bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Group Work in Addressing the Misconceptions of Light
Authors: Wangchuk Sangay , Penjor Tandin
Published: November 2020

Physics is science that determines the living and life styles of the people. However, it has many misconceptions in the concepts. In this study, the effect of group work and traditional method in addressing the Class IX student’s misconceptions about light is investigated. The explanatory sequential mixed method was used for the study. It was carried out in one of the Middle Secondary School [MSS] under Trashigang district. The sample of this study consisted of 42 Class IX students and 5 science teachers. The data collection was done using multiple choice questions as pre-test and post-test with explanations. The semi-structured interview was conducted to support the quantitative findings.

The data obtained indicated that the students in the experimental group were more successful in addressing the misconception of light concept than the control group. The independent t-test result showed the significant difference in terms of mean score p<0.05 in the post test result. The result obtained from the study rejects the null hypothesis. The findings confirm that the group work is effective in addressing the misconceptions of light comparing to traditional method of teaching and learning.
The Study of Ethnobotanical Uses by Local Healers in Taktse Chiwog from Central Bhutan
Authors: Penjor Dorji , Tshering Taw , Bhattaria Gangaram , Namgay Tshering
Published: November 2020

Aim: To document the ethnobotanical uses in Taktse Chiwog (Village blocks) by local healers.

Study Design: Semi-structured interview and direct interview was conducted with the prior approval from the Chiwog official. Two local healers/informants were contacted for interview             before field visits based on their popularity and experience of using medicinal plants in their       locality.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Taktse Chiwog, Trongsa Dzongkhag, Bhutan between July and October 2019.

Methodology: Two local healers were identified based on their experience on ethno medical practice. Multiple approaches were taken such as botanical inventories, collection of plant specimens, semi-structured and direct interviews with local healers including free listing                    (FL) and preference ranking (PR) to collect the information on medicinal use/s using questionnaires.

Results: Eighty Two plant species from forty nine families were recorded with their ethno medicinal uses by the local healers against various ailments and diseases.

Conclusion: This study suggests that most of the medicinal plants available within locality are commonly used by the healers for the treating different diseases, dislocation and fracture of musculoskeletal system.
Investigating the Modulatory Effect of Methanol Extract of Daniellia oliveri (ROLFE) Leaves on Mitochondrial Membrane Permeability Transition (MPT) Pore
Authors: Achem Jonah , Onyiba Cosmos Ifeanyi , Akinwole Mobolaji T. , Malgwi Jemimah M. , Bolarin Omosola L. , Olorunsogo Olufunso O.
Published: November 2020

Background: Mitochondrial-mediated cell death begins with opening of mitochondrial membrane permeability transition (mPT) pore and medicinal plants contain phytochemicals that modulate the mPT pore.

Hypothesis and Purpose: We investigated the modulatory effects of crude methanol extract of Daniellia oliveri leaves (CMDO) on mPT pore in vitro.

Study Design and Methods: Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activities of crude methanol extract of Daniellia oliveri leaves (CMDO) were evaluated according to standard procedures. CMDO was partitioned into chloroform fraction (CFDO), ethyl acetate fraction (EFDO) and methanol fraction (MFDO) by Vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC). Effects of CMDO, CFDO, EFDO and MFDO on mPT pore were assessed by spectrophotometry. Effects of the most potent fraction on mitochondrial ATPase, Fe-induced lipid peroxidation and cytochrome c release were assessed by spectrophotometry. CMDO was subjected to GC-MS analysis to identify the bioactive compounds present.

Results: CMDO contains phytochemicals and showed appreciable total flavonoid content (0.483±0.02 QE mg/100g), total phenolic content (0.886±0.12 GAE mg/100g), total antioxidant capacity (0.039±0.001 AE mg/100 g), ferric antioxidant reducing power (IC50=350 µg/ml) and 2, 2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (IC50=166 µg/ml). The maximum induction of mPT pore opening in the absence and presence of calcium, respectively, were as follows: CMDO (10.11 folds, 5.18 folds), CFDO (19.9 folds, 16.3 folds), EFDO (7.5 folds, 23.2 folds), MFDO (22.2 folds, 31.3 folds). The most potent mPT pore-opening fraction (MFDO) enhanced mitochondrial ATPase activity, inhibited Fe-induced lipid peroxidation and caused cytochrome c release. GC-MS analysis of CMDO revealed the presence of bioactive compounds including methyl propanamide, Dibutyl phthalate, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.

Conclusion: Methanol fraction (MFDO) of CMDO most potently induced mPT pore opening via enhancement of mitochondrial ATPase activity, which was substantiated by the release of cytochrome c (in vitro). This includes MFDO as a candidate pharmacologic remedy for diseases associated with insufficient apoptosis.
Genetic and Biochemical Studies of Thymelaea hirsuta L. Growing Naturally at the North Western Coast of Egypt
Authors: Maboud Mohamed M. Abd El- , Zayat Mohamed Abd S. El-
Published: November 2020

This study aims to elucidate the biochemical and genetic behaviors of Thymelaea hirsuta L. growing naturally at the following habitats; ooletic sand dunes, slope of salt marshes, non-saline depression, road side, plateau, upstream of Wadi Halazeen, and wadi bed of Wadi Halazeen along the western Mediterranean coast of Egypt. Soil and plant samples were collected in May, 2017. Water content recorded the highest value in Thymelaea growing at slope of salt marshes. Total soluble carbohydrate attained the highest value in Thymelaea growing at up-stream of Wadi Halazeen while the highest values in none-souble carbohydrate and proline were observed in plants growing at ooletic sand dunes. Total carbohydrate recorded the highest value in Thymelaea growing at plateaue. Total lipids and total phenols attained the highest content in Thymelaea growing at wadi bed. Genetically, ISSR & SRAP molecular markers were done. Seven ISSR and four SRAP primes produced 73.78% and 68.57% of polymorphism, respectively. PIC value, assay efficiency index, effective multiples ratio and marker index, were higher in SRAP than in ISSR.
Growth of Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] and Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Plants under Water Stress Conditions
Authors: Joseph Kouakou Kouassi , Bertin Yao Koffi , Aké Ako Olga Yolande , Martine Beugré Manéhonon , Hilaire Konaté Franck
Published: November 2020

Water stress effect on millet and sorghum plants growth was investigated in this work. Grains were germinated for 7 days in Petri dishes. Plants obtained were transplanted into pots, with 60 repetitions per species. For 6 days, they received 100 ml of water before being divided into four batches corresponding to four treatments (100, 50, 25 and 10 ml). An increase in water stress led to a reduction in size of both plant species and leaves number produced, while root system growth was recorded. Millet plants suffered more from depressive effect of water stress than those of sorghum. Therefore, millet is more predisposed to respond to drought than sorghum.
The Effectiveness of the Heated Humidified High Flow Nasal Cannula as an Initial Noninvasive Respiratory Support for Preterm Infants Suffering from Respiratory Distress
Authors: Nofal Sarah Mohamed , Sheikh May Rabie El- , Mahdy Heba Saed El- , Awny Mostafa Mohamed
Published: November 2020

Aims: to compare the efficacy and safety of the heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula as a noninvasive respiratory support for the initial management of respiratory distress in preterm infants ≥ 30 weeks gestation with birth weight ≥ 1300 g at different flow rates (3 L/min and 6 L/min) on admission.

Study Design: A Randomized controlled trial.

Place and Duration of Study: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatrics department, Tanta University Hospitals, over one-year period, from December 2018 to December 2019.

Methodology: 30 preterm neonates, with gestational ages ranged between 30 to 36 weeks and birth weight ≥ 1300 g, were randomized to receive HHHFNC at either flow rate 3 or 6 L\min as an initial respiratory support. Primary outcomes included: the incidence of treatment failure of the HHHFNC at flow 3 L/min and 6 L/min, which will require n CPAP or NIMV, or will require intubation. Secondary outcomes included: rate of deaths at any time after randomization, the total duration of all types of oxygen support and incidence of neonatal morbidities such as nasal trauma, symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH ≥ grade II), pneumothorax, pulmonary hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), apnea, sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC ≥ stage II).

Results: the incidence of the need for higher flow rate of HHHFNC (n=11, 36.6%) , the need for n CPAP or NIMV after failure of higher flow rate of HHHFNC (n=11, 36.6%), the need for intubation & MV (n=1, 3.3%), the incidence of nasal trauma (n=7, 23.3%), BPD (n=0) , IVH ≥ II (n=0), NEC ≥II (n=0), pneumothorax (n=0) , the median duration of hospitalization =10 days (7-15), the median duration of all oxygen support = 6.5 days (6-7). The failure rate was 11 out of 30 infants (36.6%), no deaths or pulmonary haemorrhage.

Conclusion: HHHFNC use shows similar rates of efﬁcacy to other forms of noninvasive respiratory support in preterm infants with respiratory distress for initial respiratory support with lesser complications. There were better outcomes with higher gestational age and birth weight at either flow rates 3 or 6 L/min.
The Upsurge of Farm Mechanization and Its Impact on Land Occupancy System in Nigeria
Authors: Shani Buba B.
Published: November 2020

The reinvigorated approach by stakeholders towards Farm Mechanization has given birth to emerging fears in the existing relationship between mechanized agriculture and traditional land occupancy systems in Nigeria. The increased importation of agricultural machines into the country gave room for cropland growth that butt in farm lands acquired by rural farmers through customary ways. This paper examines these fears in four segments. The first segment searches the unstable land occupancy systems in Nigeria that have showed an elegant equilibrium relationship between constitutions and traditional acts. The second observes the acceptance of Agricultural mechanization and the expanding relevance of tractors. The third scrutinizes the different fears, aggravated by population increase, which come in being as mechanization overshoots on traditionally secured lands. These fears result in to the abuse of labour, continuous land seizures, and the imposing of rural farmers into a blank in which few market options live. To assist relief these fears, the final segment recommends the moderating of large Agricultural machines growth and the systematic improvement of land occupancy systems in preparation for more privatization. By marrying land occupancy systems and Farm mechanization, the environments will survive for more judicious evolution in Nigeria.
Epidemiological Assessment and Challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria
Authors: Aremu Stephen Olaide , Onifade Emmanuel Olumuyiwa , Fatoke Babatunde , Itodo Samuel Olusegun , Oladipo Oluwatosin , Bademosi Olufisayo , Oleni Temilade Taiwo , Ode Tosin Adebola , Abeleje Ebenezer Oluwasanmi , Folorunso Adebowale Olasehinde
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 which belongs to the coronaviridae family has continued to spread in a geometric progression version. The disease that originated from Wuhan, Hubei, China has spread to all the continents of the World except Antarctica continent. As of the 5th of August, 2020 there are over 18 million reported cases of COVID-19 from 214 countries and territories of the world. More than 10 million people have recovered while approximately 696,147 people have died due to COVID-19. This review provides general information on the COVID-19 and gives deep insight into the course of the disease, interventions challenges and possible solutions in Nigeria “the giant of Africa”.

Scientific databases including Science Direct, Pub Med, Elsevier, Scopus, and Nature were explored. Data has also been accessed from case reports, newspaper reports, internet data, World Health Organisation (WHO) reports, Centre of Disease Control (CDCs) and Nigerian Centre of Disease Control (NCDCs) reports. US National Library of Medicine, Clinicaltrials.gov, has been accessed to get information about ongoing clinical trials. The literature survey started in the first week of April, 2020 and was completed in the first week of August, 2020. The clinical symptoms of COVID-19 patients are generally categorized as critical, severe, moderate and mild or even asymptomatic in descending order in terms of severity. Predictions from experts in different parts of the World concerning the possible impact of the disease in Africa have been on the downside which is due to a lot of glaring factors including poor health facilities and services.
Missionization and Language
Authors: Dobrin Lise M.
Published: November 2020

The history of Christian missionization is in many ways a history of Europeans' engagement with diverse languages and their speakers, which have been transformed as missionaries have interpreted and reshaped local speech practices and attempted to reduce speech to writing. The missionizing endeavor that proceeded alongside – and indeed enabled – Europe's maritime expansion brought non‐European peoples everywhere into contact with European languages and language ideologies, leaving an indelible mark on the world's linguistic landscape. The missionaries' linguistic interpretations naturalized social hierarchies and reshaped languages on a European nationalist model that takes there to be an essential isomorphism between social groups (nation‐states) and languages. In addition to spreading literacy and producing wordlists, grammars, and prayer books, missionaries have translated the Bible into Indigenous languages. The most dynamic and influential language‐focused mission operating today is SIL (the abbreviation stands for “Summer Institute of Linguistics”), whose overarching goal is to ensure that a version of the Christian Bible exists in all vernaculars.
Morris, Charles W.
Authors: Stanlaw James
Published: November 2020

Charles W. Morris (1901–1979) was an important American philosopher and semiotician. Along with Peirce and Saussure, he is widely considered to be one of the key founders of semiotics. He is often credited with helping pragmatics become established as a subdiscipline of linguistics.
Tuning Interfacial Energy Barriers in Heterojunctions for Anti‐Interference Sensing
Authors: Zhao Minggang , Yu Jiatuo , Zhang Xiaomin , Li Zhengming , Ding Yu , Edel Joshua B. , Ma Ye , Li Hui
Published: November 2020

Analytes with similar redox properties are normally difficult to distinguish through classic electrochemical methods. This becomes especially true for the on‐site detection in seawater where the high salinity and complex chemical components can impose severe interference. Hereby introducing numerous nanoscale heterojunctions in the Cu/CuO/reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/polypyrrole (PPy) and Cu/CuO/rGO/chitosan electrochemical sensors, tunable interfacial energy barriers to exponentially regulate the electrochemical signal can be constructed. Importantly, these energy barriers are independent to redox but closely related to the electrostatic interaction from absorbed charged analytes such as Hg2+ and Cu2+. Moreover, the similar sensing principle is also valid for the energy barriers in p‐n junctions as demonstrated in the Ni/NiO/ZnO/PPy sensor. The good anti‐interference properties and ultrahigh sensitivity of this sensing mode offers new opportunities in trace analyte detection in harsh environments such as seawater.
LHRH‐Targeted Redox‐Responsive Crosslinked Micelles Impart Selective Drug Delivery and Effective Chemotherapy in Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Xiao Kai , Liu Qiangqiang , Suby Nell , Xiao Wenwu , Agrawal Rinki , Vu Michael , Zhang Hongyong , Luo Yan , Li Yuanpei , Lam Kit S.
Published: November 2020

Systemic chemotherapy is efficacious against triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC), but it is often associated with serious side effects. Here, a luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) receptor‐targeted and tumor microenvironment‐responsive nanoparticle system to selectively deliver chemotherapeutic drugs to TNBC cells, is reported. This delivery system (termed “LHRH‐DCMs”) contains poly(ethylene glycol) and dendritic cholic acid as a micellar carrier, reversible intra‐micellar disulfide bond as a redox‐responsive crosslink, and synthetic high‐affinity (D‐Lys)‐LHRH peptide as a targeting moiety. LHRH‐DCMs exhibit high drug loading efficiency, optimal particle size, good colloidal stability, and glutathione‐responsive drug release. As expected, LHRH‐DCMs are more efficiently internalized into human TNBC cells through receptor‐mediated endocytosis, resulting in stronger cytotoxicity against these cancer cells than the non‐targeted counterpart when encapsulated with paclitaxel (PTX). Furthermore, near‐infrared fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrate that LHRH‐DCMs facilitate the tumor distribution and penetration of payloads in three different animal models of breast cancer, including cell line‐derived xenograft (CDX), patient‐derived xenograft (PDX), and transgenic mammary carcinoma. Finally, in vivo therapeutic studies show that PTX‐LHRH‐DCMs outperform both the corresponding nontargeted PTX‐DCMs and the current clinical formulation (Taxol) in an orthotopic TNBC model. These results provide new insights into approaches for precise drug delivery of TNBC.
Sustainably Powered, Multifunctional Flexible Feedback Implant by the Bifacial Design and Si Photovoltaics
Authors: Jung Dongwuk , Song Kwangsun , Ju Hunpyo , Park Hyeongoh , Han Jung Hyun , Kim Namyun , Kim Juho , Lee Jongho
Published: November 2020

Advanced design and integration of functioning devices with secured power is of interest for many applications that require complicated, sophisticated, or multifunctional processes in confined environments such as in human bodies. Here, strategies for design and realization are introduced for multifunctional feedback implants with the bifacial design and silicon (Si) photovoltaics in flexible forms. The approaches provide efficient design spaces for flexible Si
photovoltaics facing up for sustainable powering and multiple electronic components for feedback functions facing down for sensing, processing, and stimulating in human bodies. The computational and experimental results including in vivo assessments ensure feasibility of the approaches by demonstrating feedback multifunctions, power‐harvesting in milliwatts, and mechanical compatibility for operations in live tissues. This work should useful for wide range of applications that require sustainable power and advanced multifunctions.
Methane flux measurements in rice by static flux chamber and eddy covariance
Authors: Reba Michele L. , Fong Bryant N. , Rijal Ishara , Adviento‐Borbe M. Arlene , Chiu Yin‐Lin , Massey Joseph H.
Published: November 2020

Understanding methane (CH4) fluxes from rice (Oryza sativa L.) at the field scale is paramount to reducing environmental impacts while ensuring global food security. Greenhouse gas (GHG) measurements at the plot scale using static flux chambers (SFC) have long informed the understanding of flux dynamics and have largely been the basis of global flux estimates. However, in many parts of the world, the landscapes where agricultural fluxes are generated come from larger fields. Eddy covariance (EC) can measure trace gases on larger fields, but there are few studies available quantifying CH4 emissions under typical practices at a field scale. Furthermore, few of these studies are from the U.S. Midsouth, the largest producer of U.S. rice. This study compares and quantifies field‐scale SFC and EC flux measurements on a large commercial system in northeastern Arkansas during the 2015 and 2016 growing seasons, following typical producer practices. Daily measured SFC CH4 fluxes did not differ from EC‐daily CH4 fluxes (p = .108). Total season CH4 emissions, calculated as the sum of daily fluxes ranged from 50 to 156 kg CH4 ha−1 season−1, with SFC reporting greater emissions than EC. Although SFC and EC‐daily flux measurements were similar early (p = .382) and late (p = .543) in the season, they differed mid‐season (p < .001) with SFC consistently reporting greater fluxes than EC. The findings of this study help unify season long plot‐scale and field‐scale flux measurements and signify an advancement of our understanding of GHG fluxes from rice systems.
In vitro grafting procedure for facilitating growth of separated shoots in castor
Authors: Liu Ying , Liu Hongjie , Liu Kaizhe , Chen Jingye , Li Xiaohao , Chen Jianping , Hu Hanqiao , Yang Shaoxia , Xue Yingbin
Published: November 2020

Regenerated adventitious buds in an Agrobacterium‐mediated genetic transformation system of castor (Ricinus communis L.) are difficult to develop in intact plants. Therefore, an in vitro grafting system in castor was established in this study. The stocks and scions were obtained from castor seedlings, and complete castor plants could be gained by in vitro grafting. To promote growth of grafted seedlings, the effects of indole 3‐butyric acid (IBA), 6‐benzyl aminopurine (6‐BA), kinetin (KT), sodium nitrophenolate (SN), and diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate (DA‐6) on the development of grafted seedlings were explored. The experimental results indicated that when adding IBA, KT, and SN to the media at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.8 mg L−1, respectively, the growth of castor grafted seedlings could be promoted strongly; however, when 6‐BA or DA‐6 was added to media, the growth and development of castor grafted plantlet were inhibited significantly. Moreover, the survival rate of transplantation of grafted seedlings was up to 74.5%. The method of in vitro grafting in castor could be used to obtain robust and complete castor plants quickly and might provide a solution to the problems of adventitious bud growing and rooting difficulty in the genetic transformation of castor.
Child, caretaker, and community: Testing predictors of anemia and response to iron supplementation in Peruvian preschool‐aged children
Authors: Dorsey Achsah F. , Thompson Amanda L.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Despite repeated governmental and nongovernmental interventions, anemia remains a widespread public health concern in Peru. This article examines nutritional and disease factors associated with the prevalence of anemia and response to iron supplementation in Peruvian children, with the aim of understanding the lack of success of national programs.

Methods

Data come from children, aged 2‐5 years (n = 102), living in peri‐urban Lima. Predictors of anemia and response to iron supplementation were explored at the individual, maternal, household, and environmental levels using logistic regression models, adjusted for clustering by household.

Results

Half of the children in this sample were anemic and 50% of the anemic children responded to iron supplementation. We identified several factors that were associated with child anemia status and response to iron supplementation. Lower weight‐for‐age z‐scores and the winter season were strong predictors of child anemia status and nonresponse to iron supplementation. Living with paternal grandparents was protective against anemia and elevated C‐reactive protein at the time of the final interview was associated with a lack of response to iron supplementation.

Conclusions

The findings of this study document an association between children's anemia status and their nutritional and ecological environment, highlighting the importance of examining anemia within a specific context to better understand the factors driving this important health problem.
Spatiotemporal Measurement of Osmotic Pressures by FRET Imaging
Authors: Zhang Wenbo , Bertinetti Luca , Blank Kerstin G. , Dimova Rumiana , Gao Changyou , Schneck Emanuel , Fratzl Peter
Published: November 2020

Osmotic pressures (OPs) play essential roles in biological processes and numerous technological applications. However, the measurement of OP in situ with spatiotemporal resolution has not been achieved so far. Herein, we introduce a novel kind of OP sensor based on liposomes loaded with water‐soluble fluorescent dyes exhibiting resonance energy transfer (FRET). The liposomes experience volume changes in response to OP due to water outflux. The FRET efficiency depends on the average distance between the entrapped dyes and thus provides a direct measure of the OP surrounding each liposome. The sensors exhibit high sensitivity to OP in the biologically relevant range of 0–0.3 MPa in aqueous solutions of salt, small organic molecules, and macromolecules. With the help of FRET microscopy, we demonstrate the feasibility of spatiotemporal OP imaging, which can be a promising new tool to investigate phenomena involving OPs and their dynamics in biology and technology.
Selection and Characterization of an RNA‐Cleaving DNAzyme Activated by Legionella pneumophila
Authors: Rothenbroker Meghan , McConnell Erin M. , Gu Jimmy , Urbanus Malene L. , Samani Sahar Esmaeili , Ensminger Alex W. , Filipe Carlos D. M. , Li Yingfu
Published: November 2020

Legionella pneumophila is a deadly bacterial pathogen that has caused numerous Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks, where cooling towers were the most common source of exposure. Bacterial culturing is used for L. pneumophila detection, but this method takes approximately 10 days to complete. In this work, an RNA‐cleaving fluorogenic DNAzyme, named LP1, was isolated. Extensive characterization revealed that LP1 is reactive with multiple infectious isolates of L. pneumophila but inactive with 25 other common bacterial species. LP1 is likely activated by a protein target, capable of generating a detectable signal in the presence of as few as 10 colony‐forming units of L. pneumophila, and able to maintain its activity in cooling tower water from diverse sources. Given that similar DNAzymes have been incorporated into many sensitive assays for bacterial detection, LP1 holds the potential for the development of biosensors for monitoring the contamination of L. pneumophila in exposure sources.
High‐performances biobased semi‐aromatic polyamide10Tcopolymerized with silicone monomers
Authors: Ai Tianhao , Feng Wutong , Zou Guangji , Ren Zhonglai , Wang Pingli , Ji Junhui , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2020

A novel silicone monomer modified poly(decamethylene terephthalamide) PA10T is synthesized from 1,10‐decanediamine (DMD), terephthalic acid, and 1,3‐bis(3‐aminopropyl)tetramethyldisiloxane (DS2). The chemical structure of the product is characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. The crystallization behavior, thermal properties, and mechanical properties of PA10T are also analyzed. Copolymerization of PA10T with DS2 results in reduced crystallinity and thermal properties, but to a lesser extent than when PA10T is modified with aliphatic polyamide. With increased DS2 content, the tensile strength of PA10T decreases gradually, while the elongation at break and impact strength increase significantly, indicating that the toughness of PA10T has been improved.
Marine mammal stranding response in Mexico: Lessons learned
Authors: Gómez‐Hernández Guadalupe , Leyva‐Aguilera Juana Claudia , Delhumeau‐Rivera Sheila , Seingier Georges , Elorriaga‐Verplancken Fernando Ricardo , Heckel Gisela
Published: November 2020

Marine mammals are indicators of ecosystem health, and thus stranding records are an invaluable information source. The response to marine mammal stranding (RMMS) must be comprehensive, taking into account three components: (i) operations, (ii) research, and (iii) information dissemination. Although RMMS had previously been practised in several coastal locations in Mexico, the recent enforcement of a new regulation for RMMS has posed a challenge to actors as they adapt to it.

To understand the functioning of RMMS in Mexico, Bahía Todos Santos and Bahía de La Paz, two localities with over 20 years of experience in RMMS, were selected. To achieve this goal, a document review to identify the actors involved and their functions was undertaken together with a social network analysis to identify relevant actors in each locality and semi‐structured interviews to identify key topics for RMMS.

The composition of the involved actors was similar at both locations. Some actors were found to have mandatory functions (i.e. governmental actors), while others (i.e. civil society organizations) performed functions beyond those established in official documents. Governmental agencies, the academic sector, and civil society organizations were the most connected actors and could help disseminate information, facilitate communication within the network, and influence decision‐making.

The main topics identified were, in order of relevance: (i) economic constraints; (ii) actors' involvement; (iii) stranding response logistics; and (iv) recognition among actors.

In conclusion, several limitations to the RMMS exist at both localities, mainly related to the lack of economic resources, but actors involved in RMMS actions are motivated by their own interests. This study proposes the integration of actors into local networks that take into consideration the biological, physical, and social characteristics of each place.
Uncertain random linear quadratic control with multiplicative and additive noises
Authors: Chen Xin , Zhu Yuanguo
Published: November 2020

This paper studies two types of linear quadratic (LQ) optimal control models for multistage uncertain random systems. The first model is an LQ model with additive noises, while the second model is an LQ model with both multiplicative noises and additive noises. Chance theory is a useful tool to deal with the analysis of indeterminacy including both uncertainty and randomness. Based on Bellman's principle and chance theory, the recurrence equations are presented for settling such optimal control problems. Then, by applying recurrence equations, the analytical expressions are derived for solving both the optimal objective function and optimal control strategies of the LQ models. Meanwhile, an application and a numerical example are provided to show the effectiveness of our results.
Local extrema refinement‐based tensor product model transformation controller with problem independent sampling methods
Authors: Chang Fei , Shi Bao , Li Xin , Zhao Guoliang , Huang Sharina
Published: November 2020

Several convex hull manipulation methods have been proposed for tensor product (TP) model transformation, such as CNO, INO, IRNO, minimum volume simplex, and optimized CNO. Among the five convex hull manipulation methods, CNO, INO, and IRNO are the most often used convex hull manipulation methods; minimum volume simplex is an analysis method to shrink the tightness value of the TP model transformation, and optimized CNO convex hull manipulation method is used for convex hull rectification; it also uses core tensor unfolding and folding to obtain tight convex hull. However, all these convex hull manipulation methods are designed based on classical sampling method, while the local extrema are often omitted by the classical sampling method. To obtain a more precise sampling model, in this paper, most of the existing convex hull manipulation methods are extended with local extrema refinement strategy; a uniform local extrema refinement‐based convex hull manipulation framework is proposed for the existing convex hull manipulation methods. A single gantry system is used for simulation demonstration; results show that local extrema refinement strategy is needed in convex hull manipulation of TP model transformation; it might be a preferable way to enhance classical sampling method. Minimum volume simplex is more suitable than the optimized CNO in convex hull manipulation of TP model transformation with respect to computational efficiency.
The genetic structure of SARS‐CoV‐2 does not rule out a laboratory origin
Authors: Segreto Rossana , Deigin Yuri
Published: November 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus (SARS‐CoV)‐2′s origin is still controversial. Genomic analyses show SARS‐CoV‐2 likely to be chimeric, most of its sequence closest to bat CoV RaTG13, whereas its receptor binding domain (RBD) is almost identical to that of a pangolin CoV. Chimeric viruses can arise via natural recombination or human intervention. The furin cleavage site in the spike protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 confers to the virus the ability to cross species and tissue barriers, but was previously unseen in other SARS‐like CoVs. Might genetic manipulations have been performed in order to evaluate pangolins as possible intermediate hosts for bat‐derived CoVs that were originally unable to bind to human receptors? Both cleavage site and specific RBD could result from site‐directed mutagenesis, a procedure that does not leave a trace. Considering the devastating impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 and importance of preventing future pandemics, researchers have a responsibility to carry out a thorough analysis of all possible SARS‐CoV‐2 origins.
Development and application of a cultivation platform for mammalian suspension cell lines with single‐cell resolution
Authors: Schmitz Julian , Täuber Sarah , Westerwalbesloh Christoph , von Lieres Eric , Noll Thomas , Grünberger Alexander
Published: November 2020

In bioproduction processes, cellular heterogeneity can cause unpredictable process outcomes or even provoke process failure. Still, cellular heterogeneity is not examined systematically in bioprocess research and development. One reason for this shortcoming is the applied average bulk analyses, which are not able to detect cell‐to‐cell differences. In this study, we present a microfluidic tool for mammalian single‐cell cultivation (MaSC) of suspension cells. The design of our platform allows cultivation in highly controllable environments. As a model system, Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO‐K1) were cultivated over 150 h. Growth behavior was analyzed on a single‐cell level and resulted in growth rates between 0.85 and 1.16 day−1. At the same time, heterogeneous growth and division behavior, for example, unequal division time, as well as rare cellular events like polynucleation or reversed mitosis were observed, which would have remained undetected in a standard population analysis based on average measurements. Therefore, MaSC will open the door for systematic single‐cell analysis of mammalian suspension cells. Possible fields of application represent basic research topics like cell‐to‐cell heterogeneity, clonal stability, pharmaceutical drug screening, and stem cell research, as well as bioprocess related topics such as media development and novel scale‐down approaches.
Cysteine in cell culture media induces acidic IgG1 species by disrupting the disulfide bond network
Authors: Prade Elke , Zeck Anne , Stiefel Fabian , Unsoeld Andreas , Mentrup David , Arango Gutierrez Erik , Gorr Ingo H.
Published: November 2020

A high degree of charge heterogeneity is an unfavorable phenomenon commonly observed for therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Removal of these impurities during manufacturing often comes at the cost of impaired step yields. A wide spectrum of posttranslational and chemical modifications is known to modify mAb charge. However, a deeper understanding of underlying mechanisms triggering charged species would be beneficial for the control of mAb charge variants during bioprocessing. In this study, a comprehensive analytical investigation was carried out to define the root causes and mechanisms inducing acidic variants of an immunoglobulin G1‐derived mAb. Characterization of differently charged species by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed the reduction of disulfide bonds in acidic variants, which is followed by cysteinylation and glutathionylation of cysteines. Importantly, biophysical stability and integrity of the mAb are not affected. By in vitro incubation of the mAb with the reducing agent cysteine, disulfide bond degradation was directly linked to an increase of numerous acidic species. Modifying the concentrations of cysteine during the fermentation of various mAbs illustrated that redox potential is a critical aspect to consider during bioprocess development with respect to charge variant control.
Isolation and identification in human blood serum of the proteins possessing the ability to bind with 48 kDa form of unconventional myosin 1c and their possible diagnostic and prognostic value
Authors: Starykovych Marina , Antonyuk Volodymyr , Nehrych Tetyana , Negrych Nazar , Horák Daniel , Souchelnytskyi Serhiy , Kit Oleg , Stoika Rostyslav , Kit Yuriy
Published: November 2020

We firstly identified 48 kDa molecular form of the unconventional myosin 1c (p48/Myo1C), and isolated it from blood serum of multiple sclerosis patients. The amount of p48/Myo1C in human blood serum correlated with some autoimmune, hemato‐oncological and neurodegenerative diseases and thus may serve as a potential molecular biomarker. The biological functions of this protein in human blood remain unknown. Previously, we used the monodisperse magnetic poly (glycidyl methacrylate)(mag‐PGMA–NH2) microspheres with immobilized 48/Myo1C and western‐blot analysis, which allowed us to identify IgM and IgG immunoglobulins presenting an affinity to this protein. Here, we used mass spectrometry followed by the western blotting in order to identify other blood serum proteins with affinity to 48/Myo1C. The obtained data demonstrate that 48/Myo1C binds to component 3 of the complement and the antithrombin‐III proteins. A combination of magnetic microparticle‐based affinity chromatography with MALDI–TOF mass spectrometry and anin silicoanalysis provided an opportunity to identify the partners of interaction of 48/Myo1C with other proteins, in particular those participating in complement and coagulation cascades.
Online counselling and goal achievement: Exploring meaningful change and the types of goals progressed by young people
Authors: Jacob Jenna , Costa da Silva Luís , Sefi Aaron , Edbrooke‐Childs Julian
Published: November 2020

Background

Young people are increasingly looking towards the internet for mental health support. There has been little research on the impact of online counselling, as captured in routine outcome measures. This research aims to explore an online counselling service, using goal‐based data.

Methods

‘Meaningful change’ drawing on the principles of the Reliable Change Index, t tests and logistic regression were applied to administration data (n = 4,218) to assess goal progress, and associations between service contact, goal type and meaningful change.

Results

55.6% of young people reported meaningful goal improvement. Those who meaningfully improved spent significantly more time engaged than those who did not. Goal types most likely to meaningfully improve were ‘getting professional help’ and ‘self‐help–self‐care’.

Conclusions

Most young people made significant movement towards their collaboratively agreed goals, which is a good indication that the service is helping to address important areas of change. The findings, linked to earlier research, may indicate that those who report improvements in goals may engage with services more. The high proportion of ‘getting help’ goals may be attributable to the online setting, which young people may use as a first point of contact for help seeking, to gather information to access further support. With the increased uptake of online support services associated with the current global pandemic, future research should consider the present findings as a baseline of goal progress and service utilisation.
Communicated and attributed motives for sustainability initiatives in the energy industry: The role of regulatory compliance
Authors: van Prooijen Anne‐Marie , Bartels Jos , Meester Timo
Published: November 2020

Environmental regulations can significantly impact the extent to which companies in the energy industry implement sustainable practices. Nevertheless, little is known how consumers respond to companies that openly acknowledge this motivation. The current study focused on the effects of communicating a combination of environmental and non‐environmental motives for investing in sustainability initiatives on consumer attributions. It was tested whether the acknowledgment of legal motives would differently affect attributions than the acknowledgment of financial motives in messages in which environmental motives were also expressed. An experiment was conducted using a 2 (legal motive: absent vs. present) by 2 (financial motive: absent vs. present) design. Results showed that acknowledging a legal or a financial motive both reduced intrinsic attributions for the sustainability initiatives. However, only the acknowledgment of a financial motive increased extrinsic attributions. These findings suggest that communicating regulatory compliance motivations for implementing a sustainability initiative has fewer negative implications for the perceived sincerity of the company than communicating corporate benefits.
Mollicute Anti‐Adhesive and Growth Inhibition Properties of the Methanolic Extract of Propolis from the Brazilian Native Bee Melipona quadrifasciata
Authors: Galgowski Caroline , Pavanelo Frare Sara , Rau Martinho , Debiase Alberton Michele , Althoff Sérgio , Guedes Alessandro , Mendes de Cordova Caio Mauricio
Published: November 2020

Hydroalcoholic propolis extracts from the bee species Melipona quadrifasciata have been shown to possess antimicrobial activity against different mollicute strains, but a methanolic extract (ME) could contain an increased diversity of nonpolar bioactive components with a potentially higher antimicrobial activity. The ME obtained by maceration of the propolis sample was fractionated with solvents of different polarities and then, purified by silica gel column chromatography through biomonitoring of its antimicrobial activity against mollicute strains. Analysis by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC/MS) enabled the identification of compounds using the NIST library. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the samples were determined by broth microdilution. Anti‐adhesive assays were performed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae cells. The hexane (MIC=62.5 mg/L) and dichloromethane (MIC=125 mg/L) fractions presented the most promising results against M. pneumoniae. They were fractionated into 74 subfractions, and even the best ones did not show better results (MIC>250 mg/L) than their original fractions, likely due to the loss of terpene compounds that seem to act in synergy. The dichloromethane subfraction FD4 was highlighted in the anti‐adhesive assay with an inhibitory activity of 21.6 %. A synergistic effect of the nonpolar compounds in M. quadrifasciata propolis may be responsible for its antibacterial activity, but several purified components can improve its anti‐adhesive properties.
Involvement of circRNA_0007059 in the regulation of postmenopausal osteoporosis by promoting the microRNA‐378/BMP‐2 axis
Authors: Liu Shu , Wang Chao , Bai Jinyi , Li Xiaoming , Yuan Jiabin , Shi Zhicai , Mao Ningfang
Published: November 2020

Increasing evidence suggests that postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO), a severe disturbance, imposes heavy physical, psychosocial, and financial burdens and dramatically influences the quality of life of postmenopausal women. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRs) play important roles in the occurrence and development of PMO. However, the roles of circRNAs and miRs in osteoporosis regulation still need to be further investigated. circRNAs with different expression levels in patients with PMO were screened via RNA‐seq and bioinformatics analysis. We found that circ_0007059 was upregulated in patients with PMO and during osteoclastogenesis of human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs). Next, we investigated the effect of circ_0007059 overexpression during osteoclastogenesis of hBMSCs. circ_0007059 overexpression attenuated hBMSC differentiation into osteoclasts in vitro. This was demonstrated by downregulated bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2) expression, upregulated osteoclast‐specific gene expression, and TRAP staining. circ_0007059 was demonstrated to directly target miR‐378, which in turn targeted BMP‐2 via bioinformatics analysis and the dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Transfection of the miR‐378 mimic reversed the effect of circ_0007059 on the osteoclastogenesis of hBMSCs. These results suggest that circ_0007059 plays an important role in osteoclastogenesis via the miR‐378/BMP‐2 signaling pathway. Targeting the circ_0007059/miR‐378/BMP‐2 axis is possibly a novel idea in osteoporosis treatment.
Assessing alexithymia in forensic settings: Psychometric properties of the 20‐item Toronto Alexithymia Scale among incarcerated adult offenders
Authors: Preece David A. , Parry Cate L. , Allan Maria M. , Allan Alfred
Published: November 2020

Background

Alexithymia is a trait involving difficulty identifying feelings (DIF), difficulty describing feelings (DDF) and externally orientated thinking (EOT). It is a risk factor for criminal behaviour. It is commonly assessed with the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS‐20), but the psychometrics of the TAS‐20 have not been tested across the range of offender populations, and it has been suggested it might be unsuitable in incarcerated offenders.

Aim

To establish the psychometrics of the TAS‐20 among incarcerated offenders.

Methods

Factorial validity was examined using confirmatory factor analyses, and the invariance of this factor structure was tested against a published community sample. Reliability coefficients were calculated.

Results

One hundred and forty six incarcerated offenders were recruited. The factor structure of the TAS‐20 was invariant across the samples. The intended factor structure composed of DIF, DDF and EOT factors performed well overall (with a reverse‐scored method factor added), but six EOT items had low factor loadings. The total scale score and DIF and DDF subscales had acceptable reliability, but EOT did not.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the TAS‐20 functions similarly in offender and community samples. Its total scale score, and DIF and DDF subscale scores can be used confidently, but the assessment of externally oriented thinking may not be adequate with this scale alone. In sum, the TAS‐20 can facilitate robust assessment of alexithymia in closed criminal justice settings as well as in the wider community.
Urchin‐Type Architecture Assembled by Cobalt Phosphide Nanorods Encapsulated in Graphene Framework as an Advanced Anode for Alkali Metal Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Jiamei , Zhu Gang , Zhang Zelei , Wang Yi , Wang Hui , Bai Jintao , Wang Gang
Published: November 2020

Urchin‐type cobalt phosphide microparticles assembled by nanorod were encapsulated in a graphene framework membrane (CoP@GF), and used as a binder‐free electrode for alkali metal ion batteries. Electrochemical measurements indicate that this membrane exhibits enhanced reversible lithium, sodium, and potassium storage capabilities. Moreover, the energy storage properties of CoP@GF electrodes in alkali metal ion batteries display an order of Li>Na>K. DFT calculations on adsorption energy of CoP surfaces for Li, Na, and K indicated that CoP surfaces were more favorable to transfer electrons to Li atoms than Na and K, and the surface reactivity can be ordered as Li‐CoP>Na‐CoP>K‐CoP; thus, CoP@GF exhibits better storage capacity for lithium. This work provides experimental and theoretical basis for understanding the electrochemical performance of cobalt phosphide‐based membranes for alkali metal ion batteries.