bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Je autofictionnel/jeux intertextuels : cosmopolitisme et/ou narcissisme ? Dans Le Pays de Marie Darrieussecq.
Authors: Keltoum Soualah
Published: December 2019

Este artículo trata del "yo" autoficcional como mediador indiscutible de los meandros del "yo" de la autora. Tarataremos de demostrar que el "yo", signo de narcisismo, no lo es en la novela autoficcional, particularmente en '"el País ",una novela escrita por Marie Darrieussecq, y que es, al contrario, cosmopolita ya que no refleja solamente a la escritora de la novela, sino a todas las personas que han superado las mismas dificultades vividas por ella misma. Para ello, vamos a demostrar que " el País " es unanovela autoficcional. Luego, a través de la práctica intertextual, pondremos en relieve el cosmopolitismo del "yo" autoficcional. Así, nuestra lectura será analítica, detallada y basada en un enfoque multidisciplinario.

This article discusses the autofictional "I" as the undisputed mediator of the author's ego meanders. Indeed, it will be question of demonstrating that the "I" sign of narcissism, is not it in the autofictional novel and more particularly in the Country, novel written by Marie Darrieussecq and that it is, on the contrary, cosmopolitan because it does not refer only to the author of the novel but rather to all those who have overcome the same pains experienced by the novelist. For this, we will first demonstrate that The Country is an autofictional novel. Then, through intertextual practice, we will highlight the cosmopolitanism of the autofictional "I". In doing so, our reading will be analytical and detailed and based on a multidisciplinary approach.

Cet article traite du « je » autofictionnel en tant que médiateur incontestable des méandres du Moi de l’auteur. En effet, il sera question de démontrer que le « je » signe de narcissisme, ne l’est pas dans le roman autofictionnel et plus particulièrement dans Le Pays, roman écrit par Marie Darrieussecq et qu’il est, au contraire, cosmopolite car il ne renvoie pas seulement à l’auteure du roman mais plutôt à toutes les personnes ayant surmonté les mêmes douleurs vécues par la romancière. Pour cela, nous allons tout abord démontrer que Le Pays est un roman autofictionnel. Ensuite, par le truchement de la pratique intertextuelle, nous mettrons en relief le cosmopolitisme du « je » autofictionnel. Ce faisant, notre lecture sera analytique et fouillée et basée sur une approche pluridisciplinaire.
La mise à nu du moi malade chez Hervé Guibert
Authors: Porumb Anca
Published: December 2019

Mientras la enfermedad hace su aparición en los años 1980, Hervé Guibert aparece como una de las victimas de una afección muy extraña todavia por el mundo de la  medicina. Pero no es simplemente una persona infectada, Guibert es el escritor sincero del sida, abiendo escojido las palabras como su unico aliado por su proyecto de volver a nacer con un nuevo yo que no morirà nunca en la memoria de la gente.

In the middle of AIDS explosion during the 80’s, Hervé Guibert is one of the victims of this unexpected and unknown illness even for the medecine. He is not an ordinary sick person but he is the writer revealing himself completely and considering writing the only way for struggling against AIDS, against himself in order to reborn as a new spirit thanks to the power of words.

Au plein milieu de l'éclatement du sida dans les années 1980, Hervé Guibert se trouve parmi les victimes atteintes par une maladie encore inconnue à l'époque. Mais il n'est pas un malade ordinaire, il sera l'écrivain du sida qui se révèle entièrement, sans pudeur, et pour qui l'écriture reste l'unique arme à lutter contre la maladie, contre le moi malade, pour renaitre plus tard en tant qu'un moi nouveau, étrenel, qui survit grace aux mots.
De la correspondencia al relato del viaje americano de Humboldt
Authors: G. de Uriarte Cristina
Published: December 2019

A partir de la relación histórica del viaje americano y de las cartas redactadas durante la expedición, nos acercaremos a la manera en que Humboldt se enfrenta a la redacción de su “itinerario” y comprobaremos de qué manera afecta el paso del tiempo en esta rememoración. Veremos así que, además del imprescindible proceso de selección de la información, hay una evidente preocupación por actualizar los contenidos científicos y un innegable deseo de agradar al lector.

Based on the historic relationship of the American travel and the letters written during the expedition, we will make an approach to the way Humboldt faces the writing of his ‘itinerary’ and we will observe how the passing of time affects this recollection. We will see that, in addition to the indispensable information selection process, there is and evident concern about updating the scientific contents and an undeniable desire to please the reader.

À partir de la relation historique de son voyage américain et des lettres écrites pendant cette expédition, notre but est de voir comment Humboldt envisage la rédaction de son « itinéraire ». Nous constaterons, ainsi, comment cette rémémoration est influencée par le passage du temps. Nous verrons, donc, que, en plus de l’incontournable procès de sélection de l’information, il existe le souci d’actualisation des contenus scientifiques et l’indéniable désir de plaire le lecteur.
Écriture de soi et de l’autre: Récits de filiation et contestation chez Herzog et Picasso
Authors: Vernier Béatrice
Published: December 2019

Este articulo analiza como los autores Félicité Herzog y Marina Picasso refutan la imagen publica de su padre y abuello, el excepcional alpinista Maurice Herzog y el gran artista Pablo Picasso en dos ‘‘récits de filiation’’, Un héros y Grand-père. En primer lugar, demuestro que aunque sus acusaciones revelan un comportamiento cruel de estas figuras famosas con su familia, también le ayudan a comprender su sufrimiento durante su infancia. En segundo lugar, demuestro que ambos autores admiten que Maurice Herzog y Pablo Picasso eran victimas de su celebridad y por lo tanto los disculpan en parte.

Al final, aunque los autores rechazan la filiación del hombre corrupto por su celebridad, aceptan la filiación del padre alpinista excepcional y del abuelo artista novator.

This paper examines the way in which   Félicité Herzog and Marina Picasso challenge  the public images of their father and grand-father, the exceptional mountaineer Maurice Herzog and the great artist Pablo Picasso, respectively, in two ‘‘récits de filiation’’, Un Héros and Grand-père. I first show that while the authors’ accusations unveil a cruel attitude from these two renowned figures towards their relatives, they also act as an outlet to help them understand their own suffering as children. Second, I show that both authors recognize that Maurice Herzog and Pablo Picasso were victims of their fame, therefore partly excusing them. Thus, although the authors reject the filiation of those individuals corrupted by their celebrity, they accept the filiation of a father, an exceptional mountaineer, and a grandfather, the unique painter.

Este articulo analiza como los autores Félicité Herzog y Marina Picasso refutan la imagen publica de su padre y abuello, el excepcional alpinista Maurice Herzog y el gran artista Pablo Picasso en dos ‘‘récits de filiation’’, Un héros y Grand-père. En primer lugar, demuestro que aunque sus acusaciones revelan un comportamiento cruel de estas figuras famosas con su familia, también le ayudan a comprender su sufrimiento durante su infancia. En segundo lugar, demuestro que ambos autores admiten que Maurice Herzog y Pablo Picasso eran victimas de su celebridad y por lo tanto los disculpan en parte.

Al final, aunque los autores rechazan la filiación del hombre corrupto por su celebridad, aceptan la filiación del padre alpinista excepcional y del abuelo artista novator.
Eléments de réflexion autour de la didactique de l’écriture/réécriture du FLE en contexte algérien
Authors: Djaoudi Hayat
Published: December 2019

Enseñar a escribir es un ejercicio real en negociaciones permanentes, ajustes y adaptaciones; Los métodos y técnicas deben ser construidos y reconstruidos. En este sentido, lo que se cuestiona es la concepción misma de la escritura escolar. En estas condiciones, para basar una didáctica de la escritura en bases serias, es importante no trabajar más en la nostalgia de los métodos tradicionales caracterizados por la ausencia de una teoría articulada entre "escribir" y "reescribir". Este silencio sobre el interés en estas actividades ha llevado a su marginación por parte de los estudiantes.

The teaching methods are evolving and being redesigned. Thus, the whole idea of the writing process, among scholars, is facing big criticism. In such academic climate, the hope is to bring the learning of this important subject into meeting grade level standards. The aim is, probably, to move away from the traditional teaching that is mainly based on strengthening the language abilities not, necessarily, the writing skills. These traditional practices have shown many limitations in terms of developing the appropriate writing skills needed to acquire a new language. Therefore, the need for a new approach is becoming an urgent challenge among educators.

 

Enseñar a escribir es un ejercicio real en negociaciones permanentes, ajustes y adaptaciones; Los métodos y técnicas deben ser construidos y reconstruidos. En este sentido, lo que se cuestiona es la concepción misma de la escritura escolar. En estas condiciones, para basar una didáctica de la escritura en bases serias, es importante no trabajar más en la nostalgia de los métodos tradicionales caracterizados por la ausencia de una teoría articulada entre "escribir" y "reescribir". Este silencio sobre el interés en estas actividades ha llevado a su marginación por parte de los estudiantes.
Une Fille amoureuse de Pauline Réage, ¿una autoficción avant la lettre?
Authors: Tremblais Mathilde
Published: December 2019

Este artículo propone interesarse por Une Fille amoureuse de Pauline Réage, un texto que se inscribe en el ámbito muy amplio de las escrituras del yo. Entre los diferentes modelos de literatura íntima existentes, Une Fille amoureuse se acerca a la autoficción, un tipo textual que progresivamente ha invadido el paisaje literario de principios del siglo XXI. La obra fue publicada en 1969, es así anterior a los primeros intentos de conceptualización a los que la autoficción ha dado lugar y también es anterior a la aparición misma de la noción de autoficción. Este artículo analiza los rasgos distintivos de la autoficción que reúne Une Fille amoureuse, un relato en el que Pauline Réage explora las fronteras entre la ficción novelesca y la realidad autobiográfica y deja expresarse una voz femenina que se desvela inventándose a través del juego de la escritura.

This article examines Pauline Réage’s Une Fille amoureuse, a text that can be categorized as belonging to the vast field of writings on the self. Among the various types of current intimate literature, Une Fille amoureuse is closer to autofiction, a kind of text that has progressively taken over the literary landscape of the 21st century. It was published in 1969, which makes it not only prior to the first conceptualization tentatives that resulted from autofiction, but also prior to the appearance of the very notion of autofiction. This study enquires into the distinctive traits of autofiction present in Une Fille amoureuse, in which Pauline Réage explores the boundaries between novel and autobiography, allowing a feminine voice to unfold as it is revealed by the writing itself.

Cet article propose d’étudier Une Fille amoureuse de Pauline Réage, un texte qui s’inscrit dans le champ très vaste des écritures du moi. Parmi les différents modèles de littérature intime existants, Une Fille amoureuse se rapproche de l’autofiction, un type textuel qui a progressivement envahi le paysage littéraire du début du XXIe siècle. L’œuvre a été publiée en 1969, elle est donc antérieure aux premières tentatives de conceptualisation auxquelles l’autofiction a donné lieu et elle est aussi antérieure à l’apparition même de la notion d’autofiction. Cet article analyse les traits distinctifs de l’autofiction que réunit Une Fille amoureuse, un récit dans lequel Pauline Réage explore les frontières entre la fiction romanesque et la réalité autobiographique et laisse s’exprimer une voix féminine qui se dévoile tout en s’inventant par le jeu de l’écriture.
SoundCloud: sus posibilidades y limitaciones como una plataforma de distribución de pódcast educativos
Authors: Grau Ibarra Katia
Published: December 2019

Este artículo, a través de una revisión bibliográfica y una sistematización de experiencias, plantea algunas ventajas y limitaciones al distribuir podcasts educativos de la UNED a través del SoundCloud, plataforma en línea bajo demanda. Para comenzar, se hizo un breve repaso por conceptos claves como qué son plataformas bajo demanda, y su diferencia con las de transmisión en línea; además se reflexiona en relación con la manera en que estas plataformas han modificado la producción y entrega de materiales audiovisuales, aspectos a considerar para la divulgación de materiales educativos. Inclusive, exploramos qué son los podcasts, el podcasting, y brevemente repasamos su apoyo en los procesos de enseñanza aprendizaje. En este contexto, estudiamos al SoundCloud, sus orígenes, el posicionamiento que ha alcanzado y evaluamos las herramientas que ofrece. Al final, con base en esta revisión bibliográfica, y en la experiencia al haber utilizado el SoundCloud en el Programa de Producción de Material Audiovisual de la UNED (PPMA), se rescatan algunas posibilidades y limitaciones para distribuir podcasts educativos. A pesar de ser una plataforma comercial, SoundCloud permite la accesibilidad buscada para la difusión de los audios, es asincrónica y atemporal, posibilita el uso de varios dispositivos, genera un espacio de intercambio de información, y fomenta algunos aspectos sociales claves para el éxito del podcasting.

Through literature review and a systematization of experiences, this article outlines some advantages and disadvantages when distributing UNED's educational podcasts through SoundCloud, a music and podcast streaming platform. To begin with, we describe essential concepts such as on-demand platforms and their difference with those that operate as online broadcasting platforms. We reflect on how these on-demand platforms changed production work flows and the distribution of audiovisual materials, specially of educational resources. Furthermore, we explore the definitions of podcasts, podcasting, and briefly review its assistance on teaching-learning processes. We studied SoundCloud, its background, the status it has achieved and evaluate the tools it offers. In the end, based on this literature review, and on our experience using SoundCloud at the Audiovisual Production Program, UNED (Distance Education University - San José, Costa Rica), we identified some opportunities and obstacles for distributing educational podcasts. Even if it is a commercial platform, SoundCloud allows the desired accesibility for the delivery of podcasts; as it is asynchronic and timeless. It can be downloaded in several devices, it offers tools for comments, information exchange and it promotes networking, as a result of the sharing tool in social networks, which is essential for podcasting success.
El ascenso del ágora digital: transformaciones del espacio público en la era del capital intangible como religión
Authors: Ludueña Romandini Fabián
Published: December 2019

En los tiempos actuales de la globalización, el Capital presenta transformaciones profundas en su naturaleza, acumulación y circulación, entre las cuales la digitalización se cuenta entre las más decisivas. Al mismo tiempo, sobre esa tela de fondo de las nuevas formas del Capital y, entretejida con ellas, tiene lugar una metamorfosis de enorme calado sobre la concepción del espacio público. Al respecto, pretendemos analizar la noción de “ágora virtual” (Mitchell) para explorar cómo la política se transforma en el tiempo del nuevo Capital desmaterializado. Desde esta perspectiva, estudiaremos algunas modelizaciones que adquiere la esfera pública de la política en el mundo de las plataformas digitales tomando como hilo conductor dos casos paradigmáticos: el nuevo ágora como espacio de lo político virtualizado y el ciudadano como actante en los medios cibernéticos. Estas mutaciones serán tomadas en consideración según un trasfondo filosófico-político preciso: por un lado, bajo la inspiración de los análisis de Walter Benjamin acerca del capitalismo como fenómeno teológico-político y, por otro, a partir de la noción de “dispositivo” propuesta por el filósofo italiano Giorgio Agamben en su arqueología de la oikonomia como gestión de la vida en las sociedades contemporáneas.
Cycling in synchrony
Authors: Osés-Ruiz Míriam , Talbot Nicholas J
Published: December 2019

The corn smut fungus uses two different mechanisms to control its cell cycle when it is infecting plants.
Review of Opioid Prescribing in the Osteopathic and Ambulatory Setting
Authors: Hussein Ahmad I. , Bekampis Christopher F. , Jermyn Richard T.
Published: December 2019

The opioid epidemic in the United States is one of the largest modern health crises in the nation's history. The crisis has been cultivated in academic journals, driven by the medical-pharmaceutical complex, and fueled by campaigns representing the most prestigious health care organizations and advocacy groups. Comprehensive guidelines for proper prescribing have been released in addition to state-sponsored prescription drug–monitoring programs (PDMPs) in response to overprescribing habits. When considering opioid treatment for a patient, physicians should document a thorough history of pain, give an appropriate physical examination, and complete a risk assessment using the proper diagnostic tools. Considering the osteopathic philosophy and approach to chronic pain, physicians should account for an integrative treatment approach for improved patient outcomes when considering applying the osteopathic philosophy to chronic pain management. A successful treatment plan can integrate cognitive behavioral therapy and promote self-healing by treating somatic dysfunctions with osteopathic manipulative treatment. This literature review discusses how to treat patients with chronic pain and how to properly use and prescribe opioids. The researchers analyzed the history and current status of the opioid epidemic, examined opioid management in the outpatient setting, reviewed the current domestic and international opioid prescribing guidelines, and discussed the incorporation of the osteopathic philosophy to manage chronic pain.
Assessing humour use in accommodation establishments: the Estonian context
Authors: Piirman Marit , Pratt Stephen , Smith Melanie , Tooman Heli
Published: December 2019

This paper studies the use of humour in Estonian accommodation establishments. The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of how humour is used in the marketing communication and service processes in accommodation establishments. A range of methods were used to answer the research aim, including desktop research on how humour is currently used in accommodation settings, a focus group consisting of international participants, and two online surveys with both accommodation providers and accommodation guest. The results indicate that overall humour is beneficial for accommodation establishments. Respondents mentioned the multiple ways in which humour was used to inform guests about certain accommodation features. This study proposes a decision support model to guide accommodation establishments in how humour could be applied more effectively in their marketing communication and service processes.
Co-expression analysis and ceRNA network reveal eight novel potential lncRNA biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zou Ren-chao , Shi Zhi-tian , Xiao Shu-feng , Ke Yang , Tang Hao-ran , Wu Tian-gen , Guo Zhi-tang , Ni Fan , An Sanqi , Wang Lin
Published: December 2019

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer in the world, with a high degree of malignancy and recurrence. The influence of the ceRNA network in tumor on the biological function of liver cancer is very important, It has been reported that many lncRNA play a key role in liver cancer development. In our study, integrated data analysis revealed potential eight novel lncRNA biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

Transcriptome data and clinical data were downloaded from the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data portal. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed to identify the expression pattern of genes in liver cancer. Then, the ceRNA network was constructed using transcriptome data.

Results

The integrated analysis of miRNA and RNAseq in the database show eight novel lncRNAs that may be involved in important biological pathways, including TNM and disease development in liver cancer. We performed function enrichment analysis of mRNAs affected by these lncRNAs.

Conclusions

By identifying the ceRNA network and the lncRNAs that affect liver cancer, we showed that eight novel lncRNAs play an important role in the development and progress of liver cancer.
Propofol inhibits stromatoxin-1-sensitive voltage-dependent K+channels in pancreatic β-cells and enhances insulin secretion
Authors: Kusunoki Munenori , Hayashi Mikio , Shoji Tomohiro , Uba Takeo , Tanaka Hiromasa , Sumi Chisato , Matsuo Yoshiyuki , Hirota Kiichi
Published: December 2019

Background

Proper glycemic control is an important goal of critical care medicine, including perioperative patient care that can influence patients’ prognosis. Insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells is generally assumed to play a critical role in glycemic control in response to an elevated blood glucose concentration. Many animal and human studies have demonstrated that perioperative drugs, including volatile anesthetics, have an impact on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). However, the effects of the intravenous anesthetic propofol on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity are largely unknown at present.

Methods

The effect of propofol on insulin secretion under low glucose or high glucose was examined in mouse MIN6 cells, rat INS-1 cells, and mouse pancreatic β-cells/islets. Cellular oxygen or energy metabolism was measured by Extracellular Flux Analyzer. Expression of glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), potassium channels, and insulin mRNA was assessed byqRT-PCR. Protein expression of voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv2) was also assessed by immunoblot. Propofol’s effects on potassium channels including stromatoxin-1-sensitive Kv channels and cellular oxygen and energy metabolisms were also examined.

Results

We showed that propofol, at clinically relevant doses, facilitates insulin secretion under low glucose conditions and GSIS in MIN6, INS-1 cells, and pancreatic β-cells/islets. Propofol did not affect intracellular ATP or ADP concentrations and cellular oxygen or energy metabolism. The mRNA expression of GLUT2 and channels including the voltage-dependent calcium channels Cav1.2, Kir6.2, and SUR1 subunit of KATP, and Kv2 were not affected by glucose or propofol. Finally, we demonstrated that propofol specifically blocks Kv currents in β-cells, resulting in insulin secretion in the presence of glucose.

Conclusions

Our data support the hypothesis that glucose induces membrane depolarization at the distal site, leading to KATPchannel closure, and that the closure of Kv channels by propofol depolarization in β-cells enhances Ca2+entry, leading to insulin secretion. Because its activity is dependent on GSIS, propofol and its derivatives are potential compounds that enhance and initiate β-cell electrical activity.
Nutritive Parameters Evolution of Maize Seeds Conserved by Triple Bagging System and Biopesticides (Lippia multiflora and Hyptis suaveolens Leaves) in Cote d’Ivoire
Authors: Romaric Die Gnande , Olivier Chatigre Kouamé , Ibrahim Fofana , Maruis Biego Godi Henri
Published: December 2019

This study, initiated in Côte d'Ivoire, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the triple bagging system associated or not with biopesticides on the conservation of biochemical parameters, in particular its nutritional potential according to a central composite design (CCD). It was carried in Côte d'Ivoire at Laboratory of Biochemistry and Food Science from March 2016 to September 2017. Shelf life, biopesticides rate and interactions between shelf life and biopesticides had a significant influence on the biochemical characteristics of maize. The polypropylene bag (control) had the highest values after eighteen (18) months of moisture storage (9.02% to 16.99%) and showed very high fibre losses (P<0.001) (5.78% to 4.28%), total sugars (2.62% to 1.30%), reducing sugars (0.47% to 0.27%), starch (75.20% to 46.10%), fat (5.51% to 3.33%), protein (8.60% to 6.87%), total carbohydrate (75.20% to 71.51%), ash (1.68% to 1.30%) and energy value (384.78% to 343.48%). Concerning the triple bagging system without biopesticides, the variation is similar to the treatments that received the biopesticides up to 9.5 months of storage before presenting values almost similar to the control bag after the 18 months of storage. While triple bagging systems with the presence of biopesticides after 18 months of storage show slight variations in moisture (9.02% to 12.47%), fibre (5.78% to 5.56%), total sugars (2.62% to 1,88%), reducing sugars (0.47% to 0.37%), starch (75.20% to 60.03%), fat (5.51% to 5.00%), protein (8.60% to 7.84%), total carbohydrates (75.20% to 72.69%), ash (1.68% to 1.50%) and energy value (384.78% to 368.93%). The results of these tests show that maize grains stored in the presence of biopesticides best retain their biochemical characteristics. Also, the results indicate that the rate of 1.01% biopesticides could be recommended for maintaining all biochemical parameters up to 18 months of storage.
Assessment of Lifestyle Practices and Nutritional Status among Undergraduate Medical Students
Authors: Kruthi B. N. , Raghunath H. , Hamsa M.
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives: Overweight and obesity are not only the biggest problem among the middle-aged but also among children, teenagers and young adults. Early detection of the factors causing obesity, in turn, helps in the prevention of its complications. The objectives of the study were to assess the various lifestyle practices among medical students and to correlate the relationship between the nutritional status and biochemical parameters.

Methods: A cross-sectional - study was conducted on MBBS students studying at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS), Mandya, Karnataka, India. Self-administered questionnaires were given to the students followed by the recording of their anthropometric measurements. Nutritional status was assessed using the Body Mass Index (BMI). Fasting blood sample was collected from the student and analysed the biochemical parameters.

Results: Out of 325 students, 48.9% were male students and 51.1% were female students. It was found that a higher percentage of female students (53%) was on a balanced diet as compared to male students (47.2%). The daily consumption of fruits and vegetables were less amongst students of both genders. Mean values of Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG) and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL-C) were higher among male students as compared to female students. Mean values of few biochemical parameters like FBS, TC, TG and LDL-C were higher amongst obese students along with a corresponding decrease in High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL-C).

Conclusion: Our study showed that unhealthy dietary and lifestyle practices were associated with increased levels of various biochemical parameters and it was more common amongst male students. Increased biochemical parameters like FBS, TC, TG and LDL-C with the corresponding decrease in HDL-C is an alarming sign for increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease among the younger age group.
Production of Microbial Exopolysaccharide by Cost-effective Medium Opimization Method
Authors: Nwosu I. G. , Abu G. O. , Agwa K. O.
Published: December 2019

Microbial exopolysaccharide (EPS) emerged as a fast and high yielding sustainable polymeric substance which can be used as an alternative to synthetic polymer in industry. In this study, the influence of various nutritional and environmental factors of fermentation medium on bacterial growth and EPS production was evaluated by one factor at a time optimization. Efficient production medium was chosen from four different basal media and its carbon and nitrogen substrates were varied among organic and inorganic sources. Feasibility of bacterial utilization of some agricultural wastes as carbon and nitrogen sources to synthesize exopolysaccharide was compared. Carbon source of the fermentation medium was replaced with hydrolysates of sugarcane baggasse (SCB), sweet potato peels (SPP) or ripe plantain peels (RPP) at various concentrations while the nitrogen substrates was replaced with extracts of poultry droppings (PP), groundnut pod (GP) or beans bran (BB). Response results observed from single factor optimization were explored as center points to design a model for Response Surface Methodology study. Cell growth was determined from the biomass population of the fermentation broth after 5 days of incubation in a rotary shaker at 120 rpm at 30ºC. EPS was precipitated with pre-chilled ethanol (at 4ºC) from cell-free broth and overnight incubation at 4ºC. Total carbohydrate content was estimated by phenol-sulphuric acid method. Result obtained showed that 2% concentration Hydrolysate of SPP containing medium gave maximum yield of 2.26 g EPS/l of the medium as compared to sucrose containing medium with yield of 1.25 g EPS/l of the medium while highest production yield of 9.46 gEPS/l of the medium was obtained from 10 g/l BB extract medium as compared to yeast extract medium (5.41 gEPS/l). Results indicated that agricultural wastes such as sweet potato peel hydrolysate and bean bran extract could be developed as inexpensive alternative route to synthesize EPS from bacteria than inorganic substrates.
Adolescent Obesity and Overweight Prevalence amongst Urban Population of Pakistan
Authors: Khosa Zulfiqar , Bazai M. Yaseen , Mehmood Tariq , Mehboob Mukhtar , Zubair Muhammad , Sharif Mehwish , Sana Hamaiyal , Murad Sania
Published: December 2019

Background: Adolescent obesity is a worldwide threatening health challenge. Current study was designed to assess the obesity and overweight occurrence in adolescent age groups of 12-18 years pertaining to high and low income groups of the city of Quetta Pakistan.

Methods and Results: A total of 2000 school children were investigated and classified into 1088 High Income Category (HIC) and 912 Low Income Category (LIC). Obesity and overweight were reviewed by using Body Mass Index (BMI) and Triceps Skin Fold Thickness (TSFT) specifying age and sex values for adolescents. By using BMI as the core value, occurrence of obesity and overweight remained as 1.3% to 0.5% in LIC respectively. And in HIC the obesity and overweight percentile remained 3.3% and 1.5% respectively (p<0001). While using TSFT criteria, the obesity and overweight occurrence in LIC was 0.4% and 0.4% and in HIC the obesity and overweight assessments were 1.4% and 0.7% respectively (p˂0001). Current study presented that obesity and overweight occurrence found higher in HIC compared to LIC adolescent age groups. This emphasizing the possibilities based on modified pattern of dietary habits and physical activities with mount in income height.

Conclusions: Socioeconomic condition matters in pattern of obesity and overweight amongst adolescent.
Evaluating the Irrigation Practice of Center Pivot Sprinkler Irrigation System at Hiwot Agricultural Mechanization, Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonen Tiku Kasa , Singh Pratap
Published: December 2019

Irrigation practice evaluation of center pivot sprinkler irrigation system at Hiwot Agricultural Mechanization farm, North/west Ethiopia was conducted. The aim of the study was evaluating the existing center pivot irrigation practice in terms of irrigation scheduling. Measuring flow rate of center pivot machines for existing irrigation practice and Crop water requirement based scheduling was used to evaluate the system. The highest value of crop water requirement at location m6, m7 and m12 was 5.24 mm/day in September at mid-stage and for location m4 and m8 in October at mid-stage equal to 4.99 mm/day. Whereas, the lowest crop water requirement at location m6, m7 and m12 was 2.52 mm/day in July at the initial stage which was and for location m4 and m8 in august at initial stage equal to 2.08 mm/day. The actual flow rate of center pivot machines varies from 0.7l/s for m7 to a maximum of 1l/s for m4 whereas estimated crop water requirement flow rate varies from 0.6l/s for m6 to a maximum of 0.8l/s for m4. The study also revealed that the actual flow rate of the nozzles was excess. Therefore improvement of center pivot sprinkler irrigation system can be amended by using proper irrigation scheduling and by introducing an automatic control system.
Long noncoding RNA LINC00662 promotes M2 macrophage polarization and hepatocellular carcinoma progression via activating Wnt/β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Tian Xiaohui , Wu Yuanyuan , Yang Yating , Wang Jiaxin , Niu Menglan , Gao Shanjun , Qin Tao , Bao Dengke
Published: December 2019

Tumor‐associated macrophages have important roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) initiation and progression. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have also been reported to be involved in HCC. In this study, we explored how lncRNA LINC00662 may influence HCC progression through both tumor cell‐dependent and macrophage‐dependent mechanisms. LINC00662 was found to be upregulated in HCC, and high LINC00662 levels correlated with poor survival of HCC patients. LINC00662 upregulated WNT3A expression and secretion via competitively binding miR‐15a, miR‐16, and miR‐107. Through inducing WNT3A secretion, LINC00662 activated Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in HCC cells in an autocrine manner and further promoted HCC cell proliferation, cell cycle, and tumor cell invasion, while repressing HCC cell apoptosis. In addition, acting through WNT3A secretion, LINC00662 activated Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in macrophages in a paracrine manner and further promoted M2 macrophage polarization. Via activating Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and M2 macrophages polarization, LINC00662 significantly promoted HCC tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Hence, targeting LINC00662 may provide novel therapeutic strategy against HCC.
Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Multicomponent Therapy in Patients With Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Guinot Michel , Maindet Caroline , Hodaj Hasan , Hodaj Enkelejda , Bachasson Damien , Baillieul Sébastien , Cracowski Jean-Luc , Launois Sandrine
Published: December 2019

Objective

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic painful condition partly due to alterations in pain modulation by the central nervous system. Multicomponent therapy (MT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have both been reported as pain modulators in patients with FM. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of rTMS on pain with a combination of MT and rTMS versus MT alone.

Methods

Thirty‐nine FM patients with visual analog scale (VAS) results for pain of ≥40 mm were randomized to active or sham rTMS (high‐frequency, primary motor cortex M1) plus 12 weeks of MT (3 sessions per week combining aerobic training, pool‐based exercises, and relaxation). Repetitive TMS was started 2 weeks prior to MT and maintained until the end of the program (week 14). Assessments were achieved at baseline, at week 14, and at 6 months (week 40) after completion of the program. The main criterion was pain reduction, as assessed by the weekly mean self‐reported level of pain (reported daily). Secondary outcomes were cardiorespiratory fitness (graded maximal exercise test), cardiac autonomic adaptations, and FM impact (using scales for FM impact, depression, sleep efficiency, and pain catastrophizing).

Results

The reduction of the weekly mean of pain reported daily did not differ significantly between groups (using repeated measures of analysis of variance [ANOVA]). Two‐way ANOVAs showed that pain VAS results, as well as cardiorespiratory fitness, quality of life, depression, and catastrophizing, improved significantly at week 14 and remained stable until week 40. Neither cardiac autonomic adaptations nor sleep efficiency changed significantly.

Conclusion

Repetitive TMS did not reduce pain in patients with FM who followed the MT program.
Centimeter‐Scale and Visible Wavelength Monolayer Light‐Emitting Devices
Authors: Cho Joy , Amani Matin , Lien Der‐Hsien , Kim Hyungjin , Yeh Matthew , Wang Vivian , Tan Chaoliang , Javey Ali
Published: December 2019

Monolayer 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have shown great promise for optoelectronic applications due to their direct bandgaps and unique physical properties. In particular, they can possess photoluminescence quantum yields (PL QY) approaching unity at the ultimate thickness limit, making their application in light‐emitting devices highly promising. Here, large‐area WS2 grown via chemical vapor deposition is synthesized and characterized for visible (red) light‐emitting devices. Detail optical characterization of the synthesized films is performed, which show peak PL QY as high as 12%. Electrically pumped emission from the synthetic WS2 is achieved utilizing a transient‐mode electroluminescence device structure, which consists of a single metal–semiconductor contact and alternating gate fields to achieve bipolar emission. Utilizing this aforementioned structure, a centimeter‐scale (≈0.5 cm2) visible (640 nm) display is demonstrated, fabricated using TMDCs to showcase the potential of this material system for display applications.
Upconversion Nanoparticle Powered Microneedle Patches for Transdermal Delivery of siRNA
Authors: Wang Min , Han Yiyuan , Yu Xiaojun , Liang Liangliang , Chang Hao , Yeo David C. , Wiraja Christian , Wee Mei Ling , Liu Linbo , Liu Xiaogang , Xu Chenjie
Published: December 2019

Microneedles (MNs) permit the delivery of nucleic acids like small interfering RNA (siRNA) through the stratum corneum and subsequently into the skin tissue. However, skin penetration is only the first step in successful implementation of siRNA therapy. These delivered siRNAs need to be resistant to enzymatic degradation, enter target cells, and escape the endosome–lysosome degradation axis. To address this challenge, this article introduces a nanoparticle‐embedding MN system that contains a dissolvable hyaluronic acid (HA) matrix and mesoporous silica‐coated upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs@mSiO2). The mesoporous silica (mSiO2) shell is used to load and protect siRNA while the upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) core allows the tracking of MN skin penetration and NP diffusion through upconversion luminescence imaging or optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. Once inserted into the skin, the HA matrix dissolves and UCNPs@mSiO2 diffuse in the skin tissue before entering the cells for delivering the loaded genes. As a proof of concept, this system is used to deliver molecular beacons (MBs) and siRNA targeting transforming growth factor‐beta type I receptor (TGF‐βRI) that is potentially used for abnormal scar treatment.
Core–Sheath Stretchable Conductive Fibers for Safe Underwater Wearable Electronics
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Weifeng , Ye Guo , Tan Qishuo , Zhao Yan , Qiu Jiakang , Qi Shuyan , Du Xiaojia , Chen Tinglei , Liu Nan
Published: December 2019

Stretchable conductive fibers can be directly woven into textiles and applied in wearable and implantable electronic devices. However, for a stretchable conductive fiber that is capable of safely using in full water environment with strains when contacting to skin, it is challenging. Herein, an ultrafine core–sheath stretchable conductive fiber (CSCF in short) with insulative outer sheath and conductive inner core is designed particularly for safe underwater electronic skin devices. CSCF starts from prestrained Lycra fiber followed by spray coating 1D conductive species (carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/silver nanowires (AgNWs)) and wrapping styrene‐(ethylene‐butylene)‐styrene (SEBS) thin film. CSCF exhibits stable core conductivity (e.g., R0 ≈ 2 × 104 S m−1, ΔR/R0 ≈ 0.1 at 100% strain) as well as surface insulation upon mechanical stretching in full water environment. The thickness‐tunable SEBS not only protects skin away from leak of CNTs and AgNWs, but also efficiently suppresses leakage current to an extremely safe level (<1 µA at 5 V) when applying in underwater electronic skin devices. A wireless charging patch composed by CSCF induction coil is able to light light emitting diode (LEDs) no matter when CSCFs are folding and stretching in water. These advantages highlight the promising application of stretchable conductive fiber with protective polymer skin for safe underwater wearable electronics.
Immobilization of Ni3Co Nanoparticles into N‐Doped Carbon Nanotube/Nanofiber Integrated Hierarchically Branched Architectures toward Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Li Tongfei , Li Sulin , Liu Qianyu , Yin Jingwen , Sun Dongmei , Zhang Mingyi , Xu Lin , Tang Yawen , Zhang Yiwei
Published: December 2019

Exploring cost‐effective and high‐performance bifunctional electrocatalysts for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of paramount importance for the advancement of H2 production technology, yet remains a huge challenge. Herein, a simple electrospinning–pyrolysis strategy is developed to directly immobilize uniform Ni3Co nanoparticles into a hierarchical branched architecture constructed by in situ formed N‐doped carbon‐nanotube‐grafted carbon nanofibers. The elaborate construction of such hybrid hierarchical architecture can effectively modulate the electronic structure of the active sites, enlarge the exposure of active sites, and facilitate the electron transfer and mass diffusion, favoring both the HER and OER. As a result, the optimized catalyst requires relatively low overpotentials of 114 and 243 mV for HER and OER, respectively, to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 0.1 m KOH electrolyte. When employed as a bifunctional catalyst for overall water splitting, the resultant catalyst shows a low cell voltage of 1.57 V to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2, along with an impressive stability without noticeable attenuation even after 27 h. This work presents a successful demonstration in optimizing the electrocatalytic performance of Ni‐based bifunctional electrocatalysts by simultaneously considering modulation of electronic structure, hybridization with carbon substrate, and nanostructuring through a facile synthetic strategy, which provides a new avenue to the design of a rich variety of robust transition‐metal‐based electrocatalysts for large‐scale water electrolysis.
Gut microbiota composition of Japanese macaques associates with extent of human encroachment
Authors: Lee Wanyi , Hayakawa Takashi , Kiyono Mieko , Yamabata Naoto , Hanya Goro
Published: December 2019

In recent decades, human–wildlife interaction and associated anthropogenic food provisioning has been increasing and becoming more severe due to fast population growth and urban development. Noting the role of the gut microbiome in host physiology like nutrition and health, it is thus essential to understand how human–wildlife interactions and availability of anthropogenic food in habitats can affect an animal's gut microbiome. This study, therefore, set out to examine the gut microbiota of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) with varying accessibility to anthropogenic food and the possibility of using gut microbiota as indicator for macaques’ reliance on anthropogenic food. Using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, we described the microbial composition of Japanese macaques experiencing different types of human disturbance and anthropogenic food availability—captive, provisioned, crop‐raiding, and wild. In terms of alpha diversity, our results showed that observed richness of gut microbiota did not differ significantly between disturbance types but among collection sites, whereas Shannon diversity index differed by both disturbance types and sites. In terms of beta diversity, captive populations harbored the most distinctive gut microbial composition, and had the greatest difference compared with wild populations. Whereas for provisioned and crop‐raiding groups, the macaques exhibited intermediate microbiota between wild and captive. We identified several potential bacterial taxa at different taxonomic ranks whose abundance potentially could help in assessing macaques’ accessibility to anthropogenic food. This study revealed the flexibility of the gut microbiome of Japanese macaques and provided possible indices based on the gut microbiome profile in assessing macaques’ accessibility to/reliance on anthropogenic foods.
Ferromagnetic Phase in Graphene‐Based Planar Heterostructures Induced by Charged Impurity
Authors: Grashin Petr , Sveshnikov Konstantin
Published: December 2019

The spontaneous self‐consistent generation of axial current and corresponding dipole‐like magnetic field in a planar electron–positron system similar to graphene and related heterostructures doped by charged impurity with charge Z is explored. It is shown that this effect takes place for with being a peculiar analogue of the Curie point in ferromagnetics. The properties of the induced ferromagnetic state are studied in detail. It is also shown that the magnetic dipole arising this way leads to a significant decrease of the total Casimir (vacuum) energy of the system, which in turn provides its spontaneous generation above the “Curie point” .
Harmonic Mode‐Locked Er‐Doped Fiber Laser by Evanescent Field‐Based MXene Ti3C2Tx (T = F, O, or OH) Saturable Absorber
Authors: Feng Jiangjiang , Li Xiaohui , Feng Tianci , Wang Yamin , Liu Jie , Zhang Han
Published: December 2019

MXenes, as a legendary family of 2D van der Waals nanosheets materials, are extensively studied due to their unique characteristics of broadband nonlinear optical response. In particular, MXenes have excellent nonlinear optical properties of very large nonlinear absorption coefficients and very large nonlinear refractive indexes, which have attracted people's great attentions to study the application of MXenes in photonics, electronics, and optoelectronics in recent years. However, the high‐repetition‐rate (HRR) ultrafast pulses are not explored based on these kinds of materials. MXene Ti3C2Tx saturable absorber (SA) based on micro‐fiber is fabricated by optical deposition method. Here, MXene Ti3C2Tx SA is used to achieve 36th harmonic mode‐locking with a repetition rate of 218.4 MHz, a central wavelength of 1566.9 nm, the pulse width of 850 fs, and the spectral width of 3.51 nm. The maximum average output power and pulse energy are 6.95 mW and 0.032 nJ, respectively. This research based on MXene Ti3C2Tx light modulator opens a bright avenue for advanced nonlinear photonics.