bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LES ORIENTATIONS DOCTRINALES DE LA COMMISSION DE L’UNION AFRICAINE SUR LE DROIT INTERNATIONAL
Authors: Tchikaya Blaise
Published: November 2018

À la création de la Commission de l’Union africaine pour le droit international (CUADI), s’est posée la question des bases doctrinales et conceptuelles sur lesquelles cette Commission devait travailler. C’était la première fois et, non sans surprendre, que l’Afrique se dotait d’un organe propre de discussion, de proposition et codification du droit international. Les options doctrinales de cette Commission de droit international devraient-elles se cantonner à la lecture des attributions prescrites par l’organisation intergouvernementale (UA); ou, se situer au-delà de ces attributions ? Il est apparu à ses membres élus qu’elles devaient tenir compte de l’évolution même du droit international et s’assurer de l’universalité du travail de l’organe. La question de cette étude est de savoir comment la Commission oriente ses analyses et ses conclusions en termes de priorités diplomatiques, politiques et juridiques. Il ne fut pas question, lors de la création de la CUADI, en 2009, de rejeter la systématique du droit international, mais d’y ajouter solidement les objectifs que les Africains ont en commun. Les objectifs qui renforcent et consolident également les principes du droit international; ceux qui font que l’Afrique reste à l’avant-garde des développements juridiques internationaux. La CUADI, pourrait-on dire, a une mission, ambivalente : elle est à la fois africaniste, en cela qu’elle protège et insère dans le droit international les valeurs partagées africaines, et, sa mission est aussi universaliste, parce qu’en droit international toute règle doit avoir une vocation universelle. Dès ses premières sessions, et par ses premiers thèmes de travail, cette nouvelle Commission traduit certes une continuité, mais aussi une dénonciation des évolutions récentes du droit international. Les pays africains dénonçaient notamment ce qu’ils appelaient déjà en 2008 à Syrte (Libye) une application abusive du principe de compétence universelle par des pays non africains (Décision EX.CL/496 (XV) relative à l’utilisation abusive du principe de compétence universelle de juillet 2008, renouvelée à Kampala, 2010). Cette dénonciation a constitué l’une des raisons de la naissance d’un organe de conceptualisation et de codification régionale du droit international. Sans que soit suffisamment posée, pourrait-on penser, la question des moyens pour y parvenir.
Caracterización en la trilogía Foundation: un estudio cuantitativo basado en el análisis clúster
Authors: Arroyo Jose Luis
Published: November 2018

Este trabajo analiza la caracterización de los personajes en la trilogía Foundation de Asimov, pues una de las principales críticas respecto a su obra en general, y a esta saga en particular, es la escasa profundidad de los mismos, que les lleva a ser muy parecidos entre sí. A fin de determinar de un modo más objetivo la veracidad de esta crítica, se ha utilizado la técnica del análisis clúster, empleada habitualmente en big data, sobre un conjunto de veintiséis personajes de la trilogía, que previamente han sido evaluados según el modelo OCEAN, con los factores definidos en el test NEO-PI-R. La conclusión de este análisis cuantitativo es doble. Por una parte, se ha confirmado la validez de esta propuesta metodológica, al menos para el caso concreto analizado, pues los resultados son coherentes con lo recogido en estudios cualitativos previos. Por otra, hemos verificado que efectivamente la caracterización de los personajes, sin llegar al extremo del que en ocasiones se ha acusado a Asimov, no es tan minuciosa ni compleja como en el caso de otros autores.
Hacia un mapa digital de las relaciones literarias ibéricas (1870-1930): algunas reflexiones teóricas y metodológicas
Authors: Pérez Isasi Santiago
Published: November 2018

En este artículo se presentan algunas consideraciones de tipo teórico y metodológico sobre la representación cartográfica y digital de las relaciones literarias intraibéricas, a finales del siglo xix y principios del siglo xx, es decir, en un periodo de especial conexión entre las culturas ibéricas (incluidas la catalana, la gallega y la vasca), entrelazando, así, la investigación en estudios ibéricos con las humanidades digitales (o más concretamente, con las humanidades espaciales digitales). Tras unas consideraciones generales sobre las interacciones entre cartografía (digital) y estudios literarios, se presentará la metodología desarrollada por el proyecto Mapa digital de las relaciones literarias ibéricas, en relación con la selección de los datos y el diseño de la base de datos. En el último apartado del artículo, se plantearán algunos problemas futuros relacionados con la visualización de los datos a través de mapas, así como posibles soluciones basadas en la experiencia desarrollada por otros proyectos semejantes.
Heterocronicidad. Cronos a debate
Authors: Labella Antonio
Published: November 2018

La instalación del sistema Cronos se expuso en la sala de exposiciones de Polo Digital durante el desarrollo del «III Congreso de la Sociedad Internacional Humanidades Digitales Hispánicas. Sociedades, políticas, saberes», celebrado en Málaga durante los días 18, 19 y 20 de octubre del 2017. El desarrollo conceptual de la investigación que se llevó a cabo para construir el dispositivo y definir las características espaciales y participativas que requería su montaje se enmarca en el contexto de las humanidades digitales aplicadas a la creación artística. Este documento muestra el proceso de creación del sistema Cronos y el modo en que su funcionalidad se ha ajustado a los requisitos que el proyecto Heterocronicidad requería. Generado por parte de María Cuevas Riaño y Antonio Labella Martinez (Facultad de Bellas Artes de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid) y Salvador Sancha Ros (CEO en Eneso Tecnología de Adaptación), su objetivo es reflexionar sobre el concepto del tiempo-arte. En esta versión del sistema, observamos la presencia del tiempo en la secuencia reproductiva de un organismo vivo (ritmo, duración, patrón de comportamiento, etc.), lo registramos digitalmente y lo reinterpretamos según una partitura, elaborada de acuerdo con el criterio de los autores, que nos sirve para definir el modo en el que queremos que el público intervenga en la instalación que proponemos, con el objeto de que el observador experimente el concepto de presencia y tiempo. Gracias al trabajo transdisciplinar que ha sumado la teoría en arte, la producción artística y la ingeniería informática, se ha podido vertebrar un discurso de visualización de datos-tiempo, proponer un espacio expositivo experimental y definir las estrategias de participación del espectador-usuario. En este artículo, compartimos las preguntas teóricas y los autores en los que nos hemos fijado para elaborar el discurso tiempo-arte que proponemos, y describimos los fundamentos del lenguaje computacional que hemos creado para llevar a cabo la instalación del proyecto Heterocronicidad.
El análisis del campo del arte desde las humanidades digitales, una propuesta teórico-metodológica (1970-2017)
Authors: Motilla José Antonio
Published: November 2018

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo reflexionar sobre las estrategias teóricas y metodológicas empleadas para analizar el campo del arte en el estado de San Luis Potosí, México, mediante el proyecto Sistema de Información de la Práctica Artística en San Luis Potosí, en el cual, por medio de herramientas y perspectivas enmarcadas en las humanidades digitales, se han diseñado una serie de estrategias para recopilar, procesar y sistematizar información para reconstruir la dinámica de la actividad artística.

Proponemos que el empleo de la perspectiva de las humanidades digitales, aplicada al análisis y manejo de fuentes diversas, es una herramienta fundamental para reconstruir las dinámicas y procesos del campo del arte, la cual nos puede permitir comprender desde una amplia perspectiva la manera en que la creación artística se ha practicado y desarrollado en la entidad.

El proyecto en el que se enmarca este texto consiste en elaborar un sistema de información complejo, que recopile la información general y obras principales de artistas potosinos por nacimiento, vecindad, o que la temática de su producción se relacione con la entidad. Para efectos de este artículo, pondremos énfasis en el periodo comprendido de 1970 al año 2017.
Effects of a six-week weighted-implement throwing program on baseball pitching velocity, kinematics, arm stress, and arm range of motion
Authors: Marsh Joseph A. , Wagshol Matthew I. , Boddy Kyle J. , O’Connell Michael E. , Briend Sam J. , Lindley Kyle E. , Caravan Alex
Published: November 2018

Background

Weighted-baseball training programs are used at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels of baseball. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a six-week training period consisting of weighted implements, manual therapy, weightlifting, and other modalities on shoulder external rotation, elbow valgus stress, pitching velocity, and kinematics.

Hypothesis

A six-week training program that includes weighted implements will increase pitching velocity along with concomitant increases in arm angular velocities, joint kinetics, and shoulder external rotation.

Methods

Seventeen collegiate and professional baseball pitchers (age range 18–23, average: 19.9 ± 1.3) training at Driveline Baseball were evaluated via a combination of an eight-camera motion-capture system, range-of-motion measurements and radar- and pitch-tracking equipment, both before and after a six-week training period. Each participant received individualized training programs, with significant overlap in training methods for all athletes. Twenty-eight biomechanical parameters were computed for each bullpen trial, four arm range-of-motion measurements were taken, and pitching velocities were recorded before and after the training period. Pre- and post-training period data were compared via post-hoc paired t tests.

Results

There was no change in pitching velocity across the seventeen subjects. Four biomechanical parameters for the holistic group were significantly changed after the training period: internal rotational velocity was higher (from 4,527 ± 470 to 4,759 ± 542 degrees/second), shoulder abduction was lower at ball release (96 ± 7.6 to 93 ± 5.4°), the shoulder was less externally rotated at ball release (95 ± 15 to 86 ± 18°) and shoulder adduction torque was higher (from 103 ± 39 to 138 ± 53 N-m). Among the arm range of motion measurements, four were significantly different after the training period: the shoulder internal rotation range of motion and total range of motion for both the dominant and non-dominant arm. When the group was divided into those who gained pitching velocity and those who did not, neither group showed a significant increase in shoulder external rotation, or elbow valgus stress.

Conclusions

Following a six-week weighted implement program, pitchers did not show a significant change in velocity, joint kinetics, or shoulder external rotation range of motion. When comparing pitchers who gained velocity versus pitchers who did not, no statistically significant changes were seen in joint kinetics and shoulder range of motion.
Effects of blood parasite infection and innate immune genetic diversity on mating patterns in a passerine bird breeding in contrasted habitats
Authors: Garant Dany , Bourret Audrey , Schmitt Clarence , Turcotte Audrey , Pelletier Fanie , Bélisle Marc
Published: November 2018

Genetic diversity at immune genes and levels of parasitism are known to affect patterns of (dis)assortative mating in several species. Heterozygote advantage and/or good genes should shape mate choice originating from pathogen/parasite-driven selection at immune genes. However, the stability of these associations, and whether they vary with environmental conditions, are still rarely documented. In this study, we describe mating patterns in a wild population of tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) over 4 years and assess the effects of haemosporidian parasite infection and immune genetic diversity at β-defensin genes on those patterns within two habitats of contrasting environmental quality, in southern Québec, Canada. We first show that mating patterns were only very weakly related to individual status of infection by haemosporidian parasites. However, we found a difference between habitats in mating patterns related to infection status, which was likely due to a non-random distribution of individuals, as non-infected mating pairs were more frequent in lower quality habitats. Mating patterns also differed depending on β-defensin heterozygosity at AvBD2, but only for genetic partners outside of the social couple, with heterozygous individuals pairing together. Our study underlines the importance of considering habitat heterogeneity in studies of sexual selection.
Formation of sclerotia inSclerotinia ginsengand composition of the sclerotial exudate
Authors: Wang Dan , Fu Junfan , Zhou Rujun , Li Zibo , Xie Yujiao , Liu Xinran , Han Yueling
Published: November 2018

Background

Sclerotinia ginsengis a major devastating soil-borne pathogen of ginseng that can cause irreparable damage and large economic losses. This pathogen produces sclerotia, which are among the most persistent resting structures produced by filamentous fungi. The production of an exudate is a common feature of sclerotial development.

Methods

S. ginsengwas cultured on 10 different media and the following parameters were measured: mycelial growth rate (mm/day), initial formation time of exudate droplets, total quantity of exudate, number of sclerotia per dish, and sclerotial fresh/dry weight. The composition of the sclerotial exudate was analyzed using four methods (high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, flame atomic absorption spectrometry, and Nessler’s reagent spectrophotometry).

Results

We found that PDA was the optimal medium for exudate production, while SDA medium resulted in the highest mycelial growth rate. The earliest emergence of exudate droplets from sclerotia was on OA-YE and V8 media. The largest amount of sclerotia and the smallest sclerotia were produced on V8 medium. The maximum and minimum dry/fresh weight were obtained on MEA medium and V8 medium, respectively. The exudate contained organic acids (oxalic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, and tannic acid), carbohydrates (inositol, glucose, and trehalose), various ions (potassium, sodium, and magnesium), and ammonia.

Discussion

The functions of the identified compounds are discussed within the context of pathogenicity, sclerotial development, and antimicrobial activity. Our findings provide information about the production of sclerotia and the composition of sclerotial exudate that may be useful to develop strategies to control this disease.
Not all brawn, but some brain. Strength gains after training alters kinematic motor abundance in hopping
Authors: Liew Bernard X.W. , Morrison Andrew , Hobara Hiroaki , Morris Susan , Netto Kevin
Published: November 2018

Background

The effects of resistance training on a muscle’s neural, architectural, and mechanical properties are well established. However, whether resistance training can positively change the coordination of multiple motor elements in the control of a well-defined lower limb motor performance objective remains unclear. Such knowledge is critical given that resistance training is an essential and ubiquitous component in gait rehabilitation. This study aimed to investigate if strength gains of the ankle and knee extensors after resistance training increases kinematic motor abundance in hopping.

Methods

The data presented in this study represents the pooled group results of a sub-study from a larger project investigating the effects of resistance training on load carriage running energetics. Thirty healthy adults performed self-paced unilateral hopping, and strength testing before and after six weeks of lower limb resistance training. Motion capture was used to derive the elemental variables of planar segment angles of the foot, shank, thigh, and pelvis, and the performance variable of leg length. Uncontrolled manifold analysis (UCM) was used to provide an index of motor abundance (IMA) in the synergistic coordination of segment angles in the stabilization of leg length. Bayesian Functional Data Analysis was used for statistical inference, with a non-zero crossing of the 95% Credible Interval (CrI) used as a test of significance.

Results

Depending on the phase of hop stance, there were significant main effects of ankle and knee strength on IMA, and a significant ankle by knee interaction effect. For example at 10% hop stance, a 1 Nm/kg increase in ankle extensor strength increased IMA by 0.37 (95% CrI [0.14–0.59]), a 1 Nm/kg increase in knee extensor strength decreased IMA by 0.29 (95% CrI [0.08–0.51]), but increased the effect of ankle strength on IMA by 0.71 (95% CrI [0.10–1.33]). At 55% hop stance, a 1 Nm/kg increase in knee extensor strength increase IMA by 0.24 (95% CrI [0.001–0.48]), but reduced the effect of ankle strength on IMA by 0.71 (95% CrI [0.13–1.32]).

Discussion

Resistance training not only improves strength, but also the structure of coordination in the control of a well-defined motor objective. The role of resistance training on motor abundance in gait should be investigated in patient cohorts, other gait patterns, and its translation into functional improvements.
Serum lipid level is not associated with symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage after intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Lin Ting-Chun , Lin Yen-Kuang , Chen Chin-I , Chan Lung , Chi Nai-Fang , Yuan Rey-Yue , Sheu Jau-Jiuan , Wei Chun-Ren , Tsai Jui-Ping , Yeh Tu-Hsueh
Published: November 2018

Background

This study assessed whether serum lipid levels are associated with the risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) and functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke after receiving intravenous thrombolysis.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed consecutive ischemic stroke patients who were treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator between January 2007 and January 2017. Lipid levels on admission, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride levels, as well as potential predictors of sICH were tested using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Of the 229 enrolled patients (100 women, aged 68 ± 13 years), 14 developed sICH and 103 (45%) had favorable functional outcomes at 3 months. The patients with sICH more often had diabetes mellitus (71% vs. 26%, P = 0.01) and had more severe stroke (mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score of 16 vs. 13, P = 0.045). Regarding lipid subtype, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglyceride levels were not associated with sICH or functional outcomes. According to the results of multivariate analysis, the frequency of sICH was independently associated with diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR] = 6.04; 95% CI [1.31–27.95]; P = 0.02) and the NIHSS score (OR = 1.12; 95% CI [1.02–1.22]; P = 0.01). A higher NIHSS score was independently associated with unfavorable functional outcomes (OR = 0.86; 95% CI [0.81–0.91]; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Serum lipid levels on admission, including total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglyceride levels, were not associated with sICH or 3-month functional outcomes after intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke.
Hypoxia affects Slc7a5 expression through HIF‐2α in differentiated neuronal cells
Authors: Onishi Yuki , Hiraiwa Manami , Kamada Hikari , Iezaki Takashi , Yamada Takanori , Kaneda Katsuyuki , Hinoi Eiichi
Published: November 2018

An imbalance of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) in the brain may result in neuropathological conditions, such as autism spectrum disorders. The L‐type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), encoded by the solute carrier transporter 7a5 (Slc7a5) gene, is critical for maintaining normal levels of BCAAs in the brain. However, our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate the expression of LAT1/Slc7a5 in neurons is currently limited. Here, we demonstrate that hypoxic conditions result in upregulated expression of Slc7a5 in differentiated neuronal cells (Neuro2A cells induced to differentiate using all‐trans retinoic acid). Mechanistically, hypoxia‐induced expression of Slc7a5 is markedly reduced by short hairpin RNA (shRNA)‐mediated knockdown of hypoxia‐inducible factor 2α (HIF‐2α), but not by shRNA targeting HIF‐1α, in differentiated neuronal cells. Moreover, hypoxia increased the binding of HIF‐2α to the proximal promoter of Slc7a5 in differentiated neuronal cells. These results indicate that hypoxia directly enhances the recruitment of HIF‐2α to the proximal promoter of Slc7a5, resulting in its upregulated expression in differentiated neuronal cells. These findings indicate that Slc7a5 may be a novel gene responsive to hypoxia in a HIF‐2α‐dependent manner in differentiated neuronal cells.
Dynamic Interface Formation in Magnetic Thin Film Heterostructures
Authors: Nakashima Shuhei , Miyamachi Toshio , Tatetsu Yasutomi , Takahashi Yukio , Takagi Yasumasa , Gohda Yoshihiro , Yokoyama Toshihiko , Komori Fumio
Published: November 2018

Magnetic thin film heterostructures have been widely studied for fundamental interests in the emergence of novel phenomena associated with the heterointerface formation as well as their promising practical potential. Combining X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism with scanning tunneling microscopy, it is shown for fcc Fe thin films grown on Cu(001) with Mn overlayers (Mn/Fe thin film heterostructures) that the interfacial factors dominating the electronic and magnetic properties of the entire system dynamically change with the amount of the Mn overlayer. Element specific magnetization curves of the Fe layer exhibit a two‐step spin reorientation transition from out‐of‐plane to in‐plane direction by increasing the Mn coverage. The atomic‐scale characterizations of structural and electronic properties in combination with the first‐principles calculations successfully unravel the roles of the entangled interfacial factors and clarify the driving forces of the transition. The first step of the transition at a low Mn coverage is dominantly induced by the formation of FeMn disordered alloy at the heterointerface, and the electronic hybridization with the interfacial FeMn ordered alloy is dominant as the origin of the second step of the transition at a high Mn coverage.
Aberrant transcriptomes and DNA methylomes define pathways that drive pathogenesis and loss of brain laterality/asymmetry in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Authors: Abdolmaleky Hamid M. , Gower Adam C. , Wong Chen‐Khuan , Cox Jiayi W. , Zhang Xiaoling , Thiagalingam Arunthathi , Shafa Rahim , Sivaraman Vadivelu , Zhou Jin‐Rong , Thiagalingam Sam
Published: November 2018

Although the loss of brain laterality is one of the most consistent modalities in schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BD), its molecular basis remains elusive. Our limited previous studies indicated that epigenetic modifications are key to the asymmetric transcriptomes of brain hemispheres. We used whole‐genome expression microarrays to profile postmortem brain samples from subjects with SCZ, psychotic BD [BD[+]] or non‐psychotic BD [BD(−)], or matched controls (10/group) and performed whole‐genome DNA methylation (DNAM) profiling of the same samples (3‐4/group) to identify pathways associated with SCZ or BD[+] and genes/sites susceptible to epigenetic regulation. qRT‐PCR and quantitative DNAM analysis were employed to validate findings in larger sample sets (35/group). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) demonstrated that BMP signaling and astrocyte and cerebral cortex development are significantly (FDR q < 0.25) coordinately upregulated in both SCZ and BD[+], and glutamate signaling and TGFβ signaling are significantly coordinately upregulated in SCZ. GSEA also indicated that collagens are downregulated in right versus left brain of controls, but not in SCZ or BD[+] patients. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis predicted that TGFB2 is an upstream regulator of these genes (p = .0012). While lateralized expression of TGFB2 in controls (p = .017) is associated with a corresponding change in DNAM (p ≤ .023), lateralized expression and DNAM of TGFB2 are absent in SCZ or BD. Loss of brain laterality in SCZ and BD corresponds to aberrant epigenetic regulation of TGFB2 and changes in TGFβ signaling, indicating potential avenues for disease prevention/treatment.
Oh, how hard it is to open the gate for sepsis trials: lessons from SCARLET
Authors: Iba Toshiaki , Tanaka Hiroshi
Published: November 2018

Although SCARLET could not achieve its primary end‐point, the conditions of this trial were different from that of clinical practice in Japan. The effectiveness of the anticoagulant therapy for septic disseminated intravascular coagulation should be examined further in future studies.
Plasticization of poly(vinyl butyral) by water: Glass transition temperature and mechanical properties
Authors: Desloir Marlène , Benoit Cyril , Bendaoud Amine , Alcouffe Pierre , Carrot Christian
Published: November 2018

The effect of plasticization by water on the mechanical properties of additive‐free poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) was investigated. PVB is hygroscopic and the amount of absorbed water was measured in various environmental conditions. Two kinds of interactions with hydrophilic sites was demonstrated. The thermal and thermomechanical studies (differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis) showed that water decreases the glass transition temperature thus acting as a plasticizer. This gives the material larger deformation capability and increased toughness. Surprisingly, the modulus remains high and this was explained by a structure consisting in two phases with different levels of plasticization, reflected by a double peak of relaxation associated to multiple phases with different glass transition temperature. Atomic force microscopy measurements on samples with high level of hydration shows evidence of nanometric hydrated domains acting as an elastomeric phase and thus inducing toughening of the material. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47230.
Self‐crosslinkable hydroxylated natural rubber/carboxymethyl starch blend and its properties
Authors: Chooprayoon Pajaree , Boochathum Ploenpit
Published: November 2018

Self‐crosslinkable hydroxylated natural rubber (HNR) and carboxymethyl starch (CMS) was successfully prepared viain situmixing of CMS slurry in HNR latex. The purpose of this work was to study the crosslinking of HNR using CMS as a novel crosslinker in order to reduce the use of sulfur vulcanizing agent and other toxic chemicals such as accelerator. Two systems with different HNR:formic acid:hydrogen peroxide ratios were prepared: 1:0.25:0.25, designated as HNR025, and 1:0.35:0.35, designated as HNR035. Well dispersion and distribution of CMS in the HNR025 matrix were obvious as imaged in scanning electron microscope micrographs. The resulting interfacial combination and ester bonding between HNR and CMS molecules were believed to enhance the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the HNR/CMS blends. It was remarkable that the determined crosslink densities of the HNR/CMS blends increased with the CMS loading and were corresponding to the improved mechanical properties. This self‐crosslinkable blend between HNR and CMS without using any vulcanizing agents would be of interest for the preparation of the green biodegradable rubber products in the future. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47271.
Effective filter screening approach with fractionation for enabling inline filtration of protein A eluate
Authors: Sun Weitong , Lee Nacole , Dragulin‐Otto Sonia , Wong Ashley , Luo Haibin , Brown Arick
Published: November 2018

Filtration of protein A eluates inline with a chromatography column is a common challenge for monoclonal antibody (mAb) purification due to the high system backpressure during elution, which can result in system shut down or require a decreased elution flow rate. The inability to filter inline not only poses a risk for process deviations, but can also lead to tank constraints and microbial ingress risk. Here, we evaluated and described a novel approach for identifying filters for inline filtration of protein A eluates at pilot scale. We fractionated the protein A eluates into 0.25 column volume fractions to screen filters under constant pressure or constant flow conditions. We observed that filtration properties for eluate fractions are significantly different from the offline eluate, and the conventional filter sizing study using elution pool is not able to predict inline filtration behavior. Through the submicron particle counts and size distribution in pre‐ and post‐filtration samples, we determined that both attributes contribute to the high pressure across the filters. A successful proof‐of‐concept experiment on a column 10 cm in diameter inline with the filter train selected validated this fractionation method, and the approach was applied to a different mAb molecule to confirm effectiveness.
Effects of 7 T static magnetic fields on the expression of biological markers and the formation of bone in rats
Authors: Yamaguchi‐Sekino Sachiko , Kira Tsutomu , Sekino Masaki , Akahane Manabu
Published: November 2018

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of 7 T static magnetic fields (SMFs) on rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in order to determine whether strong SMFs affected the osteogenesis of MSCs. MSCs were prepared from bone marrow cells obtained from the femurs of 7‐week‐old male Fischer 344 rats. MSCs were then combined with β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP), yielding two types of TCP/MSC constructs (TCP/P‐1 and P‐2) on day 0. Exposure was performed for 3 h/day for 6 days, and the experiments were performed twice using different exposure apparatus (cryovials or 4‐well chambers) for each experiment. The results from gene expression, protein expression, and histological analyses showed no reproducible effects on both TCP/P‐1 and TCP/P‐2 MSC constructs, although osteocalcin levels for TCP/P‐1 MSC constructs increased significantly once after 7 T exposure in two experiments. These findings contribute to understanding the effects of strong SMFs on MSC and osteoblasts. Bioelectromagnetics. 40:16–26, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combining chemical flocculation and bacterial co‐culture of Cupriavidus taiwanensis and Ureibacillus thermosphaericus to detoxify a hardwood hemicelluloses hydrolysate and enable acetone–butanol–ethanol fermentation leading to butanol
Authors: Theiri Mariem , Chadjaa Hassan , Marinova Mariya , Jolicoeur Mario
Published: November 2018

Butanol, a fuel with better characteristics than ethanol, can be produced via acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) fermentation using lignocellulosic biomass as a carbon source. However, many inhibitors present in the hydrolysate limit the yield of the fermentation process. In this work, a detoxification technology combining flocculation and biodetoxification within a bacterial co‐culture composed of Ureibacillus thermosphaericus and Cupriavidus taiwanensis is presented for the first time. Co‐culture‐based strategies to detoxify filtered and unfiltered hydrolysates have been investigated. The best results of detoxification were obtained for a two‐step approach combining flocculation to biodetoxification. This sequential process led to a final phenolic compounds concentration of 1.4 g/L, a value close to the minimum inhibitory level observed for flocculated hydrolysate (1.1 g/L). The generated hydrolysate was then fermented with Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 for 120 h. A final butanol production of 8 g/L was obtained, although the detoxified hydrolysate was diluted to reach 0.3 g/L of phenolics to ensure noninhibitory conditions. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2753, 2019.
Early treatment narcissism associated with later social and sexual functioning among psychotherapy clients
Authors: Bell Chance A. , Jankowski Peter J. , Sandage Steven J.
Published: November 2018

Background

Narcissism is a significant mental health concern with some evidence of rising prevalence rates in the United States. Treatments have been theorised, yet empirical research documenting psychotherapy effectiveness is lacking. To begin to address this gap, we used an exploratory, practice‐based design and investigated whether adults’ narcissistic symptom scores would decrease during outpatient treatment.

Methodology

Treatment occurred at a community mental health clinic in the North‐eastern United States and consisted of a contemporary relational psychoanalytic approach. We used paired‐sample t tests to examine whether narcissism improved from time 1 to time 2 and conducted path analysis of a cross‐lagged panel model for a half‐longitudinal design to determine mediation among variables.

Results

Data analyses revealed that narcissism scores improved during psychotherapy treatment, as did depression, social conflict and sexual functioning from time 1 to time 2. Findings suggested that depression mediated the association between time 1 narcissism and later sexual functioning and levels of social conflict.

Conclusions

Findings lay the groundwork for future longitudinal designs and highlight the importance of assessing connections between clients’ narcissistic symptoms and (a) mood regulation difficulties and (b) patterns of psychosocial impairment in social conflict and sexual functioning.
MicroRNA‐1254 contributes to the controlling of pro‐fibrogenic environment in LX‐2 cells by modulating SMAD3 and wound repair: new insights in hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Gonçalves Letícia Rocha , de Oliveira da Silva Brenda , Scarinci Letícia Destefani , Ramos Letícia Ferreira , Moraes Karen C.M.
Published: November 2018

Hepatic fibrosis and its end‐stage cirrhosis have increased worldwide, and, despite all the efforts, no successful therapy is available. More recently, the heptapeptide angiotensin‐(1‐7) [ang‐(1‐7)] was reported to be able to modulate liver fibrosis and even steatosis; however, the molecular bases of these effects are not clear. In this study, we investigated the overexpression of the microRNA‐1254 in the human hepatic stellate cell line LX‐2, based on the effect of the heptapeptide in such cells, previously, demonstrated by our research group. In addition, this miRNA was chosen based on the identification of putative binding site of this small molecule in the mRNA sequences of different molecular connectors of the AKT/ PI3K pathway, which is modulated by the heptapeptide and connects to the control of several cellular mechanisms, including proliferation, survival, migration, and even liver fibrogenesis. The results revealed an innovative function of the miR‐1254 in controlling SMAD3 and pro‐fibrosing elements as well as the wound healing response in LX‐2, attenuating the scaring repair of the injured tissue. The combined findings provide useful information for future studies on the controlling of hepatic fibrogenesis.
Bufalin induces protective autophagy by Cbl‐b regulating mTOR and ERK signaling pathways in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Qi Hai‐Yan , Qu Xiu‐Juan , Liu Jing , Hou Ke‐Zuo , Fan Yi‐Bo , Che Xiao‐Fang , Liu Yun‐Peng
Published: November 2018

Bufalin, a natural small‐molecule compound derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Chan su, has shown promising anti‐cancer effects against a broad variety of cancer cells through different mechanisms. It has been reported to induce autophagy in gastric cancer cells. However, the molecular mechanism involved is not fully elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism by which bufalin induce autophagy in human gastric cancer cells. We found that bufalin induced apoptosis and autophagy in gastric cancer cells, and autophagy prevented human gastric cancer cells from undergoing apoptosis. Bufalin treatment changed the expression of autophagy‐related proteins. Moreover, phosphorylated Akt, mTOR, and p70S6K were all significantly decreased, while phosphorylated ERK1/2 was increased by bufalin. Pretreatment of MGC803 cells with the ERK1/2‐specific inhibitor PD98059 led to the down‐regulation of LC3 II. Further study showed that Cbl‐b positively regulated autophagy by suppressing mTOR and enhancing ERK1/2 activation. Therefore, our data provide evidence that bufalin induces autophagy in MGC803 cells via both Akt/mTOR/p70S6K and ERK signaling pathways, and Cbl‐b‐mediated suppression of mTOR and activation of ERK1/2 might play an important role.
PLS multivariate analysis applied to corrosion studies on reinforced concrete
Authors: Monzón Pablo , Ramón José Enrique , Gandía‐Romero José Manuel , Valcuende Manuel , Soto Juan , Palací‐López Daniel
Published: November 2018

There are few techniques available to calculate the corrosion rate (icorr) of reinforcing steel in concrete structures. This is due not only to a lack of instrumentation but also because it is necessary to take into account that polarization can irreversibly modify the metal surface and can affect the results or the future state of the metal. This is the reason some researchers prefer to test reinforcing steel with reversible techniques. The main objective of this study is to predict the corrosion rate of reinforced concrete using electrochemical methods combined with statistical tools such as multivariate analysis. Using reinforcements embedded in mortar samples, the corrosion rates were determined at different ages using the Tafel method, and values obtained were compared with other techniques: linear polarization resistance (LPR), potentiostatic pulse testing (PPT), and AC electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In addition, these values were compared to those obtained using a mixed technique based on partial least squares (PLS). With this technique, we were able to automatically analyze the current data obtained from LPR, PPT, and EIS and to predict the icorr value. The study allows us to conclude that it is possible to obtain reliable icorr values, very close to those obtained with the Tafel method by using PLS combined with PPT or LPR. Furthermore, it presents several advantages, such as being able to directly treat data without requiring an established Stern‐Geary constant (B) for LPR and not having to use an equivalent circuit (EC) in EIS to calculate icorr because only the impedance spectra are necessary.
Synthesis of μ2‐Oxo‐Bridged Iron(III) Tetraphenylporphyrin–Spacer–Nitroxide Dimers and their Structural and Dynamics Characterization by using EPR and MD Simulations
Authors: Abdullin Dinar , Fleck Nico , Klein Christoph , Brehm Philipp , Spicher Sebastian , Lützen Arne , Grimme Stefan , Schiemann Olav
Published: November 2018

Iron(III) porphyrins have the propensity to form μ2‐oxo‐dimers, the structures of which resemble two wheels on an axle. Whereas their crystal structure is known, their solution structure and internal dynamics is not. In the present work, the structure and dynamics of such dimers were studied by means of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and quantum chemistry based molecular dynamics (MD) simulations by using the semiempirical tight‐binding method (GFN‐xTB). To enable EPR investigation of the dimers, a nitroxide was attached to each of the tetraphenylporphyrin cores through a linear and a bent linker. The inter‐nitroxide distance distributions within the dimers were determined by continuous‐wave (cw)‐EPR and pulsed electron–electron double resonance (PELDOR or DEER) experiments and, with the help of MD, interpreted in terms of the rotation of the porphyrin planes with respect to each other around the Fe–O–Fe axis. It was found that such rotation is restricted to the four registers defined by the phenyl substituents. Within the registers, the rotation angle swings between 30° and 60° in the proximal and between 125° and 145° in the distal register. With EPR, all four angles were found to be equally populated, whereas the 30° and 145° angles are strongly favored to the expense of the 60° and 125° angles in the MD simulation. In either case, the internal dynamics of these dimers thus resemble the motion of a step motor.
A Hexavalent Basket for Bottom‐Up Construction of Functional Soft Materials and Polyvalent Drugs through a “Click” Reaction
Authors: Neal Taylor A. , Wang Weikun , Zhiquan Lei , Peng Ruojing , Soni Priti , Xie Han , Badjić Jovica D.
Published: November 2018

Inspired by polyvalency and its prevalence in nature, we developed an efficient synthetic route for accessing a large variety of multivalent and dual‐cavity baskets from inexpensive and abundant starting materials. First, the cycloaddition of vinyl acetate to anthracene was optimized to, upon hydrolysis, give dibenzobarrelene derivative 6, which after five functional group transformations and then cyclotrimerization gave heptiptycene dodecaester 4 in an overall 17 % yield. Following that, compound 4 was converted into D3h symmetric 1, composed of two fused cavitands each holding three terminal alkynes at the rim for conjugation to functional molecules using the highly efficient CuAAC reaction. To survey the reactivity of hexavalent 1, we “clicked” 2‐acetamido‐2‐deoxy‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl azide 3,4,6‐triacetate (carbohydrate), methoxypolyethylene glycol azide (PEG, Mn=2000; polymer) and benzyl azide (aromatic) to obtain hexavalent conjugates 12–14 in 50–79 % yields. In summary, dual‐cavity 1 is an accessible, structurally‐unique and hexavalent host that can be “clicked” to a variety of functional molecules for (a) combinatorial lead identification of drugs, (b) preparation of hierarchical soft materials and (c) design of selective chemosensors, scavengers, or supramolecular catalysts.
Reversible Carbene Insertion into a Ge−N Bond and Insights into CO and Carbene Substitution Reactions Involving Amidinatogermylenes and Fischer Carbene Complexes
Authors: Álvarez‐Rodríguez Lucía , Cabeza Javier A. , García‐Álvarez Pablo , Gómez‐Gallego Mar , González‐Álvarez Laura , Merinero Alba D. , Sierra Miguel A.
Published: November 2018

The formation of the five‐membered‐ring germylene complexes [M(CO)5{Ge(tBu2bzamC(OEt)Me)tBu}] (3M; M=Cr, W), which occurs readily at room temperature from the germylene Ge(tBu2bzam)tBu (1tBu) and Fischer carbenes [M(CO)5{C(OEt)Me}] (2M; M=Cr, W), has been found to be reversible. Upon heating at 60 °C, complexes 3M undergo epimerization to an equilibrium mixture of 3M and 3′M. At that temperature, the chromium epimers (but not the tungsten ones) release CO to end in the mixed germylene–Fischer carbene complexes [Cr(CO)4{C(OEt)Me}{Ge(tBu2bzam)tBu}] (cis‐4Cr and trans‐4Cr). The latter decompose at 120 °C to [Cr(CO)5{Ge(tBu2bzam)tBu}] (6Cr). Because the formation of cis‐4Cr and trans‐4Cr from 3Cr or 3′Cr requires the presence of free 1tBu and 2Cr in the reaction solutions, the reactions of 1tBu with 2M to give 3M (and 3′M at 60 °C) should be reversible. This proposal has been proven by germylene‐exchange crossover reactions in which free 1tBu and [M(CO)5{Ge(tBu2bzamC(OEt)Me)CH2SiMe3}] (5′M; M=Cr, W) were formed when complexes 3M were treated at room temperature with the germylene Ge(tBu2bzam)CH2SiMe3 (1tmsm). A clear differential behavior between N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and amidinatogermylenes (1tBu and 1tmsm) in their reactivity against group 6 metal Fischer carbene complexes is demonstrated. The higher electron‐donor capacity of amidinatogermylenes with respect to NHCs and the bias of the former to get involved in ring expansion processes are responsible for this differential behavior.
Diphosphoniodiphosphene Formation by Transition Metal Insertion into a Triphosphenium Zwitterion
Authors: Kosnik Stephanie C. , Binder Justin F. , Nascimento Maxemilian C. , Swidan Ala'aeddeen , Macdonald Charles L. B.
Published: November 2018

Treatment of two equivalents of the triphosphenium zwitterion L with sources of Ni0 and Pd0 form the mononuclear η2‐diphosphoniodiphosphene complexes 1 and 2. The reaction between L and [FeCp(CO)2]2 results in the binuclear μ‐η1:η1‐diphosphoniodiphosphene iron complex 3, which features an alternative bonding motif of the diphosphoniodiphosphene unit. The formation of these species has been confirmed by spectroscopic methods and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, and their electronic structures have been elucidated using computational methods.
Extended Open‐Chain Polyenides as Versatile Delocalized Anion Ligands for Metal Chain Clusters
Authors: Yamashita Mitsuki , Kawasumi Yuna , Tachibana Yuki , Horiuchi Shinnosuke , Yamamoto Koji , Murahashi Tetsuro
Published: November 2018

Although small cyclic‐ and open‐chain unsaturated hydrocarbon anions such as cyclopentadienide and open‐chain pentadienide are used as the strongly electron‐donating auxiliary ligands for metal complexes, more extended π‐conjugated unsaturated hydrocarbon anions have rarely been used in coordination chemistry, despite their potential ability to serve as the multiply bridging π‐ligands for metal clusters. This work reports isolation of metal chain clusters bearing the multi‐dentate, open‐chain extended unsaturated hydrocarbon anion ligands. The extended open‐chain π‐conjugated polyenyl ligands could effectively stabilize oxidized palladium chains, including an unprecedented [Pd4]4+ chain.
Absolute configuration and biological profile of pyrazoline enantiomers as MAO inhibitory activity
Authors: Goksen Umut Salgin , Sarigul Sevgi , Bultinck Patrick , Herrebout Wouter , Dogan Ilknur , Yelekci Kemal , Ucar Gulberk , Gokhan Kelekci Nesrin
Published: November 2018

A new racemic pyrazoline derivative was synthesized and resolved to its enantiomers using analytic and semipreparative high‐pressure liquid chromatography. The absolute configuration of both fractions was established using vibrational circular dichroism. The in vitro monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory profiles were evaluated for the racemate and both enantiomers separately for the two isoforms of the enzyme. The racemic compound and both enantiomers were found to inhibit hMAO‐A selectively and competitively. In particular, the R enantiomer was detected as an exceptionally potent and a selective MAO‐A inhibitor (Ki = 0.85 × 10−3 ± 0.05 × 10−3 μM and SI: 2.35 × 10−5), whereas S was determined as poorer compound than R in terms of Ki and SI (0.184 ± 0.007 and 0.001). The selectivity of the enantiomers was explained by molecular modeling docking studies based on the PDB enzymatic models of MAO isoforms.
Identifying Terminal Assembly Propensity of Amyloidal Peptides by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
Authors: Zheng Yongfang , Xu Meng , Yu Lanlan , Qu Fuyang , Lin Yuchen , Xu Jing , Zou Yimin , Yang Yanlian , Wang Chen
Published: November 2018

The abnormal accumulation of beta‐amyloids (Aβ) in brain is considered as a key initiating cause for Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to their richness in plaques and self‐aggregate propensity. In recent studies, N‐terminally extended Aβ peptides (NTE‐Aβ) with the N‐terminus originating prior to the canonical β‐secretase cleavage site were found in humans and suggested to have possible relevance to AD. However, the effects of the extended N‐terminus on the amyloidegenic structure and aggregation propensity have not been fully elucidated. Herein, we characterized the assembly structures of Aβ1‐42, Aβ(−5)‐42, Aβ(−10)–42 and Aβ(−15)‐42 with both normal and reversed sequences on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surfaces with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The molecularly resolved surface‐mediated peptide assemblies enable identification of amyloidegenic fragments. The observations reveal that the assembly propensity of the C‐terminal strand of Aβ1‐42 is highly conserved and insensitive to N‐terminal extensions. In contrast, different assembly structures of the N‐terminal strand of Aβ variants can be observed with possible assignment of varied amyloidegenic fragments in the extended N‐termini, which may contribute to the varied aggregation propensities of Aβ42 species.