bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keanekaragaman serangga hama pala (Myristica fragrans) dan tingkat kerusakannya di penyimpanan
Authors: Dharmaputra Okky Setyawati , Sunjaya Sunjaya , Retnowati Ina , Nurfadila Nijma
Published: February 2019

Hama biji pala merupakan penyebab kerusakan utama biji pala baik di lapangan maupun di penyimpanan. Informasi mengenai keanekaragaman serangga hama di penyimpanan dan metode pemanenan biji pala yang baik perlu diketahui untuk mengurangi tingkat kerusakan biji pala. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui keanekaragaman serangga hama dan persentase kerusakan biji pala akibat berbagai perlakuan pascapanen. Biji pala setiap perlakuan dikemas dalam karung goni dan disimpan selama empat bulan pada kondisi gudang. Setiap karung berisi biji pala dengan perlakuan berdasarkan asal buah pala (dipetik dari pohon atau dipungut di tanah), metode pengeringan (bantuan sinar matahari atau pengasapan), dan bercangkang atau tanpa cangkang sehingga terdapat delapan perlakuan dengan setiap perlakuan dibuat tiga ulangan. Setelah disimpan, dilakukan pengambilan sampel biji pala untuk menghitung jumlah setiap spesies serangga yang ditemukan, menentukan populasi serangga, dan penentuan persentase biji rusak. Empat spesies serangga ditemukan pada biji pala dari hampir semua perlakuan, yaitu Araecerus fasciculatus (Degeer) (Coleoptera: Anthribidae), Carpophilus dimidiatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae), dan Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). A. fasciculatus merupakan serangga yang paling dominan dibandingkan dengan spesies lain. Persentase biji rusak pada biji pala berasal dari buah pala yang dipungut di tanah, dikeringkan baik dengan bantuan sinar matahari maupun menggunakan pengasapan, bercangkang dan tanpa cangkang lebih tinggi daripada biji pala yang berasal dari buah pala yang dipetik dari pohon dengan berbagai perlakuan. Rekomendasi dari hasil penelitian ini adalah buah pala yang telah masak sebaiknya dipetik dari pohon, kemudian biji pala bercangkang dikeringkan baik dengan bantuan sinar matahari maupun pengasapan dan disimpan beserta cangkangya.
Keanekaragaman kumbang curculionid pada berbagai tipe penggunaan lahan di kawasan Hutan Harapan, Jambi
Authors: Najmi Lailatun , Buchori Damayanti , Triwidodo Hermanu , Noerdjito Woro Anggraitoningsih , Rizali Akhmad
Published: February 2019

Famili Curculionidae termasuk kelompok kumbang (Ordo Coleoptera) yang memiliki peranan penting dalam berbagai ekosistem baik hutan, perkebunan, dan pertanian lainnya. Perubahan tipe penggunaan lahan dari hutan menjadi lahan pertanian dapat menyebabkan penurunan keanekaragaman kumbang curculionid. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memelajari kekayaan spesies dan kelimpahan kumbang curculionid berdasarkan musim dan tipe penggunaan lahan di kawasan Hutan Harapan, Jambi. Koleksi kumbang curculionid dilakukan dengan metode pengasapan (fogging) kanopi. Penelitian dilakukan pada empat tipe penggunaan lahan, yaitu hutan, hutan karet, perkebunan karet, dan perkebunan kelapa sawit pada musim kemarau (bulan Mei hingga September 2013) dan musim hujan (bulan November 2013 hingga Februari 2014). Total jumlah serangga curculionid yang ditemukan  1762 individu, 12 subfamili, dan 118 spesies kumbang curculionid. Spesies kumbang curculionid tertinggi ditemukan di hutan (81 spesies) dan terendah di perkebunan karet (20 spesies). Kumbang curculionid dominan yang ditemukan di setiap tipe penggunaan lahan, yaitu Curculioninae sp.21 (hutan), Entiminae sp.06 (hutan karet), Scolytinae sp.09 (perkebunan karet), dan Elaeidobius kamerunicus Faust (perkebunan kelapa sawit). Jumlah individu curculionid tertinggi ditemukan di perkebunan kelapa sawit (853 individu) dan terendah di perkebunan karet (33 individu). Tipe penggunaan lahan dan keanekaragaman vegetasi tumbuhan memengaruhi kekayaan spesies curculionid, tetapi tidak memengaruhi kelimpahan kumbang curculionid. Berdasarkan hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa perbedaan musim memengaruhi komposisi spesies kumbang curculionid pada tipe penggunaan lahan hutan, sedangkan pada tipe penggunaan lahan hutan karet, perkebunan karet, dan perkebunan kelapa sawit tidak menunjukkan perbedaan.
Kemiripan genetik wereng coklat, Nilaparvata lugens Stål. (Homoptera: Delphacidae) populasi Klaten dan Yogyakarta berdasarkan penanda RAPD-PCR
Authors: Supriyadi Supriyadi , Wijayanti Retno
Published: February 2019

Wereng coklat (Nilaparvata lugens Stål.) populasi Klaten dan Yogyakarta menunjukkan kemampuan adaptasi pada varietas padi tahan lebih cepat daripada populasi asal wilayah sekitarnya, namun kajian aspek genetik terkait hal ini masih terbatas. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengidentifikasi kemiripan genetik wereng coklat populasi Klaten dan Yogyakarta dengan populasi asal lokasi sekitarnya sebagai pembanding, berdasarkan penanda RAPD-PCR. Pengambilan sampel wereng coklat dilakukan di pertanaman padi di Klaten, Yogyakarta, Sukoharjo, Boyolali, Karanganyar, Sragen, dan Ngawi. Identifikasi kemiripan genetik dilakukan dengan teknik RAPD-PCR, menggunakan lima random primer, yakni OPB 01, OPB 07, OPC 04, OPC 08, dan OPN 15.  Hasil pengujian menunjukkan bahwa kelima primer mampu mengamplifikasi DNA wereng coklat dengan baik, namun tidak ada primer yang mampu membedakan secara jelas populasi Klaten dan Yogyakarta dengan populasi asal wilayah sekitarnya. Populasi wereng coklat asal Klaten dan Yogyakarta juga menunjukkan kemiripan genetik dengan populasi asal wilayah sekitarnya, yakni Boyolali, Sukoharjo, dan Sragen, kecuali dengan Karanganyar dan Ngawi. Kajian genetik antar populasi, termasuk populasi asal Klaten dan Yogyakarta diperlukan untuk mengungkap perbedaan genetiknya.
Développer la pensée algébrique précoce en jouant? Représentations et manipulations dans Dragon Box
Authors: Venant Fabienne , Migneault Philippe
Published: February 2019

Le courant actuel du développement de la pensée algébrique précoce (Early Algebra) réfléchit à une façon de présenter, dès le primaire, les concepts mathématiques que les élèves mobiliseront plus tard en algèbre. Dans ce cadre, nous nous intéressons plus particulièrement aux possibilités offertes par les nouvelles technologies et les jeux électroniques (ici Dragon Box Numbers et Dragon Box Algebra). Nous analysons ces jeux sous l’angle du développement de la pensée algébrique, en examinant notamment le statut qu’ils donnent à l’égalité et aux structures numériques, ainsi que sous l’angle des représentations qu’ils mettent en jeu, des traitements induits sur ces représentations et des articulations possibles avec les registres sémiotiques de l’algèbre.
Apprentissage de l’algèbre : procédures et difficultés rencontrées lors de la résolution de problèmes
Authors: Oliveira Izabella , Rhéaume Stéphanie , Geerts Fanny
Published: February 2019

Différentes recherches indiquent que les élèves présentent des difficultés à résoudre des problèmes algébriques. D’autres montrent qu’ils peuvent résoudre ce type de problèmes avant que l’algèbre soit enseignée. Cet article analyse ce que font les élèves avant et après l’enseignement de l’algèbre à l’école. Nous avons analysé la production de 528 élèves (6eannée à secondaire 2 au Québec, élèves de 11 à 14 ans). Les résultats indiquent que les procédures privilégiées lors de la résolution de problèmes algébriques sont semblables avant et après son enseignement. Nous observons deux catégories de difficultés: la compréhension de relations du problème et la manipulation d’équations algébriques. Identifier et discuter ces difficultés permet de mieux cibler des éléments de réflexion à considérer pour travailler les problèmes en classe et pour favoriser le passage de la résolution de problèmes écrits en mots vers l’écriture des expressions algébriques.
Editorial
Authors: Simões Sónia
Published: February 2019

O número 2 do segundo volume da RPICS integra cinco artigos originais, contando com os trabalhos de autore(a)s do Instituto Superior Miguel Torga e da Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra. Este número da RPICS caracteriza-se por apresentar uma diversidade de temáticas, podendo todas elas serem englobadas na área abrangente da saúde mental. Assim, são apresentados resultados sobre: a literacia em saúde mental em adolescentes e jovens portugueses; a qualidade subjetiva do sono, sintomas depressivos, sentimentos de solidão em idosos institucionalizados e não institucionalizados; e o impacto da idade na memória e no envelhecimento. Outros dois manuscritos expõem um trabalho estatístico sobre instrumentos de avaliação da população idosa, nomeadamente a validação da Bateria de Avaliação Frontal em idosos com Acidente Vascular Cerebral e o estudo das propriedades psicométricas da versão Torga do Teste Stroop.
Treino e reforço de competências em doentes renais crónicos em hemodiálise – O Programa “Acredita+ e Segue”: Resultados preliminares
Authors: Freitas Olim Marta , Carrasco Luis , Pimenta Joana , Silva Filipa , Torres Susana , Dantas Joana
Published: February 2019

Objetivo: O presente estudo apresenta os resultados preliminares e descreve a estrutura de um programa de treino e reforço de competências assente numa metodologia de Serviço Social de grupo, realizado a partir das necessidades de doentes renais crónicos em tratamento de hemodiálise. O objetivo do programa é promover a integração da doença e do seu tratamento, de forma positiva, bem como a promoção de hábitos de vida saudáveis com impacte favorável no projeto de vida dos doentes, nomeadamente no estado atual da sua ocupação. Participantes: Trinta pessoas participaram voluntariamente no programa (16 homens e 14 mulheres), com idades compreendidas entre os 26 anos e os 77 anos (M = 49,6; DP ± 14,88), sem qualquer tipo de ocupação. Método: Foram realizadas quatro edições em diferentes zonas do país. Cada edição contemplou um grupo heterogéneo, de entre sete a nove doentes renais crónicos, a realizar tratamento de hemodiálise em clínicas em Portugal. Cada edição contemplou seis sessões bissemanais. Nestas foram avaliados o nível de participação, a permanência no programa, e a eficácia na alteração da situação ocupacional pós-programa, tendo-se monitorizado a adesão à resposta ocupacional durante um ano. Resultados: No final desta fase preliminar do programa, 50% dos participantes integraram resposta ocupacional. Constatou-se uma adesão total dos participantes às sessões de forma ativa e continuada, não se registando desistências. A formação é a resposta ocupacional com maior número de adesões, cerca de 27%, em detrimento das outras alternativas, como o emprego, voluntariado ou atividade física formalizada. Conclusão: Este programa enfatiza a ocupação como fator primordial na reabilitação clínica e inserção social desta população na sociedade, com benefícios psicossociais claros para os participantes. Pretendemos com este programa contribuir com uma metodologia de intervenção inovadora e com impacte a utilizar nesta população, introduzindo novos desafios à prática do Serviço Social.
How significant are the public dimensions of faculty work in review, promotion and tenure documents?
Authors: Alperin Juan P , Muñoz Nieves Carol , Schimanski Lesley A , Fischman Gustavo E , Niles Meredith T , McKiernan Erin C
Published: February 2019

Much of the work done by faculty at both public and private universities has significant public dimensions: it is often paid for by public funds; it is often aimed at serving the public good; and it is often subject to public evaluation. To understand how the public dimensions of faculty work are valued, we analyzed review, promotion, and tenure documents from a representative sample of 129 universities in the US and Canada. Terms and concepts related to public and community are mentioned in a large portion of documents, but mostly in ways that relate to service, which is an undervalued aspect of academic careers. Moreover, the documents make significant mention of traditional research outputs and citation-based metrics: however, such outputs and metrics reward faculty work targeted to academics, and often disregard the public dimensions. Institutions that seek to embody their public mission could therefore work towards changing how faculty work is assessed and incentivized.
Regional complexity in enteric neuron wiring reflects diversity of motility patterns in the mouse large intestine
Authors: Li Zhiling , Hao Marlene M , Van den Haute Chris , Baekelandt Veerle , Boesmans Werend , Vanden Berghe Pieter
Published: February 2019

The enteric nervous system controls a variety of gastrointestinal functions including intestinal motility. The minimal neuronal circuit necessary to direct peristalsis is well-characterized but several intestinal regions display also other motility patterns for which the underlying circuits and connectivity schemes that coordinate the transition between those patterns are poorly understood. We investigated whether in regions with a richer palette of motility patterns, the underlying nerve circuits reflect this complexity. Using Ca2+ imaging, we determined the location and response fingerprint of large populations of enteric neurons upon focal network stimulation. Complemented by neuronal tracing and volumetric reconstructions of synaptic contacts, this shows that the multifunctional proximal colon requires specific additional circuit components as compared to the distal colon, where peristalsis is the predominant motility pattern. Our study reveals that motility control is hard-wired in the enteric neural networks and that circuit complexity matches the motor pattern portfolio of specific intestinal regions.
Modeling the spatial structure of the endemic mara (Dolichotis patagonum) across modified landscapes
Authors: Antún Milagros , Baldi Ricardo
Published: February 2019

Across modified landscapes, anthropic factors can affect habitat selection by animals and consequently their abundance and distribution patterns. The study of the spatial structure of wild populations is crucial to gain knowledge on species’ response to habitat quality, and a key for the design and implementation of conservation actions. This is particularly important for a low-density and widely distributed species such as the mara (Dolichotis patagonum), a large rodent endemic to Argentina across the Monte and Patagonian drylands where extensive sheep ranching predominates. We aimed to assess the spatial variation in the abundance of maras and to identify the natural and anthropic factors influencing the observed patterns in Península Valdés, a representative landscape of Patagonia. We conducted ground surveys during the austral autumn from 2015 to 2017. We built density surface models to account for the variation in mara abundance, and obtained a map of mara density at a resolution of four km2. We estimated an overall density of 0.93 maras.km−2for the prediction area of 3,476 km2. The location of ranch buildings, indicators of human presence, had a strong positive effect on the abundance of maras, while the significant contribution of the geographic longitude suggested that mara density increases with higher rainfall. Although human presence favored mara abundance, presumably by providing protection against predators, it is likely that the association could bring negative consequences for maras and other species. The use of spatial models allowed us to provide the first estimate of mara abundance at a landscape scale and its spatial variation at a high resolution. Our approach can contribute to the assessment of mara population abundance and the factors shaping its spatial structure elsewhere across the species range, all crucial attributes to identify and prioritize conservation actions.
A Study on the Pattern of Uveitis and Any Seasonal Variation in the Incidence of Uveitis at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Delhi, India
Authors: Kauser Hina , Islam Farzana , Khan Taskin , Gupta V.S. , Kochar Shivani
Published: February 2019

Purpose:

To analyze the patterns of uveitis and any seasonal variation in the incidence of uveitis at a tertiary care hospital of Delhi, India.

Methods:

The study included 100 new patients with uveitis examined in the Department of Ophthalmology at a tertiary care hospital of south Delhi, India from January 2016 to Dec 2017. We grouped the months of the year into winter, transitional and summer seasons according to the average temperature in New Delhi. Data was entered into Microsoft Excel spread sheet and analysis was done. Chi Square test was applied wherever necessary and p values were calculated at 95% confidence level.

Results:

There was male predominance (62%) with male to female ratio of 1.6: 1. The overall mean age of presentation was 35.4 years. The maximum number of patients were adults in the age group 31-40 years while the minimum were elderly above 60 years. Among all the cases, 44% cases occurred in the right eye, 40% in left eye and 16% had bilateral uveitis. Anterior uveitis was diagnosed in 88% of cases, posterior uveitis in 2%, and intermediate uveitis in 10% of cases. Out of 100 patients, 79% were idiopathic. A probable diagnosis was determined in 21% of cases; 10% cases were positive for HLAB27, and 5% were positive for tuberculosis. It was observed that there was seasonal trend in occurrence of the cases. Most of the cases occurred in the month of winter but no statistical significance was observed. (p value over seasons: 0.227603883; p transitional vs. winter season: 0.485499; p summer vs. winter season: 0.084838; p summer vs. transitional season: 0.3017).

Conclusion:

Idiopathic uveitis was highest in our study. HLA B27-associated uveitis was the most common noninfectious entity and tuberculosis was the leading cause for infectious entities in our study. Although the difference in the incidence of new acute uveitis among the three seasons was not statistically significant, a distinctly higher number of cases were seen in winters followed by transitional season and minimum in summers in both the consecutive years.
The Caring Campus Project Overview
Authors: Stuart Heather , Chen Shu-Ping , Krupa Terry , Narain Tasha , Horgan Salinda , Dobson Keith , Stewart Sherry
Published: February 2019

The Caring Campus project was a three-year intervention research project funded by Movember Canada that fostered new awareness regarding the interconnection between gender, mental health, and substance (specifically alcohol) misuse on three university campuses in Canada, and encouraged new approaches to promote young men’s health. In this project, we demonstrated that male students are willing to assume leadership roles to promote mental health and healthier alcohol use to their peers and enact a social agenda for change. Empowerment strategies encouraged male students to enlist like-minded peers to advance men’s mental health and transform campus drinking cultures, including countering gender-based ideals and norms associated with mental health problems and substance misuse. There is now great potential to influence the way in which other post-secondary institutions approach mental wellness and substance misuse using the Caring Campus model, which uses student empowerment to catalyze change.
A common SNP in the UNG gene decreases ovarian cancer risk in BRCA2 mutation carriers
Authors: Baquero Juan Miguel , Benítez‐Buelga Carlos , Fernández Victoria , Urioste Miguel , García‐Giménez Jose Luis , Perona Rosario ,   the CIMBA Consortium, Benítez Javier , Osorio Ana
Published: February 2019

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA glycosylase genes involved in the base excision repair (BER) pathway can modify breast and ovarian cancer risk in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers. We previously found that SNP rs34259 in the uracil‐DNA glycosylase gene (UNG) might decrease ovarian cancer risk in BRCA2 mutation carriers. In the present study, we validated this finding in a larger series of familial breast and ovarian cancer patients to gain insights into how this UNG variant exerts its protective effect. We found that rs34259 is associated with significant UNG downregulation and with lower levels of DNA damage at telomeres. In addition, we found that this SNP is associated with significantly lower oxidative stress susceptibility and lower uracil accumulation at telomeres in BRCA2 mutation carriers. Our findings help to explain the association of this variant with a lower cancer risk in BRCA2 mutation carriers and highlight the importance of genetic changes in BER pathway genes as modifiers of cancer susceptibility for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers.
Engineering 3D Ion Transport Channels for Flexible MXene Films with Superior Capacitive Performance
Authors: Wang Yuanming , Wang Xue , Li Xiaolong , Bai Yang , Xiao Huanhao , Liu Yang , Liu Rong , Yuan Guohui
Published: February 2019

2D MXene materials are of considerable interest for future energy storage. A MXene film could be used as an effective flexible supercapacitor electrode due to its flexibility and, more importantly, its high specific capacitance. However, although it has excellent electronic conductivity, sluggish ionic kinetics within the MXene film becomes a fundamental limitation to the electrochemical performance. To compensate for the relative deficiency, MXene films are frequently reduced to several micrometer dimensions with low mass loading (<1 mg cm−2), to the point of detriment of areal performance and commercial value. Herein, for the first time, the design of a 3D porous MXene/bacterial cellulose (BC) self‐supporting film is reported for ultrahigh capacitance performance (416 F g−1, 2084 mF cm−2) with outstanding mechanical properties and high flexibility, even when the MXene loading reaches 5 mg cm−2. The highly interconnected MXene/BC network enables both excellent electron and ion transport channel. Additionally, a maximum energy density of 252 µWh cm−2 is achieved in an asymmetric supercapacitor, higher than that of all ever‐reported MXene‐based supercapacitors. This work exploits a simple route for assembling 2D MXene materials into 3D porous films as state‐of‐the‐art electrodes for high performance energy storage devices.
Nanoparticles Containing Oxidized Cholesterol Deliver mRNA to the Liver Microenvironment at Clinically Relevant Doses
Authors: Paunovska Kalina , Da Silva Sanchez Alejandro J. , Sago Cory D. , Gan Zubao , Lokugamage Melissa P. , Islam Fatima Z. , Kalathoor Sujay , Krupczak Brandon R. , Dahlman James E.
Published: February 2019

Using mRNA to produce therapeutic proteins is a promising approach to treat genetic diseases. However, systemically delivering mRNA to cell types besides hepatocytes remains challenging. Fast identification of nanoparticle delivery (FIND) is a DNA barcode‐based system designed to measure how over 100 lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) deliver mRNA that functions in the cytoplasm of target cells in a single mouse. By using FIND to quantify how 75 chemically distinct LNPs delivered mRNA to 28 cell types in vivo, it is found that an LNP formulated with oxidized cholesterol and no targeting ligand delivers Cre mRNA, which edits DNA in hepatic endothelial cells and Kupffer cells at 0.05 mg kg−1. Notably, the LNP targets liver microenvironmental cells fivefold more potently than hepatocytes. The structure of the oxidized cholesterols added to the LNP is systematically varied to show that the position of the oxidative modification may be important; cholesterols modified on the hydrocarbon tail associated with sterol ring D tend to outperform cholesterols modified on sterol ring B. These data suggest that LNPs formulated with modified cholesterols can deliver gene‐editing mRNA to the liver microenvironment at clinically relevant doses.
Graphene Oxide/Carbon Nanotube Bilayer Flexible Membrane for High‐Performance Li–S Batteries with Superior Physical and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Lee Dong Kyu , Kim Seon Joon , Kim Yong‐Jae , Choi Hyunji , Kim Dae Woo , Jeon Hwan‐Jin , Ahn Chi Won , Lee Jae W. , Jung Hee‐Tae
Published: February 2019

Developing a highly effective interlayer inserted between the sulfur electrode and separator is one of the most important issues in Li–S battery research, because this interlayer enhances the cycle performance of the Li–S battery by trapping the lithium polysulfides in the sulfur electrode. Among various interlayer materials, carbon materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes are particularly appealing because of their high electrical conductivity. Here, a new flexible carbon membrane interlayer consisting of graphene oxide (GO) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is developed by a facile vacuum filtration approach to trap the lithium polysulfides in the sulfur electrode. When the GO/CNT bilayer membrane is used as an interlayer between the sulfur electrode and separator (glass fiber), the Li–S battery delivers an initial discharge capacity of 1591.56 mAh g−1 and maintains a capacity of about 1000 mAh g−1 over 50 cycles at 0.2C with a low potential difference of 150 mV. This reflects higher electrochemical performance than a GO or CNT monolayer unilaterally. This is attributed to the hydrophilic functional group of the GO layer strongly adsorbing lithium polysulfides dissolved in liquid electrolyte and the CNT layer enhancing the ion conductivity.
Efforts Toward a Unified Kainoid Family Synthesis Approach: Unexpected Sulfinamide‐Directed Conjugate Addition Results
Authors: Chogii Isaac , Das Pradipta , Njardarson Jon T.
Published: February 2019

A short asymmetric synthesis of an all‐syn and all‐trans kainoid core is reported. The synthetic route relies on the application of a new asymmetric [3+2] annulation reaction followed by a conjugate addition reaction to install this kainoid's three stereocenters. A surprising intramolecular conjugate addition enabled by the chiral tert‐butylsulfinyl group residing on the 3‐pyrroline nitrogen atom surpassed its expected role as a steric spectator. Efforts to outcompete intramolecular 1,4‐addition by further oxidizing the sulfoxide, or use of additives, and advancement of the all‐syn addition product to the requisite kainoid common core are detailed.
Entropy‐Driven Mechanochemical Synthesis of Polymetallic Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks for CO2 Fixation
Authors: Xu Wei , Chen Hao , Jie Kecheng , Yang Zhenzhen , Li Tingting , Dai Sheng
Published: February 2019

High‐entropy materials refer to a kind of materials in which five or more metal species were incorporated deliberately into a single lattice with random occupancy. Up to now, such a concept has been only restricted to hard materials, such as high‐entropy alloys and ceramics. Herein we report the synthesis of hybrid high‐entropy materials, polymetallic zeolitic imidazolate framework (also named as high‐entropy zeolitic imidazolate framework, HE‐ZIF), via entropy‐driven room‐temperature mechanochemistry. HE‐ZIF contains five metals including ZnII, CoII, CdII, NiII, and CuII which are dispersed in the ZIF structure randomly. Moreover, HE‐ZIF shows enhanced catalytic conversion of CO2 into carbonate compared with ZIF‐8 presumably a result of the synergistic effect of the five metal ions as Lewis acid in epoxide activation.
Traceless Protection for More Broadly Applicable Olefin Metathesis
Authors: Mu Yucheng , Nguyen Thach T. , van der Mei Farid W. , Schrock Richard R. , Hoveyda Amir H.
Published: February 2019

An operationally simple in situ protection/deprotection strategy that significantly expands the scope of kinetically controlled catalytic Z‐ and E‐selective olefin metathesis is introduced. Prior to the addition of a sensitive Mo‐ or Ru‐based complex, treatment of a hydroxy‐ or a carboxylic‐acid‐containing olefin with commercially available HB(pin) or readily accessible HB(trip)2 (pin=pinacolato, trip=2,4,6‐tri(isopropyl)phenyl) for 15 min is sufficient for efficient generation of a desired product. Routine workup leads to quantitative deprotection. A range of stereochemically defined Z‐ and E‐alkenyl chlorides, bromides, fluorides, and boronates or Z‐trifluoromethyl‐substituted alkenes with a hydroxy or carboxylic acid group were thus prepared in 51–97 % yield with 93 to >98 % stereoselectivity. We also show that, regardless of whether a polar functional unit is present or not, a small amount of HB(pin) may be used to remove residual water, significantly enhancing efficiency.
Expeditious synthesis of diverse spiro fused quinoxaline derivatives using magnetically separable core–shell CoFe2O4@SiO2‐SO3H nanocatalyst under ultrasonication
Authors: Mandal Subhro , Hazra Subhenjit , Sarkar Soumen , Bodhak Chandan , Pramanik Animesh
Published: February 2019

A magnetically separable core–shell CoFe2O4@SiO2‐SO3H nanocatalyst has been successfully exploited as a heterogeneous acid catalyst in the synthesis of diversely substituted biologically important spiro fused pyrrolo/indolo[1,2‐a]quinoxaline derivatives through the condensation of N‐(2‐aminophenyl)pyrroles/indoles and various cyclic conjugated 1,2‐diones in ethanol under ultrasonic irradiation. Room temperature synthesis, short reaction time, wide substrate scope, good to excellent yield of products and use of a magnetically separable and recyclable nanocatalyst make this method attractive and practicable.
Epoxidized Oleic Acid‐Based Polymethacrylates as Viscosity Index Improvers
Authors: Lomège Juliette , Lapinte Vincent , Negrell Claire , Robin Jean‐Jacques , Caillol Sylvain
Published: February 2019

This study reports two routes for the synthesis of epoxidized oleic acid (OLA)‐based polymethacrylates. The first one consisted of the synthesis followed by epoxidation of the OLA‐based methacrylate, 2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl oleate (MAEO), prior to its radical polymerization. In the second pathway, MAEO was first homopolymerized to afford poly(2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl oleate) (PMAEO) and, then, the internal double bonds of the oleate were epoxidized at different yields ranging from 20% to 100%. All polymeric structures were confirmed using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and characterized through size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses. The resulting polymers were then blended at 5 wt.% in a mineral paraffinic oil (MPO) and in a biobased organic triacylglycerol oil (OTO) to be evaluated as viscosity index improvers (VII). The partially epoxidized polymers up to 40% were soluble in MPO. According to a rheological study, the oil‐soluble epoxidized polymers resulting from the epoxidation of PMAEO exhibited a much higher influence on oil viscosities at high temperatures than at low temperatures compared to the low‐epoxidized PMAEO molecular weight obtained by the first strategy. Additionally, the viscosity indices of both lubricating oils were significantly improved with the addition of the epoxidized OLA‐based polymers resulting from the epoxidation of PMAEO, which confirmed their efficiency as VII.
Multifunctional CO2‐switchable polymers for the flocculation of oil sands tailings
Authors: Nittala Atreya K. , Gumfekar Sarang P. , Soares João B. P.
Published: February 2019

A series of multifunctional homopolymer and copolymer of 2‐dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and N‐isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAM) were designed and used to flocculate oil sands mature fine tailings (MFTs). Carbon dioxide (CO2) protonated the tertiary amine groups of P(DMAEMA) and P(DMAEMA–NIPAM) making their chains positively charged. The pH sensitivity of these polymers favored the flocculation of the negatively charged clays in MFT due to charge neutralization. Three different polymers, P(DMAEMA), P(NIPAM33–DMAEMA67), and P(NIPAM67–DMAEMA33) were synthesized via aqueous free‐radical polymerization and used to flocculate MFT in the presence of CO2. Experimentally, CO2 was introduced in the system in three different ways: (1) CO2 was first bubbled into polymer solution, then the polymer solution was added to MFT, (2) CO2 was first bubbled into MFT and then the CO2‐free polymer solution was added to MFT, and (3) both polymers and MFT were bubbled with CO2 separately, then mixed together. We compared the effects of the method of CO2 addition, copolymer composition, and polymer molecular weight on MFT flocculation performance. Our results indicate that CO2‐switchable polymers can be employed to enhance the dewatering of challenging wastewaters such as oil sands tailings. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47578.
Reciprocity and spectral effects of the degradation of poly(ethylene‐terephthalate) under accelerated weathering exposures
Authors: Gok Abdulkerim , Gordon Devin A. , Burns David M. , Fowler Sean P. , French Roger H. , Bruckman Laura S.
Published: February 2019

Exposures of poly(ethylene‐terephthalate) (PET) films were performed under xenon‐arc (full spectrum) and fluorescent UVA‐340 (UV only) irradiation to investigate the reciprocity principle and wavelength dependence of photodegradation in weathering. When the intensity of full spectral irradiance is increased from 5× to 50×, the reciprocity principle is not obeyed in this material system. The change in optical properties for PET is attributed to the corresponding longer exposure time of the 5× exposure that allows oxidative reactions to occur at lower irradiance. Full spectrum xenon‐arc and fluorescent UVA‐340 lamps have different spectral distributions and samples exhibits different material degradation mechanisms under each source. The UVA‐340 exposure leads to more pronounced degradation relative to the full spectrum xenon‐arc. This study shows that intensification of a single stressor in lab‐based weathering experiments to accelerate degradation and the use of differing light sources are not sufficient to allow reliable determination of service lifetime of polymeric materials. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47589.
Etanercept and Methotrexate as Monotherapy or in Combination for Psoriatic Arthritis: Primary Results From a Randomized, Controlled Phase III Trial
Authors: Mease Philip J. , Gladman Dafna D. , Collier David H. , Ritchlin Christopher T. , Helliwell Philip S. , Liu Lyrica , Kricorian Gregory , Chung James B.
Published: February 2019

Objective

To examine the efficacy of methotrexate monotherapy relative to etanercept monotherapy and the value of combining methotrexate and etanercept for the treatment of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

In this double‐blind study, 851 patients with PsA were randomized to 1 of 3 treatment arms, as follows: oral methotrexate (20 mg) plus subcutaneous placebo given weekly (n = 284), subcutaneous etanercept (50 mg) plus oral placebo given weekly (n = 284), or subcutaneous etanercept (50 mg) plus oral methotrexate (20 mg) given weekly (combination therapy; n = 283). The American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement (ACR20) response and Minimal Disease Activity (MDA) response at week 24 were the primary end point and key secondary end point, respectively. Other measures of inflammatory arthritis, radiographic progression, and nonarticular disease manifestations were also assessed.

Results

Patients with PsA had a mean ± SD age of 48.4 ± 13.1 years, and the mean ± SD duration of PsA was 3.2 ± 6.3 years (median 0.6 years). ACR20 and MDA response rates at week 24 were significantly greater in patients who received etanercept monotherapy compared with those who received methotrexate monotherapy (ACR20, 60.9% versus 50.7% of patients [P = 0.029]; MDA, 35.9% versus 22.9% of patients [P = 0.005]), and both were significantly greater in the combination therapy group compared with the methotrexate monotherapy group at week 24 (ACR20, 65.0% versus 50.7% of patients [P = 0.005]; MDA, 35.7% versus 22.9% of patients [P = 0.005]). Other secondary outcomes (ACR50 and ACR70 response rates, proportions of patients achieving a Very Low Disease Activity score, and PsA disease activity scores) showed between‐group differences that were consistent with the primary and key secondary end point results. Furthermore, patients in both etanercept treatment arms showed less radiographic progression at week 48 compared with patients who received methotrexate monotherapy. Outcomes were similar in the combination therapy and etanercept monotherapy groups, except for some skin end points. No new safety signals were seen.

Conclusion

Etanercept monotherapy and combination therapy with etanercept and methotrexate showed greater efficacy than methotrexate monotherapy in patients with PsA, according to the ACR and MDA response rates and extent of radiographic progression at follow‐up. Overall, combining methotrexate and etanercept did not improve the efficacy of etanercept.
Inhibition of Interleukin‐1β Signaling by Anakinra Demonstrates a Critical Role of Bone Loss in Experimental Arthritogenic Alphavirus Infections
Authors: Wolf Stefan , Taylor Adam , Zaid Ali , Freitas Joseph , Herrero Lara J. , Rao Shambhavi , Suhrbier Andreas , Forwood Mark R. , Bucala Richard , Mahalingam Suresh
Published: February 2019

Objective

Arthritogenic alphaviruses, such as Ross River virus (RRV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV), particularly affect joints of the extremities and can lead to debilitating and potentially chronic polyarthritis/polyarthralgia. The innate immune response of the host plays a crucial role in inducing proinflammatory host factors, leading to tissue destruction and bone loss in the joints. This study was performed to assess how the inhibition of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) signaling using the clinical rheumatoid arthritis drug anakinra influences bone loss in mice with arthritogenic alphavirus infections.

Methods

Mice (n = 5 per group) were infected withRRVorCHIKVand then treated with anakinra. Weight gain and disease severity were measured, tissue viral titers were determined, and histologic changes in joint tissues were assessed.

Results

Anakinra therapy reducedRRV‐ andCHIKV‐induced bone loss in this murine model (P< 0.001 andP< 0.05, respectively). Histologic analysis of the knee joint showed that treatment with anakinra decreased epiphyseal growth plate thinning, loss of epiphyseal bone volume, and osteoclastogenesis in the tibia. Importantly, pharmacologicIL‐1 receptor (IL‐1R) blockade did not improve other clinical features, including disease score, weight loss, or viremia.

Conclusion

The present findings suggest that anakinra therapy may reduce bone loss in experimental murine models ofRRVandCHIKV. Further investigations are needed to assess the potential therapeutic benefits of anakinra in patients with arthritogenic alphavirus disease.
A proposal for the systematic assessment of data quality indicators in birth defects surveillance
Authors: Groisman Boris , Mastroiacovo Pierpaolo , Barbero Pablo , Bidondo María Paz , Liascovich Rosa , Botto Lorenzo D.
Published: February 2019

Background

Quality control and improvement are a key part of the implementation of an effective surveillance program. Data quality indicators (DQI) are key tools but have not been widely used, especially in a low‐resource setting.

Methods

We developed a list of data quality indicators of birth defects surveillance. These DQI address ascertainment, description, coding, and classification.

Results

We developed 40 DQI that can be used widely to assess the quality of data relative to birth defects of major clinical and public health impact.

Conclusions

DQI have to be both comprehensive (e.g., assess all main surveillance processes) and practical (not require sophisticated or costly data elements), so that they can be used effectively in many different settings. We propose this list of DQI for use in surveillance program as a way to document the quality of the program; detect variations within and between programs, and support quality improvements.
Improved Drug Loading and Sustained Release of Entecavir‐loaded PLGA Microsphere Prepared by Spray Drying Technique
Authors: Kim Sung Rae , Ho Myoung Jin , Choi Young Wook , Kang Myung Joo
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study was to construct a poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) microparticle (PLGA MP) of entecavir (ETV), an anti‐viral agent for hepatitis B, for parenteral sustained delivery. To improve entrapment efficiency of the hydrophilic small compound in MPs, different fabrication methods such as double emulsion solvent evaporation and spray‐drying method were investigated. The prepared MPs were highly spherical, and the surface was smooth, irrespective of fabrication methods. On the other hand, the drug loading efficiency and in vitro release profile of ETV from the MPs were largely depending on fabrication methods. When the MPs were prepared by double emulsion method, the drug loading efficiency was extremely low (< 16.2%), with rapid drug release within two hours. On the other hand, the MPs prepared by spray‐drying process after dissolving the hydrophilic drug and PLGA polymer in acetic acid exhibited high loading efficiency more than 95%, with prolonged release profile more than 25 days. The drug release profile from the MPs prepared by spray‐drying technique was effectively adjusted by varying the lactide/glycolide ratio (75/25 or 50/50) or terminal group (carboxylic acid or ester terminated) of the biodegradable polymers. Therefore, the novel SR system fabricated by spray drying technique is expected to be an advantageous tool for the management of chronic hepatitis B with less frequent drug administration and improved patient's adherence.
The effect of naringenin on the pharmacokinetics of ibrutinib in rat: A drug–drug interaction study
Authors: Liu Jia , Liu Hanqing , Zeng Qingqi
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of naringenin on the pharmacokinetics of ibrutinib in rats. A simple and sensitive quantitation method based on ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–Q‐Exactive Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated for the determination of ibrutinib in rat plasma. The samples were extracted using ethyl acetate containing 1% triethylamine and separated on a Waters Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column with acetonitrile and water containing 0.1% formic acid as mobile phase. The assay showed good linearity over the concentration range of 1–1000 ng/mL with coefficient of correlation >0.995. The LLOQ was 1 ng/mL. The assay showed acceptable precision (RSD < 8.65%), accuracy (RE within ±15%), extraction recovery (>78.25%) and negligible matrix effects. The validated method has been successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of ibrutinib in rats after oral administration of ibrutinib with or without coadministration of naringenin. Our results demonstrated that naringenin could significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of ibrutinib, including prolonging its half‐life, increase the area under the concentration–time curve and reducing its clearance time. This study indicated that there is potential for drug–drug interactions between naringenin and ibrutinib, and coadministration of ibrutinib with naringenin or naringenin‐containing herbal medicines should be avoided in the clinic.
Contractors' attitudes towards the factors affecting sustainability performance: Evidence from Palestine
Authors: Tayeh Bassam A. , Durdyev Serdar , Abuzuhri Ibrahim O. , Hosseini M. Reza , Thurnell Derek
Published: February 2019

Implementing more sustainable practices in the construction industry would provide healthier and safer environmental conditions as well as ethical approaches. The conventional wisdom is that their uptake will continue to improve in line with its familiarity and applicability among industry stakeholders at the forefront of onsite project activities. Thus, an investigation was carried out into the factors affecting the sustainability performance of contractors in Palestine, particularly at the project execution stage. A questionnaire survey of 42 factors was administered to 90 registered contractors. Analysis of results using the mean value technique revealed that the cost of fundamental project resources, labor‐related factors, and destruction of natural habitat and depletion of natural resources were the most significant factors affecting contractors' sustainability performance. Despite being a limited exercise in scope, it is recommended that consideration is given to any potential cost fluctuations, as well as explicit mention of gain and pain issues within the project documentation, in order to sustainably operate in the construction sector of Palestine, while continuing to contribute to the national economy.
Talking with teens and families about digital media use
Authors: Rocha Sarah
Published: February 2019

Use of digital media such as cell phones, tablets, video games, television, and associated social media seems nearly ubiquitous among adults and youth. A recent Pew Survey indicated that 95% of teens have access to a smartphone, and 45% say they are on the internet nearly constantly. The rise in use of digital media is correlated with evidence of increasing rates of adolescent depression, anxiety, and suicide, and mental health clinicians report use of digital media is a frequent source of family conflict. Hence, parents may seek advice from mental health and other professionals regarding their teen's media use, and there is some evidence that parental involvement may mitigate some of the risks associated with media use. Clinicians face challenges assessing family digital media use and providing evidence‐based recommendations for many reasons, including lack of training, the rapid pace of change of technology, lack of knowledge about normative versus abnormal usage, and lack of evidence base regarding evaluation and management of problematic media use. This article aims to provide a framework and a review of expert‐derived guidelines for talking with families about digital media use.
Why we still spank our children in the US: Is there a role for corporal punishment in raising children?
Authors: Walters Anne S.
Published: February 2019

In last month's CABL, our managing editor Alison Knopf reviewed the most recent American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) statement about spanking/corporal punishment. Notably, there are no benefits associated with corporal punishment, and many disadvantages. These include negative effects on the parent‐child relationship, increased aggression in children, increased risk of mental health disorders, and cognitive problems. Further, in families that are already experiencing stress, these risks are increased. As professionals working with children, we know this in a way that we know few other things about child rearing. And yet, most American parents (65%) still spank their children. Some research even suggests that for parents that utilize corporal punishment, they probably do it more often than they report to therapists.
Temporary balloon occlusion of atrial septal defects in suspected or documented left ventricular diastolic dysfunction: Hemodynamic and clinical findings
Authors: Miranda William R. , Hagler Donald J. , Reeder Guy S. , Warnes Carole A. , Connolly Heidi M. , Egbe Alexander C. , Taggart Nathaniel W.
Published: February 2019

Objective

To review our experience with balloon testing prior to atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in adults with left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction.

Background

ASD closure in patients with LV diastolic dysfunction may precipitate LV failure. Temporary ASD occlusion has been used in this scenario but data are limited.

Methods

Retrospective review of 27 patients age ≥ 50 years undergoing temporary ASD balloon occlusion between 2000 and 2018 for suspected LV diastolic dysfunction or elevated LV end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP).

Results

Median age was 72 years (IQR 66.7; 75.2). Atrial fibrillation was seen in 58% of patients, hypertension in 58%, and coronary artery disease in 26%; 52% were females. Median ASD size was 13 mm (10; 18) and Qp/Qs 1.8 (1.6; 2.2). Median LVEDP was 14 mmHg (12; 22); pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) 12 mmHg (9; 16.5) and left atrial pressure (LAP) 13.5 mmHg (8; 16.3). After a median of 5 min (3; 10) of balloon occlusion, patients with baseline LVEDP ≥15 mmHg had more significant increases in LVEDP (9 [6; 12] vs. 2 mmHg [0.5; 5]; p = 0.03) and LAP/PAWP (10.5 [8.3; 16.3] vs. 1.5 mmHg [−1.5; 3]; p = 0.0003) than those with baseline LVEDP <15 mmHg. None of those with a baseline LVEDP <15 mmHg had a LAP/PAWP >15 mmHg during balloon testing compared to 92% of patients with a baseline LVEDP ≥15 mmHg.

Conclusion

LVEDP might be used to predict LAP post‐ASD closure. Comorbidities typically associated with LV diastolic dysfunction are common in these patients and should be considered in their management.