bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Las remesas de los ecuatorianos en Murcia
Authors: Montes del Castillo Ángel , Montes Martínez Alberto , García Sánchez Alberto , Maurandi López Antonio , Martín Hierro Lucía , Dávila Díaz Danilo , Martínez Martínez María José
Published: November 2020

Este libro es el resultado de una investigación realizada en la Comunidad Autónoma de la Región de Murcia en el año 2011 bajo la dirección de Ángel Montes del Castillo, profesor titular de Antropología Social y director del Centro de Estudios de Cooperación al Desarrollo en la Universidad de Murcia. En su elaboración han participado los profesores Mª José Martínez Martínez y Antonio Maurandi Gómez y los alumnos de doctorado Alberto García Sánchez, Alberto Montes Martínez, Lucía Martín Hierro y Danilo Dávila Díaz.
La investigación se ha realizado a solicitud de los dirigentes de la Cooperativa Jardín Azuayo, originaria del Cantón Paute en la Provincia del Azuay en Ecuador y con el apoyo financiero de la misma.
Esta Cooperativa, nacida en el Cantón Paute, bajo la iniciativa de D. Hernán Rodas Martínez, párroco católico del mismo, y con el asesoramiento además de D. Paciente Vázquez, economista, profesor de la Universidad de Cuenca (Ecuador) y secretario general de la misma, ha tenido un sorprendente éxito en el campesinado de las provincias del Azuay, Cañar, Guayas, El Oro, Loja y Zamora Chinchipe, que en medio de la crisis económica y política del Ecuador optaron por dar una respuesta organizativa y cooperativa a su situación.
El crecimiento rápido y gradual del número de miembros, del monto elevado de los ingresos realizados y de las actividades de la Cooperativa Jardín Azuayo a favor de los campesinos asociados y de los dirigentes de las diferentes oficinas repartidas en el territorio ha obligado a una permanente reflexión para alimentar las necesidades de conocimiento en cooperativismo y para orientar la toma de decisiones imprescindible en su gestión.
En esta ocasión se nos solicitó esta colaboración que hemos realizado no sólo con profesionalidad por nuestra experiencia en la investigación social, sino también con solidaridad y voluntad de ayuda a un proyecto social cuyos fines compartimos. Quizá nuestros análisis y reflexiones y nuestras propuestas hayan servido para orientar las actividades de los dirigentes de la Cooperativa Jardín Azuayo.
Nosotros deseamos que esta iniciativa social siga siendo motor del desarrollo local en beneficio del campesinado de estas provincias y un modelo a seguir por otras cooperativas del Ecuador y de América Latina.
Ciencia y arte en la pizarra
Authors: Meseguer Peñalver José
Published: November 2020

El presente libro tiene por objeto reunir una serie de imágenes derivadas de la actividad ilustradora como profesor del autor, realizadas en el despacho, en el laboratorio, o en el aula tanto de teoría como de prácticas. Se trata de dibujos desarrollados empleando técnicas muy variadas, cuyas bases son recogidas de modo sencillo y resumido al inicio de esta obra.
También presentamos imágenes de tres obras creativas cuyo carácter es exclusivamente plástico. Estas también han sido realizadas tomando como soporte la pizarra y los mismos materiales utilizados para las ilustraciones docentes en el aula.
Así pues, este libro está dirigido a toda persona que guste de ciencia y de arte, que sea capaz de disfrutar de todo lo que pueda haber de bello y artístico en la representación de la observación científica, y de modo particular en la observación microscópica, con especial interés por lo que de ello se transmite en un aula, por aquello que se ilustra en una pizarra durante un curso sobre biología de células, tejidos y órganos, o por aquello que sea posible realizar con tiza sobre una pizarra con motivos exclusivamente plásticos.
Introducción al Estudio sobre el Conocimiento Sensible y la Experiencia
Authors: Vicente Burgoa Lorenzo
Published: November 2020

Apreciado lector, esto no es un libro de psicología. Es un libro de filosofía. Aunque trate de un tema muy estudiado por los psicólogos, no es propiamente un tratado de psicología; al menos en el sentido corriente de la psicología empírica.
Es un libro de filosofía. Esto es, un estudio sobre las bases mismas y los fundamentos de la sensación y de la experiencia. La psicología convencional trata de los actos principalmente y de los comportamientos de las personas y los estudia generalmente en otras personas, distintas de la del investigador, a las cuales se pregunta o se hacen test o se somete a experimentos determinados, etc. Pero ahora tratamos de ir más allá de los actos y de los comportamientos; aunque sea dándolos por supuestos o remitiendo a los mismos según la propia experiencia reflexiva, tanto personal como de otras personas. Por tanto, no es que rechacemos la experiencia; al contrario, la damos como sabida o conocida suficientemente, teniendo en cuenta sus aportaciones para la descripción (fenomenológica) de los actos o comportamientos humanos de tipo cognoscitivo.
Educar con el Quijote: del canon al hipertexto
Authors: González García María
Published: November 2020

Leer en el siglo XXI no es una actividad fácil ni aséptica; antes bien, reclama temperamento crítico y creativo porque se enfrenta a la necesidad de transformar el canon en hipertexto. El modelo de lector pasivo y obediente a los dictados canónicos que todavía pulula en los acostumbrados rituales de la enseñanza tradicional es inútil en esta sociedad cambiante que demanda talento para aprender de los problemas que acaecen en la vida cotidiana y de la multitud de lenguajes y de culturas enredados a la experiencia sensitiva del mundo globalizado y travieso que nos cubre.
Poemas, relatos y reflexiones
Authors: Bermejo Jiménez Concepción
Published: November 2020

En esta obra se recogen los escritos, la mayoría de ellos inéditos, de Conchita Bermejo Jiménez, que fue primero alumna de esta Universidad, y luego profesora en su Facultad de Letras (Departamento de Filología Clásica). Algunos habían recibido –hace más de cuarenta años– premios muy importantes en su momento. En palabras de Francisca Moya, son un conjunto de “páginas repletas de belleza, sensibilidad e inteligencia…” en las que “habla directamente al corazón y a la mente el alma, hecha dolor y esperanza, y sobre todo amor, de una mujer verdaderamente excepcional”.
La niebla transparente
Authors: Sánchez Granados Pedro Felipe
Published: November 2020

Premio de Poesía “Dionisia García-Universidad de Murcia”
Addition of L-cysteine to the N- or C-terminus of the all-D-enantiomer [D(KLAKLAK)2] increases antimicrobial activities against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and Escherichia coli
Authors: Ohno Maki K. , Kirikae Teruo , Yoshihara Eisaku , Kirikae Fumiko , Ishida Isao
Published: November 2020

Background

Antimicrobial peptides have a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities and are attracting attention as promising next-generation antibiotics against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. The all-d-enantiomer [D(KLAKLAK)2] has been reported to have antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and to be resistant to protein degradation in bacteria because it is composed of D-enantiomer compounds. In this study, we demonstrated that modification of [D(KLAKLAK)2] by the addition of an L-cysteine residue to its N- or C- terminus markedly enhanced its antimicrobial activities against Gram-negative bacteria such as MDR Acinetobacter baumannii, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa.

Methods

The peptides [D(KLAKLAK)2] (DP), DP to which L-cysteine was added at the N-terminus C-DP, and DP to which L-cysteine was added at the C-terminus DP-C, were synthesized at >95% purity. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of peptides and antibiotics were determined by the broth microdilution method. The synergistic effects of the peptides and the antibiotics against MDR P. aeruginosa were evaluated using the checkerboard dilution method. In order to assess how these peptides affect the survival of human cells, cell viability was determined using a Cell Counting Kit-8.

Results

C-DP and DP-C enhanced the antimicrobial activities of the peptide against MDR Gram-negative bacteria, including A. baumannii, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa. The antimicrobial activity of DP-C was greater than that of C-DP, with these peptides also having antimicrobial activity against drug-susceptible P. aeruginosa and drug-resistant P. aeruginosa overexpressing the efflux pump components. C-DP and DP-C also showed antimicrobial activity against colistin-resistant E. coli harboring mcr-1, which encodes a lipid A modifying enzyme. DP-C showed synergistic antimicrobial activity against MDR P. aeruginosa when combined with colistin. The LD50 of DP-C against a human cell line HepG2 was six times higher than the MIC of DP-C against MDR P. aeruginosa. The LD50 of DP-C was not altered by incubation with low-dose colistin.

Conclusion

Attachment of an L-cysteine residue to the N- or C-terminus of [D(KLAKLAK)2] enhanced its antimicrobial activity against A. baumannii, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa. The combination of C-DP or DP-C and colistin had synergistic effects against MDR P. aeruginosa. In addition, DP-C and C-DP showed much stronger antimicrobial activity against MDR A. baumannii and E. coli than against P. aeruginosa.
Marker Wire Technique for Precise LAD Ostium Stenting
Authors: Mahajan Ajay U. , Bhatia Varun
Published: November 2020

The ostial left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) lesion is an important target for coronary revascularization because its location subtends a large territory of myocardium1. Accurate stent placement is, however, mandatory for optimal results, but this is often difﬁcult to achieve with the guidance of traditional angiography. We present a case of precise LAD ostium stenting with simple innovative marker wire technique. Ostial PCI requires very precise stent positioning to obtain full lesion coverage, yet avoid unnecessary proximal extension which may result in obstruction of major vessels. Excessive stent movement occurs with cardiac contraction. Our case shows that with simple marker wire technique, precise LAD ostium stenting can be done with good results.
Evaluation of the Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of Two Chlorophyceae and Two Rhodophyceae Seaweeds from Porbandar Coast
Authors: Dhanki Abhishek , Sindhav Smit , Jadeja B. A.
Published: November 2020

Seaweeds are significant marine sources of bioactive compounds with prospective use inefficient foods and nutraceutical products. Four marine macroalgae species from the western coasts of Gujarat were evaluated for their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The antimicrobial activity of extracts of red seaweed Hypnea valentiae and Spyridia filamentosa and green seaweed Enteromorpha compressa and Caulerpa racemosa using cold percolation extraction in an in-vitro method and testing against six pathogenic bacteria and one fungi. Results showed effective inhibition zone. The antioxidant activity of the seaweeds methanol extracts was measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay for measuring potential scavenger of free radical. Both activities were shown promising result of all four seaweeds. This study suggested that seaweeds could have shown a potential role in the future remedy and nutrition which can be used as drug or food additive.
Multi‐Channel Pumped Ultrasonic Spray‐Coating for High‐Throughput and Scalable Mixed Halide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Guo An‐Zhe , Chou Li‐Hui , Yang Shun‐Hsiang , Wang Dan , Wang Xiao‐Feng , Osaka Itaru , Lin Hao‐Wu , Liu Cheng‐Liang
Published: November 2020

The upscaling of perovskite solar cells to achieve high‐throughput and highly efficient photovoltaic devices is still challenging. In this work, spray deposition of MAPbI3‐xBrx mixed halide perovskite is achieved using a ternary channel pumping system to deposit methylammonium iodide, PbI2, and PbBr2 precursor solutions. The compositions of six kinds of perovskite films (x = 0–0.5) are manipulated by adjusting the flow rate of the syringe pump rather than through traditional methods of preparing and changing the chemical management of the halogen precursors. Large clusters in highly oriented crystalline perovskite films are fabricated as MAPbI2.91Br0.09 film (x = 0.09) with a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.60%. When vacuum‐assisted thermal annealing is used, the optimized PCE increased further up to 17.07%. To confirm the homogeneity of the perovskite film over the large area (7 × 10 cm2), eight divided subcells with dimensions of 2.5 × 2.5 cm2 showed the highest and average PCE of 17.11% and 16.25 ± 0.77%, respectively. These findings highlight the relevance of high‐throughput screening of perovskite compositions and the versatility of scalable solution process, in which active layers are deposited by spray‐coating.
Aggregation‐Dependent Chromism and Photopolymerization of Aminoanthraquinone‐Substituted Diacetylenes
Authors: Bisht Rajesh , Dhyani Vartika , Jelinek Raz
Published: November 2020

Polydiacetylenes have attracted significant interest for their unique chromatic properties and applications in sensing, imaging, and optics. Here, it is demonstrated that aminoanthraquinone‐substituted diacetylenes exhibit distinct aggregation‐dependent chromatic properties, affected by the alignment of both the aminoanthraquinone headgroups and diacetylene sidechains. Specifically, it is shown that aminoanthraquinone‐diacetylene monomers adopt different film organizations depending upon the polarity of the solvent employed for predissolution. In particular, a yellow aminoanthraquinone‐diacetylene phase, which undergoes photopolymerization upon ultraviolet irradiation, is produced upon dissolution in polar organic solvents prior to deposition and drying on solid substrates. In contrast, a red phase that can not be polymerized is observed when the monomers are predissolved in apolar solvents. Microscopic and spectroscopic analyses indicate that the optical properties of the films are determined by the degree of overlap between the aminoanthraquinone headgroups as well as the alignment of the diacetylene sidechains; both factors are intimately affected by interactions of the monomers with solvent molecules. It is shown that the aggregation‐dependent diacetylene films exhibit remarkable solvochromic, thermochromic, and mechanochromic properties. The aminoanthraquinone‐substituted diacetylenes may facilitate chromatic tuning of polydiacetylene systems in the solid state, determined by solvent‐ and intermolecular interactions and concomitant self‐assembly of the pendant sidechains and aromatic headgroups.
2D Allotrope of Carbon for Self‐Powered, Flexible, and Transparent Optoelectronics
Authors: Guo Yujie , Zhang Luhong , Jin Dan , Lu Yangfan , Xu Zhenyu , Jiang Jinchun , Yang Ziyu , Liang Huawei , Fang Hui , Ruan Shuangchen , Zeng Yu‐Jia
Published: November 2020

Flexible and transparent optoelectronics based on 2D materials are promising candidates for next‐generation technologies. Among all 2D materials, it is of numerous practical implications to explore nonmetal, earth‐abundant candidates. Herein, an exciting addition is unearthed—2D hydrogenized amorphous carbon (α‐C:H). The 2D α‐C:H nanosheets, with layered structural feature, are composed of crystalline sp2 nanoclusters embedded in sp3 amorphous matrix. The typical “vapor–solid” mechanism governs the growth of these nanosheets under the temperature–pressure combination above the Berman–Simon line. Their high transmittance over 97.7% covers the 425–1300 nm wavelength region. Optical characterizations also reveal a spectral overlap between the π–π* absorption edge and σ–σ* photoluminescence peak. Self‐powered and flexible photodetectors based on the 2D α‐C:H/ZnO heterostructure exhibit a remarkable photoresponse, with a broadened photosensitivity responsivity of 195.16 mA W−1 and a 267‐fold decrease of the rise time. This performance enhancement originates from the type II band alignment, the pyroelectric and piezo‐phototronic effects. As a new member in the 2D family, α‐C:H nanosheets promise to be appealing in transparent flexible optoelectronics with ultralow power consumption and real‐time, on‐site response.
Photon‐ and Charge‐Management in Advanced Energy Materials: Combining 0D, 1D, and 2D Nanocarbons as well as Bulk Semiconductors with Organic Chromophores
Authors: Cadranel Alejandro , Haines Philipp , Kaur Ramandeep , Menon Arjun , Münich Peter W. , Schol Peter R. , Guldi Dirk M.
Published: November 2020

In this contribution, seminal works in the area of photon‐ and charge‐management are highlighted with focus on covalent electron donor‐acceptor conjugates built around porphyrins (Ps), on one hand, and 0D, 1D, and 2D nanocarbons, on the other hand. Photons in these conjugates are managed by Ps, while 0D, 1D, and 2D nanocarbons serve as the active component, which enable managing charges. With a few leading examples, it can be explored much beyond the simple photon‐ and charge‐management characterization and emphasize photovoltaics and photocatalysis to convert and store energy. This contribution concludes by highlighting recent progress in mixing and matching the unique charge‐management features of nanocarbons in the design of multidimensional nanocarbons.
A C‐S‐C Linkage‐Triggered Ultrahigh Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon and the Identification of Active Site in Triiodide Reduction
Authors: Chang Jiangwei , Yu Chang , Song Xuedan , Tan Xinyi , Ding Yiwang , Zhao Zongbin , Qiu Jieshan
Published: November 2020

An efficient chemical synthesis route, with an aim of reaching an ultrahigh nitrogen (N)‐doping level in carbon materials can provide a platform where the type and amount of N dopant can be tuned over a wide range. We propose a C‐S‐C linkage‐triggered confined‐pyrolysis strategy for the high‐efficiency in situ N‐doping into carbon matrix and an ultrahigh doping level up to 13.5 at %, which is close to the theoretical upper limit (15.2 at %) is realized at a high carbonization temperature of 1000 °C. The pyridinic N is dominant with a maximum percent of 48.7 %. By using I3− reduction as an example, the resultant NCM‐5 exhibits the best activity with a power conversion efficiency of 8.77 %. A pyridinic N site‐dependent activity is demonstrated in which the amount of active sites increases with the increase of pyridinic N, and the carbon atom adjacent to electron‐withdrawing pyridinic N at the armchair edge acts as the most favorable site for the adsorption of I2.
A Concise Total Synthesis of (−)‐Berkelic Acid
Authors: Cheng Hong‐Gang , Yang Zhenjie , Chen Ruiming , Cao Liming , Tong Wen‐Yan , Wei Qiang , Wang Qingqing , Wu Chenggui , Qu Shuanglin , Zhou Qianghui
Published: November 2020

Reported here is a concise total synthesis of (−)‐berkelic acid in eight linear steps. This synthesis features a Catellani reaction/oxa‐Michael cascade for the construction of the isochroman scaffold, a one‐pot deprotection/spiroacetalization operation for the formation of the tetracyclic core structure, and a late‐stage Ni‐catalyzed reductive coupling for the introduction of the lateral chain. Notably, four stereocenters are established from a single existing chiral center with excellent stereocontrol during the deprotection/spiroacetalization process. Stereocontrol of the intriguing deprotection/spiroacetalization process is supported by DFT calculations.
Preventing Retained Surgical Items During Endovascular Procedures: Bridging the Gap Between Guidelines and Practice
Authors: Endicott Kendal M. , Friedrich Rebekah , Custer Jason W. , Sarkar Rajabrata , Rowen Lisa , Anders Megan G.
Published: November 2020

A retained surgical item (RSI) can be a devastating and costly procedural complication. Although the current incidence of RSIs is unknown, perioperative personnel routinely perform surgical counts according to their facility’s policies and procedures to prevent this sentinel event. The American College of Surgeons, The Joint Commission, and AORN emphasize the importance of communication and standardized protocols for the counting of surgical items. However, there is a lack of current evidence to support specific recommendations for the counting of items during endovascular procedures. After the occurrence of RSIs during endovascular procedures at our facility, we convened an interdisciplinary workgroup, conducted an analysis of root causes, reviewed the available literature, and revised the existing policy. This article reviews the available literature on RSIs, describes root causes, discusses recommendations from national organizations, and describes the process that we used to create the policy changes at our facility.
Dual EGFR/VEGFR2 inhibitors and apoptosis inducers: Synthesis and antitumor activity of novel pyrazoline derivatives
Authors: Alkamaly Omkulthom M. , Altwaijry Najla , Sabour Rehab , Harras Marwa F.
Published: November 2020

Novel derivatives of the pyrazoline scaffold were synthesized and investigated for their cytotoxicity against prostate (PC‐3), hepatocellular (HepG2), and breast (MDA‐MB‐231) carcinoma cells. The most active compounds, 4a, 4b, 5b, and 7c, revealed significant and broad‐spectrum anticancer activities with IC50 values of 1.30–7.18 μM in comparison with doxorubicin (IC50 = 5.12–7.33 μM). Additionally, they exhibited lower cytotoxicity against normal WI‐38 cells, indicating their high safety profiles. Aiming to enlighten the inhibitory potential on receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), compounds 4a, 4b, 5b, and 7c were assessed for their activities against four different RTKs (EGFR, FGFR2, HER2, and VEGFR2) and their apoptotic potencies on PC‐3 cells. The results revealed that compounds 5b and 7c are potent dual EGFR and VEGFR2 inhibitors (IC50 = 0.21 and 0.23 μM, respectively, against EGFR; 0.22 and 0.21 μM, respectively, against VEGFR2), whereas they displayed moderate inhibitory activities against HER2 and FGFR2. Besides, compounds 4a, 4b, 5b, and 7c prompted apoptosis via the upregulation of Bax, p53, and caspase‐3, together with the downregulation of the levels of Bcl‐2. Also, it was found that compounds 5b and 7c are more potent as apoptosis inducers than the other tested derivatives. Furthermore, molecular docking analyses of compounds 4a, 4b, 5b, and 7c in the EGFR and VEGFR ATP binding sites were performed, to confirm the in vitro assays.
Phosphorus‐Functionalized Graphene for Lithium‐Ion Capacitors with Improved Power and Cyclability
Authors: Moreno‐Fernández Gelines , Granados‐Moreno Miguel , Gómez‐Urbano Juan Luis , Carriazo Daniel
Published: November 2020

Herein, we report an easy approach for the preparation of graphene‐based materials suitable as electrodes for lithium‐ion capacitors (LICs). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that phosphorus‐functionalized graphene oxide (rGO800‐P) is used as negative (battery‐type) electrode in LICs technology. An activated carbon derived from the pyrolysis of graphene‐carbon composite served as positive (capacitor‐type) electrode. While phosphorus functionalization on the negative electrode enables fast Li+ kinetics during insertion/extraction processes, the flat‐shaped morphology, large surface area and proper pore size distribution of the positive electrode enhance the double‐layer formation. Full LICs optimization, oversizing the negative electrode allows operating in the extended voltage window of 1.5–4.5 V delivering high energy and power values (91 Wh kg−1AM at 145 W kg−1AM and 33 Wh kg−1AM at 26,000 W kg−1AM) without compromising the cycling performance (76 % capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles).
An ensemble approach to short‐term forecast of COVID‐19 intensive care occupancy in Italian regions
Authors: Farcomeni Alessio , Maruotti Antonello , Divino Fabio , Jona‐Lasinio Giovanna , Lovison Gianfranco
Published: November 2020

The availability of intensive care beds during the COVID‐19 epidemic is crucial to guarantee the best possible treatment to severely affected patients. In this work we show a simple strategy for short‐term prediction of COVID‐19 intensive care unit (ICU) beds, that has proved very effective during the Italian outbreak in February to May 2020. Our approach is based on an optimal ensemble of two simple methods: a generalized linear mixed regression model, which pools information over different areas, and an area‐specific nonstationary integer autoregressive methodology. Optimal weights are estimated using a leave‐last‐out rationale. The approach has been set up and validated during the first epidemic wave in Italy. A report of its performance for predicting ICU occupancy at regional level is included.
Comparison of naturalistic and arbitrary discriminative stimuli during schedule thinning following functional communication training
Authors: Boyle Megan A. , Bacon McKenzie T. , Carton Samantha M. , Augustine John J. , Janota Taylor A. , Curtis Kaitlin S. , Forck Kara L. , Gaskill Lauren A.
Published: November 2020

We replicated and extended research on incorporating naturalistic discriminative stimuli into schedule thinning following functional communication training with three boys with autism spectrum disorder who engaged in severe behavior. Comparing naturalistic to arbitrary discriminative stimuli, two participants demonstrated differentiated communication in fewer sessions when arbitrary stimuli were used, while the third participant mastered the discriminations in a comparable number of sessions. Although previous research has demonstrated success in rapidly thinning the schedule with arbitrary stimuli, we extended this line of research by evaluating the extent to which differentiated communication would maintain during rapid schedule thinning in both naturalistic and arbitrary conditions. Two participants' communication remained differentiated, and in both conditions, during rapid schedule thinning. However, neither discrimination maintained for the third participant. Results are discussed in terms of the existing literature and directions for future research.
Engineering Electronic Structures of Nickel Cobalt Phosphide via Iron Doping for Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Pang Liwei , Liu Wei , Zhao Xueru , Zhou Miao , Qin Jiayi , Yang Jing
Published: November 2020

Efficient and low‐cost bifunctional OER/HER electrocatalysts are important for overall water splitting. Herein, three‐dimensional self‐supported Fe‐doped NiCo‐based phosphide nanosheets arrays are in‐situ grown on carbon fiber paper. The catalyst shows superior bifunctional activity, with an OER overpotential of 230 mV and an HER overpotential of 95 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline electrolyte. It is evidenced that the Fe doping facilitates electron transfer from Co/Ni to P, thus optimizing the electronic structures of both Ni and Co active sites, in turn greatly enhancing intrinsic OER and HER activities. The OER and HER turnover frequency are largely improved after Fe doping. When used as both anode and cathode for water splitting, the catalyst enables the electrolyzer to achieve 10 mV cm−2 at a low cell voltage of 1.59 V with a long‐term stability up to 35 h. This work highlights the synergy effect of multi‐metal‐based phosphides for efficient water electrocatalysis.
BN‐Doped Metal–Organic Frameworks: Tailoring 2D and 3D Porous Architectures through Molecular Editing of Borazines
Authors: Fasano Francesco , Dosso Jacopo , Bezzu C. Grazia , Carta Mariolino , Kerff François , Demitri Nicola , Su Bao‐Lian , Bonifazi Davide
Published: November 2020

Building on the MOF approach to prepare porous materials, herein we report the engineering of porous BN‐doped materials using tricarboxylic hexaarylborazine ligands, which are laterally decorated with functional groups at the full‐carbon ‘inner shell’. Whilst an open porous 3D entangled structure could be obtained from the double interpenetration of two identical metal frameworks derived from the methyl substituted borazine, the chlorine‐functionalised linker undergoes formation of a porous layered 2D honeycomb structure, as shown by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. In this architecture, the borazine cores are rotated by 60° in alternating layers, thus generating large rhombohedral channels running perpendicular to the planes of the networks. An analogous unsubstituted full‐carbon metal framework was synthesised for comparison. The resulting MOF revealed a crystalline 3D entangled porous structure, composed by three mutually interpenetrating networks, hence denser than those obtained from the borazine linkers. Their microporosity and CO2 uptake were investigated, with the porous 3D BN‐MOF entangled structure exhibiting a large apparent BET specific surface area (1091 m2 g−1) and significant CO2 reversible adsorption (3.31 mmol g−1) at 1 bar and 273 K.
Image super‐resolution with parallel convolution attention network
Authors: Zhang Qiao , Yang Xiaomin , Xiao Long , Yang Feng , Hussain Farhan , Won Kim Pyoung
Published: November 2020

In recent years, deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have achieved a lot of outstanding results in super‐resolution with superior ability. However, the majority of CNNs only use a series of convolution kernels with the same size to extract features. This will cause limited receptive fields. In this work, we propose a parallel convolution attention network (PCAN) to extract features in an effective way. Specifically, a pair of parallel convolutions (PCs) with different kernel sizes is used in one layer in our network, which can extract features within different receptive fields, thereby making full use of the multiscale information. Meanwhile, we apply a channel‐spatial attention (CSA) module in each parallel convolution block to calculate and fuse channel attention and spatial attention. The obtained attention maps emphasize useful features. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of our PCAN in comparison with the state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Deregulated cellular circuits driving immunoglobulins and complement consumption associate with the severity of COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Marcos‐Jiménez Ana , Sánchez‐Alonso Santiago , Alcaraz‐Serna Ana , Esparcia Laura , López‐Sanz Celia , Sampedro‐Núñez Miguel , Mateu‐Albero Tamara , Sánchez‐Cerrillo Ildefonso , Martínez‐Fleta Pedro , Gabrie Ligia , del Campo Guerola Luciana , Rodríguez‐Frade José Miguel , Casasnovas José M. , Reyburn Hugh T. , Valés‐Gómez Mar , López‐Trascasa Margarita , Martín‐Gayo Enrique , Calzada María José , Castañeda Santos , de la Fuente Hortensia , González‐Álvaro Isidoro , Sánchez‐Madrid Francisco , Muñoz‐Calleja Cecilia , Alfranca Arantzazu
Published: November 2020

SARS‐CoV‐2 infection causes an abrupt response by the host immune system, which is largely responsible for the outcome of COVID‐19. We investigated whether the specific immune responses in the peripheral blood of 276 patients were associated with the severity and progression of COVID‐19. At admission, dramatic lymphopenia of T, B, and NK cells is associated with severity. Conversely, the proportion of B cells, plasmablasts, circulating follicular helper T cells (cTfh) and CD56–CD16+ NK‐cells increased. Regarding humoral immunity, levels of IgM, IgA, and IgG were unaffected, but when degrees of severity were considered, IgG was lower in severe patients. Compared to healthy donors, complement C3 and C4 protein levels were higher in mild and moderate, but not in severe patients, while the activation peptide of C5 (C5a) increased from the admission in every patient, regardless of their severity. Moreover, total IgG, the IgG1 and IgG3 isotypes, and C4 decreased from day 0 to day 10 in patients who were hospitalized for more than two weeks, but not in patients who were discharged earlier. Our study provides important clues to understand the immune response observed in COVID‐19 patients, associating severity with an imbalanced humoral response, and identifying new targets for therapeutic intervention.
What can inverse VIX contribute to an investment portfolio?
Authors: Liu Wei‐Han , Chang Jow‐Ran
Published: November 2020

This study investigates the performance of the Inverse VIX issued by following the frameworks in Bali et al. (2009) and Bali, Brown, and Demirtas (2013), which examine from the perspectives of asset weight of Inverse VIX and holding periods. We employ the refined definition of almost stochastic dominance by Chang, Liu, and Hung (2019) via its first‐ and second‐order definitions. We also compare this asset's performance with S&P 500 and a 30‐year T‐bond. The empirical evidence indicates that the Inverse VIX is preferred over the other two investment alternatives. Our conclusions indicate that the holding period length plays a role. It is recommended to increase the asset weight of the Inverse VIX within its upper limit that is bound to enhance portfolio performance.
Recent advances in polyphenols improving vascular endothelial dysfunction induced by endogenous toxicity
Authors: Xie Yixi , Wang Hui , He Zhiyou
Published: November 2020

Endothelial dysfunction is the early marker and precursor for the development of a series of vascular disease. Epidemiologic and experimental evidences have suggested that regular consumptions of polyphenol rich extracts or individual phenolic compounds both improve endothelial function. The present review concludes the recent advances in the protective effects of polyphenol‐rich extracts and individual phenolic compounds on the endothelial function. The vascular protective benefits of polyphenol have been well established with so many in vitro and in vivo studies. The mechanisms underlying the protection actions have also been elucidated much. Further studies may lay efforts on understanding the controversies among results from different assays, exploring deeper and more comprehensive mechanisms, elaborating the structure–activity relationship, and improving the safety evaluation research.
Acvr1 deletion in osteoblasts impaired mandibular bone mass through compromised osteoblast differentiation and enhanced sRANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Hu Yue , Hao Xinqing , Liu Cangwei , Ren Chunxia , Wang Shuangshuang , Yan Guangxing , Meng Yuan , Mishina Yuji , Shi Ce , Sun Hongchen
Published: November 2020

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is well known in bone homeostasis. However, the physiological effects of BMP signaling on mandibles are largely unknown, as the mandible has distinct functions and characteristics from other bones. In this study, we investigated the roles of BMP signaling in bone homeostasis of the mandibles by deleting BMP type I receptor Acvr1 in osteoblast lineage cells with Osterix‐Cre. We found mandibular bone loss in conditional knockout mice at the ages of postnatal day 21 and 42 in an age‐dependent manner. The decreased bone mass was related to compromised osteoblast differentiation together with enhanced osteoclastogenesis, which was secondary to the changes in osteoblasts in vivo. In vitro study revealed that deletion of Acvr1 in the mandibular bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) significantly compromised osteoblast differentiation. When wild type bone marrow macrophages were cocultured with BMSCs lacking Acvr1 both directly and indirectly, both proliferation and differentiation of osteoclasts were induced as evidenced by an increase of multinucleated cells, compared with cocultured with control BMSCs. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the increased osteoclastogenesis in vitro was at least partially due to the secretion of soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (sRANKL), which is probably the reason for the mandibular bone loss in vivo. Overall, our results proposed that ACVR1 played essential roles in maintaining mandibular bone homeostasis through osteoblast differentiation and osteoblast‐osteoclast communication via sRANKL.
New insight in molecular mechanisms regulating SIRT6 expression in diabetes: Hyperglycaemia effects on SIRT6 DNA methylation
Authors: Scisciola Lucia , Rizzo Maria R. , Marfella Raffaele , Cataldo Vittoria , Fontanella Rosaria A. , Boccalone Eugenio , Paolisso Giuseppe , Barbieri Michelangela
Published: November 2020

Conflicting data are reported on the relationship between hyperglycaemia, diabetes and SIRT6 expression. To elucidate hyperglycaemia‐induced molecular mechanisms regulating SIRT6 expression, the effect of hyperglycaemia on DNA methylation and SIRT6 expression has been evaluated in human aortic endothelial cells exposed to high glucose. DNA methylation of SIRT6 and any potential clinical implication was also evaluated in type 2 diabetic patients and compared with healthy controls. Endothelial cells exposed to high glucose showed lower methylation levels in SIRT6 promoter and increased SIRT6 and TET2 expression. The high glucose‐induced epigenetic changes persisted after 48 h of glucose normalization. Diabetic patients showed lower levels of SIRT6 DNA methylation compared with nondiabetic patients. SIRT6 DNA methylation levels inversely correlated with plasma glucose. Our results firstly demonstrate the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in regulating SIRT6 expression. Further experiments are necessary to clarify metabolic memory mechanisms driving to diabetic complications and how SIRT6 is potentially involved.
Boundedness in the higher‐dimensional attraction‐repulsion chemotaxis system involving tensor‐valued sensitivity with saturation
Authors: Yi Hong , Mu Chunlai , Li Dan , Qiu Shuyan
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we consider the attraction‐repulsion parabolic‐parabolic‐parabolic model with nonlinear diffusion

in a smooth bounded domain
, where α, β, γ, δ, μ are given positive parameters and ξ ≥ 0. The function D satisfies D(u) ≥ CDum − 1 for all u > 0 with CD > 0.
are given matrix‐valued functions in
which fulfill

with some
and
. It is shown that under the conditions m > 0 and
, the corresponding initial boundary value problem possesses at least one global bounded weak solution.
Intervention and efficacy of advance care planning for patients in intensive care units and their families: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Yamamoto Kanako , Hayama Junko , Nakayama Kazuhiro , Yonekura Yuki , Ota Erika
Published: November 2020

Aim

This scoping review aims to elucidate the effectiveness of advance care planning interventions for patients entering the intensive care unit and their families.

Design

Scoping review of relevant literature from January 2000–March 2020.

Methods

This review includes studies undertaken in intensive care units that focus on patients older than 18 years or their families. The review will be conducted in accordance with the PRISMA‐P guideline. The PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, BNI, PsycINFO and ICHUSHI databases and the Cochrane Library will be searched for both published and unpublished articles. Two independent reviewers will examine the list of remaining titles and summarize and identify articles that meet the inclusion criteria.

Results

It has long been taboo to consider end‐of‐life care when in intensive care unit. However, promoting advance care planning, even in patients who are in the intensive care unit, is important and it may help support the patient's need for autonomy.
The billion pound challenge: deprescribing, diabetes and diets
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: November 2020

Low calorie diets don't just reduce blood glucose sufficiently to, in many cases, place type 2 diabetes into remission, they also offer the opportunity to withdraw or reduce the dose of drugs for diabetes and some comorbidities. Mark Greener here examines the potential for deprescribing in people with type 2 diabetes, the issues facing health care professionals and the outstanding questions.
Going to university: considerations for students with diabetes
Authors: Dalton Jo , Poole Ruth
Published: November 2020

The majority of students attending UK university for the first time are in their late teens or early 20s.1 This age has been described as emerging adulthood and characterised by the ability to accept responsibility for oneself, make independent decisions and become financially independent.2 This is considered a vulnerable time for people with diabetes and the need for uninterrupted, coordinated, flexible, comprehensive and accessible care is recognised.3,4 Many groups have looked at the challenges of transition from paediatric to adult care4,5 but there exists very little data on the specific challenges of university for students with diabetes.6
Health behaviour change considerations for weight loss and type 2 diabetes: nutrition, physical activity and sedentary behaviour
Authors: Chater Angel Marie , Smith Lindsey , Ferrandino Louise , Wyld Kev , Bailey Daniel P
Published: November 2020

Good nutrition, regular physical activity and low levels of sedentary behaviour are important in the prevention, management and treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Self‐management requires individuals to have the capability to enact, opportunity to enable and motivation to perform relevant health behaviours. These behaviours, and the bio‐psycho‐social drivers of them, should be considered when working in the area of T2DM. Copyright © 2020 John Wiley & Sons.
Plasma treatment of polymethyl methacrylate to improve surface hydrophilicity and antifouling performance
Authors: Sui Siyuan , Li Lin , Shen Jie , Ni Guohua , Xie Hongbin , Lin Qifu , Zhao Yanjun , Guo Jingwei , Duan Wenxue
Published: November 2020

Surface modification of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) by O2/CF4 plasma is investigated to improve hydrophilicity and antifouling performance of PMMA. The PMMA surface before and after treatment is characterized by atomic force microscopy, contact angle measurement, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Antifouling properties are evaluated by protein adsorption and bacterial adhesion experiments using Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. Higher O2 content in the mixture gas promotes hydrophilicity of the plasma‐treated PMMA, while a hydrophobic surface forms at higher CF4 content. Modifying PMMA improves antifouling performance regardless of the O2/CF4 volume ratio, and this improvement increases with rising CF4 content in O2/CF4 plasma working gas. Functional groups CO and CF are detected in O2/CF4 plasma‐treated PMMA surface and the ratio of CO to CF can be controlled by the O2/CF4 volume ratio in the plasma working gas.
Investigation of wicking phenomenon and tensile properties in three‐layer composite nanofibrous PA/PLLA yarn
Authors: Moghbelnejad Zeinab , Gharehaghaji Ali Akbar , Yousefzadeh Maryam , Hajiani Farideh
Published: November 2020

One critical property of a nanofibrous structure is the wicking behavior in contact with liquids. This work's purpose is fabrication and investigation of tensile and wicking properties of a newly designed three‐layer nanofibrous yarn consisting of polyamide 6/poly(L‐lactic acid) (PA/PLLA) with a similar idea to Bobtex spun yarn structure in which adhesion between core (PA) and sheath (PLLA) is provided with a thin layer of polymeric thin film. The tensile strength and strain decreased 32 and 46%, respectively, in a three‐layer yarn compared with two‐layer, that is, yarn without the adhesion film. In addition, the ultimate strength of the three‐layer yarn was higher than a PLLA yarn. The vertical wicking test for three‐layer nanofibrous yarn reveals that at short times, capillary rise kinetics follow the Lucas–Washburn law while increasing the take‐up velocity of the take‐up roller in yarn fabrication leads to increasing the maximum height of water in yarn.
Antibacterial Activity of Ciprofloxacin‐Loaded Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)‐Nanoparticles Against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Gheffar Chahrazed , Le Hung , Jouenne Thierry , Schaumann Annick , Corbière Auriane , Vaudry David , LeCerf Didier , Karakasyan Carole
Published: November 2020

The formation of bacterial biofilms on material surfaces is a recurrent problem in public health. Antibacterial nanoparticles (NPs) are promising because pathogens have not yet developed resistance mechanisms and encapsulation of the drug can protect it from the surrounding medium and improve pharmacokinetics. Biocompatible and biodegradable particles of various sizes (nano‐ and micro‐scale) based on poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) are elaborated using a simple and free toxic nanoprecipitation process. Particles are poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐ylated in order to reduce unwanted interactions with biological fluids, or loaded with the large spectrum antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP). NPs are studied against Staphylococcus aureus in planktonic and biofilm modes. Empty NPs with smallest size (60 nm) are able to totally eradicate planktonic culture after 24 h, even in the presence of serum proteins. CIP‐loaded NPs present slightly lower antimicrobial activity against planktonic microorganisms compared with the free antibiotic, due to progressive release of CIP over time. In biofilm mode, CIP‐loaded NPs show a very good antibiofilm activity, much better than free CIP, thanks to NPs penetration within the polymer matrix and a consequent release of the antibiotic close to the embedded bacteria. The present results open the way for widespread applications of PLGA‐NPs in the pharmaceutical or medical fields.
On the Pressure Generated by Thermite Reactions Using Stress‐Altered Aluminum Particles
Authors: Williams Alan , Shancita Islam , Altman Igor , Tamura Nobumichi , Pantoya Michelle L.
Published: November 2020

This study examines pressure build‐up and decay in thermites upon impact ignition and interprets reactivity based on the holistic pressure history. The thermite is a mixture of aluminum (Al) combined with bismuth trioxide (Bi2O3) powder. Four different Al particles sizes were examined that ranged from 100 nm to 18.5 μm mean diameter and for each size, two different Al powder treatments were examined: stress‐altered compared to untreated, as‐received Al powder. Stress‐altered Al powders have been shown to be more reactive, such that the stress‐altered Al powder thermites offer a metric for analyzing thermite reactivity in terms of pressure development compared to untreated Al powder. In a binary thermite system, multiple phase changes and interface chemistry influence the transient pressure response during reaction. Results reveal three key pressure metrics that need consideration specifically for thermite combustion: (1) delay time to peak pressure, (2) peak pressure, and (3) decay after peak pressure. Our experiments show that a lower peak pressure corresponds with higher thermite reactivity because aluminum consumption of oxygen generated by decomposing solid oxidizer reduces the peak pressure. Faster rates of reaction consume oxygen at higher rates such that pressure development becomes more limited than less reactive thermites and the result is a lower peak pressure. This conclusion is opposite of traditional studies using metal fuels with a gaseous environment that typically show higher peak pressures correspond with greater reactivity.
Electronic structure calculations of compressed Li atom using composite technique under Ritz variational framework
Authors: Saha Jayanta K. , Bhattacharyya Sukhamoy , Ahmed Sk. Faruque
Published: November 2020

The structural properties of Li atom in 1s2nl[n= 2–5,l= 0–4] state inside an impenetrable cavity is studied. The system is assumed to be composed of two parts namely the core (1s2) electrons and the valence electron (nl). A model potential is considered to mimic the interaction between the outer electron with the core. The wavefunction of the core electrons is expanded in explicitly correlated multi‐exponent Hyllerass type basis set while the wavefunction of the valence electron is expanded in pure exponential basis set. Both the wavefunctions are consistent with Dirichlet's boundary conditions. The energy levels are determined by using Ritz variational method and are pushed towards continuum as the effect of confinement increases. The results are in reasonable agreement with the existing numerical estimates. We noticed incidental degeneracy and the subsequent level‐crossing phenomena along with evolution of quasibound states of confined Li atom. The thermodynamic pressures felt by the Li atom, Li+and Li2+ions inside the impenetrable cavity.