bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of River Basin Physical Assets
Authors: Andrés Urrea-Mallebrera Mario , Altarejos-García Luis , Tomás García-Bermejo Juan
Published: November 2020

River basin management involves, among other activities, the operation, maintenance and renewal of existing water and wastewater physical infrastructure assets, as well as the planning, designing, procurement and construction of new water infrastructure assets, in order to provide and secure present and future water demand, and other services, such as flood control and mitigation. Focus is set on increasing demand issues and uncertainty in available resources due to climate change. But there is a challenge also in the management of an aging portfolio of critical infrastructures, including storage, diversion and flood protection facilities, water wells, water conveyance facilities and wastewater treatment plants. Though physical asset management methodologies are well developed and established, such as ISO 55001, their application to infrastructures managed by river basin authorities is not widespread. This chapter presents key components for effective management covering the following aspects: asset monetary valuation; asset condition assessment; estimation of risks linked with asset condition; planning and prioritization of capital and maintenance expenditures; and expected impacts on water tariffs. A raw water distribution system in the Segura River Basin in Spain has been used as case study.
Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Different Types of Photodynamic Therapy on the Main Pathogenic Bacteria of Peri-Implantitis
Authors: Gabrić Dragana , Budimir Ana , Bago Ivona , Marković Luka , Pavlić Verica , Azizi Bleron
Published: November 2020

Every year, with the increasing number of dental implants placed, there is an increase in the incidence of peri-implantitis. The treatment of peri-implantitis is very complex and among other things includes mechanical and chemical decontamination of the implant surfaces, which is very challenging and often not predictable due to the surface properties of the implants. Photodynamic therapy recently has emerged as a potential treatment alternative or adjuvant treatment to peri-implantitis. Its potential to decontaminate implant surfaces without damaging the surface and the implants surrounding tissues has generated much interest in the scientific community. The possibilities of photodynamic therapy in treatment of peri-implantitis are opening new challenges in establishing optimal conditions for the clinical application of aPDT. Due to its non-invasiveness and ease of use this method can be effective when applied alone or as an adjunct therapy to conventional methods for treating peri-implantitis.
Coordination Polymer Frameworks for Next Generation Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Rathnayake Hemali , Dawood Sheeba
Published: November 2020

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which belong to a sub-class of coordination polymers, have been significantly studied in the fields of gas storage and separation over the last two decades. There are 80,000 synthetically known MOFs in the current database with known crystal structures and some physical properties. However, recently, numerous functional MOFs have been exploited to use in the optoelectronic field owing to some unique properties of MOFs with enhanced luminescence, electrical, and chemical stability. This book chapter provides a comprehensive summary of MOFs chemistry, isoreticular synthesis, and properties of isoreticular MOFs, synthesis advancements to tailor optical and electrical properties. The chapter mainly discusses the research advancement made towards investigating optoelectronic properties of IRMOFs. We also discuss the future prospective of MOFs for electronic devices with a proposed roadmap suggested by us. We believe that the MOFs-device roadmap should be one meaningful way to reach MOFs milestones for optoelectronic devices, particularly providing the potential roadmap to MOF-based field-effect transistors, photovoltaics, thermoelectric devices, and solid-state electrolytes and lithium ion battery components. It may enable MOFs to be performed in their best, as well as allowing the necessary integration with other materials to fabricate fully functional devices in the next few decades.
Morphophysiological Traits, Biochemical Characteristic and Productivity of Wheat under Water and Nitrogen-Colimitation: Pathways to Improve Water and N Uptake
Authors: Ali Nawab , Akmal Mohammad
Published: November 2020

Drought stress is the most prominent limiting factor and abiotic stress that manipulates the physiological pathway, biochemical traits and hence negatively affects wheat crop productivity. The global nitrogen (N) recovery indicated that about two-fifths of N inputs are lost in the ecosystems through emission, denitrification, gaseous loss, leaching, surface runoff and volatilization etc. Farmers are using higher rates of N to harvest maximum yield but about 50–60% of applied N to crop field is not utilized by the plants and are lost to environment causing environmental pollution. These deleterious environmental consequences need to be reduced by efficient management of N and/or water. N-availability is often regulated by soil water; hence crop is experiencing N- and water-limitation simultaneously. There is great impetus to optimize their uptake through interconnectedness of water and N for yield determination of wheat because of the water scarcity and N losses. It is further advocate that there is need to investigate the intricate role of economizing N rate and water simultaneously for wheat crop growth, yield and backing quality may be beneficial to be investigate.
Chitosan-based inks: 3D printing and bioprinting strategies to improve shape fidelity, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of 3D scaffolds
Authors: Mora Boza Ana , Wlodarczyk-Biegun Malgorzata K. , Del Campo Aránzazu , Vázquez-Lasal Blanca , San Román Julio
Published: November 2020

El campo de la impresión y la bioimpresión 3D ha alcanzado un gran desarrollo en los últimos años. La llegada de estas técnicas de biofabricación a la ingeniería tisular han supuesto una revolución debido a las estructuras biomiméticas tan complejas que permiten sintetizar. El uso del quitosano como componente de tintas basadas en polímeros naturales es muy atractivo debido a las propiedades beneficiosas que presenta (alta biocompatibilidad, biodegradabilidad, bajo coste). Sin embargo, su aplicación se ve limitada por su baja solubilidad en condiciones fisiológicas y sus pobres propiedades mecánicas. En este artículo, revisamos el estado del arte relacionado con las estrategias actuales de impresión 3D que hacen uso de tintas y biotintas basadas en quitosano para el desarrollo de soportes biomiméticos. También analizamos las estrategias de entrecruzamiento que se aplican actualmente para mejorar su printabilidad, resaltando además los derivados de quitosano disponibles que permiten encapsular células para bioimpresión 3D, incluyendo además nuestra contribución al campo. Prevemos que el uso de quitosano en la impresión 3D aumentará significativamente en los próximos años gracias a los esfuerzos que se están desarrollando en términos de mecanismos de gelificación y derivados de quitosano que permiten la encapsulación celular.
Barthes, Didi- Huberman et l'image pathétique
Authors: Carluccio Daniele
Published: November 2020

En conclusion de Réparer le monde (2017), Alexandre Gefen propose une 'réinterprétation thérapeutique' de la modernité littéraire, en prenant pour exemple un poème de Mallarmé pour son défunt fils Anatole : 'les modalités
de l'écriture les plus impassibles, les plus distanciées, par abstraction ou par ironie, […] peuvent viser à protéger l'individu de sa propre souffrance, ou prévenir contre des représentations sociales potentiellement dangereuses en en moquant
les discours et en en déconstruisant le storytelling'. C'est cette relation indirecte entre « impassibilité » et affectivité qui est ici examinée, en partant de la critique que Georges Didi-Huberman a formulée, dans Peuples en larmes, Peuples
en armes (2016), du discours de Roland Barthes sur l'image. Didi-Huberman juge 'presque choquante' l'analyse que celui-ci fait, dans 'Le troisième sens' (1970), d'un photogramme du Cuirassé Potemkine représentant des femmes pleurant la mort du matelot insurgé Vakoulintchouk.
Ceci en raison de son attention semble-t-il exclusive à la stéréotypie de l'image. Quant au Barthes de La Chambre claire (1980), qui renoue avec le pathos visuel, il apparaît à Didi-Huberman isolé dans le deuil. En relisant les textes de Barthes sur
l'image, à commencer par la critique sociale des Mythologies (1957), cet article réévalue l'affectivité paradoxale de son regard. Il montre que l''impassibilité' peut-être néanmoins synonyme de participation émotive, dès lors qu'elle
est entendue comme une forme de mélancolie esthétique. Il devient ainsi possible de repenser la juste distance du discours intellectuel vis-à-vis du monde abîmé qui lui est contemporain.
Le poète et sa 'vieille marotte calamiteuse': Figures et variations du grotesque dans la poésie de Mohammed Khaïr-Eddine
Authors: Lyamlahy Khalid
Published: November 2020

A bien des égards, l'oeuvre du grand poète marocain Mohammed Khaïr-Eddine (1941–1995) peut se lire, dans sa puissance subversive et poétique, comme une réponse directe aux mécanismes du pouvoir opérant dans cette 'postcolonie' définie
par Achille Mbembe comme une 'pluralité chaotique, pourvue d'une cohérence interne' et 'd'un art spécifique de la démesure'. En articulant les travaux de Bakhtine et de Mbembe, le présent article analyse les figures et les variations du grotesque dans ses
dimensions corporelle, mortuaire, sexuelle, scatologique et cosmique telles que déployées dans la poésie de Khaïr-Eddine, de son inaugural Soleil arachnide (1969) au posthume Quasars (2006). Il s'agit de démontrer que le grotesque khaïr-eddinien, inscrit
dans un espace poétique à la fois tellurique, cosmologique et mémoriel, est non seulement pluridimensionnel et dynamique mais également associé à une tension particulière engageant l'identité individuelle et collective du poète.
En effet, les variations du grotesque chez Khaïr-Eddine, motivées aussi bien par la nécessité de démanteler les figures du pouvoir que par le besoin de renouveler les structures et les registres poétiques, révèlent au final l'angoisse du
poète et sa lutte ouverte contre les déchirements inhérents à sa condition de sujet et d'écrivain postcolonial.
Legacies of a mega sporting event for healthy adolescent development: a case study of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games
Authors:   , Smith Ann
Published: November 2020

Numerous studies have considered the impact of hosting a mega sporting event on adults. Using the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and Paralympics as a case study, this thesis is the first to consider the impact of such an event on adolescents over a decade pre and post the event. It investigates the legacies of the 2010 Games on physical activity, employment, and community connectedness, and the environmental, psychological and social mechanisms through which any legacies may have occurred. A mixed-methods approach was used which combined analyses of cross-sectional data from the BC Adolescent Health Survey and Homeless and Street Involved Youth Survey, with sports club membership data and stakeholder consultations. Using selfreport data from over 60,000 adolescents—including three subpopulations typically excluded from mega events (adolescents with a disability, experiencing homelessness, and at risk of incarceration)—the study considered positive and negative, planned and unplanned, tangible and intangible legacies, and the time and space in which they occurred (Preuss, 2016). Results differed by age, gender and location. For example, the 2010 Games were more likely to have both a positive and negative impact on homeless youth in host communities compared to non-host communities. However, across British Columbia, a positive perception of the Games’ impact was associated with regular physical activity. Vulnerable subpopulations generally reported more negative impacts of the Games, but those who reported positive impacts experienced some reduction in health disparities with the general population. However, rather than serving as a catalyst to close the gap in organised sports participation between adolescents with a physical disability and their peers, the disparity increased following the Games. Stakeholder consultations provided context to these findings, and offered insight into how future mega sporting events might be leveraged to support healthy adolescent development at the population and subpopulation level.
The synthesis, characterisation and rheological properties of clay-polymer nanocomposites
Authors:   , Judah Hassan
Published: November 2020

This study aims to investigate the effect of different crosslinking agent and different crosslinking agent content on the material properties of the clay-polymer nanocomposite. A lot of materials were tried to be mixed to form a fully-reacted clay-polymer nanocomposite for the first time, which is a part of the novelty for this work. The overall properties governed by clay properties and clay/polymer relationship are prime aspects of this study. The Enhancement of significant properties of nanocomposites is a measure of clay platelets dispersion within the polymer matrix. Different approaches were adopted to understand the influence of clay properties on the nanocomposite; (i) by examining and comparing different clays as raw, dry, powder material using spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (ii) mechanical examination of clay/water suspension of different clay types/grads, and different concentrations varying from 0.5 % - 10 % using rheological studies (iii) chemical and mechanical and morphological examination of Clay/Polymer nanocomposite with different clay types/grades, concentration, and polymers. The synthesis of such material addresses issues including heterogeneity, processability, injectability, crosslinking and mechanical stability. The synthesis requires no purification steps no specialist equipment, and basic typical components of crosslinked nanocomposite/hydrogels (water, monomer, clay and initiator). Morphological, pore size and scaffolding general arrangement which shows the effect of different crosslinking agents and crosslinking density were examined by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to acquire information on wide/small pores are, diffusion kinetics in the system if required for further applications. The nature and elemental composition of the clay-polymer nanocomposites were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Fourier Transfer Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The water content in the dry clay-polymer nanocomposite was determined and examined by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Mechanical and rheological properties of the result were examined using a rheometer that operates on different modes (as a Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) technique) to evaluate the structure, performance, strength, and mechanical modules of these nanocomposites under different rotational and oscillatory loads. This offers the opportunity to relate the differences to the clays and polymers the hydrogels were synthesised from.
Usages de l’image cinématographique dans Les grandes blondes de Jean Echenoz
Authors: Bédard-Goulet Sara
Published: November 2020

Comme dans de nombreux travaux qui établissent des rapprochements entre littérature et cinéma, le but de cet article est d’analyser les formes et les enjeux du remploi d’images cinématographiques dans les oeuvres narratives contemporaines. Le roman Les grandes blondes (1995) de Jean Echenoz est un objet d’étude privilégié pour aborder cette pratique citationnelle sous l’angle de la postproduction et pour considérer en détail ses effets sur la narration. Deux scènes qui font directement référence à deux films d’Alfred Hitchcock (Psychose, Sueurs froides) permettent d’examiner tout particulièrement les possibilités ouvertes par le réagencement de formes préexistantes et la façon dont celui-ci peut affecter la perception des lecteurs.
Editorial
Authors: Antunes Maria Cristina
Published: November 2020

Editorial da revista
‘El gabinete del Dr. Caligari’, un clásico centenario
Authors: Sánchez-Navarro Jordi
Published: November 2020

En 2020, la película de Robert Wiene El gabinete del doctor Caligari cumple cien años. Y los aniversarios redondos –más cuando alcanzan las tres cifras– son una invitación a festejar con intensidad. No es extraño, entonces, que un festival de cine fantástico de referencia mundial, como es el Sitges – Festival de Cine Fantástico de Catalunya, decidiera dedicar su 53 edición a la influencia y a la vigencia del primer gran clásico de cine fantástico y de terror.
De novo transcriptome analysis of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss and detection of genes related to coumarin biosynthesis
Authors: Shi Yuanyuan , Zhang Shengxiang , Peng Daiyin , Shan Chunmiao , Zhao Liqiang , Wang Bin , Wu Jiawen
Published: November 2020

Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss (C. monnieri) is one of the most widely used traditional herbal medicines, exhibiting a wide range of pharmacological functions for treating asynodia, trichomonas vaginitis, and osphyalgia. Its important medicinal value comes from its abundance of coumarins. To identify genes involved in coumarin biosynthesis and accumulation, we analyzed transcriptome data from flower, leaf, root and stem tissues of C. monnieri. A total of 173,938 unigenes with a mean length of 1,272 bp, GC content of 38.79%, and N50 length of 2,121 bp were assembled using the Trinity program. Of these, 119,177 unigenes were annotated in public databases. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) based on expression profile analysis. These DEGs exhibited higher expression levels in flower tissue than in leaf, stem or root tissues. We identified and analyzed numerous genes encoding enzymes involved in coumarin biosynthesis, and verified genes encoding key enzymes using quantitative real-time PCR. Our transcriptome data will make great contributions to research on C. monnieri and provide clues for identifying candidate genes involved in coumarin metabolic pathways.
No conclusive evidence that difficult general knowledge questions cause a “Google Stroop effect”. A replication study
Authors: Hesselmann Guido
Published: November 2020

Access to the digital “all-knowing cloud” has become an integral part of our daily lives. It has been suggested that the increasing offloading of information and information processing services to the cloud will alter human cognition and metacognition in the short and long term. A much-cited study published in Science in 2011 provided first behavioral evidence for such changes in human cognition. Participants had to answer difficult trivia questions, and subsequently showed longer response times in a variant of the Stroop task with internet-related words (“Google Stroop effect”). The authors of this study concluded that the concept of the Internet is automatically activated in situations where information is missing (e.g., because we might feel the urge to “google” the information). However, the “Google Stroop effect” could not be replicated in two recent replication attempts as part of a large replicability project. After the failed replication was published in 2018, the first author of the original study pointed out some problems with the design of the failed replication. In our study, we therefore aimed to replicate the “Google Stroop effect” with a research design closer to the original experiment. Our results revealed no conclusive evidence in favor of the notion that the concept of the Internet or internet access (via computers or smartphones) is automatically activated when participants are faced with hard trivia questions. We provide recommendations for follow-up research.
Analyzing the Frequency of Emergency Room Visits and the Use of 119 Ambulance Services
Authors: Kang Kyunghee
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to the socioeconomic and clinical characteristics associated with the use of 119 ambulance/private cars and the number of emergency room visits based on the 2017 data from the Korea Health Panel. The analysis revealed that during emergencies, the use of private cars (59.02%) was more common than 119 ambulance services (18.89%). Moreover, 119 ambulance users were significantly older, had a lower annual total household income, and had relatively more accidents than diseases when compared to private car users. On comparing the number of emergency room visits between single and multiple visits, there were statistically significant differences in age, total annual household income, season of use, and reasons for use for private car usage than 119 ambulances. The 119 ambulance service is an essential public safety net. Therefore, it is increasingly important to solve the frequent use of 119 ambulances by non-emergency patients, and efficiently utilize limited ambulance resources.
Fire Spread in Insulation Materials in the Ceiling of a Piloti-Type Structure
Authors: Kim Hong-Sik , Oh Bu-Yeol , Park Min-Young
Published: November 2020

In piloti-type structures, large-scale fires frequently occur because insulation materials in the ceiling are ignited. However, the spread of fire in these cases is not well known. Therefore, this study conducted small-scale (1.0 m × 1.0 m) tests and real-scale model tests. According to the results, we clarified the fire spread, temperature variation over time, and the effects of insulation materials in fire sites. For the small-scale tests, the internal structure of the ceiling was extruded polystyrene (XPS) + sheet molding compound (SMC), retardant expanded polystyrene (Retardant EPS) + sheet molding compound (SMC), and extruded polystyrene (XPS) + design metal ceiling (DMC). From the small-scale and large-scale tests that simulated a fire in a piloti-type structure, the flow of heat in the interior space and the cause of a large fire were identified. The tests were conducted with EPS+DMC, defined as the best-case scenario, and XPS+SMC, defined as the worst-case scenario during a fire accident. The results from the tests showed that combustion began when the insulation material was exposed to the fire source. Then, molten XPS fell onto the SMC, establishing a new fire source that destroyed the ceiling material, leading to increased combustion due to the inflow of oxygen.
Investigation on Some Biological Aspects of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L. 1758) from Khashm El-Girba Fish Market, Sudan: Length Weight Relationship, Condition Factor and Sex Ratio
Authors: Abdalla Mutasim Yousif Mohamed , Ahmed Ahmed Abu Zaid , Elhassan Moatez Mohammed
Published: November 2020

The present study was carried out to investigate some aspects of the biology of Oreochromis niloticus, it has ecological and economic importance, found in Khashm El-Girba market; here, we describe the length-weight relationships, condition factors and sex ratio of O. niloticus.  A total of 525 specimens were collected from August to November 2016. This study indicated that; the regression of length against weight was computed from the relationship W= a Lb; growth coefficient (b) value 2.880 ±0.430 less than 3, which indicate have negative allometric growth. The condition factors (K) is 3.866 ± 0.027; While the sex ratio was (M: F) 1:0.98.
Standardisation and Quality Evaluation of Finger Millet Based Nutri Flakes
Authors: Zacharia Riya K. , Aneena E. R. , Panjikkaran Seeja Thomachan , Sharon C. L. , Lakshmi P. S.
Published: November 2020

Aims: To standardise ready to eat millet based nutri flakes and to evaluate nutritional and shelf life qualities.

Study Design: Completely randomized design

Methodology: In the present study 5 treatments along with one control with 3 replications were standardized. Finger millet flour was used as the major ingredient and used in varying proportions starting from 50 to 80% along with 10 – 50 % of tapioca flour and 10 per cent other ingredients The best treatment were selected through sensory evaluation The selected treatment were evaluated for nutritional and shelf life qualities. The observations were tabulated and analysed statistically as completely randomized design (CRD).

Results: Among various treatments, highest scores of organoleptic qualities was observed for  finger millet based nutri flakes added with tapioca flour (T3-60% FM + 30% TF +10% other ingredients) and it was selected as the best treatment with mean score of 7.92 for overall acceptability. The prepared product was nutritionally superior and highly acceptable throughout the storage.

Conclusion: Nutri flakes based on 60% finger millet flour (FM) along with 30% TF was found to be the best combination for the preparation of nutri flakes and secured the highest mean score of 7.92 for overall acceptability. These nutri flakes were nutritionally superior and were shelf stable for 3 months.
Laparoscopic Surgery in a Developing Country in East Africa: An Audit at the Initial Part of a Surgeons’ Learning Curve
Authors: Wismayer Richard
Published: November 2020

Background: In many surgical conditions, laparoscopic surgery has been used for surgical access. In the West, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment for           cholecystitis. On the other hand controversy has been generated with laparoscopic appendicectomy due to the cost, time consuming nature of the procedure, together with many trocar sites which in all approximate to the length of an open appendicectomy incision. The purpose of this study is to audit the initial laparoscopic units experience in a developing country in East Africa.

Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted in the Department of Surgery. All patients that consented to laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic appendicectomy over the initial period of 13 months were included in this study.

Results: A total of thirty (30) patients consented to having laparoscopic surgery; Ten (10) patients consented to laparoscopic cholecystectomies with a male:female ration of 1:2.33 and twenty (20) patients consented to laparoscopic appendicectomies with a male:female ratio of 1:1.2. The mean operating time was 58.5 minutes for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 40.45 minutes for laparoscopic appendicectomy. The duration of post-operative admission ranged from 3 days to 5 days with a mean duration of 4.2 days for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and from 2 days to 5 days with a mean of 2.65 days for laparoscopic appendicectomy. No complications were reported apart from spinal headache in 2 patients (2.6%) out of the total laparoscopic procedures. There were no readmissions over the one month of follow up.

Conclusions: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic appendicectomy allows for early discharge and is safe. In Uganda, the low incidence of cholecystitis compared to the higher incidence of appendicitis, supports the adoption of laparoscopic appendicectomy compared to cholecystectomy for hand and eye coordination training. The surgeons’ initial cases of laparoscopic procedures have demonstrated an adequate level of safety which supports laparoscopic appendicectomy to acquire the basic laparoscopic surgery skills.
The CAG promoter maintains high‐level transgene expression in HEK293 cells
Authors: Dou Yuanyuan , Lin Yan , Wang Tian‐yun , Wang Xiao‐Yin , Jia Yan‐long , Zhao Chun‐peng
Published: November 2020

The vast majority of therapeutic recombinant proteins are produced in mammalian cell lines. However, proteins generated in nonhuman cell lines, such as Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, are decorated with human‐like glycan structures that differ from those of human cells, and these may induce immunogenic responses in human cells. Human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293F) are also extensively used as hosts for the expression of recombinant therapeutic proteins, but their utility is limited by the low expression of transgenes in these cells. Here, we investigated recombinant protein expression from eight frequently used promoters in transfected HEK293F cells. The expression levels and stability of the transgenes were evaluated by flow cytometry and qRT‐PCR. The most efficient expression (in terms of both mRNA and protein yields) was achieved using a cytomegalovirus (CMV) major immediate‐early enhancer combined with the chicken beta‐actin promoter (CAG) promoter, as compared to all other tested promoters under both transient and stable transfection conditions. In addition, application of mild hypothermia (i.e., 33 °C) after transfection improved the positive effect of the CMV enhancer fused to the chicken beta‐actin promoter (CAG promoter) on enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) expression. Although the temperature sensitivity of the CMV promoter is greater than that of CAG promoter, recombinant protein levels were still highest when expression was driven by the CAG promoter. When eGFP was replaced with hepatitis B surface antigen, the CAG promoter still showed the highest transgene expression. In conclusion, our data show that the CAG promoter is a strong promoter for recombinant protein expression in HEK293F cells.
Spontaneous inferential processing while reading interleaved expository texts enables learners to discover the underlying regularities
Authors: Abel Roman , Niedling Luka Maria , Hänze Martin
Published: November 2020

Recent studies on text sequencing found learning advantages of interleaving over blocking in terms of high‐level inferences. We conducted a 2 × 2 × 2 mixed factorial experiment with college students (n = 117) by manipulating text sequence (interleaved vs. blocked) and self‐questioning activity while reading (spontaneous vs. prompted) between subjects and testing delay (immediately vs. 1‐week delay) within subjects. Results revealed that students are spontaneously engaged in self‐questioning and inferential processing while reading an interleaved text. Students who were spontaneously engaged while reading an interleaved text outperformed their counterparts in all other conditions in the immediate and delayed test on comparative reasoning, inductive reasoning, and memorization of factual details. The learning advantages were mediated by inductive inferences made while reading an interleaved text. Results support the discriminative contrast view that readers are encouraged to discover the underlying regularities when differences and similarities among categories are accentuated by their juxtaposition.
Nutritive value of fall‐stockpiled tall fescue pastures on southeastern U.S. farms
Authors: Franzluebbers Alan J. , Poore Matt H.
Published: November 2020

Stockpiling of tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.] may be a useful strategy to avoid fescue toxicosis in autumn and to reduce winter hay feeding costs of beef cattle grazing systems. Typical recommendations are to fertilize with N prior to fall growth. However, little information is available on how soil and pasture conditions affect forage nutritive value responses to fall fertilization. We analyzed the nutritive value of fall‐stockpiled forage in response to N fertilization on 92 fields in North Carolina and neighboring states from 2015 to 2018. We hypothesized that inherent soil nutrient cycling might minimize the need for exogenous N fertilizer inputs. Increasing N fertilization led to (a) greater crude protein, macronutrient concentrations (i.e., K, Ca, and P), and relative feed value and (b) lower acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and lignin. However, changes were small, and effects were modified by surface soil properties. For example, crude protein increased from an average of 114 g kg–1 without N fertilization to 131 g kg–1 with 100 kg N ha–1, but this significant N fertilization effect diminished with increasing total organic C and inorganic N of a field. Small changes in nutritive value may have been a consequence of trials conducted on well‐managed farms with relatively high soil‐test biological activity and net N mineralization potential. Therefore, a single recommendation for fall N fertilization may not always be appropriate for enhancing nutritive value. Stockpiled tall fescue had sufficient nutritive value for pregnant cows, and N fertilization may not always be necessary.
APOE alleles’ association with cognitive function differs across Hispanic/Latino groups and genetic ancestry in the study of Latinos‐investigation of neurocognitive aging (HCHS/SOL)
Authors: Granot‐Hershkovitz Einat , Tarraf Wassim , Kurniansyah Nuzulul , Daviglus Martha , Isasi Carmen R. , Kaplan Robert , Lamar Melissa , Perreira Krista M. , Wassertheil‐Smoller Sylvia , Stickel Ariana , Thyagarajan Bharat , Zeng Donglin , Fornage Myriam , DeCarli Charles S. , González Hector M. , Sofer Tamar
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) alleles are associated with cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer's disease in Whites, but have weaker and inconsistent effects reported in Latinos. We hypothesized that this heterogeneity is due to ancestry‐specific genetic effects.

Methods

We investigated the associations of the APOE alleles with significant cognitive decline and MCI in 4183 Latinos, stratified by six Latino backgrounds, and explored whether the proportion of continental genetic ancestry (European, African, and Amerindian) modifies these associations.

Results

APOE ε4 was associated with an increased risk of significant cognitive decline (odds ratio [OR] = 1.15, P‐value = 0.03), with the strongest association in Cubans (OR = 1.46, P‐value = 0.007). APOE‐ε2 was associated with decreased risk of MCI (OR = 0.37, P‐value = 0.04) in Puerto Ricans. Amerindian genetic ancestry was found to protect from the risk conferred by APOE ε4 on significant cognitive decline.

Discussion

Results suggest that APOE alleles' effects on cognitive outcomes differ across six Latino backgrounds and are modified by continental genetic ancestry.
Fine‐Tuning Protein Self‐Organization by Orthogonal Chemo‐Optogenetic Tools
Authors: Sun Huan , Jia Haiyang , Ramirez‐Diaz Diego A. , Budisa Nediljko , Schwille Petra
Published: November 2020

A universal gain‐of‐function approach for the spatiotemporal control of protein activity is highly desirable when reconstituting biological modules in vitro. Here we used orthogonal translation with a photocaged amino acid to map and elucidate molecular mechanisms in the self‐organization of the prokaryotic filamentous cell‐division protein (FtsZ) that is highly relevant for the assembly of the division ring in bacteria. We masked a tyrosine residue of FtsZ by site‐specific incorporation of a photocaged tyrosine analogue. While the mutant still shows self‐assembly into filaments, dynamic self‐organization into ring patterns can no longer be observed. UV‐mediated uncaging revealed that tyrosine 222 is essential for the regulation of the protein's GTPase activity, self‐organization, and treadmilling dynamics. Thus, the light‐mediated assembly of functional protein modules appears to be a promising minimal‐regulation strategy for building up molecular complexity towards a minimal cell.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Intramolecular 1,2‐Aryl Migration of Mesoionic Carbenes (iMICs)
Authors: Merschel Arne , Glodde Timo , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Ghadwal Rajendra S.
Published: November 2020

Intramolecular 1,2‐Dipp migration of seven mesoionic carbenes (iMICAr) 2 a–g (iMICAr=ArC{N(Dipp)}2CHC; Ar=aryl; Dipp=2,6‐iPr2C6H3) under nickel catalysis to give 1,3‐imidazoles (IMDAr) 3 a–g (IMDAr=ArC{N(Dipp)CHC(Dipp)N}) has been reported. The formation of 3 indicates the cleavage of an N−CDipp bond and the subsequent formation of a C−CDipp bond in 2, which is unprecedented in NHC chemistry. The use of 3 in accessing super‐iMICs (5) (S‐iMIC=ArC{N(Dipp)N(Me)C(Dipp)}C) has been shown with selenium (6), gold (7), and palladium (8) compounds. The quantification of the stereoelectronic properties reveals the superior σ‐donor strength of 5 compared to that of classical NHCs. Remarkably, the percentage buried volume of 5 (%Vbur=45) is the largest known amongst thus far reported iMICs. Catalytic studies show a remarkable activity of 5, which is consistent with their auspicious stereoelectronic features.
One‐year safety and efficacy profile of transcatheter aortic valve‐in‐valve implantation with the portico system
Authors: Casenghi Matteo , Gorla Riccardo , Popolo Rubbio Antonio , De Marco Federico , Brambilla Nedy , Agnifili Mauro , Testa Luca , Bedogni Francesco
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study sought to investigate the procedural and mid‐term outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation for failed surgical bioprostheses (TAVI‐ViV) with Portico device.

Background

Limited evidence coming from early experience on Portico system does not allow to fully assess safety and efficacy of this device in this ViV patients.

Methods

From January 2016 up to June 2019, 56 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI‐ViV with Portico were prospectively included in our institutional TAVI database.

Results

The prevalent mechanism of failure was stenosis (58.9%); true internal diameter (ID) was <21 mm in 71.4% of cases. Device success rate were 69.6% with 14 (25%) patients showing a residual gradient ≥20 mmHg, 2 (3.6%) a PVL ≥ moderate and 1 (1.8%) required a second THV implantation due to device embolization. At 1‐year follow‐up 5 patients (8.9%) died whereas moderate SVD was reported in 2 (3.6%). Patients with a post‐procedural mean gradient ≥20 mmHg showed a significantly higher rate of CV hospitalization (21.4% vs. 2.4%, p = .02) whereas no differences in procedural and 1‐year outcomes were noticed according to true ID diameter or degeneration mode. Chimney stenting (ChT) was performed in 23 (41%) patients without significant differences in procedural and 1‐year outcomes compared to non‐ChT group.

Conclusions

TAVI‐ViV with Portico valve was associated with good procedural and 1‐year outcomes, even in patients with features of high procedural and anatomical complexity.
Tailored Coumarin Dyes for Photoredox Catalysis: Calculation, Synthesis, and Electronic Properties
Authors: Gualandi Andrea , Nenov Artur , Marchini Marianna , Rodeghiero Giacomo , Conti Irene , Paltanin Ettore , Balletti Matteo , Ceroni Paola , Garavelli Marco , Cozzi Pier Giorgio
Published: November 2020

High level time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) computational modeling of coumarin dyes has been exploited for guiding the design of effective photocatalysts (PCs). A library of coumarins were investigated from the theoretical point of view and photophysical/electrochemical properties (absorption and emission spectra, E00, oxidation and reduction potentials) were evaluated. Comparison with literature values reported for a few candidates has been used for assessing the level of theory. On the basis of the results obtained, new strongly reducing PCs [Eox(PC.+/PC*)=−2.1 – −2.0 V vs SCE] were discovered. Through the computational study of structure‐properties relationships, a number of coumarins derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated in the pinacol coupling of aldehydes as the model reaction. The new organic photoredox catalysts show experimental photophysical and electrochemical data in accordance with the ones predicted by calculation, with excited state reduction potentials surpassing those of highly reducing transition metal‐based PCs. A careful investigation of their behavior as PC has revealed crucial issues that need to be taken into consideration in the general photoredox catalysis, shedding light on the use of these PC in the pinacol, as well as, in other photoredox reactions.
Learning from Spiropyrans: How to Make Further Developments of Donor‐Acceptor Stenhouse Adducts
Authors: Duan Yongli , Zhao Haiquan , Xiong Chaoyue , Mao Lijun , Wang Dongsheng , Zheng Yonghao
Published: November 2020

Donor‐acceptor Stenhouse adducts (DASAs) as a species of novel photochromic molecules, have been developing rapidly and attracting broad researchers’ sights since 2014. DASAs show visible/near‐infrared (NIR) light induced linear‐to‐cyclic isomerization and heat induced cyclic‐to‐linear isomerization, therefore they are attractive in photoresponsive hydrogels, drug delivery, cell culturing and tissue engineering. As a series of well‐known photoresponsive molecules, spiropyrans (SPs) show similar molecular properties and comparable photoswitching with DASAs. UV light triggers closed‐to‐open (also known as spirocyclic (SC)‐to‐merocyanine (MC)) isomerization of SPs, while the reversed open‐to‐closed isomerization occurs under visible light or heat. Light irradiation switches the molecular color, scale, geometry, and polarity of SPs and DASAs reversibly. Since the researches on DASAs are still in the infancy, the chemical structures, isomerization mechanisms and potential applications need to be further investigated and explored. The well‐studied SPs have important reference values to the comprehensive developments of DASAs. In the present review, we summarized, compared and discussed SPs and DASAs with regards to their molecular structures, synthesis, photoswitching and applications. We also make our perspective on the developments of DASA in future.
Targeting the CRD F‐face of Human Galectin‐3 and Allosterically Modulating Glycan Binding by Angiostatic PTX008 and a Structurally Optimized Derivative
Authors: Miller Michelle C. , Zheng Yi , Suylen Dennis , Ippel Hans , Cañada F. Javier , Berbís M. Alvaro , Jiménez‐Barbero Jesús , Tai Guihua , Gabius Hans‐Joachim , Mayo Kevin H.
Published: November 2020

Calix[4]arene PTX008 is an angiostatic agent that inhibits tumor growth in mice by binding to galectin‐1, a β‐galactoside‐binding lectin. To assess the affinity profile of PTX008 for galectins, we used 15N,1H HSQC NMR spectroscopy to show that PTX008 also binds to galectin‐3 (Gal‐3), albeit more weakly. We identified the contact site for PTX008 on the F‐face of the Gal‐3 carbohydrate recognition domain. STD NMR revealed that the hydrophobic phenyl ring crown of the calixarene is the binding epitope. With this information, we performed molecular modeling of the complex to assist in improving the rather low affinity of PTX008 for Gal‐3. By removing the N‐dimethyl alkyl chain amide groups, we produced PTX013 whose reduced alkyl chain length and polar character led to an approximately eightfold stronger binding than PTX008. PTX013 also binds Gal‐1 more strongly than PTX008, whereas neither interacts strongly, if at all, with Gal‐7. In addition, PTX013, like PTX008, is an allosteric inhibitor of galectin binding to the canonical ligand lactose. This study broadens the scope for galectin targeting by calixarene‐based compounds and opens the perspective for selective galectin blocking.
PEGylated Water‐Soluble Organic Nanoparticles with Chlorin Derivative for Biocompatible Photodynamic Therapy In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Liu Yang , Lee Min Seob , Lee Sang Hyeob , Song Hyeon Ho , Baek Bo Sun , Lee Woo Kyoung , Kim Yeon‐Jeong , Yoon Il
Published: November 2020

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non‐invasive and highly selective therapeutic approach. Photosensitizers (PSs) are an essential ingredient in PDT. However, many PSs are hydrophobic and insoluble, seriously restraining their clinical use. In this study, we prepared biocompatible PSs using water‐soluble organic nanoparticles (WSONs) with a chlorin derivative, pyropheophorbide a (PPa), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) to overcome the limited clinical applications of PDT. Among the PEGylated WSONs (WSON‐PEGs), WSON‐PEG 3400 and 2000 exhibited good water solubility and stability, with no aggregation in aqueous media, a high photoactivity, and low dark toxicity in vitro against A549 and HeLa cells. An in vivo application of WSON‐PEG 3400 using A549 tumour‐bearing BALB/c nude mice demonstrated a three‐fold higher PDT efficacy compared with the control and drug only groups, without treatment‐induced toxicity or toxic side effects. These results demonstrate that WSON‐PEG (3400) is a biocompatible PS with a high PDT efficacy and reduced dark toxicity, suitable for use in clinical trials.
Highly Polar Insertion Complexes with Focused IR Spectra and Internal Field‐Inhibited Isomerization
Authors: Sullivan Mason , Naumkin Fedor Y.
Published: November 2020

Complexes of a polar molecule (benzene trioxide) and alkali halide diatoms are predicted to form stable conformers through not only a common attachment, but also trapping the molecule between the counterions. Two possible low‐ and no‐barrier routes of formation of such an insertion complex are identified, and stability and other properties of this and other conformers are analyzed, including polarity and charge distribution. Calculated IR spectra indicate a bright feature specific for the insertion complex, facilitating its reliable experimental detection. Isomerization of the ion‐pair‐trapped molecule shows a nonobvious inhibition effect (through an increased potential energy barrier) compared to the free molecule due to the reduction of its polarity in the isomerization. Formation of a flatter isomer, trioxonine, is clearly “reported” by a sharp alteration of the IR spectrum, distinguishable also from its variation for the nonreactive relaxation of the insertion complex into an attached one.
Bright harmony of environmental management initiatives for achieving corporate social responsibility authenticity and legitimacy: Glimpse of hotel and tourism industry
Authors: Lin Kuho , Peng Michael Y.‐P. , Anser Muhammad Khalid , Yousaf Zahid , Sharif Arshian
Published: November 2020

The study aims to find out the effect of environmental management initiatives (EMI) on corporate social responsibility (CSR) authenticity and CSR legitimacy. The current study also examines the influence of CSR authenticity on CSR legitimacy and mediating effect of CSR authenticity in the connection between EMI and CSR legitimacy. Data were collected from 309 managers of hotels and tourism industries. Statistical techniques such as correlation and regression were used through AMOS 7.0 software for data analysis. Results reveal that EMI positively predicts CSR authenticity. Moreover, CSR authenticity significantly predicts the CSR legitimacy. The direct link between EMI and CSR legitimacy is also positive and significant. The findings also reveal that CSR authenticity mediates the relationship between both EMI and CSR legitimacy links. These findings suggested that managers in hotel and tourism industry should participate in CSR activities and well‐being of the societies using the organizational resources for attaining CSR legitimacy.
Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Modified Commercial Paper as a Separator with Enhanced Thermal Stability and Electrolyte Affinity for Lithium‐ion Battery
Authors: Zhang Ze , Zhou Meiling , Yu Ji , Cai Jianxin , Yang Zhenyu
Published: November 2020

Commercial paper is of great potential as a ready‐made substrate to make battery separator due to superior electrolyte affinity of cellulose. Nevertheless, the direct utilization of commercial paper as a separator is impracticable because of its micro‐sized holes between coarse cellulose fibers, which might induce short circuits. Herein, a novel reinforced composite separator is proposed by modifying commercial paper (CP) with high‐dielectric polymer poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) via a vacuum filtration method. The paper substrate enables excellent electrolyte wettability and high ionic conductivity of the CP‐PVDF composite separator due to the superior electrolyte affinity of cellulose molecule. Meanwhile, the strong hydrogen bonds between F atoms in PVDF and H atoms in the ‐OH groups of cellulose endow the separator with high thermal stability and mechanical strength. Moreover, the CP‐PVDF exhibits outstanding interfacial compatibility toward Li metal anode and guarantees the prominent cycle durability of symmetric Li/Li cells up to 600 h. As a result, the LiFePO4/Li cells assembled with CP‐PVDF separator show dramatic rate performance with high discharge capacity of 113.7 mAh g−1, and prolonged cycle life at 5 C. This work indicates that the paper‐based composite membranes possess great potential for high‐safety and electrochemical performance batteries.