bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bis[1]benzothieno[5,4-d:5′,4′-d′]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene Derivatives: Synthesis and Effect of Sulfur Positions on Their Transistor Properties
Authors: Nishinaga Shuhei , Mitani Masato , Mori Hiroki , Okamoto Toshihiro , Takeya Jun , Nishihara Yasushi
Published: May 2019

Bis[1]benzothieno[5,4-d:5′,4′-d′]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene (BBTBDT-2) and its phenyl-substituted derivative were successfully synthesized and characterized. From DFT calculations, highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) of both compounds are well delocalized and large orbital coefficients exist on sulfur atoms. Single-crystal X-ray analysis revealed that BBTBDT-2 derivatives formed herringbone structures in the solid state. In particular, BBTBDT-2 formed a layer-by-layer structure with effective 2D charge-carrier transporting capability. The fabricated OFETs based on BBTBDT-2 gave mobility up to 0.49 cm2 V−1 s−1 in the vacuum-deposited thin films, which is the highest value among BBTBDT derivatives including our previously reported syn-counterparts. We have also clarified a detailed structure–property relationship of sulfur positions and phenyl substituents as indicated by theoretical calculation, GIWAXS, and AFM analyses.
Cus2 enforces the first ATP-dependent step of splicing by binding to yeast SF3b1 through a UHM–ULM interaction
Authors: Talkish Jason , Igel Haller , Hunter Oarteze , Horner Steven W. , Jeffery Nazish N. , Leach Justin R. , Jenkins Jermaine L. , Kielkopf Clara L. , Ares Manuel
Published: May 2019

Stable recognition of the intron branchpoint (BP) by the U2 snRNP to form the pre-spliceosome is the first ATP-dependent step of splicing. Genetic and biochemical data from yeast indicate that Cus2 aids U2 snRNA folding into the stem IIa conformation prior to pre-spliceosome formation. Cus2 must then be removed by an ATP-dependent function of Prp5 before assembly can progress. However, the location from which Cus2 is displaced and the nature of its binding to the U2 snRNP are unknown. Here, we show that Cus2 contains a conserved UHM (U2AF homology motif) that binds Hsh155, the yeast homolog of human SF3b1, through a conserved ULM (U2AF ligand motif). Mutations in either motif block binding and allow pre-spliceosome formation without ATP. A 2.0 Å resolution structure of the Hsh155 ULM in complex with the UHM of Tat-SF1, the human homolog of Cus2, and complementary binding assays show that the interaction is highly similar between yeast and humans. Furthermore, we show that Tat-SF1 can replace Cus2 function by enforcing ATP dependence of pre-spliceosome formation in yeast extracts. Cus2 is removed before pre-spliceosome formation, and both Cus2 and its Hsh155 ULM binding site are absent from available cryo-EM structure models. However, our data are consistent with the apparent location of the disordered Hsh155 ULM between the U2 stem–loop IIa and the HEAT repeats of Hsh155 that interact with Prp5. We propose a model in which Prp5 uses ATP to remove Cus2 from Hsh155 such that extended base-pairing between U2 snRNA and the intron BP can occur.
Conflict over Women’s Working Times on the Eve of Industrialisation: Spanish Social Reformers’ Surveys at the End of the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Borderías Cristina
Published: May 2019

During the last two decades of the nineteenth century, Spain experienced growing social instability. The worsening working conditions stimulated social conflict and the rise of the labour movement. In this context, the first voices in favour of state intervention in conflicts between capital and labour arose among the reformist intellectual elite. One of the first social policy measures undertaken by the state was the creation, in 1883, of the Comisión de Reformas Sociales (Commission for Social Reforms, CRS) as a consultative and advisory institution of the government on social issues. Under the influence of positivist methods of empirical sociology, the commission’s first initiative was to conduct a survey with the objective of undertaking a detailed diagnosis of the living conditions of the working population. Changing gender relations in the family and labour market, especially the conflicts over the use of women’s time, was one of the central questions in this survey. Thus, its results allow us to analyse both the discourses – by social reformers and other social groups – and the social practices of women at work in different sectors and in different parts of Spain.
The Ways of the Nation: Messianic and Universalist Nationalism 161 in Renieris, Zambelios and Paparrigopoulos
Authors: Vallianos Pericles
Published: May 2019

The vital cultural project during the nineteenth century was the formation of an authoritative version of the national consciousness that serve to homogenise the disparate populations of newly independent Greece. Three towering intellectuals led the way in this process: Markos Renieris, Spyridon Zambelios and Konstantinos Paparrigopoulos. All three adhered to the since dominant theory of the historical continuity of the Greek nation from prehistoric times to the present but held sharply different views concerning the role of Greece in the modern world. Renieris stressed the European vocation of today’s Hellenic culture, given that the foundations of European civilisation were initially Hellenic as well. Zambelios put forward an anti-Western view of the nation’s destiny, tinged with theological fanaticism and a mystical historicism. Paparrigopoulos was the consummate historian who emphasised the links between the Greek present and the past, chiefly through the medium of language, but without hiding the sharp discontinuitiesbetween historical periods.
Ophthalmic features of HIV associated cryptococcal meningitis in Malawian Adults: an observational study
Authors: Ellis Jayne P. , Gaskell Kate , Peirse Mary , Gormley Jack , Kalata Newton , Burgess Philip I. , Mopamboli Patty , Manda Chatonda A. , Kiire Christine A. , Maccormick Ian , Gondwe Ebbie , Molloy Síle F. , Harrison Thomas S. , Lalloo David G. , Heyderman Robert S.
Published: May 2019

Background: Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is the commonest neurological complication in patients with advanced HIV. Visual disturbance is a frequent presenting symptom. Papilloedema is commonly reported but other ophthalmic findings are not well described.

Methods: We performed an observational study comparing severely immunocompromised HIV-infected patients with and without CM to determine the nature and prevalence of retinal pathology attributable to CM. 70 adult patients were enrolled in Blantyre Malawi, 35 with CM and 35 HIV-infected patients without CM.

Results: 79% (19/24) of CM patients examined on day one had evidence of retinal abnormalities compared to 17% (6/35) of HIV-infected controls (p <0.001). In the CM group, retinal whitening was the commonest abnormality (50%), followed by optic disc swelling (29%), haemorrhage (25%) and vascular abnormalities (7%). Retinal whitening was the only abnormality observed in the comparator group (17%). In CM, there was no significant difference between those with and without retinal abnormalities in fungal burden (13,550 cfu/ml vs. 9,150 cfu/ml; p = 0.65), CD4 count (28 cells/µl vs. 76 cells/µl; p = 0.79) or CSF opening pressure (21cm H20 vs. 27cm H20; p = 0.5).  There was no association between presence/absence of retinal abnormalities and death (40% 10-week mortality vs. 26%; p = 0.6).

Conclusions: Whether the presence of CM retinopathy could be used as a marker of disease severity warrants further investigation. The observed ophthalmic findings provide a descriptive framework for CM retinopathy to be utilised in future CM studies.

Trial registration: ISRCTN (ISRCTN45035509) 19/06/2012.
Penalties, Manipulation, and Investment Efficiency
Authors: Nan Lin , Wen Xiaoyan
Published: May 2019

In this study, we examine whether imposing a penalty based on an earlier positive signal and a bad realized outcome can be welfare-improving. We find that imposing a penalty helps to improve investment efficiency, but it also brings a deadweight cost of potential penalty for entrepreneurs with good projects. We show that when a good project has a much larger chance to achieve a good outcome than a bad project or when a large proportion of the penalty can be reimbursed to the investor, it is optimal to impose a penalty to deter entrepreneurs with bad projects from reporting positive signals to the greatest degree, as the benefit from reducing the investment inefficiency outweighs the expected deadweight cost. Otherwise, it is optimal not to impose any penalty. We also find that a larger penalty may induce more manipulation by a good entrepreneur. This is because, although a larger penalty directly discourages manipulation for both good and bad types by increasing the expected penalty cost, it also encourages upward manipulation by lowering the implicit financing cost upon a high signal. The encouraging effect is mostly pronounced for the good entrepreneur when the good entrepreneur has a much larger chance of success than the bad entrepreneur or when the reimbursement proportion is very high.

This paper was accepted by Shiva Rajgopal, accounting.
Dividend Growth Predictability and the Price–Dividend Ratio
Authors: Piatti Ilaria , Trojani Fabio
Published: May 2019

Asymptotic tests over-reject the null of no predictability in present-value models. We develop a nonparametric testing approach in state-space models, implying reliable finite sample inference under weak assumptions on price–dividend ratio and dividend shocks. We find sharp evidence of return predictability in postwar U.S. data but less consistent evidence of dividend predictability, which is significant only using cash-flow proxies reflecting information from mergers and acquisitions. These findings reconcile the diverging conclusions of present-value models and common predictive regressions in a way that is robust to the choice of the predictive variables, the sample period, and alternative cash-flow proxies.

This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance.
Gender Differences in Pay Levels: An Examination of the Compensation of University Presidents
Authors: Blevins Dane P. , Sauerwald Steve , Hoobler Jenny M. , Robertson Christopher J.
Published: May 2019

Our paper studies how gender and organizational status affect a university president’s compensation. Similar to previous findings, we hypothesize that women will receive less pay than men. However, we go beyond a dyadic view of individual differences to examine gender’s impact on compensation, and we explicate the importance of institutional forces in understanding the gender pay gap. In doing so, we rely on organizational status and hypothesize that the gender pay gap will be less pronounced as a university’s status rises. Although we find that the gender pay gap persists within the university president context, we also find that as a university’s status rises, the pay gap declines. Moreover, our findings show that the gender pay gap disappears at higher-status universities. Hence, accounting for where the glass ceiling is broken is an important consideration in understanding the gender pay gap. In sum, by integrating a broader institutional perspective to explain gender differences in pay levels, our paper demonstrates the importance of contextualizing gender to better understand its effects on compensation.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2018.1266 .
A Qualitative Systematic Review of Women's Experiences Using Contraceptive Vaginal Rings: Implications for New Technologies
Authors: Vargas Sara E. , Midoun Miriam M. , Guillen Melissa , Getz Melissa L. , Underhill Kristen , Kuo Caroline , Guthrie Kate M. ,   other members of the Project WISH Research Team
Published: May 2019

CONTEXT

Vaginal rings are available for contraception and hormone replacement, and are being developed as HIV/STD or multipurpose prevention technologies. A comprehensive understanding of women's expectations of and experiences with rings is urgently needed to inform product development and to optimize ring use.

METHODS

Three databases (PubMed, Global Health and CINAHL) were searched for English‐language, peer‐reviewed articles published between January 1996 and November 2017 that reported qualitative data on barriers to and facilitators of use of female‐controlled contraceptive methods. Data on study methods, findings and conclusions pertaining to contraceptive rings were extracted, organized and analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty‐six articles, all published since 2008, met the inclusion criteria. Seven studies focused largely or entirely on rings (and involved current, former or potential users), while the others focused on other contraceptive methods but included ring‐specific data. Familiarity with the ring was low, and women commonly had initial concerns about the method—often related to insertion and removal, cleanliness and discomfort with touching their vagina—that were typically overcome over time. Other major themes were issues related to ring use and discontinuation, the importance of ring‐related properties and characteristics, and considerations related to sexual partners and health care providers.

CONCLUSIONS

Qualitative data have the potential to inform ring design and promotion. Future research should further explore women's expectations and experiences with the ring, the value of involving male partners in ring evaluation, and evaluation of interventions to improve patient–provider communication concerning ring choice and use.
Prognosis of Untreated Minimally Active Chronic Hepatitis B Patients in Comparison With Virological Responders by Antivirals
Authors: Lee Hye Won , Kim Seung Up , Park Jun Yong , Baatarkhuu Oidov , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Han Kwang-Hyub , Kim Beom Kyung
Published: May 2019

OBJECTIVES:

Serum hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA > 2,000 IU/mL is associated with higher risk of disease progression. However, without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or cirrhosis, nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUCs) are recommended only for patients with elevated serum HBV-DNA and alanine aminotransferase ≥2 × upper normal limit.

METHODS:

We evaluated prognosis of untreated minimally active (MA) hepatitis patients (defined as HBV-DNA > 2,000 IU/mL, but never fulfilling current criteria for NUCs during follow-up) (untreated MA group), compared to virological responders by NUCs (NUC-VR group). Eligible patients undergoing transient elastography were consecutively enrolled. Patients with an immune-tolerant or inactive phase and with cirrhosis or HCC at enrollment were excluded. Cumulative risks of disease progression were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS:

The untreated MA group (n = 152) had higher HBV-DNA, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin levels, and lower proportions of male and positive hepatitis B e antigen, compared to the NUC-VR group (n = 641). The untreated MA group had higher risks of HCC (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 3.485, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.234–9.846; P = 0.018), but similar risks of cirrhotic complications (adjusted HR 0.649, 95% CI 0.227–1.854; P = 0.420), compared to the NUC-VR group. Inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis using propensity score showed that the untreated MA group had higher risks of HCC (HR 4.464, 95% CI 2.008–9.901; P < 0.001), but similar risks of cirrhotic complications (HR 1.171, 95% CI 0.594–2.309; P = 0.649), compared to the NUC-VR group.

DISCUSSION:

Through appropriate adjustment of potential prognostic factors, the untreated MA group consistently showed higher risks of HCC, but similar risks of cirrhotic complications, compared to the NUC-VR group. HCC risk might be reduced through earlier NUCs for the untreated MA group.
CARTOGRAFIA THIERRY SALMON
Authors: De Paula Eduardo
Published: May 2019

Título: Cartografia Thierry Salmon - entre uma apresentação ao público brasileiro e uma contextualização necessária
Resumo: Apresentação e contextualização de Thierry Salmon e dos textos escolhidos para o público brasileiro: Biografia Thierry Salmon, Dez perguntas mais uma a Thierry Salmon¸ Homenagem a Thierry Salmon, Pentesiléia e o Projeto Amazonas: duplo olhar para uma dramaturgia – [com] um fragmento de diálogo à distância com Thierry Salmon e É Preciso que o real penetre no espetáculo. Para conhecer mais sobre o teatro de Thierry Salmon o texto é acompanhado de uma bibliografia elaborada a partir dos materiais reunidos.
Palavras-chave: Thierry Salmon, Encenação, Atuação, Dramaturgia, Processo de Criação.
 
Titolo: Cartografia Thierry Salmon – tra una presentazione al pubblico brasiliano e una necessaria contestualizzazione
 Riassunto: Presentazioni e contesto generali su Thierry Salmon e i testi scelti per il pubblico brasiliano: Biografia: Thierry Salmon, Dieci Domande più una a Thierry Salmon, Omaggio a Thierry Salmon, Pentesilea e il Progetto Amazzone: doppio sguardo per una drammaturgia – [con] un frammento di dialogo a distanza con Thierry Salmon e Bisogna che il reale penetri nello spettacolo. Per conoscere meglio il lavoro di Thierry Salmon il testo è seguito da una sintesi bibliografica dai materiali raccolti.
Parole chiave: Thierry Salmon, Messa in scena, Recitazione/Rappresentazione, Drammaturgia, Processo di creazione.
 
Title: Cartography Thierry Salmon - between a performance for the Brazilian audience and a necessary contextualisation
Abstract: Presentation and contextualization of Thierry Salmon and selected texts for the Brazilian public: Biography: Thierry Salmon, Ten questions plus one to Thierry Salmon, Tribute to Thierry Salmon, Penthesilea and the Amazon Project: dual perspective for a dramaturgy – [with] a fragment of a distance dialogue with Thierry Salmon and It is necessary that the real enter the spectacle. In order to know more about the Theatre of Thierry Salmon, the text is accompanied by a detailed bibliography.
Keywords: Thierry Salmon, Staging, Acting, Dramaturgy, Creative Process.
THIERRY SALMON, DEMIURGO E PEDAGOGO
Authors: De Castro Maurício Paroni
Published: May 2019

Título: THIERRY SALMON, DEMIURGO E PEDAGOGO – uma introdução para um público brasileiro

 Resumo: Através da narração de sua experiência pessoal com o encenador e pedagogo do teatro Thierry Salmon, o diretor, dramaturgista e roteirista Mauricio Paroni de Castro traz o percurso de um aprendizado teatral que transformou e formou radicalmente sua estética, até seus primeiros espetáculos italianos. Tal percurso serve para apresentar técnicas do diretor enquanto meio expressivo e não como o esteticismo virtuosístico que se insidia-se incipientemente na realização de alguns workshops sobre atuação – por exemplo, o círculo neutro. Paroni utiliza seu percurso pessoal  para compor uma visão, entre apaixonada e racional, do modo de trabalhar de Thierry enquanto apresentação ao público brasileiro.

Palavras-chave: Círculo neutro; Pedagogia teatral; Dramaturgia de cena; Personagem; Narração.

 

Titolo: THIERRY SALMON, DEMIURGO E PEDAGOGO – una introduzione per  un pubblico brasiliano.

Riassunto: Attraverso il racconto della sua esperienza personale con il regista e pedagogo teatrale Thierry Salmon, il regista, drammaturgo e sceneggiatore Maurício Paroni de Castro traccia il percorso di un apprendimento teatrale che ha trasformato e plasmato radicalmente la sua estetica, fino dai suoi primi spettacoli italiani. Tale percorso serve a presentare le tecniche del regista come mezzo espressivo e non come l’estetismo virtuosistico che è insidiosamente proposto nell'esecuzione di alcuni workshop sulla recitazione - per esempio, il cerchio neutro. Paroni usa il suo personale percorso per comporre una visione, tra appassionata e razionale, del modo di lavorare di Thierry e allo stesso tempo lo presenta al pubblico brasiliano.

Parole chiave: Cerchio neutro; Pedagogia teatrale; Drammaturgia scenica; Personaggio; Narrazione.

 

 

Title: THIERRY SALMON, DEMIURGE AND EDUCATOR – an introduction for a Brazilian audience

 Abstract: Through the narration of his personal experience with the director and pedagogue of Thierry Salmon Theater, the director, dramaturgist and screenwriter Mauricio Paroni de Castro brings the course of a theatrical learning that transformed and radically shaped his aesthetic, until his first Italian spectacles. This course serves to present techniques of the director as an expressive medium and not as a virtuosic aestheticism that is insidiously incipient in the performance of some workshops on acting - for example, the neutral circle. Paroni uses his personal path to compose a vision, between passionate and rational, of the way of working of Thierry while presenting to the Brazilian public.  Keywords: Neutral circle; Theatrical pedagogy; Scene dramaturgy; Character; Narration.
DEZ PERGUNTAS MAIS UMA À THIERRY SALMON
Authors: Volli Ugo , De Paula Eduardo , De Castro Maurício Paroni
Published: May 2019

Título: Dez perguntas mais uma a Thierry Salmon
Resumo: Entrevista realizada no contexto das temporadas italianas do espetáculo Fastes-Foules, as questões e as reflexões seguem pertinentes a todo coletivo artístico: origens, referências, objetivos, princípios, procedimentos de trabalho; destacando como é possível encontrar uma estrada pessoal no teatro, como não estão esgotadas as capacidades objetivas de mudanças e de invenção cênicas.
Palavras-chave: Fastes-Foules, Processo de Criação, Criação Coletiva, Espaço Cênico, Encenação.
 
Titolo: Dieci domande più una a Thierry Salmon
Riassunto: Intervista eseguita nel contesto dalla stagione italiana dello spettacolo Fastes-Foules, le domande e le riflessioni rimandano ai collettivi artistici contemporanei: origine, riferimenti, obiettivi, principi, processi di lavoro; sottolineando come sia possibile trovare una strada personale nel teatro, come non siano esaurite le capacità obiettive di cambiamento e di creazione scenica.
Parole chiave: Fastes-Foules, Processo di creazione, Creazione Collettiva, Spazio scenico, Regia.
 
Title: Ten questions plus one to Thierry Salmon
 Abstract: Interview conducted in a context of the Italian season of the Fastes-Foules production, the questions and the considerations remain relevant to all contemporary artistic collective: beginnings, references, aims, working processes; pointing out how it is possible to find a personal path in theatre, as the objective abilities of scenic change and creation are not exhausted.
Keywords: Fastes-Foules, Creative process, Collective Creation, Scenic space, Staging.
Analysis of the prevalence and risk factors of osteoarthritis in a population
Authors: Portyannikova O. O. , Tsvinger S. M. , Govorin A. V. , Romanova E. N.
Published: May 2019

The review contains data from large-scale foreign and Russian studies of the epidemiology of osteoarthritis (OA). It considers the role of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for OA, such as age, sex, hormonal status, obesity, etc. There are data on genetic susceptibility to OA and on congenital anomalies that contribute to joint structural changes. Data on the impact of racial and ethnic factors on the development and progression of OA are analyzed. The role of metabolic disorders in the pathogenesis of this disease is highlighted. Data on the relationship of OA to patients' professional activities are summarized.
The problem of musculoskeletal pain: what is interesting for the practitioner? Data of a survey of 846 Russian physicians
Authors: Karateev A. E.
Published: May 2019

The paper presents the results of a survey of 846 Russian physicians (neurologists, rheumatologists, orthopedic traumatologists, general practitioners, and therapists), whose work is associated with the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. The physicians have been asked to answer which topics they consider important for their education. It turns out that the first place is occupied by the issues of differential diagnosis of the most common musculoskeletal diseases and current methods for their treatment (interventional methods in particular), as well as the problems of rational use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. More than half of the respondents find it interesting to discuss the legal aspects of a physician's work.
Current approaches to osteoarthritis phenotyping
Authors: Lila A. M. , Alekseeva L. I. , Telyshev K. A.
Published: May 2019

Osteoarthritis (OA) is currently considered as a heterogeneous disease that can be represented by different subtypes. It is the study of OA phenotypes that is one of the strategic areas for the development of researches on this nosological entity, which will further allow a personified approach to patient therapy and ensure the rational use of financial resources of health care.

The paper describes in detail the current researches on this issue. It discusses attempts to identify different OA types according to demographic data (age, race, gender, etc.), comorbidity (including depression), nature of pain (intensity, pathophysiological mechanisms of its development), biochemical markers, genetic and biomechanical predictors, hormonal status in patients, and structural changes detected by ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography, etc.
English as a Lingua Franca: A New Approach for English Language Teaching in China?
Authors: Si Jinghui
Published: May 2019

Research on English as a lingua franca (ELF) has triggered a debate on whether English teaching should consistently conform to native-speaker Standard English or it should value the pedagogical implications of ELF. This article provides an overview of current research on teaching English as a lingua franca. It starts with research on the rationale to introduce ELF-informed teaching and comparisons between ELF-informed teaching and native-English-based teaching. Concrete proposals of how to incorporate ELF-informed teaching into English language teaching (ELT) classrooms are presented. Then controversies in the debate are summarized. They are: A lack of ELF-informed textbooks; a lack of ELF-informed assessment; and a lack of qualified teachers. It then reviews recent publications dealing with these controversies. This is followed by a discussion about the research on ELF-informed teaching in the Chinese context. This article argues that research on the practicality of ELF-informed teaching should start with prospective English users, such as students in China’s Business English Program. It concludes with some suggestions for future research and practice on ELF-informed teaching in China.
Characteristics of Waveform Shape in Parkinson’s Disease Detected with Scalp Electroencephalography
Authors: Jackson Nicko , Cole Scott R. , Voytek Bradley , Swann Nicole C.
Published: May 2019

Neural activity in the β frequency range (13–30 Hz) is excessively synchronized in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Previous work using invasive intracranial recordings and non-invasive scalp electroencephalography (EEG) has shown that correlations between β phase and broad-band γ (>50 Hz) amplitude [i.e., phase amplitude coupling (PAC)] are elevated in PD, perhaps a reflection of this synchrony. Recently, it has also been shown, in invasive human recordings, that non-sinusoidal features of β oscillation shape also characterize PD. Here, we show that these features of β waveform shape also distinguish PD patients on and off medication using non-invasive recordings in a dataset of 15 PD patients with resting scalp EEG. Specifically, β oscillations over sensorimotor electrodes in PD patients off medication had greater sharpness asymmetry and steepness asymmetry than on medication (sign rank,p< 0.02, corrected). We also showed that β oscillations over sensorimotor cortex most often had a canonical shape, and that using this prototypical shape as an inclusion criteria increased the effect size of our findings. Together, our findings suggest that novel ways of measuring β synchrony that incorporate waveform shape could improve detection of PD pathophysiology in non-invasive recordings. Moreover, they motivate the consideration of waveform shape in future EEG studies.
Louder and Faster: Pain, Joy, and the Body Politic in Asian American Taiko
Authors: Wong Deborah
Published: May 2019

Louder and Fasteris a cultural study of the phenomenon of Asian American taiko, the thundering, athletic drumming tradition that originated in Japan. Immersed in the taiko scene for twenty years, Deborah Wong has witnessed cultural and demographic changes and the exponential growth and expansion of taiko, particularly in Southern California. Through her participatory ethnographic work, she reveals a complicated story embedded in memories of Japanese American incarceration and legacies of imperialism, Asian American identity and politics, a desire to be seen and heard, and the intersection of culture and global capitalism. Exploring the materialities of the drums, costumes, and bodies that make sound, analyzing the relationship of these to capitalist multiculturalism, and investigating the gender politics of taiko,Louder and Fasterconsiders both the promises and pitfalls of music and performance as an antiracist practice. The result is a vivid glimpse of an Asian American presence that is both loud and fragile.
Adsorption of Cu2+, Zn2+, and Ni2+ ions onto the adsorbent prepared from fluid catalytic cracking spent catalyst fines and diatomite
Authors: Zheng Shu Qin , Wang Ting , Yang Cheng , Zhang Pei Qing , Liu Si Cheng
Published: May 2019

An adsorbent prepared from fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) spent catalyst fines and diatomite, and its adsorption of Cu2+, Zn2+, and Ni2+ ions were investigated. The adsorbent was characterized by XRD, SEM, and N2 adsorption-desorption techniques. The results showed that the specific surface area and pore volume of adsorbent increased with the increase in FCC spent catalyst fines. The influence factors on the adsorption of the adsorbents were studied. The suitable adsorption conditions were: pH value of 5.0, ratio of solid to liquid of 1 : 600 (g:ml), adsorption time of 4 h, room temperature. The adsorption of metal ions varied with the type of metal cations. The adsorption isotherms suggested that the sequence of the adsorption efficiency was Cu2+ > Zn2+ > Ni2+. The amount of Cu2+, Zn2+, and Ni2+ metal ion adsorbed onto the adsorbent was 49.17 mg g–1, 46.83 mg g–1, and 35.72 mg g–1, respectively. The adsorption data of Cu2+, Zn2+, and Ni2+ ions fitted well with the Freundlich adsorption isotherm model.
Chronic hypercortisolism causes more persistent visceral adiposity than HFD-induced obesity
Authors: García-Eguren Guillermo , Giró Oriol , Romero María del Mar , Grasa Mar , Hanzu Felicia A
Published: May 2019

Excessive and prolonged glucocorticoid (GC) exposure, resulting from either prescribed or endogenous hypercortisolism, is associated with a high cardiovascular and metabolic burden (Cushing’s syndrome). Although previous studies in humans and mice have reported heterogeneous data about the persistence of metabolic syndrome features after remission of hypercortisolism, there is still controversy as to whether this is due to the deleterious changes induced by GCs during active disease or the result of various other factors interfering in the recovery period. In order to study metabolic effects after remission, we used a reversible mouse model of corticosterone (CORT) (100 µg/mL) administration in drinking water for 5 weeks, followed by a 10-week recovery period. We compared CORT-induced effects at these time points with a high-fat diet-treated group (HFD 45%) and a vehicle group (VEH). Plasma CORT, 11β-HSD activity, food intake, glucose levels, interscapular brown adiposity, hepatic triglycerides and muscle mass were found altered during CORT treatment but normalized after recovery. Although hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance were increased during CORT and HFD treatment, insulin homeostasis remained altered following the recovery period only in CORT-treated mice. Subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues (SAT and VAT) were enlarged during HFD and CORT treatment as measured by MRI. However, increased muscle lipid content, adiposity and macrophage infiltration in VAT were only present in the CORT group following recovery. Taken together, CORT-induced insulin alterations were more potent than HFD-induced ones during the same period of treatment, and also more persistent long term. Moreover, we demonstrated that CORT treatment induces more long-lasting VAT enlargement than HFD.
What makes a fertile sperm? Unique molecular attributes of stallion fertility
Authors: Griffin Róisín A , Baker Mark , Aitken Robert John , Swegen Aleona , Gibb Zamira
Published: May 2019

Stallions experience lower per-cycle conception rates compared to other livestock species, largely because they are selected for breeding based on athletic prowess and not reproductive fitness. Mares are seasonal breeders, and pregnancies cannot be detected until 10–14 days post cover via transrectal ultrasonography. This means the detection of stallion fertility fluctuations is delayed by at least 2 weeks, which within the short breeding season employed by the thoroughbred horse breeding industry, can prove quite costly. For these reasons, there is increased demand for robust laboratory assays aimed at the accurate assessment of stallion fertility. This paper reviews our existing knowledge concerning the molecular mechanisms that underpin the functional competence of stallion spermatozoa, highlighting the relative importance of oxidative stress, DNA damage, sperm proteomics and RNA profile. We also consider the way in which fundamental improvements in our understanding of stallion sperm biology are informing the identification and development of possible biomarkers of fertility and thus avenues for the development of specific assays for fertility prediction.
TO THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF PROFESSOR KALAKURA YA.S. AND THE 55TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS SCIENTIFIC AND PEDAGOGICAL ACTIVITY
Authors: VELYKOCHYY VOLODYMYR , DEREVJANKO SERHIY , VYCHIVSKYI PAVLO
Published: May 2019

The article includes the main stages of life and scientific achievements of Professor Yaroslav Stepanovych Kalakura. The executions of this prominent historian and his scientific achievements are analyzed. It is considered his personal contribution to the development of Ukrainian historical science, in particular, in historiography, source studies and archival studies.
Small Satellites: National Regulatory Challenges
Authors: Tūbaitė-Stalauskienė Asta
Published: May 2019

[full article, abstract in English; abstract in Lithuanian]

This article analyses the regulation of space activities, especially small satellites activities. Its purpose is to analyse the relevant international legal framework and discuss the possible future national space legislation in Lithuania. It has been divided into two chapters. Chapter 1 summarises the relevant international space law and addresses essential aspects related to the authorisation of space activities, registration of objects launched into outer space, liability issues, insurance requirements and debris mitigation issues. Chapter 2 deals with reasons to adopt the national space legislation in Lithuania and discusses what legal aspects should be covered by the national law in order to guarantee balance between the regulation and promotion of small satellite activities. Finally, it includes the Model Law on the Promotion of National Space Activities and the Establishment of a National Space Registry of the Republic of Lithuania.
Socialinės (gerovės) valstybės modelio raida ir įtaka socialinei apsaugai Prancūzijoje
Authors: Taminskaitė Gabrielė
Published: May 2019

[full article and abstract in Lithuanian; abstract in English]

The article examines the preconditions of the formation of social (welfare) state of France since the Great French Revolution (1798) and, its evolution until the modern social (welfare) state model, as well as the influence of the social (welfare) state model of France on the guarantees of the social security and the legal regulation of the Republic of France. The article discusses the theoretical concept of the welfare (social) state, analyses the modern concept of the welfare state in France, and examines the specific guarantees of the social security rights derived from the social (welfare) state concept. The article, moreover, presents conclusions, related to the classification of the social (welfare) state stages of development, and the establishment of basic principles of social security (such as social solidarity) in the French legal system.
Traffic Crashes, Violations, and Suspensions Among Young Drivers With ADHD
Authors: Curry Allison E. , Yerys Benjamin E. , Metzger Kristina B. , Carey Meghan E. , Power Thomas J.
Published: May 2019

OBJECTIVES:

To compare monthly rates of specific types of crashes, violations, and license suspensions over the first years of licensure for drivers with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

METHODS:

We identified patients of New Jersey primary care locations of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia who were born in 1987–1997, were New Jersey residents, had their last primary care visit at age ≥12 years, and acquired a driver’s license (N = 14 936). Electronic health records were linked to New Jersey’s licensing, crash, and violation databases. ADHD diagnosis was based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnostic codes. We calculated monthly per-driver rates of crashes (at fault, alcohol related, nighttime, and with peers), violations, and suspensions. Adjusted rate ratios were estimated by using repeated-measures Poisson regression.

RESULTS:

Crash rates were higher for drivers with ADHD regardless of licensing age and, in particular, during the first month of licensure (adjusted rate ratio: 1.62 [95% confidence interval: 1.18−2.23]). They also experienced higher rates of specific crash types: their 4-year rate of alcohol-related crashes was 2.1 times that of drivers without ADHD. Finally, drivers with ADHD had higher rates of moving violations (for speeding, seat belt nonuse, and electronic equipment use) and suspensions. In the first year of driving, the rate of alcohol and/or drug violations was 3.6 times higher for adolescents with ADHD.

CONCLUSIONS:

Adolescents with ADHD are at particularly high crash risk in their initial months of licensure, and engagement in preventable risky driving behaviors may contribute to this elevated risk. Comprehensive preventive approaches that extend beyond current recommendations are critically needed.
Fish, Shellfish, and Children’s Health: An Assessment of Benefits, Risks, and Sustainability
Authors: Bernstein Aaron S. , Oken Emily , de Ferranti Sarah ,   COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH,   COMMITTEE ON NUTRITION, Lowry Jennifer Ann , Ahdoot Samantha , Baum Carl R. , Bole Aparna , Byron Lori G. , Landrigan Philip J. , Marcus Steven M. , Pacheco Susan E. , Spanier Adam J. , Woolf Alan , Abrams Steven A. , Fuchs George J. , Kim Jae Hong , Lindsey C. Wesley , Magge Sheela Natesh , Rome Ellen S. , Schwarzenberg Sarah J.
Published: May 2019

American children eat relatively little fish and shellfish in comparison with other sources of animal protein, despite the health benefits that eating fish and shellfish may confer. At the same time, fish and shellfish may be sources of toxicants. This report serves to inform pediatricians about available research that elucidates health risks and benefits associated with fish and shellfish consumption in childhood as well as the sustainability of fish and shellfish harvests.
UPLC–MS/MS simultaneous determination of methamphetamine, amphetamine, morphine, monoacetylmorphine, ketamine, norketamine, MDMA, and MDA in hair
Authors: Chen Siyuan , Ma Jianshe , Wang Xianqin , Geng Peiwu
Published: May 2019

Hair is a stable specimen and has a longer detection window (from weeks to months) than blood and urine. Through the analysis of hair, the long-term information of the drug use of the identified person could be explored. Our work is to establish an ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectroscopy (UPLC–MS/MS) method for simultaneous determination of methamphetamine, amphetamine, morphine, monoacetylmorphine, ketamine, norketamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) in hair. Methoxyphenamine was used as an internal standard. The chromatographic separation was performed on a UPLC ethylene bridged hybrid (BEH) C18 (2.1 mm × 50 mm, 1.7 μm) column using a mobile phase of acetonitrile–water with 10 mmol/L ammonium acetate solution which containing 0.05% ammonium hydroxide. The multiple reaction monitoring in positive electrospray ionization was used for quantitative determination. The intra-day and inter-day precisions (relative standard deviation [RSD]) were below 15%. The accuracy ranged between 85.5% and 110.4%, the average recovery rate was above 72.9%, and the matrix effect ranged between 92.7% and 109.2%. Standard curves were in the range of 0.05–5.0 ng/mg, and the correlation coefficients were greater than 0.995. The established UPLC–MS/MS method was applied to analyze the hair samples successfully.
Anaerobic treatment of sludge, industrial waste water and industrial waste from food industry
Authors: Rosén Björn , Eriksson Håkan
Published: May 2019

The use of biological anaerobic treatment for sludge digestion in treatment plants has a Jong operational record. The result is a lower amount of stabilised sludge and a considerable energy output, as heat and possibly also electrical energy. In industrial waste water treatment, anaerobic processes have also been used quite a Jong period, especially in food and pulp and paper industries. The anaerobic treatment of organic waste from industries or municipal waste, is a more recent application. The paper presents a summary of used anaerobic technology, with a special case from the Kalmar waste water treatment plant, where the two existing sludge digesters are upgraded to termophilic anaerobic treatment, one unit t be used for sludge and the other, separately, for organic waste from food industry and manure from farms.
Blood parasite infection causing inflammatory reactions and benign formations in human thyroid gland
Authors: Terletsky A. V. , Akhmerova L. G. , Evtushenko E. V.
Published: May 2019

A retrospective examining of cytology specimens obtained and verified by a fine-needle aspiration biopsy from patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and benign thyroid gland (cyst and goiter) formations allowed to note that in thyroid lobes they coincided in various combinations, thus rising a question about their potential etiological relation. In particular, a hemosporidian (blood parasitic) infection was found while analyzing cytology specimens from patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and benign thyroid gland (cyst and goiter) tumors prestained by Romanowsky-Giemsa dye. An evolution of developing intra-thyrocyte hemosporidia was tracked during a long-term detailed analysis of cytology specimens noted above. A panel of select specimens was stained (re-stained) with Schiff reagent according to the Feulgen method to clarify position of thyrocyte DNA and hemosporidian pathogens. Owing to an absorption approach, Romanovsky-Giemsa method allowed to repeatedly use specimens pre-stained with Schiff reagent according to the Feulgen method, wherein fuchsine was incorporated into DNA molecules after they were hydrolyzed by hydrochloric acid to stain specimens into magenta-lilac color. It allowed to identify a parasitic DNA inside developing hemosporidia most probably at exoerythrocytic stage and some erythrocytes cyst-based medusiform structures. Such technique used to stain specimens from patients with autoimmune thyroiditis allowed to localize the thyrocyte nuclear DNA as well as punctate and diffuse cytoplasmic inclusions of parasitic DNA, including magenta-lilac nuclei of different sizes inside erythrocytes. Thyrocyte nuclear DNA as well as punctate and diffuse hemosporidian DNA were distinguished in nodular goiter. Moreover, hemosporidian DNA was identified in a form of magenta-lilac multi-size nuclei inside erythrocytes. In contrast, unstained hemosporidian protoplasm was revealed as light-colored band around erythrocyte nuclei. The intra-erythrocyte nuclear hemosporidian material of different sizes may evidence about various species and/or pathogen generations. Intra-thyrocyte development of hemosporidian infection in patients with goiter results in marked cytoplasmic hyperplasia and its vacuolization associated with thyrocyte nuclear deformation, vacuolization, decreased size and degradation (with highly probability of mutations and deletions), reaching a pre-neoplastic level.
In vivo virulence of Beijing genotype Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Bespyatykh J. A. , Vinogradova Т. I. , Manicheva O. A. , Zabolotnykh N. V. , Dogonadze M. Z. , Vitovskaya M. L. , Guliaev A. S. , Zhuravlev V. Yu. , Shitikov E. A. , Ilina E. N.
Published: May 2019

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing genotype strains comprise 5080% in Russian Federation, which are divided into the main B0/W148, CladeA, and CAO clusters based on VNTR and SNP analysis. It should be noted that such phylogenetically highly close MTB strains belong to the modern Beijing family, generally demonstrating high transmissibility, association with drug resistance, and prevalence among patients with severe forms of the disease. However, studies on MTB genetic cluster strain-related virulence are scarce and contradictory. Here, we investigated virulence of diverse Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains belonging to the B0/W148, CladeA and CAO clusters and nonclustered strain NK of the Beijing family as well as laboratory strain H37Rv in C57BL/6 mice. It was found that mice infected with NK and B0/W148 vs. CladeA strains revealed the peak and the lowest mortality, respectively, while assessing survival rate in various groups (20 mice per MTB strain examined). Analyzing experimental data in mice demonstrated that all MTB strains were able to cause typical tuberculosis-related pathogenic signs. In particular, time-dependent evaluation of pathological changes (on 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 60 and 120 day post infection) in the lungs and spleen revealed significant differences among various strains. Tuberculosis progression was observed in the mice infected with B0/W148 and NK strains, whereas CladeA, CAO and H37Rv strains resulted in stabilized course and less marked organs damage. Moreover, we found that bacterial load after infection with Beijing family clustering strains was lower compared to that of the reference H37Rv strain, except NK strain demonstrating the peak bacterial load among the Beijing family comparable to H37Rv strain at 120 dpi. Thus, it was found that the level of virulence between most virulent B0/W148 cluster strain vs. NK strain was similar. Overall, the data obtained indicate that Beijing genotype strains are characterized by a diverse range of phenotypic virulence in vivo.