bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of some rhizospheric Pseudomonas on the growth and physiology of broad bean (Vicia faba) under salt stress conditions
Authors: Idder Boubaker , Djibaoui Rachid , Reguieg Yssaad Hocine Abdelhakim , Djoudi Abdelhak
Published: December 2019

Salt stress affects the development and growth of plants in various ways as a result of its effect on water relationships, photosynthesis, and nutrient absorption by physiological and biochemical processes. Consequently, several researchers have increasingly studied the effect of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPR) as promoters and enhancers under saline environment. The main goals of this study were to examine the manifested response of the broad bean plant under saline conditions and to evaluate the role of some Pseudomonas isolates in improving plant tolerance to salt stress. Three Pseudomonas strains were isolated (P1 and P7 from a saline soil and P15 from a vineyard soil). These isolates were screened by salinity and used as inoculums in Vicia faba plants (OTONO variety) irrigated with two saline solutions (NaCl; 100 and 150 mM L−1) and one without salinity. The results show that salinity decreased the fresh weight, total chlorophyll content, and the Na+/K+ ratio, but it increased proline accumulation in inoculated and noninoculated plants. The inoculation of V. faba plants with P1, P7, and P15 strains significantly increased the production of fresh biomass in the presence and absence of salt stress, and positively affected the accumulation of proline and the Na+/K+ ratio. The inoculation with bacterial strains increased the total chlorophyll content in plants at all salt treatment levels, especially the P1 strain that showed a significant effect.
Assessment of the effect of selected substances used for disinfection
of hatching eggs on hatching results in chickens
Authors: Korowiecka Klaudia , Trela Magdalena , Tombarkiewicz Barbara , Pawlak Krzysztof , Niedziółka Jerzy W. , Swadźba Magdalena , Lis Marcin W.
Published: December 2019

The aim of the study was to investigate whether egg disinfectants have a toxic effect on the tissues
of the developing chicken embryo. The basic active ingredients of the disinfectants tested were
quaternary ammonium compounds (Amino-Steril); stabilized peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide
(Oxydion); glutaraldehyde, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, quaternary ammonium compounds
and benzyl-C12-C16-alkyldimethyl (Viron FF); and stabilized hydrogen peroxide (Hydro-Clean). The
tests were performed on hatching eggs from Ross 308 parent stock. The potential adverse effects of
aqueous solutions of the disinfectants were tested in vitro using the Hen’s Egg Test – Chorioallantoic
Membrane (HET-CAM). The results were confirmed in in vivo tests by analysing the hatchability of
disinfected eggs. In the in vitro tests, aqueous solutions of the disinfectants with concentrations of
1%, 0.5%, 0.25% and 0.125% were spotted onto previously prepared chorioallantoic membranes of
live eight-day-old chicken embryos (n = 8 embryos/disinfectant/concentration). The toxicity of the
substances was assessed on the basis of the occurrence of hyperaemia, haemorrhage, and coagulation
of the blood vessels of the membrane after 0.5, 2 and 5 minutes, using the 21-point Luepke scale. The
in vivo testing consisted of two experiments conducted under production conditions, using eggs from
flocks in the peak (37th week of life) and the final (54th week) laying periods. The eggs were sprayed
with a 1% aqueous solution of disinfectant (400 eggs/disinfectant/experiment) about 2 hours before
incubation. Hatching results, the stage of embryonic development at the time of death and any cases
of infection were evaluated. The HET-CAM tests showed that the 1% solutions of the disinfectants
induced strong (Hydro-Clean), moderate (Oxydion and Amino-Steril) and weak (Viron FF) reactions,
while the 0.125% concentration produced a weak reaction or none. Analysis of hatching results showed
that they were not affected by the disinfectants. However, in the case of laying hens in their final
production period, spraying with aqueous solutions of each agent reduced losses due to early embryo
mortality. In conclusion, the disinfectants tested can be safely used in poultry hatcheries
A note from the Editor-in-Chief
Authors: Tanaś Maciej
Published: December 2019

A note from the Editor-in-Chief
Use of information and communication technologies as a factor in the effectiveness of corporate training in American companies
Authors: Lytovchenko Iryna
Published: December 2019

The effectiveness of American corporate education in the knowledge economy is ensured by the diversification, variability and flexibility of forms, methods and learning technologies, the choice of which largely depends on the purpose, objectives and content of learning, individual characteristics of the learners, material base and financial support of the learning process. Our analysis shows that these methods and technologies are highly interactive, innovative and practice focused, which ensures a high quality of training and its compliance with the needs of today’s global market. Both traditional and electronic learning methods are widely used, though a tendency has been observed over the last ten years to the decrease in the percentage ratio of traditional classroom training hours and the increase in the percentage ratio of technology-based learning hours. The use of technology-based learning methods is rapidly promoted in view of the increasing mobility of employees whose learning needs cannot be met in the traditional classroom only and this process is accelerating in the context of further globalization of the economy. Internet and intranet technologies in American companies create conditions for distance learning of employees. Flexibility and accessibility of e-learning technologies also provide for extensive use of new methods of non-formal learning: mobile learning, social networks, e-coaching, corporate blogs, corporate online libraries (wikis) etc.
Juris aequalitas inter sexum et sexum Philosophical and Practical Issues of Human Rights, Anomalies, Excerpts from Criminal and Labor Law
Authors: Takács Izolda
Published: December 2019

This study outlines the rules that have created full gender equality, starting from the first generation of human rights to equal treatment and then positive discrimination, also briefly referring to the theoretical foundations. The study also points out areas where, besides ius cogens, the disadvantages of women in everyday practice have remained particularly significant. Thus, the second part of the study addresses the main issues of criminal law and workplace discrimination, supported by examples. It is deemed necessary due to issues of labour law and criminal justice practice illustrating most clearly why ensuring equality before the law does not suffice. At the same time, the need for much more gender-sensitive legislation and legal redress is being formulated, especially in the areas mentioned above.
Dual education as a tool for assurance the education of sustainable development
Authors: Kulalaieva Natalia , Leu Snizhana
Published: December 2019

The article substantiates the necessity of introducing the dual education elements into professional training of future specialists. They are listed. As a result of the SWOT analysis for the following process it was defined its strengths (VET regulation by principles of a market economy, increased demand in the labour market for dual education graduates, VET quality corresponded to employers’ requirements; close cooperation between government and business-sector for VET issues; mutually beneficial VET for the state, enterprises and VET institutions; increasing students’ motivation to learning; increasing the prestige of VET) and weak (lack of legal support for dual form of education; imperfection and obsolescence of the material and technical base of P(V)E institutions; insufficient readiness of teachers to introduce dual form of education; the difficulty of finding appropriate enterprises and setting agreements with employers; employers’ reluctance to enter into agreements with students at the beginning of their training; significant time and financial costs for updating the technological park of P(V)E institution ; the need for special psychological and pedagogical training of mentors, instructors – production workers; imperfection of mechanisms for implementing multichannel financing of VET). The questions concerning the dual education system in Ukraine were studied by scientists: N. Abashkina, V. Anischenko, I. Boychevska, T. Kozak, N. Nychkalo, V. Radkevych and others.
It is shown that the dual form of education can be a tool for providing education for the sustainable development of society. The features of the dual form of education in Ukraine are analyzed: strengthening the practical component of VET; intellectualization and individualization of VET; the implementation of VET in a real production environment; development of social partnership in VET institution; conformity of VET in VET institution with the regional infrastructure; mentor system introduction; creating innovative educational and production environment for VET. The organizational basis for VET education introduction in P(V)E institutions is given to ensure sustainable the development of society.
Working model of a physical education based spastic movement disorder correction system aimed at tender age children
Authors: Moga Nikolay
Published: December 2019

The article describes modern modeling of physical rehabilitation processes for persons with musculoskeletal system disorders, and reveals a significant deficiency of this aspect in modern rehabilitation systems. Most of the developments in this field are based on practical, empirical experience of rehabilitation activities for a specific category of children. This is understandable but does not prevent mistakes in the strategy and tactics of long-term physical rehabilitation. It is necessary to have clear conceptual guidelines for the most effective process of physical rehabilitation concerning tender age children with spastic movement disorders. This can be achieved by pre-modeling the system of adaptive physical education of babies with spastic paresis. A structured and logically constructed model construction of the rehabilitation system includes four effective blocks: monitoring of physical development and spastic motor disorders (I), which is itself divided into medical, pedagogical, psychological; corrective measures (II) strategies and tactics, including a general correction program for the typological subgroup of children with spastic paresis and an individual correction program for normalizing the motor status of a particular child; correction of motor disorders of spastic type (III), which provides the means and methods of correctional physical education of tender age children with spastic motor disorders. The latter include: game, hypercorrection, contraindications, sufficient repetition of exercises, objectivity, and individual load differentiation; control and correction of the correction process (IV), which provides for permanent control over the components of the motor rehabilitation system, starting with the monitoring of physical development and ending with the peculiarities of the work correction process by means of physical education.
Intra-system relations between all components of the working model are envisaged, and the priority of individual components of a perspective modeled system is considered. The model provides an invariant component of the system of adaptive physical education, universal for different children with spastic syndrome, as well as a variational component, which provides differentiation and individualization of corrective tactics for each specific child and its peculiarities of psychophysical development.
The pre-designed working model of the correction system of movement disorders spastic forms of tender age children by physical education means will be tested in the process of forming a pedagogical experiment, which will make the necessary corrections both in the structural construction of this general rehabilitation system and in the substantive filling of its internal components.
Squeezing Data Science into Latour’s Blackbox.
Theoretical Implications of Testing for Unidirectionality
Authors: Juszczak Mark Darius
Published: December 2019

Latour’s Black Box is a dynamic gateway that segregates the continuum of scientific processes into those that occur before and after a certain critical point: the shift from ‘science in the making’ to ‘ready made science’. For reasons that will be explored in this paper, the field of data science does not appear to follow a unidirectional heuristic in the way that technologies transition from ‘in the making’ to ‘ready made’. This paper is a theoretical analysis of the extent to which the fundamental technologies of data science either violate or adhere to this heuristic. If data science does not follow a unidirectional heuristic, is there any evidence as to the causes of this dynamic and, furthermore, are the limitations, as they may exist, a function of technological advancement or a function of the theoretical limits of the field of data science itself?
Contribution to chromosome numbers and phylogeny of Turkish Vincetoxicum Wolf (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae)
Authors: Güven Seher , Makbul Serdar , Coşkunçelebì Kamil
Published: December 2019

We report chromosome counts for ten taxa of Vincetoxicum sensu stricto (s. str.) (Apocynaceae) from Turkey (of which two are endemic), including the first chromosome counts for V. canescens subsp. pedunculata, V. funebre, V. fuscatum subsp. boissieri, V. parviflorum and V. tmoleum. Two taxa of V. fuscatum proved to be tetraploid (2n=44) and the remaining eight taxa diploid (2n=22). Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nrDNA (ITS) and cpDNA (trnT-trnL) (including 31 newly generated sequences) confirm the position of the Turkish Vincetoxicum in the Vincetoxicum s. str. clade. Vincetoxicum fuscatum, V. parviflorum, V. speciosum, as well as the Turkish endemic V. fuscatum subsp. boissieri, were clearly resolved as species-level clades, whereas the delimitation of the rest of the Turkish taxa was less clear based on molecular data.
High Direct Bilirubin Associated With Levoffoxacin Use in a Neonate
Authors: Holmes Amy P. , Hartis Charles E. , Rollins Laurie J.
Published: December 2019

Limited data exist regarding the use of fluoroquinolones in the neonatal population. Levofloxacin has some utility in this population because it is one of a very limited number of antibiotics with activity against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. We describe the successful treatment of S maltophilia tracheitis in a premature neonate using levofloxacin 10 mg/kg every 24 hours and the subsequent unexpected sharp rise in the direct bilirubin. This case illustrates a previously unrecognized adverse drug effect associated with levofloxacin use in neonates.
Development and application of a robotic zebra finch (RoboFinch) to study multimodal cues in vocal communication
Authors: Simon Ralph , Varkevisser Judith , Mendoza Ezequiel , Hochradel Klaus , Scharff Constance , Riebel Katharina , Halfwerk Wouter
Published: December 2019

Understanding animal behaviour through psychophysical experimentation is often limited by insufficiently realistic stimulus representation. Important physical dimensions of signals and cues, especially those that are outside the spectrum of human perception, can be difficult to standardize and control separately with currently available recording and displaying techniques (e.g. video displays). Accurate stimulus control is in particular important when studying multimodal signals, as spatial and temporal alignment between stimuli is often crucial. Especially for audiovisual presentations, some of these limitations can be circumvented by the employment of animal robots that are superior to video presentations in all situations requiring realistic 3D presentations to animals. Here we report the development of a robotic zebra finch, called RoboFinch, and how it can be used to study vocal learning in a songbird, the zebra finch.
Brown’s Syndrome
Authors: Saluja Gunjan , Bhari Anju
Published: December 2019

Brown’s syndrome, also known as superior oblique tendon sheath syndrome or Janesch Brown syndrome is characterized by limitation of elevation in adduction with divergence in up gaze, and a normal elevation in abduction. The term Brown’s plus is used when superior oblique overaction is present along with Brown’s syndrome.

The syndrome can be congenital or acquired, and a large number of causes have been attributed for the same. Various management options include complete tenectomy of superior oblique, superior oblique recession, tendon lengthening procedures and split tendon lengthening.
Long-Term Complications of Anterior Chamber Iris Claw Lens
Authors: Goel Siddhi , Sethi Anin , Sahay Pranita , Maharana Prafulla K. , Titiyal Jeewan S.
Published: December 2019

Cases of aphakia with no capsular support can be managed with anterior chamber intraocular lens (ACIOL), iris fixated IOL or scleral fixated IOL(SFIOL). The procedure of choice depends on the status of the patient’s eye as well as the surgeon's experience. Iris-claw lens implantation is an effective method for correction of aphakia with several advantages such as having fewer complications, with its easy placement and good visual outcomes. Herein, we report a case of a 42-year-old male patient who presented with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy with secondary glaucoma as a complication of anterior chamber iris-claw lens.
Corneal Tattooing with India Ink in a Young Male
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Singh Shakeen , Singh Manpreet
Published: December 2019

A 25 -years old male patient underwent left eye squint surgery for exotropia followed by corneal tattooing by India ink to stain the unsightly long standing corneal opacity and obtained a cosmetically satisfying outcome.
The Imperatives of Maintenance Culture in the Sustainability of Hotels in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Arohunsoro S. J. , Ojo O. O. , Shittu A. A. , Eburuo V. I.
Published: December 2019

The paper assessed the roles of maintenance culture in the sustainability of hotels in Ado-Ekiti the research employed the use of survey research method; it involved the use of a well structured questionnaire to elicit information from respondents. Purposive sampling technique will be used to select three (3) star hotel as the sample for the study. The reason for making use of the purposive sampling was because the researcher feels its right to use 3-star hotels for the research. Three (3) star hotels are the ones that have at least some average facilities that can be maintained. In all the 3 star hotels in Ado Ekiti, a total sample of 20 hotels were selected for the study using convenient sampling technique which form 20% of the total population of the hotels in the study area, The patrons who responded to the questionnaire were selected with the use of convenient sampling technique. A total of 4 patrons were selected from each of the 20 hotels. However, the researcher was able to retrieve 79 out of 80 copies of questionnaire administered. The data collected were analysed using descriptive method of data analysis. It was revealed that proper and effective maintenance culture helps to shape the image and quality of services rendered by hotels which in turns attracts both old and new customers; maintenance culture is valuable for the sustainability of hotels and their brands as it helps in retaining the corporate image, retaining competitive advantage and satisfies current and intending customers of the hotel; poor knowledge of the need of rebranding of hotels, looking at most of the hotel owners from observation, one can deduce that many of them does not have a good knowledge of maintenance culture, hence, many hotels have a snail growth. It was recommended in the paper that the hotel owners should create a strategy to imbibe the use of maintenance culture into their business, and by so doing they will be able to gain and retain new and existing customers. The association of hotel business owners should dim it fit without sentiments to train and re-train their members on the new maintenance culture methods.
Effect of Chitooligosaccharide on In vitro and Ex vitro Growth of Piper nigrum L.
Authors: Quoc Quan Mai , Thi Dao Nguyen , Quang Vinh Nguyen
Published: December 2019

Oligosaccharins: oligogalacturonic, and chitooligosaccharides are known as molecular signals to induce and regulate various genes in plants. This study was conducted to deternine the effects of chitooligosaccharide on bud formula and growth of Piper nigrum in both in vitro and ex vitro. The results showed that sterilize Piper nigrum shoots with 30% sodium hypochlorite at 10 min was the most suitable condition; appropriate culture media for bud formulation was Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented 30 g/L saccharose, 7,5 g/L agar, 3 mg/L N6 – benzyl adenine (BA), culture media for growth of plantlet shoot was MS media supplemented 30 g/L sacharose, 7,5 g/L agar, 1 g/L NAA, 2 mg/L IBA and 45 ppm chitooligosaccharide. Supplementation of chitooligosaccharide at concentration of 45 ppm was optimal for the growth of Piper nigrum plantlets both in vitro and ex vitro. Present study indicated that chitooligosaccharide strongly promote the growth of Piper nigrum and recommend concentration for both in vitro and ex vitro is 45 ppm.
Advancing Student Solid Geometry Achievement through Constructivist-based Instructional Models
Authors: Charles-Ogan Gladys , Wonu Nduka
Published: December 2019

This study investigated the applicability of a class of instructional models based on constructivism in improving the achievement of senior secondary students in solid geometry using the quasi-experimental design. Two constructivist-based instructional models used were Teaching for Understanding (TfU) and Metacognitive Instructional (MCI) models. The exploration area was the Emohua Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, Nigeria. An aggregate of 86 Senior Secondary Class I (SSC1) students took an interest in the investigation. To evaluate the achievement of the students in solid geometry, the researchers structured, approved and utilised an achievement test in solid geometry which contained 50 multiple-choice questions.  The reliability of the test was determined using KR-21 to get an index of 0.84. This research work was guided by two research questions and two null hypotheses separately. The mean, standard deviation, box-plots and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) were used for data analysis. The findings showed that the class of instructional models based on constructivism significantly enhanced the learning of solid geometry amongst the SSC1 students. The MCI model was less effective than the TfU model in improving the learning of the students. Sex had no significant influence on the solid geometry achievement of SSC1 students irrespective of the instructional model used. The exploration suggested among others that solid geometry ought to be instructed by the educators of arithmetic using the instructional models based on constructivism.
Food Consumption Pattern and Dietary Diversity in Rural-urban Interface of Bangalore
Authors: Ashwini B. C. , Umesh K. B. , Chandrakanth M. G. , Bellundagi Veerabhadrappa
Published: December 2019

The paper has examined the pattern of food consumption, dietary diversity and factors influencing dietary diversity across rural-urban interface of Bangalore. The study is based on the primary data of 510 households comprising of 189 rural, 211 transition and 110 urban households. Simpson Index of Dietary Diversity (SIDD) was employed to estimate the diversity in the consumption basket and to determine the factors influencing dietary diversity, the fractional probit model was used. The results showed that, higher cereal consumption was observed in rural area than in transition and urban areas and cereals were the prominent source of energy across all the gradients. The total calorie intake to the recommended calorie intake in urban, transition and rural area indicated that, the calorie intake in urban area was higher than the recommended intake (2100 Cal/CU/day) while, the scenario was opposite in transition and rural areas. This necessitates interventions to educate households to modify the existing purchasing behavior to reduce the gap between recommended and actual calorie intake. Further, the dietary diversity was analysed using SIDD, among the gradients, highest dietary diversity score was observed in urban (0.82) followed by transition (0.79) and rural gradients (0.77). Factors such as per capita income, access to irrigation and urban area had positive influence on dietary diversity. While, family size had negative influence on dietary diversity. Furthermore, among the different food items, cereals took major share in quantity consumption, calorie consumption and food consumption expenditure. On the other hand, diversity in consumption basket was marginally high in urban area.
Changes in the Ripening Characteristics and Shelf Life of Mango Fruits as Related to the Application of Coating Based on Cocoa Leaf Extracts
Authors: Jarvin Ovaric Kouete , Eugène Phounzong-Tafre , Jean Aghofack-Nguemezi
Published: December 2019

The influence of edible coatings based on cocoa leaf extracts on the ripening of ''Belle-Dame'' mangoes has been evaluated, to contribute to the improvement of the shelf life of these fruits after harvest. There were overall treatment-independent decreases in the firmness and chlorophylls levels, and increases in total soluble solids content, water content, physiological weight loss and β-carotene concentration during the ripening of mango fruits. These variations were very rapid in control fruits, reflecting an accelerated ripening process that led to the senescence of these fruits from day 9 after harvest onwards. In treated fruits, variations of different parameters were slow with significant differences between the treated fruits and controls. These inhibitory effects of coatings resulted in a delay of the ripening process and consequently to a shift of the onset of senescence to 12 days after harvest. In addition to the extension of shelf life by three days, treatments of mango fruits by dipping them in solutions containing cocoa leaf extracts induced a higher accumulation of β-carotene in coated fruits as compared to controls, thereby enhancing the nutritional value of the former.
Sacituzumab govitecan, an antibody‐drug conjugate targeting trophoblast cell‐surface antigen 2, shows cytotoxic activity against poorly differentiated endometrial adenocarcinomas in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Perrone Emanuele , Manara Paola , Lopez Salvatore , Bellone Stefania , Bonazzoli Elena , Manzano Aranzazu , Zammataro Luca , Bianchi Anna , Zeybek Burak , Buza Natalia , Tymon‐Rosario Joan , Altwerger Gary , Han Chanhee , Menderes Gulden , Huang Gloria S. , Ratner Elena , Silasi Dan‐Arin , Azodi Masoud , Hui Pei , Schwartz Peter E. , Scambia Giovanni , Santin Alessandro D.
Published: December 2019

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in developed countries. The antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) sacituzumab govitecan (SG) targets trophoblast cell‐surface antigen‐2 (Trop‐2) – a cell‐surface glycoprotein highly expressed in many epithelial tumors – and delivers the active metabolite of irinotecan SN‐38 to Trop‐2‐positive tumor cells. We evaluated Trop‐2 expression in endometrial endometrioid carcinoma (EC) tissues and the activity of SG against primary poorly differentiated EC cell lines and xenografts. Trop‐2 expression was assessed in 143 formalin‐fixed–paraffin‐embedded tumors and seven primary tumor cell lines by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, respectively. Cell viability of primary tumor cell lines was assessed following exposure to SG, or control antibodies. Antibody‐dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) against Trop‐2‐positive and Trop‐2‐negative EC cell lines was measured in vitro using 4‐h chromium release assays. A Trop‐2‐positive EC xenograft model was used to determine the in vivo activity of SG. Moderate‐to‐strong staining was detected in 84% (120/143) of EC samples, whereas 43% (3/7) of the primary EC cell lines tested overexpressed Trop‐2. EC cell lines overexpressing Trop‐2 were significantly more sensitive to SG compared to control ADC (P = 0.014 and P = 0.005). Both SG and the unconjugated parental antibody hRS7 mediated high ADCC against Trop‐2‐positive cell lines. Moreover, SG induced significant bystander killing of Trop‐2‐negative tumors cocultured with Trop‐2‐positive tumors. In the xenograft model, intravenous administration of SG twice weekly for three weeks was well tolerated and demonstrated impressive tumor growth inhibition against poorly differentiated, chemotherapy‐resistant EC xenografts (P = 0.011). In summary, SG is a novel ADC with remarkable preclinical activity against poorly differentiated EC cell lines overexpressing Trop‐2. These findings warrant future clinical trials.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed [3+2] Cycloaddition of Enals with β,γ ‐Unsaturated α ‐Ketimino Esters for the Synthesis of Multisubstituted Cyclopentanone
Authors: Shi Xiao‐Qian , Dong Meng‐Die , Duan Xiao‐Yong , Cao Teng‐Liang , Qi Jing
Published: December 2019

A convenient strategy of N‐heterocyclic carbene catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition of enals with β,γ‐unsaturated α‐ketimino esters is developed. This effective protocol features mild reaction conditions and broad substrate scope, which enables the rapid assembly of various benzoxazinone derived cyclopentanone scaffolds in good to high yields with excellent diastereoselectivities.

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Synthesis of Chiral Aza‐[n.2.1] Skeletons by Separable Epimers of Intramolecular [3+2] Cross Cycloaddition of Cyclopropane 1,1‐Diesters with Chiral Sulfinylimines
Authors: Xia Miao‐Miao , Li Feng‐Xing , Ma You‐Ping , Song Le‐Le , Hou Yan‐Ni , Shi Zi‐Fa , Cao Xiao‐Ping
Published: December 2019

Reported herein is the construction of chiral aza‐[n.2.1] skeletons by separable epimers of intramolecular [3+2] cross cycloaddition of cyclopropane 1,1‐diesters with chiral sulfinylimines. The epimer products can be separated by silica gel column chromatography.

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Active pollination drives selection for reduced pollen‐ovule ratios
Authors: Pellmyr Olle , Kjellberg Finn , Herre Edward Allen , Kawakita Atsushi , Hembry David H. , Holland J. Nathaniel , Terrazas Teresa , Clement Wendy , Segraves Kari A. , Althoff David M.
Published: December 2019

Premise

Variation in pollen‐ovule ratios is thought to reflect the degree of pollen transfer efficiency—the more efficient the process, the fewer pollen grains needed. Few studies have directly examined the relationship between pollen‐ovule ratio and pollen transfer efficiency. For active pollination in the pollination brood mutualisms of yuccas and yucca moths, figs and fig wasps, senita and senita moths, and leafflowers and leafflower moths, pollinators purposefully collect pollen and place it directly on the stigmatic surface of conspecific flowers. The tight coupling of insect reproductive interests with pollination of the flowers in which larvae develop ensures that pollination is highly efficient.

Methods

We used the multiple evolutionary transitions between passive pollination and more efficient active pollination to test if increased pollen transfer efficiency leads to reduced pollen‐ovule ratios. We collected pollen and ovule data from a suite of plant species from each of the pollination brood mutualisms and used phylogenetically controlled tests and sister‐group comparisons to examine whether the shift to active pollination resulted in reduced pollen‐ovule ratios.

Results

Across all transitions between passive and active pollination in plants, actively pollinated plants had significantly lower pollen‐ovule ratios than closely related passively pollinated taxa. Phylogenetically corrected comparisons demonstrated that actively pollinated plant species had an average 76% reduction in the pollen‐ovule ratio.

Conclusions

The results for active pollination systems support the general utility of pollen‐ovule ratios as indicators of pollination efficiency and the central importance of pollen transfer efficiency in the evolution of pollen‐ovule ratio.
The human remains from Axlor (Dima, Biscay, northern Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: Gómez‐Olivencia Asier , López‐Onaindia Diego , Sala Nohemi , Balzeau Antoine , Pantoja‐Pérez Ana , Arganda‐Carreras Ignacio , Arlegi Mikel , Rios‐Garaizar Joseba , Gómez‐Robles Aida
Published: December 2019

Objectives

We provide the description and comparative analysis of all the human fossil remains found at Axlor during the excavations carried out by J. M. de Barandiarán from 1967 to 1974: a cranial vault fragment and seven teeth, five of which likely belonged to the same individual, although two are currently lost. Our goal is to describe in detail all these human remains and discuss both their taxonomic attribution and their stratigraphic context.

Materials and methods

We describe external and internal anatomy, and use classic and geometric morphometrics. The teeth from Axlor are compared to Neandertals, Upper Paleolithic, and recent modern humans.

Results

Two teeth (a left dm2, a left di1) and the parietal fragment show morphological features consistent with a Neandertal classification, and were found in an undisturbed Mousterian context. The remaining three teeth (plus the two lost ones), initially classified as Neandertals, show morphological features and a general size that are more compatible with their classification as modern humans.

Discussion

A left parietal fragment (Level VIII) from a single probably adult Neandertal individual was recovered during the old excavations performed by Barandiarán. Additionally, two different Neandertal children lost deciduous teeth during the formations of levels V (left di1) and IV (right dm2). In addition, a modern human individual is represented by five remains (two currently lost) from a complex stratigraphic setting. Some of the morphological features of these remains suggest that they may represent one of the scarce examples of Upper Paleolithic modern human remains in the northern Iberian Peninsula, which should be confirmed by direct dating.
Age estimation by multidetector computed tomography of cranial sutures in Chinese male adults
Authors: Fan Fei , Tu Meng , Li Rui , Dai Xinhua , Zhang Kui , Chen Hu , Huang Feijun , Deng Zhenhua
Published: December 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to explore whether computed tomography (CT) images of cranial sutures can contribute to adult age estimation in Chinese Han individuals.

Materials and methods

This study was based on cranial CT scans of 230 Chinese Han males aged 23.33–76.93 years. A total of 160 images from 16 suture segments were scored after volume reformation and multiplanar reconstruction in each individual. Decision tree regression, linear support vector regression, Bayesian ridge regression, and gradient boosting regression were developed for adult age estimation by a training set using leave‐one‐out cross‐validation and further evaluated by the test set. The inaccuracy and bias were calculated to evaluate the four models and the previously used models from the literature.

Results

The degree of suture closure was associated with adult age. The minimum inaccuracy of the test set was 7.73 years obtained by linear support vector regression, while the inaccuracy of previous simple linear regression models was 13.09 and 10.97 years. The accuracy was higher in the age group from 40.00 to 59.99 years compared to the other age groups.

Discussion

The accuracy of our models for adult age estimation was superior to those in previous studies based on cranial sutures. Hence, the application of novel statistical data mining tools helps to improve aging issues. Nevertheless, age estimation of adults should be combined with other methods, since the accuracy level is still not satisfactory.
Arsenene: A Potential Therapeutic Agent for Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia Cells by Acting on Nuclear Proteins
Authors: Wang Xiuxiu , Hu Yi , Mo Jianbin , Zhang Jingyi , Wang Zhenzhen , Wei Wei , Li Huanlin , Xu Yun , Ma Jing , Zhao Jing , Jin Zhong , Guo Zijian
Published: December 2019

Arsenene has recently emerged as a promising new two‐dimensional material for biomedical applications because of its excellent optical and electronic properties. Herein, novel 2D arsenene nanosheets were synthesized and shown to be effective against NB4 promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) cells (82 % inhibition) as well as inducing apoptosis while showing no toxicity towards normal cells. The high zeta potential, small size, and the planar structure were crucial to the toxicity of the materials. Label‐free proteomic profiling analysis suggested that arsenene affected nuclear DNA replication, nucleotide excision repair, and pyrimidine metabolism pathways by downregulating the DNA polymerases POLE, POLD1, POLD2, and POLD3. Mass spectrometric studies showed that arsenene bound mainly to nuclear nucleotide acid binding proteins in NB4 cells and further cellular fluorescence studies revealed that the arsenene destroyed the nuclei. In vivo toxicity tests in mice also indicated the physiological biosafety of arsenene.
O‐Doped Nanographenes: A Pyrano/Pyrylium Route Towards Semiconducting Cationic Mixed‐Valence Complexes
Authors: Ðorđević Luka , Valentini Cataldo , Demitri Nicola , Mézière Cécile , Allain Magali , Sallé Marc , Folli Andrea , Murphy Damien , Mañas‐Valero Samuel , Coronado Eugenio , Bonifazi Davide
Published: December 2019

Herein we report an efficient synthesis to prepare O‐doped nanographenes derived from the π‐extension of pyrene. The derivatives are highly fluorescent and feature low oxidation potentials. Using electrooxidation, crystals of cationic mixed‐valence (MV) complexes were grown in which the organic salts organize into face‐to‐face π‐stacks, a favorable solid‐state arrangement for organic electronics. Variable‐temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements and relaxation studies suggest a strong electron delocalization along the longitudinal axis of the columnar π‐stacking architectures. Electric measurements of single crystals of the MV salts show a semiconducting behavior with a remarkably high conductivity at room temperature. These findings support the notion that π‐extension of heteroatom‐doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is an attractive approach to fabricate nanographenes with a broad spectrum of semiconducting properties and high charge mobilities.
Confined Crystallization of Spin‐Crossover Nanoparticles in Block‐Copolymer Micelles
Authors: Göbel Christoph , Hils Christian , Drechsler Markus , Baabe Dirk , Greiner Andreas , Schmalz Holger , Weber Birgit
Published: December 2019

Nanoparticles of the spin‐crossover coordination polymer [FeL(bipy)]n were synthesized by confined crystallization within the core of polystyrene‐block‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (PS‐b‐P4VP) diblock copolymer micelles. The 4VP units in the micellar core act as coordination sites for the Fe complex. In the bulk material, the spin‐crossover nanoparticles in the core are well isolated from each other allowing thermal treatment without disintegration of their structure. During annealing above the glass transition temperature of the PS block, the transition temperature is shifted gradually to higher temperatures from the as‐synthesized product (T1/2↓=163 K and T1/2↑=170 K) to the annealed product (T1/2↓=203 K and T1/2↑=217 K) along with an increase in hysteresis width from 6 K to 14 K. Thus, the spin‐crossover properties can be shifted towards the properties of the related bulk material. The stability of the nanocomposite allows further processing, such as electrospinning from solution.
Effect of starch ratio and compatibilization on the viscoelastic behavior of POE/starch blends
Authors: Bazli Leila , Bagherian Mehdi H. , Karrabi Mohammad , Abbassi‐Sourki Foroud , Azizi Hamed
Published: December 2019

In this research, polyolefin elastomers (POE)/starch blends were prepared using an internal mixer with 0 to 55 wt% starch content, and MAH was added into POE/starch blend to prepare a composite that improves its biodegradation, while tuning the viscoelastic behavior and morphology. The effect of the composition and the compatibilizer addition on properties, such as morphology, rheology, and the creep behavior, was investigated. The observations of microstructures through thescanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that in the incompatibilized blends, the interfacial adhesion of the phases was very weak. In contrast, in compatibilized samples, the broken surface of starch was observed confirming the enhanced interfacial tension. Additionally, the increase in the starch content led to the rise in the relaxation times. The creep test results revealed that with the increment of starch content, the creep of the blends increased. The compatibilizer improved the creep recovery of the blends. Moreover, by addition of the compatibilizer, the values of the creep parameters including η, E1, E2, and τR obtained from the standard linear solid model (SLS), was higher than those for the incompatibilized blends. The addition of POE‐MA compatibilizer can improve the properties of POE/starch blends, while keeping their biocompatibility. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48877.
Enhanced selective adsorption of cation organic dyes on polyvinyl alcohol/agar/maltodextrin water‐resistance biomembrane
Authors: Hoang Bich Ngoc , Nguyen Thuong Thi , Bui Quynh Phuong Thi , Bach Long Giang , Vo Dai‐Viet N. , Trinh Chinh Dung , Bui Xuan‐Thanh , Nguyen Trinh Duy
Published: December 2019

In this study, we designed a novel hydrogel composite membrane based on the combination of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), agar, and maltodextrin through a facile solution‐casting router. From Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, contact angle, scanning electron microscopy, and swelling analyses, the formation of hydrogen bonds between surface functional groups of PVA, agar, and maltodextrin was confirmed. As a result, the PVA/agar/maltodextrin membranes exhibited a more hydrophobic nature compared with pure PVA. The thermal stability and integrity of such obtained composite membranes were also elucidated by the evaluation of thermogravimetric analysis and mechanical behavior. Besides, the composite membrane exhibited high selective adsorption for cationic dyes, namely 20.2 mg g−1 for methylene blue and 19.17 mg g−1 for crystal violet at initial dye concentration of 100 mg/L, an adsorbent dosage of 0.1 g, contact time of 180 min, and solution pH 7, while anionic dyes such as congo red and methyl orange are approximately zero. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm of the as‐prepared composite membranes were well fitted to the pseudo‐second‐order and Temkin model. The effect of factors, including contact time, solution pH, PVA content, and initial dye concentration on the adsorption capacity of the as‐prepared composite membrane was also investigated in detail. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48904.
Human‐lymphocyte cell friendly starch–hydroxyapatite biodegradable composites: Hydrophilic mechanism, mechanical, and structural impact
Authors: Pramanik Sumit , Agarwala Pratibha , Vasudevan Kharthik , Sarkar Koustav
Published: December 2019

Biodegradable starch (Str) polymer was derived from potato, a plant‐based natural carbohydrate polymers source, by one‐pot synthesis. Hydroxyapatite (HA) was produced from goat bone by step sintering. The inexpensive starch/HA thin film composites were fabricated by customized spin coating. This study revealed that the hydrogen bond energy and distance have significant effect on glass transition temperature of the polymer. The 40 wt % HA contained starch (StrHA40) composite thin film showed excellent tensile strength (3.03 + −0.03 MPa), elongation (21.5 + −5.5%) and modulus (15.5 + −0.2 MPa) closed to human skin. The in vitro swelling and biodegradation kinetics of pristine starch and pure HA has been controlled and improved by using suitable composition. This study postulated the probable water molecule‐adsorption mechanisms of pristine starch and starch/HA composite films. The StrHA40 composite showed excellent biocompatibility to the human‐blood derived lymphocyte cells. Therefore, the starch/HA thin film composite‐based biodegradable scaffolds developed in the present study can be an excellent potential candidate for soft tissue regeneration and/or replacement applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48913.
A compilation of the penetration of anaerobic digestion technology in 16 small‐island developing states in the Caribbean region
Authors: Holder Nikolai , Mota‐Meira Marilaine , Born Jens , Sutrina Sarah L.
Published: December 2019

This article investigates the level of penetration and barriers to the uptake, of anaerobic digestion technology in 16 Caribbean different territories. All countries considered are small island developing states (SIDS), and face a similar challenge of energy security. Anaerobic digestion technology could be a viable option for a number of these nations to help address this issue of energy security. However, there are several parameters such as economic costs versus economic benefits, biomass and land space availability, or even education and awareness, that greatly influence the utilization of this technology by these nations. This article gives some insight into how these parameters influence the current level of use of the technology, and hopefully will provide guidance on how to improve the level of implementation of this technology, in the territories covered in this article. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
TOB1 suppresses proliferation in K‐Ras wild‐type pancreatic cancer
Authors: Bai Yuru , Qiao Lu , Xie Ning , Li Yan , Nie Yongzhan , Pan Yan , Shi Yupeng , Wang Jinhai , Liu Na
Published: December 2019

TOB1 participates in various kinds of cancers. However, its role in pancreatic cancer has rarely been reported. In this study, we explored the expression and mechanisms of TOB1 in regulating the malignant phenotype of pancreatic cancer cells. TOB1 expression was determined by data mining and immunohistochemistry (IHC), and its localization was observed by immunofluorescence. CCK‐8 cell proliferation, colony formation, flow cytometric, transwell migration, and Western blot (WB) assays were used to examine how it impacts the malignant phenotype of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, Foxa2 binding to TOB1 was tested by dual‐luciferase reporter assays, and RNA‐Seq was performed to identify signaling pathways. We found TOB1 was downregulated in pancreatic cancer tissues and was mainly located in the cytoplasm. TOB1 overexpression reduced the proliferation of K‐Ras wild‐type pancreatic cancer cells but made no difference to cell migration and invasion. Foxa2 overexpression significantly enhanced TOB1 promoter activity. Moreover, overexpressing TOB1 substantially enriched the calcium pathway in K‐Ras wild‐type pancreatic cancer cells. In conclusion, TOB1 may suppress the proliferation of K‐Ras wild‐type pancreatic cancer cells by regulating calcium pathway genes.