bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aerobic catalytic systems inspired by copper amine oxidases
Authors: Largeron Martine
Published: March 2019

The goal of sustainable development has been accepted as a common policy in current society. In response to this challenge, the development of green processes which utilize environmentally benign oxidants, reduce chemical waste and handling costs, is highly desirable. Given the widespread importance of imines as pivotal synthetic intermediates and essential pharmacophores in numerous biologically active compounds, various catalytic methods allowing the aerobic oxidation of amines to imines have been developed. Recently, noticeable progress has arisen from the discovery of various quinone-based catalytic systems, inspired by copper amine oxidase enzymes (CuAOs), which are able to reproduce the selectivity of CuAOs for primary amines and even to expand the amine substrates scope. However, the need for synthesizing these catalysts prior use adversely affects the economics as well as the eco-friendly nature of the method. To surpass these drawbacks, the “second-order” biomimicry idea has been recently advanced to describe a system in which in situ modification of pre-catalyst components affords the active biomimetic catalyst. This minireview especially covers our recent contribution to the design of bioinspired quinone-based catalysts for the aerobic oxidation of amines to imines which has culminated in a dual bioinspired protocol as an example of “second-order” biomimicry.
Psychological factors can cause false pain classification on painDETECT
Authors: Tampin Brigitte , Royle Jane , Bharat Chrianna , Trevenen Michelle , Olsen Lisa , Goucke Roger
Published: March 2019

Background and aims

The painDETECT questionnaire (PD-Q) has been widely used as a screening tool for the identification of neuropathic pain (NeP) as well as a tool for the characterization of patients’ pain profile. In contrast to other NeP screening tools, the PD-Q is the only screening tool with weighted sensory descriptors. It is possible that responses to the PD-Q sensory descriptors are influenced by psychological factors, such as catastrophizing or anxiety, which potentially might contribute to an overall higher score of PD-Q and a false positive identification of NeP. This study aimed to explore (i) the relationship between psychological factors (catastrophizing, anxiety, depression and stress) and the total PD-Q score and (ii) if psychological factors are associated with false positive identifications of NeP on the PD-Q compared to clinically diagnosed NeP.

Methods

The study was a retrospective review of 1,101 patients attending an outpatient pain centre. Patients were asked to complete the PD-Q, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). For patients who were identified by PD-Q as having NeP, their medical records were reviewed to establish if they had a clinical diagnosis of NeP.

Results

Accounting for missing data, complete datasets of 652 patients (mean age 51 (SD14) years, range 18–88; 57% females) were available for analysis. Based on PD-Q scoring, NeP was likely present in 285 (44%) patients. Depression, anxiety, stress, catastrophizing, BPI pain and BPI interference were all significantly related to each other (p < 0.0001) and patients displaying these traits were significantly more likely to have a positive PD-Q score (p < 0.0001). For patients classified by PD-Q as having NeP, only 50% of patients had a clinical diagnosis of NeP. Anxiety was significantly associated with a false positive classification of NeP on PD-Q (p = 0.0036).

Conclusions

Our retrospective study showed that psychological factors including catastrophizing, depression, anxiety, and stress were all influential in producing a higher score on the PD-Q. We observed a high rate of false positive NeP classification which was associated with the presence of anxiety.

Implications

Clinicians and researchers should be aware that a patient’s psychological state may influence the responses to PD-Q and consequently the final PD-Q score and its NeP classification.
On the Interpretation of the Heat of Transport of Substitutional Impurities in Noble Metals
Authors: Heitkamp D
Published: March 2019

The heats of transport of several substitutional impurities (such as Sb, Sn, In, Ag, N i and Co) in copper and silver are discussed in terms of atomic quantities. They are considered as consisting of essentially two parts. The first one, the so-called intrinsic heat of transport, can be derived from the electrostatic potential generated by the impurity at the site of a normal lattice atom in excess over the potential of the host lattice. This interpretation is com patible with the therm­odynamic definition of the heat of transport. The calculations were carried out for fee lattices but, in principle, may be easily extended to other alloy structures. The second part, calculated by Gerl, is due to the electronic scattering potential of the impurities. From comparison of theore­tical and observed data of heats of transport one finds the agreement to be very good. This is taken to be an indication of the validity of the theoretical models used and of the vacancy mechanism as the dominating mass transport mechanism in these systems, not only in a uniform temperature field but also in a temperature gradient
Separative Fluodiffusion
Authors: Klemm A.
Published: March 2019

Earlier work on fluodiffusion is discussed. General phenomenological equations for fluodiffusion are given. It is shown that in a Poiseuille flow of a molecular mixture, separational fluodiffusion is expected to be much bigger in the direction of the flow than perpendicular to it. Experiments with liquid lithium are reported. They show a clear isotope effect, but it remains a question whether this effect is due to fluodiffusion or to an interaction of the lithium with the iron in which it was contained
Die Moleküle H2, He2 und LiH im v.d. Waals-Bereich
Authors: Kockel B. , Wirsam B.
Published: March 2019

Für möglichst einfach gewählte Zustandsfunktionen werden die Energie und die van der Waals-Konstante im Bereich großer Atomabstände bestimmt
Excimerenfluoreszenz von αNPO in flüssigem Methylmethacrylat und festem Polymethyl- methacrylat
Authors: Polacka B. , Szymkowiak H.
Published: March 2019

Die Konzentrationsabhängigkeit der Fluoreszenzspektren von 2-(1-Naphthyl)-5-phenyl-oxazol (aNPO) in flüssigem Methylmethacrylat (MMA) und festem Polymethylmethacry-lat (PMMA) wird untersucht und die relative Ausbeute der Excimerenfluoreszenz K sowie die Halbwertskonzentration ch für die Löschung der Monomerenfluoreszenz ermittelt. Letz­ tere erweisen sich als fast gleich in beiden Lösungsmitteln. Daraus ist auf Excimerenbildung auch in der festen Lösung zu schließen
A new one-dimensional Cd(II) coordination polymer with a two-dimensional supramolecular architecture: synthesis, structural characterization and fluorescence properties
Authors: Zhong Kai-Long , Song Wei , Ni Chao , Cao Guo-Qing
Published: March 2019

A new coordination polymer [Cd(C10H8N2)2 (C10H4O8)]
n
(C10H8N2 = 2,2′-bipyridine and C10H4O8 = 2,5-dicarboxybenzene-1,4-dicarboxylate) has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal structural analysis reveals that the CdII cation is coordinated by two 2,5-dicarboxybenzene-1,4-dicarboxylate ligands and two 2,2′-bipyridine molecules, forming a distorted octahedral CdN4O2 coordination geometry. The 2,5-dicarboxybenzene-1,4-dicarboxylate ligands link the CdII cations to generate a one-dimensional metal-organic structure running along the [0 1 0] direction. Adjacent chains are further connected by carboxyl-carboxyl O–H···O hydrogen bonds, resulting in a two-dimensional supermolecular architecture running parallel to the (1 0 0) plane in the solid state. The fluorescence properties of the complex were investigated.
Synthesis and Characterization of the Blast Furnace Cinder–Based Geopolymer-Solidified Pile Mud
Authors: Dong Yiqie , Zhou Min , Liang Anna , You Yiwen , Wang Zhongyi , Hou Haobo
Published: March 2019

For evaluating the effect of the blast furnace cinder–based geopolymer solidified pile mud, the relationship of the solidified blocks between the compressive strength and the n(silicon):n(aluminum) (n[Si]:n[Al]), n(sodium):n(aluminum) (n[Na]:n[Al]) and n(water):n(binder) are fitted using the Box–Behnken experimental design, and the optimal values of the solidified block are selected. The mineral compositions, microstructure, and pore structure are determined through X-ray analysis, micromorphology, and static equilibrium adsorption test, respectively. Based on these experiments, the following conclusions are presented. The response surface model can well evaluate the relationship between the compressive strength and multiple factors. The theoretical maximum strength of the block is 1.90 MPa when the n(Si):n(Al), n(Na):n(Al), and n(water):n(binder) are 2.873, 0.706, and 2.329, respectively. The compressive properties of the blocks meet the requirements of the China Standards JTG E30-2005, Test Method of Cement and Concrete for Highway Engineering. Zeolite A, kröhnkite, rankinite, sidorenkite, and berthierite are formed through geopolymerization. The dense lamellar particles have disappeared into the microstructure, and the amorphous substances are clearly observed. The isotherms of the pile mud and the solidified blocks belong to Category IV with an H3-type hysteresis loop. The absorbance and the specific surface area (SBET) of the specimen in optimal ratio are 14.24 g/cm3 and 2.314 m2/g, respectively. The total pore volume decreases by 67.19–77.08 %. In the process, Si–O–Si and Al–O–Si are broken down during hydration, and polymers such as Si–O–Na, Si–OH, Al(OH)4−, Al(OH)52−, and Al(OH)63− were formed.
Measuring the Static and Dynamic Elastic Modulus in Y-TZP Ceramic Applied to Dentistry
Authors: Kavashima Lieca Hassegawa , Neto Vicente Gerlin , Bastos Natalia Almeida , Fortulan Carlos Alberto , Borges Ana Flavia Sanches , Pintão Carlos Alberto Fonzar , Foschini Cesar Renato
Published: March 2019

Yttria tetragonal zirconia polycrystal in the form of presintered commercial blocks is used to manufacture dental prostheses through computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing technology. Although it presents appropriate mechanical properties, it may fail because of defects resulting from the forming, presintering, machining, or sintering processes. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the influence of the presintering process on the microhardness of presintered blocks and on the elastic modulus of sintered materials. Blocks were formed by means of uniaxial and isostatic pressing. Next, they were presintered at different temperatures and soaking times, besides being subjected to the Vickers microhardness and mechanical tests to evaluate their elastic modulus. Statistical analyses showed that the presintering time at 900°C had no effect on microhardness, although it was significant at 950°C. The postsintering elastic modulus ranged from 205.7 to 231.9 GPa, which is similar to the range recorded in the literature. The presintering process had no influence on the postsintering mechanical resistance results.
Characterization of Creep Degradation of Modified 9Cr-1Mo Steel Using Magnetic Measurement
Authors: Zhu Lin , Liu Xinbao , Fan Ping , Yang Changlin , Liu Jianqiu
Published: March 2019

Microstructure evolution during the creep of a modified 9Cr-1Mo heat-resistant steel was characterized by a nondestructive method of magnetic hysteresis loop (MHL) technique at 893 K (620°C). Two parameters of coercivity and remanence were introduced to evaluate the magnetic properties of interrupted crept specimens. Experimental results suggested that both the parameters were significantly sensitive to the microstructures, such as dislocations, precipitates, and microcracks. During the primary and secondary creep stage, the coercivity and remanence increased with creep time, which was mainly attributed to the increase in pinned dislocations and number density of precipitates. However, because of the coarsening of M23C6 carbides and presence of a demagnetizing field induced by the nonmagnetic precipitates and microcracks, the coercivity and remanence decreased during the tertiary creep stage. It suggested that the MHL technique has great potential to evaluate the microstructure evolution during creep degradation of heat-resistant steels.
Multimodal Integration and Vividness in the Angular Gyrus During Episodic Encoding and Retrieval
Authors: Tibon Roni , Fuhrmann Delia , Levy Daniel A. , Simons Jon S. , Henson Richard N.
Published: March 2019

Much evidence suggests that the angular gyrus (AnG) is involved in episodic memory, but its precise role has yet to be determined. We examined two possible accounts within the same experimental paradigm: the “cortical binding of relational activity” (CoBRA) account (Shimamura, 2011), which suggests that the AnG acts as a convergence zone that binds multimodal episodic features, and the subjectivity account (Yazar et al., 2012), which implicates AnG involvement in subjective mnemonic experience (such as vividness or confidence). fMRI was used during both encoding and retrieval of paired associates. During study, female and male human participants memorized picture-pairs of common objects (in the unimodal task) or of an object-picture and an environmental sound (in the crossmodal task). At test, they performed a cued-recall task and further indicated the vividness of their memory. During retrieval, BOLD activation in the AnG was greatest for vividly remembered associates, consistent with the subjectivity account. During encoding, the same effect of vividness was found, but this was further modulated by task: greater activations were associated with subsequent recall in the crossmodal than the unimodal task. Therefore, encoding data suggest an additional role to the AnG in crossmodal integration, consistent with its role at retrieval proposed by CoBRA. These results resolve some of the puzzles in the literature and indicate that the AnG can play different roles during encoding and retrieval as determined by the cognitive demands posed by different mnemonic tasks.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe offer new insights into the multiplicity of processes that are associated with angular gyrus (AnG) activation during encoding and retrieval of newly formed memories. We used fMRI while human participants learned and subsequently recalled pairs of objects presented to the same sensory modality or to different modalities. We were able to show that the AnG is involved when vivid memories are created and retrieved, as well as when encoded information is integrated across different sensory modalities. These findings provide novel evidence for the contribution of the AnG to our subjective experience of remembering alongside its role in integrative processes that promote subsequent memory.
The Hemispheric Distribution of α-Band EEG Activity During Orienting of Attention in Patients with Reduced Awareness of the Left Side of Space (Spatial Neglect)
Authors: Lasaponara Stefano , Pinto Mario , Aiello Marilena , Tomaiuolo Francesco , Doricchi Fabrizio
Published: March 2019

EEG studies in healthy humans have highlighted that alpha-band activity is relatively reduced over the occipital–parietal areas of the hemisphere contralateral to the direction of spatial attention. Here, we investigated the hemispheric distribution of alpha during orienting of attention in male and female right brain-damaged patients with left spatial neglect. Temporal spectral evolution showed that in patients with neglect alpha oscillations over the damaged hemisphere were pathologically enhanced both during the baseline-fixation period that preceded cued orienting (capturing tonic alpha changes) and during orienting with leftward, rightward, or neutral-bilateral spatial cues (reflecting phasic alpha changes). Patients without neglect showed a similar though significantly less enhanced hemispheric asymmetry. Healthy control subjects displayed a conventional decrease of alpha activity over the hemisphere contralateral to the direction of orienting. In right-brain-damaged patients, neglect severity in the line bisection task was significantly correlated both with tonic alpha asymmetry during the baseline period and with phasic asymmetries during orienting of attention with neutral-bilateral and leftward cues. Asymmetries with neutral-bilateral and leftward cues were correlated with lesion of white matter tracts linking frontal with parietal–occipital areas. These findings show that disruption of rostrocaudal white matter connectivity in the right hemisphere interferes with the maintenance of optimal baseline tonic levels of alpha and the phasic modulation of alpha activity during shifts of attention. The hemispheric distribution of alpha activity can be used as a diagnostic tool for acquired pathological biases of spatial attention due to unilateral brain damage.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAlpha desynchronization over the hemisphere contralateral to the attended side of space is a reliable marker of attentional orienting in the healthy human brain: can the same marker be used to spot and quantify acquired disturbances of spatial attention after unilateral brain injuries? Are pathological modifications in the hemispheric distribution of alpha specifically linked to attentional neglect for one side of space? We show that in patients with right brain damage the pathological enhancement of alpha oscillations over the parietal and occipital areas of the injured hemisphere is correlated with reduced awareness for the left side of space and with the lesion of white matter pathways that subserve frontal modulation of alpha activity in posterior brain areas.
The Neural Dynamics of Novel Scene Imagery
Authors: Barry Daniel N. , Barnes Gareth R. , Clark Ian A. , Maguire Eleanor A.
Published: March 2019

Retrieval of long-term episodic memories is characterized by synchronized neural activity between hippocampus and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), with additional evidence that vmPFC activity leads that of the hippocampus. It has been proposed that the mental generation of scene imagery is a crucial component of episodic memory processing. If this is the case, then a comparable interaction between the two brain regions should exist during the construction of novel scene imagery. To address this question, we leveraged the high temporal resolution of MEG to investigate the construction of novel mental imagery. We tasked male and female humans with imagining scenes and single isolated objects in response to one-word cues. We performed source-level power, coherence, and causality analyses to characterize the underlying interregional interactions. Both scene and object imagination resulted in theta power changes in the anterior hippocampus. However, higher theta coherence was observed between the hippocampus and vmPFC in the scene compared with the object condition. This interregional theta coherence also predicted whether imagined scenes were subsequently remembered. Dynamic causal modeling of this interaction revealed that vmPFC drove activity in hippocampus during novel scene construction. Additionally, theta power changes in the vmPFC preceded those observed in the hippocampus. These results constitute the first evidence in humans that episodic memory retrieval and scene imagination rely on similar vmPFC–hippocampus neural dynamics. Furthermore, they provide support for theories emphasizing similarities between both cognitive processes and perspectives that propose the vmPFC guides the construction of context-relevant representations in the hippocampus.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTEpisodic memory retrieval is characterized by a dialog between hippocampus and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). It has been proposed that the mental generation of scene imagery is a crucial component of episodic memory processing. An ensuing prediction would be of a comparable interaction between the two brain regions during the construction of novel scene imagery. Here, we leveraged the high temporal resolution of MEG and combined it with a scene imagination task. We found that a hippocampal–vmPFC dialog existed and that it took the form of vmPFC driving the hippocampus. We conclude that episodic memory and scene imagination share fundamental neural dynamics and the process of constructing vivid, spatially coherent, contextually appropriate scene imagery is strongly modulated by vmPFC.
Corticolimbic Mechanisms of Behavioral Inhibition under Threat of Punishment
Authors: Verharen Jeroen P.H. , van den Heuvel Mauri W. , Luijendijk Mieneke , Vanderschuren Louk J.M.J. , Adan Roger A.H.
Published: March 2019

Being able to limit the pursuit of reward to prevent negative consequences is an important expression of behavioral inhibition. Everyday examples of an inability to exert such control over behavior are the overconsumption of food and drugs of abuse, which are important factors in the development of obesity and addiction, respectively. Here, we use a behavioral task that assesses the ability of male rats to exert behavioral restraint at the mere sight of palatable food during the presentation of an audiovisual threat cue to investigate the corticolimbic underpinnings of behavioral inhibition. We demonstrate a prominent role for the medial prefrontal cortex in the exertion of control over behavior under threat of punishment. Moreover, task engagement relies on function of the ventral striatum, whereas the basolateral amygdala mediates processing of the threat cue. Together, these data show that inhibition of reward pursuit requires the coordinated action of a network of corticolimbic structures.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThere is a need for translational models that allow to dissect mechanisms underlying the processes involved in controlling behavior. In this study, we present a novel behavioral task that assesses the ability of rats to exert behavioral restraint over the consumption of a visually present sucrose pellet during the presentation of an audiovisual threat cue. This task requires relatively little behavioral training and it discerns distinct behavioral impairments, including a failure to retrieve stimulus value, a reduced task engagement, and compromised inhibition of behavior. Using pharmacological inactivations of different regions of the corticolimbic system of the rat, we demonstrate dissociable roles for the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and striatum in inhibition of reward pursuit under threat of punishment.
La calidad de la democracia en Honduras, 2014-2018: sistema político, sociedad civil e instituciones en perspectiva
Authors: Joo Carlos Ugo Santander , Avila Carlos Federico Domínguez
Published: March 2019

El artículo explora la evolución reciente, las disputas y prospectivas del régimen democrático existente en Honduras. Se parte de la propuesta teórico-metodológica sustentada por Leonardo Morlino para el estudio de la calidad de la democracia. Ese modelo analítico se desdobla en ocho dimensiones: la participación política, la competencia política, la rendición de cuentas electoral, la rendición de cuentas interinstitucional, el Estado de Derecho, la Responsividad, las libertades, y la solidaridad/ igualdad. El artículo toma en consideración las investigaciones previas de ambos autores en la temática. Así, el texto discute las principales limitaciones y las políticas públicas necesarias para mejorar la calidad de la democracia existente en el país.*** A qualidade da democracia em Honduras, 2014-2018: sistema político, sociedade civil e instituições em perspectiva ***O artigo explora a evolução recente, as disputas e prospectivas do regime democrático existente em Honduras. Parte-se da proposta teórico-metodológica sustentada pelo cientista político Leonardo Morlino para o estudo da qualidade da democracia. Esse modelo analítico se desdobra em oito dimensões: a participação política, a competência política, a prestação de contas eleitoral, a prestação de contas interinstitucional, o Estado de Direito, a Responsividade, as liberdades e a solidariedade/ igualdade. O artigo toma em consideração as pesquisas prévias de ambos os autores na temática. Assim, discute as principais limitações e as políticas públicas necessárias para melhorar a qualidade da democracia existente no país.Palavras-chave: Honduras. Democracia. Sistema Político. Cidadania. Direitos Humanos.
Más allá de organizaciones históricas, las figuras emblemáticas y las prácticas reconocidas. Elementos para repensar al movimiento de derechos humanos en la Argentina
Authors: Crenzel Emílio
Published: March 2019

La Argentina se destaca, desde el retorno a la democracia en 1983, por la presencia de los derechos humanos en su cultura política. En estas páginas analizaré el papel desempeñado en ese proceso por el movimiento de derechos humanos. Propongo pensar a este movimiento más allá de sus organizaciones históricas, sus figuras emblemáticas y sus prácticas reconocidas incorporando el examen de iniciativas que, desenvueltas por actores no encuadrados en estas organizaciones, contribuyeron a la verdad, la justicia y la memoria respecto de los crímenes de Estado y, con ello, al estatus alcanzado por los derechos humanos en la cultura política del país. *** Além de organizações históricas, figuras emblemáticas e práticas reconhecidas. Elementos para repensar o movimento pelos direitos humanos na Argentina ***A Argentina se destaca, a partir do retorno à democracia em 1983, pela presença dos direitos humanos em sua cultura política. Nestas páginas vou analisar o papel desempenhado nesse processo pelo movimento dos direitos humanos. Proponho pensar nesse movimento para além de suas organizações históricas, figuras emblemáticas e práticas reconhecidas incorporando o exame de iniciativas que, desenvolvidas por atores não enquadrados nessas organizações, contribuíram para a verdade, justiça e memória em relação aos crimes de Estado e, com isso, o status alcançado pelos direitos humanos na cultura política do País.Palavras-chave: Argentina. Movimento dos direitos humanos. Cultura política.
Histórias de violações dos direitos humanos na Era Pinochet: sequestros, desaparecimentos forçados e autoritarismo
Authors: Lanna Barreto Anna Flavia Arruda , De Oliveira Natália Silva Teixeira Rodrigues
Published: March 2019

Este artigo se trata de uma pesquisa sobre violações dos direitos humanos demulheres e crianças desaparecidas, sequestradas, presas e torturadas durante a ditadura chilena, registradas no Fundo Clamor, do Centro de Documentação e Informação Científica (CEDIC), localizado na Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo/SP, e nos Arquivos do Terror, localizados no Centro de Documentação e Arquivo para a Defesa dos Direitos Humanos (CDyA) do Supremo Tribunal de Justiça do Paraguai, durante os anos de 1973 a 1990. A metodologia adotada foi a pesquisa documental analítica e descritiva. Dos acervos analisados, foram selecionados registros cujas informações remetiam à prisão, sequestro e tortura de militantes grávidas e de crianças detidas. Ao término da pesquisa, constatou-se que os Arquivos do Terror e do Fundo Clamor contribuem para o resgate da memória histórica do período ditatorial chileno, como também para o conhecimento do envolvimento das autoridades militares brasileiras na ação conjunta realizada com os países do Cone Sul no processo de prisão, sequestro, tortura e desaparecimento de centenas de militantes políticos e seus familiares, violando os direitos humanos e democráticos desses cidadãos.
Ignitability small attack flame fire test of gypsum composite reinforced with natural fibres
Authors: Teslík Jiří , Hošťálková Markéta , Vavřínová Nikola
Published: March 2019

Ignitability is one of the parameters that characterize the behaviour of building materials on flame action. The Ignitability Small Attack Flame fire test is used for the classification of building products by their reaction to fire. On the basis of the Ignitability fire test it can be determined that the tested material will be classified into the class E by reaction to fire. The Ignitability Small Attack Flame fire test precede the Single Burning Item fire test, that is used for classification of building products to class D, C, B, A2. The results of the Ignitability fire test were carried out as part of the research on the properties of gypsum composite with natural fiber reinforcement. As part of the research series of ignitability tests on two types of gypsum composite were carried out. The first type was a gypsum composite reinforced with straw fibres. The second type was composite reinforced with wooden fibres. Developed composite materials could be used in the future as board materials and therefore the determination of their fire parameters is a very important part of research. The results of the fire tests have shown that the developed material has a very good flame resistance.
First record of Vallonia costata (O. F. Müller, 1774) (Gastropoda, Eupulmonata, Valloniidae) from British Columbia, Canada, confirmed by partial-COI gene sequence
Authors: Nicolai Annegret , Forsyth Robert G.
Published: March 2019

The minute terrestrial snail Vallonia costata (O. F. Müller, 1774) is reported for the first time from the province of British Columbia, Canada. The identification was based on shell morphology and confirmed by COI gene data. This species is presumed to be introduced to the province.
NONSTANDARD FINITE DIFFERENCE SCHEMES FOR SOLVING A MODIFIED EPIDEMIOLOGICAL MODEL FOR COMPUTER VIRUSES
Authors: Hoang Tuan Manh , Dang A Quang , Dang Long Quang
Published: March 2019

In this paper we construct two families of nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) schemes preserving the essential properties of a computer virus propagation model, such as positivity, boundedness and stability. The first family of NSFD schemes is constructed based on the nonlocal discretization and has first order of accuracy, while the second one is based on the combination of a classical Runge-Kutta method and selection of a nonstandard denominator function and it is of fourth order of accuracy. The theoretical study of these families of NSFD schemes is performed with support of numerical simulations. The numerical simulations confirm the accuracy and the efficiency of the fourth order NSFD schemes. They hint that the disease-free equilibrium point is not only locally stable but also globally stable, and then this fact is proved theoretically. The experimental results also show that the global stability of the continuous model is preserved.
VLSP SHARED TASK: SENTIMENT ANALYSIS
Authors: Nguyen Huyen T M , Nguyen Hung V , Ngo Quyen T , Vu Luong X , Tran Vu Mai , Ngo Bach X , Le Cuong A
Published: March 2019

Sentiment analysis is a natural language processing (NLP) task of identifying orextracting the sentiment content of a text unit. This task has become an active research topic since the early 2000s. During the two last editions of the VLSP workshop series, the shared task on Sentiment Analysis (SA) for Vietnamese has been organized in order to provide an objective evaluation measurement about the performance (quality) of sentiment analysis tools, and encouragethe development of Vietnamese sentiment analysis systems, as well as to provide benchmark datasets for this task. The rst campaign in 2016 only focused on the sentiment polarity classication, with a dataset containing reviews of electronic products. The second campaign in 2018 addressed the problem of Aspect Based Sentiment Analysis (ABSA) for Vietnamese, by providing two datasets containing reviews in restaurant and hotel domains. These data are accessible for research purpose via the VLSP website vlsp.org.vn/resources. This paper describes the built datasets as well as the evaluation results of the systems participating to these campaigns.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal and Dark Septate Endophyte Fungal Association in Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Varieties, Southern India
Authors: MUTHURAJA Raji , MUTHUKUMAR Thangavelu
Published: March 2019

The study examined the root characteristics, type of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and dark septate endophyte (DSE) fungal associations and their extent of colonization in 13 widely cultivated cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties in southern India. Root and associated soil samples of each cassava variety were collected from Salem and Kolli Hills of the Eastern Ghats in south India. In addition, we also investigated the relationship between the extent of colonization of AM, DSE fungal and AM fungal spore communities and soil characteristics for each cassava variety. Roots of all the cassava varieties were colonized by AM fungi and 12 varieties had co-colonization of DSE fungi. The AM morphology in all the cassava varieties was of an intermediate type with intercellular and intracellular linear hyphae and arbusculate coils. In addition, we found high AM colonization rates (73-89%) but only moderate rates by DSE (22-68%) fungi. We also found 17 AM fungal spore morphotypes and their abundance varied significantly among cassava varieties. In addition, different physicochemical properties of soils may possibly increase AMF diversity, while different varieties of cassava are commonly associated with differing levels of AM and DSE fungi colonization with soil factors potentially influencing the symbiosis.
Attitudes and Barriers to Research Among Oncology Trainees in East Africa
Authors: Rubagumya Fidel , Nyagabona Sarah K. , Msami Khadija H. , Manirakiza Achille , Longombe Ahuka N. , Maniragaba Theoneste , Chan Hilary , Paciorek Alan , Zhang Li , Balandya Emmanuel , Germana Leyna H. , Mmbaga Elia J. , Dharsee Nazima , Van Loon Katherine
Published: March 2019

Background

East Africa is one of the fastest growing regions in the world and faces a rising burden of cancer; however, few people are equipped to effectively conduct research in this area.

Materials and Methods

A 31-item questionnaire was distributed to current trainees and recent graduates of the Master in Medicine in Clinical Oncology Program at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences in Tanzania. Areas that were assessed included (a) demographic information, (b) prior research training, (c) prior and current research activities, (d) attitudes toward the importance of research, and (e) supports and barriers to inclusion of research in an oncology career path.

Results

A total of 30 individuals responded to the survey, of whom 53% (n = 16) were male and 70% (n = 21) identified as current trainees. Among the majority of respondents, attitudes toward research were strongly favorable. Although only 37% (n = 11) reported receiving any formal training in research methodology, 87% (n = 26) reported intentions to incorporate research into their careers. The absence of protected time for research and lack of access to research funding opportunities were identified by a majority of respondents as critical barriers.

Conclusion

A majority of current or recent oncology trainees in Tanzania desire to incorporate research into their careers, but most also lack adequate training in research methodology and longitudinal mentorship. Our future collaboration will focus on creation of appropriate research training curriculums and fostering an environment that catalyzes interprofessional development and transforms and extends context-specific cancer research in East Africa.

Implications for Practice

Current and recent oncology trainees in East Africa expressed a high enthusiasm for research, driven by a sense of urgency related to the burden from cancer that the region faces. This highlights the need for cancer research training and mentorship in this setting. This work hypothesizes that African principal investigators can operate effectively if proper attention is given to selection and provision of high-quality foundational didactic training to learn the theory and implementation of research as well as to the development of an environment conducive to mentoring.
Fabrication of uniform monolayers of graphene oxide on solid surfaces
Authors: Zvyagina Alexandra I , Gusarova Elizaveta A , Baranchikov Alexander E , Averin Alexey A , Ezhov Alexander A , Kalinina Maria A
Published: March 2019

‘Soft matter’ strategies for the formation of thin films of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced GO may offer an alternative to the expensive vacuum deposition methods in fabricating solid-supported two-dimensional (2D) carbons (C). Herein, the authors describe a new method that exploits the transfer of GO monolayers from the oil/water interface onto various solids. By using a combination of spectroscopy, microscopy and contact angle method, the authors studied the effects of experimental parameters, such as the concentration of the GO dispersion, temperature and the chemistry of the solvent, on the lateral organization of the deposited GO monolayers. Temperature and concentration were shown to be the factors that control the smoothness and packing density of GO deposited on solids. The authors also demonstrate that the degree of reduction of GO by microwave heating correlates with the change in the surface energy of these films, which can be used to control the efficiency of the process. A two-step procedure comprising subsequent reduction and deposition of the monolayers was developed for fabrication of perfectly flat, densely packed arrangements. The authors believe that the results might be useful for the advancement of the colloidal approaches to new 2D carbon-based nanomaterials associated with various applications of thin films.
Contact angles: history of over 200 years of open questions
Authors: Drelich Jaroslaw W , Boinovich Ludmila , Chibowski Emil , Della Volpe Claudio , Hołysz Lucyna , Marmur Abraham , Siboni Stefano
Published: March 2019

The contact angle is one of the most sensitive experimental values describing a junction between three phases, being influenced by the composition and properties of contacting media as well as the structure and composition of interfaces involved. The origins and importance of the contact angle in analysis of three-phase systems date back to the famous works on cohesion and adhesion of fluids published by Thomas Young in 1805 and later by Athanase Dupré in 1869. Since then, the contact angle has remained one of the most important values measured experimentally during characterization of solids and their wetting characteristics. Such measurements, however, involve solid surfaces that deviate from the idealized ones used in thermodynamic and mechanical modeling of three-phase junctions by Young, Dupré and others, and there is typically more than one value of contact angle measured on such surfaces. As a result, the attention of scientists and researchers in the past two centuries has been on development of methods for accurate contact angle measurements, interpretation of experimental values and understanding of the causes of contact angle value variation and contact angle hysteresis. This paper reviews advancements made in interpretation of experimental contact angles and their use in characterization of solid surfaces.
Protein Phosphatase 1 Inhibitor–1 Mediates the cAMP-Dependent Stimulation of the Renal NaCl Cotransporter
Authors: Penton David , Moser Sandra , Wengi Agnieszka , Czogalla Jan , Rosenbaek Lena Lindtoft , Rigendinger Fritz , Faresse Nourdine , Martins Joana R. , Fenton Robert A. , Loffing-Cueni Dominique , Loffing Johannes
Published: March 2019

Significance Statement

Stimuli that elevate cAMP, including β-adrenergic agonists and parathyroid hormone, increase phosphorylation (and hence activity) of the thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter (NCC) in the distal convoluted tubule. The protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) modulates NCC phosphorylation, but its role and the mechanism regulating its function are obscure. The authors used in vitro and ex vivo approaches to demonstrate that a PP1 inhibitor, protein phosphatase 1 inhibitor–1 (I1), mediates the effects of cAMP-elevating hormones on NCC. They propose a novel signaling pathway in which protein kinase A–dependent phosphorylation of I1 inhibits the PP1-dependent dephosphorylation of NCC. Given NCC’s critical role in renal control of ion homeostasis and BP, this pathway may contribute to the physiologic regulation of NCC and the development of arterial hypertension in the context of abnormal hormonal stimulation.

Background

A number of cAMP-elevating hormones stimulate phosphorylation (and hence activity) of the NaCl cotransporter (NCC) in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT). Evidence suggests that protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and other protein phosphatases modulate NCC phosphorylation, but little is known about PP1’s role and the mechanism regulating its function in the DCT.

Methods

We used ex vivo mouse kidney preparations to test whether a DCT-enriched inhibitor of PP1, protein phosphatase 1 inhibitor–1 (I1), mediates cAMP’s effects on NCC, and conducted yeast two-hybrid and coimmunoprecipitation experiments in NCC-expressing MDCK cells to explore protein interactions.

Results

Treating isolated DCTs with forskolin and IBMX increased NCC phosphorylation via a protein kinase A (PKA)–dependent pathway. Ex vivo incubation of mouse kidney slices with isoproterenol, norepinephrine, and parathyroid hormone similarly increased NCC phosphorylation. The cAMP-induced stimulation of NCC phosphorylation strongly correlated with the phosphorylation of I1 at its PKA consensus phosphorylation site (a threonine residue in position 35). We also found an interaction between NCC and the I1-target PP1. Moreover, PP1 dephosphorylated NCC in vitro, and the PP1 inhibitor calyculin A increased NCC phosphorylation. Studies in kidney slices and isolated perfused kidneys of control and I1-KO mice demonstrated that I1 participates in the cAMP-induced stimulation of NCC.

Conclusions

Our data suggest a complete signal transduction pathway by which cAMP increases NCC phosphorylation via a PKA-dependent phosphorylation of I1 and subsequent inhibition of PP1. This pathway might be relevant for the physiologic regulation of renal sodium handling by cAMP-elevating hormones, and may contribute to salt-sensitive hypertension in patients with endocrine disorders or sympathetic hyperactivity.
Home- Grown Foreign Language Anxiety: Experiences Of Welsh University Students Studying Through the Medium of English
Authors: Parfett Holly , Morgan-Jones Myfanwy , University Maxwell Hartt Cardiff
Published: March 2019

University students studying in a language other than their first face significant barriers that can detrimentally impact their wellbeing and academic performance. The relationship between language, confidence and performance has been examined in a wide range of national and cultural
contexts. However, little research has focused on the experience of Welsh- medium educated students studying in English at the university level. The goal of our study was to compare how Welsh students who completed their primary and secondary education in Welsh perceived their undergraduate
university experience to those who completed their formative schooling in English. Using online and in-person questionnaires, we surveyed 125 Welsh undergraduate students studying at a Welsh university on their academic background, and three core areas of their university experience: attendance,
contribution and satisfaction. Results indicate that course attendance and grade satisfaction are not statistically significantly associated with language. However, there was a statistically significant relationship between language of secondary education and student's contribution to lectures
and seminars. Students educated primarily in Welsh were less likely to contribute to discussions than their first language English counterparts – a common outcome of foreign language anxiety. Although this lack of comfort and confidence did not appear to impact grade satisfaction, it
may be related to, and lead to, further barriers and challenges regarding mental health, academic performance, and post-graduation
Introducing the Distributional Financial Accounts of the United States
Authors: Bricker Jesse , Sommer Kamila , Batty Michael , Briggs Joseph , Holmquist Elizabeth , McIntosh Susan , Moore Kevin , Nielsen Eric , Reber Sarah , Shatto Molly , Sweeney Tom , Volz Alice Henriques
Published: March 2019

This paper describes the construction of the Distributional Financial Accounts (DFAs), a new dataset containing quarterly estimates of the distribution of U.S. household wealth since 1989, and provides the first look at the resulting data. The DFAs build on two existing Federal Reserve Board statistical products --- quarterly aggregate measures of household wealth from the Financial Accounts of the United States and triennial wealth distribution measures from the Survey of Consumer Finances --- to incorporate distributional information into a national accounting framework. The DFAs complement other existing sources of data on the wealth distribution by using a more comprehensive measure of household wealth and by providing quarterly data on a timely basis. We encourage policymakers, researchers, and other interested parties to use the DFAs to help understand issues related to the distribution of U.S. household wealth.
Caminos de liberación ante el bicentenario
Authors: Guerra Bravo Samuel
Published: March 2019

El trabajo que aquí se presenta plantea la necesidad de que la filosofía piense las condiciones de posibilidad de la liberación latinoamericana doscientos años después de las gestas independentistas del primer cuarto del siglo XIX. Para ello debe tener en cuenta tanto las determinaciones estructurales del sistema capitalista neo-liberal, como la tradición del pensamiento emancipador latinoamericano que viene desde Bartolomé de Las Casas. Actualmente se ven posibilidades de ‘liberación’ en nuestra re-constitución como sujetos, que su peraría la condición de ‘objetos a la mano’ o ‘valor de cambio’ que nos asigna la ‘colonialidad del ser, del poder y del saber’. Tal proceso de subjetivación conlleva una re-constitución ontológica, antropológica, epistemológica, ética y política y se considera que este es el camino correcto hacia nosotros mismos, hacia nuestra dignidad de seres humanos, pensantes, libres y ciudadanos. Se concluye que esta tarea re-constitutiva constituye un paso necesario para la anhelada ‘segunda independencia’.
La libertad: ¿ideal posible o instrumento de dominio?
Authors: Bolaños Robert
Published: March 2019

La libertad: ¿ideal posible o instrumento de dominio?
Jóvenes, filosofía y política
Authors: Ramos Segovia Mario Eduardo
Published: March 2019

Jóvenes, filosofía y política
Squalene Quantification using Nile Red Staining (M4455 Version) v1
Authors: ST Triesch Sebastian
Published: March 2019

This protocol is under development and for teaching purposes only! Nile Red is a fluorescent dye that stains selectively hydrophobic substances. We assume that squalene accumulates in the cell membrane or in lipid vesicles where it can be stained by the dye.