bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cataloguing and monitoring changes in Arctic marine biodiversity through SCUBA diving
Authors: Gibbs Donna M , Gibbs Charles J , Schultz Jessica A
Published: April 2018

Since 2014 divers from Ocean Wise have been SCUBA diving in the Cambridge Bay, Nunavut area collecting data on fishes, invertebrates and marine plants at numerous sites. For each dive a file is created that catalogues the species found and a rough abundance of that species. These files accumulate over time and are searchable by location, year, year and month, month, species and a number of other criteria with custom software created for this purpose. Relationships between species is automatic with the searches. In addition to the species catalogue that began in 2014, data has been scrounged from previous collecting trips by staff and personal dive logs before 2014, allowing for comparison between Pond Inlet, Resolute and Cambridge Bay. We were able to flag a potential decline in one species in 2017 thanks to our previous data. Our goal is to work cooperatively with others diving in the Arctic to grow this database through photography and dive records. At this point we have 149 dives/records and 279 species recorded. The database is used to support the Nearshore Ecological Surveys and the Arctic Marine Ecological Benchmarking Program reports. In addition to biodiversity data, temperature, salinity, pH and dissolved oxygen are also collected while in the area.
Staphylococcus aureus viewed from the perspective of 40,000+ genomes
Authors: Petit III Robert A , Read Timothy D
Published: April 2018

Low-cost Illumina sequencing of clinically-important bacterial pathogens has generated thousands of publicly available genomic datasets. Analyzing these genomes and extracting relevant information for each pathogen and the associated clinical phenotypes requires not only resources and bioinformatic skills but organism-specific knowledge. In light of these issues, we created Staphopia, an analysis pipeline, database and Application Programming Interface, focused on Staphylococcus aureus, a common colonizer of humans and a major antibiotic-resistant pathogen responsible for a wide spectrum of hospital and community-associated infections.

Written in Python, Staphopia’s analysis pipeline consists of submodules running open-source tools. It accepts raw FASTQ reads as an input, which undergo quality control filtration, error correction and reduction to a maximum of approximately 100x chromosome coverage. This reduction significantly reduces total runtime without detrimentally affecting the results. The pipeline performs de novo assembly-based and mapping-based analysis. Automated gene calling and annotation is performed on the assembled contigs. Read-mapping is used to call variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms and insertion/deletions) against a reference S. aureus chromosome (Type strain, N315).

We ran the analysis pipeline on more than 43,000 S. aureus shotgun Illumina genome projects in the public ENA database in November 2017. We found that only a quarter of known multi-locus sequence types (STs) were represented but the top ten STs made up 70% of all genomes. MRSA (methicillin resistant S. aureus) were 64% of all genomes. Using the Staphopia database we selected 380 high quality genomes deposited with good metadata, each from a different multi-locus sequence type, as a non-redundant diversity set for studying S. aureus evolution. In addition to answering basic science questions, Staphopia could serve as a potential platform for rapid clinical diagnostics of S. aureus isolates in the future. The system could also be adapted as a template for other organism-specific databases.
Philosophical - Psychological 's Recognition of Concept of Spirituality
Authors: Solgi Maryam , Safara Maryam
Published: April 2018

In many of the contemporary writings, the scholars have talked about spirituality as a constant pursuit of humanity throughout history. Throughout history, the search for spirituality has found numerous cultural interpretations, but its critical and comparative study in the global and intercultural context is an emerging phenomenon of the twentieth century. Although many contemporary dictionaries and encyclopedias refer to spiritualism, spiritual associations, and spiritual experiences, or spiritual ways, they are not necessarily included an entry for spirituality in the true sense of the word. Some religions do not have a precise word for the term ‘spirituality’ which derives from the Christian tradition, but nevertheless the notion of spirituality has become popular today and is now used both inside and outside the religions as well as in the inter-faith and secular fields. The tendencies that are common in contemporary times to spirituality emphasize individuality and self-development and have been accompanied by a different understanding of human psychology.
EFL Published Materials: An Evaluation of English Textbooks for Junior High School in Indonesia
Authors: Hanifa Rizaldy
Published: April 2018

The use of EFL published materials like textbooks are becoming more widespread as they can bring easiness in the classroom by providing teachers with guidelines comprised of syllabus, methodologies, as well as materials for teaching and learning. However, choosing a suitable textbook for their teaching situation is deemed to be one of the most challenging tasks that EFL teachers often face. To get a good picture of the suitability of a textbook, a careful investigation needs to be undertaken. This study focused on the analysis and evaluation of two different English textbooks addressed to junior high schools grade VII in Indonesia, KTSP and curriculum 2013 textbook. Harmer’s (2007) framework was employed to figure out the strengths and weaknesses of each textbook. The analysis revealed that both textbooks are quite satisfactory as they are very affordable, contain interesting layout, attractive designs, and clear instructions, correspond to current ELT methodology, cover all language skills, and comprise a wide range of topics which are familiar and culturally appropriate for learners. Nonetheless, the KTSP textbook does not have add-ons and extra materials; meanwhile, curriculum 2013 textbook is weak in providing authentic listening materials. Therefore, although the teachers manage to use the textbooks as their core materials, they are supposed to make adjustment and supplement them with other materials according to their learners’ needs and their teaching context.
“Prison Theatricals”: Carcerality and Gender Perception in David Hwang’s M. Butterfly
Authors: Salem Mgamis Majid
Published: April 2018

This paper examines David Henry Hwang's drama, M. Butterfly, with view at highlighting the author's dexterity in employing metatheatricality and carcerality to insinuate his message represented in deconstructing gender identity. The play contains an embedded play, performed in a prison setting. Using Michel' Foucault's premises on the prison system, the paper shows how the theatre, just like the prison, functions as a "coercive" environment for learning and cognitive change. In their roles as actors (inmates) in the play (prison), the two major characters, Gallimard and Song, undergo a substantial change in the view of gender construction.
Study of interaction of antimutagenic 1,4-dihydropyridine AV-153-Na with DNA-damaging molecules and its impact on DNA repair activity
Authors: Leonova Elina , Rostoka Evita , Sauvaigo Sylvie , Baumane Larisa , Selga Turs , Sjakste Nikolajs
Published: April 2018

Background

1,4-dihydropyridines (1,4-DHP) possesses important biochemical and pharmacological properties, including antioxidant and antimutagenic activities. It was shown that the antimutagenic 1,4-dihydropyridine AV-153-Na interacts with DNA. The aim of the current study was to test the capability of the compound to scavenge peroxynitrite and hydroxyl radical, to test intracellular distribution of the compound, and to assess the ability of the compound to modify the activity of DNA repair enzymes and to protect the DNA in living cells against peroxynitrite-induced damage.

Methods

Peroxynitrite decomposition was assayed by UV spectroscopy, hydroxyl radical scavenging—by EPR spectroscopy. DNA breakage was determined by the “comet method”, activity of DNA repair enzymes—using Glyco-SPOT and ExSy-SPOT assays. Intracellular distribution of the compound was studied by laser confocal scanning fluorescence microscopy. Fluorescence spectroscopy titration and circular dichroism spectroscopy were used to study interactions of the compound with human serum albumin.

Results

Some ability to scavenge hydroxyl radical by AV-153-Na was detected by the EPR method, but it turned out to be incapable of reacting chemically with peroxynitrite. However, AV-153-Na effectively decreased DNA damage produced by peroxynitrite in cultured HeLa cells. The Glyco-SPOT test essentially revealed an inhibition by AV-153-Na of the enzymes involved thymine glycol repair. Results with ExSy-SPOT chip indicate that AV-153-Na significantly stimulates excision/synthesis repair of 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG), abasic sites (AP sites) and alkylated bases. Laser confocal scanning fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that within the cells AV-153-Na was found mostly in the cytoplasm; however, a stain in nucleolus was also detected. Binding to cytoplasmic structures might occur due to high affinity of the compound to proteins revealed by spectroscopical methods.

Discussion

Activation of DNA repair enzymes after binding to DNA appears to be the basis for the antimutagenic effects of AV-153-Na.
1‐Ethoxy‐2‐propanol [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2018]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: April 2018

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the work place (MAK value), the Pregnancy Risk Group and absorption through the skin of 1‐ethoxy‐2‐propanol [
1569‐02‐4
].

1‐Ethoxy‐2‐propanol is irritating to the eyes of rabbits and can damage the cornea. The critical systemic effects are pale foci in the lung and increased urine volume in rats after 13 weeks inhalation. The NAEC of these effects is estimated at 250 ml/m
3
, which results in a decreased MAK value of 20 ml/m
3
(86 mg/m
3
). This value also protects against possible irritation, as local effects are not observed up to 2000 ml/m
3
in the 13‐week rat inhalation study.

Since the critical effect of 1‐ethoxy‐2‐propanol is systemic, Peak Limitation Category II is retained. There is no specific toxicokinetic data available, so that the default excursion factor of 2 is confirmed.

New data on reproduction toxicity with 1‐ethoxy‐2‐propanol are not available. 1‐Ethoxy‐2‐propanol remains assigned to Pregnancy Risk Group C.

Skin contact is expected to contribute significantly to systemic toxicity and 1‐ethoxy‐2‐propanol remains designated with “H”.
Methylarsenic compounds [MAK Value Documentation, 2014]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: April 2018

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has evaluated methylarsenic compounds considering all toxicological endpoints. Available publications and unpublished study reports are described in detail.

Methylarsenic compounds are the carcinogenic metabolites of arsenic and its inorganic compounds, which are proven human carcinogens. Methylated arsenic compounds are able to interfere with all important cellular processes. In mice and rats, dimethylarsinic acid was clearly carcinogenic. Trimethylarsine oxide caused liver adenomas in F344 rats and with methylarsenic acid, preneoplastic liver effects were found. If all aspects are considered, methylarsenic compounds are classified in Carcinogen Category 1. Methylarsenic compounds are genotoxic in vitro and in vivo. As they are bioavailable and can reach the germ cells, they are classified in Category 3 A for Germ Cell Mutagens. Methylarsenic compounds are genotoxic carcinogens, for which no safe systemic exposure can be estimated. It must be assumed that even small amounts absorbed percutaneously increase the carcinogenic risk. Therefore, methylarsenic compounds are designated with an “H” (for substances that can be absorbed through the skin in toxicologically relevant amounts). Dimethylarsinic acid induced developmental toxicity in rats. Apart from a well‐documented case report, there are no clear findings available to conclude a skin‐sensitizing potential in humans.
Extension Study of PF‐05280586, a Potential Rituximab Biosimilar, Versus Rituximab in Subjects With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Cohen Stanley B. , Burgos‐Vargas Rubén , Emery Paul , Jin Bo , Cronenberger Carol , Vázquez‐Abad María‐Dolores
Published: April 2018

Objective

This extension study provided continued treatment to subjects with active rheumatoid arthritis who had participated for ≥16 weeks in a pharmacokinetic similarity study of PF‐05280586 (potential rituximab biosimilar). Objectives were to evaluate overall pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity, safety, and tolerability of PF‐05280586 after transition from rituximab reference products to PF‐05280586, and follow‐up of biomarker and efficacy assessments.

Methods

Subjects were offered ≤3 additional courses of treatment of PF‐05280586, with or without a single transition from rituximab in Europe (rituximab‐EU; MabThera) or the US (rituximab‐US; Rituxan) to PF‐05280586. Each course comprised 2 intravenous infusions (1,000 mg on days 1 and 15, separated by 24 weeks [± 8 weeks]).

Results

Of 220 subjects in the parent study, 185 were randomized and included in this study. There were no notable differences in drug concentrations between groups or across courses, with little variation in depletion of CD19+ B cells between groups, and no apparent relationship between infusion‐related reactions and antidrug antibodies with or without single transition from rituximab reference products to PF‐05280586. Long‐term safety and tolerability of PF‐05280586 was acceptable in all groups for up to 96 weeks, with a low incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events independent of single drug transition. The percentage of subjects with a low disease activity score and disease activity score remission was similar across groups for all time points, and responses were sustained until end of study.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated acceptable safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity, with or without single transition from rituximab reference products to PF‐05280586, without increased immunogenicity on single transition.
All‐Cause and Cause‐Specific Mortality in Patients With Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Tan Ju Ann , Choi Hyon K. , Xie Hui , Sayre Eric C. , Esdaile John M. , Aviña‐Zubieta J. Antonio
Published: April 2018

Objective

To investigate all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality in patients with newly diagnosed granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) between 2 calendar time periods, 1997–2004 and 2005–2012.

Methods

Using an administrative health database, we compared all patients with incident GPA with non‐GPA controls matched for sex, age, and time of entry into the study. The study cohorts were divided into 2 subgroups based on the year of diagnosis (“early cohort [1997–2004] and “late cohort” [2005–2012]). The outcome was death (all‐cause, cardiovascular disease [CVD]–related cancer‐related, renal disease–related, and infection‐related) during the follow‐up period. Hazard ratios (HR) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models, first adjusted for age, sex, and time of entry and then adjusted for selected covariates based on a purposeful selection algorithm.

Results

Three hundred seventy patients with GPA and 3,700 non‐GPA controls were included in this study, contributing 1,624.8 and 1,8671.3 person‐years of follow‐up, respectively. Sixty‐eight deaths occurred in the GPA cohort, and 310 deaths occurred in the non‐GPA cohort. Overall, the age‐, sex‐, and entry time–adjusted all‐cause mortality HR in the GPA cohort was 3.12 (95% confidence interval CI 2.35–4.14). There was excess mortality due to CVD‐related causes, but not cancer, in the GPA cohort. Reports of death due to infection or renal disease was not permitted, because the numbers of death were insufficient (<6 deaths for each outcome). All‐cause mortality significantly improved between the early cohort and late cohort time periods (HR 5.61 and 2.33, respectively; P for interaction = 0.017).

Conclusion

This population‐based study showed increased all‐cause and CVD‐related mortality risks in patients with GPA. There was significant improvement in the all‐cause mortality risk over time, but the risk remained increased compared with that in the general population.
One‐pot Syntheses of 3‐Amino‐2‐pyrones and 3‐Amino‐5,6‐dihydro‐2‐pyridones from β,γ‐Unsaturated α‐Iminoesters: Application to the Synthesis of A Tricyclic Pyranoindole
Authors: Nakahama Kenta , Suzuki Misato , Ozako Mami , Mizota Isao , Shimizu Makoto
Published: April 2018

As the α‐imino ester has an ester moiety adjacent to the imino group, it is known as a highly reactive imine, and the reaction with a nucleophile leads to the umpolung N‐addition reaction predominantly by subjecting it to appropriate reaction conditions, while the general C‐addition reaction is suppressed. Utilizing N‐addition makes it possible the synthesis of α‐amino acids incorporating various kinds of nucleophiles on the nitrogen atom. Herein, an efficient method for the one‐pot synthesis of 3‐amino‐2‐pyrones utilizing tandem N‐alkylation/vinylogous aldol reaction/cyclization of β,γ‐unsaturated α‐iminoester was described, and it was found that BF3⋅OEt2 promoted the elimination of an alkylthio group to give 2‐pyrones in good yields. The synthesis of 3‐amino‐5,6‐dihydro‐2‐pyridones was also developed using a vinylogous Mannich‐type reaction in good yields. These reactions exhibit broad generality for electrophiles and Grignard reagents. Further functionalization to the tricyclic pyranoindole derivative was achieved in 4 steps by using this tandem reaction as a key step.
Biosynthese und heterologe Expression der Vioprolide: rationale gentechnische Eingriffe in die Biosynthese und 4‐Methylazetidincarbonsäure‐Bildung
Authors: Yan Fu , Auerbach David , Chai Yi , Keller Lena , Tu Qiang , Hüttel Stephan , Glemser Amelie , Grab Hanusch A. , Bach Thorsten , Zhang Youming , Müller Rolf
Published: April 2018

Die Vioprolide sind eine vielversprechende Klasse von Leitverbindungen gegen Krebserkrankungen und Pilzinfektionen, die vom Myxobakterium Cystobacter violaceus Cb vi35 produziert werden. Bislang weiß man nichts über ihre Biosynthese, einschließlich des Ursprungs der ungewöhnlichen 4‐Methylazetidincarbonsäure (MAZ). Hier wird der Biosynthese‐Gencluster der Vioprolide beschrieben und die Produktionsproblematik durch Expression in drei heterologen Wirten gelöst. Ausgehend von der instabilen Produktion im einstelligen mg/L‐Maßstab im Wildtyp wurde ein stabiler Wirtstamm entwickelt, der in Fermentern Ausbeuten von bis zu einem halben Gramm pro Liter erzielt. Gen‐Inaktivierungen in Verbindung mit Isotopen‐Fütterungsstudien identifizierten ein S‐Adenosylmethionin(SAM)‐abhängiges Enzym und eine Methyltransferase, die für die Bildung des MAZ‐Bausteins über einen bei Bakterien bisher unbekannten Mechanismus verantwortlich sind. Darüber hinaus wurden nichtnatürliche Vioprolid‐Derivate durch den Einsatz rationaler Genmanipulationen erzeugt.
A Hybrid Co Quaterpyridine Complex/Carbon Nanotube Catalytic Material for CO2 Reduction in Water
Authors: Wang Min , Chen Lingjing , Lau Tai‐Chu , Robert Marc
Published: April 2018

Associating a metal‐based catalyst to a carbon‐based nanomaterial is a promising approach for the production of solar fuels from CO2. Upon appending a CoII quaterpyridine complex [Co(qpy)]2+ at the surface of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, CO2 conversion into CO was realized in water at pH 7.3 with 100 % catalytic selectivity and 100 % Faradaic efficiency, at low catalyst loading and reduced overpotential. A current density of 0.94 mA cm−2 was reached at −0.35 V vs. RHE (240 mV overpotential), and 9.3 mA cm−2 could be sustained for hours at only 340 mV overpotential with excellent catalyst stability (89 095 catalytic cycles in 4.5 h), while 19.9 mA cm−2 was met at 440 mV overpotential. Such a hybrid material combines the high selectivity of a homogeneous molecular catalyst to the robustness of a heterogeneous material. Catalytic performances compare well with those of noble‐metal‐based nano‐electrocatalysts and atomically dispersed metal atoms in carbon matrices.
Modeling the Evolution of Crosslinked and Extractable Material in an Oil‐Based Paint Model System
Authors: Oakley Lindsay H. , Casadio Francesca , Shull Professor Kenneth R. , Broadbelt Professor Linda J.
Published: April 2018

The construction of mechanistic models for the autoxidation of fatty acid or ester substrates found in oil paint binders is a challenging undertaking due to the complexity of the large crosslinked species that form, and the small molecules that volatilize. Building models that capture this product diversity are made possible by automating the process of network generation. This work presents a microkinetic model for the autoxidation of ethyl linoleate catalyzed by cobalt(II) 2‐ethyl hexanoate. The mechanism size was controlled by using a rate‐based criterion to include the most kinetically relevant reactions from among the millions of possible reactions generated. The resulting model was solved and compared to experimental metrics. Quantities such as hexanal production and the consumption of unsaturated moieties were in good agreement with experiment. Finally, the model was used to explore the effect of the catalyst concentration and temperature on key measurables.
Transformation of Sugars into Chiral Polyols over a Heterogeneous Catalyst
Authors: Tamura Masazumi , Yuasa Naoto , Cao Ji , Nakagawa Yoshinao , Tomishige Keiichi
Published: April 2018

Transformation of sugars, while maintaining the intrinsic stereochemical structure, is desirable. However, such a transformation requires multistep synthesis with protection and deprotection of the OH groups. Herein, a new method for selective transformation of sugar derivatives into chiral building blocks and a diol synthon, with retention of the intrinsic configuration (stereo‐ and regioselectively), is demonstrated. The method is based on the selective recognition of cis‐vicinal OH groups in sugars and leads to the one‐pot removal of the cis‐vicinal OH groups, without protection of OH groups (except the OH group of the hemiacetal group), over a heterogeneous CeO2‐supported ReOx and Pd (ReOx‐Pd/CeO2) catalyst by using H2 as a reducing agent.
Influence of aminergic and peptidergic substances on heart beat frequency in the stick insect Carausius morosus (Insecta, Phasmatodea)
Authors: Marco Heather G. , Katali Ottilie K. H. , Gäde Gerd
Published: April 2018

The dorsal heart of the Indian stick insect, Carausius morosus, is responsible for the anterograde flow of hemolymph to the aorta and into the body cavity. The contraction frequency of the insect heart is known to be influenced by several substances of neural source. Here, a semi‐exposed heart assay was employed to study the effect of an aminergic substance (octopamine) and three neuropeptides (C. morosus hypertrehalosemic hormone [Carmo‐HrTH], crustacean cardioactive peptide [CCAP], and proctolin) on heart contraction. The contraction frequency was measured as beats per minute in adults ligated between the head and the prothorax. All three investigated neuropeptides had a stimulatory effect on heart contraction that lasted approximately 6 min, after which the normal heart beat rate was restored. Proctolin and CCAP stimulated the rate of heart beat also in unligated stick insects, whereas Carmo‐HrTH was active only in ligated insects. The latter could suggest that when the stick insect is not ligated, a competing substance may be released from the head of C. morosus; the competing substance is, apparently, not physiologically active but it binds or blocks access to the receptor of Carmo‐HrTH‐II, thereby rendering the HrTH peptide “not active.” In ligated stick insects, 6.7 × 10−8 M Carmo‐HrTH‐II significantly increased the heart beat rate; higher doses resulted in no further increase, suggesting the saturation of the HrTH receptor. Octopamine inhibited the rate at which the heart contracted in a dose‐dependent manner; inhibition was achieved with 10−4 M of octopamine.
Plug‐In Hybrid Vehicle and Second‐Life Applications of Lithium‐Ion Batteries at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Vaidya Rutvik , Selvan Vishnu , Badami Pavan , Knoop Kathy , Kannan Arunachala M.
Published: April 2018

In improving fuel economy and reducing carbon footprint, hybrid, plug‐in hybrid and all‐electric vehicles are considered as sustainable modes of transportation in the automotive industry. Here, commercial Li‐ion cells (26650 and 18650 with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) cathodes) were subjected to simulated plug‐in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) conditions, using the Federal Urban Driving Schedule (FUDS) under charge‐depleting mode at elevated temperature (50 °C and <10 % RH). The capacity degradation (16 % over 800 cycles) under the PHEV test protocol for Li‐ion batteries with 26650 NMC cathodes was twice of that using LFP cathodes (8 % over 800 cycles) under identical conditions. The Li‐ion batteries were also subjected to second‐life charge–discharge cycling at C/5 rate after evaluating them under the PHEV protocol (800 cycles for 26650 cells and 1200 cycles for 18650 cells). In addition, the high‐frequency resistance measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was found to increase significantly with cycling for both the NMC‐ as well as LFP‐based batteries, leading to power fading. XRD analysis of the 18650 LFP‐based battery showed change of phase from LiFePO4 to FePO4, indicating Li+‐ion loss. However, the cathode active materials of the Li‐ion cells (26650 with LFP and NMC cathodes), examined using XRD, showed no significant phase change in the materials after 800 PHEV cycles and around 200 second‐life charge–discharge cycles.
A New Rechargeable Seawater Desalination Battery System
Authors: Zhang Yanjun , Senthilkumar Sirugaloor Thangavel , Park Jeongsun , Park Jehee , Kim Youngsik
Published: April 2018

The exploitation and utilization of seawater resources has become a significant research topic nowadays. In this communication, we report a rechargeable desalination battery system for the first time. This design can integrate the electrochemical battery, seawater desalination, and acid‐alkali production in one system. The basic working principle of the designed system was illustrated, and further proved by the results of the experiments. Furthermore, future research directions and outlooks of this system are proposed. This conceptual work provides a promising technology for utilization of natural seawater resources.
Cognition and language in dementia patients: Contributions from behavior analysis
Authors: Aggio Natalia M. , Ducatti Mariana , de Rose Júlio C.
Published: April 2018

Dementia comprises incurable neurodegenerative disorders that mainly affect cognitive function and language. At present, pharmacological and neuropsychological rehabilitation are the interventions that are most often recommended. This paper aimed to evaluate how behavior analysis is helping in the development of nonpharmacological interventions. A search was conducted of databases and journals on behavior analysis using the descriptors Aging, Alzheimer, Dementia, Elderly, Behavioral Gerontology, Behavioral Approach, and Behavioral Therapy. From the 15,024 publications retrieved, 16 were selected as behavior‐analysis research on cognition and language. We present and discuss the main results from these publications.
Genetic And Morphological Evaluation (GAME) score for patients with colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Margonis G A , Sasaki K , Gholami S , Kim Y , Andreatos N , Rezaee N , Deshwar A , Buettner S , Allen P J , Kingham T P , Pawlik T M , He J , Cameron J L , Jarnagin W R , Wolfgang C L , D'Angelica M I , Weiss M J
Published: April 2018

Background

This study sought to develop a clinical risk score for resectable colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) by combining clinicopathological and clinically available biological indicators, including KRAS.

Methods

A cohort of patients who underwent resection for CRLM at the Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH) was analysed to identify independent predictors of overall survival (OS) that can be assessed before operation; these factors were combined into the Genetic And Morphological Evaluation (GAME) score. The score was compared with the current standard (Fong score) and validated in an external cohort of patients from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC).

Results

Six preoperative predictors of worse OS were identified on multivariable Cox regression analysis in the JHH cohort (502 patients). The GAME score was calculated by allocating points to each patient according to the presence of these predictive factors: KRAS-mutated tumours (1 point); carcinoembryonic antigen level 20 ng/ml or more (1 point), primary tumour lymph node metastasis (1 point); Tumour Burden Score between 3 and 8 (1 point) or 9 and over (2 points); and extrahepatic disease (2 points). The high-risk group in the JHH cohort (GAME score at least 4 points) had a 5-year OS rate of 11 per cent, compared with 73·4 per cent for those in the low-risk group (score 0–1 point). Importantly, in cohorts from both the JHH and MSKCC (747 patients), the discriminatory capacity of the GAME score was superior to that of the Fong score, as demonstrated by the C-index and the Akaike information criterion.

Conclusion

The GAME score is a preoperative prognostic tool that can be used to inform treatment selection.
1,3‐Regiospecific ethanolysis of soybean oil catalyzed by crosslinked porcine pancreas lipase aggregates
Authors: Ramos Margarita D. , Miranda Letícia P. , Giordano Raquel L. C. , Fernandez‐Lafuente Roberto , Kopp William , Tardioli Paulo W.
Published: April 2018

The preparation of crosslinked aggregates of pancreatic porcine lipase (PPL‐CLEA) was systematically studied, evaluating the influence of three precipitants and two crosslinking agents, as well as the use of soy protein as an alternative feeder protein on the catalytic properties and stability of the immobilized PPL. Standard CLEAs showed a global yield (CLEA’ observed activity/offered total activity) of less than 4%, whereas with the addition of soy protein (PPL:soy protein mass ratio of 1:3) the global yield was approximately fivefold higher. The CLEA of PPL prepared with soy protein as feeder (PPL:soy protein mass ratio of 1:3) and glutaraldehyde as crosslinking reagent (10 μmol of aldehyde groups/mg of total protein) was more active mainly because of the reduced enzyme leaching in the washing step. This CLEA, named PPL‐SOY‐CLEA, had an immobilization yield around 60% and an expressed activity around 40%. In the ethanolysis of soybean oil, the PPL‐SOY‐CLEA yielded maximum fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE) concentration around 12‐fold higher than that achieved using soluble PPL (34 h reaction at 30°C, 300 rpm stirring, soybean oil/ethanol molar ratio of 1:5) with an enzyme load around 2‐fold lower (very likely due to free enzyme inactivation). The operational stability of the PPL‐SOY‐CLEA in the ethanolysis of soybean oil in a vortex flow type reactor showed that FAEE yield was higher than 50% during ten reaction cycles of 24 h. This reactor configuration may be an attractive alternative to the conventional stirred reactors for biotransformations in industrial plants using carrier‐free biocatalysts. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:910–920, 2018
Butanol production from sweet sorghum bagasse with high solids content: Part I—comparison of liquid hot water pretreatment with dilute sulfuric acid
Authors: Qureshi Nasib , Saha Badal C. , Klasson K. Thomas , Liu Siqing
Published: April 2018

In these studies, we pretreated sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB) using liquid hot water (LHW) or dilute H2SO4 (2 g L−1) at 190°C for zero min (as soon as temperature reached 190°C, cooling was started) to reduce generation of sugar degradation fermentation inhibiting products such as furfural and hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF). The solids loading were 250–300 g L−1. This was followed by enzymatic hydrolysis. After hydrolysis, 89.0 g L−1 sugars, 7.60 g L−1 acetic acid, 0.33 g L−1 furfural, and 0.07 g L−1 HMF were released. This pretreatment and hydrolysis resulted in the release of 57.9% sugars. This was followed by second hydrolysis of the fibrous biomass which resulted in the release of 43.64 g L−1 additional sugars, 2.40 g L−1 acetic acid, zero g L−1 furfural, and zero g L−1 HMF. In both the hydrolyzates, 86.3% sugars present in SSB were released. Fermentation of the hydrolyzate I resulted in poor acetone‐butanol‐ethanol (ABE) fermentation. However, fermentation of the hydrolyzate II was successful and produced 13.43 g L−1 ABE of which butanol was the main product. Use of 2 g L−1 H2SO4 as a pretreatment medium followed by enzymatic hydrolysis resulted in the release of 100.6–93.8% (w/w) sugars from 250 to 300 g L−1 SSB, respectively. LHW or dilute H2SO4 were used to economize production of cellulosic sugars from SSB. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:960–966, 2018
High solid fed‐batch butanol fermentation with simultaneous product recovery: Part II—process integration
Authors: Qureshi Nasib , Saha Badal C , Klasson K. Thomas , Liu Siqing
Published: April 2018

In these studies, liquid hot water (LHW) pretreated and enzymatically hydrolyzed Sweet Sorghum Bagasse (SSB) hydrolyzates were fermented in a fed‐batch reactor. As reported in the preceding paper, the culture was not able to ferment the hydrolyzate I in a batch process due to presence of high level of toxic chemicals, in particular acetic acid released from SSB during the hydrolytic process. To be able to ferment the hydrolyzate I obtained from 250 g L−1 SSB hydrolysis, a fed‐batch reactor with in situ butanol recovery was devised. The process was started with the hydrolyzate II and when good cell growth and vigorous fermentation were observed, the hydrolyzate I was slowly fed to the reactor. In this manner the culture was able to ferment all the sugars present in both the hydrolyzates to acetone butanol ethanol (ABE). In a control batch reactor in which ABE was produced from glucose, ABE productivity and yield of 0.42 g L−1 h−1 and 0.36 were obtained, respectively. In the fed‐batch reactor fed with SSB hydrolyzates, these productivity and yield values were 0.44 g L−1 h−1 and 0.45, respectively. ABE yield in the integrated system was high due to utilization of acetic acid to convert to ABE. In summary we were able to utilize both the hydrolyzates obtained from LHW pretreated and enzymatically hydrolyzed SSB (250 g L−1) and convert them to ABE. Complete fermentation was possible due to simultaneous recovery of ABE by vacuum. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:967–972, 2018
PBL in the teaching of computer networks: The role of LMS PBL‐Maestro in the management and authenticity of the learning environment
Authors: de Oliveira Felipe Soares , Santos Simone C. dos
Published: April 2018

The area of Computer Networks requires an educational model based on real market practices that can provide students with consistent technological training. However, it should be noted that a Network Project is subject to a wide range of restrictions (such as time constraints, budgeting, and the use of other necessary resources) which means there is a need to work with real cases and in the presence of a client. The purpose of this paper is to describe the effects of the application of PBL‐Maestro in the area of Network Design. PBL‐Maestro consists of a LMS (Learning Management System) that has been designed to underpin a methodological workflow for implementing PBL (Problem‐Based Learning) in the teaching of Computing, called xPBL, which provides support for Authentic Assessment. By taking xPBL as a benchmark, the course management can be carried out by following the dynamics of the cycle and stages. The topics was taught in an entirely ̈hands‐on̈ format with the use of real equipment installed inside the classroom, and it included situations and problems arising from real circumstances. Clients took part in the whole process and took on the responsibility of making requests, monitoring, guiding, and evaluating the development of the problem solution, together with the teacher. In addition, the fact that they were immersed in a practical environment and could make use of the devices employed in companies enabled them to solve problems when requested, with more facility and assertiveness. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with the users who used the LMS.
Using elastic net regression to perform spectrally relevant variable selection
Authors: Giglio Cannon , Brown Steven D.
Published: April 2018

Multivariate data such as spectra frequently contain measured variables that are uninformative, and removal of such variables requires the use of methods that can be used to select informative variables. Partial least squares (PLS) regression may incorporate information from uninformative measured variables, and so it is important to select variables before performing the PLS regression. Elastic net (EN) regression can be used to perform variable selection automatically. An EN regression can be used to select groups of correlated variables or to select either sparse or nonsparse sets of variables. However, the predictive performance of the EN regression can be significantly worse than competing 1‐step variable selection methods such as variable importance in projection (VIP). In the present work, the use of the EN to select variables, followed by conventional PLS regression on the selected variables (EN‐PLS), has been investigated. Variable selection by using EN‐PLS was compared with that from EN regression, sparse PLS regression, VIP, and from selectivity ratio selection on 2 data sets of visible/near‐infrared spectra. In all cases, the wavelengths selected were compared with reference data. The variables selected by using EN‐PLS offered advantages in interpretability and gave more robust prediction performance as compared with those obtained from full‐spectrum PLS and the other variable selection methods. This paper reports a method for variable selection by using an EN regression prior to a second regression by using PLS, a 2‐step method termed EN‐PLS. Variables selected by using EN‐PLS are compared with variables selected from the EN regression, as well as VIP, selectivity ratio, and the sparse PLS regression, 3 commonly used methods for variable selection in chemometrics. The EN‐PLS is shown to select variables that were more easily interpreted. In addition, EN‐PLS performed more robustly than a PLS regression performed on all variables, as well as reduced PLS regressions by using variables selected from either the sparse PLS regression algorithm or a VIP variable selection followed by PLS modeling.
A General Approach for Estimating Lamella‐Thickness Distribution in Polymers with Low‐Frequency Raman Spectroscopy: Application to Lamella Formation in Crystallizing Polyethylene
Authors: Samuel Ashok Zachariah , Hamaguchi Hiro‐o
Published: April 2018

A general method for estimating lamella‐thickness distribution in semicrystalline polymers has been developed and applied to polyethylene (PE). The longitudinal acoustic mode (LAM) of PE appears at very low frequencies (i.e.,
8–20 cm−1) in the Raman spectrum. It represents a distribution of lamellae of varying thicknesses. We propose a distribution function that converts a low‐frequency LAM Raman band into the corresponding lamellae‐thickness distribution. By using this distribution function, we can study lamella formation in crystallizing PE to elucidate the influence of supercooling and determine critical lamella thickness, the minimum chain length at which folding occurs, and the associated thermodynamic parameters accurately. This method has a general applicability toward the examination of polymer crystallization in an accurate and straightforward manner. Understanding the molecular details of polymer crystallization has applications, particularly in polymer thin‐film photovoltaics and polymer processing, beyond its fundamental academic significance.
Influence of a Metal Substrate on Small‐Molecule Activation Mediated by a Surface‐Adsorbed Complex
Authors: Schlimm Alexander , Stucke Nadja , Flöser Benedikt M. , Rusch Talina , Krahmer Jan , Näther Christian , Strunskus Thomas , Magnussen Olaf M. , Tuczek Felix
Published: April 2018

Activating small molecules with transition metal complexes adsorbed on metal surfaces is a novel approach combining aspects of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. In order to study the influence of an Au(111) substrate on the activation of the small‐molecule ligand carbon monoxide, a molybdenum tricarbonyl complex containing a PN3P pincer ligand was synthesized and investigated in the bulk, in solution, and adsorbed on an Au(111) surface. By means of a platform approach, a perpendicular orientation of the molybdenum complex was achieved and confirmed by IRRAS and NEXAFS. By using vibrational spectroscopy (IR, Raman, IRRAS) coupled to DFT calculations, the influence of the metal substrate on the activation of the CO ligands bound to the molybdenum complex was determined. The electron‐withdrawing behavior of gold causes an overall shift of the CO stretching vibrations to higher frequencies, which is partly compensated by dynamic charge transfer from the substrate to the molybdenum center, which increases its (dynamic) polarizability.
Metastable MoS2: Crystal Structure, Electronic Band Structure, Synthetic Approach and Intriguing Physical Properties
Authors: Zhao Wei , Pan Jie , Fang Yuqiang , Che Xiangli , Wang Dong , Bu Kejun , Huang Fuqiang
Published: April 2018

The 2H molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), as a stable hexagonal phase, has been one of the most studied transition metal dichalcogenides over the past decades. In the last five years, the metastable phases of MoS2 (1T, 1T′, 1T′′, and 1T′′′) have seen a revival of interests. Different from the edge‐sharing [MoS6] trigonal prisms in the 2H MoS2 phase, these metastable phases are composed of the edge‐sharing [MoS6] octahedra, in which the neighboring Mo−Mo distances differ. Due to the various crystal structures and different electronic configurations of the building [MoS6] motifs, these metastable polytypes are endowed with intriguing physical properties and potential applications in diverse fields. In this Review, the recent research progress on metastable MoS2 is summarized, especially with an emphasis on the diverse synthetic approaches and the newly uncovered physical properties. The phase structures and electronic band structures are also outlined. In the end, a perspective of the future investigation on metastable MoS2 is discussed.
The Difference Se Makes: A Bio‐Inspired Dppf‐Supported Nickel Selenolate Complex Boosts Dihydrogen Evolution with High Oxygen Tolerance
Authors: Pan Zhong‐Hua , Tao Yun‐Wen , He Quan‐Feng , Wu Qiao‐Yu , Cheng Li‐Ping , Wei Zhan‐Hua , Wu Ji‐Huai , Lin Jin‐Qing , Sun Di , Zhang Qi‐Chun , Tian Dan , Luo Geng‐Geng
Published: April 2018

Inspired by the metal active sites of [NiFeSe]‐hydrogenases, a dppf‐supported nickel(II) selenolate complex (dppf=1,1′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene) shows high catalytic activity for electrochemical proton reduction with a remarkable enzyme‐like H2 evolution turnover frequency (TOF) of 7838 s−1 under an Ar atmosphere, which markedly surpasses the activity of a dppf‐supported nickel(II) thiolate analogue with a low TOF of 600 s−1. A combined study of electrochemical experiments and DFT calculations shed light on the catalytic process, suggesting that selenium atom as a bio‐inspired proton relay plays a key role in proton exchange and enhancing catalytic activity of H2 production. For the first time, this type of Ni selenolate‐containing electrocatalyst displays a high degree of O2 and H2 tolerance. Our results should encourage the development of the design of highly efficient oxygen‐tolerant Ni selenolate molecular catalysts.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Luseogliflozin, a Selective SGLT2 Inhibitor, in Japanese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes With Mild to Severe Renal Impairment
Authors: Samukawa Yoshishige , Haneda Masakazu , Seino Yutaka , Sasaki Takashi , Fukatsu Atsushi , Kubo Yusuke , Sato Yuri , Sakai Soichi
Published: April 2018

This open‐label, parallel‐group, multicenter study aimed to assess the effects of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of luseogliflozin. A single 5‐mg dose of luseogliflozin was administered to Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the following groups: G1, normal renal function; G2, mild renal impairment; G3a, mild to moderate impairment; G3b, moderate to severe impairment; G4, severe impairment, based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; ≥90, 60–89, 45–59, 30–44, 15–29 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively). While luseogliflozin pharmacokinetics were similar for patients across all renal function groups, the increase in plasma concentration was slightly slower and maximum concentration was slightly reduced in the lower eGFR groups compared with the other groups. However, luseogliflozin pharmacodynamics were affected by the severity of renal impairment. Urinary glucose excretion (UGE) increased in all groups relative to baseline levels, but the degree of UGE increase was smaller in the lower eGFR groups. Moreover, plasma glucose AUC changes from baseline tended to be smaller in the lower eGFR groups. No clear trends were observed between eGFR and incidence, type, or severity of adverse events. Thus, luseogliflozin administration should be carefully considered, as patients with renal impairment may show an insufficient response to treatment.
Performance of Partially Exfoliated Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes Wrapped with Hierarchical Porous Carbon in Electrolytes
Authors: Mangisetti Sandhya Rani , Pari Baraneedharan , M Kamaraj , Ramaprabhu Sundara
Published: April 2018

The preparation of highly conductive, high‐surface‐area, heteroatom‐doped, porous carbon nanocomposite materials with enhanced electrochemical performance for sustainable energy‐storage technologies, such as supercapacitors, is challenging. Herein, a route for the large‐scale synthesis of nitrogen‐doped porous carbon wrapped partially exfoliated carbon nanotubes (N‐PPECNTs) with an interconnected hierarchical porous structure, as an advanced electrode material that can realize several potential applications for energy storage, is presented. Polypyrrole conductive polymer acts as both nitrogen and carbon sources that contribute to the pseudocapacitance. Partially exfoliated carbon nanotubes (PECNTs) provide a high specific surface area for ion and charge transportation and act as a conductive matrix. The derived porous N‐PPECNT displays a nitrogen content of 6.95 at %, with a specific surface area of 2050 m2 g−1, and pore volume of 1.13 cm3 g−1. N‐PPECNTs, as an electrode material for supercapacitors, exhibit an excellent specific capacitance of 781 F g−1 at 2 A g−1, with a high cycling stability of 95.3 % over 10 000 cycles. Furthermore, the symmetric supercapacitor exhibits remarkable energy densities as high as 172.8, 62.7, and 53.55 Wh kg−1 in 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([BMIM][TFSI]), organic, and aqueous electrolytes, respectively. Also, biocompatible hydrogel and polymer gel electrolyte based, stable, flexible supercapacitors with excellent electrochemical performance could be demonstrated.