bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
De progresso a evolução espiritual: uma contribuição da codificação espírita para o diálogo inter-religioso. 2018. Dissertação (Mestrado) – Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Religião, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG.
Authors: Coelho Antônio Carlos
Published: February 2019

A Doutrina Espírita, codificada na França no século XIX, tem entre seus principais postulados a crença em um Deus único, na imortalidade da alma, na pluralidade dos mundos habitados, na comunicabilidade entre espíritos e na reencarnação. De leves pancadas a mesas girantes, nos salões parisienses, o fenômeno, nos primeiros momentos, era recebido com incredulidade ou frivolidade por aqueles que participavam das reuniões. Até o estudo realizado pelo pedagogo Hippolyte-Léon Denizard Rivail, não se imaginava que tais eventos sofressem ação direta de Espíritos. O professor Rivail, sob o pseudônimo de Allan Kardec, foi o principal organizador, sistematizador e codificador da Doutrina Espírita. Orientado pelos Espíritos, publicou vários livros sobre o Espiritismo, entre eles O Livro dos Espíritos, que é alvo deste estudo. A codificação espírita surge em um período histórico em que o pensamento filosófico e científico encontravam-se profundamente influenciados por ideais do racionalismo e do positivismo, bem como pelo modelo evolucionista. A palavra evolução, tomada do fascínio que exercia no século XIX, devido à ideia de modernidade, é central para o espiritismo. O objetivo desta investigação está em pesquisar o sentido de evolução apresentado nas obras codificadas por Allan Kardec, em especial, no Livro dos Espíritos, e como esta compreensão pode contribuir para o diálogo inter-religioso. Parte da hipótese que, para a Doutrina Espírita, a evolução é central na vida do ser humano na medida em que possibilita modificações do comportamento humano. Evoluir implica num convite para sair de si para buscar o próximo. O pluralismo religioso desafia as pessoas e as religiões a viver a responsabilidade de entender o outro e suas crenças como um atributo de liberdade e de escolha. Neste horizonte de evolução, o diálogo inter-religioso torna-se princípio essencial para o avanço espiritual. Representa um incremento à nossa habilidade de escutar e compartilhar. O método de abordagem deste estudo foi o hipotético-dedutivo e da pesquisa bibliográfica, por meio da consulta de livros e textos psicografados. Por meio da codificação espírita, em especial, no Livro dos Espíritos, buscar-se-á, no sentido de evolução, um fator que pode favorecer um entendimento das alteridades e de cosmovisões religiosas, abrindo caminhos para variados diálogos. Por fim, pode afirmar que a codificação, por seu conteúdo universalista, pelo processo de regeneração moral do ser humano e de abertura às religiões, pode contribuir, com grandes ganhos, para construções de diálogos inter-religiosos.
O Movimento Nacional Fé e Política: história, concepções, estratégias de atuação e desafios. 2018. Dissertação (Mestrado) – Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Religião, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG.
Authors: Teixeira Geraldo Agostinho
Published: February 2019

A necessidade de homens e mulheres de fé esclarecida e bem fundamentada na política tornou-se preponderante na contemporaneidade. Vive-se em um contexto em que muitos perderam a esperança e não acreditam mais na política. Na perspectiva cristã, a fé se traduz na prática do amor e é alimentada pela esperança. Não é possível sonhar com uma qualidade de vida melhor, em âmbito pessoal e coletivo, se não houver pessoas de fé na política, imbuídas dessa missão. O Movimento Nacional Fé e Política – MF&P, criado em 1989, e constituído por grupos de pessoas atuantes em comunidades eclesiais, movimentos populares, partidos políticos, sindicatos e outros espaços de organização social, surgiu para promover estratégias em favor da justiça social e da dignidade humana. O trabalho é feito através da reflexão, da celebração, do aprofundamento e estudo, em grupos, seminários, retiros e encontros, tendo como lema principal, atualmente, a Cultura do Bem-Viver. O objetivo deste trabalho, a partir do material bibliográfico do MF&P e de outros pesquisadores, foi analisar o contexto do nascimento e o desenvolvimento do MF&P no Brasil. Para isso, identificou a produção editorial e o histórico dos encontros e seminários, das fases do movimento, chegando à época atual, quando, a partir de 2011, o movimento incluiu a Cultura do Bem-Viver como novo horizonte ético e político. A metodologia utilizada foi a revisão de literatura e análise do material publicado de forma impressa e também na forma digital, no site do movimento, e em publicações de membros que fazem parte do MF&P. Pode-se concluir que, através de sua história, das publicações e dos encontros regionais e nacionais, o movimento abriu perspectivas sobre novas formas de se fazer política, que contemplam e reforçam a atenção para com a ética, o cuidado, a dignidade e a justiça social. É um movimento dinâmico que contribui como um caminho para uma nova sociedade que possa usufruir de seus direitos fundamentais.
Marxismo e Relações Internacionais: Um breve balanço
Authors: Bugiato Caio , Garcia Ana Saggioro , Ramos Leonardo
Published: February 2019

Posfácio - Marxismo e Relações Internacionais: Um breve balanço
Os EUA e a Revisão Periódica Universal do Conselho de Direitos Humanos da ONU
Authors: Laureano da Rosa William Torres , Hernandez Matheus de Carvalho
Published: February 2019

A partir das recomendações dos países membros do Conselho de Direitos Humanos da Organização das Nações Unidas no mecanismo de Revisão Periódica Universal, observa-se quais os principais temas abordados em relação aos Estados Unidos e qual o comportamento desse Estado frente às críticas recebidas.
A política externa brasileira para refugiados: entre a lógica das consequências e a lógica da adequação
Authors: Gonçalves Fernanda Cristina Nanci Izidro , Loureiro Gustavo do Amaral , Ornellas Flávia Barros
Published: February 2019

O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar, a partir de uma perspectiva construtivista, qual lógica orientou o comportamento brasileiro no tratamento desta questão desde os anos 1950 até o governo Dilma Rousseff (2011-2016). Utilizando a abordagem de Alexander Wendt e de Martha Finnemore sobre lógica da adequação e lógica das consequências, este artigo parte da constatação de que embora o Brasil seja reconhecido como um país que historicamente respeita os direitos humanos e acolhe refugiados, nem sempre o seu comportamento refletiu uma abordagem solidária e alinhada às normas para tratamento do tema. Durante diferentes fases, a lógica das consequências se impôs na política externa brasileira, limitando a adesão do Brasil às normas internacionais que regulamentavam a acolhida aos refugiados e guiando suas ações para viés mais pragmático do que humanitário. A partir dos anos 1990, com o processo de redemocratização e reforço dos direitos humanos como tema central no ordenamento doméstico e internacional, a política brasileira para refugiados orientou-se conforme a lógica da adequação, refletindo um processo mais amplo de participação ativa do Brasil na ordem internacional. No entanto, conclui-se que a lógica da adequação ainda convive com a lógica das consequências na política brasileira para refugiados.
Anomalous Origin of Coronary Arteries
Authors: Krasniqi Xhevdet , Çitaku Hajdin
Published: February 2019

Coronary arteries supply the heart muscle with blood maintaining myocardial hemostasis and function. Coronary artery anomalies may persist after birth affecting cardiovascular system through haemodynamic impairment caused from shunting, ischaemia, especially in young children or adolescents and young adults. In patients undergoing coronary angiography the incidence of anomalous origination of the left coronary artery from right sinus is 0.15% and the right coronary artery from the left sinus is 0.92%. A recent classification of the coronary anomalies is based on anatomical considerations, recognizing three categories: anomalies of the origin and course, anomalies of the intrinsic coronary artery anatomy, and anomalies of the termination. In the setting of anomalous coronary artery from the opposite sinus, the proximal anomalous CA may run anterior to the pulmonary trunk (prepulmonic), posterior to the aorta (retroaortic), septal (subpulmonic), or between the pulmonary artery and the aorta itself (interarterial). Among them, only those with an interarterial aorta-pulmonary course are regarded as hidden conditions at risk of ischaemia and even sudden death. We presented two cases with anomalous origin of coronary arteries from opposite sinus, and two other cases with anomalous origin of left circumflex artery. The atherosclerotic coronary artery disease leads to the need of coronarography which can find out the presence of coronary artery anomalies. Anomalous origin of coronary artery that is present with atherosclerotic changes continues to exist as a challenge during treatment in interventional cardiology.
Microbial Ecology in the Atmosphere: The Last Extreme Environment
Authors: Aguilera Ángeles , de Diego-Castilla Graciela , Osuna Susana , Bardera Rafael , Sor Mendi Suthyvann , Blanco Yolanda , González-Toril Elena
Published: February 2019

The atmosphere is an extreme environment where organisms are subject to low temperatures and high radiation. Many of the microorganisms detected there appear in resistant forms or show mechanisms of adaptation designed to withstand these extreme conditions. Airborne microorganisms may play an important role in the global climate system, biogeochemical cycling, and health. Dust storms are the atmospheric phenomenon that move more topsoil through the Earth’s atmosphere, and numerous microorganisms attached to dust particles are thus transported. The Iberian Peninsula is periodically affected by this phenomenon as African dust frequently reaches southern Europe and the Mediterranean basin. There are numerous methods for sampling airborne microbes, but factors such as low biomass and high variability of the atmosphere render them not yet sufficiently efficient. Very few studies have been conducted directly in the atmosphere via sampling using airborne platforms. The National Institute for Aerospace Technology has two CASA C-212-200 aircraft that have been suitably modified to operate as airborne research platforms. These aircraft are a unique tool for the study of atmospheric microbial diversity and the different environments where they can be found. A study of the airborne microbial diversity in a Saharan dust event from four aerobiology sampling flights is provided in advance.
Determination of the Velocity of the Detonation Wave and the Conditions for the Appearance of Spherical Detonation during the Interaction of Hydrogen with Oxygen
Authors: Polatayko Myron
Published: February 2019

The well-known formula for the flat detonation wave velocity derived from the Hugoniot system of equations faces difficulties, if being applied to a spherical reactor. A similar formula has been obtained in the framework of the theory of explosion in reacting gas media with the use of a special model describing the transition of an explosive wave in the detonation. The derived formula is very simple, being also more suitable for studying the limiting processes of volume detonation. The conditions for the transition of a shock wave to a detonation wave are studied. Initial detonation conditions required for fast chemical reactions to take place at the front of a spherical explosive wave have been determined. A simple relation describing the critical detonation temperature for various pressures in the hydrogen-oxygen mixture was obtained. Using the known formulas for a shock transition, the critical temperature was coupled with the initial conditions in a static environment, such as the pressure, temperature, and hydrogen content in the mixture.
Potassium Channels in the Vascular Diseases
Authors: Zhu Yan-Rong , Jiang Xiao-Xin , Ye Peng , Chen Shao-liang , Zhang Dai-Min
Published: February 2019

The vessel wall is an intricate structure composed of three layers: the intima (consisting of endothelial cells), media (consisting of smooth muscle cells and elastic fibers), and externa (consisting of the extracellular matrix scaffold). The homeostasis of the vasculature depends on the consistent function of each layer. In the vascular system, potassium channels are well known to regulate vascular function. The interactions between vascular conditions and membrane potential are complicated. In this chapter, we will focus on the functional regulation of KCa channel, KATP channel, and KV channel in the vascular system. Researchers may continuously obtain insights into the functions of these channels and identify new therapeutic targets for vascular diseases.
Tree Species and Precipitation Effect on the Soil Microbial Community Structure and Enzyme Activities in a Tropical Dry Forest Reserve
Authors: Jovanne Rivera-Rivera Michelle , Acosta-Martínez Veronica , Cuevas Elvira
Published: February 2019

We examined the soil microbial community structure and soil enzyme potential within three dominant tree species at a tropical dry forest during five months. Changes within microbial community in response to sampling periods and tree species were evaluated using fatty acid methyl-ester and enzymes potential. We found that both tree species and precipitation determined microbial community structure and enzyme potential. This is the first study that provides insight into the soil microbial community at Guánica Dry Forest, a valuable contribution that will help elucidate strategies for better management and protection of the soil biota of the area.
Cognitive Impairment and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Otero Liliana , del Carmen Figueredo María , Riveros-Rivera Alain , Hidalgo Patricia
Published: February 2019

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a frequent sleep disorder characterized by repetitive interruption of ventilation caused by partial or complete collapse of the upper airway during sleep. OSA is highly prevalent in the world and it has been associated with cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment in children and adults. The cognitive impairment in individuals with OSA includes deficiencies in attention and constructional abilities, delayed long-term visual and verbal memory, and executive functions. Although, the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment in patients with OSA is complex and remains incompletely understood, several mechanisms, such as hypoxia, inflammation and sleep fragmentation have been proposed. The aim of this chapter is to describe some findings reported in the literature to explain the association between OSA and cognitive impairment.
Inégalités de genre dans le partage des tâches domestiques au Canada : quelles influences sur le désir d’un (nouvel) enfant ?
Authors: Charton Laurence , Zhu Nong
Published: February 2019

Malgré l’avancée au Canada de lois incitant l’égalité entre les hommes et les femmes, on observe toujours dans toutes les provinces et les régions que la répartition des tâches domestiques reste inégalitaire entre les sexes, les femmes contribuant toujours plus aux tâches domestiques que leurs conjoints. À partir d’analyses portant sur les données canadiennes de l’enquête sociale générale de 2011, cet article met notamment en évidence que si l’autonomie économique des femmes contribue à réduire l’écart entre les sexes dans le partage des tâches domestiques liées à la cuisine et au ménage, cette réduction s’amenuise toutefois à l’arrivée des enfants. Ainsi, parce que les individus rejouent ce qu’ils perçoivent comme nécessaire pour devenir une mère et un père, les femmes et les hommes expriment d’autant mieux un désir d’enfant qu’ils ou elles se situent dans une organisation familiale traditionnelle, soit avec une implication plus forte des femmes dans les tâches ménagères et familiales. La charge domestique plus importante assumée par les femmes semble ainsi les conduire plus fréquemment à repenser leur intention d’avoir un troisième enfant, alors que cette inégalité ou scénario traditionnel semble stimuler toujours le désir d’enfant des hommes.
Bionet at 30 years of open science communication
Authors: Gilbert Donald
Published: February 2019

Bionet has provided open access, Internet news groups and discussion for many thousands of life scientists for 30 years (www.bio.net). BIOSCI/Bionet was started in conjunction with the GenBank project, by Intelligenetics at Stanford University in the mid 1980s. It moved in late 1990s to the UK MRC Rosalind Franklin Centre, then in 2005 to Indiana University Biology department. A new supporting organization is sought to continue Bionet into its fourth decade. It maintains values as an open communication venue used and sponsored by bio-scientists, despite popular commercial venues, and cyber-crime/security that impinge on such.
Risk Adjustment of Capitation Payment System: What Can Indonesia Adopt from other Countries?
Authors: Zahroh Asri Hikmatuz , Putri Rizki Asriani , Shima Latanza , Erdayani Erdayani , Martaliza Rira , Anggoro Tri Priyo , Wulansari Wulansari
Published: February 2019

Capitation calculation in Indonesia is not adjusted by individual and aggregate risk. Without risk adjustment, capitation rates are likely to overpay or underpay primary care. This study aimed to review risk-adjusted capitation payment in other countries for evaluation of capitation payment system in Indonesia. The conduct and reporting of this systematic review followed the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). This study used comprehensive electronic search in five databases: Pubmed, Proquest, Scopus, PMC, and EBSCOHost. Search results from five databases in April 2018, yielded a total 19 titles that will continue to review the full article and at the end, 4 articles included for systematic review. Based on risk adjustment of capitation payment system in UK, USA, Canada and Sweden, Indonesia may initiate the use of risk adjustment based on the distribution of age and sex. Then Indonesia can develop risk adjustment based on diagnosis and socioeconomic factors to create more fair and accurate capitation rates for primary care.
Species-specific maturation profiles of human, chimpanzee and bonobo neural cells
Authors: Marchetto Maria C , Hrvoj-Mihic Branka , Kerman Bilal E , Yu Diana X , Vadodaria Krishna C , Linker Sara B , Narvaiza Iñigo , Santos Renata , Denli Ahmet M , Mendes Ana PD , Oefner Ruth , Cook Jonathan , McHenry Lauren , Grasmick Jaeson M , Heard Kelly , Fredlender Callie , Randolph-Moore Lynne , Kshirsagar Rijul , Xenitopoulos Rea , Chou Grace , Hah Nasun , Muotri Alysson R , Padmanabhan Krishnan , Semendeferi Katerina , Gage Fred H
Published: February 2019

Comparative analyses of neuronal phenotypes in closely related species can shed light on neuronal changes occurring during evolution. The study of post-mortem brains of nonhuman primates (NHPs) has been limited and often does not recapitulate important species-specific developmental hallmarks. We utilize induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to investigate the development of cortical pyramidal neurons following migration and maturation of cells grafted in the developing mouse cortex. Our results show differential migration patterns in human neural progenitor cells compared to those of chimpanzees and bonobos both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting heterochronic changes in human neurons. The strategy proposed here lays the groundwork for further comparative analyses between humans and NHPs and opens new avenues for understanding the differences in the neural underpinnings of cognition and neurological disease susceptibility between species.
Real-time experimental control using network-based parallel processing
Authors: Kim Byounghoon , Kenchappa Shobha Channabasappa , Sunkara Adhira , Chang Ting-Yu , Thompson Lowell , Doudlah Raymond , Rosenberg Ari
Published: February 2019

Modern neuroscience research often requires the coordination of multiple processes such as stimulus generation, real-time experimental control, as well as behavioral and neural measurements. The technical demands required to simultaneously manage these processes with high temporal fidelity is a barrier that limits the number of labs performing such work. Here we present an open-source, network-based parallel processing framework that lowers this barrier. The Real-Time Experimental Control with Graphical User Interface (REC-GUI) framework offers multiple advantages: (i) a modular design that is agnostic to coding language(s) and operating system(s) to maximize experimental flexibility and minimize researcher effort, (ii) simple interfacing to connect multiple measurement and recording devices, (iii) high temporal fidelity by dividing task demands across CPUs, and (iv) real-time control using a fully customizable and intuitive GUI. We present applications for human, non-human primate, and rodent studies which collectively demonstrate that the REC-GUI framework facilitates technically demanding, behavior-contingent neuroscience research.

Editorial note: This article has been through an editorial process in which the authors decide how to respond to the issues raised during peer review. The Reviewing Editor's assessment is that all the issues have been addressed (see decision letter).
Nursing knowledge of and attitude in cardiopulmonary arrest: cross-sectional survey analysis
Authors: Tíscar-González Verónica , Blanco-Blanco Joan , Gea-Sánchez Montserrat , Rodriguez Molinuevo Ascensión , Moreno-Casbas Teresa
Published: February 2019

Background

Nurses are often the first to activate the chain of survival when a cardiorespiratory arrest happens. That is why it is crucial that they keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date and their attitudes to resuscitation are very important. The main aim of this study was to analyse whether the level of theoretical and practical understanding affected the attitudes of nursing staff.

Methods

A questionnaire was designed using the Delphi technique (three rounds). The questionnaire was adjusted and it was piloted on a test-retest basis with a convenience sample of 30 registered nurses. The psychometric characteristics were evaluated using a sample of 347 nurses using Cronbach’s alpha. Descriptive analysis was performed to describe the sociodemographic variables and Spearman’s correlation coefficient to assess the relationship between two scale variables. Pearson’s chi-squared test has been used to study the relationship between two categorical variables. Wilcoxon Mann Whitney test and the Kruskal–Wallis test were performed to establish relationships between the demographic/work related characteristics and the level of understanding.

Results

The Knowledge and Attitude of Nurses in the Event of a Cardiorespiratory Arrest (CAEPCR) questionnaire comprised three sections: sociodemographic information, theoretical and practical understanding, and attitudes of ethical issues. Cronbach’s alpha for the internal consistency of the attitudes questionnaire was 0.621. The knowledge that nurses self-reported with regard to cardiopulmonary arrest directly affected their attitudes. Their responses raised a number of bioethical issues.

Conclusions

CAEPCR questionnaire is the first one which successfully linked knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation to the attitudes towards ethical issues Health policies should ensure that CPR training is mandatory for nurses and all healthcare workers, and this training should include the ethical aspects.
An experimental examination of the effects of alcohol consumption and exposure to misleading postevent information on remembering a hypothetical rape scenario
Authors: Flowe Heather D. , Humphries Joyce E. , Takarangi Melanie K. , Zelek Kasia , Karoğlu Nilda , Gabbert Fiona , Hope Lorraine
Published: February 2019

We experimentally examined the effects of alcohol consumption and exposure to misleading postevent information on memory for a hypothetical interactive rape scenario. We used a 2 beverage (alcohol vs. tonic water) × 2 expectancy (told alcohol vs. told tonic) factorial design. Participants (N = 80) were randomly assigned to conditions. They consumed alcohol (mean blood alcohol content = 0.06%) or tonic water before engaging in the scenario. Alcohol expectancy was controlled by telling participants they were consuming alcohol or tonic water alone, irrespective of the actual beverage they were consuming. Approximately a week later, participants were exposed to a misleading postevent narrative and then recalled the scenario and took a recognition test. Participants who were told that they had consumed alcohol rather than tonic reported fewer correct details, but they were no more likely to report incorrect or misleading information. The confidence–accuracy relationship for control and misled items was similar across groups, and there was some evidence that metacognitive discrimination was better for participants who were told that they had consumed alcohol compared with those told they had tonic water. Implications for interviewing rape victims are discussed.
Cancer Cell Membrane Camouflaged Nanoprobe for Catalytic Ratiometric Photoacoustic Imaging of MicroRNA in Living Mice
Authors: Zhang Kai , Meng Xiangdan , Yang Zhou , Cao Yu , Cheng Yaru , Wang Dongdong , Lu Huiting , Shi Zhuojie , Dong Haifeng , Zhang Xueji
Published: February 2019

Herein, a cancer cell (MCF‐7 cell) membrane‐encapsulated dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticle simultaneously functionalized with DNA‐photoacoustic (DNA‐PA) probes and glutathione (GSH)‐responsive DNA fuel strands for PA imaging of tumor‐related miRNA in living mice with signal amplification ability is developed. It is demonstrated that one target miRNA can trigger disassembly of multiple PA fluorophore probes from the quencher with the aid of GSH‐responsive DNA fuel strands via the entropy‐driven process, resulting remarkable amplified change of PA signal ratio. Using oncogenic miRNA‐21 as a model, a linear relationship between miRNA‐21 concentrations and PA ratio in a dynamic range from 10 × 10−12 m to 100 × 10−9 m and a limit of detection down to 11.69 × 10−12 m are established. The accurate PA signal observation related to miRNA‐21s in the tumor area in living mice is demonstrated, and the PA signal ratio increases significantly via the injection of miRNA‐21. It is anticipated that the catalytic ratiometric PA imaging system can be applied to an array of molecular detection in living system by rational detection probe design.
Reduced dynamic modeling approach for rectification columns based on compartmentalization and artificial neural networks
Authors: Schäfer Pascal , Caspari Adrian , Kleinhans Kerstin , Mhamdi Adel , Mitsos Alexander
Published: February 2019

The availability of reduced‐dimensional, accurate dynamic models is crucial for the optimal operation of chemical processes in fast‐changing environments. Herein, we present a reduced modeling approach for rectification columns. The model combines compartmentalization to reduce the number of differential equations with artificial neural networks to express the nonlinear input–output relations within compartments. We apply the model to the optimal control of an air separation unit. We reduce the size of the differential equation system by 90% while limiting the additional error in product purities to below 1 ppm compared to a full‐order stage‐by‐stage model. We demonstrate that the proposed model enables savings in computational times for optimal control problems by ~95% compared to a full order and ~99% to a standard compartment model. The presented model enables a trade‐off between accuracy and computational efficiency, which is superior to what has recently been reported for similar applications using collocation‐based reduction approaches.
Mo (CO)6‐assisted Pd‐supported magnetic graphene oxide‐catalyzed carbonylation‐cyclization as an efficient way for the synthesis of 4(3H)‐quinazolinones
Authors: Bahadorikhalili Saeed , Ansari Samira , Hamedifar Haleh , Ma'mani Leila , Babaei Mohsen , Eqra Rahim , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: February 2019

In this paper, a novel catalyst is introduced based on the immobilization of palladium on modified magnetic graphene oxide nanoparticles. The catalyst is characterized by several methods, including transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray fluorescence, vibrating‐sample magnetometer, Fourier transform‐infrared and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. The activity of the catalyst was investigated in the synthesis of 4(3H)‐quinazolinones via Pd‐catalyzed carbonylation‐cyclization of N‐(2‐bromoaryl) benzimidamides by Mo (CO)6. The Mo (CO)6 is used as a carbon monoxide source for performing the reaction under mild conditions. The catalyst showed good reusability, and no change in activity was observed after 10 cycles of recovery.
Physicochemical, Antioxidative, and Sensory Properties of Refined Rapeseed Oils
Authors: Szydłowska‐Czerniak Aleksandra , Tułodziecka Agnieszka , Momot Monika , Stawicka Barbara
Published: February 2019

Physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant capacity (AC), and sensory quality of rapeseed oils available on the Polish market were analyzed and compared. The fatty acid composition (saturated fatty acids = 6.91–7.58%, monounsaturated fatty acids = 64.14–66.14%, and polyunsaturated fatty acids = 27.22–30.17%), color (T420 = 54.5–83.8%), amounts of free fatty acids (0.02–0.07%), primary (PV = 0.04–2.04 meq O2 kg−1) and secondary (AV = 1.02–3.21) oxidation products, phosphorus (0.38–1.62 mg kg−1), chlorophyll (0.002–0.068 mg kg−1), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Σ4PAH = 0.00–2.50 μg kg−1) in the commercial rapeseed oils meet the requirements of the European Food Regulation and Codex Alimentarius standards. Moreover, total phenolic content (TPC = 40.3–467.9 mg SA kg−1) in the studied oils significantly differs from each other. However, the AC of rapeseed oils was analyzed using the novel iron oxide nanoparticle‐based (IONP = 5552.1 − 18,510.2 μmol TE/100 g) method and the modified ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP = 55.7–280.3 μmol TE/100 g), cupric reducing AC (CUPRAC = 79.6–784.0 μmol TE/100 g), 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH = 185.7–516.7 μmol TE/100 g), and 2,2′‐azinobis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS = 465.6–2142.6 μmol TE/100 g) assays. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were applied for discrimination of the refined rapeseed oils based on fatty acid composition, physicochemical parameters, AC, and sensory properties.
Prioritization of PLEC and GRINA as Osteoarthritis Risk Genes Through the Identification and Characterization of Novel Methylation Quantitative Trait Loci
Authors: Rice Sarah J. , Tselepi Maria , Sorial Antony K. , Aubourg Guillaume , Shepherd Colin , Almarza David , Skelton Andrew J. , Pangou Ioanna , Deehan David , Reynard Louise N. , Loughlin John
Published: February 2019

Objective

To identify methylation quantitative trait loci (mQTLs) correlating with osteoarthritis (OA) risk alleles and to undertake mechanistic characterization as a means of target gene prioritization.

Methods

We used genome‐wide genotyping and cartilage DNA methylation array data in a discovery screen of novel OA risk loci. This was followed by methylation, gene expression analysis, and genotyping studies in additional cartilage samples, accompanied by in silico analyses.

Results

We identified 4 novel OA mQTLs. The most significant mQTL contained 9 CpG sites where methylation correlated with OA risk genotype, with 5 of the CpG sites having P values <1 × 10−10. The 9 CpG sites reside in an interval of only 7.7 kb within the PLEC gene and form 2 distinct clusters. We were able to prioritize PLEC and the adjacent gene GRINA as independent targets of the OA risk. We identified PLEC and GRINA expression QTLs operating in cartilage, as well as methylation‐expression QTLs operating on the 2 genes. GRINA and PLEC also demonstrated differential expression between OA hip and non‐OA hip cartilage.

Conclusion

PLEC encodes plectin, a cytoskeletal protein that maintains tissue integrity by regulating intracellular signaling in response to mechanical stimuli. GRINA encodes the ionotropic glutamate receptor TMBIM3 (transmembrane BAX inhibitor 1 motif–containing protein family member 3), which regulates cell survival. Based on our results, we hypothesize that in a joint predisposed to OA, expression of these genes alters in order to combat aberrant biomechanics, and that this is epigenetically regulated. However, carriage of the OA risk–conferring allele at this locus hinders this response and contributes to disease development.
Doping the Backbone of π‐Conjugated Polymers with Tricoordinate Boron: Synthetic Strategies and Emerging Applications
Authors: Helten Holger
Published: February 2019

The doping of π‐conjugated organic compounds with trivalent boron atoms produces materials with intriguing properties and functions that result from the interaction of the π‐electron system with the vacant p orbital on boron. This offers unique opportunities in various applications such as organic (opto)electronics, biomedical imaging, and sensors for physiologically relevant anions or amines, as demonstrated by numerous examples on the molecular scale. Recently, the B‐doping strategy has been expanded to polymer chemistry with a view to benefit from the best of both worlds. Herein, recent advances in the synthesis of π‐conjugated polymers doped with tricoordinate boron in the backbone are reviewed. Selected applications are described where these functional materials have already been successfully implemented.
Soluble immune checkpoint molecules: Serum markers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis
Authors: Chakrabarti Rituparna , Kapse Bhavya , Mukherjee Gayatri
Published: February 2019

Background

With the recent advances in the understanding of the interaction of the immune system with developing tumor, it has become imperative to consider the immunological parameters for both cancer diagnosis and disease prognosis. Additionally, in the era of emerging immunotherapeutic strategies in cancer, it is very important to follow the treatment outcome and also to predict the correct immunotherapeutic strategy in individual patients. There being enormous heterogeneity among tumors at different sites or between primary and metastatic tumors in the same individual, or interpatient heterogeneity, it is very important to study the tumor‐immune interaction in the tumor microenvironment and beyond. Importantly, molecular tools and markers identified for such studies must be suitable for monitoring in a noninvasive manner.

Recent findings

Recent studies have shown that the immune checkpoint molecules play a key role in the development and progression of tumors. In‐depth studies of these molecules have led to the development of most of the cancer immunotherapeutic reagents that are currently either in clinical use or under different phases of clinical trials. Interestingly, many of these cell surface molecules undergo alternative splicing to produce soluble isoforms, which can be tracked in the serum of patients.

Conclusions

Several studies demonstrate that the serum levels of these soluble isoforms could be used as noninvasive markers for cancer diagnosis and disease prognosis or to predict patient response to specific therapeutic strategies.
Generation of pseudo random number sequence from discrete oscillating samples of equally spread objects and application for stream cipher system
Authors: K.B. Sudeepa , Aithal Ganesh
Published: February 2019

The demand on security privileged information has widely increased due to the sensitivity of the exchanged information over public communication channels. Nowadays, almost all organizations, mainly, business, financial, and government related areas, and also other regions are computerized, and sometimes, the data will be highly confidential. Since some areas dealing with confidential data, it is very much essential to provide the security for the data to avoid unauthorized access. Multimedia data security and security related issues have attracted many researchers towards it. Cryptography is necessary to protect the confidential information transmitting over the network. The strength of the cryptographic system, especially, stream cipher, is not only depending upon its encryption/decryption algorithm but also depends upon the randomness properties of the key sequence such as length, uniformity, independence, etc. In this work, a novel method of generating the pseudo random number that is based on the discrete equally spread oscillating points viewed orthogonally as an envelope has been considered for the generation. Depending on the number of samples, it is possible to get the higher length of the sequence. The random patterns generated by the discrete points of a moving wave are used to generate non binary random numbers. These numbers are used as key in stream cipher system. These are having greater advantages like one time padding to achieve perfect security in cryptographic application. The same non binary key sequence generated is applied for the cryptographic application, and the security parameters of the result obtained from cryptographic applications are also evaluated to observe the strength of security level.
Nuclear Genome Size in Contrast to Sex Chromosome Number Variability in the Human Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius (Heteroptera: Cimicidae)
Authors: Sadílek David , Urfus Tomáš , Vilímová Jitka , Hadrava Jiří , Suda Jan
Published: February 2019

The human bed bug Cimex lectularius is one of the most prevalent human ectoparasites in temperate climate zones. The cytogenetic features of this resilient pest include holokinetic chromosomes, special chromosome behavior in meiosis, and numerical variation of chromosomes, where the diploid number ranges from 26 + X1X2Y to 26 + X1–20Y. It is desirable to assess the nuclear DNA content of various cytotypes for a further detailed study of the C. lectularius genome. Detailed knowledge of the DNA content of this parasite could also clarify the origin of additional chromosomes. The average nuclear genome size C. lectularius with 2n = 26 + X1X2Y is 2C = 1.94 pg for males and 1.95 pg for females. There is a significant correlation between genome size and the number of chromosomes, but in some specimens with additional chromosomes, nuclear genome size decreases or remains average. Several species used as the internal reference standard were tested for further investigations of genome size in C. lectularius, and the plant Solanum pseudocaspicum turned out to be the most suitable. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Financial Payments for Participating in Research while Incarcerated: Attitudes of Prisoners
Authors: Divya Ravi , Christopher Paul P. , Filene Eliza J. , Reifeis Sarah Ailleen , White Becky L.
Published: February 2019

The practice of paying prisoners to for their participation in research has long been debated, and the controversy is reflected in the differing policies in the U.S. prison systems. Empirical study of financial payments to inmates who enroll in research has focused on whether this practice is coercive. In this study, we examined whether monetary incentives have the potential to be unduly influential among fifty HIV‐positive prisoners. The majority of prisoners surveyed believed that inmates should receive some compensation for their involvement in research and disagreed with statements suggesting that the offer of payment constitutes undue influence. However, a sense of potentially being susceptible to undue influence was significantly higher among participants who had spent a longer time in prison and had less education. Overall, our findings suggest that most prisoners feel that they would be able to make a decision about research enrollment that is not solely based on an offer of monetary payment.
Etiological influences on continuity and co‐occurrence of eating disorders symptoms across adolescence and emerging adulthood
Authors: Waszczuk Monika A. , Waaktaar Trine , Eley Thalia C. , Torgersen Svenn
Published: February 2019

Objective

The role of common and symptom‐specific genetic and environmental influences in maintaining eating disorder symptoms across development remains unclear. This study investigates the continuity and change of etiological influences on drive for thinness, bulimia, and body dissatisfaction symptoms and their co‐occurrence, across adolescence and emerging adulthood.

Method

In total, 2,629 adolescent twins (mean age = 15.20, SD = 1.95) reported eating disorders symptoms across three waves of data collection. Biometric common pathways model was fitted to estimate genetic and environmental contributions to the continuity of each symptom over time, as well as time‐ and symptom‐specific influences.

Results

Drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction symptoms showed a pattern of high continuity across development and high correlations with each other, whereas bulimia symptoms were moderately stable and less associated with the other two symptoms. Latent factors reflecting continuity of each symptom were largely under genetic influence (Al = 0.60–0.82). New genetic influences contributing to change in the developmental course of symptoms were observed in emerging adulthood. Genetic influences correlated considerably between the three symptoms. Non‐shared environmental influences were largely time‐and symptom‐specific, but some contributed moderately to the continuity across development (El = 0.18–0.40). The etiological overlap was larger between drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction symptoms than with bulimia symptoms.

Discussion

The results provide preliminary evidence that stable as well as newly emerging genetic influences contribute to the co‐occurrence of drive for thinness, bulimia, and body dissatisfaction symptoms across adolescence and emerging adulthood. Conversely, environmental influences were less stable and contributed to change in symptoms over time.
Pollinator size and its consequences: Robust estimates of body size in pollinating insects
Authors: Kendall Liam K. , Rader Romina , Gagic Vesna , Cariveau Daniel P. , Albrecht Matthias , Baldock Katherine C. R. , Freitas Breno M. , Hall Mark , Holzschuh Andrea , Molina Francisco P. , Morten Joanne M. , Pereira Janaely S. , Portman Zachary M. , Roberts Stuart P. M. , Rodriguez Juanita , Russo Laura , Sutter Louis , Vereecken Nicolas J. , Bartomeus Ignasi
Published: February 2019

Body size is an integral functional trait that underlies pollination‐related ecological processes, yet it is often impractical to measure directly. Allometric scaling laws have been used to overcome this problem. However, most existing models rely upon small sample sizes, geographically restricted sampling and have limited applicability for non‐bee taxa. Allometric models that consider biogeography, phylogenetic relatedness, and intraspecific variation are urgently required to ensure greater accuracy. We measured body size as dry weight and intertegular distance (ITD) of 391 bee species (4,035 specimens) and 103 hoverfly species (399 specimens) across four biogeographic regions: Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. We updated existing models within a Bayesian mixed‐model framework to test the power of ITD to predict interspecific variation in pollinator dry weight in interaction with different co‐variates: phylogeny or taxonomy, sexual dimorphism, and biogeographic region. In addition, we used ordinary least squares regression to assess intraspecific dry weight ~ ITD relationships for ten bees and five hoverfly species. Including co‐variates led to more robust interspecific body size predictions for both bees and hoverflies relative to models with the ITD alone. In contrast, at the intraspecific level, our results demonstrate that the ITD is an inconsistent predictor of body size for bees and hoverflies. The use of allometric scaling laws to estimate body size is more suitable for interspecific comparative analyses than assessing intraspecific variation. Collectively, these models form the basis of the dynamic R package, “pollimetry,” which provides a comprehensive resource for allometric pollination research worldwide.
Grasslands—more important for ecosystem services than you might think
Authors: Bengtsson J. , Bullock J. M. , Egoh B. , Everson C. , Everson T. , O'Connor T. , O'Farrell P. J. , Smith H. G. , Lindborg R.
Published: February 2019

Extensively managed grasslands are recognized globally for their high biodiversity and their social and cultural values. However, their capacity to deliver multiple ecosystem services (ES) as parts of agricultural systems is surprisingly understudied compared to other production systems. We undertook a comprehensive overview of ES provided by natural and semi‐natural grasslands, using southern Africa (SA) and northwest Europe as case studies, respectively. We show that these grasslands can supply additional non‐agricultural services, such as water supply and flow regulation, carbon storage, erosion control, climate mitigation, pollination, and cultural ES. While demand for ecosystems services seems to balance supply in natural grasslands of SA, the smaller areas of semi‐natural grasslands in Europe appear to not meet the demand for many services. We identified three bundles of related ES from grasslands: water ES including fodder production, cultural ES connected to livestock production, and population‐based regulating services (e.g., pollination and biological control), which also linked to biodiversity. Greenhouse gas emission mitigation seemed unrelated to the three bundles. The similarities among the bundles in SA and northwestern Europe suggest that there are generalities in ES relations among natural and semi‐natural grassland areas. We assessed trade‐offs and synergies among services in relation to management practices and found that although some trade‐offs are inevitable, appropriate management may create synergies and avoid trade‐offs among many services. We argue that ecosystem service and food security research and policy should give higher priority to how grasslands can be managed for fodder and meat production alongside other ES. By integrating grasslands into agricultural production systems and land‐use decisions locally and regionally, their potential to contribute to functional landscapes and to food security and sustainable livelihoods can be greatly enhanced.
Spatial patterns and estimates of global forest litterfall
Authors: Shen Guangrong , Chen Dongmei , Wu Yu , Liu Lu , Liu Chunjiang
Published: February 2019

The quantitative knowledge of global forest litterfall is very important for understanding the global biogeochemical cycle and evaluating of forest ecosystem services. Our aims are to show the spatio‐temporal patterns of forest litterfall and the variation in different forest types and climate zones in the world. We compiled the global forest litterfall dataset of 2347 total litterfall and 1507 leaf litterfall measurements by a survey of literature published. The total litterfall and leaf litterfall were estimated in 2000 and 2009, respectively, through raster and vector calculation based on remote sensing‐based global vegetation cover data. The total litterfall and leaf litterfall were 31.5 Pg and 22 Pg in 2000 and 26 Pg and 18 Pg in 2009, respectively. The spatial pattern of litterfall and leaf litterfall at global scale between 2000 and 2009 was generally similar. The largest fractions of forest litterfall were in evergreen broadleaved forests (37%), followed by needle‐leaved forests (25%), deciduous broadleaved forests (20%), and others (18%) in 2000. The order of the fractions for forest litterfall was the tropical (50%), boreal (24%), temperate (17%), and subtropical forests (9%) in 2000. The ratios of leaf litterfall to litterfall were 70% in 2000 and 72% in 2009. The variability of global litterfall was most explained by the actual evapotranspiration. The reduction in total litterfall and leaf litterfall between 2000 and 2009 was coupled with the decrease in forest areas. The GIS‐based geostatistics combining with the regression model represents a powerful approach for estimating the global spatial distribution, composition, and magnitude of litterfall.