bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does shell shape variation play a role in conservation of the long‐lived freshwater bivalve Diplodon chilensis (Bivalvia, Hyriidae)?
Authors: Yusseppone Maria S. , Márquez Federico , Luquet Carlos M. , Brey Thomas , Ríos de Molina Maria C. , Rocchetta Iara
Published: December 2017

Freshwater bivalves of the order Unionoida display an uncommon phenotypic plasticity with high interpopulation and intrapopulation morphological variability, which could be advantageous for coping with habitat modifications. However, unionoids have suffered a marked population decline in different parts of the world in the last decades. A decline in some populations of the South American long‐lived freshwater mussel Diplodon chilensis as a consequence of habitat deterioration has recently been recorded. Ontogenetic allometry and shape variation in shells of D. chilensis from 2 different sites, Paimun lake and Chimehuin river, North Patagonia, Argentina, have been studied. For these purposes, geometric morphometric methods were used. Shell shape shows differences between sites, which the shells from Chimehuin river show less intrapopulation variability; are more elongated, with the anterior part extended upwards and the posterior part downwards; and show a steeper anterior curvature at the umbo compared to those from Paimún lake. These characteristics make shell shape more streamlined to withstand river current. Furthermore, the extended posterior‐ventral part in river shells coincides with higher foot weight that would improve anchoring to the river rocky–sandy substrate. River shells present a bounded eco‐morphotype whereas the higher variability of lake shells includes the “river eco‐morphotype.” Growth is allometric throughout life in both sites and is not sex‐dependent. The success of river repopulation programmes using mussels from lake populations may be increased by transplanting selected individuals that show “river eco‐morphotype.”
Synthesis of Fully Functionalized 5‐Selanyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles: Copper‐Catalysed Three‐Component Reaction of Ethynylstibanes, Organic Azides, and Diaryl Diselenides
Authors: Yamada Mizuki , Matsumura Mio , Takino Fumina , Murata Yuki , Kurata Yuka , Kawahata Masatoshi , Yamaguchi Kentaro , Kakusawa Naoki , Yasuike Shuji
Published: December 2017

A simple, general method for the synthesis of fully substituted 5‐selanyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles is described. In the presence of CuI (10 mol‐%) and 1,10‐phenanthroline (10 mol‐%), a three‐component reaction of ethynylstibanes, organic azides, and diaryl diselenides gave 5‐selanyltriazoles in moderate‐to‐excellent yields. Under aerobic conditions, the reaction proceeded efficiently, and both of the two selanyl groups were transferred from the diaryl diselenide to the product. In this three‐component reaction, ethynylstibanes, containing an antimony atom, gave better results than various alkynes containing other typical elements, such as silicon, tin, and tellurium.
Are you better? A multi‐centre study of patient‐defined recovery from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: Llewellyn A. , McCabe C.S. , Hibberd Y. , White P. , Davies L. , Marinus J. , Perez R.G.S.M. , Thomassen I. , Brunner F. , Sontheim C. , Birklein F. , Schlereth T. , Goebel A. , Haigh R. , Connett R. , Maihöfner C. , Knudsen L. , Harden R.N. , Zyluk A. , Shulman D. , Small H. , Gobeil F. , Moskovitz P.
Published: December 2017

Background

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) symptoms can significantly differ between patients, fluctuate over time, disappear or persist. This leads to problems in defining recovery and in evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic interventions.

Objectives

To define recovery from the patients’ perspective and better understand their priorities for treatment approaches.

Methods

Establishing an international consortium, we used a 2‐Round Delphi‐based study in eight countries across Europe and North America. Participants ≥18 years who met, or had met, Budapest clinical criteria were included. Round 1 participants completed the statement: ‘I would/do consider myself recovered from CRPS if/because…’ alongside demographic and health questionnaires. Data were thematically organised and represented as 62 statements, from which participants identified and ranked their recovery priorities in Round 2.

Results

Round 1 (N = 347, 80% female, 91% non‐recovered) dominant ICF themes were: activities of daily living; bodily functions; external factors; participation and personal factors. The top five priority statements in Round 2 (N = 252) were: no longer having (1) CRPS‐related pain, (2) generalised pain and discomfort, (3) restricted range of movement, (4) need for medication, (5) stiffness in the affected limb. With very few exceptions, priorities were consistent, irrespective of patient demographics/geography. Symptoms affecting daily activities were among those most frequently reported.

Conclusions

Our data showed a small number of themes are of highest importance to CRPS patients’ definition of recovery. Patients want their pain, movement restriction and reliance on medication to be addressed, above all other factors. These factors should therefore be foremost concerns for future treatment and rehabilitation programmes.

Significance

Those with longstanding CRPS may no longer meet diagnostic criteria but still be symptomatic.

Defining recovery is therefore problematic in CRPS.

Our study has identified patients’ definition of recovery from CRPS, in order of priority, as relief from: their CRPS‐related pain, generalised pain, movement restriction, reliance on medication, and stiffness.
Reach prospective students on the social media platforms they use
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2017

The University of Wisconsin‐Green Bay grew its freshman class by 5 percent this fall compared to fall 2016. That's an impressive feat in a region where the number of high school graduates is declining. And attracting more applicants to Green Bay is a challenge. “Not everyone thinks it's a destination,” said Jennifer Jones, director of admissions at UWGB. The application numbers that led to the increase rose modestly, but the enrollment increase resulted mostly from higher yield among students who applied, Jones said.
Foundations of translational ecology
Authors: Enquist Carolyn AF , Jackson Stephen T , Garfin Gregg M , Davis Frank W , Gerber Leah R , Littell Jeremy A , Tank Jennifer L , Terando Adam J , Wall Tamara U , Halpern Benjamin , Hiers J Kevin , Morelli Toni Lyn , McNie Elizabeth , Stephenson Nathan L , Williamson Matthew A , Woodhouse Connie A , Yung Laurie , Brunson Mark W , Hall Kimberly R , Hallett Lauren M , Lawson Dawn M , Moritz Max A , Nydick Koren , Pairis Amber , Ray Andrea J , Regan Claudia , Safford Hugh D , Schwartz Mark W , Shaw M Rebecca
Published: December 2017

Ecologists who specialize in translational ecology (TE) seek to link ecological knowledge to decision making by integrating ecological science with the full complement of social dimensions that underlie today's complex environmental issues. TE is motivated by a search for outcomes that directly serve the needs of natural resource managers and decision makers. This objective distinguishes it from both basic and applied ecological research and, as a practice, it deliberately extends research beyond theory or opportunistic applications. TE is uniquely positioned to address complex issues through interdisciplinary team approaches and integrated scientist–practitioner partnerships. The creativity and context‐specific knowledge of resource managers, practitioners, and decision makers inform and enrich the scientific process and help shape use‐driven, actionable science. Moreover, addressing research questions that arise from on‐the‐ground management issues – as opposed to the top‐down or expert‐oriented perspectives of traditional science – can foster the high levels of trust and commitment that are critical for long‐term, sustained engagement between partners.
St. Kanzian tunnel chain – Current state of works
Authors: Herzeg Thomas , Moraus Thomas
Published: December 2017

The railway line from Graz to Klagenfurt, section Mittlern–Althofen/Drau, is part of the Austrian high‐speed network and a partial section of the trans‐European railway network (TEN in the EU, Pan‐European corridor in the eastern countries). With the Koralmbahn line from Graz to Klagenfurt, capacity on the north‐south connection Vienna–Tarvis will be considerably increased and the journey times noticeably shortened. The St. Kanzian tunnel chain is the most important part of the section Mittlern‐Althofen/Drau in southern Carinthia, in the immediate vicinity of the tourist region of Klopeiner See/St. Kanzian. The St. Kanzian tunnel chain consists of six tunnels with lengths between 230 and 2,100 m, which are under construction by various methods. Despite the short distances between the tunnels, the inhomogeneous geological conditions ranging from silty‐sandy lacustrine sediments to phyllites are a great challenge. The topography also leads to consistently shallow overburden. The stated conditions lead to the necessity of extensive specialised civil engineering and ground improvement measures.
Recycling or landfill – Experience based on the example of Koralm Tunnel, contract KAT2 from design to construction
Authors: Tauer Andreas , Posch Helmut , Kager Matthias , Schubel Dietmar
Published: December 2017

The construction of the approx. 33 km long, twin‐bore Koralm Tunnel will produce about 5 million m3 of tunnel spoil. For this reason, a maximum degree of recycling of the material and landfill within the area of the three construction contracts were already intended at the start of design work. This had to consider optimal cost‐effectiveness of the entire materials management with minimal environmental impact through the minimising of transport journeys and areas exploited as well as the saving resources as far as possible. Specifically for the design of contract KAT2, the production and demand of material had to be compared from design to construction, taking into account the landfill and recycling possibilities while observing the technical constraints and the regulations concerning the chemical properties of waste.
Autonomy in Tension: Reproduction, Technology, and Justice
Authors: King Louise P. , Zacharias Rachel L. , Johnston Josephine
Published: December 2017

Respect for autonomy is a central value in reproductive ethics, but it can be a challenge to fulfill and is sometimes an outright puzzle to understand. If a woman requests the transfer of two, three, or four embryos during fertility treatment, is that request truly autonomous, and do clinicians disrespect her if they question that decision or refuse to carry it out? Add a commitment to justice to the mix, and the challenge can become more complex still. Is it unfair for insurance policies to exclude from coverage the costs of giving fertility to those who lack it or restoring fertility in those who have lost it? What does “just reproduction” look like in the face of multifarious understandings of both justice and autonomy and in light of increasingly complex and costly reproductive technologies?

In today's dialogue about reproduction, medicine, and ethics in the United States, old ethical issues—such as whether women ought to be allowed to access pregnancy termination—are more contested than they have been in decades, while new technologies—like those used to edit the genes of human embryos—suggest that our species could face unprecedented questions about who should exist. As we considered the discussions accompanying these issues and contemplated a special report responding to them, we found ourselves consistently circling back to two ethical commitments: respect for autonomy and the pursuit of justice. As one of the nine essays in this collection asks, why should certain women receive help to establish a pregnancy while others are thrown in jail when they miscarry or their child is stillborn? Respect for autonomy is required where individuals have the ability to make fully informed and voluntary choices. Yet does respecting autonomy require acceding to all the choices of patients or consumers of medical care? We consider these and related questions in this special report from the Hastings Center Report.
Reduction of platinum (IV) ions to elemental platinum nanoparticles by anaerobic sludge
Authors: Simon‐Pascual Alvaro , Sierra‐Alvarez Reyes , Ramos‐Ruiz Adriana , Field Jim A
Published: December 2017

Background

The future supply of platinum group metals (PGM) is at risk because of their scarcity combined with a high demand. Thus recovery of platinum (Pt) from waste is an option worthy of study to help alleviate future shortages. This research explored the microbial reduction of platinum (Pt). The ability of anaerobic granular sludge to reduce Pt(IV) ions under different physiological conditions was studied.

Results

X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analyses demonstrated the capacity of the microbial mixed culture to reduce Pt(IV) to Pt(0) nanoparticles, which were deposited on the cell‐surface and in the periplasmic space. Ethanol supported the biologically catalyzed Pt(IV) reduction, meanwhile other electron donors; hydrogen (H2) and formate, promoted the chemical reduction of Pt(IV) with some additional biological stimulation in the case of H2. A hypothesis is proposed in which H2 formed from the acetogenesis of ethanol is implicated in subsequent abiotic reduction of Pt(IV) indicating an integrated bio‐chemical process. Endogenous controls also resulted in slow Pt(IV) removal from aqueous solution. Selected redox mediators, exemplified by riboflavin, enhanced the Pt(IV) reduction rate.

Conclusion

This study reported for the first time the ability of an anaerobic granular sludge to reduce Pt(IV) to elemental Pt(0) nanoparticles. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Divided stimulus control: Which key did you peck, or what color was it?
Authors: Davison Michael
Published: December 2017

Responding on concurrent schedules produced a conditional discrimination (Phases 1 and 2), asking either which peck produced the event, or which color the keys were when the event was produced. In Phases 3 and 4, reinforcer delivery or a delay in blackout was interpolated between responding and the conditional discrimination. In Phase 1, location versus color discrimination accuracy was controlled by the relative reinforcer frequency for correct responses to these questions (divided stimulus control). In Phases 2 to 4, relative reinforcer frequency for correct responses to these questions was .5, and the relative frequency with which concurrent‐schedule responses produced the questions was varied. This variation had no clear effect on the accuracy of reporting Location or Color. These results are consistent with the model of divided control suggested by Davison and Elliffe (2010). Arranging a 3‐s reinforcer between responding and choice decreased both color and location accuracy, but a 3‐s delay only decreased location accuracy. Thus, in concurrent‐schedule performance, both ambient stimuli prior to a reinforcer and the location of the just‐reinforced response are available as discriminative stimuli following the reinforcer. Control of postreinforcer responding is divided between these according to their association with the relative frequency of subsequent reinforcers.
The case for viral load testing in adolescents in resource‐limited settings
Authors: Marcus Rebecca , Ferrand Rashida A , Kranzer Katharina , Bekker Linda‐Gail
Published: December 2017

Introduction

The success of HIV treatment programmes globally has resulted in children with perinatally acquired HIV reaching adolescence in large numbers. The number of adolescents living with HIV is growing further due to persisting high HIV incidence rates among adolescents in low‐ and middle‐income settings, particularly in sub‐Saharan Africa. Although expanding access to HIV viral load monitoring is necessary to achieve the 90‐90‐90 targets across the HIV care continuum, implementation is incomplete. We discuss the rationale for prioritizing viral load monitoring among adolescents and the associated challenges.

Discussion

Adolescents with HIV are a complex group to treat successfully due to extensive exposure to antiretroviral therapy for those with perinatally acquired HIV and the challenges in sustained medication adherence in this age group. Given the high risk of treatment failure among adolescents and the limited drug regimens available in limited resource settings, HIV viral load monitoring in adolescents could prevent unnecessary and costly switches to second‐line therapy in virologically suppressed adolescents. Because adolescents living with HIV may be heavily treatment experienced, have suboptimal treatment adherence, or may be on second or even third‐line therapy, viral load testing would allow clinicians to make informed decisions about increased counselling and support for adolescents together with the need to maintain or switch therapeutic regimens.

Conclusions

Given scarce resources, prioritization of viral load testing among groups with a high risk of virological failure may be required. Adolescents have disproportionately high rates of virological failure, and targeting this age group for viral load monitoring may provide valuable lessons to inform broader scale‐up.
Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis was associated with enteric commensal bacterial resistance among HIV‐exposed infants in a randomized controlled trial, Botswana
Authors: Powis Kathleen M , Souda Sajini , Lockman Shahin , Ajibola Gbolahan , Bennett Kara , Leidner Jean , Hughes Michael D , Moyo Sikhulile , van Widenfelt Erik , Jibril Haruna B , Makhema Joseph , Essex Max , Shapiro Roger L
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Despite declining risk of vertical HIV transmission, prophylactic cotrimoxazole (CTX) remains widely used to reduce morbidity and mortality in the event of HIV infection among exposed infants, with an inherent risk of conferring commensal antimicrobial resistance. Using data from a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of infant CTX prophylaxis, we sought to quantify emergence of antibiotic resistance.

Methods

HIV‐exposed uninfected infants enrolled in the Botswana Mpepu study were randomized to prophylactic CTX or placebo between 14 and 34 days of life and continued through 15 months. Stool samples were collected from a subset of participating infants at randomization, three, and six months, and stored at −70°C prior to culture. Specimens that grew Escherichia coli (E. coli) or Klebsiella species (Klebsiella spp.) underwent antibiotic susceptibility testing by Kirby Bauer method using CTX (CTX 1.25/23.75 μg) and Amoxicillin (10 μg) in Mueller Hinton agar. Fisher's exact testing was used to compare prevalence of resistance by randomization arm (CTX/placebo).

Results and Discussion

A total of 381 stool samples from 220 infants were cultured: 118 at randomization, 151 at three months, and 112 at six‐months. E. coli was isolated from 206 specimens and Klebsiella spp. from 138 specimens. Resistance to CTX was common in both E. coli and Klebsiella spp. at the randomization visit (52.2% and 37.7% respectively) and did not differ by study arm. E. Coli isolates from CTX recipients at three and six months had 94.9% and 84.2% CTX resistance, as compared with 51.4% and 57.5% CTX resistance in isolates from placebo recipients (p=0.01). Klebsiella spp. isolates from CTX recipients had 79.0% and 68.8% CTX resistance at three and six months, as compared with 19.1% and 14.3% in isolates from placebo recipients (p<0.01).

Conclusions

HIV‐exposed infants randomized to CTX prophylaxis had increased CTX‐resistant commensal gastrointestinal bacteria compared with placebo recipients. Additional research is needed to determine the longer‐term clinical, microbiologic, and public health consequences of antimicrobial resistance selected by infant CTX prophylaxis.
Gp41 and Gag amino acids linked to HIV‐1 protease inhibitor‐based second‐line failure in HIV‐1 subtype A from Western Kenya
Authors: Coetzer Mia , Ledingham Lauren , Diero Lameck , Kemboi Emmanuel , Orido Millicent , Kantor Rami
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Failure of protease‐inhibitor (PI)‐based second‐line antiretroviral therapy (ART) with medication adherence but no protease drug resistance mutations (DRMs) is not well understood. This study investigated the involvement of gp41 and gag as alternative mechanisms, not captured by conventional resistance testing and particularly relevant in resource‐limited settings where third‐line ART is limited.

Methods

We evaluated gp41 and gag for unique amino acids in seven subtype A infected Kenyans failing second‐line therapy with no PI resistance yet detectable lopinavir (query dataset), compared to seven similar‐setting patients with PI resistance or undetectable lopinavir and 69 publically available subtype A Kenyan whole‐genomes sequences.

Results

Three gp41 (607T, 641L, 721I) and four gag (124S, 143V, 339P, 357S) amino acids were significantly more frequent in the query dataset compared to the other datasets, with significantly high co‐occurrence.

Conclusion

The genotypic analysis of a unique group of HIV‐1 subtype A infected patients, identified seven amino acids that could potentially contribute to a multi‐gene mechanism of PI‐based ART failure in the absence of PI DR mutations.
Doppler ultrasound triggering for cardiac MRI at 7T
Authors: Kording F. , Ruprecht C. , Schoennagel B. , Fehrs K. , Yamamura J. , Adam G. , Goebel J. , Nassenstein K. , Maderwald S. , Quick H.H. , Kraff O.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

A prerequisite for cardiac MR (CMR) imaging is adequate synchronization of image acquisition with the cardiac cycle. Electrocardiogram triggering may be hampered by electromagnetic interferences at high field strength. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the feasibility of Doppler ultrasound triggering for CMR image synchronization at 7T ultra‐high‐field MRI.

Methods

A custom‐built Doppler ultrasound (DUS) trigger device was developed. Magnetic resonance compatibility was evaluated using E‐ and H‐field probes and flip angle maps prior to the study. Cardiac MR was performed at 7T in 13 healthy subjects using DUS and pulse oximetry for triggering. For validation of the trigger signal, the electrocardiogram, pulse, and DUS signals were compared outside of the MR room. Breath‐hold cine fast low‐angle‐shot sequences were acquired in short‐axis and four‐chamber view. Image quality was assessed by two senior radiologists and by measurement of endocardial blurring.

Results

The maximal change in E‐ and H‐field distributions with and without transducer was 5%. No interferences were observed between DUS and MRI in the B1 maps and during CMR imaging. Validation of the DUS trigger signal resulted in a high correlation to the electrocardiographic signal of r = 0.99. Analysis of image and trigger quality revealed no significant differences.

Conclusion

Doppler ultrasound was applied as a new trigger method in CMR at 7T. The transmission line and transducer were locally approved as 7T MR conditional, and were successfully tested for image synchronization at 7T. In the future, this method needs to be evaluated in a larger patient population. Magn Reson Med 80:239–247, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
A GDSL‐motif esterase/acyltransferase/lipase is responsible for leaf water retention in barley
Authors: Li Chao , Chen Guoxiong , Mishina Kohei , Yamaji Naoki , Ma Jian Feng , Yukuhiro Fumiko , Tagiri Akemi , Liu Cheng , Pourkheirandish Mohammad , Anwar Nadia , Ohta Masaru , Zhao Pengshan , Lundqvist Udda , Li Xinrong , Komatsuda Takao
Published: December 2017

The hydrophobic cuticle covers the surface of the most aerial organs of land plants. The barley mutant eceriferum‐zv (cer‐zv), which is hypersensitive to drought, is unable to accumulate a sufficient quantity of cutin in its leaf cuticle. The mutated locus has been mapped to a 0.02 cM segment in the pericentromeric region of chromosome 4H. As a map‐based cloning approach to isolate the gene was therefore considered unlikely to be feasible, a comparison was instead made between the transcriptomes of the mutant and the wild type. In conjunction with extant genomic information, on the basis of predicted functionality, only two genes were considered likely to encode a product associated with cutin formation. When eight independent cer‐zv mutant alleles were resequenced with respect to the two candidate genes, it was confirmed that the gene underlying the mutation in each allele encodes a Gly‐Asp‐Ser‐Leu (GDSL)‐motif esterase/acyltransferase/lipase. The gene was transcribed in the epidermis, and its product was exclusively deposited in cell wall at the boundary of the cuticle in the leaf elongation zone, coinciding with the major site of cutin deposition. CER‐ZV is speculated to function in the deposition of cutin polymer. Its homologs were found in green algae, moss, and euphyllophytes, indicating that it is highly conserved in plant kingdom.
A case report of olanzapine and related cardiac conduction changes
Authors: Ninan Sheeba , Hinchcliffe David , Amo‐Korankye Samuel
Published: December 2017

The use of certain psychotropic medications can be associated with serious ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. In this article, the authors use the QTc value in a patient treated with olanzapine for psychotic depression to highlight the challenges in balancing psychotropic medication against cardiac conduction changes.
Recurrent transient global amnesia: is there a link to familial history?
Authors: Larner Andrew J
Published: December 2017

Although most episodes of transient global amnesia (TGA) are single or unique, there is a low recurrence rate. The factors associated with recurrence are uncertain. In this article, Dr Larner describes a patient with recurrent TGA and a positive family history, which prompted consideration of the possible role of genetic factors in TGA recurrence.
On the helical arrangements of protein molecules
Authors: Dauter Zbigniew , Jaskolski Mariusz
Published: December 2017

Helical structures are prevalent in biology. In the PDB, there are many examples where protein molecules are helically arranged, not only according to strict crystallographic screw axes but also according to approximate noncrystallographic screws. The preponderance of such screws is rather striking as helical arrangements in crystals must preserve an integer number of subunits per turn, while intuition and simple packing arguments would seem to favor fractional helices. The article provides insights into such questions, based on stereochemistry, trigonometry, and topology, and illustrates the findings with concrete PDB structures. Updated statistics of Sohncke space groups in the PDB are also presented.
Revisions to Title IX guidance translate to procedural changes
Authors: Starich Megan
Published: December 2017

As of Sept. 22, 2017, the Office for Civil Rights officially withdrew the policy statements and guidance reflected in its April 4, 2011, “Dear Colleague Letter” on sexual violence and its April 29, 2014, Q&A on Title IX and sexual violence. In tandem with its announcement, OCR issued a new Q&A on campus sexual misconduct. The announcement came several weeks after the U.S. secretary of education revealed the Department of Education would undertake a formal rulemaking process on regulations to address campus sexual misconduct under Title IX.
Molecular Diversity of 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of Quinolinium Ylides with Isatylidene Malononitriles
Authors: Sun Jing , Zhang Yu , Shen Guo‐Liang , Yan Chao‐Guo
Published: December 2017

Triethylamine promoted cycloaddition reaction of N‐alkoxycarbonylmethylquinolinium bromide with isatylidene malononitriles afforded diastereoisomeric spiro[indoline‐3, 2′‐pyrrolo[1, 2‐a]quinolines] in satisfactory yields. The similar 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition with N‐(p‐nitrobenzyl)quinolinlium bromide gave spiro[indoline‐3, 2′‐pyrrolo[1, 2‐a]quinolines] in good yields and with high diastereoselectivity. More importantly, the sequential cycloaddition reaction and oxidation reaction with 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ) resulted in novel 2‐(2‐oxoindolin‐3‐ylidene)‐2‐(2‐(dicyanomethylene)quinolin‐1‐yl)acetates.
An analysis of the shear‐transfer actions in reinforced concrete members without transverse reinforcement based on refined experimental measurements
Authors: Cavagnis Francesco , Fernández Ruiz Miguel , Muttoni Aurelio
Published: December 2017

A traditional difficulty in the understanding of the role of the various shear‐transfer actions in members without transverse reinforcement has been a lack of detailed measurements on the development of shear cracking and their associated kinematics during the process of failure. In this paper, this issue is addressed on the basis of an experimental program on 20 beams investigated by means of digital image correlation. The measurements are shown to allow a clear understanding of the mechanisms leading to shear failure and their evolution (transfer of forces between the various potential shear‐carrying actions) during the loading process. The amount of shear carried by the various potential shear‐transfer actions is estimated for varying levels of load accounting for the cracking pattern and actual kinematics on the basis of fundamental constitutive laws for concrete and steel. The results are shown to be consistent and provide a rational basis for the understanding of the phenomenon of shear transfer in reinforced concrete members without transverse reinforcement.
The revised Thiel–Zsutty earthquake damage model—Reformulated and extended—Part 2
Authors: Thiel Charles C. , Zsutty Theodore C.
Published: December 2017

The revised Thiel–Zsutty model predicts the probability distribution function for earthquake damageability of a building as a function of peak ground acceleration and parameters that represent the site soils, building damageability, and uncertainty of the basis for parameter selection. Guidance is provided on how to assign revised Thiel–Zsutty parameters and for procedures to determine these parameters for a given building and site. Parameter base values are given for ASCE 7 structural systems and soil classes. The model includes representation of the uncertainty in the parameter evaluations according to level and quality of investigation through an uncertainty factor. It is keyed to ASTM investigation levels and determined by either a constructive or descriptive approach from the characteristics of the building and its design and construction. Procedures are developed for cases where the damageability factor changes as the buildings or site's response changes its character as the level of excitation increases. Guidance is provided on how to incorporate nonlinear time history analyses for performance‐based design of tall buildings and other structures.
Quantifying panel zone effect on deflection amplification factor
Authors: Mohammadi Majid , Kordbagh Bahram
Published: December 2017

Drift is a dominant feature in tall‐building design and can dictate the selection of structural systems. Because a reliable estimate of actual drifts is crucial for controlling structural damage, estimating drift considering intricate details seems noteworthy. In order to estimate story drifts during massive quakes, seismic design provisions generally specify a deflection amplification factor (Cd) to amplify elastic design drifts. In most of these codes, the amount of Cd is calculated from line‐element models without considering panel zone effects, despite the panel zone intensifying the story drift considerably. Therefore, the effect of panel zone on the story drift and Cd has been investigated in the current paper. Because Cd is independent of the number of stories, 4‐story frames, as benchmarks for special steel moment frames, with different thicknesses of the panel zone, are used. The effect of panel zone is provided as a correction factor for Cd. The results show that the panel zone should be considered in the analytical models; otherwise, the story drift will be underestimated up to 35%. Finally, a relation has been derived to consider panel zone effects on Cd, as a function of the panel zone thickness.
Reconsidering Different Visions of Scientific Literacy and Science Education Based on the Concept of Bildung
Authors: Sjöström Jesper , Eilks Ingo
Published: December 2017

Over the last 50 years, policy makers and STEM educators have argued for Scientific Literacy (SL). SL is a typical boundary object that everyone can agree on, but that is filled with different meanings by different stakeholders. Roberts (as published in Abell SK, Lederman NG (eds), Handbook of research on science education. Lawrence Erlbaum, Mahwah, pp. 729–780, 2007) has identified two main orientations of SL: Vision I starts from and focuses on scientific content and scientific processes to learn about corresponding applications later, while Vision II focuses on contextualizing scientific knowledge for giving its use in life and society meaning. The tension between Vision I and II can also be related to the tension between “pipeline science – preparing future scientists” and “science for all”. Recently, a more advanced vision of SL was suggested. It is called Vision III and emphasizes philosophical values, politicization and critical global citizenship education. Such an orientation can be well justified by the Central/Northern European educational and cultural tradition called Bildung. In its most contemporary understanding, it is agency-oriented. Bildung-oriented science education aims at making the student capable of a self-determined life in his/her socio-cultural environment, participation in a democratic society, and of empathy and solidarity with others. This concept is also closely connected to more recent educational paradigms that were defined also beyond Europe, e.g. the ideas of Education for Sustainability (EfS) and transformative learning. Both concepts aim on skills development for critical-democratic participation and for shaping our society and culture in a sustainable way. The different visions of SL have consequences for the content and culture of teaching and learning of science and technology. Accepting Vision III requires awareness that our view of selecting and teaching certain content is dependent on our culture, for example our norms, values and worldviews, and on the society we are living in. Learning (cognition) must be complemented with not only meta-learning (metacognition), but also transformative learning, where things are considered from multifaceted (e.g., cultural) perspectives. The discussion in this chapter focuses on educational implications of Vision III of SL and its connection to critical-reflexive Bildung, EfS and transformative learning.
High heterotrophic CO2 emissions from a Malaysian oil palm plantation during dry-season
Authors: Matysek Magdalena , Evers Stephanie , Samuel Marshall Kana , Sjogersten Sofie
Published: December 2017

Tropical peatlands are currently being rapidly cleared and drained for the establishment of oil palm plantations, which threatens their globally significant carbon sequestration capacity. Large-scale land conversion of tropical peatlands is important in the context of greenhouse gas emission factors and sustainable land management. At present, quantification of carbon dioxide losses from tropical peatlands is limited by our understanding of the relative contribution of heterotrophic and autotrophic respiration to net peat surface CO2 emissions. In this study we separated heterotrophic and autotrophic components of peat CO2 losses from two oil palm plantations (one established in ‘2000’ and the other in 1978, then replanted in ‘2006’) using chamber-based emissions sampling along a transect from the rooting to non-rooting zones on a peatland in Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia over the course of 3 months (June–August, 2014). Collar CO2 measurements were compared with soil temperature and moisture at site and also accompanied by depth profiles assessing peat C and bulk density. The soil respiration decreased exponentially with distance from the palm trunks with the sharpest decline found for the plantation with the younger palms with overall fluxes of 1341 and 988 mg CO2 m−2 h−1, respectively, at the 2000 and 2006 plantations, respectively. The mean heterotrophic flux was 909 ± SE 136 and 716 ± SE 201 mg m−2 h−1 at the 2000 and 2006 plantations, respectively. Autotrophic emissions adjacent to the palm trunks were 845 ± SE 135 and 1558 ± SE 341 mg m−2 h−1 at the 2000 and 2006 plantations, respectively. Heterotrophic CO2 flux was positively related to peat soil moisture, but not temperature. Total peat C stocks were 60 kg m−2 (down to 1 m depth) and did not vary among plantations of different ages but SOC concentrations declined significantly with depth at both plantations but the decline was sharper in the second generation 2006 plantation. The CO2 flux values reported in this study suggest a potential for very high carbon (C) loss from drained tropical peats during the dry season. This is particularly concerning given that more intense dry periods related to climate change are predicted for SE Asia. Taken together, this study highlights the need for careful management of tropical peatlands, and the vulnerability of their carbon storage capability under conditions of drainage.
The “G-Spot” Is Not a Structure Evident on Macroscopic Anatomic Dissection of the Vaginal Wall
Authors: Hoag Nathan , Keast Janet R. , O'Connell Helen E.
Published: December 2017

Background

Controversy exists in the literature regarding the presence or absence of an anatomic “G-spot.” However, few studies have examined the detailed topographic or histologic anatomy of the putative G-spot location.

Aim

To determine the anatomy of the anterior vaginal wall and present detailed, systematic, accessible findings from female cadaveric dissections to provide anatomic clarity with respect to this location.

Methods

Systematic anatomic dissections were performed on 13 female cadavers (32–97 years old, 8 fixed and 5 fresh) to characterize the gross anatomy of the anterior vaginal wall. Digital photography was used to document dissections. Dissection preserved the anterior vaginal wall, urethra, and clitoris. In 9 cadavers, the vaginal epithelial layer was reflected to expose the underlying urethral wall and associated tissues. In 4 cadavers, the vaginal wall was left intact before preservation. Once photographed, 8 specimens were transversely sectioned for macroscopic inspection and histologic examination.

Outcomes

The presence or absence of a macroscopic anatomic structure at detailed cadaveric pelvis dissection that corresponds to the previously described G-spot and gross anatomic description of the anterior vaginal wall.

Results

Deep to the lining epithelium of the anterior vaginal wall is the urethra. There is no macroscopic structure other than the urethra and vaginal wall lining in the location of the putative G-spot. Specifically, there is no apparent erectile or “spongy” tissue in the anterior vaginal wall, except where the urethra abuts the clitoris distally.

Clinical Implications

The absence of an anatomic structure corresponding to the putative G-spot helps clarify the controversy on this subject.

Strengths and Limitations

Limitations to this study include limited access to specimens immediately after death and potential for observational bias. In addition, age, medical history, and cause of death are not publishable for privacy reasons. However, it is one of the most thorough and complete anatomic evaluations documenting the anatomic detail of the anterior vaginal wall.

Conclusion

The G-spot, in its current description, is not identified as a discrete anatomic entity at macroscopic dissection of the urethra or vaginal wall. Further insights could be provided by histologic study.
Ratchet mechanism of drops climbing a vibrated oblique plate
Authors: Ding Hang , Zhu Xi , Gao Peng , Lu Xi-Yun
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we investigate the ratchet mechanism of drops climbing a vibrated oblique plate based on three-dimensional direct numerical simulations, which for the first time reproduce the existing experiment (Brunet et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 99, 2007, 144501). With the help of numerical simulations, we identify an interesting and important wetting behaviour of the climbing drop; that is, the breaking of symmetry due to the inclination of the plate with respect to the acceleration leads to a hysteresis of the wetted area in one period of harmonic vibration. In particular, the average wetted area in the downhill stage is larger than that in the uphill stage, which is found to be responsible for the uphill net motion of the drop. A new hydrodynamic model is proposed to interpret the ratchet mechanism, taking account of the effects of the acceleration and contact angle hysteresis. The predictions of the theoretical analysis are in good agreement with the numerical results.
REDISCOVERY AND TAXONOMIC REASSESSMENT OF FOUR ANGIOSPERMS IN THE SAVANNAS OF JALAPÃO, CENTRAL BRAZIL
Authors: Antar G. M. , Santos M. F. , Sano P. T.
Published: December 2017

Globally, the Cerrado is the most diverse savanna in terms of plant species, as well as one of the most threatened as the result of human impact; it is therefore considered a priority area for conservation. Some areas of the Cerrado have still not been subject to botanical collections and detailed studies, the Jalapão region being one of these. We describe four recently rediscovered species previously known only from type specimens collected at least 160 years ago: Hyptis caduca Epling (Lamiaceae), Duguetia rotundifolia R.E.Fr. (Annonaceae), Diospyros ovalis Hiern (Ebenaceae) and Rhabdodendron gardnerianum (Benth.) Sandwith (Rhabdodendraceae). Comments on their ecology, conservation status and occurrence are provided, together with a distribution map. New morphological data have been recorded, and all species are considered to be under some degree of threat. These rediscoveries highlight the importance of further fieldwork in poorly sampled and highly biodiverse regions such as Jalapão and neighbouring areas, as well as the urgent need for conservation of the highly threatened Cerrado biome.
Grooves surrounding the micropyle decrease the inseminating dose in fish
Authors: Pereira-Santos Matheus , Shimoda Eduardo , de Andrade André Furugen Cesar , Silva Luciano Andrade , Fujimoto Takafumi , Senhorini José Augusto , Yasui George Shigueki , Nakaghi Laura Satiko Okada
Published: December 2017

In fish with external fertilization, sperm must reach the oocyte through the micropyle to enter the cytoplasm. Fertilization success is then influenced by characteristics of oocytes or sperm. In this study, we evaluated oocyte morphology and sperm motility parameters and their effects on the inseminating dose in a teleost fishAstyanax altiparanae. Interestingly, we found one of the lowest yet described inseminating doses in teleosts (2390 spermatozoa oocyte−1ml−1). Such a fertilization efficacy may be explained by the long duration of sperm motility (>75 s), the small oocyte diameter (695.119 µm), large micropyle diameter (7.57 µm), and the presence of grooves on the oocyte surface that guides spermatozoon to the fertilization area. Additionally, we have described for the first time a structure that combines grooves on the chorion surface and a ridge in the micropylar area.
911 Patient Redirection
Authors: Sporer Karl A.
Published: December 2017

SporerKA. 911 patient redirection. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(6):589–592.
Sociodemographic factors are associated with dietary patterns in Mexican schoolchildren
Authors: García-Chávez Claudia Gabriela , Rodríguez-Ramírez Sonia , Rivera Juan A , Monterrubio-Flores Eric , Tucker Katherine L
Published: December 2017

Objective

Childhood obesity has increased rapidly in Mexico, along with changes in the food environment. However, little is known about the dietary patterns (DP) of Mexican children. We aimed to characterize the DP of schoolchildren and to analyse their associations with sociodemographic factors.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis. Dietary and sociodemographic information was obtained, including a single 24 h recall, socio-economic status (SES), geographic region, area of residence and ethnicity. DP were defined with cluster analysis (using k-means). Multinomial logistic regression models, adjusted for the survey design, were used to assess associations between DP and sociodemographic variables.

Setting

2012 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT-2012).

Subjects

Schoolchildren (n 2751) aged 5–11 years who participated in ENSANUT-2012.

Results

Four DP were identified: ‘Traditional’, ‘Industrialized’, ‘Varied’ and ‘Modern’. Reported energy intake (mean (sd)) was lowest in the ‘Traditional’ and highest in the ‘Industrialized’ DP (7037 (3707) kJ/d (1682 (886) kcal/d) v. 8427 (3753) kJ/d (2014 (897) kcal/d), respectively, P<0·05). Significant differences in fat and fibre intakes were seen across DP. Non-indigenous v. indigenous children were 22·0 times (95 % CI 5·1, 93·6) more likely to have a ‘Modern’ rather than ‘Traditional’ DP. Relative likelihood of having an ‘Industrialized’ rather than ‘Traditional’ DP was 6·2 (95 % CI 3·9, 9·9) among schoolchildren from high SES v. low SES.

Conclusions

Among Mexican schoolchildren, DP were associated with sociodemographic variables. Non-indigenous children were significantly more likely to consume a ‘Modern’ than a ‘Traditional’ DP. Children with higher SES were more likely to have an ‘Industrialized’ pattern. It is necessary to consider dietary characteristics in the different sociodemographic strata when dietary interventions are designed.
H19 lncRNA regulates keratinocyte differentiation by targeting miR-130b-3p
Authors: Li Chun-xiao , Li Hua-guo , Huang Lin-ting , Kong Yu-wei , Chen Fu-ying , Liang Jian-yin , Yu Hong , Yao Zhi-rong
Published: December 2017

Aberrant differentiation of keratinocytes has been demonstrated to be associated with a number of skin diseases. A growing number of studies have showed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have an important part in gene regulation, however, the role of lncRNAs in keratinocyte differentiation remains to be largely unknown. In the present study, we demonstrated that lncRNA-H19 act as an endogenous 'sponge', which binds directly to miR-130b-3p and therefore inhibits its activity on Dsg1. MiR-130b-3p was illustrated to inhibit keratinocyte differentiation by targeting Dsg1. H19 regulates Dsg1 expression and the consequent keratinocyte differentiation through miR-130b-3p. Our study casts light on a novel regulatory model of keratinocyte differentiation, which may provide new therapeutic targets of skin diseases.