bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La campaña electoral como ritual de acceso al poder
Authors: De la Serna Ramos María
Published: June 2019

Las campañas electorales son el paso previo al acceso al poder institucional de los políticos. Durante los quince días previos a las votaciones se llevan a cabo multitud de eventos de diferentes características que buscan presentar al candidato imbuido en su papel de futuro gobernante: son actos de puesta en escena de sus valores, formas y habilidades. No se diseñan sólo para transmitir un programa, sino, que por encima de todo, lo que pretenden es poner al “futurible” en un entorno propicio para emitir un mensaje de poder. La complejidad de aunar en una buena producción, un buen escenario y un buen mensaje personalizado en el candidato requiere del trabajo en equipo de muchos especialistas: asesores de imagen, escenógrafos y técnicos de protocolo son fundamentales para poner en pie una ilusión que lleve al votante a depositar un determinado voto en las urnas. La complejidad de estos actos, sean de la naturaleza que sean, conlleva un trabajo previo y de un desarrollo en el que el protocolo juega un papel fundamental. En el momento que hay un líder, hay un protocolo.____________________Election campaigns are the previous step for politicians to access institutional power.  The numerous events of different kinds held fifteen days prior to voting seek to present the future ruler´s values, manners and skills. Their design is not only meant to present a program, most of the times briefly reviewed before the voters, but to create an enabling environment for sending out a message of power: he is the leader, he has the power and exercises it.The complexity of these acts, which requires a previous teamwork of different specialists like image consultants, set designers and protocol technicians are the main tool to stir up the excitement leading voters to cast ballots in polling stations. In the development of these events, the protocol plays a key role.We´ll discuss a few examples of different events, their production and development, as well as all agents involved in them, from the very first idea to the launch of the event.
Ciberdiplomacia y comunicación institucional: La presencia de la diplomacia digital española en redes sociales
Authors: Castro Martínez Andrea
Published: June 2019

En la última década a nivel internacional la diplomacia se ha adaptado al nuevo contexto tecnológico en el que se enmarcan muchas de las relaciones entre los diferentes actores políticos, sociales y económicos. Los canales online han fortalecido su presencia dentro de las estrategias de comunicación institucional en aras de promover una mejor proyección de su imagen pública y de su reputación digital. De este modo, son muchos los países que han adoptado diferentes medidas para potenciar su diplomacia digital.En el caso de España, las redes sociales se han establecido como uno de los ejes de la ciberdiplomacia con el propósito de atender a los españoles en el extranjero, acercar a los ciudadanos la actividad diplomática y aumentar el conocimiento que en el exterior se tiene del país y de su cultura.El modo en que se configura la presencia española en los medios sociales a través de los perfiles de sus representaciones en el exterior centra la atención de este estudio, que tiene como objetivo conocer la estructura de la diplomacia digital española en redes sociales, así como el uso que se hace de las mismas por parte de los distintos actores digitales._______________________In the last decade, internationally speaking, the diplomacy has adapted itself to the new technological context in which many of the relations among the different political, social and economical agents are framed. Online channels have strengthened their presence into the strategies of institutional communication in order to promote a better projection of their public image and digital reputation. So, many are the countries which have adopted different measures in order to potentiate their digital diplomacy.In Spain, social networks have established themselves as one of the axes of the cyberdiplomacy with the aim of assisting Spanish people abroad, of approaching the diplomatical activity to the citizens and of increasing the knowledge of the country and its culture outside its frontiers.The way in which the Spanish presence is configured in the social medias through the profilesof its representations abroad is the target of this study, which aims at knowing the structure of the Spanish digital diplomacy and also the use of these ones which is done by different digital agents.
Los actos cívico-religiosos en las entidades locales: propuesta de un Proyecto de Reglamento para la festividad de San Antonio Abad de Trigueros (Huelva).
Authors: Del Toro Domínguez Marcos , Pulido Polo Marta
Published: June 2019

En este trabajo se analiza el caso de las fiestas patronales en honor a San Antonio Abad, que se dan en Trigueros, una localidad andaluza perteneciente a la provincia de Huelva. En estos festejos confluyen personalidades y autoridades civiles y religiosas cuya ordenación ceremonial corresponde con la tradición histórica de la celebración.  A través de una metodología cuanticualitativa, este trabajo analiza desde una perspectiva diacrónica las precedencias en las diferentes secuencias de la ceremonia y concluye con la sistematización de las secuencias principales: el Traslado y la procesión de Tercia.This paper analyzes the case of the patron saint festivities in honor of San Antonio Abad, which take place in Trigueros, an Andalusian town belonging to the province of Huelva. These celebrations bring together personalities and civil and religious authorities whose ceremonial arrangement corresponds with the historical tradition of the celebration. Through a quantumquantitative methodology, this work analyzes from a diachronic perspective the precedences in the different sequences of the ceremony and concludes with the systematization of the main sequences: the Transfer and the procession of Tercia.
La aventura espacial de Israel, o cómo promover el orgullo patrio en la luna
Authors: Teodoro Baldó Gemma
Published: June 2019

Analizamos la llegada a la luna, el 11 de abril de 2019, de Beresheet, la cápsula lanzada al espacio por el gobierno israelí desde la base de Cabo Cañaveral en Florida. Un viaje que ha supuesto el reforzamiento del sentido nacional de la población de Israel, quien ha afianzado su sentimiento patrio, convirtiendo en un futuro éxito la derrota al no haber aterrizado. La cápsula del tiempo dejada en la superficie lunar contenía diversos elementos representativos de esta nación, jugando un gran papel en la semiótica de este evento televisado a nivel internacional.__________________________We proceed to analyze the arrival to the moon (on April 11, 2019), of Beresheet, the capsule launched into space by the Israeli government from the base of Cape Canaveral, Florida. A trip that has meant the reinforcement of the national sense of the population of Israel, who has strengthened its patriotic feeling, turning defeat into a future success by not having landed. The time capsule left on the lunar surface contained various representative icons of this nation, playing a great role in the semiotics of this event televised all around the world.
Response of total phenols, flavonoids, minerals, and amino acids of four edible fern species to four shading treatments
Authors: Wang Yanlin , Gao Shanshan , He Xingyuan , Li Yan , Zhang Yue , Chen Wei
Published: June 2019

Total phenols, flavonoids, minerals content and amino acids content were investigated in four fern species grown under four shading treatments with different transmittance of 35% full sunlight (FS), 13% FS, 8% FS and 4% FS. The four fern species contain high levels of total phenols and flavonoids, as well as abundant mineral elements and amino acids. The total phenols, flavonoids, minerals and amino acids content were strongly affected by transmittance, the total phenols and flavonoids content were significantly positively correlated with transmittance, and minerals and total amino acids content were significantly negatively correlated with transmittance. Higher light intensity can effectively stimulate the synthesis of phenols and flavonoid, and proper shading can stimulate the accumulation of amino acids. In addition, Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Todaro (MS) had the highest total phenols content, Athyrium multidentatum (Doll.) Ching (AM) showed the highest total amino acids, total essential amino acids content, Osmunda cinnamomea (L) var. asiatica Fernald (OCA) exhibited the highest total non-essential amino acids content and flavonoids content, and Pteridium aquilinum L. Kuhn var latiusculum (Desy.) Underw. ex Heller (PAL) exhibited the highest minerals content. This will provide a scientific basis for the cultivation and management of four fern species.
CAM: an alignment-free method to recover phylogenies using codon aversion motifs
Authors: Miller Justin B. , McKinnon Lauren M. , Whiting Michael F. , Ridge Perry G.
Published: June 2019

Background

Common phylogenomic approaches for recovering phylogenies are often time-consuming and require annotations for orthologous gene relationships that are not always available. In contrast, alignment-free phylogenomic approaches typically use structure and oligomer frequencies to calculate pairwise distances between species. We have developed an approach to quickly calculate distances between species based on codon aversion.

Methods

Utilizing a novel alignment-free character state, we present CAM, an alignment-free approach to recover phylogenies by comparing differences in codon aversion motifs (i.e., the set of unused codons within each gene) across all genes within a species. Synonymous codon usage is non-random and differs between organisms, between genes, and even within a single gene, and many genes do not use all possible codons. We report a comprehensive analysis of codon aversion within 229,742,339 genes from 23,428 species across all kingdoms of life, and we provide an alignment-free framework for its use in a phylogenetic construct. For each species, we first construct a set of codon aversion motifs spanning all genes within that species. We define the pairwise distance between two species, A and B, as one minus the number of shared codon aversion motifs divided by the total codon aversion motifs of the species, A or B, containing the fewest motifs. This approach allows us to calculate pairwise distances even when substantial differences in the number of genes or a high rate of divergence between species exists. Finally, we use neighbor-joining to recover phylogenies.

Results

Using the Open Tree of Life and NCBI Taxonomy Database as expected phylogenies, our approach compares well, recovering phylogenies that largely match expected trees and are comparable to trees recovered using maximum likelihood and other alignment-free approaches. Our technique is much faster than maximum likelihood and similar in accuracy to other alignment-free approaches. Therefore, we propose that codon aversion be considered a phylogenetically conserved character that may be used in future phylogenomic studies.

Availability

CAM, documentation, and test files are freely available on GitHub at https://github.com/ridgelab/cam.
PTMphinder: an R package for PTM site localization and motif extraction from proteomic datasets
Authors: Wozniak Jacob M. , Gonzalez David J.
Published: June 2019

Background

Mass-spectrometry-based proteomics is a prominent field of study that allows for the unbiased quantification of thousands of proteins from a particular sample. A key advantage of these techniques is the ability to detect protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) and localize them to specific amino acid residues. These approaches have led to many significant findings in a wide range of biological disciplines, from developmental biology to cancer and infectious diseases. However, there is a current lack of tools available to connect raw PTM site information to biologically meaningful results in a high-throughput manner. Furthermore, many of the available tools require significant programming knowledge to implement.

Results

The R package PTMphinder was designed to enable researchers, particularly those with minimal programming background, to thoroughly analyze PTMs in proteomic data sets. The package contains three functions: parseDB, phindPTMs and extractBackground. Together, these functions allow users to reformat proteome databases for easier analysis, localize PTMs within full proteins, extract motifs surrounding the identified sites and create proteome-specific motif backgrounds for statistical purposes. Beta-testing of this R package has demonstrated its simplicity and ease of integration with existing tools.

Conclusion

PTMphinder empowers researchers to fully analyze and interpret PTMs derived from proteomic data. This package is simple enough for researchers with limited programming experience to understand and implement. The data produced from this package can inform subsequent research by itself and also be used in conjunction with other tools, such as motif-x, for further analysis.
Efficiency of Sawdust from Selected African Indigenous Wood spp. as a Low-cost Adsorbent for Removal of Copper Ion from Contaminated Water
Authors: Iyiola E. A. , Owoyemi J. M. , Saliu T. P. , Olufemi B. , Dania D. O. , Olasunkanmi O. , Ayanleye S. O. , Wekesa A.
Published: June 2019

Aims: This study investigates the use of sawdust from 3 hardwood species as low-cost adsorbent for the removal of copper from contaminated water.

Study Design: The experimental design used for this study was 3 x 2 x 4 factorial experiment; the different sawdust species, two baselines (treated and untreated) and four levels of pH and time as factors were combined and used for the study.

Methodology: Test was carried out to investigate the effect of sawdust pre-treatment on their adsorption capacity in the removal of Copper ions from contaminated water at different pH levels; the sawdust samples were sieved through a screen size of 850 μm after which a portion of each species sawdust was subjected to pre-treatment by boiling while the other portions were maintained as control samples (untreated).

Results: The results shows that adsorption capacity for both treated and untreated samples were 69.75±13.78%,  68.60±19.48%, 69.34±23.08%, 74.79±17.79%, 74.52±22.30% and 76.90±18.21% for  Alstonia boonei, Erythrophleum suaveolens  and Ficus mucuso  respectively.

Conclusion: The contact time and pH showed no significant difference between the treated and untreated samples. Sawdusts from the selected wood species are suitable to be used as adsorbent towards the removal of copper from contaminated water.
Socio Demographic Factors Associated with Knowledge of Occupational Hazard and Safety Measures among Workers in Selected Downstream Petroleum Companies in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Dickson Idungafa, Emem , Tobin-West Charles,
Published: June 2019

Background: Safety and health management are some of the vital constituents of oil and gas industry activities, because most of the operational conditions, chemicals and end products associated with oil and gas production are well-known to pose serious safety and health threats to the workers. However, these hazards can be prevented and controlled with good safety practices. This study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practices of workers in the downstream petroleum companies about occupational hazards and safety processes.

Materials and Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study which involved a quantitative approach to collect data from 379 technical workers engaged in operations in the selected downstream petroleum companies, sampled via multi-stage sampling technique. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect relevant information. Data was analysed via Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 software.

Results: Almost one-third 120 (32.0%) of the respondents were between the ages of 38-43 years old. Majority 343 (91.0%) were males, while most 277 (73.0%) were single. Majority 363 (95.8%) had good Level of knowledge on occupational Hazard, while 359 (94.7%) of the respondents had good Level of knowledge on safety measure on occupational hazard. More than one-third 139 (36.70%) had positive behaviour towards preventive measures for occupational hazard, while 167(44%) had good practice towards Safety measures for occupational hazard. Level of knowledge on occupational hazard was significantly associated age, sex and religion (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Though most of the respondents were knowledgeable about occupational hazard and safety measures, positive behaviour towards safety measure and its practice was low among workers in the downstream petroleum companies. Hence the need for behavioural interventional programmes directed at ensuring positive occupational safety related behaviour among workers generally and those in industrial settings particularly.
Holocene Lacustrine Environment in the Western Eritrea-evidence from Freshwater Shells
Authors: Berhe Wegahta Tesfalidet , Ishiga Hiroaki
Published: June 2019

This study focused on finding of freshwater molluscs in Holocene sediments outcropping in western Eritrea. Three species of gastropods were found in calcareous sediments at the bank of a tributary river named Shatera River, within the license of Bisha Mines, they are Melanoides tuberculate (O. F. Müller, 1774), Bulinus globosus (Morelet, 1866) and Indoplanorbis exustus (Deshayes, 1833). The 14C dating on the shells of I. exustus and B. globosus was also carried out. The age dating result showed (9326-9134 cal yr BP) and (9134-8999 cal yr BP) respectively, of which are in the mid-Holocene epoch (11,000–5000 yr BP). This epoch is best known for it was a time when the northern and eastern part of Africa experienced a warm and humid climate.

Among the freshwater molluscs, the existence of Melanonids tuberculate makes it more significant, for its widespread occurrence in Quaternary deposits throughout Africa and Asia in both fresh and highly evaporated lakes. This is suggestive of the considerable development of the lacustrine environment in the western part of Eritrea, which at present has disappeared.
Clinical predictors of cystic fibrosis chronic rhinosinusitis severity
Authors: Zemke Anna C. , Nouraie Seyed Mehdi , Moore John , Gaston Jordan R. , Rowan Nicholas R. , Pilewski Joseph M. , Bomberger Jennifer M. , Lee Stella E.
Published: June 2019

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a significant manifestation of cystic fibrosis (CF) with wide‐ranging symptom and disease severity. The goal of the study was to determine clinical variables that correlate with outcome measures of disease severity.

Methods

A prospective, longitudinal, observational study of 33 adults with symptomatic CRS treated in a CF‐focused otolaryngology clinic was performed. Symptom severity, the presence of rhinosinusitis exacerbations, and endoscopic appearance were assessed, and regression analysis was used to determine clinical predictors of disease outcome.

Results

Thirty‐three adults with CF‐CRS were included in the study and followed for a mean of 15 months. Rhinosinusitis exacerbations occurred in 61% of participants during the study, and female sex increased the odds of presenting with an exacerbation visit. Sinus disease exacerbations were associated with an odds ratio of 2.07 for presenting with a pulmonary exacerbation at the next visit. CF‐related diabetes was found to be associated with worse symptoms and endoscopic appearance. Infection with Staphylococcus aureus predicted worsening of symptoms, whereas infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa improved over time. Allergic rhinitis was associated with worse endoscopic appearance, and nasal steroid use was associated with improved endoscopic appearance.

Conclusion

Sex, CF‐related diabetes, sinonasal infection status, allergic rhinitis, and nasal steroid use may all modulate severity of CF‐CRS in adults. Sinusitis exacerbation may be a precursor to pulmonary exacerbation.
Kappa‐carrageenan sinus rinses reduce inflammation and intracellular Staphylococcus aureus infection in airway epithelial cells
Authors: Bennett Catherine , Ramezanpour Mahnaz , Cooksley Clare , Vreugde Sarah , Psaltis Alkis James
Published: June 2019

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disease, often refractory to conventional antimicrobial treatment. In this study we investigate the antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory effects of adding kappa‐carrageenan to a commercially available sinus rinse.

Methods

Kappa‐carrageenan was added to Flo CRS and Flo Sinus Care sinus rinses and applied directly to air‐liquid interface cultured primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) from 10 CRS patients. Inflammatory markers were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Kappa‐carrageenan‒supplemented sinus rinses were applied to human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEs) in the presence of different Staphylococcus aureus strains to observe the effect on intracellular infection rates.

Results

Flo Sinus Care with kappa‐carrageenan rinse solutions resulted in a marked reduction of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) production by HNECs from CRS patients (p = 0.007). Both Flo CRS and Flo Sinus Care rinses significantly reduced the S aureus intracellular infection of HBEs (p < 0.0001). The addition of kappa‐carrageenan to both Flo CRS and Flo Sinus Care rinses further reduced the intracellular infection rate by an average of 2%.

Conclusions

The commonly used sinus irrigation product Flo Sinus Care with added kappa‐carrageenan reduces IL‐6 production by HNECs in vitro. Flo CRS and Flo Sinus Care rinses significantly reduced S aureus intracellular infection rates of HBE cells. Our findings may have clinical relevance for CRS patient management.
Graphite Anode for a Potassium‐Ion Battery with Unprecedented Performance
Authors: Fan Ling , Ma Ruifang , Zhang Qingfeng , Jia Xinxin , Lu Bingan
Published: June 2019

Graphite as an anode for the potassium ion battery (PIBs) has the merits of low cost and potentially high energy density, while suffering from limited cycle time and inferior stability. Herein we, using a concentrated electrolyte, demonstrate that formation of a robust inorganic‐rich passivation layer on the graphite anode could resolve these problems. Consequently, the PIBs with graphite anode could operate for over 2000 cycles (running time of over 17 months) with negligible capacity decay, and had a high area capacity over 7.36 mAh cm−2 with a high mass loading of 28.56 mg cm−2. These unprecedented performances of graphite are comparable to that of traditional lithium‐ion batteries, and may promote the rapidly development of high performance PIBs.
Intrinsic Time‐Tunable Emissions in Core–Shell Upconverting Nanoparticle Systems
Authors: Tessitore Gabriella , Maurizio Steven L. , Sabri Tarek , Capobianco John A.
Published: June 2019

Color‐tunable luminescence has been extensively investigated in upconverting nanoparticles for diverse applications, each exploiting emissions in different spectral regions. Manipulation of the emission wavelength is accomplished by varying the composition of the luminescent material or the characteristics of the excitation source. Herein, we propose core–shell β‐NaGdF4: Tm3+, Yb3+/β‐NaGdF4: Tb3+ nanoparticles as intrinsic time‐tunable luminescent materials. The time dependency of the emission wavelength only depends on the different decay time of the two emitters, without additional variation of the dopant concentration or pumping source. The time‐tunable emission was recorded with a commercially available camera. The dynamics of the emissions is thoroughly investigated, and we established that the energy transfer from the 1D2 excited state of Tm3+ ions to the higher energy excited states of Tb3+ ions to be the principal mechanism to the population of the 5D4 level for the Tb3+ ions.
Enhanced mechanical and flame‐resistant properties of polypropylene nanocomposites with reduced graphene oxide‐functionalized ammonium polyphosphate and pentaerythritol
Authors: Chen Xiaosui , Ma Yihan , Cheng Yinjia , Zhang Aiqing , Liu Wei
Published: June 2019

A novel functionalized graphene oxide grafted by ammonium polyphosphate (GO‐APP) was synthesized through acylating chlorination method to improve the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites in combination with pentaerythritol (PER). During the mixing process, GO‐APP nanosheets were thermally reduced and PP/rGO‐APP/PER composites were finally obtained. In comparison, PP/rGO‐APP/PER composites exhibit better mechanical, thermal, and flame‐retardant performances than those of PP/APP/PER composites when containing the same loading of total additives. PP/APP/PER 30 wt % composite only passes V‐1 rating in vertical burning tests (UL‐94), whereas PP/rGO‐APP/PER 25 wt % composite ranks V‐0 rating. Furthermore, PP/rGO‐APP/PER 30 wt % composite reaches the highest limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 31.2%, and its impact strength is almost three times higher than pure PP. The improvement in the fire safety is mainly due to the enhanced char yield, and the “tortuous path” effect caused by intercalate‐exfoliated structures formed in PP/rGO‐APP/PER composites. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48036.
The Indium−Lithium Electrode in Solid‐State Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Phase Formation, Redox Potentials, and Interface Stability
Authors: Santhosha A. L. , Medenbach Lukas , Buchheim Johannes R. , Adelhelm Philipp
Published: June 2019

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Prof. Philipp Adelhelm from Friedrich‐Schiller‐University Jena, Germany. The cover picture illustrates the energy landscape of an In‐Li electrode. Depending on the lithium content, the redox potential of this electrode changes. Good stability towards solid electrolytes (=low interface resistance) is only achieved at low lithium contents. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/batt.201800149.
In support of mesh for hernia repair
Authors: Daniels I R , Smart N J
Published: June 2019

Strong case
Solution Structure and Dynamics of the Small Protein HVO_2922 from Haloferax volcanii
Authors: Kubatova Nina , Jonker Hendrik R. A. , Saxena Krishna , Richter Christian , Vogel Verena , Schreiber Sandra , Marchfelder Anita , Schwalbe Harald
Published: June 2019

Past sequencing campaigns overlooked small proteins as they seemed to be irrelevant due to their small size. However, their occurrence is widespread, and there is growing evidence that these small proteins are in fact functionally very important in organisms found in all kingdoms of life. Within a global proteome analysis for small proteins of the archaeal model organism Haloferax volcanii, the HVO_2922 protein has been identified. It is differentially expressed in response to changes in iron and salt concentrations, thus suggesting that its expression is stress‐regulated. The protein is conserved among Haloarchaea and contains an uncharacterized domain of unknown function (DUF1508, UPF0339 family protein). We elucidated the NMR solution structure, which shows that the isolated protein forms a symmetrical dimer. The dimerization is found to be concentration‐dependent and essential for protein stability and most likely for its functionality, as mutagenesis at the dimer interface leads to a decrease in stability and protein aggregation.
Structural Mechanism of Barriers to Interspecies Seeding Transmissibility of Full‐Length Prion Protein Amyloid
Authors: Ma Tao , Deng Jing , Ma Shaojie , Zhao Weijing , Chang Ziwei , Yu Kunqian , Yang Jun
Published: June 2019

A puzzling feature of prion diseases is the cross‐species barriers. The detailed molecular mechanisms underlying these interspecies barriers remain poorly understood because of a lack of high‐resolution structural information on the scrapie isoform of the prion protein (PrPSc). In this study we identified the critical role of the residues 165/167 in the barrier to seeding mouse PrP (mPrP) fibril seeds to human cellular prion protein (PrPC). Solid‐state NMR revealed a C‐terminal β‐sheet core spanning residues 165–230 and the packing arrangement of mPrP fibrils. Residues 165/167 are located on one end of the fibril core. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that the stabilities of the seeding‐induced β‐strand structures are significantly impacted by hydrogen bonds involving the side chain of residue 167 and steric resistance involving residue 165. These findings suggest that the α2–β2 loop containing residues 165/167 could be the initial site of seed–template conformational conversion.
Endowment of pH Responsivity to Anticancer Peptides by Introducing 2,3‐Diaminopropionic Acid Residues
Authors: Tanishiki Naoto , Yano Yoshiaki , Matsuzaki Katsumi
Published: June 2019

Endowment of pH responsivity to anticancer peptides is a promising approach to achieve better selectivity to cancer tissues. In this research, a template peptide was designed based on magainin 2, an antimicrobial peptide with anticancer activity, and a series of peptides were designed by replacing different numbers of lysine with the unnatural amino acid, 2,3diaminopropionic acid (Dap), which has a positive charge at weakly acidic pH in cancer tissues, but is neutral at physiological pH 7.4. These Dap‐containing peptides are expected to interact more strongly with tumor cells than with normal cells because 1) weakly acidic conditions form in tumors, and 2) the membrane of tumor cells is more anionic than that of normal cells. Although all examined peptides showed potent cytotoxicities to multidrug‐resistant cancer cells at a weakly acidic pH (ED50≈5 μm), the toxicity decreased with an increase in the number of Dap at pH 7.4 (8 Dap residues resulted in ED50≈60 μm). Furthermore, the introduction of Dap reduced cytotoxicity against normal cells. Thus, Dap led to significantly improved cancer targeting due to a pH‐dependent charge shift. Fluorescence imaging and model membrane experiments supported this charge‐shift model.
Real‐Time Observation of Superstructure‐Dependent DNA Origami Digestion by DNase I Using High‐Speed Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Ramakrishnan Saminathan , Shen Boxuan , Kostiainen Mauri A. , Grundmeier Guido , Keller Adrian , Linko Veikko
Published: June 2019

DNA nanostructures have emerged as intriguing tools for numerous biomedical applications. However, in many of those applications and most notably in drug delivery, their stability and function may be compromised by the biological media. A particularly important issue for medical applications is their interaction with proteins such as endonucleases, which may degrade the well‐defined nanoscale shapes. Herein, fundamental insights into this interaction are provided by monitoring DNase I digestion of four structurally distinct DNA origami nanostructures (DONs) in real time and at a single‐structure level by using high‐speed atomic force microscopy. The effect of the solid–liquid interface on DON digestion is also assessed by comparison with experiments in bulk solution. It is shown that DON digestion is strongly dependent on its superstructure and flexibility and on the local topology of the individual structure.
Assessment Pioneers Inspire Best Practices in Community Colleges
Authors: LaManna Richard , Roggow Michael
Published: June 2019

This chapter provides an overview of three assessment scholars whose work influenced the articles contained in this volume.
Agenesis of olfactory bulbs: A forgotten diagnostic indicator of acampomelic campomelic dysplasia
Authors: Debuf Marie‐Julie , Benoit Valérie , Cassart Marie , Gajewska Kalina , Gauquier Nathalie , Meunier Colombine , Rassart Anne , Maystadt Isabelle
Published: June 2019

Campomelic dysplasia (CD) and its variant acampomelic campomelic dysplasia (ACD) are caused by SOX9 haploinsufficiency. This gene encodes a transcription factor crucial for embryogenesis and primarily expressed in the olfactory bulbs. The detection of agenesis of olfactory bulbs could help establish a prenatal diagnosis of CD or ACD, although prevalence of this sign remains unknown.
Elucidating the K‐Edge X‐Ray Absorption Near‐Edge Structure of Cobalt Carbide
Authors: Moya‐Cancino José G. , Honkanen Ari‐Pekka , van der Eerden Ad M. J. , Schaink Herrick , Folkertsma Lieven , Ghiasi Mahnaz , Longo Alessandro , Meirer Florian , de Groot Frank M. F. , Huotari Simo , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: June 2019

The cobalt K‐edge X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure of a cobalt carbide compound, synthetized under in‐situ conditions, has been determined by using laboratory‐based and synchrotron‐based X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. We have carburized pure cobalt metal in‐situ, avoiding all adverse effects of metal‐support interactions as well as any degradation of the cobalt carbide formed. A non‐negative matrix factorization was applied to determine the features of the spectrum of cobalt carbide, highly needed to identify this phase in an unambiguous manner in cobalt‐based Fischer‐Tropsch catalysts.
Room‐Temperature Morphology‐Controlled Synthesis of Nickel and Catalytic Properties of Corresponding Ru/Ni Catalysts
Authors: Zhu Lihua , Cui Jingjing , Zhang Huan , Ruan Luna , Ma Nan , Zou Laixi , Deng Tao , Chen Bing Hui , Xiao Qiang
Published: June 2019

Differently shaped nickel crystals were obtained at ambient temperature via simple liquid chemical reduction by adding different surfactants (such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)), with hydrazine hydrate as reducing agent and ethanol as solvent. Nickel nanoparticles (NPs), thorny nickel nanowires or rose‐like nickel crystals were obtained in the synthesis process without any surfactant, with PVP or with CTAB, respectively. The corresponding ruthenium‐on‐Ni crystal supported catalysts (Ru/Ni) were synthesized through galvanic replacement. Their catalytic behavior was tested in the model reaction of the hydrogenation of benzene. The order of their catalytic activity was Ru/thorny Ni nanowire > Ru/rose‐like Ni > Ru/Ni NPs due to different shapes and structures of Ru/Ni. The Ru/thorny Ni nanowires catalyst also exhibited outstanding stability for benzene hydrogenation to cyclohexane. The as‐obtained Ni and Ru/Ni samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), SEM energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), high‐sensitivity low‐energy ion scattering spectroscopy (HS‐LEIS), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), SEM‐EDS elemental mapping, transmission electron micro‐scope (TEM), and high resolution TEM (HRTEM), to reveal their morphologies, structures and element distribution and further illustrate the intrinsic reasons for their different performance in catalyzing benzene hydrogenation.
Molecular Encapsulation of Trimeric Chromium Carboxylate Clusters in Metal–Organic Frameworks and Propylene Sorption
Authors: Sivan Sanil E. , Lee Minhui , Lee Su‐Kyung , Yoon Ji Woong , Kim Kiwoong , Hong Do‐Young , Cho Kyung‐Ho , Lee U‐Hwang , Chang Jong‐San , Jung Jaehoon , Hwang Young Kyu
Published: June 2019

Oxo‐bridged trimeric chromium acetate clusters [Cr3O(OOCCH3)6(H2O)3]NO3 have been encapsulated for the first time in the mesoporous cages of the chromium terephthalate MIL‐101(Cr). The isolated clusters in MIL‐101(Cr) have increased affinity towards propylene compared to propane, due to generation of a new kind of pocket‐based propylene‐binding site, as supported by DFT calculations.
Gas Phase Formation of the Interstellar Molecule Methyltriacetylene
Authors: He Chao , Thomas Aaron M. , Galimova Galiya R. , Mebel Alexander M. , Kaiser Ralf I.
Published: June 2019

Methyltriacetylene – the largest methylated polyacetylene detected in deep space – has been synthesized in the gas phase via the bimolecular reaction of the 1‐propynyl radical with diacetylene under single‐collision conditions. The barrier‐less route to methyltriacetylene represents a prototype of a polyyne chain extension through a radical substitution mechanism and provides a novel low temperature route, in which the propynyl radical piggybacks a methyl group to be incorporated into methylated polyynes. This mechanism overcomes a key obstacle in previously postulated reactions of methyl radicals with unsaturated hydrocarbon, which fail the inclusion of methyl groups into hydrocarbons due to insurmountable entrance barriers thus providing a fundamental understanding on the electronic structure, chemical bonding, and formation of methyl‐capped polyacetylenes. These species are key reactive intermediates leading to carbonaceous nanostructures in molecular clouds like TMC‐1.
Formation and Depolymerization of Oligomers during Thermal Cracking of Silicon‐Containing Carbamates
Authors: Wang Peixue , Zhou Dawei , Fei Yuqing , Long Yan , Deng Youquan
Published: June 2019

Polymerization reactions in the thermal cracking of N‐substituted carbamates to produce the corresponding isocyanates significantly reduce the yield of isocyanates and thus vastly hinder the industrial application of such non‐phosgene routes. Herein, we tried to recycle the oligomers generated during the thermal cracking of 3‐ethylcarbamatopropyltriethoxysilane (CPTS) to produce 3‐isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane (IPTS). Firstly, the polymerized substrates of the pyrolysis reaction were analyzed by NMR, IR, MALDI‐TOF‐MS and TG, indicating the pyrolysis substrates were mixtures of CPTS (25 wt%), polyureas (74 wt%), imines, and other compounds (<1 wt %). The polyureas were generated by reaction of CPTS and IPTS. Then, the depolymerization of these polyureas was realized via alcoholysis in the presence of urea. It was found that the urea not only provides a carbonyl group source, but also forms hydrogen bonds with polyureas. In addition, NH3 co‐produced can also modify the reaction system microenvironment, which might be favorable for the dissociation of polyureas. With optimized conditions, more than 96 % of polymerized substrates could be reverted to CPTS for secondary cracking.
Coast to coast: High genomic connectivity in North American scoters
Authors: Sonsthagen Sarah A. , Wilson Robert E. , Lavretsky Philip , Talbot Sandra L.
Published: June 2019

Dispersal shapes demographic processes and therefore is fundamental to understanding biological, ecological, and evolutionary processes acting within populations. However, assessing population connectivity in scoters (Melanittasp.) is challenging as these species have large spatial distributions that span remote landscapes, have varying nesting distributions (disjunct vs. continuous), exhibit unknown levels of dispersal, and vary in the timing of the formation of pair bonds (winter vs. fall/spring migration) that may influence the distribution of genetic diversity. Here, we used double‐digest restriction‐associated DNA sequence (ddRAD) and microsatellite genotype data to assess population structure within the three North American species of scoter (black scoter,M. americana; white‐winged scoter,M. deglandi; surf scoter,M. perspicillata), and between their European congeners (common scoter,M. nigra; velvet scoter,M. fusca). We uncovered no or weak genomic structure (ddRADΦST < 0.019; microsatelliteFST < 0.004) within North America but high levels of structure among European congeners (ddRADΦST > 0.155, microsatelliteFST > 0.086). The pattern of limited genomic structure within North America is shared with other sea duck species and is often attributed to male‐biased dispersal. Further, migratory tendencies (east vs. west) of female surf and white‐winged scoters in central Canada are known to vary across years, providing additional opportunities for intracontinental dispersal and a mechanism for the maintenance of genomic connectivity across North America. In contrast, the black scoter had relatively elevated levels of divergence between Alaska and Atlantic sites and a second genetic cluster found in Alaska at ddRAD loci was concordant with its disjunct breeding distribution suggestive of a dispersal barrier (behavioral or physical). Although scoter populations appear to be connected through a dispersal network, a small percentage (<4%) of ddRAD loci had elevated divergence which may be useful in linking areas (nesting, molting, staging, and wintering) throughout the annual cycle.
A nonlinear multiple regression model of taste sensor data for components in sake
Authors: Satoh Masako , Takao Yoshifumi , Satoh Hideki
Published: June 2019

A nonlinear function that expresses the relationship between taste sensor data and components in sake was approximated using a polynomial of Legendre functions. First, the number of components in sake was reduced using principal component analysis. Second, the number of Legendre functions of the polynomial and their degrees were selected using a genetic algorithm. Third, the coefficients of the polynomial were calculated using multiple regression analysis. The approximation error was estimated using cross‐validation, and the number of Legendre functions and their degrees were optimized so as to maximize the generalization of the polynomial. As a result, sufficiently small approximation errors were obtained, and the explicit relationship between taste sensor data and components in sake was clarified using the polynomial. Furthermore, it was possible not only to confirm the taste sensor response but also to improve manufacturing processes of sake using the estimates of the variations in the taste sensor data.
Exposure to Copper Oxide Nanoparticles and Arsenic Causes Intergenerational Effects on Rice (Oryza sativa japonica Koshihikari) Seed Germination and Seedling Growth
Authors: Liu Jing , Wolfe Kyle , Cobb George P.
Published: June 2019

Offspring generation (F1) rice (Oryza sativa japonica Koshihikari) seed germination and seedling growth tests were conducted for 18 d to investigate intergenerational effects of arsenic (As) and copper oxide nanoparticles (nCuO), with seeds harvested from a life cycle study exposed to As (0 and 10 mg/kg) and nCuO (0, 0.1, 1.0, 10, 50, and 100 mg/L). Seed germination and seedling growth of F1 plants were influenced by treatments experienced by parent generation (F0) plants (p < 0.05). Seeds produced from plants in F0 treatment with nCuO 50 mg/L had the lowest germination percentage and shortest seedling shoot length and root length in F1 control (F1C) and As at 10 mg/kg (F1As) alone treatments (p < 0.05). The shoot length and root length were decreased, whereas the number of root branches was increased in F1As treatment compared with F1C (p < 0.001). Interaction of As and nCuO also caused differential seed germination and seedling growth at various nCuO concentrations in quasi-F0 treatment (seeds receiving the same exposure as F0 plants; p < 0.05). Copper and As uptake in F1C seedlings were not affected by seeds’ F0 exposure; this indicated that the transgenerational effects on rice seedling growth were not dependent on total Cu or As uptake in seedlings. The enhanced effects on seedlings from quasi-F0 treatment were influenced by additional exposure to nCuO and As that also interacted to affect Cu and As uptake in seedlings. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1978–1987. © 2019 SETAC.

Abstract

The conceptual model of the experimental procedure relating both F0 test in the greenhouse and F1 test in the incubator of rice (Oryza sativa japonica “Koshihikari”) plant growth exposed to copper oxide nanoparticles (nCuO) and arsenic.
Transformation to Global Sustainability: Implications for Evaluation and Evaluators
Authors: Patton Michael Quinn
Published: June 2019

Sustainability has traditionally been associated with maintaining programs and their results over time, especially after focused funding has been withdrawn. This is a static view of sustainability. With the infusion of systems thinking and complexity theory into evaluation, and in the face of climate change and the vision for the future of humanity represented by the Sustainability Development Goals, sustainability has become associated with major and rapid transformation of global systems and the resilience of transformed systems to adapt over time. This is a dynamic view of sustainability with implications for both design of transformation initiatives and evaluating them. Evaluating transformation means transforming evaluation. Evaluation for transformational sustainability treats the whole Earth as the evaluand and the future of humanity on Earth as the essential sustainability issue, and does so with a sense of urgency.
Sustainable Development Evaluation: Understanding the Nexus of Natural and Human Systems
Authors: Uitto Juha I.
Published: June 2019

Environmental threats continue to pose fundamental challenges to the ecosystems that support human life and societies, as demonstrated by the 2018 special report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Sustainable development has three closely interlinked dimensions: social, economic, and environmental. The evaluation profession has focused primarily on the first two, while largely neglecting the environmental dimension, which is fundamental to achieving social and economic goals. As progress in moving toward sustainable development rests on the foundation of natural resources and environment, evaluation cannot continue ignoring them. Evaluating at the nexus of natural and human systems requires approaches and skillsets that encompass both domains, taking into account their differing geographic and time scales. This article draws upon the work carried out by the Global Environment Facility Independent Evaluation Office in evaluating environmental programs and projects in developing countries. The experiences highlight the need for understanding the complex dynamic systems in which the interventions operate and interact. Theory‐based evaluations must incorporate the broader system and not be constrained to the internal logic of the intervention. The article also makes the case for mixed methods approaches and methods that can be tailored to answer various types of evaluation questions. This leads to the need for multidisciplinary teams to evaluate at the nexus of environment and development.
Sustainability‐Ready Evaluation: A Call to Action
Authors: Rowe Andy
Published: June 2019

Evaluation is at the cusp of two urgent challenges: indigenous evaluation and sustainability. How we respond to these challenges can dramatically affect the future of evaluation. A sustainability‐ready evaluation will be transformative. It will be an evaluation that recognizes that human and natural systems are coupled, and that evaluation portfolios are now and will increasingly be affected by our connections to natural system forces including climate. Sustainability‐ready evaluation will be an evaluation that reaches well past the intervention to important public policy goals and to key sustainability challenges. Evaluating coupled human and natural systems will be challenging. Fortunately, technical barriers do not prevent us from starting to infuse sustainability into evaluation; the barriers are social and associated with the worldview and vision of evaluation. To facilitate the development of sustainability‐ready evaluation, this paper provides an initial checklist and references to useful resources. Absent transformations to become sustainability‐ready evaluation will lack relevance for many of the current and future key issues of our times. Fields lacking relevance are themselves not sustainable.
Effect of conducting behavioral observations and ratings on staff implementation of a paired‐stimulus preference assessment
Authors: Marano Kathleen E. , Vladescu Jason C. , Reeve Kenneth F. , Reed Florence DiGennaro
Published: June 2019

We assessed the effects of trainees observing and rating the accuracy of others implementing a paired‐stimulus preference assessment from video on the trainees' subsequent implementation accuracy. These observational experiences increased implementation accuracy with both a confederate and an actual consumer. These results suggest conducting observations and accuracy ratings may prepare staff to implement behavioral procedures without need of a dedicated trainer.