bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O PROTAGONISMO INFANTIL POR MEIO DA RESISTÊNCIA EM KAMCHATKA (2003)
Authors: Oliveira Keyla Andrea Santiago , Ribeiro Pollyanna Rosa
Published: February 2020

Our assumption is that cinema and its aesthetic devices can reveal subtleties that the daily life so often does not allow us: the child's look on the world and its inherent dramas of childhood. And what can we access about childish afflictions in the face of social control governed by the centralization of power in the military and by the loss of rights? The proposal of this work is to developa discussion about the reading of the child in a vulnerable social context through the Argentinean film Kamchatka (2003). It shows thepower of childresistance. It is from the perspective of the 10-year-old protagonist, Matías (Harry), who accompanies the confluence of tension,playfulness and also the enigma of resistance that parents experience before the dictatorship. This article is linked to the research ...,it has as a research methodology the filmic analysis and takes as theoretical reference Adorno and Horkheimer (1985), Adorno (1992), Bernadet (1985),Bordwell (2013),Gardies, Rojas (2014), Truffaut (2005).The results point to the vigor of the filmic work by unveiling the impact of the imperative penetration of barbarism of the dictatorship in the various social intricacies, especially in childrenlives.
On the contributions of non-technical stakeholders to describing UX requirements by applying proto-persona
Authors: Pinheiro Eduardo G , Lopes Larissa A. , Conte Tayana U. , Zaina Luciana A M
Published: February 2020

Context: Requirements elicitation is a software development phase that should investigate both functional and user experience (UX) requirements. Proto-persona is a technique that encourages the attention on the needs of a group of users. Usually, its elaboration is conducted by software specialists, technical stakeholders. However, non-technical stakeholders usually know more about target users and frequently do not take part in proto-persona elaboration. Objective: This work has the goal of investigating the contribution of non-technical stakeholders in the specification of UX requirements by using the proto-persona technique. For this, we explored the construction of the proto-personas and the use of these to the prototyping of solutions. Method: We carried out an empirical study in two rounds from which we analyzed and compared the contribution that technical and non-technical stakeholders had on the specification of UX requirements. In the first, 8 non-technical and 5 technical stakeholders built proto-personas. Afterwards, 18 pairs of software developers created low fidelity prototypes by using the information of proto-personas.~For the two rounds, we conducted a qualitative analysis exploring which UX requirements were described and used. Results: Our results revealed that both stakeholders have written up details of UX requirements on the artifact, however, throughout different and complementary perspectives. We also could observe that proto-personas produced by both were used on the prototyping activity. Conclusion: Our paper contributed to demonstrate that non-technical stakeholders were able to contribute to the specification of UX requirements and that proto-persona can boost such activity.
Hyperosmolarity of the Tear Film in the Dry Eye
Authors: Aguilar Alejandro , Berra Alejandro
Published: February 2020

The dry eye is a complex multifactor illness of the tear film and of the ocular surface characterized by symptoms of discomfort, vision alterations, and instability of the pre-corneal tear film which may bring about potential damage on the ocular surface. Instability of the film will produce increasing osmolarity of the tear film which will trigger epithelium osmotic lesions and inflammation. As these changes take place on the ocular surface, neurophysiologic mechanisms of homeostasis will be altered which will complicate the process even further with the cropping of vicious physiopathologic circuits.
Direct Torque Control Strategies of Induction Machine: Comparative Studies
Authors: Djamila Cherifi , Yahia Miloud
Published: February 2020

The direct torque control (DTC) was proposed as an alternative to the vector control in the middle of 1980s for AC machine control. This strategy bases on the direct determination of inverter switching states and offers a simpler scheme and less sensitivity to machine parameters. However, the variable switching frequency of DTC causes high flux and torque ripples which lead to an acoustical noise and degrade the performance of the control technique, especially at low-speed regions. In the objective of improving the performance of DTC for the induction motor, this work addresses the most important points concerning this issue. The reduction of high ripples, which are the major drawbacks, by applying a constant switching frequency using the space vector modulation (SVM) has been done firstly. Then, fuzzy DTC-SVM strategy with adaptive fuzzy-PI speed controller has been proposed. The results of all the discussed aspects of this chapter have been obtained by numerical simulation using MATLAB/Simulink software.
Virtual Reality: A Tool for Improving the Teaching and Learning of Technology Education
Authors: Nicholas Ogbonna Onele
Published: February 2020

This work dealt with technology education, its expectations and present state, especially in developing countries. It looked at virtual reality: its development, types, uses and how it can be applied to improve teaching and learning. It also looked at different works that compared virtual reality, and other educational technology tools were reviewed. Advantages of virtual reality were highlighted; these will include both social and academic issues. Immersive and non-immersive virtual reality for education were briefly discussed, looking at the applicability of each to teaching and learning, ease of use, cost-effectiveness and health implications.
Antimicrobial Effect of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles
Authors: López de Dicastillo Carol , Guerrero Correa Matias , B. Martínez Fernanda , Streitt Camilo , José Galotto Maria
Published: February 2020

The widespread use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, and therefore a current concern for food safety and human health. The interest for new antimicrobial substances has been focused toward metal oxide nanoparticles. Specifically, titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been considered as an attractive antimicrobial compound due to its photocatalytic nature and because it is a chemically stable, non-toxic, inexpensive, and Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance. Several studies have revealed this metal oxide demonstrates excellent antifungal and antibacterial properties against a broad range of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These properties were significantly improved by titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) synthesis. In this chapter, latest developments on routes of synthesis of TiO2 NPs and antimicrobial activity of these nanostructures are presented. Furthermore, TiO2 NPs favor the inactivation of microorganisms due to their strong oxidizing power by free radical generation, such as hydroxyl and superoxide anion radicals, showing reductions growth against several microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Understanding the main mechanisms of antimicrobial action of these nanoparticles was the second main purpose of this chapter.
Circuit Models of Bioelectric Impedance
Authors: Gabriel Gheorghe Alexandru , Constantinescu Florin , Nițescu Miruna , Eugen Marin Mihai
Published: February 2020

Accurate information about fluid distribution in different compartments of the human body is very important in various areas of medicine like drug dosage, renal replacement therapy, nutritional support, coronary artery disease, colorectal cancer and HIV infection. The body impedance analysis method being simple, inexpensive, accurate and noninvasive is largely used to this end. Several models of the body impedance are presented in this chapter. The first is the Cole model, a linear, first-order RC circuit valid for a frequency range of two decades. Another model, developed by De Lorenzo, employs a fractional-order impedance whose parameters are identified using the frequency characteristics of the impedance module and can be used for a frequency range of three decades. In addition, two other models are presented, a ladder RC model valid for a frequency range of two decades and its extension to three decades, as well as a circuit containing multiple RC branches connected in parallel. These two models are obtained by approximating the measured body admittance modulus with a physically realizable circuit function followed by the circuit synthesis. The last model can be simplified, its simplest form being the Cole model. Allowing a better prediction of the intracellular and extracellular water volumes, this model can be viewed as an extension of the Cole model.
Giant Cell Arteritis: Current Advances in Pathogenesis and Treatment
Authors: A. Dagostin Marília , M.R. Pereira Rosa
Published: February 2020

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common vasculitis in adults, with the incidence increasing with the advancing age. The aorta and its branches, especially the carotid extracranial branches, are the classic targets of inflammation in GCA. Visual loss, upper limb ischemia, and stroke are complications described. Suspicion of GCA is a medical emergency, and patients need to be quickly diagnosed/treated to prevent irreversible damage. Headache is the most common symptom, and a new-onset headache in older adults should always raise the suspicion of GCA. Patients may also present with scalp tenderness or tongue/jaw pain. GCA is often found to be the cause of an obscure-origin fever in older patients. A positive temporal artery biopsy is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis, but imaging techniques enable the assessment of cranial and extracranial arteries and the aorta. Ultrasound of temporal arteries is recommended and noncompressible “halo” sign is the typical finding. PET, MRI, or CT may be useful for the detection of the disease in the aorta and other vessels. The treatment must be started promptly with prednisone 1 mg/kg/day. When visual symptoms/unilateral visual loss is present, methylprednisolone pulse is recommended. Methotrexate, leflunomide and tocilizumab may be effective and well-tolerated glucocorticoid-sparing agents in GCA. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death in patients.
Ensayos sobre el desorden: la ciudad histórica
Authors: Rubert de Ventós Francesc Xavier
Published: February 2020

In these essays on disorder, the theoretical order and the spatial order which founds the notions of ideology, dialectics, methodology, urban planning are questioned. The author suggests reversing the meaning of the term ideology, multiplying and crossing the logic, dismantling the urban order, dribbling the control that each power system imposes on the reading of its own products.

En estos Ensayos sobre el desorden se cuestiona el orden teórico y el orden espacial en que su fundan las nociones de ideología, dialéctica, metodología, planificación urbana. El autor sugiere invertir el sentido del término ideología, multiplicar y cruzar las lógicas, desarticular el orden urbano, driblando el control que cada sistema de poder impone sobre la lectura de sus propios productos.
Open data repositories: Current risks and opportunities
Authors: Goben Abigail , Sandusky Robert J.
Published: February 2020

As data sharing has become a more familiar obligation for academic researchers, there has been a correlating increase in the roles that librarians play supporting open data repositories and providing data management consulting and services. These repositories are sponsored by governments, funding agencies, academic institutions, professional societies, and scholarly publishers.
Exploring worldviews and authorities: Library instruction in Indigenous Studies using Authority is Constructed and Contextual
Authors: Dudley Michael
Published: February 2020

The student sitting next to me in the University of Winnipeg’s Aboriginal Student Services Centre listens respectfully as I demonstrate the library catalog and databases, then turns to me. “It’s interesting,” he says. “The way the university teaches us, by explaining. It’s not like when me and my father would go into the bush.”
Experimentation in academic libraries: How to do it, and why libraries need it
Authors: Copper Cathryn
Published: February 2020

One of the most sought after skills in innovation industries is curiosity. The brilliant thing about curiosity is anybody is capable of it. It does not require intelligent genes or an expensive education. The only requirement is a willingness to try something new. Trying new things is how we advance our disciplines, so curiosity is key to any innovative field. Not surprisingly, curiosity often manifests in experimentation because experimentation, at its core, is about trying new things.
Daring librarianship: What library leaders can learn from Brene Brown
Authors: Martin Jason
Published: February 2020

Brene Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston who studies courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. Her books Daring Greatly and Dare to Lead explore how vulnerability can help us lead fulfilled lives and become courageous leaders. Brown’s writing has something for everyone, including library leaders. This article addresses Brown’s definitions of vulnerability and leadership and then briefly explores the three key benefits of vulnerability for library leaders: courage, clarity, and connection.
The Real Target of Kant’s “Refutation”
Authors: Pereira Roberto Horácio
Published: February 2020

Kant was never satisfied with the version of his “Refutation” published in 1787 (KrV, B 275-279). His dissatisfaction is already evident in the footnote added to the preface of the second edition of the Critique in 1787. As a matter of fact, Kant continued to rework his argument for at least six years after 1787. The main exegetical problem is to figure out who is the target of the “Refutation”: a non-sceptic idealist or a global sceptic of Cartesian provenance or both. In this last case, a related problem is to know whether either of them is the Cartesian sceptic of the first Meditation, the idealist sceptic of the second Meditation and first part of the third Meditation, or some other non-sceptic idealist. I present and defend a new reconstruction of Kant’s “Refu­tation” as a successful argument against Mendelssohnian idealism of Cartesian provenance. This defence is based on a simple logical sketch of the proof provided by Dicker, but essentially modified in the light of Dyck’s insight about Kant’s opponent. How shall I support my reading? First, by appealing to overwhelming textual evidence according to which the proof is of the existence of mind-independent things, showing that Kant’s main opponent is Mendelssohn’s idealism of Cartesian provenance. Finally, I support my reading by showing that Kant’s “Refutation” is doomed to fail against all forms of global scepticism, but is quite successful against Mendelssohn’s idealism.
Rompiendo cotidianidades y tejiendo redes comunitarias para desarrollar empoderamiento dialógico-colectivo
Authors: Tereso Ramírez Leonor , Carrillo Montoya Teresita Del Niño Jesús , Verdugo Araujo Luz Mercedes
Published: February 2020

El artículo tiene como objetivo presentar las formas en que las mujeres rompen cotidianidades y comienzan a tejer redes con otras mujeres, a fin de fortalecer su presencia en el espacio público-político. A través de una propuesta del proceso de empoderamiento en grados (afectivo, familiar, dialógico, laboral, económico, político y legal) se considera mostrar algunas estrategias que van marcando características que les permiten posicionarse en los espacios en que se movilizan. En esta lógica, se analiza primeramente las diversas concepciones sobre la categoría empoderamiento como fundamento del trabajo empírico posterior. El contexto de estudio es la Asociación de Madres Solteras Unidas de Sinaloa que cuenta con 15 coordinaciones, una de ellas ubicada en Elota, en la Cruz, Sinaloa, en donde se impartieron talleres y mediante la técnica de observación se seleccionaron intencionalmente a dos mujeres a quienes se les realizo una entrevista episódica.The article aims to present the ways in which women break everyday life and begin to weave networks with other women, in order to strengthen their presence in the publicpolitical space. Through a proposal of the process of empowerment in degrees (affective, family, dialogic, labor, economic, political and legal) it is considered to show some strategies that are marking characteristics that allow them to position themselves in the spaces in which they are mobilized. In this logic, the different conceptions about the category empowerment as the basis for later empirical work are analyzed first. The study context is the Association of United Single Mothers of Sinaloa which has 15 coordinations, one of them located in Elota, in La Cruz, Sinaloa, where workshops were held and by means of the observation technique two women were intentionally selected to who had an episodic interview.
Social Risk Factors for Medication Nonadherence: Findings from the CARDIA Study
Authors: Oates Gabriela R. , Juarez Lucia D. , Hansen Barbara , Kiefe Catarina I. , Shikany James M.
Published: February 2020

Objectives: Nonadherence to medications has been documented, but the combined effect of social risk factors on medication nonadherence has not been investigated. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young
Adults (CARDIA) study, a population-based prospective cohort. The sample (N = 1506) included subjects who at Year 20 (2005-06) were taking prescription medications and completed a 4-item Medication Adherence Scale. Social risk factors were education of high school or less, annual household
income <$25,000, high financial strain, high chronic stress, low social support, and high social strain. Results: In a fully adjusted logistic regression model, income <$25,000 (OR = 2.37 [95% CI 1.12-4.98], p < .05) and high chronic stress (OR = 2.07 [95% CI
1.09-3.94], p < .05) were significantly associated with medication nonadherence. Individuals with ≥3 social risk factors had >3 times higher odds of nonadherence than counterparts with no social risk factors (OR = 3.26 [95% CI 1.72–6.19], p < .001). Conclusion: Low
income and chronic stress are associated with medication nonadherence, and the odds of nonadherence increase with the accumulation of social risk factors. Findings may be used to develop risk prediction tools to identify individuals who can benefit from adherence-promoting interventions.
Do Youth Consume More Calories than they Expended in Youth Sports Leagues? An Observational Study of Physical Activity, Snacks, and Beverages
Authors: Bennion Natalie , Spruance Lori Andersen , Maddock Jay E.
Published: February 2020

Objectives: Childhood obesity rates remain high. The youth sports environment is an opportunity to combat obesity. The purpose of this study was to determine the types of beverages/ snacks provided at youth sports and determine associations between energy consumption and expenditure.
Methods: This cross-sectional study observed 4 different sports in a youth sports league (N = 189). The System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT) was used to quantify physical activity. Food environmental scans were used to quantify caloric intake. A t-test was conducted
to examine differences between energy consumption and expenditure. We conducted a separate analysis for games that did not offer snacks/beverages. Results: The average energy expenditure was 170.3 calories per game; males were more physically active than females. The average caloric
content was 213.3 calories for games that did not offer snacks/beverages and average sugar provided was 26.4 grams per game. The majority of sugar came from sugar-sweetened beverages. Conclusions: Calorie intake was higher than expenditure. Children were consuming more sugar in one
game than daily recommendations. Youth sports would benefit from an intervention aimed at the food environment.
Les majorités nationales ont-elles une couleur ?
Authors: Eid Paul
Published: February 2020

J’examine ici la pertinence de la catégorie de « blanchité » pour l’analyse du racisme en Occident. Cette catégorie, travaillée par lesWhiteness Studies, a l’avantage de rendre visibles les mécanismes systémiques garantissant aux « BlancHEs » un accès privilégié au pouvoir et aux ressources. Je ferai valoir notamment que les vives résistances suscitées au Québec par la notion de racisme systémique fut un révélateur d’une certaine « fragilité blanche » qui se manifeste, typiquement, lorsque le rôle et les intérêts des « racisantEs » dans la reproduction des rapports sociaux de « race » sont nommés et rendus visibles. Toutefois, aussi utile soit-il pour l’étude du racisme, l’usage sociologique de la notion de blanchité commande certaines précautions, afin de la complexifier et de la dégager des cadres essentialisants à travers lesquels elle est encore trop souvent appréhendée au sein desWhiteness Studies. Je soutiendrai en outre qu’on ne peut penser la blanchité sans réfléchir conjointement au processus de construction de la nation et de ses étrangers intérieurs. Par ailleurs, l’expérience de la blanchité varie en fonction des rapports mutuellement structurants entre la « race » et d’autres facteurs de différenciation sociale (ex. : genre, classe).
Dans l’arrière-boutique : parcours professionnels et résidentiels de petits commerçants montréalais
Authors: Maltais Alexandre
Published: February 2020

S’appuyant sur une enquête de terrain réalisée dans deux quartiers centraux montréalais en transition socioéconomique — Hochelaga-Maisonneuve et Saint-Henri—Petite-Bourgogne —, cet article propose de suivre l’évolution récente du petit commerce à partir du vécu des commerçants. Il mobilise un corpus de 50 entretiens semi-directifs réalisés auprès de propriétaires d’établissements commerciaux de ces deux quartiers. L’analyse de ces entretiens permet, dans un premier temps, de faire ressortir la diversité des profils des commerçants en proposant une typologie de leur rapport au commerce tenant compte de leur position dans le cycle de vie, de leur situation familiale et de leur trajectoire professionnelle passée. Elle permet ensuite, dans un second temps, d’examiner leur rapport au quartier où ils tiennent boutique, en insistant sur les représentations antérieures et postérieures à leur établissement. Nous constatons ainsi que les trajectoires professionnelles et résidentielles des nouveaux commerçants sont mues par des considérations éthiques et esthétiques fortes, les rattachant plus nettement aux couches moyennes salariées dont plusieurs d’entre eux sont issus qu’à la petite bourgeoisie commerçante d’hier.
Study of physical environment based on land system map of Kabupaten Bandung
Authors: Mukhtar Mutia Kamalia , Nurwadjedi Nurwadjedi
Published: February 2020

The environmental  damage in Kabupaten Bandung is critical. To solve the environmental problems,  the integrated spatial data of the physical environment is required.   Land system data as  the integrated spatial data which describes the characteristics of land are useful for the analysis and  evaluation of the environmental conditions. The objective of the study is to describe the characteristics of the physical environment of Kabupaten Bandung based on the land system map  for the input of  decision-making in achieving  sustainable development. The study used the spatial analysis and descriptive analytical method. The land system data was obtained  from the Badan Informasi Geospaasial (BIG). The results show that the landforms in Kabupaten Bandung are dominated by volcanic and fluvial landforms. The volcanic landforms has morphology dominated by mountainous areas with the slope steepness more than 45% and  the soil types of andosols. The land capability of these mountainous areas belongs to grade 7 (for conservation areas). The fluvial landforms are lacustrine plains, which are prone to flood due to inundation.  From this study, it is concluded that the land utilization in Kabupaten Bandung, particularly in mountainous areas, is not in accordance with the land  carrying capacity. To achieve the sustainable development, the land utilization should consider the regulation of spatial planning, by which the lands with slope steepness more than 40% are categorized as protected areas.

 

 Keywords: Land system, land characteristics, landform, suistanable development
Cohesin controls intestinal stem cell identity by maintaining association of Escargot with target promoters
Authors: Khaminets Aliaksandr , Ronnen-Oron Tal , Baldauf Maik , Meier Elke , Jasper Heinrich
Published: February 2020

Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) maintain regenerative capacity of the intestinal epithelium. Their function and activity are regulated by transcriptional changes, yet how such changes are coordinated at the genomic level remains unclear. The Cohesin complex regulates transcription globally by generating topologically-associated DNA domains (TADs) that link promotor regions with distant enhancers. We show here that the Cohesin complex prevents premature differentiation of Drosophila ISCs into enterocytes (ECs). Depletion of the Cohesin subunit Rad21 and the loading factor Nipped-B triggers an ISC to EC differentiation program that is independent of Notch signaling, but can be rescued by over-expression of the ISC-specific escargot (esg) transcription factor. Using damID and transcriptomic analysis, we find that Cohesin regulates Esg binding to promoters of differentiation genes, including a group of Notch target genes involved in ISC differentiation. We propose that Cohesin ensures efficient Esg-dependent gene repression to maintain stemness and intestinal homeostasis.
Stochastic yield catastrophes and robustness in self-assembly
Authors: Gartner Florian M , Graf Isabella R , Wilke Patrick , Geiger Philipp M , Frey Erwin
Published: February 2020

A guiding principle in self-assembly is that, for high production yield, nucleation of structures must be significantly slower than their growth. However, details of the mechanism that impedes nucleation are broadly considered irrelevant. Here, we analyze self-assembly into finite-sized target structures employing mathematical modeling. We investigate two key scenarios to delay nucleation: (i) by introducing a slow activation step for the assembling constituents and, (ii) by decreasing the dimerization rate. These scenarios have widely different characteristics. While the dimerization scenario exhibits robust behavior, the activation scenario is highly sensitive to demographic fluctuations. These demographic fluctuations ultimately disfavor growth compared to nucleation and can suppress yield completely. The occurrence of this stochastic yield catastrophe does not depend on model details but is generic as soon as number fluctuations between constituents are taken into account. On a broader perspective, our results reveal that stochasticity is an important limiting factor for self-assembly and that the specific implementation of the nucleation process plays a significant role in determining the yield.
Defective lytic transglycosylase disrupts cell morphogenesis by hindering cell wall de-O-acetylation in Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Williams Allison Hillary , Wheeler Richard , Deghmane Ala-Eddine , Santecchia Ignacio , Schaub Ryan E , Hicham Samia , Moya Nilges Maryse , Malosse Christian , Chamot-Rooke Julia , Haouz Ahmed , Dillard Joseph P , Robins William P , Taha Muhamed-Kheir , Gomperts Boneca Ivo
Published: February 2020

Lytic transglycosylases (LT) are enzymes involved in peptidoglycan (PG) remodeling. However, their contribution to cell-wall-modifying complexes and their potential as antimicrobial drug targets remains unclear. Here, we determined a high-resolution structure of the LT, an outer membrane lipoprotein from Neisseria species with a disordered active site helix (alpha helix 30). We show that deletion of the conserved alpha-helix 30 interferes with the integrity of the cell wall, disrupts cell division, cell separation, and impairs the fitness of the human pathogen Neisseria meningitidis during infection. Additionally, deletion of alpha-helix 30 results in hyperacetylated PG, suggesting this LtgA variant affects the function of the PG de-O-acetylase (Ape 1). Our study revealed that Ape 1 requires LtgA for optimal function, demonstrating that LTs can modulate the activity of their protein-binding partner. We show that targeting specific domains in LTs can be lethal, which opens the possibility that LTs are useful drug-targets.
Quantitative analysis of how Myc controls T cell proteomes and metabolic pathways during T cell activation
Authors: Marchingo Julia M , Sinclair Linda V , Howden Andrew JM , Cantrell Doreen A
Published: February 2020

T cell expansion and differentiation are critically dependent on the transcription factor c-Myc (Myc). Herein we use quantitative mass-spectrometry to reveal how Myc controls antigen receptor driven cell growth and proteome restructuring in murine T cells. Analysis of copy numbers per cell of >7000 proteins provides new understanding of the selective role of Myc in controlling the protein machinery that govern T cell fate. The data identify both Myc dependent and independent metabolic processes in immune activated T cells. We uncover that a primary function of Myc is to control expression of multiple amino acid transporters and that loss of a single Myc-controlled amino acid transporter effectively phenocopies the impact of Myc deletion. This study provides a comprehensive map of how Myc selectively shapes T cell phenotypes, revealing that Myc induction of amino acid transport is pivotal for subsequent bioenergetic and biosynthetic programs and licences T cell receptor driven proteome reprogramming.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of the soybean SOD family during alkaline stress
Authors: Lu Wenxiu , Duanmu Huizi , Qiao Yanhua , Jin Xiaoxia , Yu Yang , Yu Lijie , Chen Chao
Published: February 2020

Background

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) proteins, as one kind of the antioxidant enzymes, play critical roles in plant response to various environment stresses. Even though its functions in the oxidative stress were very well characterized, the roles of SOD family genes in regulating alkaline stress response are not fully reported.

Methods

We identified the potential family members by using Hidden Markov model and soybean genome database. The neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree and exon-intron structures were generated by using software MEGA 5.0 and GSDS online server, respectively. Furthermore, the conserved motifs were analyzed by MEME online server. The syntenic analysis was conducted using Circos-0.69. Additionally, the expression levels of soybean SOD genes under alkaline stress were identified by qRT-PCR.

Results

In this study, we identified 13 potential SOD genes in soybean genome. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that SOD genes could be classified into three subfamilies, including MnSODs (GmMSD1–2), FeSODs (GmFSD1–5) and Cu/ZnSODs (GmCSD1–6). We further investigated the gene structure, chromosomal locations and gene-duplication, conserved domains and promoter cis-elements of the soybean SOD genes. We also explored the expression profiles of soybean SOD genes in different tissues and alkaline, salt and cold stresses, based on the transcriptome data. In addition, we detected their expression patterns in roots and leaves by qRT-PCR under alkaline stress, and found that different SOD subfamily genes may play different roles in response to alkaline stress. These results also confirmed the hypothesis that the great evolutionary divergence may contribute to the potential functional diversity in soybean SOD genes. Taken together, we established a foundation for further functional characterization of soybean SOD genes in response to alkaline stress in the future.
Niche differentiation in the rhizosphere and endosphere fungal microbiome of wild Paris polyphylla Sm.
Authors: Wang Yan , Wang Hanping , Cheng HuYin , Chang Fan , Wan Yi , She Xiaoping
Published: February 2020

Background

The plant microbiome is one of the key determinants of plant health and metabolite production. The plant microbiome affects the plant’s absorption of nutrient elements, improves plant tolerance to negative environmental factors, increases the accumulation of active components, and alters tissue texture. The microbial community is also important for the accumulation of secondary metabolites by plants. However, there are few studies on the niche differentiation of endophytic microorganisms of plants, especially at different elevations.

Methods

We investigated the effects of altitude on the community composition of endophytic fungal communities and the differentiation of endophytic microorganisms among different niches in Paris polyphylla Sm. The rhizosphere soil, roots, rhizomes and leaves of wild-type P. polyphylla Sm. at different altitudes were sampled, and the fungal communities of all samples were analyzed by internal transcribed spacer one amplification sequencing.

Results

The results showed that in rhizosphere soil, the number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) that could be classified or identified decreased significantly with increasing altitude, whereas in the endosphere of plants, the total number of OTUs was higher at intermediate altitudes than other altitudes. Furthermore, the structural variability in the rhizosphere fungal community was significantly lower than that in the endophytic communities. In addition, our results confirmed the presence of niche differentiation among members of the endophytic microbial community. Finally, we also determined that the predominant genus of mycobiota in the rhizome was Cadophora. This study provides insight into the relationships between the endosphere microbiome and plants and can guide the artificial cultivation of this plant.
Does size matter? Morphometrics of southern bent-winged bats (Miniopterus orianae bassanii) and eastern bent-winged bats (Miniopterus orianae oceanensis)
Authors: Holz Peter H. , Lumsden Lindy F. , Reardon Terry , Gray Paul , Hufschmid Jasmin
Published: February 2020

The population size of the southern bent-winged bat, a critically endangered bat subspecies, has significantly declined in the last 50 years. As part of a larger study to determine whether disease could be a contributing factor to this decline, morphometric data was gathered for southern bent-winged bats and compared with the more common eastern bent-winged bats. Southern bent-winged bats were heavier, but forearm length was not significantly different between the two subspecies. This suggests that southern bent-winged bats may require more energy to fly and forage than eastern bent-winged bats. Consequently, southern bent-winged bats may need to consume more food on a daily basis, potentially increasing their susceptibility to adverse conditions such as drought.
Impacts of Supervisor Support on Turnover Intentions: Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction
Authors: Iqbal Shuja , Hongyun Tian , Akhtar Shamim , Ahmad Usama , Nyarko Ankomah Fred
Published: February 2020

Skilled employees plays a key role in any organization’s success. Loosing talented employees negatively impacts the functioning of the organizations. In the fierce competition age human resource managers strive for retaining the employees for longer duration to maximize their potentials. This study focuses on finding the direct path effects of supervisor support and job satisfaction on employee turnover intentions; and indirect path effect of job satisfaction between the relationship of supervisor support and turnover intention. The study implied the quantitative approach using a questionnaire data collection method. 200 questionnaires were distributed mostly among the manufacturing firms’ employees following simple random sampling technique. 173 validated responses were further analyzed in Smart-PLS through multiple tests and PLS structured equation modeling technique. The findings revealed positive and significant relationships among the direct path relationships of supervisor support and turnover intention, supervisor support and job satisfaction and job satisfaction and turnover intention. Moreover, indirect path relationship of job satisfaction between the relationship of supervisor support and turnover intention was also positive and significant. This study has substantial implications for manufacturing firms to develop supervisor support strategies to enhance employee retention by reducing turnover.
The Chemistry of Multibonded Organoboron Compounds
Authors: Devillard Marc , Alcaraz Gilles
Published: February 2020

Multiply bonded boron species are fascinating objects of study addressing concerns about the chemical bonding. Although mostly exemplified with light p‐block elements, the use of Group 6–10 transition metals as models to more clearly understand and rationalize the bonding in this family of compounds has also proved successful. In this prospect, the interplay between experiment and theory pushes forward the frontiers of the analysis based on the metric parameters, and it clearly appears that the notion of doubly or triply bonded boron in such species must be qualified. The bond orders are more often partial involving more or less polarized bonds responsible for the chemical reactivity. These features are developed in this chapter starting with the nearest neighbors of boron and finishing with the case of transition metals.
Apatite‐Binding Nanoparticulate Agonist of Hedgehog Signaling for Bone Repair
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Fan Jiabing , Lee Chung‐Sung , Kim Soyon , Chen Chen , Aghaloo Tara , Lee Min
Published: February 2020

The hedgehog signaling pathway plays a critical role in bone development and regeneration. Applications of hedgehog morphogens or small molecular agonists are of interest in bone repair but constrained by low stability, high dose requirement, and nonspecific targeting in vivo. Herein, a nanoparticulate agonist as a new type of hedgehog signaling activator is developed for efficacious bone healing. The shell of nanoparticulate agonist consists of palmitic acid and oxysterol, which could modify hedgehog function and bind with the smoothened receptor to positively modulate hedgehog signaling. Meanwhile, the core is assembled with the sonic hedgehog gene/polyethyleneimine complex, which could synergistically enhance hedgehog signaling with oxysterol constituents. Moreover, alendronate is introduced into the nanoparticulate agonist to bind with hydroxyapatite for potential bone tissue targeting. Lastly, the nanoparticulate agonist surface is decorated with the guanidine group to overcome cell membrane barriers. The created multifunctional nanoparticulate agonist is successfully integrated onto apatite‐coated 3D scaffolds and demonstrates greatly improved osteogenesis in vitro and calvarial bone healing. This work suggests a novel biomaterial design to specifically promote hedgehog signaling for the treatment of bone defects.
Experimental Demonstration of an Extreme Subwavelength Nanomagnetic Acoustic Antenna Actuated by Spin–Orbit Torque from a Heavy Metal Nanostrip
Authors: Abeed Md Ahsanul , Bandyopadhyay Supriyo
Published: February 2020

A novel on‐chip extreme subwavelength “acoustic antenna” whose radiation efficiency is ≈50 times larger than the theoretical limit for a resonantly driven antenna is demonstrated. The antenna is composed of magnetostrictive nanomagnets deposited on a piezoelectric substrate. The nanomagnets are partially in contact with a heavy metal (Pt) nanostrip. Passage of alternating current through the nanostrip exerts alternating spin–orbit torque on the nanomagnets and periodically rotates their magnetizations. During the rotation, the magnetostrictive nanomagnets expand and contract, thereby setting up alternating tensile and compressive strain in the piezoelectric substrate underneath. This leads to the generation of a surface acoustic wave in the substrate and makes the nanomagnet assembly act as an acoustic antenna. The measured radiation efficiency of this acoustic antenna at the detected frequency is ≈1%, while the wavelength to antenna dimension ratio is ≈67:1. For a standard antenna driven at acoustic resonance, the efficiency would have been limited to ≈(1/67)2 = 0.02%. It became possible to beat that limit (by ≈50 times) via actuating the antenna not at acoustic resonance, but by using a completely different mechanism involving spin–orbit torque originating from the giant spin Hall effect in Pt.
Amorphous Ni–Fe–Mo Suboxides Coupled with Ni Network as Porous Nanoplate Array on Nickel Foam: A Highly Efficient and Durable Bifunctional Electrode for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Li Yong‐Ke , Zhang Geng , Lu Wang‐Ting , Cao Fei‐Fei
Published: February 2020

It is a great challenge to fabricate electrode with simultaneous high activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, a high‐performance bifunctional electrode formed by vertically depositing a porous nanoplate array on the surface of nickel foam is provided, where the nanoplate is made up by the interconnection of trinary Ni–Fe–Mo suboxides and Ni nanoparticles. The amorphous Ni–Fe–Mo suboxide and its in situ transformed amorphous Ni–Fe–Mo (oxy)hydroxide acts as the main active species for HER and OER, respectively. The conductive network built by Ni nanoparticles provides rapid electron transfer to active sites. Moreover, the hydrophilic and aerophobic electrode surface together with the hierarchical pore structure facilitate mass transfer. The corresponding water electrolyzer demonstrates low cell voltage (1.50 V @ 10 mA cm−2 and 1.63 V @ 100 mA cm−2) with high durability at 500 mA cm−2 for at least 100 h in 1 m KOH.
Dialkylcarbamoyl chloride-coated versus alginate dressings after pilonidal sinus excision: a randomized clinical trial (SORKYSA study)
Authors: Romain B , Mielcarek M , Delhorme J B , Meyer N , Brigand C , Rohr S , Chilintseva N , Knepfler T , Manfredelli S , Simeu B , Tréchot B , Triki E , Valero E , Di Liberatore M , Gergeanu S , Ionescu R , Mihaescu G , Nicolae M , Patrice D , Zeca I , Barsotti P , Dan S
Published: February 2020

Background

Disease of the pilonidal sinus is a common condition that affects mainly young adults. Options for management include excision of the sinus tracts, leaving the wound open to heal by secondary intention. The aim of this study was to compare wound healing with dialkylcarbamoyl chloride (DACC)-coated dressings versus alginate dressings.

Methods

This multicentre trial randomized consecutive patients undergoing surgery for pilonidal disease to postoperative wound care with either DACC-coated or alginate dressings. The primary outcome was the proportion of wounds healed after 75 days. Secondary outcomes were the local status of wounds during the healing process, the quality assessment of the dressings by the patient, and the time needed to return to usual activities.

Results

A total of 246 patients were included: 120 in the DACC-coated group and 126 in the alginate group. In per-protocol analysis, there were significantly more patients with completely healed wounds after 75 days in the DACC group than in the alginate group: 78 of 103 (75·7 per cent) versus 58 of 97 (60 per cent) respectively (odds ratio 2·55, 95 per cent c.i. 1·12 to 5·92; P = 0·023). During follow-up, wounds with alginate dressings had more fibrin than those with DACC-coated dressings, but the difference was not significant (P = 0·079). There was no difference between the two arms in patients' assessment of the dressings.

Conclusion

The number of wounds completely healed at 75 days was significantly higher for DACC-coated compared with alginate dressings. However, the preplanned, clinically significant improvement in healing of 20 per cent was not reached. Registration number: NCT02011802 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/).
Impact of somatic mutations on prognosis in resected non‐small‐cell lung cancer: The Japan Molecular Epidemiology for lung cancer study
Authors: Tamiya Akihiro , Koh Yasuhiro , Isa Shun‐ichi , Kubo Akihito , Ando Masahiko , Saka Hideo , Yoshimoto Naoki , Takeo Sadanori , Adachi Hirofumi , Tagawa Tsutomu , Kawashima Osamu , Yamashita Motohiro , Kataoka Kazuhiko , Takenoyama Mitsuhiro , Takeuchi Yukiyasu , Watanabe Katsuya , Matsumura Akihide , Kawaguchi Tomoya
Published: February 2020

Background

To report the follow up data and clinical outcomes of the JME study (UMIN 000008177), a prospective, multicenter, molecular epidemiology examination of 876 surgically resected non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases, and the impact of somatic mutations (72 cancer‐associated genes) on recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

Methods

Patients were enrolled between July 2012 and December 2013, with follow up to 30th November 2017. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the impact of gene mutations on RFS and OS, considering sex, smoking history, age, stage, histology, EGFR, KRAS, TP53, and number of coexisting mutations.

Results

Of 876 patients, 172 had ≥2 somatic mutations. Median follow‐up was 48.4 months. On multivariate analysis, number of coexisting mutations (≥2 vs 0 or 1, HR = 2.012, 95% CI: 1.488‐2.695), age (≥70 vs <70 years, HR = 1.583, 95% CI: 1.229‐2.049), gender (male vs female, HR = 1.503, 95% CI: 1.045‐2.170) and pathological stage (II vs I, HR = 3.386, 95% CI: 2.447‐4.646; ≥III vs I, HR = 6.307, 95% CI: 4.680‐8.476) were significantly associated with RFS, while EGFR mutation (yes vs no, HR = 0.482, 95% CI: 0.309‐0.736), number of coexisting mutations (≥2 vs 0 or 1, HR = 1.695, 95% CI: 1.143‐2.467), age (≥70 vs <70 years, HR = 1.932, 95% CI: 1.385‐2.726), and pathological stage (II vs I, HR = 2.209, 95% CI: 1.431‐3.347; ≥III vs I, HR = 5.286, 95% CI: 3.682‐7.566) were also significant for OS.

Conclusion

A smaller number of coexisting mutations, earlier stage, and younger age were associated with longer RFS and OS, while EGFR mutations were significantly associated with improved OS.
From the Amelioration of a NADP+‐dependent Formate Dehydrogenase to the Discovery of a New Enzyme: Round Trip from Theory to Practice
Authors: Robescu Marina Simona , Rubini Rudy , Beneventi Elisa , Tavanti Michele , Lonigro Chiara , Zito Francesca , Filippini Francesco , Cendron Laura , Bergantino Elisabetta
Published: February 2020

NADP+‐dependent formate dehydrogenases (FDHs) are biotechnologically relevant enzymes for cofactors regeneration in industrial processes employing redox biocatalysts. Their effective applicability is however hampered by the low cofactor and substrate affinities of the few enzymes described so far. After different efforts to ameliorate the previously studied GraFDH from the acidobacterium Granulicella mallensis MP5ACTX8, an enzyme having double (NAD+ and NADP+) cofactor specificity, we started over our search with the advantage of hindsight. We identified and characterized GraFDH2, a novel highly active FDH, which proved to be a good NAD+‐dependent catalyst. A rational engineering approach permitted to switch its cofactor specificity, producing an enzyme variant that displays a 10‐fold activity improvement over the wild‐type enzyme with NADP+. Such variant resulted to be one of the best performing enzyme among the NADP+‐dependent FDHs reported so far in terms of catalytic performance.
Enhanced performance of the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology: Point of view from an Asian country
Authors: Higuchi Kayoko , Urano Makoto , Nakaguro Masato
Published: February 2020

In this issue of Cancer Cytopathology, Lee et al describe their experience with the Milan system in Singapore in a retrospective study over 10 years. Diagnosing lymphoid lesions and Warthin tumors is often a challenging issue in salivary gland fine needle aspiration cytology.