bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Typesetter of James McTeigue's The Raven: Poe's Dual Fandom in Post-Millennial Transmedia Culture
Authors: Herrera José Manuel Rodríguez
Published: May 2020

Over the first two decades of the twenty-first century, Edgar Allan Poe's characters and persona have thrived in ever mutating incarnations appealing to wider audiences around the world. Some of these Poe-inspired mash-up incarnations are instilling in the public new doses of enthusiasm and fervor for everything related to Poe's work and persona. In our post-millennial transmedia culture Poe fans are actively engaged with refashioning and adapting everything they adore about Poe's work and life. Thus, Poe fandom plays a pivotal role in disseminating new Poe-inspired adaptions across a wide array of media platforms. Thanks to what Henry Jenkins calls “participatory culture,” the post-millennial Poe has reached the status of an “industry unto itself.” After all, participatory culture, Jenkins concludes, “is anything but fringe or underground today.” However, as I try to argue, Poe's ubiquitous presence in post-millennial popular culture has been boosted by a new phenomenon. I'm referring to the merging of modernized traits of two of the most popular characters ever to emerge from the pages of the mystery genre: C. Auguste Dupin and Sherlock Holmes. The upshot of this is the convergence of the Poe fandom and the Sherlock fandom, two of the most active fandoms in transmedia culture. James McTeigue's 2012 film The Raven tries to pander to the tastes of this dual fandom by capitalizing on the success of the BBC series Sherlock and Guy Ritchie's Sherlock movie adaptations, Sherlock Holmes (2009) and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011).
COVID-19 pneumonia in a 66-year old Honduran female with false negative RT-PCR but typical tomography pattern
Authors: Aguilar Carlos , Maradiaga Nora , Menocal Nelson , Sosa Suyapa , Moncada Wendy , Betanco Ana , Rodríguez Dennis , Degrández Byron , Rodríguez Luisa , Mejía Gerardo
Published: May 2020

During the first weeks of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Honduras, a 66-year-old female patient was admitted to the ICU with a 5-day history of cough, fever, and respiratory distress. She had contact with a COVID-19 patient in previous days. The chest radiograph showed signs of bilateral ground-glass opacities (A). Since the RT-PCR was negative, a computed tomography angiography was done at day 7 to rule out a pulmonary embolism. This showed a diffuse, patchy, bilateral increase in density with ground-glass opacities, poorly defined edges, and slight predominance in subpleural regions (B and C). There was no evidence of a pulmonary thromboembolism. The swab test was repeated at day 7, resulting positive. In this case, the clinical and CT findings were highly suggestive before RT-PCR confirmed the diagnosis. This is the first COVID-19 case with a false negative PCR test in our hospital. She recovered fully.
Micronutrientes: reguladores del sistema inmunológico y su utilidad en COVID-19
Authors: Aguilar Bryan
Published: May 2020

Introducción: Existen micronutrientes cuya función permite el desarrollo normal de los procesos bioquímicos relacionados con la acción del sistema inmunológico. Métodos: Se realizó revisión de literatura utilizando como palabras clave: vitamina C, vitamina D, zinc, quercetina y sulforafano. Desarrollo: La vitamina C es un antioxidante y anti-inflamatorio que interviene en el equilibrio redox, jugando un papel fundamental contrarrestando el estrés oxidativo y potenciando principalmente la función de los neutrófilos. Se ha propuesto que el zinc disminuye el riesgo de falla inmunológica al potenciar la acción de los linfocitos en especial los Linfocitos T CD4. La vitamina D genera un efecto regulador en la liberación de citocinas, péptidos antimicrobianos y acción antinflamatoria. La acción de agonistas del NRF2 como el sulforafano parecen inhibir o disminuir la transcripción viral, replicación viral y la producción de viriones. Algunos estudios sugieren que la quercetina inhibe la producción de factor de necrosis tumoral inducida por lipopolisacárido en macrófagos. Conclusión: La deficiencia de ciertos micronutrientes están relacionados a una respuesta del sistema inmune deficiente, por lo cual la suplementación con dichas moléculas podría ser de mucha utilidad en la prevención y manejo del SARS-CoV-2. Sin embargo, se necesita el desarrollo de estudios más amplios que permitan dilucidar de forma más precisa del beneficio y efectos secundarios de los micronutrientes revisados en COVID-19.
VIH-Sida: La epidemia olvidada en Honduras
Authors: Retes Eduardo
Published: May 2020

Ante la emergencia el día 1 de diciembre, Día Mundial del Sida, pasó sin pena ni gloria. Revisando literatura alusiva llama la atención la similitud del acontecer en Honduras con el artículo “La prevención olvidada: reemergencia del VIH en Chile” (Stuardo, 2017).
Gerenciamento de mudanças minimizando a resistência dos funcionários de uma multinacional a um projeto de migração de transações financeiras para um CSC terceirizado
Authors: Di Petta Arnaldo , Ferraz Renato Ribeiro Nogueira
Published: May 2020

Este trabalho tem por objetivo evidenciar o uso do change management (gerenciamento de mudanças) como uma importante ferramenta para minimizar a resistência dos funcionários e líderes de dezesseis unidades de negócio de diferentes países na América Latina quanto ao projeto de uma empresa multinacional para migrar a maior parte de suas transações financeiras a um Centro de Serviços Compartilhados (CSC) terceirizado. A utilização do change management facilitou a implantação do projeto, levantando e tratando os riscos de que ele não fosse encerrado com sucesso, cumprindo o prazo e as condições planejadas. Foi usada a metodologia da pesquisa-ação, definindo um plano de implantação e, após análise das condições e resistências a serem enfrentadas em cada país por parte do grupo de trabalho, foi definida a necessidade de preparar um plano de gerenciamento de mudanças. Com ele, foi possível alcançar o apoio das respectivas lideranças e contar com a participação dos funcionários para reter o conhecimento existente, não gerando impactos à implantação do projeto. A concretização do plano, liderada pelo grupo de trabalho, identificou e tratou resistências, empoderou os líderes locais como agentes de mudança, dirimiu dúvidas dos funcionários e, como consequência, assegurou a implantação do projeto no prazo e dentro das condições planejadas.
Gestão do conhecimento em escritórios de gerenciamento de projetos: diagnóstico e definição de estratégias para um instituto de pesquisa privado
Authors: Pauli Camila , Sell Denilson
Published: May 2020

Práticas efetivas de Gestão do Conhecimento (GC) têm proporcionado melhorias no desempenho dos projetos, e a literatura indica que os Escritórios de Gerenciamento de Projetos (também conhecidos pela sigla PMO, do inglês Project Management Office) possuem um importante papel para reduzir as barreiras que prejudicam a transferência do conhecimento entre os projetos. Entretanto, ainda são escassos os estudos que relacionam as práticas de GC em PMOs. Diante de tal lacuna, esta pesquisa tem por objetivo analisar as práticas de GC utilizadas pelo PMO pertencente a uma instituição privada de ciência, tecnologia e inovação. Por meio de um estudo de caso, aplicou-se o questionário do modelo de GC da Asian Productivity Organization (APO) com gerentes de projetos visando diagnosticar o estágio atual de maturidade em GC, além de ter sido aplicada também uma entrevista semiestruturada com vistas a identificar as iniciativas correntes e as oportunidades de melhoria na estratégia de GC daquela instituição. Os resultados obtidos indicam que a organização encontra-se em estágio inicial de maturidade em GC, e a partir daí conclui-se que, para alcançar níveis elevados de maturidade e ser mais assertivo no apoio aos projetos, o PMO precisa atuar de forma mais efetiva na transferência do conhecimento entre os projetos. Para tanto, o estudo indica um conjunto de práticas da GC que podem ser aplicadas em diferentes PMOs.
Technological Background and Properties of Thin Film Semiconductors
Authors: Sancakoglu Orkut
Published: May 2020

Especially with the development of nanotechnology and polymer science, interest in research and production of both efficient and lower-cost semiconductor thin film materials is increasing day by day. The use of nano-structured thin films for efficient use of solar cells in production of n-type semiconductor materials is one of the most important sources of energy and new-generation energy. Considering the indicated trends and energy requirements, it has been important to transfer this technology in detail regarding the surface technologies related to the semiconductor materials produced with thin film technologies instead of bulk materials. With this aim, this book chapter “Technological Background and Properties of Thin Film Semiconductors” includes a brief story about semiconductors, band gap theory, thin film applications, and besides traditional thin film processing methods finally a new technology called aerosol deposition technique which allows room temperature processing of several materials for semiconductor applications, respectively. It is thought that it will make important contributions to the relevant field and bring a new perspective and direct scientific research in “process-structure–property-performance” relation.
Amelioration of Drought Stress on Plants under Biostimulant Sources
Authors: Carolina Feitosa de Vasconcelos Ana
Published: May 2020

Water stress is one of the most important environmental factors inducing physiological changes in plants, such as decreasing water potential of the cells and the stomatal closure, resulting in reduced CO2 availability for the plants and inhibiting photosynthesis. One common feature of these stress conditions is the development of oxidative processes mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS accumulate in the cells and cause damage in important cellular components, such as thylakoids and chloroplasts. Plants have antioxidant defense systems to cope with ROS. Antioxidants enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) are efficient scavengers of ROS: superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, and singlet oxygen. The activities of antioxidant enzymes in plants are normally favored when plants are subjected to some kind of improvement in the conditions in which they are grown. In this sense, biostimulants cause changes in vital and structural processes in order to influence plant growth through improved tolerance to abiotic stresses by increasing the antioxidant activity in plants.
A Moral Perspective on Refugee Healthcare
Authors: Sparkle Tanaya , Roy Debanshu
Published: May 2020

There is currently an increasing number of international refugees due to political warfare and natural calamities. Over the recent years, countries are shying away from assisting with the provision of healthcare to this vulnerable population either in their home country through humanitarian aid and services or in the host country by providing free healthcare coverage. World leaders and politicians have attempted to ignore the morality behind these decisions and have put forth a false narrative of scarcity and racism to appeal to the population of developed countries. As this question remains unsolved, we have attempted to look at the question from the perspective of our moral obligations as a species. We have discussed some of the popular moral theories that support providing healthcare services to global refugees and refuted theories that object to the same. We conclude with a brief look at the direction that countries could take without violating established moral code while attempting (without evidence) to prioritize the welfare of their citizens.
O MODELO DO ESTADO DESENVOLVIMENTISTA JAPONÊS: ASPECTOS HISTÓRICOS E CONSIDERAÇÕES SOBRE SUA RELEVÂNCIA NO MUNDO CONTEMPORÂNEO
Authors: Sorte Junior Waldemiro Francisco
Published: May 2020

O presente trabalho realiza uma revisão bibliográfica voltada a definir os principais elementos do estilo de intervenção estatal na economia implementado pelo Japão durante o período pós-guerra, conhecido como modelo do Estado desenvolvimentista, que resultou em altos níveis de crescimento industrial e econômico, sobretudo nas décadas de 1970 e 1980. As discussões realizadas sobre o modelo em questão centram-se na indústria automobilística japonesa, uma vez que funciona como um exemplo de como a intervenção do Estado no setor privado resultou no fortalecimento de montadoras e de fornecedores locais a ponto de atingirem níveis elevados de produtividade, qualidade e competitividade na esfera internacional. Por fim, este artigo realiza considerações sobre aspectos exógenos ao modelo do Estado desenvolvimentista que também contribuíram para o seu sucesso no período pós-guerra e analisa se tal modelo ainda possui aplicabilidade ao mundo globalizado atual.
Intracellular calcium leak lowers glucose storage in human muscle, promoting hyperglycemia and diabetes
Authors: Tammineni Eshwar R , Kraeva Natalia , Figueroa Lourdes , Manno Carlo , Ibarra Carlos A , Klip Amira , Riazi Sheila , Rios Eduardo
Published: May 2020

Most glucose is processed in muscle, for energy or glycogen stores. Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptibility (MHS) exemplifies muscle conditions that increase [Ca2+]cytosol. 42% of MHS patients have hyperglycemia. We show that phosphorylated glycogen phosphorylase (GPa), glycogen synthase (GSa) – respectively activated and inactivated by phosphorylation – and their Ca2+-dependent kinase (PhK), are elevated in microsomal extracts from MHS patients’ muscle. Glycogen and glucose transporter GLUT4 are decreased. [Ca2+]cytosol, increased to MHS levels, promoted GP phosphorylation. Imaging at ~100 nm resolution located GPaat sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) junctional cisternae, andapo-GP at Z disk. MHS muscle therefore has a wide-ranging alteration in glucose metabolism: high [Ca2+]cytosolactivates PhK, which inhibits GS, activates GP and moves it toward the SR, favoring glycogenolysis. The alterations probably cause these patients’ hyperglycemia. For basic studies, MHS emerges as a variable stressor, which forces glucose pathways from the normal to the diseased range, thereby exposing novel metabolic links.
The antibiotic bedaquiline activates host macrophage innate immune resistance to bacterial infection
Authors: Giraud-Gatineau Alexandre , Coya Juan Manuel , Maure Alexandra , Biton Anne , Thomson Michael , Bernard Elliott M , Marrec Jade , Gutierrez Maximiliano G , Larrouy-Maumus Gérald , Brosch Roland , Gicquel Brigitte , Tailleux Ludovic
Published: May 2020

Antibiotics are widely used in the treatment of bacterial infections. Although known for their microbicidal activity, antibiotics may also interfere with the host’s immune system. Here, we analyzed the effects of bedaquiline (BDQ), an inhibitor of the mycobacterial ATP synthase, on human macrophages. Genome-wide gene expression analysis revealed that BDQ reprogramed cells into potent bactericidal phagocytes. We found that 579 and 1,495 genes were respectively differentially expressed in naive- and M. tuberculosis-infected macrophages incubated with the drug, with an over-representation of lysosome-associated genes. BDQ treatment triggered a variety of antimicrobial defense mechanisms, including phagosome-lysosome fusion, and autophagy. These effects were associated with activation of transcription factor EB, involved in the transcription of lysosomal genes, resulting in enhanced intracellular killing of different bacterial species that were naturally insensitive to BDQ. Thus, BDQ could be used as a host-directed therapy against a wide range of bacterial infections.
SANgo: a storage infrastructure simulator with reinforcement learning support
Authors: Arzymatov Kenenbek , Sapronov Andrey , Belavin Vladislav , Gremyachikh Leonid , Karpov Maksim , Ustyuzhanin Andrey , Tchoub Ivan , Ikoev Artem
Published: May 2020

We introduce SANgo (Storage Area Network in the Go language)—a Go-based package for simulating the behavior of modern storage infrastructure. The software is based on the discrete-event modeling paradigm and captures the structure and dynamics of high-level storage system building blocks. The flexible structure of the package allows us to create a model of a real storage system with a configurable number of components. The granularity of the simulated system can be defined depending on the replicated patterns of actual system behavior. Accurate replication enables us to reach the primary goal of our simulator—to explore the stability boundaries of real storage systems. To meet this goal, SANgo offers a variety of interfaces for easy monitoring and tuning of the simulated model. These interfaces allow us to track the number of metrics of such components as storage controllers, network connections, and hard-drives. Other interfaces allow altering the parameter values of the simulated system effectively in real-time, thus providing the possibility for training a realistic digital twin using, for example, the reinforcement learning (RL) approach. One can train an RL model to reduce discrepancies between simulated and real SAN data. The external control algorithm can adjust the simulator parameters to make the difference as small as possible. SANgo supports the standard OpenAI gym interface; thus, the software can serve as a benchmark for comparison of different learning algorithms.
Fauna associated with shallow-water methane seeps in the Laptev Sea
Authors: Vedenin Andrey A. , Kokarev Valentin N. , Chikina Margarita V. , Basin Alexander B. , Galkin Sergey V. , Gebruk Andrey V.
Published: May 2020

Background

Methane seeps support unique benthic ecosystems in the deep sea existing due to chemosynthetic organic matter. In contrast, in shallow waters there is little or no effect of methane seeps on macrofauna. In the present study we focused on the recently described methane discharge area at the northern Laptev Sea shelf. The aim of this work was to describe the shallow-water methane seep macrofauna and to understand whether there are differences in macrobenthic community structure between the methane seep and background areas.

Methods

Samples of macrofauna were taken during three expeditions of RVAkademik Mstislav Keldyshin 2015, 2017 and 2018 using 0.1 m2grabs and the Sigsbee trawl. 21 grabs and two trawls in total were taken at two methane seep sites namedOdenandC15, located at depths of 60–70 m. For control, three 0.1 m2grabs were taken in area without methane seepage.

Results

The abundance of macrofauna was higher at methane seep stations compared to non-seep sites. Cluster analysis revealed five station groups corresponding to control area,Odensite andC15site (the latter represented by three groups). Taxa responsible for differences among the station groups were mostly widespread Arctic species that were more abundant in samples from methane seep sites. However, high densities of symbiotrophic siboglinidsOligobrachiasp. were found exclusively at methane seep stations. In addition, several species possibly new to science were found at several methane seep stations, including the gastropodFrigidalvaniasp. and the polychaeteOphryotrochasp. The fauna at control stations was represented only by well-known and widespread Arctic taxa. Higher habitat heterogeneity of theC15site compared toOdenwas indicated by the higher number of station groups revealed by cluster analysis and higher species richness inC15trawl sample. The development of the described communities at the shallow-water methane seeps can be related to pronounced oligotrophic environment on the northern Siberian shelf.
On the importance of spatial scales on beta diversity of coral assemblages: a study from Venezuelan coral reefs
Authors: Miyazawa Emy , Montilla Luis M. , Agudo-Adriani Esteban Alejandro , Ascanio Alfredo , Mariño-Briceño Gloria , Croquer Aldo
Published: May 2020

Estimating variability across spatial scales has been a major issue in ecology because the description of patterns in space is extremely valuable to propose specific hypotheses to unveil key processes behind these patterns. This paper aims to estimate the variability of the coral assemblage structure at different spatial scales in order to determine which scales explain the largest variability on β-diversity. For this, a fully-nested design including a series of hierarchical-random factors encompassing three spatial scales: (1) regions, (2) localities and (3) reefs sites across the Venezuelan territory. The variability among spatial scales was tested with a permutation-based analysis of variance (Permanova) based on Bray-Curtis index. Dispersion in species presence/absence across scales (i.e., β-diversity) was tested with a PermDisp analysis based on Jaccard’s index. We found the highest variability in the coral assemblage structure between sites within localities (Pseudo-F = 5.34; p-value = 0.001, CV = 35.10%). We also found that longitude (Canonical corr = 0.867, p = 0.001) is a better predictor of the coral assemblage structure in Venezuela, than latitude (Canonical corr = 0.552, p = 0.021). Largest changes in β-diversity of corals occurred within sites (F = 2.764, df1= 35, df2 = 107, p = 0.045) and within localities (F = 4.438, df1= 6, df2 = 29, p = 0.026). Our results suggest that processes operating at spatial scales of hundreds of meters and hundreds of kilometers might both be critical to shape coral assemblage structure in Venezuela, whereas smaller scales (i.e., hundreds of meters) showed to be highly- important for the species turnover component of β-diversity. This result highlights the importance of creating scale-adapted management actions in Venezuela and likely across the Caribbean region.
Antifungal activity of 8-methoxynaphthalen-1-ol isolated from the endophytic fungus Diatrype palmicola MFLUCC 17-0313 against the plant pathogenic fungus Athelia rolfsii on tomatoes
Authors: Tanapichatsakul Chutima , Pansanit Acharavadee , Monggoot Sakon , Brooks Siraprapa , Prachya Surasak , Kittakoop Prasat , Panuwet Parinya , Pripdeevech Patcharee
Published: May 2020

Thirty-four endophytic fungal isolates were obtained from the leaves of the medicinal plant Polyscias fruticosa, and their antagonistic activities against the growth of the common tomatoes plant pathogenic fungus Athelia rolfsii were initially screened using a dual culture assay. The endophytic fungus MFLUCC 17-0313, which was later molecularly identified as Diatrype palmicola, displayed the highest inhibition percentage (49.98%) in comparison to the others. This fungus was then chosen for further evaluation. Its culture broth and mycelia from a 10 L scale were separated and extracted using ethyl acetate, methanol, and hexane. Each extract was tested for antifungal activity against the same pathogen using a disc diffusion assay. Only the crude hexane extract of fungal mycelium showed antifungal activity. The hexane extract was fractioned using sephadex gel filtration chromatography and each fraction was tested for antifungal activity until the one with the highest inhibition percentage was obtained. The bioactive compound was identified as 8-methoxynaphthalen-1-ol using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The minimum inhibition concentration of 8-methoxynaphthalen-1-ol was demonstrated at 250 µg/mL against the selected pathogen. Using the leaf assay, the solution of 8-methoxynapthalen-1-ol was tested for phytotoxic activity against A. rolfsii and was found to have no phytotoxic effects. These results showed that 8-methoxynaphthalen-1-ol has the potential for controlling the growth of A. rolfsii, the cause of Southern blight disease on tomatoes. This study may provide the foundation for future use of this compound as a biofungicide.
Association between dietary mineral nutrient intake, body mass index, and waist circumference in U.S. adults using quantile regression analysis NHANES 2007–2014
Authors: Jiang Shan , Ma Xiaoyu , Li Meng , Yan Shoumeng , Zhao Hantong , Pan Yingan , Wang Changcong , Yao Yan , Jin Lina , Li Bo
Published: May 2020

Objective

Mineral nutrients play an important role in maintaining material and energy metabolism. Reports on mineral nutrient intakes and body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are rare in the United States. This study examined the relationship between BMI, WC and dietary mineral intakes.

Method

We used the data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2014. Nutrient intakes were adjusted for energy according to the residual adjustment method. We used the quantile regression model to analyze the relationship between BMI, WC under different distributions and the average daily mineral intakes.

Result

A total of 19,952 people were included in the study, including 9,879 men and 10,073 women (≥20 years old). The median BMI was 27.935 kg/m2 and the median WC was 97.700 cm. The results of quantile regression showed that calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc and iron intakes were negatively correlated with BMI and WC, after adjusting for age and gender. Sodium and phosphorus intakes were positively correlated with BMI, sodium intakes were positively correlated with WC. This correlation was enhanced with increasing quantiles of risk levels. In high BMI or high WC populations, mineral intakes had a greater impact on BMI and WC. The quantile regression coefficients of selenium intakes were not statistically significant at each quantile.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that the mineral nutrient intakes were associated with BMI and WC in American adults. However, we also need to further study the longitudinal effects of mineral intakes and obesity.
Dryland Farmer’s Knowledge towards Climate Change and Constraints in Adoption of Climate Resilient Practices
Authors: Niranjan D. Alagu , Bose Dipak Kumar
Published: May 2020

Aims: To understand the dryland famer’s knowledge towards climate change, its causes and its impacts. And to find the constraints associate in adoption of climate resilient practices in the region.

Study Design: For the present descriptive study, cross-sectional survey design was used.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad during the year 2018.

Methodology: Climate change study in dryland region is very relevant; so a study was conducted at Sivakasi (a highly industrialized taluk) of Tamil Nadu which falls under dryland region. The data collection was done using structured interview schedule with 120 farmers. Method of data collection is face to face interview.

Results: The study revealed that the level of knowledge towards climate change is medium and it is influenced by various factors like education, mass media exposure, extension contacts, innovativeness, risk orientation, scientific orientation and social participation positively. The major constraints in the adoption of climate resilient practices are high cost, lack of awareness and lack of adequate infrastructure. Some of the suggestions expressed by the farmers to improve adoption for the open ended questions are categorized as, improving advisory, strengthening infrastructure and extending policy support.

Conclusion: The results of the research would help the extension workers to understand dryland farmer’s needs for effective programme implementation.
Effect of Pregnancy on Thermoregulation, Blood Constituents, Serum Bio-chemicals and Cortisol Level in (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Rabbit Model
Authors: Sukar Khalid Abbas Owish , Abdelatif Abdulla Mohamed , Alfaki Altiab Mohamed
Published: May 2020

Aims: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of pregnancy on the physiological responses in rabbit model in early, mid and late gestation periods.

Materials and Methods: The experiment was performed according to the complete randomized design. Fourteen (14) pregnant and non pregnant rabbits, 7 in each group, were used in this study. Pregnancy was ascertained by vaginal swabs taken after copulation by mature fertile male rabbits. Blood and serum constituents' responses were investigated at days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 of gestation.

Results: The obtained results revealed significant (P 0.05) increase in respiration rate (RR) in mid-gestation and in heart rate (HR) at late gestation. The packed cell volume (PVC), erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and total leukocyte count (TLC) were significantly (P 0.05) reduced in mid and late gestation. The serum levels of total protein decreased and cholesterol increased significantly (P 0.05) in early, mid and late gestation. The plasma osmolality decreased significantly (P 0.05) at mid gestation. Cortisol level increased significantly (P 0.05) during mid and late gestation.

Conclusions: The study concluded that the pregnancy altered HR, hematological, serum parameters and cortisol level in pregnant rabbit model.
Effect of Aqueous Extract of Citrullus lanatus (Water Melon) Seeds on Alloxan Induced - Diabetic Wistar Rats
Authors: Ogbeifun H. E. , Peters D. E. , Monanu M.
Published: May 2020

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus (water melon) seeds on alloxan induced-diabetic wistar rats. The Wistar rats were grouped into 11 of 3 rats in each. Groups 2-11 received single dose of 120 mg/kg b.wt of alloxan monohydrate intraperitoneally. Groups 4 and 5 orally received a dose of 100 mg/kg b.wt of metformin for 7 and 21 days respectively. Groups 6, 8 and 10 orally received 200 mg/kg b.wt, 400 mg/kg b.wt, and 600 mg/kg b.wt. of the extract respectively for 7 days while groups 7, 9 and 11 orally received 200 mg/kg b.wt., 400 mg/kg b.wt and 600 mg/kg b.wt of the extract respectively for 21 days. Blood samples were collected 24 hours after 7 and 21 days of treatment and selected biochemical parameters were determined; glucose determination, pancreatic α- amylase activities and lipid profile, while histopathology examination of the pancreas was also examined. Qualitative phytochemical result showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponin, tannin, oxalate and phytate. Flavonoids (176.87 ug/g) were most abundant and phytate was the least occurring anti nutrient (6.75±0.06). Citrullus lanatus seeds extract significantly (p≤0.05) decreased the plasma glucose levels, pancreatic α-amylase activities, total cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins while there was a significant (p≤0.05) increase in high density lipoproprotein levels on 7 and 21 days in all the extract treated groups. The histopathological examination of the pancreas showed regeneration of pancreatic cells in all the extract treated groups. The aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus (water melon) seeds is rich in phytochemicals with antioxidant properties hence could serve as novel herbal antidiabetic agent.
Colorectal Adenocarcinoma in East Africa: A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Wismayer Richard
Published: May 2020

This paper is a review of work done on colorectal adenocarcinoma in East Africa showing geographic spread, age and sex ratios, clinical presentation, management and predominant histopathology. A steady increased incidence of CRC in East African countries is currently being documented however this is associated with a higher CRC-associated morbidity and mortality. Whilst the male: Female ratio varies between 1.2:1 to 1.88:1, up to 38% of CRC diagnosis are in patients younger than 40 years, in contrast to only 1.9% of CRC patients in Western developed countries such as the USA. Generally rectal carcinoma is more common than colon carcinoma and abdomino-perineal resections are commonly performed in up to between 54% - 71% due to the advanced stage of presentation of rectal tumours in East Africa. The late stage presentation and delayed effective treatment in East Africa may result in a higher morbidity in CRC patients. Interestingly there is a significant incidence of mucinous adenocarcinoma sub-groups compared to Western developed countries which carry a poor prognosis. A significant proportion of CRC patients have been found to have histological and demographic features which suggest that MSI-tumours and these tumours are more common in younger patients. However only a few authors have looked at the possibility of mismatch repair mutations in the genetic aetiopathogenesis of colorectal adenocarcinoma in East Africa.
The usefulness of the ICF framework in goal setting for students with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Rämä Irene , Kontu Elina , Pirttimaa Raija
Published: May 2020

An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a multi-disciplinary, team-developed plan that is required for a child receiving special education services. IEPs are tools for setting objectives that are responsive to students with special needs. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is a hierarchical classification for human functioning and disability developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The ICF classification can be used as a structural and conceptual instrument in goal setting. In this study the educational IEP objectives of five Finnish students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are examined within the ICF framework. The focus is in the goals concerning the development of communication and social behavior because the main criteria for ASD comprise disabilities and challenges in communication and social behavior. The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of the ICF coding system with regard to educational goals and objectives of students with ASD. The core content of the goals was extracted to linking units, which were coded into categories of the ICF classification. The results revealed that only few of possible ICF categories were used, the goals linked to communication technologies were heavily stressed, and the relation between the goals and general curriculum was vague. As a conclusion it is suggested that teachers and multi-disciplinary teams might benefit from standardizing their mutual conceptual framework with the help of the ICF when setting goals or objectives for students with disabilities.
Effects of POWER Strategy Instruction for Students Supported by Assistive Technology
Authors: Jozwik Sara , Karlan George Peterson , Kaczorowski Tara
Published: May 2020

This study investigated students' use of assistive technology (AT) tools within the context of Plan, Organize, Write, Edit, Revise (POWER) strategy instruction for writing explanations. Instruction took place in a fifth-grade classroom that included four students with learning, attention, or emotional disabilities and 19 peers without disabilities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate instructional effects and method of transcription used in composing science-related explanations. To examine effects of POWER instruction on writing quality and accuracy, researchers used a multiple baseline design across participants. Method of transcription was evaluated through a concurrent time series design. After POWER strategy instruction, participants' explanations earned quality and accuracy scores that were greater than their respective baseline scores. Scores on AT-transcribed responses exceeded those earned on handwritten explanations, with larger effects on accuracy than on quality. Implications are discussed in relation to POWER strategy instruction for students with disabilities who require transcription support.
Open‐Shell Donor–Acceptor Conjugated Polymers with High Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Huang Lifeng , Eedugurala Naresh , Benasco Anthony , Zhang Song , Mayer Kevin S. , Adams Daniel J. , Fowler Benjamin , Lockart Molly M. , Saghayezhian Mohammad , Tahir Hamas , King Eric R. , Morgan Sarah , Bowman Michael K. , Gu Xiaodan , Azoulay Jason D.
Published: May 2020

Conductive polymers largely derive their electronic functionality from chemical doping, processes by which redox and charge‐transfer reactions form mobile carriers. While decades of research have demonstrated fundamentally new technologies that merge the unique functionality of these materials with the chemical versatility of macromolecules, doping and the resultant material properties are not ideal for many applications. Here, it is demonstrated that open‐shell conjugated polymers comprised of alternating cyclopentadithiophene and thiadiazoloquinoxaline units can achieve high electrical conductivities in their native “undoped” form. Spectroscopic, electrochemical, electron paramagnetic resonance, and magnetic susceptibility measurements demonstrate that this donor–acceptor architecture promotes very narrow bandgaps, strong electronic correlations, high‐spin ground states, and long‐range π‐delocalization. A comparative study of structural variants and processing methodologies demonstrates that the conductivity can be tuned up to 8.18 S cm−1. This exceeds other neutral narrow bandgap conjugated polymers, many doped polymers, radical conductors, and is comparable to commercial grades of poly(styrene‐sulfonate)‐doped poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene). X‐ray and morphological studies trace the high conductivity to rigid backbone conformations emanating from strong π‐interactions and long‐range ordered structures formed through self‐organization that lead to a network of delocalized open‐shell sites in electronic communication. The results offer a new platform for the transport of charge in molecular systems.
Enhanced Electrochemical CO2 Reduction of Cu@CuxO Nanoparticles Decorated on 3D Vertical Graphene with Intrinsic sp3‐type Defect
Authors: Ma Zhipeng , Tsounis Constantine , Kumar Priyank V. , Han Zhaojun , Wong Roong Jien , Toe Cui Ying , Zhou Shujie , Bedford Nicholas M. , Thomsen Lars , Ng Yun Hau , Amal Rose
Published: May 2020

Defective 3D vertical graphene (VG) with a relatively large surface area, high defect density, and increased surface electrons is synthesized via a scalable plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition method, together with a postsynthesis Ar‐plasma treatment (VG‐Ar). Subsequently, Cu@CuxO nanoparticles are deposited onto VG‐Ar (Cu/VG‐Ar) through a galvanostatic pulsed electrodeposition method. These Cu@CuxO nanocatalyst systems exhibit a superior electrochemical CO2 reduction performance when compared to Cu‐based catalysts supported on commercial graphene paper or pristine VG without postsynthesis Ar‐plasma treatment. The Cu/VG‐Ar achieves the highest CO2 reduction Faradaic efficiency of 60.6% (83.5% of which are attributed to liquid products, i.e., formate, ethanol, and n‐propanol) with a 5.6 mA cm−2 partial current density at −1.2 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). The improved CO2 reduction performance of Cu/VG‐Ar originates from the well‐dispersed Cu@CuxO nanoparticles deposited on the defective VG‐Ar. The intrinsic carbon defects on VG‐Ar can suppress the hydrogen evolution reaction as well as tune the interaction between VG and Cu@CuxO, thus impeding the excessive oxidation of Cu2O species deposited on VG‐Ar. The defective VG‐Ar and stabilized Cu@CuxO enhances CO2 adsorption and promotes electron transfer to the adsorbed CO2 and intermediates on the catalyst surface, thus improving the overall CO2 reduction performance.
Nanocarrier‐Mediated Cytosolic Delivery of Biopharmaceuticals
Authors: He Wei , Xing Xuyang , Wang Xiaoling , Wu Debra , Wu Wei , Guo Junling , Mitragotri Samir
Published: May 2020

Biopharmaceuticals have emerged to play a vital role in disease treatment and have shown promise in the rapidly expanding pharmaceutical market due to their high specificity and potency. However, the delivery of these biologics is hindered by various physiological barriers, owing primarily to the poor cell membrane permeability, low stability, and increased size of biologic agents. Since many biological drugs are intended to function by interacting with intracellular targets, their delivery to intracellular targets is of high relevance. In this review, the authors summarize and discuss the use of nanocarriers for intracellular delivery of biopharmaceuticals via endosomal escape and, especially, the routes of direct cytosolic delivery by means including the caveolae‐mediated pathway, contact release, intermembrane transfer, membrane fusion, direct translocation, and membrane disruption. Strategies with high potential for translation are highlighted. Finally, the authors conclude with the clinical translation of promising carriers and future perspectives.
Polymer Hydrogels to Guide Organotypic and Organoid Cultures
Authors: Magno Valentina , Meinhardt Andrea , Werner Carsten
Published: May 2020

Human organotypic and organoid cultures provide increasingly life‐like models of tissue/organ development and disease, enable more realistic drug screening, and may ultimately pave the way for new therapies. A broad variety of extracellular matrix‐based or inspired materials is instrumental in these approaches. In this review article, the foundations of the related materials design are summarized with an emphasis on the advantages and limitations of decellularized and reconstituted biopolymeric matrices as well as biohybrid and fully synthetic polymer hydrogel systems applied to enable specific organotypic and organoid cultures. Recent progress in the fabrication of defined hydrogel systems offering thoroughly tunable biochemical and biophysical properties is highlighted. Potentialities of hydrogel‐based approaches to address the persisting challenges of organoid technologies, namely scalability, connectivity/integration, reproducibility, parallelization, and in situ monitoring are discussed.
Unraveling Doping Capability of Conjugated Polymers for Strategic Manipulation of Electric Dipole Layer toward Efficient Charge Collection in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Park Jaehong , Yoon Sang Eun , Lee Jongmin , Whang Dong Ryeol , Lee Sang Yeon , Shin So Jeong , Han Ji Min , Seo Hyungtak , Park Hui Joon , Kim Jong H. , Kim Bong‐Gi
Published: May 2020

Developing electrical organic conductors is challenging because of the difficulties involved in generating free charge carriers through chemical doping. To devise a novel doping platform, the doping capabilities of four designed conjugated polymers (CPs) are quantitatively characterized using an AC Hall‐effect device. The resulting carrier density is related to the degree of electronic coupling between the CP repeating unit and 2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoro‐7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4‐TCNQ), and doped PIDF‐BT provides an outstanding electrical conductivity, exceeding 210 S cm−1, mainly due to the doping‐assisted facile carrier generation and relatively fast carrier mobility. In addition, it is noted that a slight increment in the electron‐withdrawing ability of the repeating unit in each CP diminishes electronic coupling with F4‐TCNQ, and severely deteriorates the doping efficiency including the alteration of operating doping mechanism for the CPs. Furthermore, when PIDF‐BT with high doping capability is applied to the hole transporting layer, with F4‐TCNQ as the interfacial doping layer at the interface with perovskite, the power conversion efficiency of the perovskite solar cell improves significantly, from 17.4% to over 20%, owing to the ameliorated charge‐collection efficiency. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Kelvin probe analyses verify that the improved solar cell performance originates from the increase in the built‐in potential because of the generation of electric dipole layer.
3D Carbon Nanotube Network Bridged Hetero‐Structured Ni‐Fe‐S Nanocubes toward High‐Performance Lithium, Sodium, and Potassium Storage
Authors: Zhang Shipeng , Wang Gang , Wang Beibei , Wang Jiamei , Bai Jintao , Wang Hui
Published: May 2020

Lithium‐ion, sodium‐ion, and potassium‐ion batteries have captured tremendous attention in power supplies for various electric vehicles and portable electronic devices. However, their practical applications are severely limited by factors such as poor rate capability, fast capacity decay, sluggish charge storage dynamics, and low reversibility. Herein, hetero‐structured bimetallic sulfide (NiS/FeS) encapsulated in N‐doped porous carbon cubes interconnected with CNTs (Ni‐Fe‐S‐CNT) are prepared through a convenient co‐precipitation and post‐heat treatment sulfurization technique of the corresponding Prussian‐blue analogue nanocage precursor. This special 3D hierarchical structure can offer a stable interconnect and conductive network and shorten the diffusion path of ions, thereby greatly enhancing the mobility efficiency of alkali (Li, Na, K) ions in electrode materials. The Ni‐Fe‐S‐CNT nanocomposite maintains a charge capacity of 1535 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 for lithium ion batteries, 431 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 for sodium ion batteries, and 181 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 for potassium‐ion batteries, respectively. The high performance is mainly attributed to the 3D hierarchically high‐conductivity network architecture, in which the hetero‐structured FeS/NiS nanocubes provide fast Li+/Na+/K+ insertion/extraction and reduced ion diffusion paths, and the distinctive 3D networks maintain the electrical contact and guarantee the structural integrity.
Oriented Crystallization of Mixed‐Cation Tin Halides for Highly Efficient and Stable Lead‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yu Bin‐Bin , Liao Min , Zhu Yudong , Zhang Xusheng , Du Zheng , Jin Zhixin , Liu Di , Wang Yiyu , Gatti Teresa , Ageev Oleg , He Zhubing
Published: May 2020

As the most promising lead‐free branch, tin halide perovskites suffer from the severe oxidation from Sn2+ to Sn4+, which results in the unsatisfactory conversion efficiency far from what they deserve. In this work, by facile incorporation of methylammonium bromide in composition engineering, formamidinium and methylammonium mixed cations tin halide perovskite films with ultrahighly oriented crystallization are synthesized with the preferential facet of (001), and that oxidation is suppressed with obviously declined trap density. MA+ ions are responsible for that impressive orientation while Br‐ ions account for their bandgap modulation. Depending on high quality of the optimal MA0.25FA0.75SnI2.75Br0.25 perovskite films, their device conversion efficiency surges to 9.31% in contrast to 5.02% of the control formamidinium tin triiodide perovskite (FASnI3) device, along with almost eliminated hysteresis. That also results in the outstanding device stability, maintaining above 80% of the initial efficiency after 300 h of light soaking while the control FASnI3 device fails within 120 h. This paper definitely paves a facile and effective way to develop high‐efficiency tin halide perovskites solar cells, optoelectronic devices, and beyond.
Biodegradableβ‐Cyclodextrin Conjugated Gelatin Methacryloyl Microneedle for Delivery of Water‐Insoluble Drug
Authors: Zhou Xingwu , Luo Zhimin , Baidya Avijit , Kim Han‐jun , Wang Canran , Jiang Xing , Qu Moyuan , Zhu Jixiang , Ren Li , Vajhadin Fereshteh , Tebon Peyton , Zhang Niyuan , Xue Yumeng , Feng Yudi , Xue Chengbin , Chen Yi , Lee KangJu , Lee Junmin , Zhang Shiming , Xu Chun , Ashammakhi Nureddin , Ahadian Samad , Dokmeci Mehmet Remzi , Gu Zhen , Sun Wujin , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: May 2020

Transdermal delivery of water‐insoluble drugs via hydrogel‐based microneedle (MN) arrays is crucial for improving their therapeutic efficacies. However, direct loading of water‐insoluble drug into hydrophilic matrices remains challenging. Here, a biodegradable MN array patch that is fabricated from naturally derived polymer conjugates of gelatin methacryloyl andβ‐cyclodextrin (GelMA‐β‐CD) is reported. When curcumin, an unstable and water‐insoluble anticancer drug, is loaded as a model drug, its stability and solubility are improved due to the formation of an inclusion complex. The polymer‐drug complex GelMA‐β‐CD/CUR can be formulated into MN arrays with sufficient mechanical strength for skin penetration and tunable drug release profile. Anticancer efficacy of released curcumin is observed in three‐dimensional B16F10 melanoma models. The GelMA‐β‐CD/CUR MN exhibits relatively higher therapeutic efficacy through more localized and deeper penetrated manner compared with a control nontransdermal patch. In vivo studies also verify biocompatibility and degradability of the GelMA‐β‐CD MN arrays patch.