bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bio‐based polymers production in a kraft lignin biorefinery: techno‐economic assessment
Authors: Dessbesell Luana , Yuan Zhongshun , Hamilton Shawn , Leitch Mathew , Pulkki Reino , Xu Chunbao (Charles)
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a techno‐economic and risk analysis of a kraft lignin (KL) biorefinery (3000 tonne of KL·year‐1 capacity), where KL is depolymerized to produce depolymerized kraft lignin (DKL) as a bio‐substitute to polyol and phenol for the production of bio‐based polymers (polyurethane and phenolic resins). Three scenarios were examined: (i) DKL as a phenol substitute, (ii) DKL as a polyol substitute, and (iii) oxypropylated depolymerized kraft lignin (Oxy‐DKL) a polyol substitute. The Net Present Value was calculated to compare these scenarios. To address the uncertainty risks in feedstock and product price, a sensitivity analysis and a Monte Carlo simulation were performed. Results show that DKL and Oxy‐DKL derived from the KL biorefinery are a feasible bio‐substitute for petroleum‐based polyols with a minimum selling price of 1440 and 1623 US$·t‐1, respectively. However, DKL is likely not feasible when replacing phenol (minimum selling price of 1421 US$·t‐1) due to the current low market price of phenol. The feasibility of the KL biorefinery is highly sensitive to the market prices of the products. Feedstock supply and market demand for lignin‐derived biopolyols are still uncertain; therefore, a supply chain design model is necessary for decision‐making. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
DNA methylation alterations in the genome of a toddler with cri‐du‐chat syndrome
Authors: Naumova Oxana Y. , Rychkov Sergey Y. , Kuznetzova Tatyana V. , Odintsova Veronika V. , Kornilov Sergey A. , Grigorenko Elena L.
Published: November 2017

Key Clinical Message

This manuscript reports on genomewide epigenetic alterations in cri‐du‐chat syndrome related to a partial aneusomy of chromosome 5. A systematic analysis of these alterations will open up new possibilities for the prognostic evaluation of CDCS patients and the development of new therapeutic interventions for reducing the severity of the disease.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Platinum‐Group‐Metal‐Free Catalysts: Structural Elucidation and Oxygen Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Gokhale Rohan , Tsui Lok‐Kun , Roach Kristin , Chen Yechuan , Hossen Md Mosaddek , Artyushkova Kateryna , Garzon Fernando , Atanassov Plamen
Published: November 2017

A hydrothermal approach to generate a platinum‐group‐metal‐free (PGM‐free) Fe−N−C catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is introduced. The process involves partial carbonization by hydrothermal means followed by thermal treatment to obtain the final catalysts. Detailed X‐ray scattering analysis of the glucose−imidazole catalysts (termed as GLU‐IMID‐C catalysts), obtained for the first time with the use of CarbonXS GUI program, reveals the presence of face‐centered cubic (FCC) iron nanoparticles embedded in partially graphitic carbon in all catalyst variations. We also report the physical characterization of these catalysts by using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer−Emmett−Teller surface area analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The electrocatalytic behavior of the catalysts towards oxygen reduction is studied separately in acidic and alkaline electrolytes by rotating ring disk electrode measurements. The catalysts exhibit high ORR activity in acidic (0.5 M H2SO4) and alkaline (0.1 M KOH) electrolytes. A precursor structure−performance relationship of these catalysts and their performance trends in both electrolytes has been discussed in this work.
Bifunctional Electrocatalysts (Co9S8@NSC) Derived from a Polymer‐metal Complex for the Oxygen Reduction and Oxygen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Alshehri Saad M , Ahmed Jahangeer , Khan Aslam , Naushad Mu , Ahamad Tansir
Published: November 2017

Bifunctional catalysts for water electrolysis are important for renewable and clean energy transformation processes like fuel cells, lithium−oxygen batteries, and so forth. Despite tremendous efforts, developing efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts with low cost and long‐term durability remains a great challenge. Herein, the synthesis of Co9S8 nanocrystals encapsulated in nitrogen/sulfur‐doped mesoporous graphitized carbon derived from a polymer−metal complex is reported, which exhibit similar electrocatalytic activity and superior stability for water‐splitting reactions (oxygen reduction/oxygen evolution). The remarkable electrochemical properties are mainly attributed to the synergetic effects between Co9S8, heteroatoms and graphitized carbon in alkaline medium, especially for the oxygen evolution reaction. The present strategy to fabricate Co9S8 nanocrystals in nitrogen and sulfur doped carbon using a single‐source precursor offers many prospects in developing highly effective electrocatalysts in rechargeable metal−air batteries.
Synthetic Oligosaccharide Libraries and Microarray Technology: A Powerful Combination for the Success of Current Glycosaminoglycan Interactomics
Authors: Pomin Vitor H. , Wang Xu
Published: November 2017

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are extracellular matrix and/or cell‐surface sulfated glycans crucial to the regulation of various signaling proteins, the functions of which are essential in many pathophysiological systems. Because structural heterogeneity is high in GAG chains and purification is difficult, the use of structurally defined GAG oligosaccharides from natural sources as molecular models in both biophysical and pharmacological assays is limited. To overcome this obstacle, GAG‐like oligosaccharides of well‐defined structures are currently being synthesized by chemical and/or enzymatic means in many research groups around the world. These synthetic GAG oligosaccharides serve as useful molecular tools in studies of GAG–protein interactions. In this review, besides discussing the commonest routes used for the synthesis of GAG oligosaccharides, we also survey some libraries of these synthetic models currently available for research and discuss their activities in interaction studies with functional proteins, especially through the microarray approach.
Magnetic resonance imaging in heart failure, including coronary imaging: numbers, facts, and challenges
Authors: Adams Lisa , Noutsias Michel , Bigalke Boris , Makowski Marcus R.
Published: November 2017

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major risk factor for the incidence and progression of heart failure (HF). HF is characterized by a substantial morbidity and mortality and its lifetime risk is estimated at approximately 20% for men and women. As patients are in most cases identified only after developing overt clinical symptoms, detecting early stages of CAD and HF is of paramount importance. Due to its non‐invasiveness, excellent soft‐tissue contrast, high spatial resolution, and multiparametric nature, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has emerged as a promising radiation‐free technique to assess a wide range of cardiovascular diseases such as CAD or HF, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of myocardial anatomy, regional and global function, and viability with the additional benefit of in vivo tissue characterization. CMR has the potential to enhance our understanding of coronary atherosclerosis and the aetiology of HF on functional and biological levels, to identify patients at risk for CAD or HF, and to enable individualized patient management and improved outcomes. Even though larger‐scale studies on the different applications of CMR for the assessment of heart failure are scarce, recent research highlighted new possible clinical applications for CMR in the evaluation of CAD and HF.
Serine/threonine protein kinase 25 antisense oligonucleotide treatment reverses glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice
Authors: Nuñez‐Durán Esther , Aghajan Mariam , Amrutkar Manoj , Sütt Silva , Cansby Emmelie , Booten Sheri L. , Watt Andrew , Ståhlman Marcus , Stefan Norbert , Häring Hans‐Ulrich , Staiger Harald , Borén Jan , Marschall Hanns‐Ulrich , Mahlapuu Margit
Published: November 2017

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) contributes to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are also at risk of developing cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. To date, no specific therapy exists for NAFLD/NASH, which has been recognized as one of the major unmet medical needs of the twenty‐first century. We recently identified serine/threonine protein kinase (STK)25 as a critical regulator of energy homeostasis and NAFLD progression. Here, we investigated the effect of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting Stk25 on the metabolic and molecular phenotype of mice after chronic exposure to dietary lipids. We found that Stk25 ASOs efficiently reversed high‐fat diet‐induced systemic hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, improved whole‐body glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and ameliorated liver steatosis, inflammatory infiltration, apoptosis, hepatic stellate cell activation, and nutritional fibrosis in obese mice. Moreover, Stk25 ASOs suppressed the abundance of liver acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) protein, a key regulator of both lipid oxidation and synthesis, revealing the likely mechanism underlying repression of hepatic fat accumulation by ASO treatment. We also found that STK25 protein levels correlate significantly and positively with NASH development in human liver biopsies, and several common nonlinked single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the human STK25 gene are associated with altered liver fat, supporting a critical role of STK25 in the pathogenesis of NAFLD in humans. Conclusion: Preclinical validation for the metabolic benefit of pharmacologically inhibiting STK25 in the context of obesity is provided. Therapeutic intervention aimed at reducing STK25 function may provide a new strategy for the treatment of patients with NAFLD, type 2 diabetes, and related complex metabolic diseases. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:69–83)
Reference Energies in Semiempirical Parametrizations
Authors: Hicks Martin G. , Thiel Walter
Published: November 2017

The MNDO scheme has been reparametrized for hydrocarbons using both molecular binding energies and heats of formation at 0 K as experimental reference data. Compared with MNDO, there are only minor changes in the optimized parameters, and the results are essentially of the same accuracy. These tests justify the use of heats of formation at 298 K as reference data in the original MNDO parametrization.
Credit scoring: A historic recurrence in microfinance
Authors: Bumacov Vitalie , Ashta Arvind , Singh Pritam
Published: November 2017

Microfinance is a new credit segment that can benefit greatly from the advantages the credit scoring technique can offer. In the developing countries even the professionals are not familiar with the technique of credit scoring and many microfinance institutions that serve millions of borrowers do not consider using it. Since the credit scoring technique did not evolve fast enough to meet the needs of microfinance, its adoption by microfinance institutions is slow and resembles more a historic recurrence rather than a new historical stage. We outline a conceptual framework of credit scoring that enables the use of this technique in micro lending, avoiding the pitfalls of the past.
A comparison of equity crowdfunding in four countries: Implications for business angels
Authors: Tuomi Krista , Harrison Richard T.
Published: November 2017

Equity crowdfunding as a rapidly growing source of finance for new and growing entrepreneurial ventures poses new challenges for financial regulators and potentially disrupts the early stage risk capital market and its existing actors, notably business angels. Equity crowdfunding responds primarily to the needs of small start‐ups that do not manage to access bank finance, or who do not need the larger sums available from venture capital or business angels. It is not appropriate for firms where business information is too sensitive to be shared with a large number of potential investors, nor those which require substantial amounts of follow on financing. Within these parameters and with sensible policy implementation and regulation, equity crowdfunding can play a useful complement to the role of business angels in innovation finance as an alternative form of start‐up and growth capital.
Increased Renal Echogenicity in Children With Appendicitis
Authors: Tal Tamir Hila , Ben‐Mordechay Daniel , Ben‐Shlush Aviva , Raviv‐Zilka Lisa , Soudack Michalle
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Ultrasound (US) is an important modality for the detection of acute appendicitis in children but has limited sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, additional US findings may contribute to the diagnosis. In our experience, children with acute appendicitis often have increased renal cortical echogenicity on US imaging. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of increased renal cortical echogenicity with appendicitis.

Methods

This study included 240 consecutive pediatric patients with no renal or liver disease who underwent US examinations for suspected appendicitis between February 2014 and January 2016. Ultrasound images of the liver and right kidney were retrospectively reviewed, and the echogenicity of the renal cortex was classified as less than the liver, equal to the liver, or greater than the liver.

Results

The renal cortex was abnormally hyperechoic in 38 (50%) of all of the patients who had appendicitis according to US (P < .001) and in 47% of patients who underwent appendectomy (P = .002). Overall, 36% of patients with increased renal cortical echogenicity had a diagnosis of appendicitis. After correction for variables, patients with renal hyperechogenicity had a 2.5 times chance of appendicitis (odds ratio, 2.5).

Conclusions

There is a statistically significant association between increased renal cortical echogenicity and appendicitis. In the absence of hepatic or renal disease, this finding may increase the accuracy of the US diagnosis of appendicitis. Increased renal cortical echogenicity may be added to the list of US findings accompanying acute appendicitis in children.
Color Doppler Sonography Accompanied by Dynamic Scanning for the Diagnosis of Ankle and Foot Fractures
Authors: Oh Myung‐Jin , Park Ki‐Tae , Youn Kwang‐Mi , Joo Jong‐Cheon , Park Soo‐Jung
Published: November 2017

Sonography is conventionally used to diagnose fractures by identifying cortical discontinuity of the bone. In this study, fracture sonography in addition to color Doppler and dynamic scanning was performed in settings with limited or no access to radiography. We describe 5 cases of ankle and foot fractures with the use of sonography to identify changes in the fractured site. The width of the fracture space increased on dynamic scanning, and the Doppler signals were generated inside the fracture space on dynamic scanning. In conclusion, color Doppler sonography accompanied by dynamic scanning is a useful adjunctive diagnostic tool in addition to previously described sonographic fracture findings.
Desertification vulnerability index—an effective approach to assess desertification processes: A case study in Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Dharumarajan Subramanian , Bishop Thomas F.A. , Hegde Rajendra , Singh Surendra Kumar
Published: November 2017

There is a need for the up‐to‐date assessment of desertification/land degradation maps that are dynamic in nature at different scales for comprehensive planning and preparation of action plans. This paper aims to develop the desertification vulnerability index (DVI) and predict the different desertification processes operating in Anantapur District, India, based on machine language techniques. Climate, land use, soil, and socioeconomic parameters were used to prepare DVI by a multivariate index model. The computed DVI along with climate, terrain, and soil properties was used as explanatory variable to predict the desertification processes by using a random forest model. About 14.2% of the area was created as a training dataset in 9 places for modeling and remaining area was tested for prediction of desertification processes. We used desertification status map (DSM) of Anantapur District prepared under Desertification status mapping of India–2nd cycle as a reference dataset for calculation of accuracy indices. Kappa and classification accuracy index were calculated for training and validation datasets. We recorded overall accuracy rate and kappa index of 85.5% and 75.8% for training datasets and 71.0% and 51.8% for testing datasets. The results of variable importance analysis of random forest model showed that DVI was the most important predictor followed by potential evapotranspiration and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index for prediction of desertification processes. The results from this work given new insight into using the existing knowledge on prediction of desertification in unvisited areas and also quick update of DSM maps.
Characterization of photon‐counting multislit breast tomosynthesis
Authors: Berggren Karl , Cederström Björn , Lundqvist Mats , Fredenberg Erik
Published: November 2017

Purpose

It has been shown that breast tomosynthesis may improve sensitivity and specificity compared to two‐dimensional mammography, resulting in increased detection‐rate of cancers or lowered call‐back rates. The purpose of this study is to characterize a spectral photon‐counting multislit breast tomosynthesis system that is able to do single‐scan spectral imaging with multiple collimated x‐ray beams. The system differs in many aspects compared to conventional tomosynthesis using energy‐integrating flat‐panel detectors.

Methods

The investigated system was a prototype consisting of a dual‐threshold photon‐counting detector with 21 collimated line detectors scanning across the compressed breast. A review of the system is done in terms of detector, acquisition geometry, and reconstruction methods. Three reconstruction methods were used, simple back‐projection, filtered back‐projection and an iterative algebraic reconstruction technique. The image quality was evaluated by measuring the modulation transfer‐function (MTF), normalized noise‐power spectrum, detective quantum‐efficiency (DQE), and artifact spread‐function (ASF) on reconstructed spectral tomosynthesis images for a total‐energy bin (defined by a low‐energy threshold calibrated to remove electronic noise) and for a high‐energy bin (with a threshold calibrated to split the spectrum in roughly equal parts). Acquisition was performed using a 29 kVp W/Al x‐ray spectrum at a 0.24 mGy exposure.

Results

The difference in MTF between the two energy bins was negligible, that is, there was no energy dependence on resolution. The MTF dropped to 50% at 1.5 lp/mm to 2.3 lp/mm in the scan direction and 2.4 lp/mm to 3.3 lp/mm in the slit direction, depending on the reconstruction method. The full width at half maximum of the ASF was found to range from 13.8 mm to 18.0 mm for the different reconstruction methods. The zero‐frequency DQE of the system was found to be 0.72. The fraction of counts in the high‐energy bin was measured to be 59% of the total detected spectrum. Scantimes ranged from 4 s to 16.5 s depending on voltage and current settings.

Conclusions

The characterized system generates spectral tomosynthesis images with a dual‐energy photon‐counting detector. Measurements show a high DQE, enabling high image quality at a low dose, which is beneficial for low‐dose applications such as screening. The single‐scan spectral images open up for applications such as quantitative material decomposition and contrast‐enhanced tomosynthesis.
Bayesian estimation of multicomponent relaxation parameters in magnetic resonance fingerprinting
Authors: McGivney Debra , Deshmane Anagha , Jiang Yun , Ma Dan , Badve Chaitra , Sloan Andrew , Gulani Vikas , Griswold Mark
Published: November 2017

Purpose

To estimate multiple components within a single voxel in magnetic resonance fingerprinting when the number and types of tissues comprising the voxel are not known a priori.

Theory

Multiple tissue components within a single voxel are potentially separable with magnetic resonance fingerprinting as a result of differences in signal evolutions of each component. The Bayesian framework for inverse problems provides a natural and flexible setting for solving this problem when the tissue composition per voxel is unknown. Assuming that only a few entries from the dictionary contribute to a mixed signal, sparsity‐promoting priors can be placed upon the solution.

Methods

An iterative algorithm is applied to compute the maximum a posteriori estimator of the posterior probability density to determine the magnetic resonance fingerprinting dictionary entries that contribute most significantly to mixed or pure voxels.

Results

Simulation results show that the algorithm is robust in finding the component tissues of mixed voxels. Preliminary in vivo data confirm this result, and show good agreement in voxels containing pure tissue.

Conclusions

The Bayesian framework and algorithm shown provide accurate solutions for the partial‐volume problem in magnetic resonance fingerprinting. The flexibility of the method will allow further study into different priors and hyperpriors that can be applied in the model. Magn Reson Med 80:159–170, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Modeling of prolactin response following dopamine D2 receptor antagonists in rats: can it be translated to clinical dosing?
Authors: Taneja Amit , Vermeulen An , Huntjens Dymphy R. H. , Danhof Meindert , De Lange Elizabeth C. M. , Proost Johannes H.
Published: November 2017

Prolactin release is a side effect of antipsychotic therapy with dopamine antagonists, observed in rats as well as humans. We examined whether two semimechanistic models could describe prolactin response in rats and subsequently be translated to predict pituitary dopamine D2 receptor occupancy and plasma prolactin concentrations in humans following administration of paliperidone or remoxipride. Data on male Wistar rats receiving single or multiple doses of risperidone, paliperidone, or remoxipride was described by two semimechanistic models, the precursor pool model and the agonist–antagonist interaction model. Using interspecies scaling approaches, human D2 receptor occupancy and plasma prolactin concentrations were predicted for a range of clinical paliperidone and remoxipride doses. The predictions were compared with corresponding observations described in literature as well as with predictions from published models developed on human data. The pool model could predict D2 receptor occupancy and prolactin response in humans following single doses of paliperidone and remoxipride. Tolerance of prolactin release was predicted following multiple doses. The interaction model underpredicted both D2 receptor occupancy and prolactin response. Prolactin elevation may be deployed as a suitable biomarker for interspecies translation and can inform the clinical safe and effective dose range of antipsychotic drugs. While the pool model was more predictive than the interaction model, it overpredicted tolerance on multiple dosing. Shortcomings of the translations reflect the need for better mechanistic models.
General formulae for dipole Wilson line correlators with the Color Glass Condensate
Authors: Fukushima Kenji , Hidaka Yoshimasa
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We present general formulae to compute Wilson line correlators with the Color Glass Condensate described by the McLerran-Venugopalan model. We explicitly construct a complete and non-orthogonal set of color-singlet bases and write matrix elements down, so that the exponential of the matrix leads to the Wilson line correlators. We further develop a systematic perturbative expansion of dipole Wilson line correlators in terms of 1/N
c where N
c is the color number. As a phenomenological application we calculate the flow harmonics v

n
{m} in the dipole model and discuss the N
c scaling.
Stakeholder scrutiny, urban bias, and the private provision of public goods
Authors: Chrun Elizabeth , Berliner Daniel , Prakash Aseem
Published: November 2017

While many scholars have studied “urban bias” in public policy, the potential for bias in the private provision of public goods has received little attention. Private certification is a mechanism encouraging private provision of environmental public goods. We show that within countries, there are often wide disparities in certification rates between firms located in urban and non-urban areas. However, these disparities can be mitigated if there is a countervailing force: scrutiny of firms' practices by key stakeholders. We suggest that the presence of strong civil society, independent media, a functioning state regulatory apparatus, and multinational owners can ameliorate the urban bias in certification uptakes. We test this argument with global, firm-level data covering over 40,000 firms in ninety-three countries. Our analyses suggest that an urban bias is mitigated when stakeholders—both public and private—have the freedom and capacity to scrutinize firms' activities.
Prevalence and Factors Associated With Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Organisms in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Evans Charlesnika T. , Fitzpatrick Margaret A. , Jones Makoto M. , Burns Stephen P. , Poggensee Linda , Ramanathan Swetha , LaVela Sherri L. , Safdar Nasia , Suda Katie J.
Published: November 2017

OBJECTIVE

Infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative organisms (MDRGNOs) have been increasing every year. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of MDRGNOs and factors associated with MDRGNOs in patients with spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) electronic health record data from 142 VA facilities were evaluated for 19,642 patients with SCI/D. Multivariable cluster-adjusted models were fit to identify factors associated with MDRGNO.

RESULTS

Gram-negative (GN) cultures occurred in 44% of patients with SCI/D receiving care at VA facilities, and 11,527 (41.3%) GN cultures had an MDRGNO. The most frequent GN organisms (GNOs) were Escherichia coli (28.5%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.0%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.0%). Two-thirds of GN cultures were from the outpatient setting, where MDRGNO prevalence was 37.6%. Significant geographic variation in the prevalence of MDRGNOs was identified (South, 44.7%; Northeast, 44.3%; West, 36.8%; Midwest, 34.4%). Other factors associated with an MDRGNO were older age, injury characteristics, comorbidities, specimen type, healthcare setting, and healthcare exposure. Black (odds ratio [OR], 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39–1.78) and Hispanic race (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.28–1.95), polymicrobial culture (OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 2.46–2.90), and antibiotic use in the previous 90 days (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.50–1.76) were also associated with having an MDRGNO.

CONCLUSIONS

MDRGNOs were common in community and healthcare settings among veterans with SCI/D, with significant geographic variation. Health care and antibiotic exposures were significant factors associated with MDRGNOs. Priority should be given to controlling the spread of MDRGNOs in this special population, including a focus on judicious use of antibiotics.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1464–1471
AFTER FERTILITY’S NADIR? ETHNIC DIFFERENTIALS IN PARITY-SPECIFIC BEHAVIOURS IN KYRGYZSTAN
Authors: Spoorenberg Thomas
Published: November 2017

After a swift decline in the 1990s, the countries of Central Asia have experienced significant fertility increases over the last 15 years. These fertility upturns have remained off the radar of demographers. This study examines the recent fertility increase in Kyrgyzstan, focusing on fertility development by parity and among the main ethnic groups, in order to go beyond classic fertility indicators and national averages. Using a sample from the 2009 Census micro-dataset, sibling progression ratios were computed using information on the relationships and dates of birth of children under the age of 15. The results allow an analysis of the fertility increase by identifying the contribution of parity and ethnic group. It was found that the fertility increase in Kyrgyzstan has been experienced across the main ethnic groups, but their respective share in the population of the country has resulted in distinct contributions to the increase. Between 2001 and 2009, 82.4% of the fertility increase was due to an increase in the fertility of Kyrgyz women. In comparison, Uzbek and Russian women contributed 10.2% and 7.4%, respectively. By accounting for the parity component and ethnic factor, this study adds important disaggregated information, not only on family-building behaviours, but also on the social dimension, which is of prime importance for a better understanding of the demography of Central Asia. The study highlights important information on family-building behaviours, which are essential for the formulation of appropriate and more effective social policies aimed at sustaining and/or increasing fertility.
Entomopathogenic bacteriaPhotorhabdus luminescensas drug source againstLeishmania amazonensis
Authors: Antonello Ana Maria , Sartori Thaís , Folmer Correa Ana Paula , Brandelli Adriano , Heermann Ralf , Rodrigues Júnior Luiz Carlos , Peres Alessandra , Romão Pedro Roosevelt Torres , Da Silva Onilda Santos
Published: November 2017

Leishmaniasis is a widely spread and zoonotic disease with serious problems as low effectiveness of drugs, emergence of parasite resistance and severe adverse reactions. In recent years, considerable attention has been given to secondary metabolites produced byPhotorhabdus luminescens, an entomopathogenic bacterium. Here, we assessed the leishmanicidal activity ofP. luminescensculture fluids. Initially, promastigotes ofLeishmania amazonensiswere incubated with cell free conditioned medium ofP. luminescensand parasite survival was monitored. Different pre-treatments of the conditioned medium revealed that the leishmanicidal activity is due to a secreted peptide smaller than 3 kDa. ThePhotorhabdus-derived leishmanicidal toxin (PLT) was enriched from conditioned medium and its effect on mitochondrial membrane potential of promastigotes, was determined. Moreover, the biological activity of PLT against amastigotes was evaluated. PLT inhibited the parasite growth and showed significant leishmanicidal activity against promastigote and amastigotes ofL. amazonensis. PLT also caused mitochondrial dysfunction in parasites, but low toxicity to mammalian cell and human erythrocytes. Moreover, the anti-amastigote activity was independent of nitric oxide production. In summary, our results highlight thatP. luminescenssecretesLeishmania-toxic peptide(s) that are promising novel drugs for therapy against leishmaniasis.
STUCK IN A CORNER? CLIMATE POLICY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Authors: Fried Stephie
Published: November 2017

Much of the capital equipment used in developing countries is created in the OECD and, thus, is designed to make optimal use of the relative supplies of capital, labor, and energy in these developed countries. However, differences in capital–labor ratios between developed and developing countries create a mismatch between the energy requirements of this capital and developing countries' optimal levels of energy intensity. Using a calibrated macroeconomic model, this paper analyzes the implications of this mismatch for climate policy. I find that using capital equipment with “inappropriate” energy intensity has sizeable consequences for both the effectiveness and the welfare cost of climate policies in developing countries.
ON MODULES OVER COMMUTATIVE RINGS
Authors: FUCHS LÁSZLÓ , LEE SANG BUM
Published: November 2017

Our main purpose is to extend several results of interest that have been proved for modules over integral domains to modules over arbitrary commutative rings $R$ with identity. The classical ring of quotients $Q$ of $R$ will play the role of the field of quotients when zero-divisors are present. After discussing torsion-freeness and divisibility (Sections 2–3), we study Matlis-cotorsion modules and their roles in two category equivalences (Sections 4–5). These equivalences are established via the same functors as in the domain case, but instead of injective direct sums $\oplus Q$ one has to take the full subcategory of $Q$-modules into consideration. Finally, we prove results on Matlis rings, i.e. on rings for which $Q$ has projective dimension $1$ (Theorem 6.4).
Occurrence of Paederus fuscipes (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in the sandy tidal zone of the Caspian seashore
Authors: Rafinejhad J. , Asgarian F. , Nikookar S. H. , Ziapour S. P. , Fazeli-Dinan M. , Serri S. , Enayati A.
Published: November 2017

Rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphilinidae) are a group of diverse insects occurring in a range of different ecosystems, from the plains to the mountaintops. However, there are no reports in the literature of their presence in the tidal zone of the seashore. This is the first report of the presence ofPaederus fuscipesCurtis on the coastal sands of the Caspian Sea, northern Iran. In all 14 counties of Mazandaran Province on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea, systematic monthly sampling of the beetles took place from May 2012 to April 2013. Samplings (30-min-person) were performed and specimens collected from the sandy seashore by gloved bare hands and identified using appropriate keys. To our surprise, all 1012 specimens collected were exclusivelyP. fuscipesCurtis, but with significant seasonal and geographical variations among the numbers of specimens collected. The distribution and activity ofP. fuscipeswere outstanding in Mahmoodabad and Fereidonkenar counties, with the highest abundance and frequency in September, posing a serious health threat to tourists and residents of these areas.
NEW SEEDS, NEW HARVESTS THIRTY YEARS OF TILLING THE MYSTIC FIELD
Authors: NEWMAN BARBARA
Published: November 2017

This article offers a retrospective on the last thirty years of scholarship on medieval mystics. After surveying some recent resources, such as Bernard McGinn's multivolume history, the Companions to Christian Mysticism, and the journal Spiritus, it discusses the varied approaches of late-twentieth and early-twenty-first century work, notably the material turn and the linguistic turn. The former, embracing studies of the body and gender, emotions and eroticism, art and material objects, reacts against earlier conceptions of mysticism as concerned exclusively with the timeless, invisible, and transcendent dimension of human existence. Feminist scholarship, queer theory, history of the emotions, and the study of visual culture have all figured prominently, while the relationship between mysticism and political activism is identified as an area ripe for further study. Complementing the material turn, the linguistic turn has brought new interest in apophatic theology in the wake of Derridean deconstruction, but also entails fresh work on vernacular mystics and the role of vernacularity in disseminating spiritual wisdom. The essay closes with an account of imaginative theology and a call for more reading across linguistic and disciplinary boundaries, as well as the artificial boundary between sacred and secular writing.
VISUALIZING NARRATIVE STRUCTURE IN THE MEDIEVAL UNIVERSITY: DIVISIO TEXTUS REVISITED
Authors: EVEN-EZRA AYELET
Published: November 2017

The early thirteenth century saw the rise of a new exegetical technique: divisio textus, or text division. Commentators engaged in subtle structural analyses, parsing texts into increasingly smaller units, and at times represented these structures as complex tree diagrams. For a case study of this technique, this essay presents a previously unnoticed series of such marginal diagrams in MS Assisi, Bib. Com. 51 that depict the structure of the first three chapters of the Book of Job. Following the manner in which the author analyzes the narrative functions of character description, dialogues, and other aspects, the essay reconstructs the narratological principles embedded in these diagrams, and compares them with other divisions of Job by thirteenth century theologians. It sets the diagramming of divisiones textus in its the broader context of medieval horizontal tree diagrams and discusses the peculiar implications of the spatialization of biblical narrative. Appendices include full transcriptions, translations and auxiliary materials for comparison.
Use of vascular closure devices for endovascular interventions requiring a direct puncture of PETE grafts
Authors: Milnerowicz Artur I. , Milnerowicz Aleksandra A. , Protasiewicz Marcin , Kuliczkowski Wiktor
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Background: Effectiveness of vascular closure devices during endovascular procedures requiring a direct puncture of a vascular prosthesis placed in the inguinal region is unknown. Patients and methods: The retrospective analysis included 134 patients with a history of polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) graft implantation in the inguinal region. In 20 (15 %) patients, haemostasis was achieved with manual compression, in 21 (16 %) with the StarClose™, and in 93 (69 %) with the AngioSeal™ device. Results: The incidence of vascular complications in the manual compression group was higher (at a threshold of statistical significance) than in the device closure group (45.0 vs. 24.5 %, p = 0.059). The difference was considered statistically significant when manual compression was compared with the AngioSeal™ closure group (45.0 vs. 13.9 %, p < 0.01). The vascular complication rate in the StarClose™ group was significantly higher than in the AngioSeal™ group (71.4 vs. 13.9 %, p < 0.000001). While haematomas were the only vascular complications observed after application of AngioSeal™, both haematomas and pseudoaneurysms were found in the StarClose™ group. Conclusions: The AngioSeal™ vascular closure device provides better local haemostasis than the StarClose™ device or manual compression during endovascular interventions requiring a direct puncture of PETE grafts
Psychometrische Eigenschaften einer deutschsprachigen Übersetzung des Mental Toughness Inventory (MTI-D)
Authors: Schmid Jürg , Steiner Silvan , Rensch Manuela , Middleton Cory , Seiler Roland
Published: November 2017

Zusammenfassung. Das Mental Toughness Inventory (MTI; Middleton, Martin & Marsh, 2011 ) ist ein Selbstbeurteilungsinstrument zur Erfassung von 12 Facetten mentaler Stärke im Sport oder anderen leistungsbezogenen Kontexten. Ins Deutsche übersetzt, wurde das MTI–D an einer deutschsprachigen Stichprobe (N = 1 122), davon n = 914 Athletinnen und Athleten und n = 208 Studierende der Sportwissenschaft aus 41 Sportarten hinsichtlich Faktorstruktur, Messinvarianz, Reliabilität, Konstrukt- und Kriteriumsvalidität untersucht. Entsprechend der theoretischen Konzeption ergaben Bifaktorenanalysen für das MTI–D eine Struktur mit einem gemeinsamen Faktor und 12 spezifischen Faktoren. Die Reliabilität (ω) der Gesamtskala und der Subskalen lag zwischen .81 und .98, während die Werte für omega hierarchical subscale tiefer lagen (.07 ≤ ωHS ≤ .77). Der globale und die spezifischen Faktoren korrelierten hypothesenkonform mit dem Engagement und Leistungsniveau im Sport sowie dem Test of Performance Strategies (TOPS-D; Schmid, Birrer, Kaiser & Seiler, 2010 ) zur Erfassung mentaler Strategien im Sport. Zwar könnten einzelne Faktoren optimiert werden, doch es liegen Hinweise darauf vor, dass mit dem MTI–D mentale Stärke reliabel und valide erfasst werden kann.
Generische und indikationsspezifische Messeigenschaften des IRES-24-Patientenfragebogen
Authors: Wirtz Markus Antonius , Farin Erik
Published: November 2017

Zusammenfassung. Der Indikatoren des Reha-Status Patientenfragebogen (IRES-24) wird in der medizinischen Rehabilitation als Instrument zur Routinediagnostik der Dimensionen Funktionsfähigkeit im Alltag, Psychisches Befinden, Somatische Gesundheit und Schmerzen eingesetzt. Die generischen und indikationsspezifischen Messeigenschaften des IRES-24 Patientenfragebogen werden in einem Vergleich von Befragten aus der orthopädischen (N = 1 869; 37 % weiblich; MAlter = 50.3 Jahre) und der neurologischen Rehabilitation (N = 881; 49 % weiblich; MAlter = 64.6 Jahre) analysiert. Um Alters- und Geschlechtsverzerrungen zu vermeiden, wurden gematchte Stichproben gezogen (342 Befragte pro Gruppe; 55 % weiblich; MAlter = 51.6 bzw. 52.6 Jahre). Die Analyse erfolgte mittels des Differential Item Functioning auf Basis des ordinalen Rasch-Modells. Während Psychisches Befinden indikationsübergreifend testfair erfasst wird, indizieren einzelne Items der Skala Funktionsfähigkeit im Alltag und Schmerzen die jeweilige latente Merkmalsdimension unterschiedlich sensitiv. Bedeutsame Verletzungen der Homogenität der Skala Somatische Gesundheit, die durch die Erfassung unterschiedlicher Symptomkomplexe bedingt sind, müssen bei indikationsübergreifenden Anwendungen des IRES-24 berücksichtigt werden.
Stressverarbeitungsfragebogen für Kinder und Jugendliche (SVF-KJ)
Authors: Hampel Petra , Amtmann Elfriede , Roch Svenja , Karpinski Norbert K. , Petermann Franz
Published: November 2017

Zusammenfassung. Der Stressverarbeitungsfragebogen für Kinder und Jugendliche (SVF-KJ) erhebt die soziale und schulische Stressverarbeitung über 9 Subtests und 36 Items. Der Gültigkeitsbereich wurde in der aktuellen Version von 2016 auf die Altersspanne von 8 bis 16 Jahre erweitert. Ferner wurden 4 Items geringfügig angepasst und aktuelle Normen wurden erhoben. Die Normwerte und psychometrischen Gütekriterien wurden bei N = 1 087 Kindern und Jugendlichen ermittelt. Befunde von konfirmatorischen Faktorenanalysen bestätigten die Zuordnung der Items zu den Subtests, die sich in früheren exploratorischen Faktorenanalysen ergeben hatten. Korrelationsanalysen sprechen für eine hinreichend divergente Validität gegenüber dem Konstrukt „Emotionsregulation“. Schließlich wurde an einer Teilstichprobe von N = 374 deutschen Kindern und Jugendlichen die interne Konstruktvalidität bekräftigt, indem erwartungskonforme Geschlechts- und Altersunterschiede nachgewiesen wurden. Insgesamt unterstützen die weiteren Analysen, dass der SVF-KJ die Stressverarbeitungsdispositionen im Kindes- und Jugendalter valide erfasst.
Clonal expansion behind a marine diatom bloom
Authors: Ruggiero Maria Valeria , D’Alelio Domenico , Ferrante Maria Immacolata , Santoro Mariano , Vitale Laura , Procaccini Gabriele , Montresor Marina
Published: November 2017

Genetic diversity is what selection acts on, thus shaping the adaptive potential of populations. We studied micro-evolutionary patterns of the key planktonic diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata at a long-term sampling site over 2 consecutive years by genotyping isolates with 22 microsatellite markers. We show that both sex and vegetative growth interplay in shaping intraspecific diversity. We document a brief but massive demographic and clonal expansion driven by strains of the same mating type. The analysis of an extended data set (6 years) indicates that the genetic fingerprint of P. multistriata changed over time with a nonlinear pattern, with intermittent periods of weak and strong diversification related to the temporary predominance of clonal expansions over sexual recombination. These dynamics, rarely documented for phytoplankton, contribute to the understanding of bloom formation and of the mechanisms that drive microevolution in diatoms.
Deep characterization of a common D4Z4 variant identifies biallelic DUX4 expression as a modifier for disease penetrance in FSHD2
Authors: Lemmers Richard JLF , van der Vliet Patrick J , Balog Judit , Goeman Jelle J , Arindrarto Wibowo , Krom Yvonne D , Straasheijm Kirsten R , Debipersad Rashmie D , Özel Gizem , Sowden Janet , Snider Lauren , Mul Karlien , Sacconi Sabrina , van Engelen Baziel , Tapscott Stephen J , Tawil Rabi , van der Maarel Silvère M
Published: November 2017

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy is caused by incomplete repression of the transcription factor DUX4 in skeletal muscle as a consequence of D4Z4 macrosatellite repeat contraction in chromosome 4q35 (FSHD1) or variants in genes encoding D4Z4 chromatin repressors (FSHD2). A clinical hallmark of FSHD is variability in onset and progression suggesting the presence of disease modifiers. A well-known cis modifier is the polymorphic DUX4 polyadenylation signal (PAS) that defines FSHD permissive alleles: D4Z4 chromatin relaxation on non-permissive alleles which lack the DUX4-PAS cannot cause disease in the absence of stable DUX4 mRNA. We have explored the nature and relevance of a common variant of the major FSHD haplotype 4A161, which is defined by 1.6 kb size difference of the most distal D4Z4 repeat unit. While the short variant (4A161S) has been extensively studied, we demonstrate that the long variant (4A161L) is relatively common in the European population, is capable of expressing DUX4, but that DUX4 mRNA processing differs from 4A161S. While we do not find evidence for a difference in disease severity between FSHD carriers of an 4A161S or 4A161L allele, our study does uncover biallelic DUX4 expression in FSHD2 patients. Compared to control individuals, we observed an increased frequency of FSHD2 patients homozygous for disease permissive alleles, and who are thus capable of biallelic DUX4 expression, while SMCHD1 variant carriers with only one permissive allele were significantly more often asymptomatic. This suggests that biallelic DUX4 expression lowers the threshold for disease presentation and is a modifier for disease severity in FSHD2.
T cell receptor β-chains display abnormal shortening and repertoire sharing in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Gomez-Tourino Iria , Kamra Yogesh , Baptista Roman , Lorenc Anna , Peakman Mark
Published: November 2017

Defects in T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire are proposed to predispose to autoimmunity. Here we show, by analyzing >2 × 108TCRB sequences of circulating naive, central memory, regulatory and stem cell-like memory CD4+ T cell subsets from patients with type 1 diabetes and healthy donors, that patients have shorter TCRB complementarity-determining region 3s (CDR3), in all cell subsets, introduced by increased deletions/reduced insertions during VDJ rearrangement. High frequency of short CDR3s is also observed in unproductive TCRB sequences, which are not subjected to thymic culling, suggesting that the shorter CDR3s arise independently of positive/negative selection. Moreover, TCRB CDR3 clonotypes expressed by autoantigen-specific CD4+ T cells are shorter compared with anti-viral T cells, and with those from healthy donors. Thus, early events in thymic T cell development and repertoire generation are abnormal in type 1 diabetes, which suggest that short CDR3s increase the potential for self-recognition, conferring heightened risk of autoimmune disease.
Publisher Correction: Use of RNAi technology to develop a PRSV-resistant transgenic papaya
Authors: Jia Ruizong , Zhao Hui , Huang Jing , Kong Hua , Zhang Yuliang , Guo Jingyuan , Huang Qixing , Guo Yunling , Wei Qing , Zuo Jiao , Zhu Yun J. , Peng Ming , Guo Anping
Published: November 2017

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.