bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Libertad, igualdad, competitividad: En torno a la transfiguración de los valores europeos tras la era de la modernización
Authors: López Ruiz Teresa
Published: January 2019

Competitividad es una expresión polisémica que, en términos económicos,implica el grado de integración de la sociedad en un modelo productivobasado en la investigación, la innovación y las altas tecnologías. Pero, a su vez, entérminos ideológicos no deja de hundir sus raíces en la idea darwinista de la luchapor la supervivencia y la selección natural. Por ello, aun cuando la competitividadse invoca en términos pretendidamente objetivos como los económicos, conscienteo inconscientemente se refuerza a la vez el relato de un determinado orden social;un relato que divide el mundo entre ganadores y perdedores y que determinaquiénes merecerán perder o ganar. Y en términos culturales ello es probablementelo único que se hace, en tanto que mayores dosis de cultura competitiva no implicannecesariamente la mejora de ningún indicador real. El artículo confronta algunosde los principales indicadores económicos y sociales en el entorno UE28, conlos índices culturales de cada sociedad, encontrando que son otros los conjuntos devalores que inciden en la productividad, el empleo, la riqueza, el bienestar o ladesigualdad.Competitiveness is a polysemic word that, first of all, makes referenceto a production system based on innovation, development and high technologies.But, on the other hand, in ideological terms it refers us to the darwinist ideasof the natural selection and the fight for survive. So, when we appeal to competitivenesseven in economic, impartial terms, at the same time -and conscious orunconsciously- we reinforce the narrative of a social order that divides our societybetween winners and losers, and defines who of all will deserve to be at one sideor at the other. And in cultural terms it probably is the only thing we do, becausehigher doses of competitive culture do not necessarily increase the improvement ofany social or economic indicator. This work confronts some of these indicatorswith the cultural dimensions of the UE28 countries, finding that are others thevalues that affect the results on wealth, productivity, employment, welfare or inequality.
Beneficial Effects of Pomegranate Fruit Consumption in Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention
Authors: Benchagra L. , Hajjaji A. , Ramchoun M. , Khalil A. , Berrougui H.
Published: January 2019

Oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, hypercoagulability, endothelial dysfunction and inflammation are key elements in the development of atherosclerosis. Oxidative stress has been implicated as well in most of the key steps in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and the consequential clinical manifestations of cardiovascular diseases. In addition to the formation of atherosclerosis, oxidative stress acute thrombotic events, including dyslipidemia, the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and plaque rupture leading to atherothrombosis and myocardial infarction. In the last decades, multiple experimental studies and clinical trials have demonstrated that diet plays a central role in the prevention of atherosclerosis. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is one of nature’s most concentrated sources of antioxidants. It contains some very potent antioxidants (i.e. tannins, anthocyanins and flavonoids), which provide a wide spectrum of action against free radicals and are considered to be potent anti-atherogenic products. These properties make pomegranate a healthy fruit with a high potential in preventing cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we give an overview on the newest insights in the role of pomegranate in therapy of vascular diseases.
A Temperate Province? Evidence from Lower Canadian General Store Account Books, 1830-1857
Authors: Craig Béatrice
Published: January 2019

Alcoholic consumption was unproblematic and supposedly widespread in the Canadas in the early years of the nineteenth century, until temperance movements sought to eradicate it through moral suasion, shaming and regulations in the second quarter of the century. In Lower Canada, the 1849-1850 temperance crusade spearheaded by father Chiniquy, with the support of religious and lay authorities would have led to a rapid collapse in the importation, production and sale of alcohol and the closing of numerous taverns. Evidence from country general store account books suggest that Lower Canadians were already moderate drinkers at the beginning of the century and that their consumption was already declining before Chiniquy launched his crusade, and his success would have been due to minds already half made. On the other hand, the availability of other stimulant beverages, such as coffee or tea does not seem to have played a role.
Beyond the Old Dichotomies to a New History of Capitalism: An Appreciative Critique of Robert C.H. Sweeny
Authors: MCKAY IAN
Published: January 2019

Robert C.H. Sweeny’s Why Did We Choose to Industrialize? offers readers enlightening quantitative case studies of the socio-economic history of nineteenth-century Montreal, linked by intriguing autobiographical sketches charting the author’s own intellectual journey. In this appreciate critique, I raise questions about the extent to which he has convincingly situated Montreal in the famous matrix of debates among Marxists about the transition from feudalism to capitalism, and suggest that in many respects the book, although convincing in many of its particulars, does not succeed in answering the general question posed by its title. Should debates about capitalism remain trapped in the unresolved (and likely unresolvable) twentieth-century debates pitting agency against structure?
Response to the Round Table on Selling Paris: Property and Commercial Culture in the Fin-de-siècle Capital
Authors: YATES ALEXIA
Published: January 2019

Alexia Yates responds to comments on her award-winning book, Selling Paris: Property and Commercial Culture in the Fin-de-siècle Capital.
L’approche canadienne : assurer la protection des droits de la personne de façon distinctive
Authors: Deschamps Marie
Published: January 2019

Cette opinion s’inscrit dans le cadre de présentations orales qui invitaient les participants à se pencher sur le rôle du Canada à l’égard de la protection des droits de la personne. Elle a pour objectif de proposer une perspective qui donne lieu à quelques réserves en ce qui a trait à une adhésion éventuelle du Canada à la Convention américaine relative aux droits de l’homme. Ce texte fait d’abord état d’une comparaison de la pratique adoptée par les tribunaux en droit interne canadien avec celle du système de justice interaméricain. Notamment, la Cour interaméricaine effectue systématiquement la supervision des ordonnances prononcées contre les États, alors que les tribunaux canadiens ne le font que dans des circonstances exceptionnelles en raison du principe de la séparation des pouvoirs. De plus, la Convention américaine relative aux droits de l’homme ne prévoit pas de sanctions découlant du délai de traitement d’un dossier, tandis que pour le Canada, les sanctions jouent un rôle fondamental. On note également une divergence en matière de respect des décisions de justice. Ces divergences touchent au coeur des valeurs canadiennes dans un contexte où les cours canadiennes ont mis au point une approche distincte pour assurer une meilleure protection des droits de la personne. L’analyse vise donc à inciter le Canada à la prudence avant de s’assujettir aux obligations qui découlent de la Convention américaine relative aux droits de l’homme.
La jurisprudencia de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos como fuente de derecho. Una revisión de la doctrina del “control de convencionalidad”
Authors: Fuenzalida Bascuñán Sergio
Published: January 2019

La doctrina internacionalista nos enseña que las sentencias dictadas por los tribunales internacionales sólo constituyen fuente auxiliar de derecho internacional y sólo tienen efectos para las partes en litigio y respecto del caso que ha sido decidido. La Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos (Corte IDH) ha dispuesto que los Estados partes deben realizar un control de convencionalidad que contraste las normas locales con la jurisprudencia desarrollada por ella. El control de convencionalidad supone instituir las decisiones de la Corte IDH como fuente de derecho interno, bajo una aplicación directa y restringiendo el campo de decisión soberana de los países. Para que el control de convencionalidad pueda consolidarse en el sistema interamericano de derechos humanos, es pertinente contar con una expresa autorización constitucional de los países miembros e incorporar de un modo diferenciado la doctrina del margen de apreciación nacional. Asimismo, es conveniente que la Corte IDH mediante mecanismos de reparación inéditos puede explorar distintas formas de dialogo interinstitucional con los poderes locales.
En l’absence de témoin
Authors: Charbonneau Frédéric
Published: January 2019

Au cours des années 1722-1724, quelques savants de l’Académie royale des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres – l’abbé Anselme, l’abbé Sallier, Louis Jean Lévesque de Pouilly et Nicolas Fréret notamment – débattirent vigoureusement du degré de foi qu’il fallait accorder aux oeuvres historiques anciennes lorsque les rares témoignages contemporains des faits qu’elles relataient et sur lesquels elles auraient pu s’appuyer paraissaient douteux, comme c’était le cas pour les quatre premiers siècles de Rome. En nous penchant sur les textes de cette querelle, nous réfléchissons au rôle tenu à l’époque par le témoignage dans la connaissance historique, aux conséquences de sa raréfaction, de sa fragmentation, voire de son absence : comment l’histoire, qui est testis temporum selon le magnifique éloge de Cicéron (De Oratore 2, 9), peut-elle subsister sans testis ? Nous éclairons par cet examen, dans la transition lente d’une pratique littéraire de l’histoire à sa pratique scientifique, le rôle des monuments, des traités, des lois, des relevés astronomiques et des autres archives qui ne transcrivent ni témoignage ni mémoire personnelle.
Mémoire de l’événement dans La compagnie des spectres et Pas pleurer de Lydie Salvayre
Authors: Grenouillet Corinne
Published: January 2019

Les deux romans de Lydie Salvayre, La compagnie des spectres (1997) et Pas pleurer (2014) sont étudiés conjointement en raison de leurs parentés diégétiques et formelles. Le premier a été lu comme un « roman sur Vichy » et le second met en scène la mémoire de la révolution espagnole de 1936 et de la guerre civile. L’article replace ces deux livres dans le contexte mémoriel de leur parution et en dégage les enjeux. Ils sont porteurs de projets différents, témoignant d’un rapport au passé complexe et parfois douloureux. En montrant que l’événement historique est un spectre qui vient hanter le présent et en explorant la mémoire des petits et des vaincus de l’histoire, ces deux romans expriment une sensibilité politique de gauche.
Using Body-Worn Sensors to Detect Changes in Balance and Mobility After Acute Aerobic Exercise in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Kasser Susan L. , Jacobs Jesse V. , Sibold Jeremy , Marcus Avery , Cole Laurel
Published: January 2019

Background:

Current mobility and functional assessments do not capture the subtle changes in balance and gait that may predispose people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to falling. The purpose of this study was to use clinical and instrumented measures to examine the effects of an acute bout of aerobic exercise on balance and gait in individuals with MS.

Methods:

Ten adults with MS performed 15 minutes of moderate-intensity recumbent cycling or 15 minutes of rest. Exercise and rest visit order was randomized and separated by 1 week. Balance and mobility were assessed before, immediately after, and 2 hours after each test condition.

Results:

There were no significant differences across measurement periods for Timed 25-Foot Walk test times or Brief Balance Evaluation Systems Test scores. Significant improvements in mean sway radius and sway velocity when standing on foam and in percentage of stance stride time variability were found immediately after exercise compared with immediately after rest.

Conclusions:

This study lends further evidence that individuals with MS can safely engage in single bouts of aerobic exercise without detrimental short-term effects on function and may actually receive some short-term benefit regarding standing postural sway and gait variability. Future research should examine the dose-dependent relationship of varying types, intensities, or timing of exercise necessary to elicit short-term functional benefit and long-term health outcomes.
Seaweed culture for nutrient abatement in Spermonde waters
Authors: Nasir Andriani , Illijas Muhammad Ikbal , Teichberg Mirta , Lukman Muhammad
Published: January 2019

The coastal waters of the Strait of Makassar are classified as a productive coastal area, in which there are mangrove ecosystems, seagrass beds and Spermonde coral reefs that play a crucial role in sustaining the economic life of coastal communities and food security. Our previous results have calculated the outflow of nutrient land to sea with nitrate concentrations ranging from 0.01-0.44 mg/L and phosphate 0.04-0.35 mg/L. This condition has caused coastal waters of permonde to be eutrophicated with the occurrence of mass death of several species of fish and the emergence of dangerous microalgae species. This study aims to calculate the current nutrient value in the area of ​​seaweed cultivation as a biological absorber. Based on the interim results, the decrease or absorption of nutrients by seaweed ranges from 0.08-1.55 mg/L-nitrate and 0.01-0.71 mg/L-phosphate.
“The White Experiment”: Racism and the Broome Pearl-Shelling Industry
Authors: Affeldt Stefanie
Published: January 2019

With the Federation of Australia, aspiration for racial homogeneity was firmly established as being fundamental to national identity. Therefore, increasing criticism was directed against Asian employment in the pearl-shelling industry of Broome. It was not least against the backdrop of population politics, that several efforts were implemented to disestablish the purportedly ‘multiracial enclave’ in ‘White Australia.’ These culminated in “the white experiment,” i.e. the introduction of a dozen British men to evince European fitness as pearl divers and initiate the replacement of Asian pearling crews. Embedded in these endeavours were reflections of broader discourses on ‘white supremacy’ and racist discrimination.
Long-term consequences of the absence of leptin signaling in early life
Authors: Ramos-Lobo Angela M , Teixeira Pryscila DS , Furigo Isadora C , Melo Helen M , de M Lyra e Silva Natalia , De Felice Fernanda G , Donato Jose
Published: January 2019

Leptin regulates energy balance and also exhibits neurotrophic effects during critical developmental periods. However, the actual role of leptin during development is not yet fully understood. To uncover the importance of leptin in early life, the present study restored leptin signaling either at the fourth or tenth week of age in mice formerly null for the leptin receptor (LepR) gene. We found that some defects previously considered irreversible due to neonatal deficiency of leptin signaling, including the poor development of arcuate nucleus neural projections, were recovered by LepR reactivation in adulthood. However, LepR deficiency in early life led to irreversible obesity via suppression of energy expenditure. LepR reactivation in adulthood also led to persistent reduction in hypothalamic Pomc, Cartpt and Prlh mRNA expression and to defects in the reproductive system and brain growth. Our findings revealed that early defects in leptin signaling cause permanent metabolic, neuroendocrine and developmental problems.
Mitochondrial fusion supports increased oxidative phosphorylation during cell proliferation
Authors: Yao Cong-Hui , Wang Rencheng , Wang Yahui , Kung Che-Pei , Weber Jason D , Patti Gary J
Published: January 2019

Proliferating cells often have increased glucose consumption and lactate excretion relative to the same cells in the quiescent state, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. Despite an increase in glycolysis, however, here we show that non-transformed mouse fibroblasts also increase oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) by nearly two-fold and mitochondrial coupling efficiency by ~30% during proliferation. Both increases are supported by mitochondrial fusion. Impairing mitochondrial fusion by knocking down mitofusion-2 (Mfn2) was sufficient to attenuate proliferation, while overexpressing Mfn2 increased proliferation. Interestingly, impairing mitochondrial fusion decreased OXPHOS but did not deplete ATP levels. Instead, inhibition caused cells to transition from excreting aspartate to consuming it. Transforming fibroblasts with the Ras oncogene induced mitochondrial biogenesis, which further elevated OXPHOS. Notably, transformed fibroblasts continued to have elongated mitochondria and their proliferation remained sensitive to inhibition of Mfn2. Our results suggest that cell proliferation requires increased OXPHOS as supported by mitochondrial fusion.
In vivo imaging of β-cell function reveals glucose-mediated heterogeneity of β-cell functional development
Authors: Zhao Jia , Zong Weijian , Zhao Yiwen , Gou Dongzhou , Liang Shenghui , Shen Jiayu , Wu Yi , Zheng Xuan , Wu Runlong , Wang Xu , Niu Fuzeng , Wang Aimin , Zhang Yunfeng , Xiong Jing-Wei , Chen Liangyi , Liu Yanmei
Published: January 2019

How pancreatic β-cells acquire function in vivo is a long-standing mystery due to the lack of technology to visualize β-cell function in living animals. Here, we applied a high-resolution two-photon light-sheet microscope for the first in vivo imaging of Ca2+activity of every β-cell in Tg (ins:Rcamp1.07) zebrafish. We reveal that the heterogeneity of β-cell functional development in vivo occurred as two waves propagating from the islet mantle to the core, coordinated by islet vascularization. Increasing amounts of glucose induced functional acquisition and enhancement of β-cells via activating calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) signaling. Conserved in mammalians, calcineurin/NFAT prompted high-glucose-stimulated insulin secretion of neonatal mouse islets cultured in vitro. However, the reduction in low-glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was dependent on optimal glucose but independent of calcineurin/NFAT. Thus, combination of optimal glucose and calcineurin activation represents a previously unexplored strategy for promoting functional maturation of stem cell-derived β-like cells in vitro.
Neuroblast-specific open chromatin allows the temporal transcription factor, Hunchback, to bind neuroblast-specific loci
Authors: Sen Sonia Q , Chanchani Sachin , Southall Tony D , Doe Chris Q
Published: January 2019

Spatial and temporal cues are required to specify neuronal diversity, but how these cues are integrated in neural progenitors remains unknown. Drosophila progenitors (neuroblasts) are a good model: they are individually identifiable with relevant spatial and temporal transcription factors known. Here we test whether spatial/temporal factors act independently or sequentially in neuroblasts. We used Targeted DamID to identify genomic binding sites of the Hunchback temporal factor in two neuroblasts (NB5-6 and NB7-4) that make different progeny. Hunchback targets were different in each neuroblast, ruling out the independent specification model. Moreover, each neuroblast had distinct open chromatin domains, which correlated with differential Hb-bound loci in each neuroblast. Importantly, the Gsb/Pax3 spatial factor, expressed in NB5-6 but not NB7-4, had genomic binding sites correlated with open chromatin in NB5-6, but not NB7-4. Our data support a model in which early-acting spatial factors like Gsb establish neuroblast-specific open chromatin domains, leading to neuroblast-specific temporal factor binding and the production of different neurons in each neuroblast lineage.
Improving the efficiency of the Fukui trap as a capture tool for the invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas) in Newfoundland, Canada
Authors: Bergshoeff Jonathan A. , McKenzie Cynthia H. , Favaro Brett
Published: January 2019

The European green crab (Carcinus maenas) is a crustacean species native to European and North African coastlines that has become one of the world’s most successful marine invasive species. Targeted fishing programs aimed at removing green crabs from invaded ecosystems commonly use Fukui multi-species marine traps. Improving the efficiency of these traps would improve the ability to respond to green crab invasions. In this study, we developed four distinct trap modifications that were designed to facilitate the successful capture of green crabs, with the goal of improving the performance of the Fukui trap. We tested these modificationsin situduring the summer of 2016 at two locations in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland. We discovered that three of our modified Fukui trap designs caught significantly more green crabs than the standard Fukui trap, increasing catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) by as much as 81%. We conclude that our top-performing modifications have great potential for widespread use with existing Fukui traps that are being used for green crab removal efforts.
Therapeutic cancer prevention: achievements and ongoing challenges – a focus on breast and colorectal cancer
Authors: Serrano Davide , Bonanni Bernardo , Brown Karen
Published: January 2019

The constant increase of cancer incidence and the huge costs of new treatments make cancer prevention a crucial goal in order to maintain sustainable public health systems across the world. Carcinogenesis is a multistep process, which allows time for active intervention with natural or synthetic agents to stop or reverse the pathological process. Cancer prevention medicine can be considered to be treatment of premalignant cells or preneoplastic conditions. Clearly such interventions require well‐defined risk classification so that personalized strategies and specific treatments can be applied to cohorts with a documented increased cancer risk, and not to the general population as a whole. Further development of these strategies in an efficient and timely manner requires investment in the discovery and validation of surrogate cancer biomarkers with both prognostic and predictive value to detect and monitor the efficacy of interventions in clinical trials and beyond. In the field of cancer prevention medicine, breast and colon cancer demonstrates the strongest clinical evidence that pharmacological intervention can lower cancer risk. Here, we offer an overview of the major clinical achievements for these cancers and the critical issues to improve implementation and clinical uptake of efficacious therapies, as well as further developments needed in the field of preventive medicine.
Optimal virtual monoenergetic image in “TwinBeam” dual‐energy CT for organs‐at‐risk delineation based on contrast‐noise‐ratio in head‐and‐neck radiotherapy
Authors: Wang Tonghe , Ghavidel Beth Bradshaw , Beitler Jonathan J. , Tang Xiangyang , Lei Yang , Curran Walter J. , Liu Tian , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Dual‐energy computed tomography (DECT) using TwinBeam CT (TBCT) is a new option for radiation oncology simulators. TBCT scanning provides virtual monoenergetic images which are attractive in treatment planning since lower energies offer better contrast for soft tissues, and higher energies reduce noise. A protocol is needed to achieve optimal performance of this feature. In this study, we investigated the TBCT scan schema with the head‐and‐neck radiotherapy workflow at our clinic and selected the optimal energy with best contrast‐noise‐ratio (CNR) in organs‐at‐risks (OARs) delineation for head‐and‐neck treatment planning.

Methods and materials

We synthesized monochromatic images from 40 keV to 190 keV at 5 keV increments from data acquired by TBCT. We collected the Hounsfield unit (HU) numbers of OARs (brainstem, mandible, spinal cord, and parotid glands), the HU numbers of marginal regions outside OARs, and the noise levels for each monochromatic image. We then calculated the CNR for the different OARs at each energy level to generate a serial of spectral curves for each OAR. Based on these spectral curves of CNR, the mono‐energy corresponding to the max CNR was identified for each OAR of each patient.

Results

Computed tomography scans of ten patients by TBCT were used to test the optimal monoenergetic image for the CNR of OAR. Based on the maximized CNR, the optimal energy values were 78.5 ± 5.3 keV for the brainstem, 78.0 ± 4.2 keV for the mandible, 78.5 ± 5.7 keV for the parotid glands, and 78.5 ± 5.3 keV for the spinal cord. Overall, the optimal energy for the maximum CNR of these OARs in head‐and‐neck cancer patients was 80 keV.

Conclusion

We have proposed a clinically feasible protocol that selects the optimal energy level of the virtual monoenergetic image in TBCT for OAR delineation based on the CNR in head‐and‐neck OAR. This protocol can be applied in TBCT simulation.
Nicotine addiction and substance use disorder treatment: The Philadelphia story
Authors: de Miranda John
Published: February 2019

The Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and its leadership have a well‐deserved reputation for pioneering recovery‐oriented systems of care. Effective Jan. 1, 2019, the agency initiated an aggressive policy to address the problem of nicotine addiction among those receiving substance use disorder (SUD) services in contracted facilities. The policy covers nine detox facilities, 32 short‐term rehabilitation programs, 31 long‐term rehabilitation programs and eight halfway houses.
Shatterproof on its rating pilot for SUD treatment programs
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2019

Shatterproof launched its rating system for addiction treatment programs with a $5 million pilot, the company announced in December, with funding coming mainly from insurance companies and grants (see ADAW, Jan. 14). The project began a year ago (see ADAW, Jan. 15, 2018) but is now moving forward. ADAW caught up with Sam Arsenault, director of national treatment quality initiatives for Shatterproof, last week about the project.
A Foreign Body Response‐on‐a‐Chip Platform
Authors: Sharifi Fatemeh , Htwe Su Su , Righi Martina , Liu Hua , Pietralunga Anna , Yesil‐Celiktas Ozlem , Maharjan Sushila , Cha Byung‐Hyun , Shin Su Ryon , Dokmeci Mehmet Remzi , Vrana Nihal Engin , Ghaemmaghami Amir M. , Khademhosseini Ali , Zhang Yu Shrike
Published: January 2019

Understanding the foreign body response (FBR) and desiging strategies to modulate such a response represent a grand challenge for implant devices and biomaterials. Here, the development of a microfluidic platform is reported, i.e., the FBR‐on‐a‐chip (FBROC) for modeling the cascade of events during immune cell response to implants. The platform models the native implant microenvironment where the implants are interfaced directly with surrounding tissues, as well as vasculature with circulating immune cells. The study demonstrates that the release of cytokines such as monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1) from the extracellular matrix (ECM)‐like hydrogels in the bottom tissue chamber induces trans‐endothelial migration of circulating monocytes in the vascular channel toward the hydrogels, thus mimicking implant‐induced inflammation. Data using patient‐derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells further reveal inter‐patient differences in FBR, highlighting the potential of this platform for monitoring FBR in a personalized manner. The prototype FBROC platform provides an enabling strategy to interrogate FBR on various implants, including biomaterials and engineered tissue constructs, in a physiologically relevant and individual‐specific manner.
Reversible Ion‐Conducting Switch in a Novel Single‐Ion Supramolecular Hydrogel Enabled by Photoresponsive Host–Guest Molecular Recognition
Authors: Wang Hu , Zhu Chao Nan , Zeng Hong , Ji Xiaofan , Xie Tao , Yan Xuzhou , Wu Zi Liang , Huang Feihe
Published: January 2019

A novel ion‐conducting supramolecular hydrogel with reversible photoconductive properties in which the azobenzene motif, α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD), and ionic liquid are grafted onto the gel matrix is reported. Host–guest interactions with different association constants between α‐CD and azobenzene or the anionic part of the ionic liquid can be readily tuned by photoinduced trans–cis isomerization of the azobenzene unit. When irradiated by 365 nm light, α‐CD prefers to form a complex with the anionic part of the ionic liquid, resulting in decreased ionic mobility and thus high resistance of the hydrogel. However, under 420 nm light irradiation, a more stable complex is again formed between α‐CD and trans‐azobenzene, thereby releasing the bound anions to regenerate the low‐resistive hydrogel. As such, remote control of the ionic conductivity of the hydrogel is realized by simple host–guest chemistry. With the incorporation of a logic gate, this hydrogel is able to reversibly switch an electric circuit on and off by light irradiation with certain wavelengths. The concept of photoswitchable ionic conductivity of a hydrogel mediated by competitive molecular recognition is potentially promising toward the fabrication of optoelectronic devices and applications in bioelectronic technology.
A Natural Stress Deflector on the Head? Mechanical and Functional Evaluation of the Woodpecker Skull Bones
Authors: Jung Jae‐Young , Pissarenko Andrei , Trikanad Adwait A. , Restrepo David , Su Frances Y. , Marquez Andrew , Gonzalez Damian , Naleway Steven E. , Zavattieri Pablo , McKittrick Joanna
Published: January 2019

The brain is one of the most important and complicated organs, but it is delicate and therefore needs to be protected from external forces. This makes the pecking behavior of the Woodpecker so impressive, as they are not known to sustain any brain injury due to their anatomical adaptations (a specialized beak, skull bone, and hyoid bone). However, the relationship between the morphology of the woodpecker head and its mechanical function against damage from daily pecking habits remains an open question. Aided by recent technical advancements, these questions can be explored by applying new materials science concepts of bioinspiration and bioexploration to identify adapted structures/materials in a design that results from millions of years of evolution. Two main features, including the beam‐like bar structure of the jugal bone acting as a main stress deflector and the high natural frequency of the skull bone of woodpeckers can teach two lessons for potential materials development as well as engineering applications: protection of a delicate internal organ occurs by redirection of the main stress pathway and a large mismatch of the natural frequencies between the skull and brain avoids resonance and reduces the overall load experienced by the brain.
Deep Learning Spectroscopy: Neural Networks for Molecular Excitation Spectra
Authors: Ghosh Kunal , Stuke Annika , Todorović Milica , Jørgensen Peter Bjørn , Schmidt Mikkel N. , Vehtari Aki , Rinke Patrick
Published: January 2019

Deep learning methods for the prediction of molecular excitation spectra are presented. For the example of the electronic density of states of 132k organic molecules, three different neural network architectures: multilayer perceptron (MLP), convolutional neural network (CNN), and deep tensor neural network (DTNN) are trained and assessed. The inputs for the neural networks are the coordinates and charges of the constituent atoms of each molecule. Already, the MLP is able to learn spectra, but the root mean square error (RMSE) is still as high as 0.3 eV. The learning quality improves significantly for the CNN (RMSE = 0.23 eV) and reaches its best performance for the DTNN (RMSE = 0.19 eV). Both CNN and DTNN capture even small nuances in the spectral shape. In a showcase application of this method, the structures of 10k previously unseen organic molecules are scanned and instant spectra predictions are obtained to identify molecules for potential applications.
Improvement of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in Japanese obese patients
Authors: Endo Yuichi , Ohta Masayuki , Tada Kazuhiro , Nakanuma Hiroaki , Saga Kunihiro , Masuda Takashi , Hirashita Teijiro , Iwashita Yukio , Ozeki Yoshinori , Masaki Takayuki , Inomata Masafumi
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) using computed tomography (CT) images.

Methods

We analyzed data from 57 patients who underwent LSG and had CTs performed before and after surgery. The patients included 34 women and 23 men (with an average age of 43 years); their mean preoperative weight and body mass index were 120 kg and 46 kg/m2, respectively. Obesity‐related health disorders included type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in 33 patients, hypertension in 33 and dyslipidemia in 32. We diagnosed NAFLD in cases with liver to spleen ratios (L/S ratio) <0.9 on non‐contrast CT images. We evaluated changes in body weights, BMIs, comorbidities, metabolic parameters, L/S ratios, and liver volumes after surgery.

Results

The mean interval between CT scans before and after surgery was 26 months. The total weight loss and % excess weight loss were 35 kg and 72%, respectively. The remission rates for T2DM, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were 85%, 76% and 84%, respectively. After LSG, the L/S ratio increased in all the patients, while all except for one had L/S ratio >0.9. We diagnosed 33 out of 57 patients (58%) as having NAFLD before the operation. After the operation, the L/S ratios and liver volumes were not statistically different between the patients with previous NAFLD and those without it.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is an effective treatment for obesity‐related health disorders including NAFLD in Japanese obese patients.
Youth Risk and Mentoring Relationship Quality: The Moderating Effect of Program Experiences
Authors: Weiler Lindsey M. , Boat Ashley A. , Haddock Shelley A.
Published: January 2019

Because program experiences are more amendable than mentor or mentee characteristics, they may be important factors to consider in buffering the negative impact of youth risk on the quality of the mentor–mentee bond. Data from 455 mentees (ages 11–18; 57% male) and their undergraduate student mentors (82.3% female) from the Campus Connections mentoring program were used to assess whether youth risk and mentors’ program experiences (i.e., program structure, supportive relationships with staff, opportunities for skill building, support for efficacy and mattering, and opportunities to belong) were associated with mentoring relationship quality and whether mentors’ experience within the program moderated the association between youth risk and mentoring relationship quality. Results indicated that environmental, but not individual, risk was negatively associated with relationship quality. Mentors’ experiences with the program were positively associated with mentoring relationship quality, and in many cases, above and beyond youth level of risk. Finally, mentors’ perception of program structure, supportive relationships, and opportunities for skill building attenuated the negative relationship between environmental, but not individual, risk and relationship quality. Mentors’ experiences of program support for efficacy and mattering and opportunities to belong were not significant moderators in any model. Implications for programs and future research directions are presented.
How we diagnose and manage altered oxygen affinity hemoglobin variants
Authors: Yudin Jovana , Verhovsek Madeleine
Published: January 2019

Altered oxygen affinity variant hemoglobins (Hbs) are caused by mutations of the globin genes. Changes in Hb oxygen affinity shift the oxygen dissociation curve, and can be identified by abnormal p50 measurements of patient red blood cells. Variants are categorized as either low oxygen affinity (high p50) or high oxygen affinity (low p50). Accurate diagnosis requires recognition of typical clinical and laboratory findings. In this case‐based review, we present two patients with altered oxygen affinity variants, illustrating barriers to prompt and accurate diagnosis, and issues in management. We then review pathophysiology, diagnostic tests, clinical features, and management strategies.
Sustained high levels of physical activity lead to improved performance among “Race Across the USA” athletes
Authors: Ocobock Cara , Overbeck Aaron , Carlson Clare , Royer Chris , Mervenne Alexander , Thurber Caitlin , Dugas Lara R. , Carlson Bryce , Pontzer Herman
Published: January 2019

Objective

To investigate physiological and performance adaptations associated with extremely high daily sustained physical activity levels, we followed six runners participating in the 2015 Race Across the USA. Participants completed over 42.2 km a day for 140 days, covering nearly 5,000 km. This analysis examines the improvement in running speed and potential adaptation in mean submaximal heart rate (SHR) throughout the race.

Methods

Data were collected during three 1‐week long periods corresponding to the race beginning, middle, and end and included heart rates (HRs), body mass, running distances and speeds. HR data were collected using ActiTrainer HR monitors. Running speeds and distances were also recorded throughout the entire race.

Results

Athletes ran significantly faster as the race progressed (p < .001), reducing their mean marathon time by over 63 min. Observed mean SHR during the middle of the race was significantly lower than at the beginning (p = .003); however, there was no significant difference between mean SHR at the middle and end of the race (p = .998).

Conclusion

These results indicate an early training effect in SHR during the first half of the race, which suggests that other physiological and biomechanical mechanisms were responsible for the continued improvement in running speed and adaptation to the high levels of sustained physical activity.
Diagnodent and VistaCam may be unsuitable for the evaluation of dental caries in archeological teeth
Authors: Dąbrowski Paweł , Grzelak Joanna , Kulus Michał , Staniowski Tomasz
Published: January 2019

Objectives

The aim of the study was to compare the usefulness of fluorescence‐based caries detection systems (Diagnodent and VistaCam) for the assessment of carious lesions on archeological molars.

Materials and methods

The study material consisted of teeth from the Cemetery of St. Mary Magdalene (Cmentarz św. Marii Magdaleny) in Wrocław, Poland. A sample of 178 permanent molars from 38 skulls were examined. Five surfaces of teeth (occlusal, mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual) were assessed on either basically cleaned or sandblasted teeth.

Six diagnostic methods were used to detect carious lesions: the visual classification of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II), fluorescent methods (Diagnodent and VistaCam), X‐ray, cone beam computed tomography and histological sections. The sensitivity and specificity of the methods were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the correlation between the severity of dental caries and the readouts obtained with each method.

Results

In most cases, Diagnodent and VistaCam yielded unsatisfactory specificity and sensitivity values. The area under curve (AUC) values in ROC curves for Diagnodent and Vistacam were lower than the AUC values obtained for the ICDAS II visual classification.

Conclusions

According to our results, in the case of archeological teeth, neither Diagnodent nor VistaCam can be regarded as a better diagnostic method than the ICDAS II visual classification of caries.
Ferrocene‐Linkage‐Facilitated Charge Separation in Conjugated Microporous Polymers
Authors: Ma Li , Liu Yilin , Liu Yi , Jiang Shuyi , Li Ping , Hao Yuchen , Shao Pengpeng , Yin Anxiang , Feng Xiao , Wang Bo
Published: January 2019

Conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) have full access to the organic synthesis toolbox and feature‐rich functionality, structural diversity, and high surface area. We incorporated ferrocene (Fc) into the backbones of CMPs and systematically engineered their optical energy gaps. Compared with the CMPs without Fc units yet adopting a similar molecular orbital level, Fc‐based CMPs can sufficiently generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) under visible light. The resultant ROS are able to effectively decompose the absorbed pollutants, including organic dyes and chemical warfare agents. Specifically, Fc‐based CMPs significantly outperform commercial TiO2 (P25) in the degradation of methylene blue and are capable of converting 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (a mustard gas simulant) into a completely nontoxic product.
Aminopolyols from Carbohydrates: Amination of Sugars and Sugar‐Derived Tetrahydrofurans with Transaminases
Authors: Subrizi Fabiana , Benhamou Laure , Ward John M. , Sheppard Tom D. , Hailes Helen C.
Published: January 2019

Carbohydrates are the major component of biomass and have unique potential as a sustainable source of building blocks for chemicals, materials, and biofuels because of their low cost, ready availability, and stereochemical diversity. With a view to upgrading carbohydrates to access valuable nitrogen‐containing sugar‐like compounds such as aminopolyols, biocatalytic aminations using transaminase enzymes (TAms) have been investigated as a sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic strategies. Demonstrated here is the reaction of TAms with sugar‐derived tetrahydrofuran (THF) aldehydes, obtained from the regioselective dehydration of biomass‐derived sugars, to provide access to cyclic aminodiols in high yields. In a preliminary study we have also established the direct transamination of sugars to give acyclic aminopolyols. Notably, the reaction of the ketose d‐fructose proceeds with complete stereoselectivity to yield valuable aminosugars in high purity.
A Scalable Total Synthesis of the Antitumor Agents Et‐743 and Lurbinectedin
Authors: He Weiming , Zhang Zhigao , Ma Dawei
Published: January 2019

An efficient and scalable approach is described for the total synthesis of the marine natural product Et‐743 and its derivative lubinectedin, which are valuable antitumor compounds. The method delivers 1.6 % overall yield in 26 total steps from Cbz‐protected (S)‐tyrosine. It features the use of a common advanced intermediate to create the right and left parts of these compounds, and a light‐mediated remote C−H bond activation to assemble a benzo[1,3]dioxole‐containing intermediate.
Vinyl Triflimides—A Case of Assisted Vinyl Cation Formation
Authors: Schroeder Sebastian , Strauch Christina , Gaelings Niklas , Niggemann Meike
Published: January 2019

A new concept for selectivity control in carbocation‐driven reactions has been identified which allows for the chemo‐, regio‐, and stereoselective addition of nucleophiles to alkynes—assisted vinyl cation formation—enabled by a Li+‐based supramolecular framework. Mechanistic analysis of a model complex (Li2NTf2+⋅3 H2O) confirms that solely the formation of a complex between the incoming nucleophile and the transition state of the alkyne protonation is responsible for the resulting selective N addition to the vinyl cation. Into the bargain, a general, operationally simple synthetic procedure to previously inaccessible vinyl triflimides is provided.
Effects of titanium silicalite and TiO2 nanocomposites on supported Co‐based catalysts for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Si Mengyao , Li Xin , Lv Jing
Published: January 2019

Titanium silicalite (TS) and TiO2 nanocomposites were prepared by mixing TS and TiO2 with different ratios in ethanol. They were impregnated with 15 wt% Co loading to afford Co‐based catalysts. Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) performance of these TS–TiO2 nanocomposite‐supported Co‐based catalysts was studied in a fixed‐bed tubular reactor. The results reveal that the Co/TS–TiO2 catalysts have better catalytic performance than Co/TS or Co/TiO2 each with a single support, showing the synergistic effect of the binary TS–TiO2 support. Among the TS–TiO2 nanocomposite‐supported Co‐based catalysts, Co/TS–TiO2‐1 presents the highest activity. These catalysts were characterized using N2 adsorption–desorption measurements, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, H2 temperature‐programmed reduction, H2 temperature‐programmed desorption and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the position of the active component has a significant effect on the catalytic activity. In the TS–TiO2 nanocomposites, cobalt oxides located at the new pores developed between TS and TiO2 can exhibit better catalytic activity. Also, a positive relationship is observed between Co dispersion and FTS catalytic performance for all catalysts. The catalytic activity is improved on increasing the dispersion of Co.
A Phenomenographic Study of Swedish Nurse Anesthetists’ and OR Nurses’ Work Experiences
Authors: Nordström Anna , Wihlborg Monne
Published: January 2019

In the complex OR environment, perioperative team members need to practice communication and teamwork to ensure safe, high‐quality care. A lack of collaboration among professionals in the OR during surgery results in inefficiency, increased tension, and suboptimal patient care. The purpose of this study was to determine how nurse anesthetists and OR nurses experienced their work in the OR. We used a qualitative design with a phenomenographic approach and conducted 12 interviews in two surgical departments in the southern part of Sweden. We identified four categories of description: team member approach, professional awareness, lifelong learning approach, and safety and the patient's interest. We found that the nurses’ work experiences in the OR were multifaceted and correlated with concepts of teamwork, safety, and communication.
The Effect of Barcode Technology Use on Pathology Specimen Labeling Errors
Authors: Yu Mei‐Hua , Lee Ting‐Ting , Mills Mary Etta
Published: January 2019

Pathology specimen labeling errors occur for a variety of reasons. We investigated the use of barcode technology as a method to improve the accuracy of pathology specimen labeling and patient safety. We also assessed nurses’ perceptions of system quality, information quality, service quality, user satisfaction, and net benefits. Sixty‐eight perioperative nurses who work in a teaching hospital in Taiwan completed the survey. Nurses scored net benefits as highly contributing to their satisfaction, whereas system quality contributed most to dissatisfaction. Further, we analyzed pathology specimen records before and after implementing the barcode system and found that specimen management errors significantly decreased. The use of a reliable barcode system could improve specimen labeling accuracy and enhance nurses’ satisfaction with this technology.