bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Periodicity and intimations of a Judaic universe in David Mamet’s Faustus
Authors: Safaei Mohammad
Published: January 2019

David Mamet’s Faustus presents a complex amalgam of various ideas, traditions and cultures. After a preliminary discussion, in this essay, on the adaptive status of Mamet’s Faustus and on the myth of Faustus throughout history, I approach the notion of periodicity and time in the play, in its religious and anthropological contexts. I further investigate the same theme in tandem with the Nietzschean doctrine of eternal recurrence and its intersection with Judaism and, in specific, with Jewish philosopher Soloveitchik’s conception of halakhic man and its antithetical selves, namely cognitive man and homo religiosus. Exploring the echoes of Jewish existentialism in the works of Soloveitchik, I argue that the play, which is categorized as a typical adaptation of Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus, posits serious questions as to human existence and the significance of intellectual negation and spiritual challenge within a Judaic universe. The essay, beyond the analysis of intertextuality in Mamet’s Faustus, tends to underscore the play’s distinguished contribution to the myth of Faustus from a Judaic perspective.
From the perspective of: Functional Analysis of Lexical Bundles in Applied Linguistics ‎Research Articles ‎
Authors: Jalilifar Alireza , Ghoreishi Seyed Mohammad
Published: January 2019

The current study explored two levels of lexical bundles, core (i.e. general) and peripheral (i.e. domain specific), in a corpus of 200 applied linguistics research articles and examined the functions they serve. Using Antconc software, in total, 2563 lexical bundles were identified including 593 core bundles and 1370 peripheral bundles. These numbers account for 30% and 70% of the full list of bundles, covering 8.54% in comparison to 7.76% of one-million-word corpus respectively. Functional analysis revealed that core and peripheral bundles follow the same pattern, with text oriented bundles making it to the top of the list followed by research oriented and participant oriented bundles. Peripheral bundles surpassed core bundles, providing evidence for the existence of more diversity of peripheral bundles. Structural and functional correlates also showed that the form of lexical bundles is closely related to the functional use of the bundles rather than whether they are general or domain specific.
Plath's Spanish poems and tropes
Authors: Pascual Garrido María Luisa
Published: January 2019

Although critical attention has focused on Ariel, Sylvia Plath’s earlier poems are also worth examining since they reveal significant details concerning the writer’s evolution towards that final achievement. After getting married in June 1956, Plath and Hughes travelled to Spain and settled in Benidorm for their honeymoon. It is the poems derived from that period and Plath’s response to the alien setting that are analyzed in this paper. The corpus of “Spanish poems” and its most salient motifs will be identified and examined to assess the emotional and artistic response of Plath’s encounter with Spain in her work. A rhetorical analysis of these poems will be carried out but biographical data from Plath’s journals, correspondence and prose will also be considered. Finally, two later poems will be examined to demonstrate that Spain left its imprint in Plath’s mind, supplying suggestive imagery which turned the Spanish landscape into a violent mindscape.
МЈЕСТО ГЕОГРАФСКОГ ОБРАЗОВАЊА У ДОБА STEM ДИСЦИПЛИНА?
Authors: Трифуновић Млађен
Published: January 2019

У раду се анализирају могућности географског образовања у односу на фаворизоване STEMдисциплине. Сматрамо да и једна и друга област има јединствен когнитивни извор – просторно мишљење.Географско образовање недовољно користи своје могућности у развијању виших когнитивних способностипросторног мишљења усљед неадекватних едукативних материјала, при чему би се требало угледати на пројектекао што су Thinking through Geography. Своје мјесто географско образовање треба да тражи и у незаобилазнојетичкој димензији просторности која суштински мањка техничко-математичко-инструменталном приступу уоквиру STEM-а. У раду су дати и темељни етичко-нормативни принципи проучавања и конструкције мјеста којиби требали бити интегрисани у географске курикулуме и свакодневну праксу просторне трансформације друштва.
КОГНИТИВНО ПОДРУЧЈЕ БЛУМОВЕ ТАКСОНОМИЈЕ И НАСТАВА ГЕОГРАФИЈЕ
Authors: Грмуша Милка
Published: January 2019

Циљ рада је да се прикаже Блумова таксономија образовних циљева, посебно њено когнитивноподручје и њен значај за унапређење квалитета наставе географије у условима курикуларне реформе у Боснии Херцеговини. У раду је коришћен метод теоријске анализе. Анализом различите методичке, дидактичке ипсихолошке литературе утврђено је да се Блумова таксономија може користити код креирања наставних програмаза географију, код операционализације циљева у настави географије (исходи), као и да олакша наставнику процесверификације. Примјена Блумове таксономије може допринијети превазилажењу недостатака традиционалненаставе кроз развој критичког и креативног мишљења и активног учења/наставе.
Subjective assessment for super recognition: an evaluation of self-report methods in civilian and police participants
Authors: Bate Sarah , Dudfield Gavin
Published: January 2019

Metacognition about face recognition has been much discussed in the psychological literature. In particular, the use of self-report to identify people with prosopagnosia (“face blindness”) has contentiously been debated. However, no study to date has specifically assessed metacognition at the top end of the spectrum. If people with exceptionally proficient face recognition skills (“super-recognizers,” SRs) have greater insight into their abilities, self-report instruments may offer an efficient means of reducing candidate lists in SR screening programs. Here, we developed a “super-recognizer questionnaire” (SRQ), calibrated using a top-end civilian sample (Experiment 1). We examined its effectiveness in identifying SRs in pools of police (Experiment 2) and civilian (Experiment 3) participants, using objective face memory and matching tests. Moderate effect sizes in both samples suggest limited insight into face memory and target-present face matching ability, whereas the only predictor of target-absent matching performance across all samples was the number of years that an officer had been in the police force. Because the SRQ and single-item ratings showed little sensitivity in discriminating SRs from typical perceivers in police officers and civilians, we recommend against the use of self-report instruments in SR screening programs.
CAMPO RELIGIOSO Y MEMORIA: SAN FRANCISCO, DE ASÍS A GALÁPAGOS
Authors: Redin Gabriel
Published: January 2019

Este artículo busca explorar la dinámica entre producción, consumo simbólico, y memoria, procurando enlazar observaciones empíricas con aproximaciones teóricas del fenómeno religioso. Para ello, a partir de trabajo cualitativo realizado en las Islas Galápagos, Ecuador, discuto elementos comunes y divergentes de las propuestas de campo religioso de Pierre Bourdieu y de la religión como hilo de memoria de Daniéle Hervieu-Léger. La discusión encuentra, por un lado, un uso deliberado de la memoria en la producción simbólica de San Francisco de Asís y, por otro lado, una multiplicidad de sentidos de memorias que evoca este Santo en Galápagos
ARGENTINA: PROYECTO DE LEY PARA DECLARAR COMO PARTE INTEGRANTE DEL PATRIMONIO CULTURAL INMATERIAL, A LA FIESTA DE NUESTRA SEÑORA VIRGEN DE URKUPIÑA, QUE SE CELEBRA EN LA CIUDAD CAPITAL DE LA PROVINCIA DE CÓRDOBA
Authors:   Equipo RLDR
Published: January 2019

Proyecto de ley para declarar como parte integrante del patrimonio cultural inmaterial, a la fiesta de nuestra señora Virgen de Urkupiña, que se celebra en la ciudad capital de la provincia de córdoba
Crystal structure of archaeal HMG‐CoA reductase: insights into structural changes of the C‐terminal helix of the class‐I enzyme
Authors: Vögeli Bastian , Shima Seigo , Erb Tobias J. , Wagner Tristan
Published: January 2019

3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase (HMGR) catalyses the last step in mevalonate biosynthesis. HMGR is the target of statin inhibitors that regulate cholesterol concentration in human blood. Here, we report the properties and structures of HMGR from an archaeon Methanothermococcus thermolithotrophicus (mHMGR). The structures of the apoenzyme and the NADPH complex are highly similar to those of human HMGR. A notable exception is C‐terminal helix (Lα10‐11) that is straight in both mHMGR structures. This helix is kinked and closes the active site in the human enzyme ternary complex, pointing to a substrate‐induced structural rearrangement of C‐terminal in class‐I HMGRs during the catalytic cycle.
Robust adaptive regulation of dynamically positioned ships with unknown dynamics and unknown disturbances
Authors: Hu Xin , Du Jialu , Krstić Miroslav
Published: January 2019

We develop a robust adaptive regulating control law for dynamically positioned ships subject to unknown dynamics and bounded unknown disturbances incorporating the radial basis function (RBF) neural network (NN), the dead zone adaptive technique, and a robust control term into the vectorial backstepping approach. The RBF NNs with the dead zone adaptive laws approximate the ship unknown dynamics. The adaptive law‐based robust control term compensates for unknown disturbances, NN approximation errors, and undesirable errors arising from the design procedures. The developed dynamic positioning (DP) control law regulates the ship position and heading to the desired values with arbitrarily small errors, while guaranteeing the uniform ultimate boundedness of all signals in the DP closed‐loop control system of ships. High‐fidelity simulations on two supply ships and comparisons demonstrate the effectiveness and the superiority of the developed DP control law.
Near‐Infrared (NIR) Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes (OLEDs): Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Zampetti Andrea , Minotto Alessandro , Cacialli Franco
Published: January 2019

The rapid development of the science and technology of organic semiconductors has already led to mass application of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) in television monitors of outstanding quality as well as in a large variety of smaller displays found in smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets, while introduction of the technology to the illumination sector is imminent. Notably, the requirements of all such applications for emission in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum are well tuned to the optical and electronic properties of typical organic semiconductors, thereby representing relatively “low‐hanging fruits,” in terms of material development and exploitation. However, the question arises as to whether developing materials suited for efficient near‐infrared (NIR, 700–1000 nm) emission is possible, and, crucially, desirable to enable new classes of applications spanning from through‐space, short‐range communications to biomedical sensors, night vision, and more generally security applications to name but a few. Here, the major fundamental hurdles to be overcome to achieve efficient NIR emission from organic π‐conjugated systems are discussed, recent progress is reviewed, and an outlook for further development of both materials and applications is provided.
Bioinspired Superwettability Micro/Nanoarchitectures: Fabrications and Applications
Authors: Kong Tiantian , Luo Guanyi , Zhao Yuanjin , Liu Zhou
Published: January 2019

Biological systems have evolved over billions of years to develop wetting strategies for advantageous structure–property–performance relations that are crucial for their survival. The discovery of these intriguing relationships has inspired tremendous efforts to investigate the micro/nanoscale features of naturally occurring structures with superwettability. Researchers have since developed new methods and techniques to construct artificial materials that mimic natural structures and functionalities. Here, a brief review of natural hierarchical architectures with liquid repellent properties is presented, and the critical underlying mechanism is summarized with an emphasis on the micro/nanoscopic architectures. The state‐of‐the‐art micro/nanofabrication techniques for creating bioinspired hierarchical superwettability structures that are categorized by random and exquisite features are also reviewed, followed by an overview of their emerging applications, with special attention to biomedical‐related fields. The development of fabrication techniques enhances capabilities relative to those of living systems, paving the way toward advanced structural materials with superior functions and unprecedented characteristics for potential applications.
Advancing Cancer Immunotherapies with Nanotechnology
Authors: Lou Jenny , Zhang Li , Zheng Gang
Published: January 2019

Cancer immunotherapies can elicit long term, durable responses in only a fraction of patients. As such, there is a need to increase the number of patients who can benefit from cancer immunotherapies. By virtue of their versatility and nanoscale, nanoparticles have unique properties that can be exploited to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. This review first outlines key concepts in nanotechnology and immunotherapy. Then, it highlights nanotechnology‐mediated improvements to the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, and adoptive cellular therapies. Next, the insights derived from nanoparticle‐mediated imaging of immune cells in both preclinical and clinical studies are reviewed. Afterwards, the roles of nanotechnology in combination therapies to augment antitumoral immunity are summarized. Finally, the challenges facing this emerging field combining nanotechnology with immunotherapies are discussed. Given the exciting, novel approaches that can arise from nanotechnology, there is great potential for nanotechnology to advance immunotherapies.
2D/2D Heterojunctions for Catalysis
Authors: Su Juan , Li Guo‐Dong , Li Xin‐Hao , Chen Jie‐Sheng
Published: January 2019

2D layered materials with atomic thickness have attracted extensive research interest due to their unique physicochemical and electronic properties, which are usually very different from those of their bulk counterparts. Heterojunctions or heterostructures based on ultrathin 2D materials have attracted increasing attention due to the integrated merits of 2D ultrathin components and the heterojunction effect on the separation and transfer of charges, resulting in important potential values for catalytic applications. Furthermore, 2D/2D heterostructures with face‐to‐face contact are believed to be a preferable dimensionality design due to their large interface area, which would contribute to enhanced heterojunction effect. Here, the cutting‐edge research progress in 2D/2D heterojunctions and heterostructures is highlighted with a specific emphasis on synthetic strategies, reaction mechanism, and applications in catalysis (photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and organic synthesis). Finally, the key issues and development perspectives in the applications of 2D/2D layered heterojunctions and heterostructures in catalysis are also discussed.
Tumors and Their Microenvironment Dual‐Targeting Chemotherapy with Local Immune Adjuvant Therapy for Effective Antitumor Immunity against Breast Cancer
Authors: Deng Caifeng , Zhang Quan , Jia Mengdi , Zhao Jin , Sun Xun , Gong Tao , Zhang Zhirong
Published: January 2019

Chemotherapy turns tumor cells into “tumor vaccines” by immunogenic cell death (ICD). However, it remains a challenge to exploit chemotherapy‐induced “tumor vaccines” for solid cancer immunotherapy due to the inefficient effector T cells activation and tumor microenvironment immunosuppression. Here, a matrix metalloprotease 2 responsive liposome (PEG‐FA‐Lip) composed of cleavable PEG chains covering the folate (FA)‐modified liposome is developed to deliver ICD inducer doxorubicin. In breast cancer‐bearing mice, PEG‐FA‐Lip targets both 4T1 breast cancer cells and M2‐tumor associated macrophages (M2‐TAMs) via FA‐receptor mediated endocytosis, resulting in abundant “tumor vaccines” and efficient elimination of M2‐TAMs. The combination of local cytosine‐phosphate‐guanine (CpG) therapy facilitates PEG‐FA‐Lip induced “tumor vaccines” to effectively arouse systematic effector T cells immune response through promoting dendritic cell maturation and immunostimulatory cytokines secretion. The simultaneous elimination of M2‐TAMs ensures the activated effector T cells exert antitumor immunity within tumor via decreasing immunosuppressive cytokines secretion and tumor infiltration of Treg cells. After receiving the combined treatment, 30.1% of breast cancer‐bearing mice (initial tumor volume > 100 mm3) achieves the goal of tumor eradication. Remarkably, this combination therapy greatly inhibits lung metastasis and controls the growth of already metastasized breast cancers (initial tumor volume > 100 mm3).
Novel Nanostructured Lipid Carriers with Photoprotective Properties Made from Carnauba Wax, Beeswax, and Kenaf Seed Oil
Authors: Lee Xin Ying , Chu Chee Chin , Hasan Zafarizal Aldrin Bin Azizul , Chua Siaw Kim , Nyam Kar Lin
Published: January 2019

This study was aimed to produce a stable kenaf seed oil‐nanostructured lipid carrier (KSO‐NLC) sunscreen, which can help in the photoprotective effect. The nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) formulation was optimized and selected based on the results of mean particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and storage stability of formulas at both chilled (4 ± 2 °C) and room (25 ± 2 °C) temperatures. Uvinul A plus B was added to KSO‐NLC with the optimized formula (80% w/w aqueous phase, 20% w/w lipid phase, and 7% w/w of surfactants with a ratio of 70:15:15 of Tween 20: poloxamer 188: lecithin). The mean particle size distribution (224.73 ± 1.56 nm) and PDI (0.41 ± 0.01) of KSO‐NLC were determined and were found to be stable against storage without creaming or phase separation. The 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging and 2,2′‐Azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical‐scavenging activities of KSO‐NLC were 5.43 ± 1.00 mg Trolox equiv. g−1 of NLC and 6.70 ± 0.31 mg Trolox equiv. g−1 of NLC, respectively. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of KSO‐NLC, 41.38 ± 6.03 with a UVA/UVB ratio 0.64 ± 0.01, suggested a good photoprotective effect. The sustained release of Univul A plus B from KSO‐NLC accompanied by its entrapment efficiency up to 64.09 ± 0.98% and drug loading (DL) of 32.05 ± 0.49% (maximum 50% DL capacity) proved that the degradation of the ultraviolet (UV) filter could be reduced. Therefore, the KSO‐NLC sunscreen was a feasible solution for the photoprotective approach by using unconventional plant seed oil with a significant enhancement (P < 0.05) in many aspects compared to the formula without KSO incorporation.
Robust controller design for uncertain delayed systems and its applications to hypersonic vehicles
Authors: Liu Hao , Zhang Jiansong , Xi Jianxiang , Yu Yao
Published: January 2019

The longitudinal dynamics of hypersonic flight vehicles involves strong nonlinearity and coupling, uncertainties including parametric uncertainties, unmodeled uncertainties, external disturbances, and time‐varying input and state time delays. In this paper, a robust controller design method is proposed for the longitudinal stabilization of these vehicles by the signal‐compensation‐based control idea. Theoretical analysis is given to prove the robustness properties of the designed closed‐loop control system subject to multiple time‐varying uncertainties and time‐varying input and state delays. Simulation results are performed to show the validness and advantages of the proposed robust control approach.
Prediction of early response to overall treatment for schizophrenia: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Cui Long‐Biao , Cai Min , Wang Xing‐Rui , Zhu Yuan‐Qiang , Wang Liu‐Xian , Xi Yi‐Bin , Wang Hua‐Ning , Zhu Xia , Yin Hong
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Treatment response at an early stage of schizophrenia is of considerable value with regard to future management of the disorder; however, there are currently no biomarkers that can inform physicians about the likelihood of response.

Objects

We aim to develop and validate regional brain activity derived from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) as a potential signature to predict early treatment response in schizophrenia.

Methods

Amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was measured at the start of the first/single episode resulting in hospitalization. Inpatients were included in a principal dataset (n = 79) and a replication dataset (n = 44). Two groups of healthy controls (n = 87; n = 106) were also recruited for each dataset. The clinical response was assessed at discharge from the hospital. The predictive capacity of normalized ALFF in patients by healthy controls, ALFFratio, was evaluated based on diagnostic tests and clinical correlates.

Results

In the principal dataset, responders exhibited increased baseline ALFF in the left postcentral gyrus/inferior parietal lobule relative to non‐responders. ALFFratio of responders before treatment was significantly higher than that of non‐responders (p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.746 for baseline ALFFratio to distinguish responders from non‐responders, and the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 72.7%, 68.6%, and 70.9%, respectively. Similar results were found in the independent replication dataset.

Conclusions

Baseline regional activity of the brain seems to be predictive of early response to treatment for schizophrenia. This study shows that psycho‐neuroimaging holds promise for influencing the clinical treatment and management of schizophrenia.
Targeting of the HER2/HER3 signaling axis overcomes ligand‐mediated resistance to trastuzumab in HER2‐positive breast cancer
Authors: Watanabe Satomi , Yonesaka Kimio , Tanizaki Junko , Nonagase Yoshikane , Takegawa Naoki , Haratani Koji , Kawakami Hisato , Hayashi Hidetoshi , Takeda Masayuki , Tsurutani Junji , Nakagawa Kazuhiko
Published: January 2019

HER2‐targeted therapy, especially the anti‐HER2 antibody trastuzumab, is standard for HER2‐positive breast cancer; however, its efficacy is limited in a subpopulation of patients. HER3 ligand (heregulin)‐dependent HER2‐HER3 interactions play a critical role in the evasion of apoptosis and are therefore a target for oncotherapy to treat HER2‐positive breast cancer. The anti‐HER2 antibody pertuzumab and anti‐HER3 antibody patritumab both target this heregulin–HER3‐HER2 complex in different ways. This study examined the anticancer efficacy of dual HER2 and HER3 blockade in trastuzumab‐resistant HER2‐positive breast cancer. HER2‐positive SKBR3 or BT474 cells overexpressing heregulin (SKBR3‐HRG, BT474‐HRG) were used to evaluate the efficacy of trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and patritumab in vitro by performing cell viability, immunoblotting, and clonogenic assays. The effects of these agents were then evaluated in vivo using BT474‐HRG and an intrinsic heregulin‐expressing and HER2‐positive JIMT‐1 xenograft models. SKBR3‐HRG and BT474‐HRG cells lost sensitivity to trastuzumab, which was accompanied by Akt activation. Unexpectedly, trastuzumab in combination with pertuzumab or patritumab also showed limited efficacy toward these cells. In contrast, trastuzumab/pertuzumab/patritumab triple treatment demonstrated potent anticancer efficacy, concomitant with strong repression of Akt. Finally, in heregulin‐expressing BT474‐HRG and JIMT‐1 xenograft models, the addition of pertuzumab and patritumab to trastuzumab also enhanced antitumor efficacy leading to tumor regression. The current study found that triple blockade of HER2 and HER3 using trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and patritumab could overcome resistance to trastuzumab therapy in heregulin‐expressing and HER2‐positive breast cancer, which could be exploited clinically.
KnowVolution of a Fungal Laccase toward Alkaline pH
Authors: Novoa Catalina , Dhoke Gaurao V. , Mate Diana M. , Martínez Ronny , Haarmann Thomas , Schreiter Martina , Eidner Jasmin , Schwerdtfeger Ruth , Lorenz Patrick , Davari Mehdi D. , Jakob Felix , Schwaneberg Ulrich
Published: January 2019

To date, commercial laccase preparations are used in the food, textile, and paper and pulp industries (mild pH). Laccases are attractive in the synthesis of dye molecules or oxidative lignin treatment, which take place at high pH (≥8.0). So far, one fungal laccase has been reported to be active at alkaline pH. Herein, engineering of the fungal laccase from Melanocarpus albomyces (MaL) for increased activity toward the substrate 2,6‐dimethoxyphenol at pH (≥9.0) is reported. Through a knowledge‐gaining directed evolution (KnowVolution) campaign, the key positions Leu365 and Leu513 were identified to increase alkaline tolerance. Both positions are located in close proximity of the T1Cu site. Molecular docking and simulations studies reveal that both substitutions act in a synergic way to stabilize and improve laccase activity at higher pH. Kinetic characterization of the final variant MaL‐M1 (L365E/L513M) revealed at pH 9.8 a threefold improved kcat (kcat=(6.0±0.2) s−1) compared with that of wild‐type M. albomyces laccase (kcat=(2.11±0.07) s−1).
Hulled varieties of Barley showed better expansion characteristics compared to hull‐less varieties during twin‐screw extrusion
Authors: Baidoo Elvis Alfred , Murphy Kevin , Ganjyal Girish M.
Published: January 2019

Background and objectives

Consumption of food barley is increasing due to its health and nutritional benefits. Whole grain flours of two hulled barley varieties, Lyon and Muir, and three hull‐less barley varieties, Havener, 09WA‐265.12, and Meg's Song, were extruded with a co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder. The impacts of feed moisture, screw speed, and die temperature on functional properties of extrudates were investigated.

Findings

Expansion ratio (ER) of barleys was slightly lower compared to the reported numbers for cereals such as corn. Hulled varieties showed significantly higher ER compared to the hull‐less varieties. Havener was the only hull‐less variety having comparable ER with hulled varieties and moderate levels of ß‐glucan. ER correlated positively with water solubility index (r = 0.680, p < 0.01), specific mechanical energy (r = 0.633, p < 0.01), and negatively with unit density (r = −0.729, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Hulled varieties are better suited for extrusion expansion. Feed moisture and die temperature had a strong influence on expansion, while screw speed showed marginal effects.

Significance and novelty

Understanding the properties of hulled and hull‐less barley extrudates will enable process industry to utilize them for the development of novel extruded foods, while taking advantage of their nutritional values.
Chromatographic approach to study the configurational stability of Ni(II) complexes of amino‐acid Schiff bases possessing stereogenic nitrogen
Authors: Han Jianlin , Jean Marion , Roussel Christian , Moriwaki Hiroki , Soloshonok Vadim A.
Published: January 2019

Herein, we disclose the design of a model Ni(II) complex of glycine Schiff base possessing single‐nitrogen stereogenic center, which was successfully used for high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)‐assisted assessment of its configurational stability. The major finding is that the configurational stability of the Ni(II)‐coordinated nitrogen is profoundly dependent on the reaction conditions used, in particular the solvent, and can range from inconsequential (t½ less than 5 min) to virtually completely stable (t½ 90 y). The discovery reported in this study most likely to be of certain theoretical and synthetic value.
Technologien zur Speicherung von Wasserstoff. Teil 2: Irreversible Konversion und Technologievergleich
Authors: Müller Karsten
Published: January 2019

Wasserstoffspeicherung ist an sich erst einmal die Speicherung eines chemischen Stoffes. Sie wird aber sehr oft als Energiespeicherung verstanden. Angesichts der Tatsache, dass viele Technologien zur Wasserstoffspeicherung auf einer chemischen Konversion beruhen, stellt sich die Frage, ob bei einer energetischen Nutzung eine Rückkonversion zwingend erforderlich ist. Wird Wasserstoff beispielsweise durch eine chemische Reaktion in einen Kohlenwasserstoff überführt, so lässt sich dieser direkt verbrennen. Entsprechende Prozesse eröffnen neue Routen in der Nutzung von Wasserstoffenergie. Die entsprechenden Technologien werden vorgestellt und in einem umfassenderen Vergleich Speicheroptionen mit Rückgewinnung des Wasserstoffs gegenübergestellt.
Hydrogen peroxide‐assisted photocatalysis under solar light irradiation: Interpretation of interaction effects between an active photocatalyst and H2O2
Authors: Feilizadeh Mehrzad , Attar Farid , Mahinpey Nader
Published: January 2019

In this work, the combination of H2O2 and an active visible‐light‐driven photocatalyst (Ag‐S/PEG/TiO2) was utilized under natural solar radiation for the degradation of 2‐nitrophenol (2‐NP), and interaction effects between the photocatalyst and hydrogen peroxide were analyzed. For this purpose, experiments were designed using the response surface methodology based on the central composite design. The resulting data was utilized to obtain a model for the prediction of response (the degradation efficiency) as a function of two independent factors (H2O2 concentration and the photocatalyst loading). The statistical analysis indicated that optimum values of each of the two independent factors decreased by increasing the other one and vice versa. Moreover, it was found that adding the optimal amount of H2O2 to the solution, which contained just the photocatalyst, can enhance the degradation significantly (up to 45 %). However, using higher concentrations of H2O2 may decrease the efficiency. The global optimum condition was found to be 545 ppm and 316 mM for Ag‐S/PEG/TiO2 loading and H2O2 concentration, respectively. In this condition, the degradation efficiency of 2‐NP reached 92.4 % after only 45 min of solar light irradiation.
Photoinactivation of Planktonic and Biofilm Forms of Escherichia coli through the Action of Cationic Zinc(II) Phthalocyanines
Authors: Lourenço Leandro M. O. , Rocha Deisy M. G. C. , Ramos Catarina I. V. , Gomes Maria C. , Almeida Adelaide , Faustino Maria A. F. , Almeida Paz Filipe A. , Neves Maria G. P. M. S. , Cunha Ângela , Tomé João P. C.
Published: January 2019

Novel water‐soluble zinc(II) phthalocyanines (ZnPc) peripherally substituted with 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) units (ZnPc 1–2) and the corresponding quaternized derivatives (ZnPc 1 a–2 a) were synthesized and their photodynamic inactivation (PDI) efficiency against a Gram‐negative bacterium, a recombinant bioluminescent Escherichia coli strain either in planktonic or biofilm form, was investigated. The analysis of the photophysical properties revealed that the increase in the number of DMAP units on ZnPc shifted the absorption and emission band in aqueous media to the red region. The presence of multi‐positive charges on ZnPc derivatives prevented aggregation and enhances the solubility in aqueous media. The quaternized derivatives ZnPc 1 a and 2 a displayed good stability and promising efficacy to generate singlet oxygen (1O2). The affinity of the amphiphilic ZnPc 1–2 and quaternized ZnPc 1 a–2 a to planktonic bacterial cells corresponded to an average uptake of ∼106 PS molecules.CFU−1. The PDI assays conducted with planktonic cells and biofilms of E. coli show that irradiation with red or white light (150 mW.cm−2) in the presence of 20 μM of ZnPc derivatives caused an effective inactivation. ZnPc 1 a and ZnPc 2 a exhibited the highest inactivation efficiency, particularly of the planktonic form, causing a 5 log‐scale (99.99 %) reduction in bioluminescence. The inactivation factor for biofilms was 99 % (2 log). ZnPc 1 a and ZnPc 2 a can be regarded as promising photosensitizers for the photodynamic inactivation of Gram‐negative bacteria.
Traumatic dental injuries in preschool‐age children: Prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Born Catherine D. , Jackson Tate H. , Koroluk Lorne D. , Divaris Kimon
Published: January 2019

This study examined the prevalence, socio‐demographic correlates, and clinical predictors of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) in the primary dentition among a community‐based sample of preschool‐age children. The sample comprised 1,546 preschool‐age children (mean age 49 [range: 24–71] months) in North Carolina public preschools, enrolled in a population‐based investigation among young children and their parents in North Carolina. Information on socio‐demographic, extraoral, and intraoral characteristics was collected and analyzed with bivariate and multivariate methods, including logistic regression modeling and marginal effects estimation. The prevalence of dental trauma was 47% and 8% of TDI cases were “severe” (pulp exposure, tooth displacement, discolored or necrotic tooth, or tooth loss). In bivariate analyses, overjet and lip incompetence were significantly associated with TDI. Overjet remained positively associated with severe trauma in multivariate analysis, OR = 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.2, 1.6], corresponding to an absolute 1.3%, 95% CI [0.7, 1.8], increase in the likelihood of severe trauma, per millimeter of overjet. Children with increased overjet (>3 mm) were 3.8, 95% CI [2.0, 7.4], times as likely to have experienced severe TDI compared with those with ≤3 mm. Overjet is a strong risk factor for TDIs in the primary dentition. Incorporating and operationalizing this information may help TDI prevention and related anticipatory guidance for families of preschool‐age children.
Eumelanin levels in rufous feathers explain plasma testosterone levels and survival in swallows
Authors: Arai Emi , Hasegawa Masaru , Sato Megumi , Sakai Hidetsugu , Ito Shosuke , Wakamatsu Kazumasa
Published: January 2019

Pigment‐based plumage coloration and its physiological properties have attracted many researchers to explain the evolution of such ornamental traits. These studies, however, assume the functional importance of the predominant pigment while ignoring that of other minor pigments, and few studies have focused on the composition of these pigments. Using the pheomelanin‐based plumage in two swallow species, we studied the allocation of two pigments (the predominant pigment, pheomelanin, and the minor pigment, eumelanin) in relation to physiological properties and viability in populations under a natural and sexual selection. This is indispensable for studying the evolution of pheomelanin‐based plumage coloration. Pheomelanin and eumelanin share the same pathway only during their initial stages of development, which can be a key to unravel the functional importance of pigment allocation and thus of plumage coloration. Using the barn swallow,Hirundo rustica, a migratory species, we found that plasma testosterone levels increased with increasing the proportion of eumelanin pigments compared with pheomelanin pigments, but not with the amount of pheomelanin pigments, during the mating period. In the Pacific swallowHirundo tahitica, a nonmigratory congener, we found that, during severe winter weathers, survivors had a proportionally smaller amount of eumelanin pigments compared with pheomelanin pigments than that in nonsurvivors, but no detectable difference was found in the pheomelanin pigmentation itself. These results indicated that a minor pigment, eumelanin, matters at least in some physiological measures and viability. Because the major pigment, pheomelanin, has its own physiological properties, a combination of major and minor pigments provides multiple information to the signal receivers, potentially enhancing the signaling function of pheomelanic coloration and its diversification across habitats.
Glycopeptide Synthesis Based on a TFA‐Labile Protection Strategy and One‐Pot Four‐Segment Ligation for the Synthesis of O‐Glycosylated Histone H2A
Authors: Asahina Yuya , Kawakami Toru , Hojo Hironobu
Published: January 2019

This paper describes the chemical synthesis of O‐glycosylated protein, histone H2A, using the trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)‐labile protection strategy for sugar alcohols in the preparation of the glycosylated peptide segment and the one‐pot four‐peptide‐segment native chemical ligation (NCL) using a peptide thioester and two orthogonal thioester equivalents. Using these key methods, the entire sequence of H2A carrying O‐(N‐acetylglucosamine) at Ser[40] was successfully obtained in a high overall yield.
Particulate matter‐associated micronuclei frequencies in maternal and cord blood lymphocytes
Authors: Sordo Monserrat , Maciel‐Ruiz Jorge Alfonso , Salazar Ana María , Robles‐Morales Rogelio , Veloz‐Martínez María Guadalupe , Pacheco‐Limón Jorge H. , Nepomuceno‐Hernández Andrés E. , Ayala‐Yáñez Rodrigo , Gonsebatt Maria E. , Ostrosky‐Wegman Patricia
Published: January 2019

Studies associate particulate matter (PM) exposure with pulmonary, cardiovascular, and neurologic diseases. Elevated levels of coarse (PM10) and fine (PM2.5) PM have been reported in the Mexico City metropolitan area during the last two decades. There is limited information if these conditions affect newborns. We associated maternal exposure to PM reported by the monitoring stations considering the place of residence of each participant with the presence of genotoxic damage (cytome analysis) in maternal and umbilical cord blood (UCB) lymphocytes. Eighty‐four healthy women in their last quarter of pregnancy met the inclusion criteria. Each volunteer exposure was estimated according to the average PM2.5 and PM10 levels during the last month of gestation. The micronuclei (MN) frequencies in UCB lymphocyte cultures ranged between 0 and 9. They also showed lower cell proliferation indexes than their mothers. There was a strong correlation between the maternal and the UCB MN frequency (ρ = 0.3767, P = 0.0002). Multiple regression analysis including PM10 and PM2.5 levels, maternal age, and occupation, showed a significant and positive association between UCB MN frequency and PM2.5. A statistically significant increase in the MN frequency in both maternal and UCB lymphocytes was observed in samples obtained during the dry season (higher PM levels) as compared with the MN frequency in blood samples obtained during the rainy season (lower PM levels). These results suggest that PM, mainly PM2.5, can cross the placenta causing DNA damage in fetal cells which may increase the potential for diseases during childhood or adult life. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 60:421–427, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Facile Synthesis of Binary Transition Metal Sulfide Tubes Derived from NiCo‐MOF‐74 for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Yu Jianhua , Gao Xiaolei , Cui Zhenxing , Jiao Yu , Zhang Qian , Dong Hongzhou , Yu Liyan , Dong Lifeng
Published: January 2019

Recently, binary transition metal oxides, phosphates, and sulfides have attracted wide attention due to their potential applications in supercapacitors. The emergence of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) provides new opportunities for the synthesis and investigation of porous binary metal compounds with similar microstructures. Herein, binary metal oxide (NiCo‐O) tubular structures are derived from NiCo‐MOF‐74 via a facile annealing process, and then phosphate (NiCo‐P) and sulfide (NiCo‐S) structures are obtained from NiCo‐O by heat treatment and solvothermal process, respectively. Among the three derivatives, NiCo‐S with nanosheet structures has the highest specific capacitance of 930.4 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and an excellent rate capability with a retention of ≈80% at 10 A g−1. The long‐term cycling performance of NiCo‐S is superior with 70.5% retention after 10 000 cycles. The hybrid supercapacitor device with NiCo‐S and activated carbon as positive and negative electrodes delivers a high energy density of 22.6 W h kg−1 at a power density of 800 W kg−1. The excellent performance of NiCo‐S can be attributed to its nanosheet structure, which increases the specific surface area and electroactive sites.
Improved management is the main driver behind recovery of Northeast Atlantic fish stocks
Authors: Zimmermann Fabian , Werner Karl Michael
Published: January 2019

Decades of intense fishing have not only caused widespread declines in marine fish populations but in recent years have also spurred progress in the development of resource policies, coinciding with reports of positive trends for selected fish stocks in several ecosystems. Anthropogenic pressures and environmental changes affect fish populations, but it is unclear whether improved fisheries management or natural conditions are responsible for the observed recoveries. We show that, for a large set of Northeast Atlantic fish stocks, long‐term declines in biomass from 1960 to 2000 were due largely to fishing, suggesting that external drivers caused stock fluctuations at a time when catch regulations were weak or largely absent. After the year 2007, a general pattern of increasing biomass and decreasing catches was observed across most taxa and geographic regions. Implementation of adequate policies to reduce fishing mortality is crucial for overexploited stocks to recover, underlining the positive impacts of science‐based management. Because attempts to rebuild Northeast Atlantic fisheries have been only partially successful, and management targets were not fully achieved, policy‐making efforts must continue.
Delivery practices and care experience during implementation of an adapted safe childbirth checklist and respectful care program in Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Molina Rose L. , Villar Jimena , Reyes Andrea , Elliott James , Begley Mark , Johnson Mike , Palazuelos Lindsay , Montaño Mariana , Flores Hugo , Semrau Katherine E.A. , Palazuelos Daniel
Published: January 2019

Objective

To evaluate changes in quality of care after implementing an adapted safe childbirth checklist (SCC) in Chiapas, Mexico.

Methods

A convergent mixed‐methods study was conducted among 447 women in labor who attended a rural community hospital between September 1, 2016, and June 30, 2017. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate adherence to evidence‐based practices over time, adjusting for provider. Participants were surveyed about their perceptions of care after hospital discharge. A purposefully sampled subgroup also completed in‐depth interviews. Thematic analysis was performed to evaluate perceptions of care.

Results

384 (85.9%) women were attended by staff that used the adapted SCC during delivery. Of these, 221 and 28 completed the hospital discharge survey and in‐depth interview, respectively. Adherence with offering a birth companion (odds ratio [OR] 3.06, 95% CI 1.40–6.68), free choice of birth position (2.75, 1.21–6.26), and immediate skin‐to‐skin contact (4.53, 1.97–10.39) improved 6–8 months after implementation. Participants’ perceived quality of care improved over time. Provider communication generated positive perceptions. Reprimanding women for arriving in early labor or complaining of pain generated negative perceptions.

Conclusion

Use of the adapted SCC improved quality of care through increased adherence with essential and respectful delivery practices.
Clinical significance of serum adiponectin and visfatin levels in endometrial cancer
Authors: Wang Zhongmin , Gao Shan , Sun Caixia , Li Jinyan , Gao Wenhui , Yu Liping
Published: January 2019

Objective

To investigate serum adiponectin and visfatin levels, and their ratio, in patients with endometrial cancer.

Methods

A retrospective case–control study of 53 patients with endometrial cancer admitted to Dalian Municipal Women and Children's Medical Center, China, between May 1, 2009, and January 31, 2013. Ninety‐eight healthy women who underwent physical examination at the same time served as the control group. Serum adiponectin and visfatin levels were measured by ELISA.

Results

Serum adiponectin level in the endometrial cancer group was significantly lower than in the control group (2.09 ± 1.24 μg/mL vs 7.59 ± 2.29 μg/mL; P<0.001). Serum adiponectin was positively correlated with visfatin level (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.472). The visfatin:adiponectin ratio in the endometrial cancer group was significantly higher than the control group (0.28 ± 0.10 vs 0.11 ± 0.09; P=0.047). Multivariate logistic regression showed that decreased serum adiponectin (odds ratio 0.998, 95% CI 0.996–0.999; P=0.045) and increased visfatin (1.010, 1.003–1.017; P=0.042) levels were independent risk factors for the onset of endometrial cancer.

Conclusion

Decreased serum adiponectin or increased visfatin levels are independent risk factors for endometrial cancer. The visfatin:adiponectin ratio has a certain reference value for the diagnosis of endometrial cancer.
Recent research on the relative efficiency of speaker and listener instruction for children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Contreras Bethany P. , Cooper Alison J. , Kahng SungWoo
Published: January 2019

The traditional recommendation for sequencing speaker and listener instruction has been to teach listener skills prior to teaching speaker skills. In a review of the research literature prior to 2011, Petursdottir and Carr (2011) concluded that research did not support this recommendation. We reviewed the most recent research on the efficiency of skill acquisition during speaker and listener instruction and found similar results to Petursdottir and Carr. Recommendations for future research and practice are provided.
Implementation of pharmacist‐managed anticoagulation in patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist devices
Authors: Bowman Stephanie , Weeks Phillip , Chow Elaine , Huang Athena , Nathan Sriram , Radovancevic Rajko , Kar Biswajit , Gregoric Igor
Published: January 2019

Background

Patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are at high risk for bleeding and thrombotic events and may benefit from intensified anticoagulation management via a pharmacist‐managed anticoagulation service.

Aims

The aim of this quality improvement project was to implement and assess anticoagulation management by a pharmacist‐managed warfarin anticoagulation service in LVAD patients.

Materials and Methods

This was a pilot study to assess the outcomes of anticoagulation management by a pharmacist‐managed outpatient anticoagulation service for the first 3 months following hospital discharge of patients with a newly implanted LVAD compared with a historical control group of LVAD patients managed by the previous standard‐of‐care. Time in therapeutic range and percent of international normalized ratio (INR) values within range were assessed as measures of anticoagulation. Twenty‐six patients were in the intervention group and an equal number of controls were included for analysis.

Results

Patients in the pharmacist‐managed intervention group experienced a significantly greater INR time in therapeutic range than the control group (66% vs 46.9%; P = 0.003) and a greater percentage of INRs within therapeutic range (62.6% vs 43.8%; P = 0.002).

Discussion and Conclusion

Pharmacist‐managed anticoagulation was associated with improved INR control in this pilot group of LVAD patients in the first 3 months posthospital discharge. Additional study is warranted to determine if this benefit continues beyond 3 months, and to further assess clinical outcomes of thrombosis and bleeding events between groups.