. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Lack of self‐reported volitional control predicts certain mental and substance use disorders
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2018

Lack of volitional control predicted panic, social phobia, and substance use in a large study of adolescents and young adults to be published this month in Psychiatry Research.
Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome mimicking mitochondrial disease
Authors: Rojnueangnit Kitiwan , Descartes Maria
Published: January 2018

Key Clinical Message

Later‐onset congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (LO‐CCHS) does not present only breathing problems but can be present as episodic multiple organs involvement. Our unique case demonstrated LO‐CCHS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases and having nontypical polysomnography result.
Mapping of Activity through Dichotomic Scores (MADS): A new chemoinformatic approach to detect activity‐rich structural regions
Authors: Todeschini Roberto , Consonni Viviana , Ballabio Davide , Grisoni Francesca
Published: January 2018

A new chemoinformatic approach, called Mapping of Activity through Dichotomic Scores, is introduced. Its goal is the supervised projection of molecules, represented with strings of binary digits expressing the presence or absence of selected structural features, onto a novel 2‐dimensional space, which highlights regions of active (inactive) molecules of interest. At the same time, variables are projected onto a second 2‐dimensional space, which highlights those structural features that are more related to the molecular activity of interest. Unlike the classical weighting schemes used in substructural analysis, which consider the substructures independently of each other, the Mapping of Activity through Dichotomic Scores approach considers the interactions between pairs of substructures, that is, their frequencies of cooccurrence in the molecules. In this work, the theory is presented and elucidated, with an example dataset and in comparison with a benchmark fragment‐based scoring scheme.
Signalling transduction events involved in agonist‐induced PGE2/EP4 receptor externalization in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion neurons
Authors: Ma W. , St‐Jacques B.
Published: January 2018

Background

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) enriched in inflamed tissues contributes to chronic pain by sensitizing nociceptive dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons (nociceptors). Of four PGE2 receptors (EP1–4), EP4 plays a major role in PGE2‐induced nociceptor sensitization. We have previously reported that PGE2 or EP4 agonists stimulated EP4 externalization in cultured DRG neurons and this event contributes to nociceptor sensitization. However, the signalling transduction events governing this event remain unknown.

Methods

In this study, using antibody‐based externalization assay, we examined EP subtypes and multiple signalling transduction events involved in PGE2‐induced EP4 externalization in cultured DRG neurons.

Results

In addition to EP4 agonist, EP2 agonist, to a lesser extent, also induced EP4 externalization while EP1 and EP3 agonists had no effect. The extracellular and intracellular calcium chelators, the inhibitors of CaMKII, cAMP, PKA, PKC, PKCε, PLC, MAPKs, PI3K and Akt suppressed agonist‐induced EP4 externalization. The activator of AC, two PKA‐specific cAMP analogues and one Epac‐specific cAMP analogue also induced EP4 externalization. ELISA showed that double sequential exposures to EP4 agonists induced a greater release of pain peptide CGRP from cultured DRG neurons than a single exposure, an event blocked by the inhibitor of anterograde transport from ER/Golgi complex to cell surface.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data suggest that mobilization of extracellular and intracellular calcium as well as the activation of CaMKII, cAMP/PKA, cAMP/Epac, PKC/PKCε, MAPKs, PI3K‐Akt and PLC signalling transduction pathways are involved in agonist‐induced EP4 externalization. Agonist‐enhanced EP4 externalization increases EP4 cell surface abundance and activity, thus enhancing nociceptor sensitization.

Significance

This study adds mechanistic information regarding signalling transduction events involved in agonist‐induced EP4 cell surface trafficking. EP4 and EP2 (to lesser extent) receptors, extra‐ and intracellular Ca++, CaKMII, cAMP, PKA, PKC, PKCε, PLC, MAPK, PI3K and Akt are involved in this event. Agonist‐induced EP4 externalization contributes to enhanced nociceptor sensitization.
Subcritical water extraction of amino acids from Mars analog soils
Authors: Noell Aaron C. , Fisher Anita M. , Fors‐Francis Kisa , Sherrit Stewart
Published: January 2018

For decades, the Martian regolith has stymied robotic mission efforts to catalog the organic molecules present. Perchlorate salts, found widely throughout Mars, are the main culprit as they breakdown and react with organics liberated from the regolith during pyrolysis, the primary extraction technique attempted to date on Mars. This work further develops subcritical water extraction (SCWE) as a technique for extraction of amino acids on future missions. The effect of SCWE temperature (185, 200, and 215°C) and duration of extraction (10–120 min) on the total amount and distribution of amino acids recovered was explored for three Mars analog soils (JSC Mars‐1A simulant, an Atacama desert soil, and an Antarctic Dry Valleys soil) and bovine serum albumin (as a control solution of known amino acid content). Total amounts of amino acids extracted increased with both time and temperature; however, the distribution shifted notably due to the destruction of the amino acids with charged or polar side chains at the higher temperatures. The pure bovine serum albumin solution and JSC Mars 1A also showed lower yields than the Atacama and Antarctic extractions suggesting that SCWE may be less effective at hydrolyzing large or aggregated proteins. Changing solvent from water to a dilute (10 mM) HCl solution allowed total extraction efficiencies comparable to the higher temperature/time combinations while using the lowest temperature/time (185°C/20 min). The dilute HCl extractions also did not lead to the shift in amino acid distribution observed at the higher temperatures. Additionally, adding sodium perchlorate salt to the extraction did not interfere with recoveries. Native magnetite in the JSC Mars‐1A may have been responsible for destruction of glycine, as evidenced by its uncharacteristic decrease as the temperature/time of extraction increased. This work shows that SCWE can extract high yields of native amino acids out of Mars analog soils with minimal disruption of the distribution of those amino acids, even in the presence of a perchlorate salt.