bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE SEDIMENTOLOGY, SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY, AND FLUID MIGRATION HISTORY OF NON-MARINE AND SHALLOW MARINE RESERVOIRS, NORTH OF APOI-FUNIWA FIELD, OFFSHORE NIGER DELTA
Authors: WACH G.D. , HOFFMAN M.W. , OGUNYOMI O. , OLEAR S. , COLLING E.L. , FRITZEL T.L. , RUSSO P.
Published: October 2019

The North Apoi-Funiwa field comprises Pliocene and Miocene non-marine and shallow marine sediments offshore of the central Niger River delta. The major sequences, or delta cycles, are controlled by progradation and retrogradation of the Niger delta. Depositional environments of the minor sequences occur on a reservoir scale and comprise a complex mix of shoreface, estuarine, fluvial and delta plain deposits. Sediments deposited along the unstable progradational Niger delta complex were subject to syndepositional slumping and faulting which contributed to field compartmentalization and apparent reservoir heterogeneity.

The field has 7 to 8 producing intervals with reserves of 500-600 Mbo. Enhanced reservoir production can be achieved through rigorous stratigraphic definition of the reservoir intervals within the complex structural overprint. Reservoir compartmentalization and connectivity were defined through detailed core description of physical and biogenic sedimentary structures, well log analysis, and sequence stratigraphic correlation. This provided the framework for geochemical modeling of hydrocarbon migration and entrapment of fluids within reservoir intervals.
A “Guinada à direita” e a nova política externa brasileira
Authors: Galinari Tiago Nogueira
Published: October 2019

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar como a política externa brasileira vem se transformando desde a “guinada à direita” do seu governo. Apesar de a direita ter retornado ao Palácio do Planalto em 2016, após o impeachment da presidente Dilma Rousseff, a “guinada à direita” da política externa brasileira se aprofundou ainda mais com a vitória de Jair Bolsonaro na corrida presidencial e, sobretudo, depois de sua posse. O contraste entre a política externa petista e a bolsonarista é enorme. Com base em informações largamente noticiadas pela imprensa, este texto identificou alguns rumos da política externa bolsonarista e discutiu como elas redefinem (e/ou redefinirão) o papel do Brasil, especialmente no que se refere à integração regional, ao arco de alianças, ao multilateralismo e aos seus esforços para se consolidar como uma liderança entre os países do Sul.Palavras-chave: bolsonarismo; diplomacia brasileira; guinada à direita; política externa.AbstractThe aim of this article is to analyse how the Brazilian foreign policy has been transformed since the "right turn" of the Brazilian government. Although the right returned to the “Palácio do Planalto” in 2016, after the impeachment of the President Dilma Rousseff, the "right turn" of Brazilian foreign policy intensified even more after the victory of Jair Bolsonaro in the presidential race and mainly after his inauguration. The contrast between PT's and bolsonarist's foreign policy is enormous. Based on information widely reported by the press, this text identified some directions of the bolsonarist’s foreign policy and discussed how they redefine (or are going to redefine) the role of Brazil, primarily referring to the regional integration, the alliances, the multilateralism and the efforts to consolidate itself as the leader among the countries of the South.Keywords: Bolsonarism, Brazilian diplomacy, right turn, foreign policy.
Design Socialmente Consciente de Jogos: relato de uma oficina prática para o entendimento do problema e prospecção de ideias
Authors: Ferrari Bernardo , Silva Junior Deógenes , Oliveira Carolina Moreira , Ortiz Júlia S. B. , Pereira Roberto
Published: October 2019

O design de jogos para favorecer comportamentos positivos e saudáveis dos jogadores é tanto uma necessidade quanto um desafio. Embora a área de jogos tenha bastante contribuições na literatura, especialmente no que diz respeito a gamificação, jogos sérios e computação persuasiva, quando o domínio de aplicação é crítico, como educação e saúde, é necessário conduzir práticas que apoiem o entendimento socialmente consciente do contexto no qual o jogo será inserido. Este artigo apresenta uma oficina colaborativa para o entendimento de problema e levantamento de requisitos para um jogo que auxilie crianças a realizar exercícios de fonoaudiologia fora do contexto hospitalar. A oficina foi conduzida para produzir um entendimento sistêmico do domínio do problema, de aspectos humanos e técnicos, das possíveis soluções e suas implicações, utilizados como insumos para a produção do jogo. O artigo apresenta a oficina e seus principais resultados, discutindo lições aprendidas e a importância de conduzir práticas de entendimento de problema a partir de uma perspectiva sociotécnica antes do desenvolvimento de uma solução e do envolvimento direto do público-alvo.
Design e avaliação de um aplicativo móvel complementar para um jogo de cartas educacional
Authors: Borges Bosco , Silva Rubens A. S. , Paiva Joseane O. V. , Aragão Bruno S. , Santos Ismayle S. , Andrade Rossana M. C.
Published: October 2019

Jogos educacionais podem proporcionar aos jogadores experiências ricas em aprendizado e socialização por meio de diferentes paradigmas de interação, como jogos de tabuleiro, jogos de cartas e, mais recentemente, jogos híbridos (físico-digitais). Este trabalho tem como objetivo relatar o processo de hibridização de um jogo de cartas focado no ensino e prática de conceitos de teste de software, através da inserção de um aplicativo móvel para gerenciamento de partidas. O trabalho também avalia, sob a perspectiva dos jogadores, o impacto da inserção de uma aplicação digital no gameplay deste jogo. O processo de tomada de decisões para o desenvolvimento da interface do usuário focou em evitar que a inserção de um componente digital comprometesse o processo de aprendizado ou a experiência social do jogo. O aplicativo possui as funcionalidades de contador de pontos, rolagem de dados, cronômetro e um resumo das regras. Para a avaliação, foi feita a aplicação do jogo com alunos do curso de Engenharia da Computação e, após o término da partida, foram aplicados questionários para investigar a visão dos jogadores a respeito do aplicativo e da sua adição ao jogo. Após a aplicação, os resultados da análise das respostas dos questionários revelaram que a utilização do aplicativo proporcionou benefícios à experiência dos jogadores, embora a avaliação também tenha destacado algumas oportunidades de melhorias que serão contempladas posteriormente.
A concepção de docentes do curso de educação física: sobre o acesso e permanência da pessoa com deficiência no ensino superior
Authors: Mesquita Bárbara Andressa Mendonça de Rocha , Baptista Tadeu João Ribeiro
Published: October 2019

Este trabalho tem como objetivo geral analisar a concepção dos professores do Ensino Superior com relação ao acesso e à permanência das pessoas com deficiência no curso de licenciatura de uma faculdade de Educação Física do município de Goiânia. A abordagem escolhida para análise dos dados pesquisados é qualitativa, trata-se de um estudo descritivo de caráter transversal. Para a técnica de coleta de dados, foi utilizada uma entrevista semiestruturada aplicada a dois professores do curso de Licenciatura em Educação Física de uma universidade pública da cidade de Goiânia, que já lecionaram ou estejam lecionando alguma das disciplinas obrigatórias do curso para algum acadêmico com deficiência. O estudo demonstra que esses professores possuem consciência sobre a formação de estereótipos pela cultura e as situações de preconceito que as pessoas com deficiência sofreram e ainda sofrem na sociedade, inclusive no contexto educacional. Defendem que existem poucas ações, tanto por parte da universidade quanto dos professores, que correspondam a uma perspectiva inclusiva, excetuando-se a criação do núcleo de acessibilidade e algumas ações pedagógicas isoladas por parte dos professores. Portanto, apontam que são necessárias mudanças na cultura educacional da universidade capazes de promover o acesso e a permanência das pessoas com deficiência nessa instituição de Ensino Superior.
Arte e Educação Especial: narrativas e criações artísticas
Authors: Beltrami Flávia Gurniski , Mori Nerli Nonato Ribeiro
Published: October 2019

Este trabalho apresenta parte da pesquisa de Mestrado em Educação que discute a arte como forma de conhecimento e sensibilidade no processo de criação artística na Educação Especial em um contexto de inclusão. A pesquisa justifica-se pela necessidade de estudos que contribuam com a percepção de mundo, com a interação de uns com os outros de forma que o processo de criação artística seja concebido como fonte de humanização, considerando determinações sociais, históricas e culturais. Nossa investigação parte da seguinte indagação: como ocorre o desenvolvimento de narrativas e criações artísticas por meio da arte? Para respondermos a essa questão, tivemos, como objetivo geral, investigar o desenvolvimento de narrativas e criações artísticas por meio da arte mediante intervenção educacional que integra um grupo de alunos com necessidades especiais, da sala de recursos multifuncionais de uma escola municipal, no Município de Maringá-PR. A pesquisa está fundamentada na teoria Histórico Cultural, objetivando: evidenciar a arte como fonte de humanização; discutir de forma breve o ensino de Arte no Brasil e Educação Especial; destacar a arte popular e a importância das narrativas; promover encontros mobilizando o processo de criação artística e análise, exemplificando uma produção artística. A metodologia da pesquisa é qualitativa, envolvendo estudos bibliográficos e pesquisa participante. Em nossas considerações finais, com os resultados alcançados no trabalho realizado, defendemos a importância do ensino de Arte para o desenvolvimento cognitivo e sensível do aluno, pois este viabiliza a construção do pensamento e um espaço de discussão.
Desenvolvendo a criatividade em alunos com e sem Altas Habilidades/Superdotação através de suplementação em língua inglesa
Authors: Ferreira Taís Crema Remoli , Capellini Vera Lucia Messias Fialho
Published: October 2019

Atualmente no Brasil, são poucos os alunos identificados com Altas Habilidades/Superdotação (AH/SD) e ainda mais problemática é a oferta de atividades de enriquecimento a tal público a partir de áreas de seu interesse. Por isto, optou-se por realizar um programa de suplementação para crianças com AH/SD que demonstraram interesse em aprender língua inglesa. Tal programa foi elaborado com o objetivo de desenvolver não apenas o idioma, mas também a criatividade dos participantes. Alunos sem AH/SD e com as mesmas características do primeiro grupo ingressaram no projeto, totalizando 12 participantes, seis meninos e seis meninas. O trabalho foi realizado durante o segundo semestre de 2015, tendo como objetivos verificar o desenvolvimento da criatividade antes e após o programa de suplementação e comparar o desempenho dos grupos a fim de analisar a intervenção realizada. Para a obtenção dos dados, foram realizados dez encontros destinados à intervenção e outros dois para aplicação do Teste de Criatividade Figural Infantil (TCFI). Os resultados evidenciaram que o programa de intervenção desenvolveu três fatores, dos cinco avaliados pelo teste, com significância estatística na comparação geral dos alunos: Enriquecimento de ideias, Aspectos cognitivos e Fator geral – havendo diferença entre os fatores ao se analisar os resultados por grupos com e sem AH/SD. Observou-se, deste modo, que oportunizar um ambiente enriquecedor beneficiou, de formas diferentes, o desenvolvimento da criatividade de todos os envolvidos no processo.
Quelques considérations entourant la portée des décisions du Comité des droits de l’Homme
Authors: Delas Olivier , Thouvenot Manon , Bergeron-Boutin Valérie
Published: October 2019

Qu’il s’agisse de constatations ou d’observations finales, il est généralement admis que les décisions du Comité des droits de l’homme, et plus généralement celles des comités onusiens chargés de surveiller la mise en oeuvre des traités de droits de la personne, ne sont pas contraignantes.  De nos jours, il s’agit probablement de la seule réelle différence entre cette quasi-juridiction et les juridictions internationales des droits de la personne : l’absence d’autorité relative de chose jugée de leurs décisions. Toutefois, s’il ne peut être remis en cause que l’acte juridique qu’est cette décision n’est pas contraignant, il convient de nuancer toute approche qui tendrait à leur dénier toute portée obligatoire. En effet, il ressort clairement des travaux préparatoires et des hésitations dont ils ont été l’objet que les États ont écarté la possibilité de s’en remettre aux autorités juridictionnelles des États afin de s’assurer de la mise en oeuvre et du respect des obligations contenues dans le Pacte. Le rejet d’une dépendance nationale au profit d’un contrôle international est évident. L’analyse de ces travaux préparatoires permet de conclure que les États ont entendu ériger une instance internationale à laquelle ils ont certes dénié le caractère de juridiction, mais lui ont reconnu un monopole d’expertise quant à l’interprétation du PIDCP et l’évaluation du respect par les États de leurs obligations. Dès lors, si l’État peut parfaitement passer outre la décision, il semble difficile qu’il en remette en cause ou qu’il lui substitue sa propre évaluation. Par ailleurs, considérant ce monopole d’expertise, si les obligations dont il est question ont également acquis le statut de normes de droit international coutumier ou impératives, non seulement il semble difficile pour l’État de remettre en cause l’évaluation, mais également, d’aller à l’encontre de cette dernière.
A STORY OF DEBT AND BROKEN PROMISES? THE recruitment of guatemalan MIGRANT workers IN QUEBEC
Authors: Gesualdi-Fecteau Dalia , Thibault Andréanne , Schivone Nan , Dufour Caroline , Gouin Sarah , Monjean Nina , Moses Éloïse
Published: October 2019

For the past two decades, the number of immigrants admitted to Canada has remained relatively stable while the number of workers admitted with a temporary work permit has steadily increased. This phenomenon is explained by a shift in Canadian public policies that direct the management of labour migration. Recent research has shed light on the complex and highly ramified transnational network that allows the recruitment of temporary foreign workers. Agricultural Guatemalan workers are hired through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the recruitment process is controlled by private recruitment intermediaries. Some abusive recruitment practices have been consistently reported. This article seeks to present the results of an empirical study documenting the recruitment by Quebec employers of Guatemalan agricultural workers and will discuss the normative framework regulating the recruitment of Guatemalan temporary foreign workers.
L’article 6(5) PAII : quelle pertinence à l’ère du contre-terrorisme?
Authors: Marquis-Bissonnette Camille
Published: October 2019

Le récent accord de paix conclu le 24 novembre 2016 entre les Forces armées révolutionnaires de Colombie (FARC) et le gouvernement colombien, qui prévoit une amnistie notamment pour la rébellion et le port illégal d’armes, peut paraître étonnant, voire choquant, après une lutte armée de plus de 50 ans qui a entraîné des centaines de milliers de morts et des dizaines de milliers de disparitions. Pourtant, ce compromis est conforme aux prescriptions du droit international humanitaire, en particulier à la lettre de l’article 6 paragraphe 5 du Protocole additionnel II aux Conventions de Genève de 1949. La présente contribution vise à examiner les raisons d’être de l’article 6(5) PAII, et à déterminer si elles sont toujours pertinentes dans le cadre juridique international. Elle se penche à terme sur sa compatibilité avec les préoccupations actuelles, a priori contradictoires, en matière de lutte contre le terrorisme.
L’évolution récente de la démocratisation de l’éducation et le marché scolaire au Québec : quand l’inclusion fait place à la stratification
Authors: Kamanzi Pierre Canisius
Published: October 2019

L’objectif de cette étude est de montrer que la production et la reproduction des inégalités sociales en éducation au Québec sont le résultat de l’articulation entre les effets de rapports sociaux de pouvoir et d’organisation des politiques publiques en éducation. Une analyse des données longitudinales (N = 24 804) confirme cette hypothèse, révélant que cette articulation s’opère par le biais de la stratification du marché scolaire. En aval, la structure du marché scolaire est un facteur de production des inégalités sociales aux études postsecondaires. En amont, le marché scolaire est caractérisé par une stratification inter et intra établissement, elle-même associé aux caractéristiques sociales de l’élève : l’origine socioéconomique et ethnoculturelle, ainsi que le genre. En conclusion, la persistance de la reproduction des inégalités sociales dans l’enseignement supérieur au Québec s’opère en partie par le biais de la stratification du marché scolaire et la concurrence inter et intra établissement.
Relationships between key functional traits of the waterlily Nuphar lutea and wetland nutrient content
Authors: Henriot Charles P. , Cuenot Quentin , Levrey Lise-Hélène , Loup Christophe , Chiarello Landry , Masclaux Hélène , Bornette Gudrun
Published: October 2019

Little attention has been paid to how aquatic habitat characteristics affect the traits of plant species. Nuphar lutea (L.) Sm. is a keystone species distributed across temperate regions of Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia. Its apparently low phenotypic variability compared to other aquatic plants led us to test whether the species exhibited significant phenotypic variability and whether trait values correlated to environmental parameters. The hypotheses were that (1) the environmental variation within our set of wetlands (both water and sediment characteristics) led to significant variation among four sets of traits related respectively to growth, reproduction, defence and storage and (2) that nutrient limitation (nitrogen and especially phosphorus) should affect plant traits towards a higher investment in storage and defence and a lower investment in growth and reproduction, thereby negatively affecting the success of N. lutea. To test these hypotheses, 11 populations of N. lutea were sampled in wetlands differing in physicochemical characteristics and spread along three rivers. A total of 15 traits, grouped into four sets (growth, reproduction, storage and defence), were measured during the growing season. Most N. lutea traits were related to the environmental characteristics of wetlands. The growth and reproduction traits were mostly positively related to habitat resource conditions, whereas the defence traits were positively correlated with both ammonium concentration and temperature, outlining possible anoxic stress (habitat adversity). Nitrogen or phosphorus limitation led to the variation of only a few traits: the rhizome starch content was higher in phosphorus-limited wetlands, while the rhizome length and volume, and the number of flowers were higher in nitrogen-limited wetlands.
Production and Use of Cola Follicles (Cola nitida Vent. Schott & Endl.) Potash in the Formulation of "Kabatôh" in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Daouda Sidibe , Yves Nyamien , Coulibaly Adama , Lassina Dosso , Ysidor Konan , Henri Biego
Published: October 2019

Aims: The objective of this study was to produce and use potash from kola follicles (Cola nitda) in the formulation of an ethnic or traditional foods namely kabatôh.

Study Design: 17 formulations of kabatôh carried out in the presence of potash were subjected to a sensory analysis.

Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Biochemistry and Food Sciences, Biochemistry department of Biosciences Unit, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, running 2019.

Methodology: Kola dried follicles collected from the region of Tonkpi were incinerated after sun dried. Ash obtained was used for the production of potash after maceration (with water), filtration and evaporation. The extracted potash was characterized and used in the kabatôh formulation procedure. Seventeen formulations of kabatôh and the control sample were used as part of a sensory analysis to evaluate the perception of the color, savor, texture and the flavor like their level of appreciation by tasters.

Results: The potash extraction yield determined was 10.23 ± 0.72%, with a basic pH of 11.15 ± 0.05. Results showed that potash moisture content and concentration of potassium hydroxide are 4.15 ± 0.21% and 0.81 ± 0.03 mol/L, respectively. Some of the formulations with potash were appreciated more than 83% by the panelists. The control sample was appreciated by 56.76% of the panel.

Conclusion: The presence of potash improves the organoleptic characteristics of kabatôh. Thus, Kola follicules could be used in the potash production process that represents an interest in food and feed but also in the industrial world.
Survival Time Analysis of Hypertension Patients Using Parametric Models
Authors: Erango Markos Abiso , Gergiso Kabtamu Tolosie , Hebo Sultan Hussen
Published: October 2019

Background: Hypertension is a worldwide public-health challenge and one of a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and death.

Aims: The aim of this study was compare parameter estimations using both Bayesian and classical approaches and to detect out potential factors that affects survival probability of hypertension patient’s under follow up.

Materials and Methods: A simple random sampling technique was used to select 430 patients among a total of 2126 hypertension patients who had been under follow up at Yekatit-12 Hospital in Ethiopia from January 2013 to January 2019. Parametric distributions: Exponential, Weibull, Lognormal and loglogistic are studied to analysis survival probabilities of the patients in both Bayesian and classical approaches. The model selection criteria are employed to identify the model with best fit to the data. Bayesian estimation approach was smaller deviance information criteria as compare to classical estimation approaches for the current data set.

Results and Conclusion: The analysis Bayesian Weibull results indicate that the baseline age of the patient, gender, family history of hypertension, tobacco use, alcohol use, khat intake, blood cholesterol level of the patient, hypertension disease stage, adherence to the treatment and related disease were significantly associated with survival time of hypertension patients. Patients with raised blood Cholesterol level at baseline tend to have shorter survival time as compare to one with normal blood cholesterol level at baseline. Society and all stakeholders should be aware of the consequences of these factors which can influence the survival time of hypertension patients.
Detection of CPV 2a Antigen Type of Canine Parvovirus in the States of Punjab and Assam, India
Authors: Das Himasri , Kaur Gurpreet , Chandra Mudit , Dwivedi P. N.
Published: October 2019

Aim: Canine Parvovirus (CPV) is an emerging and re-emerging virus of canines. The study was undertaken to analyze VP2 gene of CPV in the isolates from dogs positive for CPV infection.

Methods: The rectal swabs were collected from dogs suspected of CPV and subjected to PCR and nested PCR. The regions compared in the study were Punjab to represent north part of India and Assam to represent north-eastern part of India. The sequence analysis of VP2 gene of CPV was done using NCBI BLAST from the isolates which were positive for CPV by nested PCR. Further, phylogenetic analysis was done to understand the prevailing antigenic type of CPV from northern and north eastern part of India.

Results: The sequence analysis revealed that all the sequences of VP2 gene from the samples had 98-99% homology with Canine Parvovirus and phylogenetic analysis revealed that CPV 2a antigenic type is circulating in both the regions selected in the study.

Conclusions: The present study revealed that CPV 2a is circulating in the regions of Punjab and Assam part of India. Further sequence analysis of VP2 gene from more number of field isolates can throw better light on the prevailing antigenic type of CPV in various parts of India.
Comparative Evaluation of Physical and Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant Potential of Various Cooking Oils
Authors: Nawaz Haq , Aslam Shad Muhammad , Hassan Saira , . Shah Muhibullah , Shahzad Haseeba , Jabeen Raheela , Nawaz Aqsa , Riaz Zakia , Jamal Sumaira
Published: October 2019

The study was based on the comparative evaluation of physical and physicochemical properties and antioxidant potential of different cooking oils as awareness for the consumers. The cooking oils extracted from sunflower, corn, canola, soybean, and rapeseed and available for consumers as different commercial brands were purchased from the local market and analysed for their physical, physicochemical and antioxidant properties. All of the selected oils were found to be statistically similar on the basis of their physical properties including odour, specific gravity (P=.65) and refractive index (P=0.84). All of the selected oils contained vitamin A except one brand of each of the sunflower, corn and canola oils. The selected oils and their blend showed statistically different physicochemical properties and antioxidant potential (P=.000). The corn oil and rapeseed oil were found to be the best quality oil due to comparatively lower acid, peroxide and saponification values and higher antioxidant potential in terms of free radical scavenging capacity. The study results would provide valuable information to the consumers and the researchers regarding the selection of the best quality cooking oils available in the market.
Inhibition of Chikungunya virus by an adenosine analog targeting the SAM‐dependent nsP1 methyltransferase
Authors: Mudgal Rajat , Mahajan Supreeti , Tomar Shailly
Published: October 2019

Alphaviruses, including Chikungunya (CHIKV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), are among the leading causes of recurrent epidemics all over the world. Alphaviral nonstructural protein 1 (nsP1) orchestrates the capping of nascent viral RNA via its S‐adenosyl methionine‐dependent N‐7‐methyltransferase (MTase) and guanylyltransferase activities. Here, we developed and validated a novel capillary electrophoresis (CE)‐based assay for measuring the MTase activity of purified VEEV and CHIKV nsP1. We employed the assay to assess the MTase inhibition efficiency of a few adenosine analogs and identified 5‐iodotubercidin (5‐IT) as an inhibitor of nsP1. The antiviral potency of 5‐IT was evaluated in vitro using a combination of cell‐based assays, which suggest that 5‐IT is efficacious against CHIKV in cell culture (EC50: 0.409 µm).
Flexible Honeycombed Nanoporous/Glassy Hybrid for Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Li Rui , Liu Xiongjun , Wu Ruoyu , Wang Jing , Li Zhibin , Chan K. C. , Wang Hui , Wu Yuan , Lu Zhaoping
Published: October 2019

Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media urgently requires electrocatalysts concurrently possessing excellent activity, flexible free‐standing capability, and low cost. A honeycombed nanoporous/glassy sandwich structure fabricated through dealloying metallic glass (MG) is reported. This free‐standing hybrid shows outstanding HER performance with a very small overpotential of 37 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a low Tafel slope of 30 mV dec−1 in alkaline media, outperforming commercial Pt/C. By alloying 3 at% Pt into the MG precursor, a honeycombed Pt75Ni25 solid solution nanoporous structure, with fertile active sites and large contact areas for efficient HER, is created on the dealloyed MG surface. Meanwhile, the surface compressive lattice‐strain effect is also introduced by substituting the Pt lattice sites with the smaller Ni atoms, which can effectively reduce the hydrogen adsorption energy and thus improve the hydrogen evolution. Moreover, the outstanding stability and flexibility stemming from the ductile MG matrix also make the hybrid suitable for practical electrode application. This work not only offers a reliable strategy to develop cost‐effective and flexible multicomponent catalysts with low Pt usage for efficient HER, but also sheds light on understanding the alloying effects of the catalytic process.
Videotaped Unannounced Standardized Patient Encounters to Evaluate Interpersonal and Communication Skills in Emergency Medicine Residents
Authors: Chung Arlene S. , Bogoch Sally , Mody Shivani , Smith Colleen , Pushkar Illya , Drapkin Jefferson , Saloum David
Published: October 2019

Background

Communication and interpersonal skills are important for effective patient care but are difficult to measure. Unannounced standardized patient encounters (USPEs) have the benefit of providing a standardized situation and provide a representation of usual care rather than best behavior, while also allowing for video recording without violating patient privacy. We conducted a feasibility pilot study to examine the use of videotaped USPEs in resident education of interpersonal and communication skills and specifically empathy.

Methods

This was a pilot study conducted at an urban community teaching hospital. About 16 first‐year emergency medicine engaged in four videotaped USPEs during their normal clinical shifts during 1 academic year. All visible recording equipment was concealed from the residents. The standardized patients completed two assessment forms after each encounter to measure empathy.

Results

All 16 residents engaged in four videotaped USPEs for a total of 64 encounters.

Conclusions

We were able to successfully demonstrate the feasibility of using USPEs for assessment of resident interpersonal and communication skills.
Brain white matter abnormalities associated with copy number variants
Authors: Vigdorovich Nitzan , Ben‐Sira Liat , Blumkin Lubov , Precel Ronit , Nezer Ifat , Yosovich Keren , Cross Zachary , Vanderver Adeline , Lev Dorit , Lerman‐Sagie Tally , Zerem Ayelet
Published: October 2019

White matter (WM) signal abnormalities are demonstrated in various neurodevelopmental disorders on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The pattern of WM abnormalities can aid in the diagnostic process. This study aims to characterize the WM changes found in microdeletion/microduplication syndromes. Thirteen patients with neurodevelopmental disorders due to copy number variations were collected from a cohort of children with evidence of WM abnormalities on brain MRI, in two medical centers. A pediatric neuroradiologist blindly interpreted the MRI scans. Clinical and genetic findings were retrospectively extracted from the medical records. WM changes included: multifocal (10/13) periventricular (12/13) and subcortical (5/13) signal abnormalities and WM volume loss (6/13). Dysgenesis of the corpus callosum was depicted in 12/13. The main clinical features were: global developmental delay (13/13), hypotonia (11/13), epilepsy (10/13), dysmorphic features (9/13), microcephaly (6/13), short stature (6/13), and systemic involvement (6/13). We showed that different chromosomal micro‐rearrangement syndromes share similar MRI patterns of nonspecific multifocal predominantly periventricular WM changes associated with corpus callosum dysgenesis with or without WM and gray matter loss. Hence, the association of these features in a patient evaluated for global developmental delay/intellectual disability suggests a chromosomal micro‐rearrangement syndrome, and a chromosomal microarray analysis should be performed.
Probiotic extracts ameliorate nasal allergy by inducing interleukin‐35‒producing dendritic cells in mice
Authors: Xue Jin‐Mei , Ma Fei , An Yun‐Fang , Suo Li‐Min , Geng Xiao‐Rui , Song Yan‐Nan , Mo Li‐Hua , Luo Xiang‐Qian , Zhang Xiao‐Wen , liu Da‐Bo , Zhao Chang‐Qing , Yang Ping‐Chang
Published: October 2019

Background

The therapeutic efficacy of allergic rhinitis (AR) needs to be improved. Probiotics have immunoregulatory functions. In this study we evaluated the effects of protein extracts of probiotics in the amelioration of AR.

Methods

Extracts of Bifidobacterium infantis (EBI) were prepared by lysing the live probiotics. AR mice were developed to be used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of EBI.

Results

The results show that EBI induced interleukin (IL)‐10‒producing dendritic cells (DCs) via increasing IL‐35 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation. IL‐10‒expressing DCs induced IL‐10‒producing B cells (B10 cells), with the latter showing immunosuppressive functions. After challenge with specific antigens, AR mice showed sneezing, nasal itch, and increases in serum‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and mouse mast cell protease‐1; higher levels of T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines (IL‐4, 67.17 ± 10.66; IL‐5, 62.83 ± 9.70; IL‐13, 51.00 ± 6.69, before treatment) in nasal mucosal protein extracts, which were significantly suppressed (IL‐4, 27.00 ± 6.66; IL‐5, 23.86 ± 4.53; IL‐13, 25.67 ± 4.93, after treatment (p < 0.001) by administration with EBI nasal drops.

Conclusion

EBI can suppress AR via inducing B10 cells. Thus, after carrying out required preclinical experiments and tests, EBI has the translational potential to be used in the treatment of AR and other allergic diseases.
A 3D Tight‐Binding Model for La‐Based Cuprate Superconductors
Authors: Photopoulos Raphaël , Frésard Raymond
Published: October 2019

Motivated by the recent experimental determination of the 3D Fermi surface of overdoped La‐based cuprate superconductors, the tight‐binding parameterization of their conduction band is revisited. A minimal tight‐binding model entailing eight orbitals, two of them involving apical oxygen ions is constructed. Parameter optimization allows to almost perfectly reproduce the 3D conduction band as obtained from density functional theory (DFT). It is discussed how each parameter entering this multiband model influences it, and show that the peculiar form of its dispersion severely constraints the parameter values. It is evidenced that standard perturbative derivation of an effective one‐band model is poorly converging because of the comparatively small value of the charge transfer gap. Yet, this allows to unravel the microscopical origin of the in‐plane and out‐of‐plane hopping amplitudes. An alternative approach to the computation of the tight‐binding parameters of the effective model is presented and worked out. It results that the agreement with DFT is preserved provided longer‐ranged hopping amplitudes are retained. A comparison with existing models is also performed. Finally, the Fermi surface, showing staggered pieces alternating in size and shape, is compared to experiment, with the density of states also being calculated.
Stable Perovskite Quantum Dots Coated with Superhydrophobic Organosilica Shells for White Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Tu Shuhua , Yin Quanyi , Shang Bin , Chen Min , Wu Limin
Published: October 2019

Metalammonium lead perovskite (MAPbX3, MA=CH3NH3+; X=Cl, Br, I) quantum dots (QDs) have attracted tremendous attention due to their outstanding optical properties. However, they usually suffer from poor stability towards water or moisture, which seriously limits their practical applications. Here, we report a simple and effective approach to improve the stability of MAPbBr3 QDs by encapsulating them with superhydrophobic fluorinated organosilica (FSiO2) shells. The water‐resistant stability of the superhydrophobic MAPbBr3 QDs/FSiO2 is significantly enhanced and they display strong fluorescence even after immersion in water for 12 hours. This method is readily extended to prepare superhydrophobic MAPbBr2.4Cl0.6 QDs/FSiO2 and MAPbI3 QDs/FSiO2 powders. These superhydrophobic MAPbX3 QDs/FSiO2 can be further used to fabricate white light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) with comparable color to pure white emission.
An Uncommon Hypervalent Fluorooxosilicophosphate
Authors: Ding Qingran , Zhao Sangen , Xiao Han , Li Yanqiang , Liu Shuai , Li Lina , Li Chunsen , Wang Yusong , Hong Maochun , Luo Junhua
Published: October 2019

The species diversity of silicon (including traditional tetrahedral coordinated silicon and hypervalent penta‐ and hexa‐coordinate silicon) gives rise to the structural richness and diverse properties of silicates. Among these silicon species, hypervalent silicon is very rare, not to mention almost unexplored mixed‐anion hypervalent fluoroxosilicate species. In this work, we successfully obtained a mixed‐anion fluorooxosilicophosphate Na4Si2PO4F9 consisting of two uncommon hypervalent fluoroxosilicate species, namely, trans‐SiO2F4 species and SiOF5 species. To the best of our knowledge, such hypervalent silicon species are reported for the first time in inorganic compounds. Remarkably, the coexistence of two distinct hypervalent fluoroxosilicate species in one compound is somewhat conflicted with Pauling's parsimony rule, but it indeed achieves an unlikely connection by PO4 and our phonon dispersion calculation confirms the structure stability of Na4Si2PO4F9. Temperature‐dependent conductivity measurements show that Na4Si2PO4F9 is a promising solid ionic conductor with a high conductivity of 4.0×10−5 S⋅cm−1 at 700 K and a low active energy of about 53.1 KJ⋅mol−1. This work will enrich the structure chemistry of silicates and may provide a new platform for solid ionic batteries.
Effect of spruce PjSTS1a, PjSTS2, or PjSTS3 gene overexpression on stilbene biosynthesis in callus cultures of Vitis amurensis Rupr
Authors: Suprun A. R. , Ogneva Z. V. , Dubrovina A. S. , Kiselev K. V.
Published: October 2019

Stilbenes are natural compounds protecting plants against microbial pathogens and known to possess valuable biologically active properties. In the present study, we established transgenic grapevine callus cell cultures overexpressing three stilbene synthase (STS) genes of spruce Picea jezoensis PjSTS1a, PjSTS2, and PjSTS3. Transformation of Vitis amurensis calli with the PjSTS1a, PjSTS2, and PjSTS3 genes significantly increased total content of stilbenes in 3.6–6, 2.5–2.9, and 4.1–16.1 times, respectively, in comparison with the control calli. The most pronounced positive effect on the accumulation of stilbenes was observed for the PjSTS3‐overexpressing calli where the total content of stilbenes was increased up to 3.1 mg/g DW, and the stilbene production reached 25.4 mg/L. These values were higher than those achieved for the grapevine callus cell cultures overexpressing three STS genes from V. amurensis. Thus, transformation of grapevine cell cultures with spruce STS genes with a relatively low degree of homology to the endogenous VaSTSs is a more effective strategy for induction of plant secondary metabolite biosynthesis than using the grapevine genes for the overexpression experiments.
Cell Fate Regulation upon DNA Damage: p53 Serine 46 Kinases Pave the Cell Death Road
Authors: Liebl Magdalena C. , Hofmann Thomas G.
Published: October 2019

Mild and massive DNA damage are differentially integrated into the cellular signaling networks and, in consequence, provoke different cell fate decisions. After mild damage, the tumor suppressor p53 directs the cellular response to cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, and cell survival, whereas upon severe damage, p53 drives the cell death response. One posttranslational modification of p53, phosphorylation at Serine 46, selectively occurs after severe DNA damage and is envisioned as a marker of the cell death response. However, the molecular mechanism of action of the p53 Ser46 phospho‐isomer, the molecular timing of this phosphorylation event, and its activating effects on apoptosis and ferroptosis still await exploration. In this essay, the current body of evidence on the molecular function of this deadly p53 mark, its evolutionary conservation, and the regulation of the key players of this response, the p53 Serine 46 kinases, are reviewed and dissected.
A Density Functional Study of Amine Catalysts for CO2 Fixation into Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: Ryu Seol
Published: October 2019

The catalytic efficiency of three different kinds of amine groups for a prototype reaction of propylene oxide and carbon dioxide was investigated using density functional and energetic span model calculation. Our study demonstrated that tertiary amine groups perform best as catalyst at 100 °C and 10 bars because the corresponding catalytic cycle is free of any proton to be transferred around different molecular fragments. With primary or secondary amine catalysts, however, one or two protons at the nitrogen atom of amine can be transferred to the oxide oxygen, leading to intermediate structures stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonding at a deep valley in catalytic cycle. It is concluded that, when compared with the cases of primary or secondary amine groups, the effectiveness of tertiary amine group in catalysis originates from least hindrance to final products in catalytic cycle due to the absence of protons transferred.
A population balance model to modulate shear for the control of aggregation in Taxus suspension cultures
Authors: Wilson Sarah A. , Maindarkar Shashank N. , McKee Michelle C. , Vilkhovoy Michael , Henson Michael A. , Roberts Susan C.
Published: October 2019

Cellular aggregation in plant suspension cultures directly affects the accumulation of high value products, such as paclitaxel from Taxus. Through application of mechanical shear by repeated, manual pipetting through a 10 ml pipet with a 1.6 mm aperture, the mean aggregate size of a Taxus culture can be reduced without affecting culture growth. When a constant level of mechanical shear was applied over eight generations, the sheared population was maintained at a mean aggregate diameter 194 μm lower than the unsheared control, but the mean aggregate size fluctuated by over 600 μm, indicating unpredictable culture variability. A population balance model was developed to interpret and predict disaggregation dynamics under mechanical shear. Adjustable parameters involved in the breakage frequency function of the population balance model were estimated by nonlinear optimization from experimentally measured size distributions. The optimized model predictions were in strong agreement with measured size distributions. The model was then used to determine the shear requirements to successfully reach a target aggregate size distribution. This model will be utilized in the future to maintain a culture with a constant size distribution with the goal of decreasing culture variability and increasing paclitaxel yields.
Pulmonary artery perforation caused by a left atrial appendage closure device
Authors: Lu Cong , Zeng Jie , Meng Qingguo , Zeng Zhi
Published: October 2019

We describe a female patient who received hybrid catheter intervention and occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and left atrial appendage (LAA). Four hours after the procedure, pericardial tamponade suddenly occurred. Surgical exploration of the heart found that a fixation hook of the WATCHMAN device, had protruded through the LAA wall and tore the dilated pulmonary artery (PA). This is the first case report to describe PA perforation caused by barbs of the WATCHMAN device, and more attention should be paid to the relationship between the LAA and its adjacent structures before LAA closure.
Bottom‐Up Construction of Conjugated Microporous Polyporphyrin‐Coated Graphene Hydrogel Composites with Hierarchical Pores for High‐Performance Capacitors
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhao Ting , Dou Jinli , Xu Zhilu , Zhang Wenhua , Chen Xiangyin , Wang Xuedong , Zhou Baolong
Published: October 2019

Three‐dimensional (3D) graphene hydrogel (GH) architectures are of great interest in applications towards electronics, environmental fields, catalysis devices, and sensors. However, due to the structure constraints of graphene, only macropore and low specific surface areas are obtained. Conjugated microporous polymers always possess a micro‐ and mesopore structure simultaneously, but the conductivity is very poor. However, both the conductivity and the pore parameter are important factors affecting the performance of capacitor. Here, we propose a facile and highly efficient method to improve the microstructure of GH, enlarging the conductivity of CMPs, simultaneously. Porphyrin‐based conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) gels were integrated tightly on the surface of GH via a room‐temperature oxidative homocoupling reaction, resulting a new composite (GH‐CMP) with excellent conductivity, enlarged BET surface area, and hierarchical pore structure. The fabricated GH‐CMP was used as the electrode material for capacitors. The hierarchical pore structure is beneficial for mass transfer, facilitates the diffusion, and further enhances the specific capacitance. The resultant supercapacitor electrodes presented a high capacitance of 208 F g−1 at 20 mA g−1 and an excellent cycle stability with a retained capacitance of about 92.6 % after 10 000 cycles at 2 A g−1. The integration of CMPs and GH makes graphene hydrogel films an ideal electrode material for supercapacitors.
Facile Fabrication of P(Electrodeposition)/N(Solvothermal) 2D‐WS2‐Homojunction Based High Performance Photo Responsive, Strain Modulated Piezo‐Phototronic Diode
Authors: Veeralingam Sushmitha , Durai Lignesh , Badhulika Sushmee
Published: October 2019

In this work, we demonstrate a low cost, cleanroom free fabrication approach of 2D (2‐dimensional) WS2 p‐n homojunction as a piezo phototronic diode. The p‐type WS2 was deposited over the flexible ITO/PET substrate using electrodeposition technique and the n‐type WS2 was synthesized using very simple and cost‐effective solvothermal technique. XRD and Raman studies confirmed the formation of both p‐type and n‐type WS2 with 3R and 2H structure holding the vibration modes of WS2 .To examine the photoresponsive properties the diode was irradiated with visible light and an increase in 12% of the photo current was observed in the reverse bias with the illumination power intensity of 8.25 mW/cm2 . Further, when the diode was subjected to 0.98% of tensile strain the current was increased up to 91.6%. This enhanced response can be attributed to the piezo‐phototronic effect exhibited by the few layers WS2 structure, which leads to the modulation of the potential at the p‐n junction interface leading to the increase in the carrier concentration of electrons flowing through the device. The p‐n homojunction diode exhibited excellent responsivity and detectivity values of 44.8 A/W and 11.2×1012 Jones respectively with an illumination intensity of 1.26 mW/cm2 and with a very low tensile strain of 0.98% which are higher than those of devices fabricated using sophisticated techniques which find numerous applications in flexible‐electronics.
Fluorescent Labelling of Glycans with FRET‐Based Probes in a Gold(III)‐Mediated Three‐Component Coupling Reaction
Authors: Sit Hoi‐Yi , Yang Bin , Ka‐Yan Kung Karen , Siu‐Lun Tam John , Wong Man‐Kin
Published: October 2019

Single‐site multifunctionalization of glycans is of importance in biological studies considering its crucial role in mediating biological events and human diseases. In this paper, a novel approach for multifunctional labelling of glycans has been developed featuring the use of fluorescence resonance energy transfer‐based (FRET‐based) probes for fluorescent labelling of glycans through a gold(III)‐mediated three‐component coupling reaction. Oxidation of glycans into aldehydes followed by the A3‐coupling reaction with FRET‐based probes resulted in the single‐site formation of fluorescent propargylamine products. The conversion of labelled glycans can be revealed by ratiometric analysis of the FRET signals. This labelling approach results in multifunctionalization of glycans with high selectivity and conversion between 66 and 69 %.