bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Art and Design Education in the Times of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic in Turkey
Authors: Caglayan Evrim
Published: October 2021

The Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, which started in the People’s Republic of China in December 2019, spread to the entire world at the beginning of 2020 and affected all areas of social life. Under the measures were taken by governments; education in countries was stopped temporary and art and design education were carried to the computer environment. This research aims to determine the students’ opinions about the art and design education are made through distance education during the Covid-19 pandemic. A descriptive research method was used to determine the current situation. The data required for the research were collected with a data collection tool developed by the researcher. The obtained data were analysed using frequency (f) and percentage (%) and the results of the research are revealed. As a result of the research, it has been found that following art and design education with a distance education model was not convenient for the majority of students. In addition to this result, it has also been found that 224 of 326 students felt that they could not achieve the aims of practical courses in the distance education model. From all these mentioned results, it may be recommended that additional measures should be taken to transfer the aim of practical courses to students in distance education.
Relationships between Scientific Collaboration Ego Network and Academic Influence: An Empirical Examination of Intelligence Science Scholar in China
Authors: Xiao Xiangjin , Prompanyo Manoch
Published: October 2021

In this study, the author collaboration network is established by taking the national social science fund papers in the field of intelligence science included in CSSCI as the data source and the paper collaboration relationship of high-yielding authors as the research object. The connection structure and influence of nodes in the network are analyzed by using the Ego-network analysis method, and the network size, intensity, density of high-yielding author ego-network and the relationship with the influence of academic influence of researchers are found out. Measures of academic influence were also validated analytically. The size of collaboration network and the strength of connection between network members of researchers are positively correlated with academic influence, and there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between network density and academic influence. Finally, this study proposes suggestions on how researchers can strengthen academic collaboration to enhance academic influence.
A Review of Pragmatic Competence in BELF Interactions
Authors: Chen Jialiang
Published: October 2021

Globalization has transformed English from a foreign language into a lingua franca. The pragmatic paradigm and pragmatic features of English as a lingua franca (ELF), are different from those of native English, especially in the business context, defined as English as a business lingua franca (BELF), which has contributed to a series of studies on pragmatic competence, pragmatic strategies and pragmatic awareness in the (B)ELF context. Relevant studies offer insights into the pragmatic competence of BELF users, which is crucial in the accomplishment of communicative goals in business settings. This paper first reviews relevant theoretical studies on (B)ELF and evaluates their characteristics from the perspective of pragmatics. Then, the focus is placed upon the diversified features of interpersonal pragmatic competence and intercultural pragmatic competence in the BELF context, revealing that the traditional paradigm of pragmatic competence based on native English does not apply to this diversified intercultural context. This paper argues for a re-conceptualization of pragmatic competence in the BELF context and a re-examination of the institutional features of BELF interactions and the dynamics of pragmatic competence, pragmatic strategies, and pragmatic awareness in this context.
A eficácia da acupuntura no tratamento e prevenção de rugas: revisão bibliográfica
Authors: Ribeiro Haranda Pereira
Published: October 2021

A acupuntura promove o tratamento e a prevenção de rugas apresentando resultados como promoção de um lifting natural, que não altera a expressão facial e possui inúmeras vantagens como não ter necessidade de tempo para recuperação, além de ter um custo baixo e não tem efeitos colaterais tendo como efeito o reequilíbrio facial além do rejuvenescimento. O estudo será a partir da seguinte questão norteadora: qual a eficácia da acupuntura no tratamento e prevenção de rugas? O objetivo geral desse estudo é realizar um levantamento bibliográfico sobre a importância da acupuntura no tratamento e prevenção de rugas. Os objetivos específicos são: avaliar os efeitos da acupuntura na atenuação das rugas no tratamento facial; mostrar uma das alternativas mais produtivas de tratamento para rugas na atualidade. A pesquisa se justifica pela sua importância e relevância, pois a Acupuntura tem sido de grande valia no âmbito da estética, atuando na melhoria do corpo e mente, promovendo o bem-estar e restauração da pele influenciando na qualidade de vida. O Tratamento de Acupuntura Facial é baseado nos princípios da Medicina Tradicional Chinesa e envolve a inserção de agulhas finas em pontos específicos da face para manipular o movimento de energia no corpo de acordo com o indivíduo e as suas necessidades.
Mapping the fly’s ‘brain in the brain’
Authors: Heinze Stanley
Published: October 2021

Studying neurons and their connections in the central complex of the fruit fly reveals new insights into how their structure and function shape perception and behavior.
Effectiveness of I’m Learning for achieving quality learning environments
Authors: Zook Lisa , Ryall Cameron
Published: October 2021

From 2013 to 2017, Save the Children Norway tested the hypothesis that a global framework could be used to empower locally driven solutions within the education sector. It did so by galvanizing support and aligning stakeholders to common goals articulated through the Quality Learning Environment Framework but allowing each community context to determine its own path for achieving those goals. This article explores the effectiveness and impact of these projects across the three pilot countries of Cambodia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe as defined by the original project goals, outcomes, and objectives. Reflecting on both qualitative and quantitative data gathered throughout the life of the project, the article speaks to project impact and achievements as well as operational findings including commonalities and differences between the three pilot projects and keys to success. It outlines lessons learned across the programming sites and in doing so it explores the role of a large International Non-Governmental Organization as a catalyst for change. Finally, it discusses the rigorous research and reporting framework driven by funders and development agencies, the rigidity of which struggled to capture the emergent nature of locally driven solutions.
Blood cells and hematological parameters of the mountain dragon, Diploderma micangshanensis (Squamata: Lacertilia: Agamidae)
Authors: Bai Yinlong , Li Guanglu , Lin Shuaichao , Xiong Jianli
Published: October 2021

Hematological characteristics reflect the health status of animals and their physiological adaptation to the environment. However, few studies focused on the species of Diploderma. In this study, the blood cells and the hematological parameters of Diploderma micangshanensis, a species endemic to China, were examined based on 48 healthy adult (32 males and 16 females). The blood cells and hematological parameters of D. micangshanensis were similar to those of other lizard species. Although the values of erythrocyte morphometric characters and hematological parameters varied between males and females, the differences were only significant in the case of the hematocrit and erythrocyte size, which may allow for higher oxygen availability in males. Hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and mean corpuscle volume were strongly affected by the snout-vent length and/or body mass, which reflect the physiological adaptation to the oxygen requirement of different individuals. This is the first report of hematological data from a species of Diploderma, and the results will provide data for research on the adaptive evolution and health assessment in this species and other congeners.
Políticas de regeneración urbana a través de la cultura en ciudades latinoamericanas
Authors: Zarlenga Matías
Published: October 2021

Hacia comienzos de la década de los noventa, numerosas ciudades latinoamericanas empezaron a implementar políticas públicas en pos de revitalizar los deteriorados centros históricos, las antiguas zonas portuarias e industriales. En la mayoría de estas intervenciones la cultura ha desempeñado un papel relevante como instrumento de la revitalización. Sin embargo, esta clase de políticas públicas no ha sido analizada dentro del marco de los procesos de regeneración cultural urbana, quedando numerosos estudios por fuera de los debates internacionales sobre el tema. El objetivo central del presente artículo es desarrollar una tipología que pretende caracterizar las distintas orientaciones y modalidades que adquirieron las políticas de regeneración cultural urbana en Latinoamérica desde la década de los noventa hasta la actualidad. Sostenemos la existencia de tres tipos de procesos de políticas de transformación urbana a través de la cultura en Latinoamérica: la revitalización patrimonialista, la transformación cívica, y la regeneración creativa.
Awareness, Knowledge and Adoption of Sugarcane Technologies Popularization through AICRP - A Case in the Theni District of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Velusamy R. , Prabhakaran J.
Published: October 2021

The study was conducted to know the knowledge and adoption level of demonstrated sugarcane technologies among the AICRP sugarcane farmers in Madurai, Sivagangai, and Theni districts of Tamil Nadu. The study was conducted in Sivagangai, Madurai, and Theni districts with 120 AICRP and 120 Non AICRP sugarcane farmers. Among the 120 AICRP sugarcane farmers, the knowledge level and adoption of demonstrated technologies were assessed. The study concluded that Cent per cent of AICRIP sugarcane farmers adopted the component of Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative namely transplanting young seedlings, maintaining the wider space and drip irrigation. None of the AICRIP sugarcane farmers adopted the pit method of sugarcane cultivation in the subsequent years after the demonstration conducted through AICRIP. Half of the AICRIP farmers increased the sugarcane area in the next year due to the additional yield from the demonstration of sugarcane technologies. An overall 56.66% of farmers expressed that the pit method of sugarcane cultivation technology is very difficult to understand and it leads to non-adoption of technology after the demonstration.
Potential Impact of Climate Change on Six Economically Important Horticultural Crops in West Africa
Authors: Amuji Chinedu Felix
Published: October 2021

Colocasia esculenta (taro), Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato), Abelmoschus esculentus (okra), Ananas cosmosus (pineapple), Musa paradisiaca (plantain), and Anacardium occidentale (cashew) are economically important horticultural crops in West Africa, which are widely grown across the region under rain fed conditions. They are very important set of crops that provides income for the individuals involved with it and thus contributing to economy of West African nation’s. For Predicting the potential future habitat suitability of these crops under different climate scenarios holds significance for their continuous cultivation and effective management. The Maxent model was used in this study to predict habitat suitability of these crops under current and future climatic conditions based on two representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) for the years 2050s and 2070s. The data used were the occurrence records from Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and WorldClim’s bioclimatic environmental predictor variables. The findings of this experiment showed that the habitat suitability of some crop species will =decrease and in some it will increase. Suitable habitat was predicted to decrease within the semi-arid and arid areas of the region, especially on those countries in northern part which includes Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, as early as by 2070s. For species like okra, sweet potato and taro, there will be further decline as predicted under the higher emission scenario of RCP 8.5. The suitable habitat for cashew remained stable for future in all the models and scenarios used. This work provides the first theoretical guidance for possible future cultivation of these horticultural crops in the West Africa.
Diagnostic Evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorders, A Health Professional Survey
Authors: Saleem Khadija , Khan Muhammad Sikander Ghayas , Firdous Aayeshah , Naseer Iqra , Rashid Amna , Saleem Sadia , Naseer Alia
Published: October 2021

Background: Since the prevalence and awareness AutismSpectrum Disorders (ASD) is growing day by day, it is crucial to correctly allocate diagnosis of ASD. According to the guidelines, there should be a multi-agency strategy group for diagnosis of ASD.

Aim: To find out the diagnostic practices of ASD among different Health Professionals.

Place and Duration of Study: Riphah International University, Lahore campus. The study was conducted from October 2017 till March 2018.

Methodology: Data was collected from 116 professionals which included Speech-Language Pathologists, Pediatricians, Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Occupational Therapists by using questionnaire. A cross-sectional survey was carried out by using the technique of convenient sampling. Researcher collected the data from Riphah International University in person and some professionals were sent questionnaires online.

Results: Majority of professionals provide diagnostic service i.e. 84.4% as a part of multidisciplinary team whereas 15.6% are sole practitioners for giving diagnosis; 51.1% collaborate with other professionals to make a consensus diagnosis and the most frequently used tool by professionals for diagnosing ASD is Childhood Autism Rating Scale CARS (76.7%) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V/IV (DSM V OR IV) criteria (67.8%).

Conclusion: The professionals in the current study are using multidisciplinary approach for diagnosing ASD and a small number are sole practitioners. The most frequently used tool for diagnosing ASD are CARS and DSM V OR IV criteria. However, very few practitioners use the diagnostic tool Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule ADOS and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised ADI-R. The professionals who provide diagnosis of ASD are Speech and language Pathologists, Psychologists, pediatricians, psychiatrists and Occupational therapists.
A Prospective Observational Study on Evaluation of Therapeutic Efficacy of Antiplatelets in Coronary Artery Disease with Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty
Authors: Reddy C. Bhargava , Sree T. Akhila Saila , Samyuktha K. , Chaitanya D. Kranthi , Ugandar R. E. , Chetty C. Madhusudhana
Published: October 2021

Coronary artery disease otherwise named as Coronary heart disease. Coronary Artery Disease means narrowing of the coronary arteries. This narrowing causes reduction of blood flow to the heart muscle by buildup of plaque in the arteries of heart. A common symptom of Coronary artery disease is chest pain or chest discomfort which can travel to the shoulder, arm, back, neck or jaws. Other symptoms may include Shortness of breath, palpitations and even fatigue. Majorly antiplatelets are given in the treatment of CAD and followed by angioplasty for the clearing of plaques in the coronary artery. Collected a sample size of 200 patients, among them 126 are males and 74 are females. Patient with age group of 51-60 are more prone to CAD in both males and females. Chest pain is majorly seen in males compared to females. Chest pain, Sweating and shortness of breath is seen in both males and females and the number of male patients are more when compared to females. Patients with only shortness of breath are less when compared to other chief complaints. Social history includes Smokers are 26 (47.2%), alcoholic are 48 (57.14%).. Among all these patients the length of hospital stay of patients treated with combination of aspirin and clopidogrel is less when compared with ticagrelor, aspirin, clopidogrel.Based on the follow up observations we may consider that combination of antiplatelet therapy is effective in CAD patients undergone with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.
Bioethanol Limbah Kulit Jeruk Manis (Citrus Sinensis L. Osbeck) Sebagai Peningkatan Nilai Oktan
Authors: Sutrisno Teng , Falito Muhammad Robby , Anggono Willyanto , Simanjuntak Melvin Emil
Published: October 2021

Bioetanol merupakan biofuel yang dapat mengantikan  bahan bakar bensin. Selain itu bioetanol dihasilkan oleh proses fermentasi glukosa kemudian dilanjutkan dengan proses destilasi. Limbah kulit jeruk yang cenderung menjadi sampah organik yang tidak memiliki nilai ekonomis, mengandung kadar glukosa yang cukup tinggi. Oleh karena itu limbah kulit jeruk ini diprediksi dapat dijadikan bahan baku pembuatan bioetanol. Fermentasi dari limbah kulit jeruk ini dapat menghasilkan alkohol dengan kadar 94%. Bioethanol ini digunakan sebagai pencampur bahan bakar bensin dengan RON 90 agar dapat meningkatkan kualitas bahan bakar. Pengujian karaketerisik bioethanol dilakukan dengan pengujian parameter gum konten, kandungan sulfur, distilasi volume penguapan, dan berat jenis. Kemudian campuran bensin dengan bioethanol dengan konfigurasi E20 (20 % ethanol) dan E27 (27% ethanol). Hasil pengujian dinamometer bahan bakar E20 menunjukkan peningkatan daya 2.90% dan 3.18 % dibandingkan dengan bahan bakar bensin 100% RON 90.
Electrochemistry and Optical Microscopy
Authors: Kanoufi Frédéric
Published: October 2021

Electrochemistry exploits local current heterogeneities at various scales ranging from the micrometer to the nanometer. The last decade has witnessed unprecedented progress in the development of a wide range of electroanalytical techniques allowing to reveal and quantify such heterogeneity through multiscale and multifunctional
operando
probing of electrochemical processes. However, most of these advanced electrochemical imaging techniques, employing scanning probes, suffer from either low imaging throughput or limited imaging size. In parallel, optical microscopies, which can image a widefield of view in a single snapshot, have made considerable progress in terms of sensitivity, resolution, and implementation of detection modes. Optical microscopies are then mature enough to propose, with basic bench equipment, to probe in a nondestructive way a wide range of optical (and therefore structural) properties of a material
in situ
, in real time: under operating conditions. They offer promising alternative strategies for quantitative high‐resolution imaging of electrochemistry. The first sections recall the optical properties of materials and how they can be probed optically. They discuss fluorescence, Raman, surface plasmon resonance, scattering, or refractive index. Then the different optical microscopes used to image electrochemical processes are examined along with some strategies to extract quantitative electrochemical information from optical images. Finally, the last section reviews some examples of
in situ
imaging, at micro‐ to nanometer resolution, and quantification of electrochemical processes ranging from solution diffusion to the conversion of molecular interfaces or solids.
Nanotechnology Strategies for Plant Genetic Engineering
Authors: Yan Yong , Zhu Xiaojun , Yu Yue , Li Chao , Zhang Zhaoliang , Wang Feng
Published: October 2021

Plant genetic engineering is essential for improving crop yield, quality, and resistance to abiotic/biotic stresses for sustainable agriculture. Agrobacterium‐, biolistic bombardment‐, electroporation‐, and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐mediated genetic‐transformation systems are extensively used in plant genetic engineering. However, these systems have limitations, including species dependency, destruction of plant tissues, low transformation efficiency, and high cost. Recently, nanotechnology‐based gene‐delivery methods have been developed for plant genetic transformation. This nanostrategy shows excellent transformation efficiency, good biocompatibility, adequate protection of exogenous nucleic acids, and the potential for plant regeneration. However, the nanomaterial‐mediated gene‐delivery system in plants is still in its infancy, and there are many challenges for its broad applications. Herein, the conventional genetic transformation techniques used in plants are briefly discussed. After that, the progress in the development of nanomaterial‐based gene‐delivery systems is considered. CRISPR‐Cas‐mediated genome editing and its combined applications with plant nanotechnology are also discussed. The conceptual innovations, methods, and practical applications of nanomaterial‐mediated genetic transformation summarized herein will be beneficial for promoting plant genetic engineering in modern agriculture.
Biomembrane‐Functionalized Micromotors: Biocompatible Active Devices for Diverse Biomedical Applications
Authors: Zhang Fangyu , Mundaca‐Uribe Rodolfo , Askarinam Nelly , Li Zhengxing , Gao Weiwei , Zhang Liangfang , Wang Joseph
Published: October 2021

There has been considerable interest in developing synthetic micromotors with biofunctional, versatile, and adaptive capabilities for biomedical applications. In this perspective, cell membrane‐functionalized micromotors emerge as an attractive platform. This new class of micromotors demonstrates enhanced propulsion and compelling performance in complex biological environments, making them suitable for various in vivo applications, including drug delivery, detoxification, immune modulation, and phototherapy. This article reviews various proof‐of‐concept studies based on different micromotor designs and cell membrane coatings in these areas. The review focuses on the motor structure and performance relationship and highlights how cell membrane functionalization overcomes the obstacles faced by traditional synthetic micromotors while imparting them with unique capabilities. Overall, the cell membrane‐functionalized micromotors are expected to advance micromotor research and facilitate its translation towards practical uses.
Metal‐Ion Oligomerization Inside Electrified Carbon Micropores and its Effect on Capacitive Charge Storage
Authors: Wei Jiaqi , Zhong Lixiang , Xia Huarong , Lv Zhisheng , Diao Caozheng , Zhang Wei , Li Xing , Du Yonghua , Xi Shibo , Salanne Mathieu , Chen Xiaodong , Li Shuzhou
Published: October 2021

Ion adsorption inside electrified carbon micropores is pivotal for the operation of supercapacitors. Depending on the electrolyte, two main mechanisms have been identified so far, the desolvation of ions in solvents and the formation of superionic states in ionic liquids. Here, it is shown that upon confinement inside negatively charged micropores, transition‐metal cations dissolved in water associate to form oligomer species. They are identified using in situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. The cations associate one with each other via hydroxo bridging, forming ionic oligomers under the synergic effect of spatial confinement and Coulombic screening. The oligomers display sluggish dissociation kinetics and accumulate upon cycling, which leads to supercapacitor capacitance fading. They may be dissolved by applying a positive potential, so an intermittent reverse cycling strategy is proposed to periodically evacuate micropores and revivify the capacitance. These results reveal new insights into ion adsorption and structural evolution with their effects on the electrochemical performance, providing guidelines for designing advanced supercapacitors.
Green Photothermal Ink for 0D to 3D Solar‐Driven Devices
Authors: Chen Honglei , Shen Ting , Li Yu‐Tang , Chen Xiaolan , Yang Hao‐Cheng , Li Weihua
Published: October 2021

Photothermal materials as well as their forms and structures play a crucial role in the performance and applications of solar‐driven devices. There is a growing demand for low‐cost, easy‐to‐shape, and eco‐friendly photothermal materials to meet sustainable development. Therefore, a green photothermal ink with excellent photothermal capacity and highly accessible via Chinese ink and alginate is proposed. This photothermal ink can be easily fabricated and shaped into 0D to 3D (e.g., granules, fibers, films/felts, and sponges) solar‐driven devices by simple processes. Among them, the photothermal sponge displays excellent evaporation performance in solar desalination with an evaporation rate of 1.44 kg m−2 h−1 under one solar irradiation. The photothermal felt can accelerate ice melting and absorb the melted ice and prevent the substrate from freezing again. The photothermal granules can capture the moisture from the humid air and release the absorbed water under sunlight. The present photothermal ink provides a good strategy for solar‐driven devices in different practical applications.
Comparative anatomy and genetic bases of fruit development in selected Rubiaceae (Gentianales)
Authors: Salazar‐Duque Héctor , Alzate Juan F. , Urrea Trujillo Aura , Ferrándiz Cristina , Pabón‐Mora Natalia
Published: October 2021

Premise

The Rubiaceae are ideal for studying the diversity of fruits that develop from flowers with inferior ovary. We aimed to identify morpho‐anatomical changes during fruit development that distinguish those derived from the carpel versus the extra‐carpellary tissues. In addition, we present the fruit genetic core regulatory network in selected Rubiaceae species and compare it in terms of copy number and expression patterns to model core eudicots in the Brassicaceae and the Solanaceae.

Methods

We used light microscopy to follow morphoanatomical changes in four selected species with different fruit types. We generated reference transcriptomes for seven selected Rubiaceae species and isolated homologs of major transcription factors involved in fruit development histogenesis, assessed their homology, identified conserved and new protein motifs, and evaluated their expression in three species with different fruit types.

Results

Our studies revealed ovary‐derived pericarp tissues versus floral‐cup‐derived epicarp tissues. Gene evolution analyses of FRUITFULL, SHATTERPROOF, ALCATRAZ, INDEHISCENT and REPLUMLESS homologs suggest that the gene complement in Rubiaceae is simpler compared to that in Brassicaceae or Solanaceae. Expression patterns of targeted genes vary in response to the fruit type and the developmental stage evaluated.

Conclusions

Morphologically similar fruits can have different anatomies as a result of convergent tissues developed from the epicarps covering the anatomical changes from the pericarps. Expression analyses suggest that the fruit patterning regulatory network established in model core eudicots cannot be extrapolated to asterids with inferior ovaries.
Muscle attachment sites and behavioral reconstruction: An experimental test of muscle‐bone structural response to habitual activity
Authors: Turcotte Cassandra M. , Rabey Karyne N. , Green David J. , McFarlin Shannon C.
Published: October 2021

Objective

Behavioral reconstruction from muscle attachment sites (entheses) is a common practice in anthropology. However, experimental evidence provides mixed support for the assumed association between enthesis size and shape with changes in habitual activity. In this study, a laboratory mouse model was used to experimentally test whether activity level and type alters muscle architecture and the underlying bone cross‐sectional geometry of entheses in order to assess the underlying assumption that behavioral changes lead to quantifiable differences in both muscle and enthesis morphology.

Materials and Methods

Female wild‐type mice were separated into one control group and two experimentally increased activity groups (running, climbing) over an 11‐week study period. At the start of the experiment, half of the mice were 4 weeks and half were 7 weeks of age. The postmortem deltoideus and biceps brachii muscles were measured for potential force production (physiological cross‐sectional area) and potential muscle excursion (fiber length). Bone cross‐sectional geometry variables were measured from microCT scans of the humerus and radius at the enthesis and non‐enthesis regions of interest across activity groups.

Results

Activity level and type altered potential force production and potential muscle excursion of both muscles in the younger cohort. We observed differences in cortical bone geometry in both the humerus enthesis and radius non‐enthesis region driven exclusively among the younger wheel‐running mice.

Discussion

These results indicate that in addition to muscle architectural changes, bone structural properties at the enthesis do show an adaptive response to increased activity, such as running but only during earlier development. However, further research is required in order to apply these findings to the reconstruction of living behavior from anthropological specimens.
An Iridium Catalytic System Compatible with Inorganic and Organic Nitrogen Sources for Dual Asymmetric Reductive Amination Reactions
Authors: Gao Zhaofeng , Liu Jingwen , Huang Haizhou , Geng Huiling , Chang Mingxin
Published: October 2021

Asymmetric reductive amination (ARA) is one of the most promising methods for the synthesis of chiral amines. Herein we report our efforts on merging two ARA reactions into a single‐step transformation. Catalyzed by a complex formed from iridium and a steric hindered phosphoramidite, readily available and inexpensive aromatic ketones initially undergo the first ARA with ammonium acetate to afford primary amines, which serve as the amine sources for the second ARA, and finally provide the enantiopure C2‐symmetric secondary amine products. The developed process competently enables the successive coupling of inorganic and organic nitrogen sources with ketones in the same reaction system. The Brønsted acid additive plays multiple roles in this procedure: it accelerates the formation of imine intermediates, minimizes the inhibitory effect of N‐containing species on the iridium catalyst, and reduces the primary amine side products.
Designing new nanoliposomal formulations and evaluating their effects on myeloid‐derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells in a colon cancer model aiming to develop an efficient delivery system for cancer treatment; an in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Taheri Ramezan Ali , Bahramifar Ali , Jaafari Mahmoud Reza , Fasihi‐Ramandi Mahdi , Emameh Reza Zolfaghari , Mohammadian Haftcheshmeh Saeed , Ebrahimi Nik Maryam
Published: October 2021

Regulfatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are common immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment. These cells, through various mechanisms, inhibit antitumor immune responses and impede effective therapies. Therefore, designing an efficient protocol for inducing immune surveillance in tumors is highly recommended. Recently, nanoliposomes have provided broad‐spectrum and state‐of‐the‐art vehicles to deliver antigens or immune system compartments in immunotherapies. It has been shown that different lipids in the structure of liposomes and various liposomal formulations can affect immune responses in the tumor microenvironment. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of four different liposomal formulations on MDSCs and Tregs in C26 tumor‐bearing mice. To this end, after preparing liposomes, they were injected into tumor‐inoculated mice and analyzed MDSC and Treg population and functions in spleen and tumor tissues. Results showed that 1,2‐dioleoyl‐3‐trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP)‐containing liposomes reduced MDSC population and activity in the spleen, but not tumor, compared with other groups significantly (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Moreover, DOTAP‐containing liposomes reduced the expression of S100A8 and arginase‐1 genes in splenic MDSCs (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we provided evidence that DOTAP‐containing liposomes contributed to stimulating immune responses and provided a situation to inhibit immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment.
Orthogonal Peptide‐Templated Labeling Elucidates Lateral ETAR/ETBR Proximity and Reveals Altered Downstream Signaling
Authors: Wolf Philipp , Mohr Alexander , Gavins Georgina , Behr Victoria , Mörl Karin , Seitz Oliver , Beck‐Sickinger Annette G.
Published: October 2021

Fine‐tuning of G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling is important to maintain cellular homeostasis. Recent studies demonstrated that lateral GPCR interactions in the cell membrane can impact signaling profiles. Here, we report on a one‐step labeling method of multiple membrane‐embedded GPCRs. Based on short peptide tags, complementary probes transfer the cargo (e. g. a fluorescent dye) by an acyl transfer reaction with high spatial and temporal resolution within 5 min. We applied this approach to four receptors of the cardiovascular system: the endothelin receptor A and B (ETAR and ETBR), angiotensin II receptor type 1, and apelin. Wild type‐like G protein activation after N‐terminal modification was demonstrated for all receptor species. Using FRET‐competent dyes, a constitutive proximity between hetero‐receptors was limited to ETAR/ETBR. Further, we demonstrate, that ETAR expression regulates the signaling of co‐expressed ETBR. Our orthogonal peptide‐templated labeling of different GPCRs provides novel insight into the regulation of GPCR signaling.
Creation of an Engineered Amide Synthetase Biocatalyst by the Rational Separation of a Two‐Step Nitrile Synthetase
Authors: Hennessy Alexis J. A. , Huang Wenli , Savary Chloé , Campopiano Dominic J.
Published: October 2021

The synthesis of amides through acid and amine coupling is one of the most commonly used reactions in medicinal chemistry, yet still requires atom‐inefficient coupling reagents. There is a current demand to develop greener, biocatalytic approaches to amide bond formation. The nitrile synthetase (NS) enzymes are a small family of ATP‐dependent enzymes which catalyse the transformation of a carboxylic acid into the corresponding nitrile via an amide intermediate. The Bacillus subtilis QueC (BsQueC) is an NS involved in the synthesis of 7‐cyano‐7‐deazaguanine (CDG) natural products. Through sequence homology and structural analysis of BsQueC we identified three highly conserved residues, which could potentially play important roles in NS substrate binding and catalysis. Rational engineering led to the creation of a NS K163A/R204A biocatalyst that converts the CDG acid into the primary amide, but does not proceed to the nitrile. This study suggests that NSs could be further developed for coupling agent‐free, amide‐forming biocatalysts.
Scalable and Selective β‐Hydroxy‐α‐Amino Acid Synthesis Catalyzed by Promiscuous l‐Threonine Transaldolase ObiH
Authors: Doyon Tyler J. , Kumar Prasanth , Thein Sierra , Kim Maeve , Stitgen Abigail , Grieger Abbigail M. , Madigan Cormac , Willoughby Patrick H. , Buller Andrew R.
Published: October 2021

Enzymes from secondary metabolic pathways possess broad potential for the selective synthesis of complex bioactive molecules. However, the practical application of these enzymes for organic synthesis is dependent on the development of efficient, economical, operationally simple, and well‐characterized systems for preparative scale reactions. We sought to bridge this knowledge gap for the selective biocatalytic synthesis of β‐hydroxy‐α‐amino acids, which are important synthetic building blocks. To achieve this goal, we demonstrated the ability of ObiH, an l‐threonine transaldolase, to achieve selective milligram‐scale synthesis of a diverse array of non‐standard amino acids (nsAAs) using a scalable whole cell platform. We show how the initial selectivity of the catalyst is high and how the diastereomeric ratio of products decreases at high conversion due to product re‐entry into the catalytic cycle. ObiH‐catalyzed reactions with a variety of aromatic, aliphatic and heterocyclic aldehydes selectively generated a panel of β‐hydroxy‐α‐amino acids possessing broad functional‐group diversity. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ObiH‐generated β‐hydroxy‐α‐amino acids could be modified through additional transformations to access important motifs, such as β‐chloro‐α‐amino acids and substituted α‐keto acids.
Application of Nanotechnology in the Production of Biohydrogen: A Review
Authors: Biswal Trinath , Shadangi Krushna Prasad , Sarangi Prakash Kumar
Published: October 2021

Hydrogen is an outstanding source of energy that does not create any hostile carbon footprint as it produces only water during combustion. The application of nanotechnology is one of the recent advanced technologies used to enhance the rate of hydrogen production from biomass. The use of nanoparticles (NPs) in the conversion process enhances this rate. Biological methods such as dark fermentation and photobiological route of conversion of biomass to hydrogen are the most suitable and cost‐effective paths. Hydrogen production with nanotechnology in dark fermentation utilizes organic or inorganic NPs in the bioreactor membrane. The efficiency of biohydrogen production depends on the concentration and nature of the NPs used, and the kind of biowastes or biomass feed. The effectiveness of both processes is discussed.
Effect of MG‐132 on myofibrillogenesis and the ubiquitination of GAPDH in quail myotubes
Authors: Dube Dipak K. , Wang Jushuo , Fan Yingli , Dube Syamalima , Abbott Lynn , Sanger Jean M. , Channaveerappa Devika , Darie Costel C. , Poiesz Bernard J. , Sanger Joseph W.
Published: October 2021

In the three‐step myofibrillogenesis model, mature myofibrils are formed through two intermediate structures: premyofibrils and nascent myofibrils. We have recently reported that several inhibitors of the Ubiquitin Proteosome System, for example, MG‐132, and DBeQ, reversibly block progression of nascent myofibrils to mature myofibrils. In this investigation, we studied the effects of MG132 and DBeQ on the expression of various myofibrillar proteins including actin, myosin light and heavy chains, tropomyosin, myomesin, and myosin binding protein‐C in cultured embryonic quail myotubes by western blotting using two loading controls—α‐tubulin and glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Surprisingly, we found that MG‐132 affected the level of expression of GAPDH but DBeQ did not. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR (qRT‐PCR) showed no significant effect of MG‐132 on GAPDH transcription. Two‐dimensional (2D) western blot analyses with extracts of control and MG‐132‐treated cells using anti‐ubiquitin antibody indicated that MG132‐treated myotubes show a stronger emitter‐coupled logic signal. However, Spot% and Spot volume calculations for all spots from both western blot film signals and matched Coomassie‐stained 2D polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the intensity of staining in a spot of ~39 kDa protein is 3.5‐fold lower in the gel of MG‐132‐treated extracts. Mass spectrometry analyses identified the ~39 kDa protein as quail GAPDH. Immunohistochemical analysis of fixed MG‐132‐treated myotubes with anti‐GAPDH antibody showed extensive clump formation, which may be analogous to granule formation by stress response factors in MG132‐treated cells. This is the first report on in vivo ubiquitination of GAPDH. This may be essential for the moonlighting (Jeffery, 1999) activity of GAPDH for tailoring stress in myotubes.
A finite element model to predict the consequences of endolymphatic hydrops in the basilar membrane
Authors: Areias Bruno , Parente Marco P. L. , Gentil Fernanda , Caroça Cristina , Paço João , Natal Jorge Renato M.
Published: October 2021

Ménière's disease is an inner ear disorder, associated with episodes of vertigo, fluctuant hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. Ménière's disease is associated with endolymphatic hydrops. Clinical evidences show that this disease is often incapacitating, negatively affecting the patients' everyday life. The pathogenesis of Ménière's disease is still not fully understood and remains unclear. Previous numerical studies available in the literature related with endolymphatic hydrops, are very scarce. The present work applies the finite element method to investigate the consequences of endolymphatic hydrops in the normal hearing, associated with the Ménière's disease. The obtained results for the steady state dynamics analysis are in accordance with clinical evidences. The results show that the basilar membrane is not affected in the same intensity along its length and that the lower frequencies are more affected by the endolymphatic hydrops. From a clinical point of view, this work shows the relationship between the increasing of the endolymphatic pressure and the development of hearing loss.
Extended boost active switch‐controlled switched inductor‐based Z‐source inverter
Authors: Das Sudhansu Sekhar , Panda Aurobinda
Published: October 2021

The presented topology in this paper represents a boosting topology known as extended boost active switch‐controlled switched inductor Z‐source inverter (EBASCSI‐ZSI). The presented topology has the ability to provide high boost output voltage with lower shoot‐through duty cycle. Three existing topologies in the field of Z‐source inverter, namely, qZSI, DA‐qZSI, and CA‐qZSI, have been compared with the presented topology. It has been found that the boosting factor of the presented topology is higher compared to the three topologies. The presented topology has used the same number of inductors and a less capacitor compared to CA‐qZSI topology, the same number of inductors and capacitors as compared to DA‐qZSI topology, a more capacitor, and an inductor compared to qZSI topology. The voltage stress across the capacitors of the presented topology is approximately the same compared to CA‐qZSI topology at higher shoot‐through state, and the voltage stress is more compared to DA‐qZSI and qZSI topologies at the same shoot‐through state. The current stress across the inductors of the presented topology is similar across some inductors of the DA‐qZSI and CA‐qZSI topologies while in some other inductors, it is lower than that of CA‐qZSI topology. The presented topology has been designed with a common ground between the source and inverter bridge while drawing continuous current from the source. The simulation model and its hardware prototype have been developed in the laboratory. The theoretical formulae obtained from the proposed model are matching with outcome of the simulation and hardware model.
Fuzzy adaptive singular value decomposition cubature Kalman filtering algorithm for lithium‐ion battery state‐of‐charge estimation
Authors: Yang Xiao , Wang Shunli , Xu Wenhua , Qiao Jialu , Yu Chunmei , Fernandez Carlos
Published: October 2021

To solve the problem of the slow convergence speed for the battery state‐of‐charge estimation of cubature Kalman filter algorithm, the ternary lithium‐ion battery is taken as the research object, and an algorithm combining the fuzzy self‐adaptation and singular value decomposition cubature Kalman filtering is proposed. The algorithm takes the system innovation and its change rate as the fuzzy input and the output as the adjustment factor, which is used to adjust the process noise covariance matrixR. The Kalman gain is adjusted through the fuzzy control ofR. To ensure the stability of the algorithm in the calculation process, the singular value decomposition is applied to cubature Kalman algorithm. Then, a second‐order RC equivalent circuit model with double internal resistance is built and tested under different conditions to verify the rationality of the improved algorithm. The verification results show that under the simple condition, the convergence speed of the proposed algorithm in the different initial state‐of‐charge values increased by 40.00% and 25.00%, the maximum estimation error of the state‐of‐charge is 2.52% and 2.51%, the Mean Absolute Error is 0.816% and 0.880%, and the Root Mean Square Error is 1.276% and 1.380%. When the initial state‐of‐charge value is 0.8, the convergence speed in the complex condition is increased by about 30.00%; the maximum estimation result error, Mean Absolute Error, and Root Mean Square Error are 2.21%, 0.222%, and 1.327%, respectively. When the initial state‐of‐charge value is 0.6, the convergence speed in the complex condition is increased by about 10.00%; the maximum estimation result error, Mean Absolute Error, and Root Mean Square Error are 2.72%, 0.941%, and 1.327%, respectively. Without reducing the estimation accuracy, the improved algorithm can significantly increase the convergence speed of predictive value tracking, which provides a theoretical basis for the wide application of lithium‐ion batteries.
Effects of sea ice decline and summer land use on polar bear home range size in the Beaufort Sea
Authors: Pagano Anthony M. , Durner George M. , Atwood Todd C. , Douglas David C.
Published: October 2021

Animals responding to habitat loss and fragmentation may increase their home ranges to offset declines in localized resources or they may decrease their home ranges and switch to alternative resources. In many regions of the Arctic, polar bears (Ursus maritimus) exhibit some of the largest home ranges of any quadrupedal mammal. Polar bears are presently experiencing a rapid decline in Arctic sea ice extent and a change in sea ice composition. For the Southern Beaufort Sea subpopulation of polar bears, this has resulted in a divergent movement pattern where most of the subpopulation remains on the sea ice in the summer melt season while the remainder move to land. We evaluated the effects of summer land use and maternal denning on the annual and seasonal utilization distribution size (i.e., home range) of adult female polar bears in the Southern Beaufort Sea subpopulation over 30 yr (1986–2016) during a period of rapid sea ice decline. For bears that remained on the summer sea ice, model‐derived mean annual utilization distributions were 64% larger in 1999–2016 ( = 176,000 km2) relative to 1986–1998 ( = 107,000 km2). This increase was primarily driven by increases in summer utilization distributions that encompassed increased amounts of open water and decreased amounts of preferred sea ice. The mean centroid of summer utilization distributions for bears that remained on the sea ice was 193 km further north‐northeast in 1999–2016. In contrast, bears that summered on land during 1999–2016 exhibited 88% smaller mean annual utilization distribution sizes ( = 22,000 km2) relative to bears that remained on the summer sea ice during the same period. Our findings highlight the impacts of sea ice declines on polar bear space use and the increasing importance of land as an alternative summer refuge.