bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Woody Vegetation Removal Benefits Grassland Birds on Reclaimed Surface Mines
Authors: Lautenbach Joseph M. , Stricker Nathan , Ervin Michael , Hershner Andy , Harris Ryan , Smith Chris
Published: December 2019

Grassland birds have declined throughout North America. In the midwestern United States, reclaimed surface mines often provide expanses of contiguous grassland that support grassland birds. However, some reclaimed surface mines often experience severe woody vegetation encroachment, typically by invasive trees and shrubs, including black locust Robinia pseudoacacia, autumn olive Elaeagnus umbellata, and bush honeysuckle Lonicera spp. We conducted point-count surveys to investigate the effects of woody canopy cover and response to treatments of woody vegetation on the abundance of birds. Our treatments were a control, an herbicide application, and an herbicide application followed by cutting and shredding of standing dead woody vegetation. Estimated density of eastern meadowlark Sturnella magna, grasshopper sparrow Ammodramus savannarum, and Henslow's sparrow Centronyx henslowii was 670%, 958%, and 200%, respectively, greater on areas treated with herbicide and shredding and 279%, 666%, and 155%, respectively, greater on areas treated with herbicide-only when compared with control sites. When woody canopy cover increased from 0% to 20%, densities of eastern meadowlark, grasshopper sparrow, and Henslow's sparrow decreased by 83.9%, 74.9%, and 50.7%, respectively. Conversely, densities of eastern towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus, prairie warbler Setophaga discolor, yellow-breasted chat Icteria virens, and yellow warbler Setophaga petechia increased 67.4%, 57.0%, 34.6%, and 117.7%, respectively, as estimated woody canopy coverage increased from 20% to 60%. Our results showed treating encroaching woody vegetation on reclaimed surface mines with herbicide and shredding increases available habitat used by grassland birds. Maintaining grasslands on reclaimed surface mines at ≤10% woody canopy coverage would be most beneficial to eastern meadowlarks, grasshopper sparrows, and Henslow's sparrows.
Madre e figlio La questione dell’aborto e l’ombra del padre / Mother and son. The abortion issue and the father’s shadow
Authors: Pessina Adriano
Published: December 2019

Non disponibile / Not available
La futilità delle terapie: aspetti scientifici, questioni etiche e giuridiche
Authors: Suaudeau Jacques
Published: December 2019

Non disponibile / Not available
The Lie group of automorphisms of a Courant algebroid and the moduli space of generalized metrics
Authors: Rubio Roberto , Tipler Carl
Published: December 2019

We endow the group of automorphisms of an exact Courant algebroid over a compact manifold with an infinite dimensional Lie group structure modeled on the inverse limit of Hilbert spaces (ILH). We prove a slice theorem for the action of this Lie group on the space of generalized metrics. As an application, we show that the moduli space of generalized metrics is stratified by ILH submanifolds and relate it to the moduli space of usual metrics. Finally, we extend these results to odd exact Courant algebroids.
“Viva a classe operária mineira unida! Contra a guerra imperialista!”: os mineiros de carvão do Rio Grande do Sul e o esforço de guerra (1942-1945)
Authors: Freitas Tassiane Mélo de
Published: December 2019

A região carbonífera do Baixo Jacuí, no Rio Grande do Sul, é conhecida como sendo o berço da indústria do carvão mineral no Brasil. Os primórdios desta indústria remontam à segunda metade do século XIX, porém sua afirmação dentro do contexto industrial brasileiro aconteceu durante o período do esforço de guerra, quando milhares de toneladas do minério foram extraídas do subsolo das duas principais localidades mineradoras da época: Arroio dos Ratos e Butiá. Este artigo busca compreender como os operários das minas de carvão da região se posicionaram diante desta conjuntura caracterizada por lucros de um lado, e superexploração por outro. Primeiramente busca-se discutir sobre o modo como o discurso do esforço de guerra percorreu a região por meio de diferentes segmentos da comunidade carbonífera, buscando arrecadar e legitimar o esforço máximo do operariado das minas. A seguir, apresenta-se os níveis de exploração aos quais os mineiros estavam submetidos neste contexto e algumas de suas principais reivindicações e formas de resistência. Por fim, observa-se o posicionamento da entidade de classe ante a pressão das companhias mineradoras e da própria categoria mineira. Para este artigo, foram levantados documentos dos fundos documentais CADEM e Sindicatos, ambos pertencentes ao acervo do Arquivo Histórico da Mineração, localizado na cidade de Arroio dos Ratos.
A guerra no prato: uma breve análise sobre o problema de abastecimento de carne verde no Rio Grande do Sul, durante a Segunda Guerra Mundial
Authors: Soares Tamires Xavier
Published: December 2019

A Era Vargas, ao longo dos anos, tem se mostrado um período bastante importante para se pesquisar a história do movimento operário e a legislação trabalhista brasileira, porém, não se pode olhar para esse período sem considerar a conjuntura externa. No período de 1939 a 1945, eclodiu a Segunda Guerra Mundial. O Brasil se manteve neutro até 1942, contudo, os reflexos desse conflito foram sentidos pelos brasileiros desde os primeiros momentos. A escassez de gêneros de primeira necessidade passou a fazer parte do cotidiano da população. A carne verde, base da alimentação da classe trabalhadora, sofreu majoração de preços; por outro lado, essa foi uma oportunidade para os criadores de gado e para os donos de frigoríficos. Desse modo, o objetivo, neste artigo, é analisar de que forma esse novo contexto foi administrado pelo governo e pelos trabalhadores. Para isso, serão utilizados um processo da Justiça do Trabalho de Porto Alegre e notícias do jornal Correio do Povo.
Historicizando o associativismo negro: contribuições e caminhos da historiografia
Authors: Silva Lúcia Helena Oliveira , Xavier Regina Célia Lima
Published: December 2019

Este texto  buscou fazer um breve balanço das pesquisas sobre associativismo negro no período pós-abolição apontando os diversos avanços das pesquisas com especial destaque para o trabalho da historiadora Beatriz para a região sul do país.
Breast Cancer and Lymphedema: A Narrative Review
Authors: Michaelides Athena , Constantinou Constantina
Published: December 2019

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed worldwide, and the leading cause of cancer death in women. The understanding of disease presentation by patients and health care providers is crucial for a correct diagnosis and management.  Preventive measures emphasize risk-reducing behaviors such as a healthy diet, reduced alcohol consumption, increased physical activity, and breastfeeding children. Screening techniques such as mammography, ultrasound, and MRI aid in early detection. Following the screening, a breast biopsy is performed, and a histopathological assessment is carried out to confirm a breast cancer diagnosis. In addition to surgery, radiotherapy, and lifestyle modifications, treatment regimens include a range of medications such as anti-hormonal drugs and chemotherapy. Lymphedema is a severe and major long-term consequence of breast cancer treatment. The major contributors to the diminished lymph drainage are a lumpectomy/mastectomy procedure that involves the surgical removal of lymph nodes, and radiotherapy. The fluid accumulation of lymphedema poses physical limitations to the patient and impacts the overall quality of life. A sentinel lymph node biopsy is an essential method of identifying the first draining lymph nodes affected by metastasis. This procedure allows surgeons to later remove only affected lymph nodes, sparing those that are unaffected and hence reduce the risk and magnitude of lymphedema development. Patients who receive education about lymphedema demonstrate higher compliance with treatment and self-care management practices. The purpose of this review is to provide information about breast cancer, the development of lymphedema, and how to recognize and manage both.
'Alma gitana' y 'Carmen y Lola': dos miradas transversales a la violencia contra la mujer en la etnia gitana
Authors: López-Cabrales María del Mar
Published: December 2019

En este ensayo se quiere analizar cómo en dos películas, Alma gitana (1996) de Chus Gutiérrez, y Carmen y Lola (2018) de Arantxa Echevarría, se cuestiona la violencia contra la mujer en la comunidad gitana y se propone la necesidad de que las generaciones más jóvenes vayan cambiando y construyendo sus vidas desde la igualdad, sin por ello tener que desestimar totalmente la cultura ni las tradiciones de sus ancestros. Tanto Chus Gutiérrez como Arantxa Echevarría son mujeres que, sin pertenecer a la etnia gitana y partiendo de un conocimiento profundo y con gran respeto, intentan articular en sus textos fílmicos posibles respuestas constructivas para enfrentar el tema de la violencia machista en la comunidad gitana.
La democracia de Teseo, modelo de la Atenas del siglo IV a.C. y del imperio de los Antoninos. La Atidografía y Plutarco
Authors: Suárez Domingo Plácido
Published: December 2019

La Atidografía es el género que más claramente procede a una invención del pasado para dar sentido a la situación presente como si estuviera arraigada en el pasado más prestigioso de Atenas. Para ello resulta de gran eficacia la figura de Teseo, en cuya tradición se encuentran elementos de gran utilidad para enmascarar los problemas del siglo IV a.C. En el Alto Imperio, Plutarco contribuye a la recuperación del pasado adaptado a los intereses de los emperadores filohelenos.
'Aríste politeía': el ordenamiento constitucional espartano en la tradición griega clásica y helenística
Authors: Fornis Vaquero César
Published: December 2019

La μικτὴ (o μεμειγμένη) πολιτεία, el ordenamiento constitucional mixto, es aquel que combina de manera sabia y proporcionada elementos de los regímenes políticos puros o simples (monarquía, aristocracia y democracia) como garantía de estabilidad y de paz interna. Esparta, que siempre sedujo a los constructores de ciudades ideales, será el primer ejemplo de una larga lista de estados en la historia del pensamiento occidental de esta suerte de ἀρίστη πολιτεία, de “Constitución” óptima, atemperada, modélica, pero al mismo tiempo ilusoria. En el presente trabajo examinaremos el destacado papel que juega Esparta en la génesis y el desarrollo de esta teoría política en la tradición griega clásica y helenística.
¿Cómo se habla la democracia griega? Dos estudios de caso y análisis comparativo (Tovar, Adrados, Ober, Hansen)
Authors: Bellón Aguilera José Luis
Published: December 2019

El artículo estudia las ideas de A. Tovar y F. Rodríguez Adrados sobre la democracia griega, centrándose en una serie de trabajos clave –así como en otros menores y no científicos– de ambos helenistas. Se trata de un estudio de sociología del trabajo intelectual sobre dos de los filólogos españoles más importantes del siglo XX. Un espacio mayor del trabajo se dedica a Tovar para apuntalar la argumentación. En la parte final, se contrastan los análisis con unas breves reflexiones sobre Ober (2015) y Hansen, apuntando en las conclusiones las tendencias constantes del campo de la historiografía y del trabajo historiográfico y la importancia de la razón reflexiva para su control.
Tasiilaq: política, identidad y arte en la costa este de Groenlandia
Authors: Moral García Carlos
Published: December 2019

Este artículo analiza y visibiliza la situación de la costa este de Groenlandia en el contexto de descolonización e independencia con respecto a Dinamarca. Como parte fundamental de la investigación, se analizan informaciones etnográficas recogidas en Tasiilaq, la ciudad más grande de esta región. Además, se realiza un repaso histórico del proceso colonial y la consecución de la autonomía política, así como el avance groenlandés hacia su emancipación. De este modo, se puede apreciar la importancia de la política en los procesos de identificación cultural y producción artística.
Optimism and Vitality of Life in Green’s The Fault in Our Stars: A Corpus Linguistics Perspective
Authors: Khan Raj Wali , Saeed Anum , Gul Nazia , Iqbal Muhammad
Published: December 2019

This research explores how corpus-based analysis of the words indicates optimism and vitality in John Greene’s ‘The Fault in Our Stars’. For the required purpose, a corpus of Greene’s novel is selected which is analysed with the help of Antconc 3.5.8 software. The words selection has been done by feeding the text onto the Antconc software, and adopting the words with the highest frequencies in terms of clusters and n-grams. To accomplish the validity, collocations and colligation trends have also been analysed. The frequencies of words and their excessive use confirm positivity, optimism and vitality that are the distinguished characteristics of John Greene’s writing. The study also highlights the usages of words and their resultant effects in Greene’s writing style.
Metal Complexes Derived of Diosmin with Biological Activities in vitro
Authors: Civa Maéli M. F. , Souza Dirceu G. de , Silva Renata G. , Maciel Dayany da S. A. , Tranquilin Ricardo L. , Diniz Susana N. , Okuyama Cristina E. , Santos Márcio L. dos , Pereira Regina M. S.
Published: December 2019

The coordination of metal ions with flavonoids is applied to improve its pharmacological properties. To evaluate the role of ions on diosmin new complexes with Fe(II), Cu(II) and Co(II) ions were synthetized and characterized by UV, FT-IR and XRD techniques and surface morphology by SEM. The biological activity of coordination complexes in vitro, the antioxidant (ABTS), antibacterial (disc diffusion and MIC) and antitumoral activities (MTT) were analyzed. Diosmin when reacting with Fe(II) at 50ºC loses the sugar molecule becoming diosmetin (D) coordinated at 1D:1Fe ratio. In presence of Cu(II) and Co(II) at the same conditions besides losing the sugar, diosmin loses the methyl group at C4’ and H at C3’, producing a new ligand and complexes at 1D:2Cu or Co ratio, to produce DCu and DCo, respectively. The coordination of Cu and Fe improve the antioxidant activity of diosmin. DCo was the only presented antibacterial activity. Additionally, a specific antitumor effect of diosmin and metal complexes upon human leukemia cells was demonstrated, suggesting an immune regulatory action. The anti-melanoma activity of DCo is 10 times better than diosmin. Metal coordination could be used to improve drug activity and to give direction to a new possibility of clinical use for diosmin.
Impact of heat treatment on the quality of tree-of-heaven wood
Authors: Barboutis Ioannis , Kamperidou Vasiliki
Published: December 2019

Ailanthus altissima (Miller) Swingle is a deciduous, fast-growing species that can tolerate extreme climatic conditions and is particularly invasive. In the framework of climate change, and the imperative need for carbon greenhouse gases sequestration, this species could acquire increasing importance through its utilization in the construction of wood based products and structures, due to its satisfying properties combined with its fast growth. This study determines for the first time the influence of thermal treatment, under different conditions (190 ºC, 210 ºC, 230 ºC for 2 hours), on some crucial physical, hygroscopic and mechanical properties of wood, in an attempt to improve its intense hygroscopic nature and not so desirable colour. Thermal treatment affected the dimensional stability and water absorbing capacity of wood in a positive way, decreasing EMC, swelling (tangential–radial) and adsorption percent, compared to untreated wood. The anisotropy of wood was decreased only to a small extent. The total surface colour differences (ΔΕ*), prior and after treatment, ranged between 0.48 and 54.57, and appeared to be well correlated with treatment temperature. Only the most intensive treatment influenced negatively the modulus of rupture and impact bending strength of wood, while the elasticity and compression strength of treated wood were proved to be similar to those of untreated wood. Tree-of-heaven could benefit from a mild or medium intensity heat treatment process, in order to be modified to an aesthetically pleasing wood with enhanced hygroscopic nature and properties, facilitating its use in cabinetry and in variable indoor and outdoor non-structural applications.
Eco-friendly laminated strand lumber from date palm rachis
Authors: Shafie Masoud , Zarea-Hosseinabadi Hamid
Published: December 2019

This study was performed to use date palm rachis, as a low value bio-waste, in the manufacture of a high value added eco-friendly structural composite lumber. Taguchi design of experiments was applied to analyse the effect of raw material and product parameters on the mechanical properties of laminated strand lumber from date palm rachis. The results indicate that the composite exhibits similar or superior strength properties compared to solid lumber and engineered products from wood or other lignocellulosic material for building sector. Taguchi design of experiments was assessed as a powerful and cost effective technique to obtain optimal levels for maximizing the mechanical properties of the environmentally-friendly composite. Maximum values for the mechanical properties of date palm rachis-based LSL were obtained from a combination of 20 mm product thickness, 10 % resin content, 4mm strand thickness, and 850 kg/m3 product density. Product thickness with an 81.3 % contribution and strand thickness with an 80 % contribution have the highest effects on the flatwise stiffness and compression strength perpendicular to grain, respectively.
“Crear el propio lector, un lector nuevo”. Entrevista a Lucas Nine
Authors: Pérez Cano Tania
Published: December 2019

Entrevista a Lucas Nine (Buenos Aires, 1975)
Cultural security in the era of migration and terrorist threats
Authors: Karwan Henryk , Ratajczyk Barbara
Published: December 2019

While for some immigrants contemporary Europe is a paradise, others consider it an evil and a plague, which should be fought with fire. It is the battlefield between the Western culture and the culture brought from the south with the influx of the Muslim population, which leads to the erosion of the former. Refugees who mingled with radical Islamic warriors penetrate the borders of the EU. Some people try to live alongside their native inhabitants, set up their enclaves, profess their faith, and enforce their laws, especially Sharia law. This behavior of the Muslims directly affects the possibilities of preserving and nourishing the values that determine the national and religious identity of local communities. As a consequence, it poses an immediate threat to the security of the cultural state. Constant anxiety and fear for their lives and health as well as the good of the culture fuel the ongoing terrorist attacks carried out by current Islamists as well as their children and grandchildren who have been recruited and drawn to faith in Allah.
Romania and Poland – at the forefront of defending the Versailles security system in the years 1919-1932 Landmarks of political, diplomatic, and military relations
Authors: Prisacaru Dan
Published: December 2019

During the interwar period, the relations between Romania and Poland had, as a common factor, major interests to counter an unprovoked attack from Soviet Russia – USSR. Meanwhile, the rich medieval tradition, the cultural, political and spiritual interferences, assured the substance of mutual relations between the two countries.
Romanian-Polish relations were supported and encouraged by France, which had the incentive to achieve and maintain a “sanitary cordon” against the danger of the Bolshevik/Soviet Union. Romania and Poland evolved into a complex and sensitive geopolitical space in Central and Eastern Europe which took political, diplomatic and military actions to build relationships based on the mutual recognition of borders and the support for the two major Western democracies, France and The United Kingdom.
The Romanian-Polish relations bore the unmistakable imprint of political and diplomatic figures who succeeded to the leadership of the two countries, in Poland – Marshal Jozef Pilsudski and in Romania – King Ferdinand, Queen Mary and the scholar Nicolae Iorga.
Drony w ocenie stanu rusztowań
Authors: Nowobilski Tomasz , Sawicki Marek , Szóstak Mariusz
Published: December 2019

W artykule przedstawiono możliwości wykorzystania bezzałogowych statków powietrznych do oceny stanu technicznego rusztowań budowlanych. Analizie poddano rusztowanie budowlane nowo budowanego obiektu wielorodzinnego o powierzchni ok. 1500 m2. W wyniku wykorzystania bezzałogowego statku powietrznego i przeprowadzonej analizy zidentyfikowano newralgiczne elementy konstrukcji rusztowań, takie jak: połączenia, stężenia, miejsca zakotwień i inne. Dodatkowo w artykule wskazano najważniejsze korzyści oraz ograniczenia wynikające z zastosowania bezzałogowych statków powietrznych jako narzędzia wspomagającego kontrolę rusztowania w odniesieniu do badań
tradycyjnych.
Jehovah’s Witnesses in Britain—A Historical Survey
Authors: Chryssides George D. ,   Academic Publishing
Published: December 2019

Drawing on primary and secondary source material from internal and external sources, the author traces the history of the International Bible Students Association, popularly known as Jehovah’s Witnesses, in Britain, from 1881 to the present. The work of colporteurs led to the establishment of early congregations (“ecclesias”) and a branch office in London. The release of the audio-visual production entitled The Photo-Drama of Creation had an important role in bringing the Bible Student movement into prominence. Controversies shortly arose within the London congregation, which were exacerbated by intervention by Paul S. L. Johnson from the Brooklyn headquarters. The transition of leadership to Joseph Franklin Rutherford, following Charles Taze Russell’s death in 1916, caused the organization to change from the federation of independent congregations to a unified Society. Discussion is given to the effects of the two World Wars, the attempts of Bible Students to gain exemption from conscription through legal channels, and the penalties incurred by the conscientious objectors. Jehovah’s Witnesses have continued to expand their activities, through house-to-house visiting which became expected of all members, through expansion of premises, and through increased public visibility. It is concluded that Jehovah’s Witnesses do not allow their principles to be shaped by popular attitudes and values, believing that the world is currently governed by Satan rather than Jehovah.
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization for the X and Y Chromosome Centromeres Helps Differentiate Between Gestational and Nongestational Choriocarcinoma in Clinically Ambiguous Cases
Authors: Whaley Rumeal D. , Dougherty Rachel E. , Cheng Liang , Ulbright Thomas M.
Published: December 2019

Context.—

Gestational choriocarcinoma usually presents during the reproductive years, typically within 1 year of pregnancy, although presentation remote from pregnancy also occurs and may cause confusion with other tumors, including choriocarcinoma of germ cell origin and somatic carcinomas with choriocarcinomatous differentiation. It is important to separate these tumors for treatment and prognostic reasons.

Objective.—

To assess the utility of fluorescence in situ hybridization for the X and Y chromosome centromeres in determining the gestational origin of clinically ambiguous extrauterine choriocarcinomas in women.

Design.—

A review of female patients with extrauterine choriocarcinomas who had no evidence of prior gestational trophoblastic disease was performed. Samples were analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization for the X and Y chromosome centromeres using standard methodologies.

Results.—

Five cases met the criteria, all of which displayed trophoblastic cells and necrosis. Three cases (60%) had Y chromosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization, which confirmed gestational origin. Although the 2 cases without a Y chromosome would ordinarily require molecular genotyping for paternal genetic material to establish gestational origin, in one of these cases a subsequent recurrence of yolk sac tumor allowed confirmation of its mediastinal origin.

Conclusions.—

Fluorescence in situ hybridization for detection of the X and Y chromosome centromeres is an effective screening test for gestational choriocarcinoma. It provided a definitive diagnosis of metastatic gestational choriocarcinoma in 3 of 5 potential cases that lacked a clinical history of gestational trophoblastic disease. An additional benefit is that more laboratories have the capability to perform fluorescence in situ hybridization than can perform molecular genotyping for definitive diagnosis.
Testing for Transition
Authors: Lierman Ashley , Scott Bethany , Warren Mea , Turner Cherie
Published: December 2019

This article describes multiple stages of usability testing that were conducted before and after a large research library’s transition to a new platform for its research guides. A large interdepartmental team sought user feedback on the design, content, and organization of the guide homepage, as well as on individual subject guides. This information was collected using an open-card-sort study, two face-to-face, think-aloud testing protocols, and an online survey. Significant findings include that users need clear directions and titles that incorporate familiar terminology, do not readily understand the purpose of guides, and are easily overwhelmed by excess information, and that many of librarians’ assumptions about the use of library resources may be mistaken. This study will be of value to other library workers seeking insight into user needs and behaviors around online resources.
HathiTrust as a Data Source for Researching Early Nineteenth-Century Library Collections
Authors: Bauder Julia
Published: December 2019

An intriguing new opportunity for research into the nineteenth-century history of print culture, libraries, and local communities is performing full-text analyses on the corpus of books held by a specific library or group of libraries. Creating corpora using books that are known to have been owned by a given library at a given point in time is potentially feasible because digitized records of the books in several hundred nineteenth-century library collections are available in the form of scanned book catalogs: a book or pamphlet listing all of the books available in a particular library. However, there are two potential problems with using those book catalogs to create corpora. First, it is not clear whether most or all of the books that were in these collections have been digitized. Second, the prospect of identifying the digital representations of the books listed in the catalogs is daunting, given the diversity of cataloging practices at the time. This article will report on progress towards developing an automated method to match entries in early nineteenth-century book catalogs with digitized versions of those books, and will also provide estimates of the fractions of the library holdings that have been digitized and made available in the Google Books/HathiTrust corpus.
Virtual Reality
Authors: Kirsch Breanne
Published: December 2019

During the 2019 EDUCAUSE Annual Conference, a large proportion of programs were about virtual reality. This article discusses how virtual reality could be used in libraries and how some institutions are creating VR content.
Laboratory Information Management Systems for Electron Microscopy: Evaluation of
the 4CeeD Data Curation Platform
Authors: Lau June W. , Devers Rachel F. , Newrock Marcus , Greene Gretchen
Published: December 2019

An evaluation of the feasibility and the requirements associated with a
facility-wide deployment of a laboratory information management system (LIMS) at an
electron microscopy facility was conducted. 4CeeD, an open-source LIMS, was selected
for the focus study. This report summarizes data infrastructure prerequisites,
critical and desirable features, and lessons learned from using and interacting with
4CeeD, and broader LIMS adoption recommendations for this facility.
Cell-based HTS identifies a chemical chaperone for preventing ER protein aggregation and proteotoxicity
Authors: Kitakaze Keisuke , Taniuchi Shusuke , Kawano Eri , Hamada Yoshimasa , Miyake Masato , Oyadomari Miho , Kojima Hirotatsu , Kosako Hidetaka , Kuribara Tomoko , Yoshida Suguru , Hosoya Takamitsu , Oyadomari Seiichi
Published: December 2019

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is responsible for folding secretory and membrane proteins, but disturbed ER proteostasis may lead to protein aggregation and subsequent cellular and clinical pathologies. Chemical chaperones have recently emerged as a potential therapeutic approach for ER stress-related diseases. Here, we identified 2-phenylimidazo[2,1-b]benzothiazole derivatives (IBTs) as chemical chaperones in a cell-based high-throughput screen. Biochemical and chemical biology approaches revealed that IBT21 directly binds to unfolded or misfolded proteins and inhibits protein aggregation. Finally, IBT21 prevented cell death caused by chemically induced ER stress and by a proteotoxin, an aggression-prone prion protein. Taken together, our data show the promise of IBTs as potent chemical chaperones that can ameliorate diseases resulting from protein aggregation under ER stress.
Default mode-visual network hypoconnectivity in an autism subtype with pronounced social visual engagement difficulties
Authors: Lombardo Michael V , Eyler Lisa , Moore Adrienne , Datko Michael , Carter Barnes Cynthia , Cha Debra , Courchesne Eric , Pierce Karen
Published: December 2019

Social visual engagement difficulties are hallmark early signs of autism (ASD) and are easily quantified using eye tracking methods. However, it is unclear how these difficulties are linked to atypical early functional brain organization in ASD. With resting state fMRI data in a large sample of ASD toddlers and other non-ASD comparison groups, we find ASD-related functional hypoconnnectivity between ‘social brain’ circuitry such as the default mode network (DMN) and visual and attention networks. An eye tracking-identified ASD subtype with pronounced early social visual engagement difficulties (GeoPref ASD) is characterized by marked DMN-occipito-temporal cortex (OTC) hypoconnectivity. Increased DMN-OTC hypoconnectivity is also related to increased severity of social-communication difficulties, but only in GeoPref ASD. Early and pronounced social-visual circuit hypoconnectivity is a key underlying neurobiological feature describing GeoPref ASD and may be critical for future social-communicative development and represent new treatment targets for early intervention in these individuals.
Effect of Ballistic Electrons on the Optical Response of Hyperbolic Metamaterials
Authors: Marega G. M. , Marega E. , Borges B.-H. V. , Da Mota A. F.
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a theoretical and experimental study of the effect of ballistic electrons on the optical response of MIM (Metal-Insulator-Metal) like hyperbolic metamaterial structures. The simulated model using standard parameters and the experimental optical transmission show a 20% peak difference due to the presence of ballistic transport in the metal. A semi-analytic approximation based on the Drude's model is used for accurately predicting the optical response of the hyperbolic substrate and plasmon damping in the fabricated metasurfaces.
Feeding intensity of insect herbivores is associated more closely with key metabolite profiles than phylogenetic relatedness of their potential hosts
Authors: Rapo Carole B. , Schaffner Urs , Eigenbrode Sanford D. , Hinz Hariet L. , Price William J. , Morra Matthew , Gaskin John , Schwarzländer Mark
Published: December 2019

Determinants of the host ranges of insect herbivores are important from an evolutionary perspective and also have implications for applications such as biological control. Although insect herbivore host ranges typically are phylogenetically constrained, herbivore preference and performance ultimately are determined by plant traits, including plant secondary metabolites. Where such traits are phylogenetically labile, insect hervivore host ranges are expected to be phylogenetically disjunct, reflecting phenotypic similarities rather than genetic relatedness among potential hosts. We tested this hypothesis in the laboratory with a Brassicaceae-specialized weevil,Ceutorhynchus cardariaeKorotyaev (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), on 13 test plant species differing in their suitability as hosts for the weevil. We compared the associations between feeding byC. cardariaeand either phenotypic similarity (secondary chemistry—glucosinolate profile) or genetic similarity (sequence of the chloroplast genendhF) using two methods—simple correlations or strengths of association between feeding by each species, and dendrograms based on either glucosinolates orndhF sequence (i.e., a phylogram). For comparison, we performed a similar test with the oligophagousPlutella xylostella(L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) using the same plant species. We found using either method that phenotypic similarity was more strongly associated with feeding intensity byC. cardariaethan genetic similarity. In contrast, neither genetic nor phenotypic similarity was significantly associated with feeding intensity on the test species byP. xylostella. The result indicates that phenotypic traits can be more reliable indicators of the feeding preference of a specialist than phylogenetic relatedness of its potential hosts. This has implications for the evolution and maintenance of host ranges and host specialization in phytophagous insects. It also has implications for identifying plant species at risk of nontarget attack by potential weed biological control agents and hence the approach to prerelease testing.
Study of Physiochemical Ground Water Quality Parameters of Different Hospital Areas of Faisalabad
Authors: Yousaf Saba , Awais Muhammad Ali , Naveed Muhammad , Shabbir Sumaira , Ali Sabir , Idrees Muhammad
Published: December 2019

The main sources of water are rain, surface and ground water. These resources are contaminated due to human activities. Clean water is basic need at every step of life, it also ensures the good health. The main objective of this study was to access the quality of ground water in Faisalabad city. From different hospitals of the Faisalabad water samples were collected to estimate their physiochemical parameters. The physiochemical parameters such as (color, taste, odor, pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) were analyzed and their values were compared with the standard values given by the World Health Organization. In majority of the colonies some parameters were found within permissible parameters of above standard such as pH and total hardness. But in few colonies EC and TDS values deviated with reference to the recommended values. On the completion of data physiochemical parameters of ground water, statistical analysis was applied. Statistical analysis was carried out to evaluate the significant different between means of samples.
Facile and Scalable Preparation of Ruthenium Oxide‐Based Flexible Micro‐Supercapacitors
Authors: Brousse Kévin , Pinaud Sébastien , Nguyen Son , Fazzini Pier‐Francesco , Makarem Raghda , Josse Claudie , Thimont Yohann , Chaudret Bruno , Taberna Pierre‐Louis , Respaud Marc , Simon Patrice
Published: December 2019

Tremendous efforts have been invested in the development of the internet of things during the past 10 years. Implantable sensors still need embedded miniaturized energy harvesting devices, since commercialized thin films and microbatteries do not provide sufficient power densities and suffer from limited lifetime. Therefore, micro‐supercapacitors are good candidates to store energy and deliver power pulses while providing non‐constant voltage output with time. However, multistep expensive protocols involving mask aligners and sophisticated cleanrooms are used to prepare these devices. Here, a simple and versatile laser‐writing procedure to integrate flexible micro‐supercapacitors and microbatteries on current‐collector‐free polyimide foils is reported, starting from commercial powders. Ruthenium oxide (RuO2)‐based micro‐supercapacitors are prepared by laser irradiation of a bilayered tetrachloroauric acid (HAuCl4 · 3H2O)–cellulose acetate/RuO2 film deposited by spin‐coating, which leads to adherent Au/RuO2 electrodes with a unique pillar morphology. The as‐prepared microdevices deliver 27 mF cm−2/540 F cm−3 in 1 m H2SO4 and retain 80% of the initial capacitance after 10 000 cycles. This simple process is applied to make carbon‐based micro‐supercapacitors, as well as metal oxide based pseudocapacitors and battery electrodes, thus offering a straightforward solution to prepare low‐cost flexible microdevices at a large scale.
Strategic Pore Architecture for Accommodating Volume Change from High Si Content in Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Ma Jiyoung , Sung Jaekyung , Lee Yoonkwang , Son Yeonguk , Chae Sujong , Kim Namhyung , Choi Seong‐Hyeon , Cho Jaephil
Published: December 2019

To be a thinner and more lightweight lithium‐ion battery with high energy density, the next‐generation anode with high gravimetric and volumetric capacity is a prerequisite. In this regard, utilizing high silicon (3579 mAh g−1) content in the electrode for the anode has been highlighted as a practically relevant approach. However, there still remains a crucial issue related to intrinsic volume expansion (>300%) of silicon upon lithiation, which can directly affect severe electrode swelling as well as accelerate its capacity fading by triggering structural degradation and electrical contact loss between particles. Herein, macropore‐exploited design, which can accommodate the volume change of high silicon content within the extended pore of graphite upon repeated cycling, is introduced. Such unique macropore‐exploited design leads to much less electrode swelling, by preserving its morphological integrity and contact between particles, than that of the comparative group with different sized pore and silicon distribution. As a result, this anode (914 mAh g−1) demonstrates notable gravimetric (220 Wh kg−1 at 6000 W kg−1) and volumetric energy density (623 Wh L−1 upon full lithiation after 100 cycles), exceeding that of a nano‐silicon blended graphite anode (127 Wh kg−1 and 229 Wh L−1) in the full‐cell system.
Essential updates 2018/2019: Colorectal (benign)
Authors: Ogino Takayuki , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Matsuda Chu , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: December 2019

This review outlines current topics on the surgical treatment of benign colorectal diseases, with a focus on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and diverticulitis. Treatment options for IBD and diverticulitis have evolved in the last few years as a result of medical advances in technology and new clinical trials. Therefore, treatment options and strategies need to be updated to provide optimal care for patients. The purpose of this review is to elucidate recent global trends and update the surgical treatment strategy for IBD and diverticulitis based on literature published in the past 2 years. Prevalence of IBD, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, has increased over the last few decades. During this period, many new medical therapies were introduced for the treatment of IBD, including biological therapy, immunomodulators, and leukocyte apheresis therapy. As a result, new surgical strategies for IBD are required. In order to improve surgical outcomes in IBD patients, the influence of preoperative treatment on postoperative complications needs to be considered. The incidence of diverticulitis is also increasing with lifestyle changes and increasing numbers of older people. For diverticulitis with perforation and generalized peritonitis, surgery is the gold standard. Elective surgery after conservative treatment of diverticulitis is also an option because of high recurrence rates. With an increase in diverticulitis, systematic strategies are essential for an appropriate approach to diverticulitis, taking into account various factors, including the patient's background.
Synthetic curli enables efficient microbial electrocatalysis with stainless‐steel electrode
Authors: Suo Di , Fang Zhen , Yu Yang‐Yang , Yong Yang‐Chun
Published: December 2019

Microbial electrocatalysis systems (MES) provide a cutting‐edge solution to global problems associated with the environment and energy, but practical applications are hindered by the expensive electrode materials. Although stainless steel (SS) has been proposed as a promising inexpensive candidate, poor cell/SS interaction results in a low performance for MES. Here, a new synthetic biology approach was established for reinforcing the cell/SS interaction. Hybridized curli nanofibers fused with a metal‐binding domain were heterogeneously expressed onto the cell surface, which realized efficient cell binding with the SS electrode. Consequently, it enabled a ~420‐fold improvement of the anodic power output and a substantial enhancement of the cathodic Coulombic efficiency (from 0.6 to 4% to over 80%) with an SS electrode. This work demonstrates low‐cost MES with an SS electrode and introduces a new avenue to engineer the cell/electrode interaction, which is promising for future practical applications of MES.
Long noncoding RNAs in neurodevelopment and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Lyu Ying , Bai Lin , Qin Chuan
Published: December 2019

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules comprising more than 200 nucleotides, which are not translated into proteins. Many studies have shown that lncRNAs are involved in regulating a variety of biological processes, including immune, cancer, stress, development and differentiation at the transcriptional, epigenetic or post‐transcriptional levels. Here, we review the role of lncRNAs in the process of neurodevelopment, neural differentiation, synaptic function, and pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). These pathomechanisms include protein misfolding and aggregation, disordered protein degradation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, autophagy, apoptosis, and neuroinflammation. This information will provide the basis of lncRNA‐based disease diagnosis and drug treatment for PD.
Covalent Adaptable Networks with Tunable Exchange Rates Based on Reversible Thiol–yne Cross‐Linking
Authors: Van Herck Niels , Maes Diederick , Unal Kamil , Guerre Marc , Winne Johan M. , Du Prez Filip E.
Published: December 2019

The design of covalent adaptable networks (CANs) relies on the ability to trigger the rearrangement of bonds within a polymer network. Simple activated alkynes are now used as versatile reversible cross‐linkers for thiols. The click‐like thiol–yne cross‐linking reaction readily enables network synthesis from polythiols through a double Michael addition with a reversible and tunable second addition step. The resulting thioacetal cross‐linking moieties are robust but dynamic linkages. A series of different activated alkynes have been synthesized and systematically probed for their ability to produce dynamic thioacetal linkages, both in kinetic studies of small molecule models, as well as in stress relaxation and creep measurements on thiol–yne‐based CANs. The results are further rationalized by DFT calculations, showing that the bond exchange rates can be significantly influenced by the choice of the activated alkyne cross‐linker.
Non‐natural Cofactor and Formate‐Driven Reductive Carboxylation of Pyruvate
Authors: Guo Xiaojia , Liu Yuxue , Wang Qian , Wang Xueying , Li Qing , Liu Wujun , Zhao Zongbao K.
Published: December 2019

A non‐natural cofactor and formate driven system for reductive carboxylation of pyruvate is presented. A formate dehydrogenase (FDH) mutant, FDH*, that favors a non‐natural redox cofactor, nicotinamide cytosine dinucleotide (NCD), for generation of a dedicated reducing equivalent at the expense of formate were acquired. By coupling FDH* and NCD‐dependent malic enzyme (ME*), the successful utilization of formate is demonstrated as both CO2 source and electron donor for reductive carboxylation of pyruvate with a perfect stoichiometry between formate and malate. When 13C‐isotope‐labeled formate was used in in vitro trials, up to 53 % of malate had labeled carbon atom. Upon expression of FDH* and ME* in the model host E. coli, the engineered strain produced more malate in the presence of formate and NCD. This work provides an alternative and atom‐economic strategy for CO2 fixation where formate is used in lieu of CO2 and offers dedicated reducing power.
Effect of PEKK oligomers sizing on the dynamic mechanical behavior of poly(ether ketone ketone)/carbon fiber composites
Authors: Alexandre Mike Abidine , Dantras Eric , Lacabanne Colette , Perez Emile , Franceschi Sophie , Coudeyre Damien
Published: December 2019

Poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK)/unidirectional carbon fiber (CF) composites have a poor interface. Accordingly, PEKK oligomer (PEKKo) sizing with a chemical compatibility with PEKK is proposed for promoting interfacial interactions in order to enhance mechanical performances. The thermal stability until 500 °C has been shown by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In order to compare static and dynamic sizing methods, “lab sizing” and “pilot sizing” were carried out. Scanning electron microscopy images of freeze fractures of PEKK/unsized CF, PEKK/PEKKo lab‐sized CF and PEKK/PEKKo pilot‐sized CF show that the PEKKo sizing causes an improvement of fiber/PEKK interactions, regardless of the sizing method. Indeed, in both cases, there is a continuity of matter at the interface while we observe a poor wetting of CF by matrix in PEKK/unsized CF. Dynamic mechanical relaxations in shear were analyzed as a function of temperature. The increase of storage modulus upon sizing is observed for both methods but it is more important for PEKKo pilot sizing. In the same way, the mechanical energy loss increases, it reflects the optimization of stress transfer between matrix and fibers. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48818.
Randomized clinical trial of intracorporeal versus extracorporeal anastomosis in laparoscopic right colectomy (IEA trial)
Authors: Bollo J , Turrado V , Rabal A , Carrillo E , Gich I , Martinez M C , Hernandez P , Targarona E
Published: December 2019

Background

Several non-randomized and retrospective studies have suggested that intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) has advantages over extracorporeal anastomosis (EA) in laparoscopic right colectomy, but scientific evidence is lacking. The aim was to compare short-term outcomes and to define the possible benefits of IA compared with EA in elective laparoscopic right colectomy.

Methods

An RCT was conducted from May 2015 to June 2018. The primary endpoint was duration of hospital stay. Secondary endpoints were intraoperative technical events and postoperative clinical outcomes.

Results

A total of 140 patients were randomized. Duration of surgery was longer for procedures with an IA than in those with an EA (median 149 (range 95–215) versus 123 (60–240) min; P < 0·001). Wound length was shorter in the IA group (median 6·7 (4–9·5) versus 8·7 (5–13) cm; P < 0·001). Digestive function recovered earlier in patients with an IA (median 2·3 versus 3·3 days; P = 0·003) and the incidence of paralytic ileus was lower (13 versus 30 per cent; P = 0·022). Less postoperative analgesia was needed in the IA group (mean(s.d.) weighted analgesia requirement 39(24) versus 53(26); P = 0·001) and the pain score was also lower (P = 0·035). The postoperative decrease in haemoglobin level was smaller (mean(s.d.) 8·8(1·7) versus 17·1(1·7) mg/dl; P = 0·001) and there was less lower gastrointestinal bleeding (3 versus 14 per cent; P = 0·031) in the IA group. IA was associated with a significantly better rate of grade I and II complications (P = 0·016 and P = 0·037 respectively). The duration of hospital stay was slightly shorter in the IA group (median 5·7 (range 2–19) versus 6·6 (2–23) days; P = 0·194).

Conclusion

Duration of hospital stay was similar, but IA was associated with less pain and fewer complications. Registration number: NCT02667860 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).