bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Unknown: The Autonomy of Saudi EFL Learners
Authors: Alrabai Fakieh
Published: April 2017

This study addresses a new area of research in Saudi Arabia. Using a sample of 630 Saudi students, it investigates learners’ level of autonomy and its relationship to academic achievement in English as a foreign language (EFL). Learners’ level of autonomy was measured by a survey, whereas their achievement was evaluated using standardized achievement tests. The data were analyzed using descriptive analyses and a t-test. The findings revealed that learners were non-autonomous, with a mean autonomy score of 2.35 out of 5; and also low language achievers (M = 66 out of 100). Gender had a significant effect on autonomy and achievement. These findings emphasize the vast lack of awareness of the vital role of learner autonomy in the Saudi EFL setting. The study suggests that Saudi learners and teachers alike require increased awareness of the importance of the concept of autonomy and that practical means to promote Saudi EFL learner autonomy should be sought and practiced.
Identification and Quantification of Fructoborate Ester Complex Using Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Q Exactive Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Xia Xiaoyan , Chang James S. , Hunter John M. , Nemzer Boris V.
Published: April 2017

The identification of fructoborate complex in food matrices using liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry was investigated in this study. The LC/MS method was established by optimization of mobile phases and direct infusion of FruiteX-B® brand calcium fructoborate (CaFB) solution to Q Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometer to obtain MS operation parameters. The precursor ion m/z 367.10522 was dissociated further for conformation analysis of fructoborate complex. The method was applied to identify and quantify fructoborate in freeze dried apricot fruit and raisins. It was found that fructose-11B-fructose di-ester complex was present in these fruits. The results were further verified by multinuclear solid and liquid states NMR spectroscopy analysis.
Changing the Impact of Nursing Assistants’ Education in Seniors’ Care: the Living Classroom in Long-Term Care
Authors: Boscart Veronique M. , D'Avernas Josie , Brown Paul , Raasok Marlene
Published: April 2017

BackgroundEvidence-informed care to support seniors is based on strong knowledge and skills of nursing assistants (NAs). Currently, there are insufficient NAs in the workforce, and new graduates are not always attracted to nursing home (NH) sectors because of limited exposure and lack of confidence. Innovative collaborative approaches are required to prepare NAs to care for seniors.MethodsA 2009 collaboration between a NH group and a community college resulted in the Living Classroom (LC), a collaborative approach to integrated learning where NA students, college faculty, NH teams, residents, and families engage in a culture of learning. This approach situates the learner within the NH where knowledge, team dynamics, relationships, behaviours, and inter-professional (IP) practice are modelled.ResultsAs of today, over 300 NA students have successfully completed this program. NA students indicate high satisfaction with the LC and have an increased intention to seek employment in NHs. Faculty, NH teams, residents, and families have increased positive beliefs towards educating students in a NH.ConclusionThe LC is an effective learning approach with a positive and high impact learning experience for all. The LC is instrumental in contributing to a capable workforce caring for seniors.
A Scoping Review of Frailty and Acute Care in Middle-Aged and Older Individuals with Recommendations for Future Research
Authors: Hogan David B. , Maxwell Colleen J. , Afilalo Jonathan , Arora Rakesh C. , Bagshaw Sean M. , Basran Jenny , Bergman Howard , Bronskill Susan E. , Carter Caitlin A. , Dixon Elijah , Hemmelgarn Brenda , Madden Kenneth , Mitnitski Arnold , Rolfson Darryl , Stelfox Henry T. , Tam-Tham Helen , Wunsch Hannah
Published: April 2017

There is general agreement that frailty is a state of heightened vulnerability to stressors arising from impairments in multiple systems leading to declines in homeostatic reserve and resiliency, but unresolved issues persist about its detection, underlying pathophysiology, and relationship with aging, disability, and multimorbidity. A particularly challenging area is the relationship between frailty and hospitalization. Based on the deliberations of a 2014 Canadian expert consultation meeting and a scoping review of the relevant literature between 2005 and 2015, this discussion paper presents a review of the current state of knowledge on frailty in the acute care setting, including its prevalence and ability to both predict the occurrence and outcomes of hospitalization. The examination of the available evidence highlighted a number of specific clinical and research topics requiring additional study. We conclude with a series of consensus recommendations regarding future research priorities in this important area.
Conscious and unconscious emotions in alexithymics and repressors
Authors: Hadzhieva Tsvetelina Slavchova
Published: April 2017

In this article, the nature, evolution and characteristics of conscious and unconscious emotions which determine the internal regulation of behavior are traced. Definitions of the nature of emotions and feelings of other authors are presented, and studies which reflect the cognitive relationship of emotional processes are cited. A classification of two different personality types has been considered (alexithymic and repressor), who differently express their emotions, because of their cognitive peculiarities. The main idea of ​​the article is based on tracing the specifics of emotional expression and intensity.
The effects of doodling on recall ability
Authors: Boggs Jason Bruce , Cohen Jillian Lane , Marchand Gwen C.
Published: April 2017

Previous research has documented a positive effect of doodling on individuals’ ability to recall information. However, previous research is limited to structured doodling tasks, such as shading in basic shapes. The present study extends the extant research, and increases the external validity of the previous findings, by considering the effects of multiple forms of doodling on recall. In this experimental study, ninety-three undergraduate participants were randomly assigned to one of 4 conditions (control, structured doodling, unstructured doodling, or note-taking). Participants listened to a fictional dialogue between 2 friends discussing a recent earthquake and then completed a fill-in the blank quiz to test their recall of the conversational information. The results indicated that participants in the unstructured doodling condition performed significantly worse than those in the structured doodling and note-taking condition.
Mindfulness: Age and gender differences on a Bosnian sample
Authors: Alispahic Sabina , Hasanbegovic-Anic Enedina
Published: April 2017

The goal of this research was to examine age and gender differences in mindfulness on Bosnian general population. The study was conducted on a sample of 441 participants from the general population, from twelve cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a measure of mindfulness we used Five Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire. Results showed that older participants’ scores were higher than for younger participants for all aspects of mindfulness. There was found a statistically significant difference between the three age groups on the subscales of Acting with awareness F(2, 435) = 7.39, p < .01 and of Non-judging of inner experience F(2, 428) = 5.67, p < .01. We found statistically significant difference for the Acting with awareness between 20-32 age group (M = 28.57, SD = 5.66) and 33-49 age group (M = 31.01, SD = 5.00, t(292) = -3.91, p < .001), and between 20-32 age group and 50+ group (M = 30.14, SD = 5,86, t(290) = -2.32, p < .05). Also, there was a significant difference for the Non-judging between 20-32 age group (M = 24.77, SD = 5.80) and 33-49 age group (M = 26.65, SD = 5.09, t(288) = -2.94, p < .01), and between 20-32 age group and 50+ group (M = 26.49, SD = 4.90, t(287) = -2,71, p < .05). According to the t-test results, there was statistically significant gender difference between the subscales Observing (t(432) = -2.259, p < .05) and Acting with awareness (t(432) = 2.197, p < .05), women scored higher than men on the subscale Observing, while men exhibited higher scores on the subscale Acting with awareness. Results of this research showed that there were found significant age and gender differences for some aspects of mindfulness in the sample of Bosnian general population.
Work values of Lithuanian university students: Internal structure
Authors: Lamanauskas Vincentas , Augienė Dalia
Published: April 2017

Individual’s work values define his/her career purposefulness. Individual’s chosen work values allow foreseeing what activity context and career model is important for him/her, seeking to successfully realize oneself in professional activity. Planning his/her professional career an individual is searching for the activity sphere, which could conform not only to his/her personal features, but also to his/her value orientations. Work values important for the individual allow realizing if they form conditions for planning modern career (successfully solve constantly changing activity problems and to correspond to always new raised requirements for a person in the organisation or in labour market), the realisation of which in today’s constantly changing labour market and social context becomes more and more problematic. Empiric research was carried out seeking to discover the work (activity) value structure. The research instrument was created by the authors of the research. Two hundred sixty five first-year students from three Lithuanian universities participated in the research. These are the main higher education institutions, preparing teachers in Lithuania. The obtained results show that work value structure of the first year students studying in social and humanitarian science programmes can be expressed by 6 main factors: responsible activity values, active work values, harmony values, reward values, activity style values, and social status values. Also, the main differences were ascertained between female and male work value structure. Responsible activity values, active work values and harmony values were much more important for female than male students.
« Un jeu bête et méchant » : l’art du détournement du poste de télévision (1963-1964)
Authors: Tron-Carroz Caroline
Published: April 2017

Dans l’émissionLes raisins verts(1963-1964), le réalisateur Jean-Christophe Averty propose une séquence intitulée « Un jeu bête et méchant avec le Professeur Choron », dans laquelle Georges Bernier, par ailleurs directeur du mensuel satiriqueHara-Kiri, se livre systématiquement à des détournements du poste de télévision qui dévient l’objet de ses usages ordinaires. Cet article met en relation le vocabulaire anticonformiste du « jeu bête et méchant » avec l’esprit contestataire du journalHara-Kiri, tout en analysant la façon dont la séquence expose à l’écran différentes formes d’appropriation du médium télévisuel. À travers cette lecture, c’est la coexistence des démarches de détournement de l’objet télévision dans divers domaines de la création, au début des années 1960, qui est interrogée.
Les utopies électroniques de Paik et d’Averty : investigations et expérimentations télévisuelles
Authors: Plas Marc
Published: April 2017

La visée principale de cet article, qui fait suite à des recherches dans les archives de l’INA, est la mise en évidence d’un aspect essentiel de l’oeuvre et de la démarche de Jean-Christophe Averty : la singularité de son approche de la télévision. L’auteur a pour cela jugé nécessaire de rapprocher Averty d’un autre créateur contemporain, Nam June Paik, qui a lui aussi été un pionnier de l’utilisation du médium vidéo dans une perspective artistique. Sans faire l’impasse sur les conditions sociales et historiques qui ont pu rendre possible l’émergence de telles entreprises, l’auteur cherche, dans son texte, à rendre compte de la part d’innovation radicale qu’elles comportent. L’activité d’Averty et celle de Paik sont liées à l’apparition massive de la technologie dans l’art de la seconde moitié du xxe siècle et aux particularités tant matérielles que conceptuelles de cette technologie. L’importance de leurs expérimentations apparaît d’une manière peut-être plus précise aujourd’hui, dans le contexte d’expansion et de généralisation des outils numériques.
Técnica para redução do tônus e alongamento muscular passivo: efeitos na amplitude de movimento de crianças com paralisia cerebral espástica
Authors: Oliveira Luana Dos Santos de , Golin Marina Ortega
Published: April 2017

Introdução: A paralisia cerebral (PC) é resultante de lesão no encéfalo em fase de maturação, acarretando em disfunções motoras. A espasticidade, forma mais comum de acometimento, gera prejuízos funcionais intensificados pela diminuição da mobilidade. Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos do alongamento passivo lento do músculo tríceps sural e de técnica para diminuir o tônus do conceito Bobath na amplitude de movimento (ADM) de dorsiflexão do tornozelo de crianças com PC espástica. Métodos: Participaram 18 crianças atendidas no Hospital Estadual Mario Covas de Santo André e na Santa Casa de Diadema. O grau da hipertonia do músculo tríceps sural foi determinado pela Escala de Aswhorth Modificada e a ADM de dorsiflexão foi medida pela goniometria. Esses dois procedimentos foram realizados antes e após as seguintes situações: 1) aplicação de um protocolo de alongamento muscular passivo; 2) protocolo com uma técnica para diminuir o tônus do conceito Bobath; e 3) emprego associado dos dois protocolos. Resultados: O grau de hipertonia não se modificou após o protocolo 1, porém os protocolos 2 e 3 diminuíram a espasticidade de maneira semelhante, conforme a Escala de Ashworth Modificada. Já o ângulo de dorsiflexão aumentou após aplicação dos três protocolos: 1 (p=0,176); 2 (p=0,008); e 3, com o aumento mais significativo (p=0,003). Conclusão: A técnica para redução do tônus mostrou efeito positivo na redução da espasticidade, segundo a Escala de Ashworth Modificada, e no aumento da ADM de crianças espásticas. A execução subsequente do alongamento muscular aumentou sua efetividade.
Virological response and resistances over 12 months among HIV‐infected children less than two years receiving first‐line lopinavir/ritonavir‐based antiretroviral therapy in Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso: the MONOD ANRS 12206 cohort
Authors: Amani‐Bosse Clarisse , Dahourou Désiré Lucien , Malateste Karen , Amorissani‐Folquet Madeleine , Coulibaly Malik , Dattez Sophie , Emieme Arlette , Barry Mamadou , Rouzioux Christine , N'gbeche Sylvie , Yonaba Caroline , Timité‐Konan Marguerite , Mea Véronique , Ouédraogo Sylvie , Blanche Stéphane , Meda Nicolas , Seguin‐Devaux Carole , Leroy Valériane ,   for the MONOD ANRS 12206 Study Group
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Lopinavir/ritonavir‐based antiretroviral therapy (ART) is recommended for all HIV‐infected children less than three years. However, little is known about its field implementation and effectiveness in West Africa. We assessed the 12‐month response to lopinavir/ritonavir‐based antiretroviral therapy in a cohort of West African children treated before the age of two years.

Methods: HIV‐1‐infected, ART‐naive except for a prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission (PMTCT), tuberculosis‐free, and less than two years of age children with parent's consent were enrolled in a 12‐month prospective therapeutic cohort with lopinavir/ritonavir ART and cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in Ouagadougou and Abidjan. Virological suppression (VS) at 12 months (viral load [VL] <500 copies/mL) and its correlates were assessed.

Results: Between May 2011 and January 2013, 156 children initiated ART at a median age of 13.9 months (interquartile range: 7.8–18.4); 63% were from Abidjan; 53% were girls; 37% were not exposed to any PMTCT intervention or maternal ART; mother was the main caregiver in 81%; 61% were classified World Health Organization Stage 3 to 4. After 12 months on ART, 11 children had died (7%), 5 were lost‐to‐follow‐up/withdrew (3%), and VS was achieved in 109: 70% of children enrolled and 78% of those followed‐up. When adjusting for country and gender, the access to tap water at home versus none (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09–6.94), the mother as the main caregiver versus the father (aOR: 2.82, 95% CI: 1.03–7.71), and the increase of CD4 percentage greater than 10% between inclusion and 6 months versus <10% (aOR: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.05–6.18) were significantly associated with a higher rate of VS. At 12 months, 28 out of 29 children with VL ≥1000 copies/mL had a resistance genotype test: 21 (75%) had ≥1 antiretroviral (ARV) resistance (61% to lamivudine, 29% to efavirenz, and 4% to zidovudine and lopinavir/ritonavir), of which 11 (52%) existed before ART initiation.

Conclusions: Twelve‐month VS rate on lopinavir/ritonavir‐based ART was high, comparable to those in Africa or high‐income countries. The father as the main child caregiver and lack of access to tap water are risk factors for viral failure and justify a special caution to improve adherence in these easy‐to‐identify situations before ART initiation. Public health challenges remain to optimize outcomes in children with earlier ART initiation in West Africa.
Mode of action of the 2-phenylquinoline efflux inhibitor PQQ4R againstEscherichia coli
Authors: Machado Diana , Fernandes Laura , Costa Sofia S. , Cannalire Rolando , Manfroni Giuseppe , Tabarrini Oriana , Couto Isabel , Sabatini Stefano , Viveiros Miguel
Published: April 2017

Efflux pump inhibitors are of great interest since their use as adjuvants of bacterial chemotherapy can increase the intracellular concentrations of the antibiotics and assist in the battle against the rising of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In this work, we have described the mode of action of the 2-phenylquinoline efflux inhibitor (4-(2-(piperazin-1-yl)ethoxy)-2-(4-propoxyphenyl) quinolone – PQQ4R), againstEscherichia coli,by studding its efflux inhibitory ability, its synergistic activity in combination with antibiotics, and compared its effects with the inhibitors phenyl-arginine-β-naphthylamide (PAβN) and chlorpromazine (CPZ). The results showed that PQQ4R acts synergistically, in a concentration dependent manner, with antibiotics known to be subject to efflux inE. colireducing their MIC in correlation with the inhibition of their efflux. Real-time fluorometry assays demonstrated that PQQ4R at sub-inhibitory concentrations promote the intracellular accumulation of ethidium bromide inhibiting its efflux similarly to PAβN or CPZ, well-known and described efflux pump inhibitors for Gram-negative bacteria and whose clinical usage is limited by their levels of toxicity at clinical and bacteriological effective concentrations. The time-kill studies showed that PQQ4R, at bactericidal concentrations, has a rapid antimicrobial activity associated with a fast decrease of the intracellular ATP levels. The results also indicated that the mode of action of PQQ4R involves the destabilization of theE. coliinner membrane potential and ATP production impairment, ultimately leading to efflux pump inhibition by interference with the energy required by the efflux systems. At bactericidal concentrations, membrane permeabilization increases and finally ATP is totally depleted leading to cell death. Since drug resistance mediated by the activity of efflux pumps depends largely on the proton motive force (PMF), dissipaters of PMF such as PQQ4R, can be regarded as future adjuvants of conventional therapy againstE. coliand other Gram-negative bacteria, especially their multidrug resistant forms. Their major limitation is the high toxicity for human cells at the concentrations needed to be effective against bacteria. Their future molecular optimization to improve the efflux inhibitory properties and reduce relative toxicity will optimize their potential for clinical usage against multi-drug resistant bacterial infections due to efflux.
Emission pathways to achieve 2.0°C and 1.5°C climate targets
Authors: Su Xuanming , Takahashi Kiyoshi , Fujimori Shinichiro , Hasegawa Tomoko , Tanaka Katsumasa , Kato Etsushi , Shiogama Hideo , Masui Toshihiko , Emori Seita
Published: April 2017

We investigated the feasibilities of 2.0°C and 1.5°C climate targets by considering the abatement potentials of a full suite of greenhouse gases, pollutants, and aerosols. We revised the inter‐temporal dynamic optimization modelDICE‐2013Rby introducing three features as follows. First, we applied a new marginal abatement cost curve derived under moderate assumptions regarding future socioeconomic development—the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways 2 (SSP2) scenario. Second, we addressed emission abatement for not only industrialCO2but also land‐useCO2,CH4,N2O, halogenated gases,CO, volatile organic compounds, SOx, NOx, black carbon and organic carbon. Third, we improved the treatment of the non‐CO2components in the climate module based onMAGICC6.0. We obtained the following findings: (1) It is important to address the individual emissions in an analysis of low stabilization scenarios because abating land‐use CO2, non‐CO2and aerosol emissions also contributes to maintaining a low level of radiative forcing and substantially affects the climate costs. (2) The 2.0°C target can be efficiently reached under the assumptions of theSSP2scenario. (3) The 1.5°C target can be met with early deep cuts under the assumption of a temperature overshoot, and it will triple the carbon price and double the mitigation cost compared with the 2.0°C case.
Technical report: The design and evaluation of a basin‐scale wireless sensor network for mountain hydrology
Authors: Zhang Ziran , Glaser Steven D. , Bales Roger C. , Conklin Martha , Rice Robert , Marks Danny G.
Published: April 2017

A network of sensors for spatially representative water‐balance measurements was developed and deployed across the 2000 km2 snow‐dominated portion of the upper American River basin, primarily to measure changes in snowpack and soil‐water storage, air temperature, and humidity. This wireless sensor network (WSN) consists of 14 sensor clusters, each with 10 measurement nodes that were strategically placed within a 1 km2 area, across different elevations, aspects, slopes, and canopy covers. Compared to existing operational sensor installations, the WSN reduces hydrologic uncertainty in at least three ways. First, redundant measurements improved estimation of lapse rates for air and dew‐point temperature. Second, distributed measurements captured local variability and constrained uncertainty in air and dew‐point temperature, snow accumulation, and derived hydrologic attributes important for modeling and prediction. Third, the distributed relative‐humidity measurements offer a unique capability to monitor upper‐basin patterns in dew‐point temperature and characterize elevation gradient of water vapor‐pressure deficit across steep, variable topography. Network statistics during the first year of operation demonstrated that the WSN was robust for cold, wet, and windy conditions in the basin. The electronic technology used in the WSN‐reduced adverse effects, such as high current consumption, multipath signal fading, and clock drift, seen in previous remote WSNs.
Coseismic changes of gravitational potential energy induced by global earthquakes based on spherical‐Earth elastic dislocation theory
Authors: Xu Changyi , Chao B. Fong
Published: April 2017

We compute the coseismic gravitational potential energy Eg change using the spherical‐Earth elastic dislocation theory and either the fault model treated as a point source or the finite fault model. The rate of the accumulative Eg loss produced by historical earthquakes from 1976 to 2016 (about 42,000 events) using the Global Centroid Moment Tensor Solution catalogue is estimated to be on the order of −2.1 × 1020 J/a, or −6.7 TW (1 TW = 1012 W), amounting to 15% in the total terrestrial heat flow. The energy loss is dominated by the thrust faulting, especially the megathrust earthquakes such as the 2004 Sumatra earthquake (Mw 9.0) and the 2011 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake (Mw 9.1). It is notable that the very deep focus events, the 1994 Bolivia earthquake (Mw 8.2) and the 2013 Okhotsk earthquake (Mw 8.3), produced significant overall coseismic Eg gain according to our calculation. The accumulative coseismic Eg is mainly lost in the mantle of the Earth and also lost in the core of the Earth but with a relatively smaller magnitude. By contrast, the crust of the Earth gains gravitational potential energy cumulatively because of the coseismic deformations. We further investigate the tectonic signature in the coseismic crustal Eg changes in some complex tectonic zone, such as Taiwan region and the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. We found that the coseismic Eg change is consistent with the regional tectonic character.
Glycosyl chains and 25‐hydroxycholesterol contribute to the intracellular transport of amyloid beta (Aβ‐42) in Jurkat T cells
Authors: Sharma Neha , Baek KeangOK , Phan Huong T.T. , Shimokawa Naofumi , Takagi Masahiro
Published: April 2017

Amyloid beta (Aβ) is a peptide responsible for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Misfolding and accumulation of endogenous Aβ can lead to neural cell apoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Added exogenous Aβ can also result in ER stress, leading to neurotoxicity and apoptosis, which is identical to that caused by the endogenous peptide. We have speculated that the endocytic transport of Aβ causes ER stress and have previously shown that the oxysterol, in particular, 7‐ketocholesterol (7‐keto) induces more surface interaction between Aβ‐42 and Jurkat cells than cholesterol. However, the interaction was not enough to induce intracellular transfer of the peptide. In this study, we investigated the effect of another oxysterol, 25‐hydroxycholesterol (25‐OH) on the membrane raft‐dependent transport of Aβ‐42 in Jurkat cells. Interestingly, intracellular transfer of Aβ‐42 was observed in the presence of 25‐OH only after the inclusion of cholera toxin B subunit (CT‐B), a marker used to detect the raft domain. We speculated that 25‐OH can induce intracellular movement of Aβ peptides. Furthermore, CT‐B together with GM1 provided negative curvature, which resulted in the intracellular transport of Aβ‐42. Notably, we used a protofibrillar species of Aβ‐42 in this study. We have shown that the transport was microtubule‐dependent since it could not be observed in depolymerized microtubules. These results demonstrate that oxysterols and glycosyl chains are important factors affecting intracellular transport. These compounds are also associated with aging and advanced glycation are risk factors for AD. Thus, this study should further understanding of the pathology of AD.
First‐in‐man allopregnanolone use in super‐refractory status epilepticus
Authors: Vaitkevicius Henrikas , Husain Aatif M. , Rosenthal Eric S. , Rosand Jonathan , Bobb Wendell , Reddy Kiran , Rogawski Michael A. , Cole Andrew J.
Published: April 2017

Super‐refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Treatment of SRSE is complicated by progressive cortical hyperexcitability believed to result in part from synaptic GABA receptor internalization and desensitization. Allopregnanolone, a neurosteroid that positively modulates synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors, has been proposed as a novel treatment. We describe the first two patients with SRSE who were each successfully treated with a 120‐h continuous infusion of allopregnanolone. Both patients recovered from prolonged SRSE with good cognitive outcomes.
Nonaqueous Synthesis of Macroporous Nanocomposites Using High Internal Phase Emulsion Stabilized by Nanohydroxyapatite
Authors: Carranza Arturo , Romero‐Perez Diego , Almanza‐Reyes Horacio , Bogdanchikova Nina , Juarez‐Moreno Karla , Pojman John A. , Velasquillo Cristina , Mota‐Morales Josué D.
Published: April 2017

Nonaqueous high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) stabilized by nanohydroxyapatite (NHA)/surfactant hybrids are used as template to prepare interconnected porous monoliths. The use of a sustainable deep eutectic solvent (DES) comprised of urea and choline chloride (UChCl), as the internal phase, enables an efficient interaction of NHA/surfactant at the HIPE interface, which in turn allows for a bottom‐up approach to selective interfacial functionalization of poly(HIPE's) voids surface after polymerization of methyl methacrylate continuous phase. UChCl DES is a suitable internal phase for HIPE polymerization thanks to its polarity and viscosity that provides further stabilization of the emulsion precursor. This simple synthetic method produces well‐defined functional poly(methyl methacrylate) (pMMA) scaffolds with tunable mechanical properties and exposed NHA at the inner surface. Based upon a preliminary biocompatibility in vivo test, poly(HIPEs) show enhanced biocompatibility in comparison with sterile gauze. Interestingly, pMMA NHA nanocomposite scaffold remains in the tissue after 90 d allowing little ingrowth of cells while causing a normal foreign‐body reaction in the rats' muscle tissue. Interfacial functionalization of well‐defined interconnected porous monoliths with nanomaterials via DES‐based HIPEs approach is a promising method that encourages further investigation for the synthesis of biodegradable and biocompatible scaffolds nanocomposites for tissue engineering purposes.
Intersphincteric resection for very low rectal cancer: A review of the updated literature
Authors: Shirouzu Kazuo , Murakami Naotaka , Akagi Yoshito
Published: April 2017

Intersphincteric resection (ISR) has rapidly increased worldwide including laparoscopic surgery. However, there are some concerns for the definition of ISR, surgical technique, oncological outcome, anal function, and quality of life (QoL). The aim of the present study is to evaluate those issues. A review of this surgical technique was carried out by searching English language literature of the PubMed online database and appropriate articles were identified. With regard to open‐ISR, the morbidity rate ranged from 7.5% to 38.3%, with lower mortality rates. Local recurrence rates varied widely from 0% to 22.7%, with a mean follow‐up duration of 40–94 months. Disease‐free and overall 5‐year survival rates were 68–86% and 76–97%, respectively. Those outcomes were equivalent to laparoscopic‐ISR. Surgical and oncological outcomes of ISR were generally acceptable. However, accurate evaluation of anal function and QoL was difficult because of a lack of standard assessment of various patient‐related factors. The surgical and oncological outcomes after ISR seem to be acceptable. The ISR technique seems to be valid as an alternative to abdominoperineal resection in selected patients with a very low rectal cancer. However, both necessity for ISR and expectations of QoL impairment as a result of functional disorder should be fully discussed with patients before surgery.
Clinical significance of circulating tumor cells in blood from patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Arigami Takaaki , Uenosono Yoshikazu , Yanagita Shigehiro , Okubo Keishi , Kijima Takashi , Matsushita Daisuke , Amatatsu Masahiko , Kurahara Hiroshi , Maemura Kosei , Natsugoe Shoji
Published: April 2017

Circulating tumor cells (CTC) have been focused on as a target for detecting occult tumors, predicting therapeutic responses and prognoses, and monitoring postoperative recurrence in the clinical management of patients with various malignancies, including gastric cancer. Recent advances in molecular diagnostic tools have contributed to high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of CTC. A conspicuous disparity exists in the incidence of CTC among studies. However, a close relationship has been reported between positivity for CTC and well‐known prognostic clinicopathological factors including depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, stage, and lymphatic and venous invasion in patients with gastric cancer. According to most studies published on the clinical impact of CTC, the presence of CTC negatively affects the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer. Moreover, the study of CTC based on a meta‐analysis demonstrated their importance as a poor prognostic indicator. In clinical management, pre‐ and post‐therapeutic monitoring of CTC using liquid biopsy may be useful for early detection of subclinical patients or disease recurrence, prediction of tumor progression, and administrative control of adjuvant chemotherapy. Although their functional properties remain unclear, molecular profiling of CTC may contribute to the development of personalized treatment that effectively inhibits tumor progression in patients with advanced gastric cancer. We herein review the clinical significance of CTC as a promising blood marker and therapeutic target in patients with gastric cancer.
Gastroenterological surgery in Japan: The past, the present and the future
Authors: Colvin Hugh , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Takiguchi Shuji , Doki Yuichiro , Mori Masaki
Published: April 2017

In the last two centuries, there has been remarkable progress in the field of gastroenterological surgery, including the curative resection of cancers, replacement of failed organs through transplantation, increased safety of undergoing major surgeries and decreased operative morbidity through developments in minimal access surgery. Japan has very much been at the forefront of these advances, as is evident from the present review, from advancing the surgical management of gastric cancer to the pioneering work in live‐donor transplantation. This review also highlights many instances where surgical management of the same pathologies has evolved differently between Japan and the West. It is encouraging that many procedures established in Japan are eventually taken up by the West, often after rigorous assessment affirming the quality and applicability of such techniques. In Japan, many of the crucial issues in gastroenterological surgery are increasingly addressed through large multi‐institutional prospective control trials, ensuring that Japanese surgeons continue to contribute to the advances in gastroenterological surgery.
Synthesis of Phosphaisoquinolin‐1‐one by Annulation of Aryl Phosphinamides with Allenes through a Cobalt‐Promoted C−H Functionalization
Authors: Yao Xia , Jin Lu , Rao Yu
Published: April 2017

An efficient and convenient cobalt‐promoted annulation reaction has been established for the synthesis of biologically relevant phosphaisoquinolin‐1‐ones, which represents the first example of a transition‐metal‐promoted C−H/N−H functionalization of aryl phophinamides with allenes. Through this strategy, three different types of novel phosphaisoquinolin‐1‐one derivatives can be readily prepared in good yields. This new strategy exhibited several advantages, including easily accessible starting materials, good functional group tolerance, and excellent reactivity.
Perfectly Alternating and Regioselective Copolymerization of Carbonyl Sulfide and Epoxides by Metal‐Free Lewis Pairs
Authors: Yang Jia‐Liang , Wu Hai‐Lin , Li Yang , Zhang Xing‐Hong , Darensbourg Donald J.
Published: April 2017

The preparation of perfectly alternating and regioslective copolymers derived from the copolymerization of carbonyl sulfide (COS) and epoxides by metal‐free Lewis pair catalysts composed of a Lewis base (amidine, guanidine, or quaternary onium salts) and a Lewis acid (triethyl borane) is described. Colorless and highly transparent copolymers of poly(monothiocarbonate) were successfully obtained with over 99 % tail‐to‐head content and high molecular weight (up to 92.5 kg mol−1). In most instances, oxygen–sulfur exchange reactions (O/S ERs), which would generate random thiocarbonate and carbonate units, were effectively suppressed. The turnover frequencies (TOF) of these Lewis pair catalyzed processes were as high as 119 h−1 at ambient temperature.
Improved processability and performance of biomedical devices with poly(lactic acid)/poly(ethylene glycol) blends
Authors: Zhang Jianming , Wang Shiwei , Zhao Dongzhe , Zhang Yankun , Pang Wenbo , Zhang Binbin , Li Qian
Published: April 2017

To improve the processability of micropolymer‐based devices used for biomedical applications, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was melt‐blended with poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs) of different molecular weights (MWs; weight‐average MWs = 200, 800, 2000, and 4000; these PEGS are referred to as PEG200, PEG800, PEG2000, and PEG4000, respectively, in this article). The thermal properties, mechanical properties, and rheological properties of the PLA and the PLA–PEG blends were investigated. The tensile samples’ morphologies showed that the low‐MW PEGs filled molds well. The rheological properties confirmed that the low‐MW PEGs decreased the complex viscosity, and improved the processability. With decreasing PEG MW, the PLA glass‐transition temperature decreased. The nanoindenter data show that the addition of PEG decreased the modulus and hardness of PLA. The morphologies of the tensile samples showed that with increasing PEG MW, the thicknesses of the core layers increased gradually. The elongation at break was improved by approximately 247% with the addition of PEG200. Such methods can produce easily processed biological materials for producing biomedical products. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45194.
Production and application of a thermostable lipase from Serratia marcescens in detergent formulation and biodiesel production
Authors: García‐Silvera Edgar Edurman , Martínez‐Morales Fernando , Bertrand Brandt , Morales‐Guzmán Daniel , Rosas‐Galván Nashbly Sarela , León‐Rodríguez Renato , Trejo‐Hernández María R.
Published: April 2017

In this study, extracellular lipase was produced by Serratia marcescens wild type and three mutant strains. The maximum lipase activity (80 U/mL) was obtained with the SMRG4 mutant strain using soybean oil. Using a 22 factorial design, the lipase production increased 1.55‐fold (124 U/mL) with 4% and 0.05% of soybean oil and Triton X‐100, respectively. The optimum conditions for maximum lipase activity were 50 °C and pH 8. However, the enzyme was active in a broad range of pH (6–10) and temperatures (5–55 °C). This lipase was stable in organic solvents and in the presence of oxidizing agents. The enzyme also proved to be efficient for the removal of triacylglycerol from olive oil in cotton cloth. A Box–Behnken experimental design was used to evaluate the effects of the interactions between total lipase activity, buffer pH, and wash temperatures on oil removal. The model obtained suggested that all selected factors had a significant impact on oil removal, with optimum conditions of 550 U lipase, 45 °C, pH 9.5, with 79.45% removal. Biotransformation of waste frying oil using the enzyme and in presence of methanol resulted in the synthesis of methyl esters such as methyl oleate, methyl palmitate, and methyl stearate.
Growth engineering of Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 for mixotrophy under natural light conditions for improved feedstock production
Authors: Sarnaik Aditya , Pandit Reena , Lali Arvind
Published: April 2017

Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 has been widely explored as cyanobacterial cell factory through genetic modifications for production of various value‐added compounds. However, successful industrial scale‐ups have not been reported for the system predominantly due to its obligate photoautotrophic metabolism and use of artificial light in photobioreactors. Hence, engineering the organism to perform mixotrophy under natural light could serve as an effective solution. Thus, we applied a genetically engineered strain of Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 expressing heterologous hexose transporter gene (galP) to perform mixotrophy under natural light in a temperature controlled environmental chamber (EC). We systematically studied the comparative performances of these transformants using autotrophy and mixotrophy, which showed 3.4 times increase in biomass productivity of mixotrophically grown transformants over autotrophs in EC. Chlorophyll a yield was found to have decreased in mixotrophic conditions, possibly indicating reduced dependency on light for energy metabolism. Although pigment yield decreases under mixotrophy, titer was found to have improved due to increased biomass productivity. Carotenoid analysis showed that zeaxanthin is the major carotenoid produced by the species which is essential for photoprotection. Our work thus demonstrates that mixotrophy under temperature controlled natural light can serve as the viable solution to improve biomass productivity of Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 and for commercial production of natural or engineered value added compounds from the system. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:1182–1192, 2017
Neurological and immunological dysfunction in two patients with Bartonella henselae bacteremia
Authors: Kaufman David L. , Kogelnik Andreas M. , Mozayeni Robert B. , Cherry Natalie A. , Breitschwerdt Edward B.
Published: April 2017

Key Clinical Message

Recently, BAPGM enrichment culture has documented Bartonella bacteremia in previously healthy, “nonimmunocompromised” patients following arthropod exposures. Neurobartonellosis should be among the differential diagnoses for patients with persistent or recurrent neurological symptoms of undetermined etiology. Microbiological and immunological testing should be concurrently pursued to determine whether defective immune function accompanies Bartonella bacteremia.
Chemically Treated Rice Husk Blends as Green Desiccant Materials for Industrial Application
Authors: Emdadi Zeynab , Asim Nilofar , Ambar Yarmo Mohd , Ebadi Mehdi , Mohammad Masita , Sopian Kamaruzzaman
Published: April 2017

The use of rice husks (RHs), treated RHs, and blends thereof as desiccants was studied. Bare RHs, treated RHs, and blends were characterized, and their water absorbances compared. Acid‐treated RHs showed better moisture absorbance than alkali‐treated RHs and hence were used to prepare blends. Moisture absorption of RH materials and silica gel were compared. Blends with a higher content of acid‐treated RHs showed higher water and moisture absorbency. The moisture absorbency of the blends was enhanced, and they exceeded the silica‐gel limit at 48 h of exposure time. The higher absorbency in blends with higher contents of acid‐treated RHs is likely due to higher porosity and improved adhesion properties owing to surface OH groups. Moreover, RH blends require shorter regeneration times than silica gel.
Catalytic Pyrolysis of Bituminous Coal under Pyrolysis Gas over a Ni/MgO Catalyst
Authors: Zhu Ping , Yu Zhengpeng , Zhang Jinli , Dai Bin , Zhang Jianshu , Liang Peng , Lei Zhiping
Published: April 2017

To improve the yield and quality of coal pyrolysis tar while using pyrolysis gas (PG), a Ni/MgO catalyst was introduced to catalyze the pyrolysis of bituminous coal under a PG atmosphere. The effects of pyrolysis temperature, gas flow rate, catalyst packing methods, and atmosphere composition on coal pyrolysis were investigated. The yield and quality of tar obtained from Shihezi (SHZ) bituminous coal pyrolysis under N2, PG, and PG over a Ni/MgO catalyst were found to vary with the increase of pyrolysis temperature. The catalyst packed in the upper layer results in higher tar yields, but mixing the catalyst and coal leads to an increase in the maltene yield. The components in PG improved the tar yield and tar quality. Finally, a higher tar yield can be obtained from SHZ coal pyrolysis under CO/H2, CO2/H2, and CO2/CH4 atmospheres using a Ni/MgO catalyst.
Factors affecting reverse knowledge transfer from subsidiaries to multinational companies: Focusing on the transference of local market information
Authors: Oh Kum‐Sik , Anchor John
Published: April 2017

Although research on reverse knowledge transfer (RKT) from subsidiaries to headquarters is increasingly prominent, the debate concerning the primary determinants influencing RKT has not reached an academic consensus. Therefore, we have attempted to draw an overall picture for RKT by using both knowledge transfer capacity and relational capital as overarching theoretical lenses. In a sample of South Korea, we find that knowledge development capability, subsidiary willingness, and autonomy are critical factors affecting the reverse transfer of local market information within MNC networks. Furthermore, both the knowledge integration mechanism and trust are facilitators for improving relational capital between subsidiaries and MNCs. This factor facilitates RKT from the former to the latter. Copyright © 2017 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Breast arterial calcification association with coronary artery calcium scoring and implications for cardiovascular risk assessment in women
Authors: Ryan Angela J. , Choi Andrew D. , Choi Brian G. , Lewis Jannet F.
Published: April 2017

Breast arterial calcification (BAC) is a type of medial artery calcification that can be seen incidentally on mammography. Studies have suggested association of BAC with cardiovascular risk factors, coronary artery disease (CAD), and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recently published studies have also suggested a modest correlation of BAC with coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring. Roughly 40 million mammograms are already performed annually in the United States with overlap in patients that undergo CAD screening via CAC scoring. Thus, identification of cardiovascular risk by demonstrating an association between BAC and CAC may enable an instrumental sex‐specific methodology to identify asymptomatic women at risk for CAD. The purpose of this article is to review the current state of the literature for BAC and its association with CAC, to review contemporary breast cancer screening guidelines, and to discuss the clinical implications of these findings.
Correlation between genetic polymorphisms within the MAPK1/HIF‐1/HO‐1 signaling pathway and risk or prognosis of perimenopausal coronary artery disease
Authors: Guo Nan , Zhang Nan , Yan Liqiu , Cao Xufen , Wang Jiawang , Wang Yunfei
Published: April 2017

Background

Mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐1 (MAPK1), as well as its downstream factors of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), have been documented to be involved in modulating development of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Hypothesis

Genetic mutations within the MAPK1/HIF‐1/HO‐1 signaling pathway could alter the risk of perimenopausal CAD in Chinese patients.

Methods

Peripheral blood samples were gathered from 589 CAD patients and 860 healthy controls, and 12 potential single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were obtained from HapMap database and previously published studies. Genotyping of SNPs was implemented with the TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were utilized to evaluate the correlations between SNPs and CAD risk.

Results

Regarding
MAPK1
, rs6928 (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.47‐1.98, P < 0.05), rs9340 (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.73‐0.99, P < 0.05), and rs11913721 (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52‐0.95, P < 0.05) were remarkably associated with susceptibility to perimenopausal CAD. Of these, rs9340 and rs11913721 were also regarded as protective factors for perimenopausal CAD patients. Moreover, results of HIF‐1 indicated noticeable correlations between combined SNPs of rs1087314 and rs2057482 and risk of perimenopausal CAD (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.01‐1.53, P < 0.05; and OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.55‐0.91, P < 0.05, respectively). Nonetheless, rs2071746 in HO‐1 was found to be only associated with perimenopausal CAD risk (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.58‐0.78, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The genetic mutations within MAPK1 (rs6928, rs9340, rs11913721), HIF‐1 (rs1087314, rs2057482), and HO‐1 (rs2071746) could alter susceptibility to perimenopausal CAD in this Chinese population.